Connections - Winter 2015/16

ELECSA electrician takes top tradesperson title // page 6

connections THE MAGAZINE FOR NICEIC AND ELECSA REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

CASE STUDY P22

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Fusing electrics and design at Penryn’s Jubilee Wharf development

VENTILATION P32 Mechanical ventilation is creating new opportunities for contractors

£5.00

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WINTER 2015-2016 | ISSUE 196

CABLE MANAGEMENT P36 Supporting cables in a safe yet unobtrusive manner is more important than ever

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GARDEN CENTRE How Raymond Daly built up his Belfast business from his log cabin base // page 28

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Winter 2015-2016 | Issue 196

Contents First phase New year, new opportunities Get inspired with creative ways to expand your business in 2016

4

19

Plugged in News Contractor wins top tradesperson award

6

NICEIC takes training to Gibraltar

7

Bursary helps sparky women get into the industry

8

SkillELECTRIC title for Burton student

9

22

SMEs risk missing out on public-sector work

10

The power to promote you

13

Renewables news Relief as small-scale solar tariff cuts reduced

14

New air source qualification

14

Product news The latest products on the market

17

28

36

Features Contractor profile 28 Change is on the cards for booming Northern Irish firm RD Electrical, discovers Nick Martindale

Live wire Opinion 20 Smart technology offers the potential to transform the assisted living sector, creating opportunities for savvy contractors, says Marie Parry Case study 22 Eleanor Bell takes an artistic approach to lighting work in Penryn, Cornwall

32

Fully charged Ask the experts 39 Answers to the technical helpline’s more frequently asked questions Technical NICEIC fire alarm certificates

45

The firefighters’ switch

48

Reducing earth resistance for rod-type electrodes

51

Insight 26 Landlords are now legally obliged to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties

The application of Regulation 422.2.1 of BS 7671

54

Current affairs In sickness and in health...

Snags and solutions

66

Vital support 36 Good cable management can help to save lives, as well as improve the appearance of electrical installations, says David Adams

42

Certification of electrical installations not exceeding 100A

Customer care 25 Electricians need to remember the dangers they face, as well as their responsibilities towards others, writes Philip Sanders

Air apparent 32 Electrical contractors have a key role to play in the growth of mechanical ventilation, writes Rob Shepherd

What constitutes an escape route? 56

» Cover photo: Aaron McCracken/UNP

Illustration: Cameron Law

Advice 19 Electrical contractors need to ensure they assess and control any risks associated with jobs, says Paul Reeve

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Comment EMMA CLANCY

First phase New year, new opportunities Look no further than the following pages for inspiration on the many interesting ways you can make your business stand out in the market in 2016

A

new year often brings about a new emphasis and attitude towards work. For many it is a time to reflect on what previously worked well, what didn’t, and what might be the next great opportunity.

Trying to predict the next big thing is never easy but, as this issue of Connections demonstrates, the electrical industry is a diverse one.

This issue we feature an item on mechanical ventilation systems and the opportunities this brings for installers (page 32). Modern homes are now designed to retain as much heat as possible, but that in itself brings about problems with internal air quality.

Mechanical ventilation systems help resolve this problem and we speak to firms already finding more work in this specialised area.

We also look at the work of Eleanor Bell (page 22), which blends design, art, light and good old-fashioned electrical skills to bring unique and fascinating twists to projects. These are just some of the different types of work our contractors are involved in and it is

‘Trying to predict the next big thing is never easy but, as this issue of Connections demonstrates, the electrical industry is a diverse one’

Emma Clancy is chief executive officer, Certsure

encouraging to see so many different avenues and openings for firms or individuals looking to stand out in the market.

Finally, you will all be aware that the regulation regarding changes to consumer units came into effect on 1 January this year.

Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth have discussed this important change for months now. It has always been the busiest and most well-received seminar at any of our events, and if you haven’t had the chance to catch it yet, I would highly recommend it. The duo will be back out on the road for the second part of our TechTalk series from February.

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

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

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

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

Printed by Southernprint.

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

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

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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S O U T H 2 0 1 6

1 9 M AY

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

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

Spe ake rs inclu de: Dar ren Sta nifo rth

lu d e : e r s in c Speak le b a To n y C

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

Demo zone exhibitors

of attendees would attend another NICEIC ELECSA Live event

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

Partner sponsors:

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www.niceic-elecsalive.com or call 020 7324 2771 19/01/2016 12:00

News/Renewables news/Product news

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

Contractor takes top tradesperson title An electrician from Newcastle has beaten thousands of people to take the coveted title of Britain’s top tradesperson for 2015.

Darren Lawton, who trades under the name North East Electricals, set up his company three years ago after deciding that he wanted to provide a better service for customers.

The ELECSA-registered spark impressed a panel of judges in the final at Wembley Stadium.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call saying I had won,” he said. “The other candidates were brilliant. I had to prove to the judges that I really know my stuff and was asked about qualifications, quality of work and how I run my business.

“I set up the firm after starting a family.

My wife and I began by leafleting the local area – we even advertised on beer mats in the local pub.

“Once business started coming in I knew I’d need to provide excellent customer service if I was to keep it going successfully. I’ve taken on a lad who also has a young family to support, and together we’ve made a great success of things.

“I’m really proud to be named Britain’s top tradesperson and my kids think it’s great Daddy’s in the newspaper!”

The competition is run by Screwfix and aims to recognise the best in the trade, with entries from bricklayers, carpenters, handymen, electricians and plumbers.

“Darren showed real graft and determination when he first set up his business and really impressed us with the clever ways in which he spread the word about his own company,” said Screwfix marketing director John Mewett.

Lawton is the first electrician to win Britain’s top tradesperson in the six-year history of the competition.

A THOROUGHBRED SHOW AT LIVE NORTH TV presenter George Clarke (left) was the star attraction at NICEIC and ELECSA’s Live North in Liverpool, last November.

More than 400 contractors crammed into Aintree Racecourse, the home of the Grand National, for all the latest news, advice and technical updates.

Clarke, who presents The Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, got things under starter’s orders with his seminar on building design.

He spoke about the need to be more creative when it comes to building new homes. “Homes in the future will be almost entirely controlled by wireless technology,” he said. “More of the equipment we use, whether it’s heating or lighting, can now be managed over wireless networks and as electrical installers you will be in a great position to benefit from that.”

NICEIC and ELECSA’s Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth provided the latest technical advice, including the implications of the third amendment.

• Tickets are now on sale for Live South at Epsom Racecourse on 19 May. For tickets and further details visit www.niceic-elecsalive.com or call 020 7324 2771

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TREBLE WINNERS AT INDUSTRY AWARDS Certsure was the big winner at the recent Construction Marketing Awards, scooping three prestigious prizes.

We picked up the best use of advertising award and best branding and positioning award for our ‘Power Behind Your Business’ campaign.

Certsure employee Sarah King was also named young marketer of the year for her work with NICEIC and ELECSA events over the past 12 months.

“These awards are testament to the excellent standard of work being delivered by the marketing team at Certsure,” said Cersture’s marketing director Mark Smith. “When NICEIC and ELECSA came together in 2013 we faced a number of challenges promoting two distinct brands.

“We had to completely overhaul all our material and develop a new way of working. We worked with leading design agency RBH to create a new concept called The Power Behind Your Business, which brought together two brands sharing one common goal: to win our contractors more work.

“I am also personally delighted for Sarah as I have watched her grow into an outstanding marketer over the past few years,” he added. “Her award capped off a memorable night for Certsure and the rest of the marketing team.

We have worked hard at developing new ways to promote our contractors and are constantly looking at new and inventive ways to ensure they remain the number-one choice when it comes to choosing an electrician.”

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FREE POCKET GUIDE Inside this issue of Connections you will find Pocket Guide 35 – Published Ze values.

A printable version of each pocket guide is available on the NICEIC website.

Additional copies can be obtained by contacting the customer service department on 0870 013 0382 or at enquires@certsure.com

WHICH? PARTNERSHIP BOOST FOR CONTRACTORS NICEIC and ELECSA registrants will soon be able to benefit from a new partnership with the Which? Trusted Trader scheme.

As official partners to NICEIC and ELECSA, contractors will be able to apply for the Trusted Trader scheme at a massively discounted cost.

The Trusted Trader scheme, which focuses primarily on providing exemplary customer service, brings about many benefits for registrants including use of the famous Which? logo, a company profile on the website and access to a dedicated customer support team.

Keep an eye out for more details coming soon.

ENTRIES CLOSED FOR APPRENTICE COMPETITION The registration period for the 2016 NICEIC ELECSA apprentice of the year competition is now closed.

More than 300 electrical apprentices have applied to take part in the contest and should have now received the log-in details for stage one, which is an online multiple-choice exam.

The top 20 per cent performing apprentices from that stage will then go on to take part in a 90-minute practical exam at various locations across the country.

The grand final will take place at partner sponsor Scolmore’s head office on 9 June 2016, where the first ever NICEIC ELECSA electrical apprentice of the year will be crowned.

New kit catalogue out Electricians can now access an even greater array of kit and equipment via the latest Direct Catalogue from NICEIC and ELECSA. The 2015/16 catalogue features a range of tools, test equipment and workwear.

There is also an improved range of services to support firms, including discounted equipment hire, personalised stationery and training courses.

“The contracting industry is constantly evolving, with tradespeople now offering a wider range of services,” says Paul Elcock, head of direct sales at NICEIC and ELECSA. “The new

catalogue reflects this, with a wide range of tools, workwear and equipment.”

With more than 300 products from some of the industry’s leading names, including Click Scolmore, Irwin and Snickers, alongside Fluke, Megger, Milwaukee and Brother, the catalogue is a must for anyone working in the industry.

“We have worked hard with our suppliers to find the best products at the best prices as well as providing goods suitable for people of all ages, from young apprentices to experienced contractors,” added Elcock.

The catalogue also offers the best in training, books and certificates, with all material updated to the latest regulations including Amendment 3.

To get a catalogue visit www. niceicdirect.com, call 0843 290 3485 or email catalogue@niceic.com

NICEIC takes training to Gibraltar Electrical contractors in Gibraltar have been brushing up their skills, courtesy of a new training programme developed

by NICEIC. The British-owned territory, located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has around 30 qualified electricians.

Many of these are employed directly by the Gibraltar Electricity Board or as electrical contractors in their own right.

The British standard for electrical work, BS 7671, is similarly applied in Gibraltar, but there is no requirement for contractors to be registered with an approved regulatory body.

NICEIC was invited to Gibraltar in January last year by representatives from the local Group of Professional Engineers.

The subsequent talk and presentation was so well received that NICEIC was invited back to provide regular updates for electrical contractors.

Alan Charlton, head of training at NICEIC, said: “We were initially invited to provide an update on Amendment 3

of the IET Wiring Regulations. There was little in the way of additional training and they were keen to find out more.

“Gibraltar Electricity wanted to know what we could offer so we went back and held several courses on 17th edition updates and inspection and testing.”

The courses were delivered by NICEIC’s team of technical experts, while NICEIC also transported its in-house testing facility and workshop to Gibraltar so attendees could get a full insight into the training offered by NICEIC in the UK. Around 30 Gibraltar Electricity staff attended the initial courses, and NICEIC intends to provide ongoing training.

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News/Renewables news/Product news

Plugged in Bursary helps sparky women into industry NICEIC is helping to support three young women looking to forge careers as electricians.

Working alongside Sheffield-based women’s group WEST (Women in Engineering Science and Technology), NICEIC is helping to fund Shauna Wigglesworth (pictured, left), Cariad Thomas-Cooke (pictured, right) and Geraldine Hughes as they seek to enter the industry.

Together the two organisations created a bursary for the three students that will help fund their studies throughout the course. They will provide additional support to help the trio find work placements with local firms.

The funding allowed 31-year-old Cariad to choose an alternative career path and she is now in the first year of her level 2 qualification. “Because of my age I don’t qualify for government funding,” she said.

“This bursary means I can retrain. I was itching to do something that wasn’t stuck in an office and I really want to become an electrician because of the options it opens up for me.”

NICEIC has long pushed for more women to enter the industry, and set up its Jobs for the Girls campaign four years

ago, when it discovered that fewer than one in every 1,000 electrical contractors was a woman.

“The aim of this partnership is to open up the opportunities that exist within the industry to women of all ages,” said NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy. “Learning a trade means women can develop a skill that will be with them in life, allow them to work on their own or within a team, and, more importantly, give them flexible working hours to work around home or family commitments.

“We look forward to following the progress of these three women and hope they go on to enjoy a successful career in the trade.”

FESTIVE MESSAGE FOR CONSUMERS NICEIC and ELECSA offered householders a range of tips on how to stay safe over the Christmas period.

Research showed that 23 per cent of homeowners did not consider the impact additional lights would have on the electrical system in their home.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK tenants and homeowners, found that 42 per cent of Brits paid more attention to aesthetics than safety when putting up Christmas lights, with one in five admitting they needed to compete with their friends and neighbours.

The advice included taking steps to avoid overloading sockets, not leaving lights on for long periods of time and not attempting to rewire lights themselves.

Consumers were also reminded of the need to ensure the electrics in their homes are regularly checked by a suitable, registered electrician.

Faulty electrics in the home account for 20,000 house fires each year, causing upwards of 70 fatalities.

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CABLE CONFUSION WARNING The British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) has issued an industry-wide warning to cable buyers to check the harmonised codes on 6491B single core conduit wire, to ensure it conforms to the IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671.

BASEC is aware of instances in the market where two different cables are both being marketed as 6491B, when they are very different.

The two types are H07Z-types according to BS EN 50525-3-41 and H07Z1-types according to BS EN 50525-3-31. If these cables are confused and the wrong one installed it could lead to serious faults. This warning also extends to distributors and wholesalers to market them correctly, clearly showing their harmonised codes.

Although both cable types are low smoke halogen free, there are two fundamental differences between them.

H07Z has cross-linked insulation and a rated operating temperature of 90°C. H07Z1 has thermoplastic insulation (not cross-linked), and a lower rated operating temperature of 70°C. “Only the H07Z cable type to BS EN 50525-3-41 may be described by the UK cable code 6491B, as set out in the UK annex to the BS EN specification,” explains BASEC chief executive Dr Jeremy Hodge. “Although they have similar harmonized codes, they have different performance characteristics.

“For example, if H07Z1 cable was installed in a circuit designed for 90°C operation, the insulation could melt and there could be dangerous faults causing short circuit, overheating, and possibly fire. Unfortunately, it could be quite an easy mistake to make if the cable is not correctly labelled and a contractor just asks for ‘6491B’. If cables cost less than expected alarm bells should ring,” he said.

Contractors who may have used 6491B cable should review their installation records. If 70°C cables are identified in a 90°C circuit, it is recommended they are removed and replaced with 90°C cable type, or the circuits may need to be de-rated.

> The H07Z cable marking installers should look out for

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SkillELECTRIC title for Burton student An apprentice from Burton-onTrent-based NICEIC Approved Contractor MW Cripwell Ltd has been crowned 2015 SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in an intensive threeday practical competition at the Birmingham NEC Skills Show.

Charles Goodman, a 21-year-old student at the Burton Training Organisation, took top marks over his fellow finalists in a complex electrical installation task comprising various power, lighting and other circuits, components and control systems.

The task had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria, including wiring and connection skills, inspection and testing, and measuring and marking out, which had to be accurate within +/- 2mm.

Taking second place and a silver medal was Christopher Evans of RJ Stern and West Herts College. Third place and a bronze medal went to Daniel Griffin of Coleg Gwent, who works for DP Dennehy & Son. “This year we had a superb set of tasks, which really tested and challenged the finalists,” said Neil Collishaw, business development manager at BPEC, the organiser of SkillELECTRIC. “We are very proud of all the competitors; they are excellent ambassadors for the industry and brilliant role models for other young people who are considering a career in our sector.”

All finalists received prizes including tools donated from competition sponsors, workwear and vouchers alongside a competition medallion and certificate.

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE EARLY DAYS This year is a significant one for NICEIC, which turns 60 in July. The organisation was first set up in 1956, as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, back in the days when contractors were working to the 13th edition of the wiring regulations.

To mark the occasion, we will be producing a special issue in the Summer issue of Connections, and we need your help.

We want to hear your stories about how the industry has changed in that time, from the earliest firms that registered with NICEIC and your earliest memories of inspections or interactions with area engineers, to some of the tools or equipment that might have been used back then which are not around now.

Maybe there are some old names and faces you recall, or particular projects that live long in the memory? Or even some people still working in the industry today who remember those very early days?

Feel free to share any amusing anecdotes from over the years.

Please send any information to nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

ON THE SPOT//PHILIP MARTIN 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 » Philip Martin West of Scotland and the Scottish Highlands

How did you become an area engineer?

I had many years’ involvement with NICEIC in my previous roles, both being assessed personally for businesses I managed, and in my final role as senior qualifying supervisor with British Gas Business. I joined NICEIC in July 2012 and now enjoy sharing my knowledge with my contractors.

Tell us about your typical day?

Either a full-day or two half-day assessments with my contractors.

This involves a site audit and then off to site to inspect samples of their work. I am very blessed with my areas as I see some quite remarkable scenery and meet some equally remarkable people.

What are the main issues contractors might overlook?

Neglecting to complete minor works certification for all relevant work, such as replacing accessories on a like-for-like basis.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across?

When I discovered that the meter was still going around in a property even though no power was being used. It turned out that the tenant’s neighbour had tapped into his supply from his attic and was running his heating at his neighbour’s expense.

What interesting jobs have some of your contractors done?

My contractors are located

in hugely diverse settings, ranging from nuclear power stations to numerous famous castles such as Eilean Donan Castle, the set for many Hollywood movies.

What about outside work?

I am a keen historian, but my real passion has always been boxing. I am a member of the Scottish Ex-Boxers’ Association and I am friends with some true boxing legends such as Ken Buchanan MBE and Dick McTaggart MBE. What superpower would you like to have?

Being able to make myself invisible would be extremely useful sometimes.

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

Probably doing something with my kids, even though they are all grown up now.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell Film: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest TV programme: The Office What’s the best advice you have received in your career?

Never worry about money. If you or your family have health issues, then you will have something to worry about.

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Plugged in Small and medium-sized contractors could find themselves frozen out from competing for central government contracts due to their inability to use building information modelling (BIM) Level 2, according to a survey by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA).

The survey shows that more than half of contractors (54 per cent) with a turnover of less than £1 million are ‘not ready at all’ for the mandatory use of BIM Level 2 in all Whitehall-procured contracts, while 30 per cent with earnings of between £1 million and £20 million are in the same position.

The picture for larger building services contractors is very different, with just 11 per cent of the largest firms (turnover over £20 million) saying they are not at all ready for BIM, with the majority either fully ready, or nearly fully ready.

The survey also found that only 34 per cent of contractors with a turnover below £1 million have a ‘BIM champion’, compared with almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of firms with turnover above £20 million. Almost seven in 10 of all respondents (69 per cent) said they did not have a suitable BIM management process in place yet.

“Our survey shows that the majority of building services SMEs are not ready for BIM and could find themselves effectively frozen out from central government

contracts,” warned ECA director of business services Paul Reeve.

The ECA has developed a four-point action plan to help firms prepare for BIM Level 2, including a BIM readiness checklist and a jargon-buster.

The survey also tackled the issue of late payment in the public sector, revealing that 62 per cent of councils do not monitor – or don’t know if they do – whether their main contractors pay sub-contractors promptly.

Around one in five local councils (19 per cent) admitted they take no steps to ensure tier-one suppliers are paid within 30 days, and a similar number (21 per cent) do not plan to contractually oblige suppliers to pay those below them in the supply chain within 30 days, despite this being part of legislation.

INDUSTRY // DIARY February 3 TechTalk Cheltenham Racecourse 11 TechTalk Norwich City Football Club 24 TechTalk Venue Cymru, Llandudno March 3-4 ELEX Manchester

9 TechTalk Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham 15 TechTalk Leeds United Football Club 17 TechTalk Derby County Football Club April 21-22 ELEX Exeter

For more information about TechTalks or to book your place on the next series please visit www.niceic.com or www.elecsa.co.uk

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GET YOUR ANNUAL FEE PAID Certsure is offering registered contractors the chance to have their annual fee paid in return for a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan is the chosen charity of Certsure, which wants the electrical industry to unite and show its support for this important cause.

For every £5 donated each firm will be entered into a prize draw to have their annual fee paid for by Certsure. You can increase your chances of winning by donating more. For example, a donation of £20 would get you four entries.

There are three prizes up for grabs, covering all Certsure schemes (NICEIC AC, NICEIC DIS and ELECSA Part P). Visit www.justgiving.com/ sparksmacmillan (minimum donation is £5).

Don’t forget to include your name, company name, contact email address and scheme registered on with every donation. Terms and conditions apply.

NEW COURSE TO HELP WITH CDM NICEIC has launched an online course to help electrical contractors understand their responsibilities around construction, design and management (CDM) requirements.

Previously, CDM requirements were more relevant to larger commercial or industrial projects. But since April 2015 CDM requirements have applied to all domestic projects that include alterations, repairs and maintenance.

The course aims to help an individual understand their role within a domestic project and their relationship with the main contractor.

The course provides a brief overview of what the CDM regulations relate to, the change and its implication on domestic properties, and the relationship between client, main contractor and sub-contractor (electrician). It also covers the production of a safety file and what the electrical contractor will be expected to provide.

Alan Charlton, head of training at NICEIC, said: “When the CDM regulations were introduced in 1994, 75 per cent of deaths were on major construction sites. The introduction of CDM helped reduce that number dramatically and in 2014 75 per cent of construction related deaths were actually on small domestic sites.

“Therefore CDM has now been amended to incorporate domestic work and it is vital contractors are aware of their responsibilities.”

The course takes around three hours to complete but online learning registrants can spread out that learning at times to suit them.

The course costs £40 +VAT. To book, visit www.niceic.direct.com or call 0843 596 2454.

Shutterstock

SMEs risk missing out on public-sector work

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The power to promote you In 2015 NICEIC and ELECSA launched a high-profile consumer campaign to promote the use of our registered contractors

The Stay Safe This Christmas campaign focused on the additional electrical dangers that can arise over the festive period.

The campaign featured on regional TV and radio. It also appeared in national and local newspapers across the UK, reaching an incredible 55 million people, making it the most successful campaign to promote electrical contractors yet.

This is how we did it: • 57 national, regional and commercial radio stations • 11 BBC regional radio shows • 30 pieces of coverage online • Coverage in national, regional and consumer print titles • Electrical safety at Christmas story featured on ITV Granada News • Integrated radio, print, TV and social media campaign reaching more than 55 million people

National advertising Alongside the consumer campaign we are running a series of print and online adverts in national newspapers promoting NICEIC and ELECSA. The adverts appeared throughout December and will carry on up until March in: Mail on Sunday Daily Express Sun on Sunday Daily Telegraph The Guardian Observer Daily Record Belfast Telegraph NICEIC and ELECSA are the most recognised brands in the industry. Our contractors carry out more electrical work than any other scheme operator.

We will continue to promote the use of NICEIC and ELECSA registered contractors to more and more people throughout 2016.

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Plugged in Relief as small-scale solar tariff cuts reduced Certsure has welcomed the government’s decision not to go ahead with its proposed 87 per cent cut to the tariff for small-scale solar PV installations up to 10 kW, instead announcing a less severe cut of two-thirds (65 per cent).

Certsure was one of the organisations that called for the government’s initial plans to be tempered, so the solar PV industry could transition to a tariff-free future.

The government has put in place a staggered degression pathway from 2016 to 2019. For new projects up to 10kW, the tariff will be 4.39p per kWh. This is a sizable drop from where it was for installations up to 4kW and then up to 50kW – 12.47p and 11.30p respectively.

This does, however, allow the gradual reduction up to 2019 to happen from a realistic base.

Responding to the government’s feed-in tariff (FiT) review, Certsure chief executive Emma Clancy said: “The proposals as they were would have killed the industry. Our survey of NICEIC registrants showed four out of five firms would have considered giving up solar PV if the cuts went ahead as proposed.”

The 2016-2019 degression pathway will contain caps each quarter limiting consumers from accessing the tariff in a quarter if the installation capacity limit has been exceeded.

RHI SECURES FUNDING TO 2020 The government has announced that it will increase funding for the renewable heat incentive to £1.15 billion in 2021 to ensure that the UK continues to make progress towards its climate goals.

At the same time, it has pledged to improve value for money, delivering savings of almost £700 million by 2020-21.

It also announced that there will be a reform of the scheme, details of which have yet to be disclosed.

Meanwhile, the domestic RHI saw 1,675 new applications during October and November, with November showing a slight increase on October.

The highest numbers of applications during the two months were for air source heat pumps, surprisingly followed by ground source heat pumps.

REFRESHED MCS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The government predicts this will allow up to 15,330 installations per quarter for projects under 10 kW, rising steadily to 19,360 in the first quarter of 2019.

“We will need to wait and see if the caps are set at an appropriate level,” added Clancy.

“If the caps are quickly triggered, and the tariff is not attainable until the next quarter, it may put some consumers off.

Only time will tell.”

The government also implemented a pause in the FiT system, with the new tariff and deployment caps starting from 8 February.

Changes to MCS scheme rules mean contractors must hold a recognised training qualification to the correct standard through a two-day refresher course, which includes a final online and practical assessment. Successful candidates will then achieve the required qualification to continue to operate within the MCS scheme.

Contractors who have previously completed a solar photovoltaic, solar thermal or heat pump training course and received NICEIC certification should be aware that the certificate is only valid for five years, and was a certificate of personal development (CPD) only.

To book a course now or for further information regarding the changes to renewable technology qualifications please call 0870 013 0458.

Installers of air source heat pump systems can now gain a new competency qualification through a training and assessment package delivered by NICIEC Certfication.

The assessment has been mapped against the relevant national occupational standards (NOS) and approved by SummitSkills, the sector skills council for the building services engineering sector.

The aim of the training and assessment package is to assess installers against set criteria, which are formed from the relevant NOS for the installation of air source heat pumps systems. The programme runs over three days and comprises theoretical and practical components.

Paul Collins, technical services manager at NICEIC, said: “This assessment is essential for installers undertaking the installation and commissioning of air source heat pump systems, giving them the competence to be able to complete the installation correctly.”

For more information, or to book your place on the course, contact NICEIC Certification on 0870 013 0389 or email traininginfo@niceic.com

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Shutterstock

New air source qualification

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Wagobox-Capsule

Versatility & Performance Encapsulated

The New Wagobox IP68 Waterproof Enclosure

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.

For the Wagobox-Capsule to protect your electrical connections year in year out nothing has been left to chance! We provide an enhanced UV resistant polycarbonate body to optimise durability, double ‘o’ ring lid seals for the ultimate in water resistance, and a unique hexagonal design for added strength.

So whether you require protection against dust or water the Wagobox-capsule’s ground breaking design will give you superior levels of performance.

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.

Simpler, Quicker, Safer... www.connexbox.com

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News/Renewables news/Product news

Plugged in POLE PROTECTION G.H. Lucas has introduced two more mini-gel covers to its Raytech range, designed to protect electrical connections from water ingress, dust and insects, for use in outdoor environments or in conditions where exposure to moisture is likely. <Gel cover The Isaac is suitable for two or three-pole connectors and the Pascal for five-pole connectors, and work by displacing the pre-filled gel and snapping the cover shut. No tools are required and the finished product can be used for full submersion in water.

The new products complement Raytech’s existing Mammut gel cover and gel cover 6 options. www.ghlucas.co.uk

SUFFOCATING SPARKS Wylex has developed a range of self-adhesive intumescent strips that fit inside the consumer unit and react when exposed to heat.

Designed to help minimise the spread of electrical fires, the strips, once activated, create a ‘char’ that expands and flows around the heat source and surrounding area, smothering any fire and reducing the oxygen supply.

The char also restricts the heat of any fire from reaching the surface of the enclosure, reducing the danger of it spreading to surrounding materials.

The product has been developed with the help of the fire testing authority BM Trada, and follows the recent changes to BS7671 designed to prevent the spread of fires originating in consumer units. www.electrium.co.uk

<Knipex plastic pliers

ROOM WITH A VIEW

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Schneider Electric has developed two new consumer units, which it says are designed to allow customers to make a living room feature out of the humble box.

The Easy9+ and Resi9+ circuit protection ranges have been designed to blend in with the style of a modern house and can even accommodate a family picture on the front of the unit.

Both ranges also include labelling kits with pictograms and text and an incoming cable clamp kit option designed to minimise cable disturbance at the incoming device.

The products can be either flush or surface-mounted and are designed for both newbuild and retrofit buildings. www. schneiderelectric. com/uk

The new flat nose and snipe nose pliers from KNIPEX are designed to make it easier and safer for installers to work on live parts.

The pliers are made of solid plastic and reinforced with fibreglass and protect against bridging while reducing the risk of short circuits. Both sets of pliers are VDE tested, meaning installers can use them on live parts up to AC 1,000V and DC 1,500V. The robustness of the design means they can also be used in tough environments such as those where there is exposure to chemicals and in temperatures of as low as -40°C. www.knipex.com

< Easy9+ consumer unit

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< Wireless Clamp Meters

The new 370FC series clamp meters from Fluke are designed to help installers identify intermittent faults without the need to be present when equipment is not working.

The clamp meters log measurements around voltage and performance, including recording data as seen by circuit protection devices. The meters feature a measurement range of up to 2 500A AC, while the 376 and 375 FC models record DC up to 500mV. Installers and building operators can view measurements using the Fluke Connect smartphone app, and results are also wirelessly transmitted to the cloud, meaning they can be shared with others working off-site. www.fluke.co.uk

TOUGH FIXTURES

< Intumescent strip fitted inside metal consumer unit cover

Partex UK has responded to the third amendment to BS 7671, which requires wiring systems to be supported by fire-resistant fasteners and fixings, by developing a new range of galvanised steel mini-trunking cable retaining clips, stainless steel cable tie mounts and spacer-bar saddles.

The steel mini-trunking clips are equipped with an M6 fixing hole, with the MTCC-T2/6 version designed for T2 mini-trunking and the MTCC-T3/6 suitable for both T3 and T4 mini-trunking.

The stainless steel cable tie mounts come with either M4 or M6 fixing holes, while the spacer-bar saddles can be used with 20mm or 25mm conduit. www.partex.co.uk < Fire proof fixings

Connections Winter 2015-2016

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training RISK ASSESSMENT

Live wire Covering all angles Electrical contractors need to ensure they assess and control any risks that are associated with jobs, to keep staff, customers and the public safe, says Paul Reeve

E

lectrical contractors should always understand the hazards and risks associated with any job they do, or supervise, and how any significant risks will be controlled.

This is particularly true for electrical safety, but it’s also true for other health and safety issues. In fact, in the commercial sector, falls from height and manual handling injuries are far more common than electrical accidents, and asbestos is an even bigger, industry-defining, health issue.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says risk assessments need to be ‘suitable and sufficient’, and it’s the risk assessment that informs other key documents such as construction phase plans and method statements. In the public and commercial sectors, clients and pre-qualification schemes are very keen to see if the contractor can deal with risk assessments.

Two basic types of risk assessment are ‘quantified’ – giving a number that indicates the level of risk – and ‘qualitative’ – a general statement identifying something as ‘low’ or ‘medium’ risk. Either type can be based on the following seven steps.

Clarify responsibility Understand the risks The starting point for any risk assessment is to understand what the task/job involves. In short, what are the activities involved in this job?

Next, consider any relevant hazards (the potential causes of significant harm) and who could be harmed, and how.

When you have considered the hazards, decide which ones are the most significant, and could lead to serious harm. You can then base your risk assessment mainly on addressing these hazards.

Illustration: Cameron Law

Implement control measures If eliminating a hazard is not an option, you’ll need suitable risk controls to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. So, consider what control measures you’ll need to control the risk of harm. This might include safety measures such as safe isolation, permits to work, safety barriers, site instructions or protective equipment.

You may well have general approaches to reducing the risk from any significant hazards that are associated with what you usually do. Note these risk controls first.

Identify any further issues There may also be additional, job-specific, health and safety issues.

Again, note these. They might range from using a new apprentice to more specific hazards, such as work on mobile elevating work platforms or in a refrigeration room. Note what further risk controls you will use.

Add who has supervisory responsibility for ensuring your control measures are, first, available when needed and, second, used and understood by operatives/sub-contractors. Your control measures will need to be applied properly at the workplace, if your risk assessment is to be effective.

Assess the risk The risk assessment then requires you to consider what risk remains, and to who, once all your control measures are in place (this is called the ‘residual risk’). To assess this, consider the following two factors (remember, this is with all your control measures in place): 1) How harmful could an accident or exposure be?

2) How likely is it to happen? (severity x how likely = risk of harm) The remaining risk from this activity – the residual risk – is the output of your risk assessment. Now, decide if the remaining risk is sufficiently low. If it’s not, then you need to re-visit what you are doing to control risks from this activity.

Paul Reeve is director of business services at the Electrical Contractors’ Association To help contractors quickly and effectively assess risks, the ECA has developed e-RAMS, available free to ECA members.

For more information see www.eca.co.uk

Connections Winter 2015-2016

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

Email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

Live wire

Home help Smart technology offers the potential to transform the assisted living sector, and this should create opportunities for savvy contractors, says Marie Parry

B

ecause we are living longer, traditional arrangements for supporting people with age-related, long-term health issues are unsustainable. The way we design homes now and in the future will help people with different levels of mobility and capability to remain in their homes.

Current thinking is to integrate traditional building technologies with new and emerging ones. There are enormous potential benefits from using mobile devices and services that operate seamlessly with home-based solutions, supporting users to manage conditions inside the home.

Rather than crossing a dark room to turn on a switch, for example, automated technology can be set up to trigger the coming on of lights once there is motion detected in the space. Rather than fiddling with an array of controllers for heating, a centralised app on a smartphone or tablet can control the entire house at once.

A smart home doesn’t require a complete home refurbishment project and it doesn’t need to cost tens

of thousands of pounds. The ability to easily adapt and update a home is being made more achievable due to the wireless control and automation products available.

These enable the upgrade of an electrical installation to provide added security, energy saving, comfort and control for those in need of assisted living, without the need for intrusive and unwanted disturbance.

For example, a bedtime route can be created that turns all lights on and off to allow the occupier to get to bed without the need to switch lights on or off.

Because of the flexibility of this type of system, it will be easy to change an installation to meet the evolving requirements of the occupier.

With dementia one of the main causes of disability later in life and expected to double globally by 2030, the assisted living sector is one that will continue to grow, bringing with it the potential for additional business for those contractors who embrace new technologies and products.

Marie Parry is group marketing manager at Scolmore

IN FOCUS// KAREN CHUGG

» Karen Chugg Intelligent Abodes

How did you come to start the business?

My husband Tim had his own electrical firm and started venturing into lighting control. In 2008 I recognised the potential of specialising in home automation. I’m the customer interface and Tim handles the technical side.

What type of premises do you work in?

Mainly higher-end homes, but we have done a few hotels and restaurants.

What type of installations do you do?

Whatever people want

20

to control! So lighting, heating, automated blinds and curtains, music, TV, networking, as well as security, door-entry and irrigation systems.

Do you do all the electrical work yourselves?

We employ two electricians and work with other contractors. But because we have qualified electricians and NICEIC registration, we can terminate the 230V wiring in the lighting control panels, which is something other home automation companies may not be able to offer.

Where do you cover?

We work in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

You won an award… ?

We won the Venus customer service award for Devon, which recognises the contribution women make to business.

How big could you grow?

It’s only just getting off the ground...

What do you do outside work?

We’re both into cycling. We have a young family too but working together helps us manage our time.

Illustration: Cameron Law

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

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

20 opinion.final.indd Sec1:20

18/01/2016 09:58

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training LIGHT ART

Live wire

Nautical but nice Sculptor, lighting designer, electrician… Eleanor Bell’s unique blend of skills have come together in perfect harmony at two unique projects at Jubilee Wharf in the Cornish town of Penryn

By Andrew Brister

E

lectrical contractors come in all shapes and sizes, but not too many can have the same set of skills as Eleanor Bell. She achieved a first class arts degree from Falmouth University, where her work included kinetic sculptures that made use of light and electronics. Yet, with a recession looming after she completed her degree back in 2007, she had the vision to train to become an NICEIC Approved Contractor and then gain the Advanced Lighting Design Certificate awarded by the Lighting Industry Association.

“It meant I could be self-employed and hopefully not be short of work, as well as develop the electrical skills needed for the sort of artwork I wanted to make,” she says. “My work combines sculpture, lighting design and electrical installation. I provide a one-stop shop, from design right through to installation.”

Bell’s work varies widely, from domestic rewires and commercial electrical installations through to lighting design and sculptures, both to commissions and for exhibitions. Nowhere is her unique blend of skills more apparent than in two recent lighting design projects in Penryn in Cornwall: Jubilee Wharf office barge and the adjacent Jubilee Warehouse.

Barging in The Jubilee Wharf office barge sums up the ethos. A rescued World War Two concrete barge has been brought back to life by adding an office space on deck to create unique commercial premises. The build includes a heavily insulated lightweight structure, made from resin and hemp weave, aluminium windows, biomass underfloor heating and

22

> LED panels light the WW2 barge (above), which features cloud pendants and the Crane Light (right), while the Ring Light illuminates the Warehouse (far right)

a compost toilet. The interior comprises an open-plan reception and work area, a meeting room, kitchenette and eating area, while below deck there is a large workshop.

Bell’s lighting design scheme aims to deliver attractive and functional lighting for the office, but also to provide feature lighting at night, so the barge would be a landmark in what is a prominent area of Penryn. “The lighting had to look good and be in keeping with the rest of the build, even down to the emergency lighting,” she explains. LED panels, wall lights and pendants were specified for the daytime task lighting. A trio of floating cloud pendants add interest to the reception area, which differentiates it from the office space nearby.

Working in such surroundings brought a number of challenges. “We couldn’t recess any of the fittings,” says Bell. “I’ve used LED panels that would normally just drop into a suspended ceiling. Here, we’ve only got around a 30mm void, so there was no space and the panels had to come in specially made frames.”

A colour temperature of 4,000K was chosen for the daytime lighting from the LED panels, while a softer, warmer 3,000K provides the right effect in the evening. The latter is provided by bespoke LED strip cove lighting where Bell has worked closely with the shipwrights to ensure that the lighting is completely integrated with the build.

“As well as providing warm, ambient light within the barge, it is used to highlight the unusual structure when viewed from the outside,” she says. “The slanted lines of light create the impression that the sloping roofs are floating above the main building. This effect is amplified by the reflections in the water. It is best seen on a still day, although that’s a rare occasion in Cornwall!”

The barge has a feature light called the Crane Light that has been made from galvanised conduit rescued from the adjacent Jubilee

Winter 2015-2016 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

13: The number of workspaces made out of old storage units that make up Jubilee Warehouse

Warehouse. “The client really liked this piece of conduit, as it had some interesting bends in it, and asked if we could make a light from it,” says Bell. “It just takes a bit of working out to do it in a way that looks beautiful and purposeful. It’s nice to have a piece of the old warehouse on the barge and it provides a link between the two projects.”

Green Jubilee Jubilee Warehouse is the conversion of the old storage units next to Jubilee Wharf into 13 high-quality workspaces of various sizes, coupled with a stunning glazed central atrium with an over-sized table at the heart of the building for tenants and their visitors to use as a meeting and eating space.

Like the neighbouring barge, sustainability is paramount, with a 19kW array of photovoltaic panels to generate renewable electricity, rainwater-flushed toilets, high levels of insulation and underfloor heating throughout. The development includes electric vehicle

charging points. Jubilee Warehouse has achieved the BREEAM rating Excellent, and also won the title of best built environment retrofit at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2015.

“The brief was to create a warm and friendly lit environment with light fittings that were not only in keeping with the warehouse aesthetic, but also met the stringent requirements of BREEAM,” says Bell. This was particularly important in the 5m high atrium, which was flooded with light in the daytime, but had the potential to become an austere, cavernous space in the evening.

In order to lower the eye away from the glass ceiling and to give the central area a more intimate feel at night, she designed and made (in collaboration with Mark Harris Furniture) the feature Ring Light. The 2.5m diameter light is constructed from eco-resin, plywood, rolled aluminium and lit using 40m of side-emitting 3,000K LED strip.

“The curved shape and the warm colours of the Ring Light soften the angular lines and raw materials used throughout the rest of the building,” says Bell. Its position over the table lowers the eye away from the glass ceiling, and the overall result is an inviting and intimate space for evening events. Throughout the rest of the public areas, LED high-bay fixtures and LED panels were used to provide the main lighting, while accents were provided by LED strip, for example at a low level along the ramp as you enter the building.

Elsewhere, Bell has recently completed the design and installation of the exterior lighting at Tremenheere Sculpture Garden, near Penzance, for light artist James Turrell’s SkySpace, as well as the lighting design for Penny Saunders’ The Restless Temple. Her-wide ranging portfolio also includes three large residential projects in Cornwall, Bristol and London.

“My desire is that my designs transform their surrounding environment so that they have a positive impact on the community of people using the space; for example, by being contemplative, thought-provoking or playful,” she says.

» Andrew Brister is a freelance journalist, specialising in the electrical industry Connections Winter 2015-2016

22-23 Case study.final.indd 23

Photography: Graham Gaunt

‘I’ve used LED panels that would normally just drop into a suspended ceiling. Here, we’ve only got around a 30mm void’

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Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training SAFE WORKING

Live wire Back to basics Electricians need to remember the dangers they face in their particular line of work, as well as their responsibilities towards co-workers and customers, writes Philip Sanders

‘Certification is often the only documentary evidence you will have to help demonstrate that your electrical installation work has been carried out to the required standard of safety’ Of course, simply inspecting and testing is not sufficient – the results must be properly recorded on the appropriate prescribed certificate. A point to consider is that certification is often the only documentary evidence you will have to help demonstrate that your electrical installation work is to the required standard of safety in the event of injury or fire alleged to have been caused by the electrical installation.

While the pressure of work can be high, always take the time to review and confirm that the results are accurate and acceptable. This review provides you with the opportunity to challenge any seemingly incorrect information on the certificate for investigation and correction prior to putting into service.

A certificate must be provided to the person who ordered the electrical installation work and, where applicable, the occupant of a dwelling as well.

Remember, certification is not intended to be issued to confirm the completion of a contract.

You should never withhold a certificate for any contractual reason, including non-payment of invoices, where the electrical installation has been energised and is available for use.

It is also important to remember that some domestic electrical installation work in England and Wales, including rewires, replacement consumer units, new circuits and certain minor work also carries an additional notification requirement. These works must be notified and a building regulations compliance certificate issued to the occupier within 30 days.

Philip Sanders is Certsure’s customer relations engineer

Connections Winter 2015-2016

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Illustration: Cameron Law

E

lectricians and engineers who work with electricity on a daily basis can sometimes become desensitised to the dangers around them. It is a natural human habit to form routines and practices that we feel comfortable with.

However, just take a moment to recall when you first started working in the electrical industry, and the point when you were first made aware of electrical hazards, including contact with live parts causing shock and burns. Maybe you had a health and safety induction that included a video showing the results of electric shock?

In any case, the point of all such information is to instil in you an understanding and respect for electricity.

It pays to remember that, as well as being responsible for your own safety when working with electricity, you are also responsible for ensuring that your electrical installation work is safe through every stage of construction through to completion.

It is recognised that electrical installations that conform to the standards laid down in BS 7671 are regarded as safe. This is not to be taken lightly; in the UK, every man, woman and child will come into contact with electricity via one or more electrical installations every day of their life, some of which will have been worked on by you. Quite a responsibility for the humble ‘sparky’ don’t you think?

Of course, we are all busy earning a living and don’t have time to reflect on this responsibility very often, but we must never lose sight of the dangers that electricity can create.

Even the most experienced electricians and electrical engineers can be expected to make the occasional mistake when carrying out electrical installation work.

Other trades can also cause accidental damage to electrical installations during the construction phase.

If left undetected, energised and put into use, it is likely that such installations will subsequently become dangerous to users.

This is why we need to thoroughly inspect and test each and every electrical installation that is new or has been subject to an addition or alteration, and make good any defects or omissions found, before the installation is put into service.

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18/01/2016 09:59

Advice/Opinion/Insight/Events/Case study/Customer care/Training CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

Live wire

Cause for alarms From October last year landlords renting properties to tenants in England were legally obliged to fit smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms where there is a solid fuel burning combustion appliance

F

rom October 2015 landlords in the private rented sector were legally required to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their rental properties. This new requirement was introduced under The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, which stipulates: • A smoke alarm must be equipped on each storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation; • A carbon monoxide alarm must be equipped in any room of the premises that is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance; • Checks are made by or on behalf of the landlord to ensure that each prescribed alarm is in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins if it is a new tenancy.

The new legislation is specific to England and does not apply to Wales. Similarly, there is no comparable requirement currently for private landlords in Northern Ireland. However, Scotland does have similar requirements to that of England under the Repairing Standard, which came into force in December 2015. This article focuses specifically on carbon monoxide alarms applicable in England.

CO alarm requirements The regulations do not state that the alarms must be of the hard-wired type, it merely requires landlords to make a decision on the most suitable type of alarm. Hard-wired CO alarms need to be installed with due cognisance of BS 7671, incorporating Amendment 3, and be suitably tested and certificated, for example by completing a domestic electrical installation certificate or a minor electrical installation works certificate, as appropriate.

Although CO alarms are only required in rooms containing solid fuel burning appliances, it is recommended, and encouraged, that landlords also fit CO alarms in rooms containing gas or oil burning appliances.

Where to fit CO alarms CO alarms need to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and BS EN 50292, which in general requires a CO alarm to be located in the same room as the appliance. For wall mounting this should be as high as practical (typically a minimum of 1.5 meters from floor level) but no closer than 150 mm to the ceiling, and above the height of any door or window. Ceiling mounting alarms must be a minimum of 300 mm from any wall.

Alamy

Where not to fit CO alarms

26

CO alarms can be adversely affected by poor location and so should not be installed:

• In an enclosed space (such as a cupboard); • Where it can be obstructed; • Directly above a sink; • Next to a door or window; • Next to an extractor fan; • Next to a ventilation opening; • In areas where the temperature is likely to drop below -10°C or exceed 40°C, unless the device is designed for such locations; • Where dirt and dust are likely to block the sensor; • In damp or humid conditions; • In the immediate vicinity of a cooking appliance.

What alarm should be fitted?

The CO alarm selected should be compliant with BS EN 50291-1: 2010.

Alarms compliant to BS EN 50291 will incorporate an audible alarm, which when activated should be of sufficient volume to wake individuals in a property.

In addition, CO alarms may also incorporate coloured lights to provide visual indication of: power (green); alarm activation (red); and possible supplementary fault warning lights (yellow).

A CO alarm will often sound different to a smoke alarm to make it obvious that the CO alarm has been activated – this will also include ‘chirps’, which vary depending on the fault.

The CO alarm installer should ensure that the owner/occupier(s) is aware of the operating modes of the CO alarm, including fault recognition and, if activated due to the presence of CO, what action to take.

What should be recorded on an electrical installation allation condition report? ?

When undertaking an n electrical installation CR) condition report (EICR) in a rented property he that does not meet the ementioned requirements of aforementioned ommended regulations, it is recommended cts relating that this or any defects O alarm to the smoke and CO ought to the requirements are brought ord or letting attention of the landlord tary letter agent. A supplementary lations referencing the regulations fects and covering the defects found should also be provided.

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Designed to exceed the new standards

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE // RD ELECTRICAL COMPANY: RD Electrical BASED: Lurgan, Northern Ireland FOUNDED: 2003 MAJOR PROJECTS: Quays Shopping Centre, Newry; Stormont Parliament; Boots The Chemist STAFF NUMBERS: 8

Home from home Northern Irish business RD Electrical has built up a strong base serving the domestic market and retail sector, all from the comforts of a log cabin in the garden. But with the business continuing to grow, change may be on the cards

By Nick Martindale

N

estled away in the garden of a private house in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, is a rather impressive log cabin. Far from a tranquil place for family relaxation, however, this is the home of RD Electrical, and has operated as the company’s base since the business was first set up in 2003.

“I served my apprenticeship with a local firm in the Lurgan area and then I went to Australia for a year and decided that when I got back I was going to start my own company,” says founder Raymond Daly. “I was 20 years old when I got back and I bought myself a van and started doing small jobs around the town and it’s just progressed to where we are now.”

Initially the focus was on domestic jobs, he says, but has since spread into the commercial sector, taking on work on newbuild housing projects and shop fitouts. “I worked in the company on my own for about a year and then employed another electrician, and as the company developed I needed more help,” he says. “So after year one I employed someone and then another one the next, and the same year on year after that.”

28

The initial idea of working in the log cabin was to keep costs down, says Raymond; something which came very handy when the economic downturn – which hit Northern Ireland particularly hard – struck. “It meant our overheads were kept low so we could then keep our prices low and compete even through the downturn,” he says. “Prices dropped, but because we didn’t have any overheads or rates to pay we were in a position to act in line with the market.”

Jumping on the energy efficiency bandwagon also helped.

“We set up our energy auditing service where we would go out to clients’ premises and see where they could save costs,” he says. “A big part of that would be LED lighting and that basically kept us going for three or four years, and it’s still going strong. Around 30-40 per cent of our work is in energy efficiency.” One recent example was the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry, where the company undertook a full LED lighting upgrade in the shopping centre and the external car park over a two-year period.

Record-breaker Today the business is on course to hit the £1 million turnover mark for the first time, having grown around 30 per cent in the past 12 months, and typically takes on contracts worth between £5,000 and £100,000, serving the whole

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Raymond Daly

> RD Electrical carried out a full LED upgrade at Quays shopping Centre in Newry

£1m: The amount RD Electrical

‘I don’t see why in 15 or 20 years we can’t be one of the biggest electrical companies in Northern Ireland’

of Northern Ireland from its central location. “We’re never any further than two hours away from any part of Northern Ireland,” says Raymond.

Around half of its work these days is still in the domestic space. “We work for a number of building companies here, on apartment blocks, housing schemes and also social housing, so we’re spread across a number of sectors,” says Raymond, who estimates the firm takes on the electrical installation work in between 200 and 300 new houses a year for a mixture of private landlords and developers.

The business recently opened a testing division and has picked up a number of notable PAT testing contracts, including servicing all government buildings across Northern Ireland – taking in the Stormont Parliament buildings – as well as inspection and testing in branches of Boots.

Raymond also has designs on entering other new areas.

Last year the business started a smart homes and home cinema service, which saw it win the domestic project of the year award at the Northern Ireland Electrical Industry Awards, Connections Winter 2015-2016

28-30 Contractor profile.final.indd 29

Photography: Aaron McCracken/UNP

expects to turn over this year

29

18/01/2016 11:39

CONTRACTOR PROFILE // RD ELECTRICAL

30 per cent: The amount by which the business has grown in the past 12 months > RD Electrical’s eight staff include PAT testing engineer Stephen McLoughlin (above) and electrical engineer Aaron McAlinden (right) alongside the title of domestic contractor of the year (and following on from winning the small contractor of the year accolade in 2013).

“The project for which we won the award was a smart home where they could control their blinds, lighting, home cinema and CCTV, all integrated into one app,” he says. “It’s a market that has grown quite steadily for us, and we see a growth in that area, with lots of enquiries. Not everybody goes for it because it is still quite expensive, but it is a sector that is definitely growing.”

Fire alarms is another area where the business has had some success, particularly when councils upgrade their housing developments, while electric vehicle charging points is on the list for this year. “We’d be targeting the domestic market for that again,” says Raymond. “We’ve not looked into that yet, but with the smart homes that’s where we’re going to be in two or three years.”

Branching out Raymond’s own role in the business has also evolved over time, as the number of staff has risen. “I have seven employees at the moment and they’re all on the tools, and I do all the office work,” he says. “I’m supposed to be off the tools, but every now and then I jump in and help out, but the majority of the time I’m running the contracts, ordering materials, taking things to site and keeping people happy.”

The plan is to take on someone else to help out with the day-to-day running of the office, he adds, freeing him up to concentrate on running projects and growing the business.

Yet continued growth for the business could finally spell the end for the log cabin, after more than a decade’s loyal

‘It meant our overheads were kept low, which meant we could keep our prices low and compete even through the downturn’ 30

‘We’re just about on the limit of working like this. Maybe this year or next we’ll have to look at moving to somewhere a bit bigger’ service. “It will get to the point where we’ll need to move to commercial premises, but at the moment we’re just about on the limit of working like this,” says Raymond. “Maybe this year or next we’ll have to look at moving to somewhere bigger, because all we have is a log cabin and a garage. But I’ll not make that step too early. I’d prefer to wait and make sure the company is in profit and the money is there to support it.”

That’s not to say, however, that Raymond doesn’t have grand plans for the business he started from scratch 13 years ago. “I do think we could grow further,” he says. “At the minute we’re not able to tender for all work that comes into the office because we don’t have the resources. The next step is to employ a contracts manager and an estimator for the office, and we will need that within the next two years.

But obviously we need to put other plans in place before that happens because the premises won’t be big enough.”

Further down the line, Raymond, who has a five-month-old baby boy, who he hopes might one day take over the business, has even loftier ambitions. “I think we could probably double in size in five years and I don’t see why in 15 or 20 years we can’t be one of the biggest electrical companies in Northern Ireland,” he says. “We’ll just keep chipping away until we get there.

“It won’t be an easy road, but we do want to be doing those bigger contracts in schools and hospitals,” he adds. “But I want to get it right first at the smaller level; you can’t run before you can walk.” » Nick Martindale is editor of Connections Could your business feature in Connections?

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

•

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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19/01/2016 12:15

VENTILATION

30,000: The number of new MVHR installations a year in the UK

Air apparent The drive towards energy efficiency has often come at the cost of air quality in the home, threatening human health and driving the need for mechanical ventilation. Installers have an important role to play in this – but have responsibilities too

Piranha Photography

By Rob Shepherd

32

I

n recent years the need for greater energy efficiency within the built environment has driven the move towards low carbon-emitting structures. A far cry from the draughty buildings of yesteryear, modern homes are now designed to retain as much of their heat as possible in order to

adhere to energy efficiency legislation.

With high energy prices, retaining heat makes sense from an economic as well as an environmental point of view.

Indeed, 2014’s amendments to Parts L and F of the Building Regulations tightened up the focus on energy efficiency, and the former included a six per cent uplift in standards for new homes, compared with the 2010 version. It also introduced the Fabric

Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES), which focuses on the efficiency of the fabric of a new home. “There is a drive to deliver a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency, and this means increased air tightness and insulation,” says Michael Bates, associate product manager at Elta Group. “The drawback is that the natural infiltration of fresh air is reduced.”

Taking into account that each of us exhales between 10 and 75 litres of

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Course of action NICEIC now offers a new competency qualification for installers of domestic ventilation systems. The new assessment package has been mapped against the relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS) and has been approved by SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the building services engineering sector.

It will assess installers against set criteria formed from the relevant NOS for the installation of domestic ventilation systems. The training and assessment programme runs over two days and comprises a theory and practical exam as part of the final assessment.

“We have been working very closely with key industry stakeholders to ensure the assessment delivers a competent installer to meet the needs of the ventilation sector,” says Paul Collins, technical services manager at NICEIC. “Once installers hold the qualification they can then apply to 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

‘Toxic home syndrome occurs when individuals are exposed to a potent mix of airborne pollutants arising from poor ventilation’ carbon dioxide and 175 grammes of water vapour per hour, while a family of four produces between 10 and 15 litres each day through cooking, washing and breathing, it’s no surprise that air quality can deteriorate so quickly.

Welfare state As well as potentially damaging the fabric of the building itself, a lack of proper ventilation can lead to a build-up of contaminants that have a detrimental effect on human health.

Peter Howarth, who specialises in allergy and respiratory medicine at Southampton University, has called for increased awareness of what is being termed toxic home syndrome.

“This occurs when individuals and families are exposed to a potent mix of airborne pollutants within the home arising from poor ventilation, causing respiratory and skin diseases to occur more frequently,” he says.

His view is backed up by a pan-European study, carried out by the

National Institute for Health and Welfare, which highlighted the impact of indoor allergens and found that exposure is linked to reduced life expectancy and greater likelihood of disease. Over half (57 per cent) of the cases linked to this related to cardiovascular diseases, 23 per cent to lung cancer, 12 per cent to asthma and the remaining eight per cent to other respiratory conditions.

Further research by Prism & Waverton Analytics confirms the health risks of poor indoor air quality in no uncertain terms. It found a staggering 91 per cent of homes tested for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air were above the recommended level.

“As new and refurbished homes become ever more airtight, the number of people suffering with asthma could almost double as a result,” says Ian Mitchell, product marketing manager for newbuild residential at Vent-Axia.

“Current building regulations could also increase indoor pollutant levels equivalent to the upper end of – and in

‘We are aiming to ensure that housebuilders consider ventilation and indoor air quality at design stage rather than as a late add-on to specifications’

some cases well above – World Health Organisation recommended limits.”

The most widely recognised technologies for dealing with the issue of poor air quality are whole house mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). A well-designed system replaces contaminants with clean fresh air, and with the heat recovery it is also possible to keep over 90 per cent of the heat that would have been lost due to ventilation alone.

Yet despite the UK ventilation and air conditioning sector experiencing growth of four per cent in 2014, according to AMA Research, installations of MEV and MVHR have been relatively slow to catch on. The British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA) has been working closely with NICEIC and industry leading manufacturers to highlight this issue.

“Currently, only two per cent of the UK have mechanical ventilation systems installed throughout their homes, which is concerning,” says BEAMA marketing director Kelly Butler. “We are aiming to ensure that housebuilders consider ventilation and indoor air quality at design stage rather than as a late add-on to specifications.”

Growing regulatory pressure means things are starting to change.

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VENTILATION

175g: The amount of water vapour each person produces in an hour “Specifiers, developers, engineers and self-builders alike need to achieve even lower Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) scores and greater Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) ratings for new properties,” points out Jon Hill, technical manager at Polypipe Ventilation.

Case in point But it’s vital any installation of such systems is carried out by qualified professionals; a message NICEIC is actively promoting (see box, page 33).

Quite simply, the quality of installations across the industry can often leave a lot to be desired and there is a widespread lack of awareness about the importance of system design.

Kent-based NICEIC Approved Contractor Terry Baker Electrical Contractors saw the potential of MVHR in its infancy and has since completed many installations. “These need to be airtight systems and any leak will make the machine work harder,” says Richard Baker, the company’s contracts manager.

“It is also important to take care when positioning the valves – the easiest position is not always the best. Inlet valves need to be put to the furthest position away from the door in the room to get a greater flow of air. Additionally, all modern machines need a yearly filter change and some sooner, depending on the location.”

Accuracy and attention to detail is vital, stresses Bates. “If ducts are carelessly installed it could lead to leakage and resistance to airflow, which would have an impact on the effectiveness of the ventilation,” he says.

“The over-use of flexible ducting is also a key reason why systems do not meet design requirements, as it should only be used in very short lengths.”

Standard practice It’s also important to use products that are able to perform to the highest standards. Vent-Axia’s Mitchell points out that the new Energy related Products (ErP) Directive, which came into force in January 2016, requires MVHR producers to meet minimum technology requirements. “These include an indication of the ventilation unit status 34

Up in the air Three high-rise blocks of flats in Smethwick, West Midlands, recently received a ventilation upgrade as part of an £11 million major refurbishment on behalf of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

The 270 homes, collectively known as The Crofts, are installed with Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon PoziDry PIV Compact ventilation units and Lo-Carbon Quadra fans, with the aim of improving indoor air quality, and reducing mould and condensation.

“Energy efficient ventilation was an important factor in the refurbishment of The Crofts since the project aims to improve living conditions in the homes,” says Tony Davies of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

“Not only does this reduce the risk of health problems caused through condensation and mould, it also helps to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions,” he says.

‘Inlet valves need to be put to the furthest position away from the door in the room to get a greater flow of air’ that must be visible to the homeowner,” he adds.

It is estimated that there are now more than 30,000 MVHR installations a year in the UK, and The Zero Carbon Hub VIAQ Task Group even believes it will become the dominant form of ventilation in most new homes post-2016. This means that there are opportunities for electrical contractors to get involved, but those who neglect to undertake the correct training and skills development in this area won’t last long.

“MVHR is going to be a big part of the building industry in the future,” predicts Baker. “The good news is that the cowboys who jumped on the bandwagon to make a quick buck are

being weeded out. Now there are some really good companies out there fitting MVHR systems – something that requires a trained person to do the job properly to protect the people in the property and the fabric of the building.”

As awareness of the issue of air quality in homes grows, we can expect to hear more about toxic home syndrome and the dangers it poses. It is up to the electrical contracting sector to play its part in ensuring ventilation systems are not only specified, but installed correctly as well. » Rob Shepherd is a freelance business journalist who specialises in the building services industry

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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19/01/2016 12:17

CABLE MANAGEMENT

Vital support The 3rd amendment to BS 7671 put the issue of cable management firmly under the spotlight, highlighting its potential to save lives, as well as improve the look and ease of installations

By David Adams

T

he importance of cable management can seem to vary from one job to the next.

Sometimes it feels like an afterthought.

Sometimes it’s an important last step, ensuring cables and wiring are neatly stowed or hidden, with the best trunking solutions even adding an aesthetically pleasing final touch.

But sometimes it could be a matter of life or death, as has been demonstrated in a number of tragic incidents over the past decade, when firefighters were trapped in burning buildings by cables that had fallen from walls and ceilings because the heat of the fire had destroyed enclosures and fastenings holding them in place.

So the most important recent development in this area is undoubtedly the 3rd amendment to the 17th edition, which was published by the IET in January 2015 and came into force in July of that year. Chapter 52 – Selection and Erection of Wiring Systems – now states that “wiring systems in escape 36

> Cable management products are being developed to address fire safety regulations, speed up installation times and allow cables to be hidden from view

routes shall be supported in such a way that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of fire”.

Specific reference is made in Note 1 of the amended regulation to non-metallic trunking being destroyed by fire, leading to cables falling across escape routes; while Note 2 suggests non-metallic clips, cable ties and trunking should not be used as the sole means of support.

Escape routes are taken to include not just corridors, stairways and hallways, but also open areas through which people might need to pass in the event

of fire, such as general office space, shopfloors, school halls and so on.

There was already a requirement for fire performance cables to be secured using metallic fixings able to withstand the same temperatures and vibrations as the cables themselves within BS 5839 Part 1, but the 3rd amendment now means that this should be extended to all fixings.

Safety first There are now many different types of fastening available that could help contractors meet their obligations cost-effectively. In places where metallic clips are needed, D-Line’s Safe-D high-temperature steel clips are an option for securing power and/ or security, CCTV or data cables. The

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Case study: W Portsmouth Luton-based contractor W Portsmouth has recently started using Legrand’s wire-clipping Swiftclip system, most notably on a large warehouse project in Greater Manchester.

“When we started the Greater Manchester project we looked for a bit of cable management that would save time, because there’s so much to do and we have quite tight timescales,” says Luke Royce, contracts manager at W Portsmouth.

The project has entailed installing around 900m of cable trays, mostly at heights of 10m. “The Swiftclip system saves the guys so much time and we made savings on buying nuts and bolts and on the time we would have spent handling them,” says Royce. “It’s about finding any way we can to reduce labour costs.”

manufacturer points out that because the clips can be used with trunking or attached directly onto walls it is also possible to do without trunking at all in some locations, such as within ceiling voids, thus saving cost and time on installation and rewiring.

Contractors working on large-scale projects are also looking to use cable management hardware such as Legrand’s cable ladders, trays and trunking solutions. Some are seeking certification to back up their choices, although no relevant British or UK standards yet exist, says Nigel Leaver, lead marketing manager for cable management at Legrand. “We’re being asked for trunking systems we can give a fire rating for, but there’s no British or European standard to test to,” he says.

“Traditionally, if people were concerned they’d just go with steel. But people are now looking for certification to back that up, to say how long it will last in the event of a fire. It’s an awkward one, because we don’t have a definitive answer.” He says Legrand’s steel wire mesh trays are tested in accordance with German fire regulation standards, while the industry awaits other standards currently being written.

Darren Staniforth, technical development manager at NICEIC,

says that, as far as NICEIC is aware, all wiring systems have to comply with the 3rd amendment changes, including data cables and wiring for security systems.

He acknowledges that this could cause some practical difficulties, because other tradesmen may not be aware of the changes. “But it’s something that electricians should be picking up on in their periodic inspections,” he points out.

Easy installation Aside from the 3rd amendment changes, the other main trend in cable management is work to make installation faster, says Legrand’s Leaver. “You can get to a stage where you can’t get much further on product cost, so you have to look at reducing the time it takes to install the products, which will reduce labour costs,” he explains. “Over the past 10 years we’ve concentrated on making cable management products faster and easier to fit.”

Other cable management products that are proving particularly popular among contractors at present are

‘We’re being asked for trunking systems we can give a fire rating for, but there’s no British or European standard to test to’

decorative trunking solutions, according to D-Line business development manager Lee Andrews. “These are proving very popular as a way to hide cables in private homes, or for social housing and housing association re-wires,” he says.

“They are being used for retrofits in hotels – several national and international hotel groups have used our trunking to hide cables leading to wall-mounted TVs and heaters – and for audiovisual equipment installations, or rewiring for fire and security works. It is also popular for historic or listed building refits, where channelling surfaces or lifting floors is impractical.”

For example, earlier this year smart home specialist Avicci used D-Line’s trunking products to hide cabling within a historic property in Scotland, using the products to subtly increase the thickness of skirting boards and doorframes. The client actually had to be shown where the changes had been made as he completely failed to notice them himself on his first walk around the property once the work was complete, says Andrews.

That’s just another example of how good cable management products can help installers complete projects more effectively, as well as more cost-effectively, while making buildings safer for occupants and firefighters if the worst does happen. » David Adams is a freelance business journalist Connections Winter 2015-2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully Charged From the helpline

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

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it permissible to install a wall-mounted extractor fan having a rated voltage of 230 V within zone 1 of a room containing a bath (or shower)?

Yes. Ventilation equipment is included in the list of fixed and permanently connected current-using equipment that may be installed in zone 1 of a location containing a bath or shower, provided it has a degree of ingress protection to at least IPX4 and is suitable for installation in zone 1 according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Regulation Group 701.5 refers).

QUESTION

ANSWER

How many points should be recorded for a twin socket-outlet, in the box titled ‘Number of points served’ which forms part of the Schedule of Circuit Details for the Installation?

Where the fixed wiring is terminated at a particular point, regardless of whether the termination is for connection of an accessory having single or multiple outlets or an item of current-using equipment, the number of points served is one.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Are there any specific requirements to consider when designing a circuit to supply a hot tub?

It is clear that the user of a hot tub is at a greater risk of death due to, for example, reduced body impedance and being in contact with the general mass of Earth. BS 7671 does not provide specific requirements for electrical installations associated with hot tubs. However, it is reasonable for the contractor to apply engineering judgement and to class hot tubs as either a bath or basin depending on its location.

For example, where a hot tub is in an indoor location, such as a garden shed or cabin it might be reasonable to apply the full requirements of Section 701 (Locations containing a bath or shower) or where a hot tub is located outdoors in the open air the full requirements of Section 702 (Swimming pools and other basins) might be applied.

It would be wise for the contractor to liaise with the hot tub installer prior to the installation of the circuit to ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions have been adequately considered as well as the recommendations, where relevant, of BS EN 60335-2-60 (Household and similar electrical appliances. Safety. Particular requirements for whirlpool baths and whirlpool spas) (Regulation 110.1.3 refers).

Connections Winter 2015-2016

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged

40

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can I use a socket-outlet to BS 1363-2 within an a.c. charging point as the point of connection for an electric vehicle?

Socket-outlets to BS 1363-2 may be incorporated in an a.c. charging point provided the manufacturer approves the socket-outlet’s suitability for such use. Where this is not the case, a suitable socket-outlet or connector should be selected from Regulation 722.55.201.

It should be noted that the vehicle manufacturers’ instructions should be followed when determining the type of socket-outlet to be used in a.c. charging points (Regulation 722.55.201 refers).

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where the opening for a buried cable to enter a domestic dwelling is formed below ground level, does BS 7671 specify any certain requirements?

No. However, openings below ground, as for any opening formed, should be formed in accordance with the relevant guidance issued by the governments in the United Kingdom (UK) jurisdictions in the form of Approved Documents (England and Wales), Technical Handbooks (Scotland) and Technical Booklets (Northern Ireland), to ensure the requirements of the building regulations are satisfied.

An overview of government guidance for the UK typically recommends that openings below ground level are permitted for the passage of services provided they are limited to a maximum area of 0.1 m2 at not less than 2 m centres apart.

Also, where an opening is formed below ground level, care should be taken to avoid damage to the provisions provided to resist moisture entering the dwelling, such as the damp proof membrane.

Where doubt exists regarding openings the local Building Control Department should be contacted.

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is it permitted to install a main protective bonding conductor for the gas installation pipework within the sleeve containing the gas pipe where that sleeve passes through the external wall to an external meter box?

Yes, although BS 7671 does not actually say so. Technical Bulletin TB 102 produced by Gas Safe Register (which registered gas engineers can view/download from the technical area of Gas Safe’s website) advises that, for low-pressure gas meter installations* (pressure not exceeding 75 mbar on the inlet to the meter), the bonding conductor may be run within a sleeve that contains the gas pipe with the connection being on the outlet of the meter but within an external meter box.

The important point here though is that routing the bonding conductor in this manner must not interfere with the sealing of the sleeve, whose purpose is to prevent any escape of gas within the meter box from entering the dwelling. * Domestic gas installation may also be supplied with gas at medium pressure (75 mbar up to 2 bar - this fact will be highlighted by notices within the meter box), whereby the use of a rear entry sleeve for either gas pipework or a bonding conductor is strictly prohibited.

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged 42 Overview of fire alarm certificates available from NICEIC 45 Certification of electrical installations not exceeding 100A 48 The firefighter’s switch 51 Reducing earth resistance for rod-type electrodes

54 56 60

The application of Regulation 422.2.1 of BS 7671 What constitutes an escape route?

Snags and solutions: now updated to Amendment No 3 of BS 7671 and where appropriate BS 5266 and BS 5839

Overview of the fire alarm certificates available from NICEIC It has long been recognised that one means of reducing the risks associated with fire is to install a suitable fire detection and fire alarm system. To ensure that items of fire safety equipment, including fire detection and fire alarm systems, are of an appropriate standard and that they function correctly, they should be selected, installed, commissioned and maintained in accordance with the recommendations of the appropriate British Standard.

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or fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises the appropriate British Standard is BS 5839-1: 2013 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises, whilst for fire detection and fire alarm systems installed in domestic premises the appropriate standard is BS 5839-6: 2013 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 6: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

The general requirements of BS 7671 apply to the installation of the wiring of the fire detection and fire alarm systems, and the recommendations of BS 5839 may modify or amend these requirements. Indeed, for both domestic and non-domestic premises BS 5839 recommends that the electrical installation forming part of the alarm system should comply with BS 7671.

Certification As part of its comprehensive portfolio of certificates, NICEIC has produced a series of BS 5839 compliant certificates intended to assist 42

electrical contractors involved with the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems. These certificates enable the contractor to demonstrate that they have complied with the recommendations contained in BS 5839 (Part 1 or 6 as appropriate). The following NICEIC certificate are based upon the model certificates contained in BS 5839 (Part 1 or 6 as appropriate): 1. The fire detection and alarm system design certificate 2. The fire detection and alarm system installation certificate 3. The fire detection and alarm system commissioning certificate 4. The fire detection and alarm system acceptance certificate 5. The fire detection and alarm system verification certificate 6. The fire detection and alarm system inspection and servicing report 7. The fire detection and alarm system modification certificate 8. The certificate of design, installation and commissioning of a fire detection and alarm system of Grade B, C, D, E or F in domestic premises.

Parts 1 and 6 of BS 5839 both recommend that the installation practices and workmanship of the electrical installation associated with the fire detection and fire alarm system conform to the requirements of BS 7671 and thus the electrical installation associated with the fire detection and fire alarm system should be certified using an appropriate Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

Depending upon the nature and use of the building, the process from design to acceptance of a new fire detection and fire alarm system in non-domestic premises, as described in BS 5839-1, can include design, installation, commissioning, acceptance and verification. Fig 1 provides a pictorial representation of the NICEIC certificates that can be used to certify compliance with the requirements of BS 5839-1 at each stage of the process.

To indicate the status of the user, NICEIC certificates are colour-coded. Certificates for use

by NICEIC Approved Contractors or Registered

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Fig 1 Documentation involved in the certification of a new fire detection and alarm system in non-domestic premises

Installers for the installation or a modification of a fire detection and fire alarm system have red print and headers. Certificates for use by electrical contractors not enrolled or registered with NICEIC or for use by organisations carrying out activities other than electrical installation work (for example design or verification) have green print and headers.

Both paper and electronic versions of the NICEIC certificate for certifying activities associated with fire detection and fire alarm systems can be purchased from the NICEIC online shop niceicdirect.com.

Details of a range of courses relating to fire alarm and detection systems can be found by following the link to www.niceic.com/contractors/trainingcourses/fire alarm and emergency lighting.

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

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Certification of electrical installations not exceeding 100 A To aid NICEIC approved contractors and conforming bodies that carry out work on a range of smaller installations, NICEIC have recently developed a new certificate entitled Electrical Installation Certificate for small installations not exceeding 100 A, and coded DCN8. This certificate is based on the previous Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for domestic premises used by Approved Contractors (DCN7).

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his article will explain the general changes to this certificate and reasons for the change along with the benefits to the user.

Where an Approved Contractor wishes to use a specific domestic Electrical Installation Certificate, they are still able to access DCP6, the Domestic Electrical Installation Certificate.

Why the amalgamation of NICEIC certificates The new certificate combines the range of NICEIC Electrical Installation Certificates available to approved contractors and conforming bodies for the following existing installation types: • Domestic electrical installations • Transportable units • Modular dwellings • Leisure accommodation vehicles • Highway furniture In the past, contractors who issued certificates for two or more of the above installation types would need to purchase and maintain multiple EIC pads. With the increase in the number of pages necessary to account for the increased recording of inspection items, this is unwieldy, especially where there is so much commonality between the different installations: for example, the earthing and bonding arrangements and supply parameters will be the same across all installation types.

Such work can now be certified using one common certificate. Furthermore, having one certificate which can be used for multiple installations will be beneficial for those contractors who have previously not considered offers of work

outside of their normal range, due to the expense of ordering a pad of certificates for what might be a one-time only occurrence. This new certificate provides that work flexibility.

Changes to the certificate There have been necessary changes to the EIC for smaller installations to 100 A. For a certificate to cover the range of electrical installation it has become necessary to include a section requiring the person carrying out the inspection and testing to record the type of installation (refer Fig 1).

This means that there will be sections within the certificate that do not apply to all installation types.

Where the electrical installation involves a leisure accommodation vehicle it will be necessary to record the vehicle details, including its type and particulars of the hook-up connections along with details regarding the means of earthing and protective bonding requirements (refer Fig 2).

Similarly, for transportable units it will be necessary to record the model and description of the unit along with the maximum external earth fault loop impedance, fault current and maximum demand (refer Fig 2).

Changes to the Schedule of Items Inspected When considering the necessary updating of the smaller certificates produced by NICEIC to align with Amendment 3 of BS 7671, it was recognised that the changes generated by the introduction of this amendment was going to create multiple smaller certificates each having to have increased numbers of pages attached to reflect the increased number of items to be inspected. This new certificate minimises the impact of such changes to one comprehensive certificate.

Whilst the new EIC contains the Inspection Schedule previously found in the EIC for domestic premises, it also contains two additional boxes to account for the specific issues found with Leisure Accommodation Vehicles and Highway Street Furniture (refer Fig 3).

Specific requirements for these particular installations are contained in the relevant sections of Part 7 of BS 7671. These requirements are intended to supplement or modify the general requirements contained in Parts 1 to 6, and as shown are listed separately.

The reason for their inclusion is to aid the inspector when these particular installations are being inspected and tested. Consider for example the following two cases: • With a leisure accommodation vehicle or transportable unit there will be an element of Connections Winter 2015-2016

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Fully charged copy Fig 1-3 Changes to the Certificate Fig 1 Fig 2

Fig 3

vibration that is not the same as for domestic premises, modular building or highway furniture; cables run in such areas where there is a danger from chafing due to the effects of vibration, will require special consideration and detailed inspection. â&#x20AC;˘ With highway street furniture there is more exposure to the weather so the inspector needs to check there are no detrimental effects on the electrical installation caused by such elements.

Consider item 6 in Fig 3 where the inspector must assess the accessory/equipment(s) suitability for the environment and external influences. Any electrical equipment installed shall have a degree of protection of at least IP33 (Regulation 714.512.2.105 refers). This means that there must be protection from entry by tools, wires, etc., with a diameter of thickness greater than 1.0 mm and have protection from sprayed water.

Do all check boxes now need completing?

The default position when completing any 46

form is that boxes shall not be left blank. This is for a very good reason. If a check box is indeed left blank there is no guarantee of compliance.

Questions that might arise include, did the inspector forget to look at it, did it apply or was there an element of uncertainty of what the box was actually asking, or was it deliberately ignored? By completing all elements of the certificate, the inspector can conclude with some certainty that the installation is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory for use, and the client can see what remedial work is required.

Guidance notes To reflect the changes made to the new EIC (DCN8), the accompanying notes have increased in content. This has been both unavoidable and necessary as NICEIC continue to offer as much guidance as possible to the contractor and conforming bodies on how the certificates should be completed, and to the recipient on what pages should accompany the certificate upon the completion of electrical work undertaken.

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged The firefighter’s switch A firefighter’s switch is an essential safety device that is provided to ensure that parts of an electrical installation designed to operate at a voltage higher than low voltage, such as a supply to a petrol station, can be readily isolated in an emergency.

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his article highlights the need to check the condition and confirm the operation of each firefighter’s switch during periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation.

In accordance with Regulation 537.6.1 of BS 7671, a firefighter’s switch should be installed in the low voltage side of a circuit that supplies: • exterior 1 electrical installations operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage, and • interior discharge lighting installations operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage.

Consequently, where a periodic inspection and test is carried out on an installation that contains a firefighter’s switch, NICEIC will assume that the condition and operation of the switch has been assessed against the requirements of BS 7671 unless a valid reason for omitting it from the periodic inspection and test has been agreed with the client and recorded clearly on the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

As a minimum, the condition of each firefighter’s switch should be checked, and a functional test performed to confirm satisfactory operation of the device.

In some cases, the inspection and testing

Fig 2 Firefighter’s switch

1 Regulation 537.6.1 does not deem a temporary electrical installation forming part of an exhibition in a fixed building to be an exterior electrical installation.

Fig 1 Firefighter’s switch installed to provide a means of switching off the high voltage sign in an emergency

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may be limited by the extent of the work agreed with the client. This may be the case where the firefighter’s switch is maintained by a third party, for example, the emergency switch may be maintained by the contractor who maintains the high voltage part of the installation, such as the high voltage neon signs.

However, where this is the case the inspector should ensure that such information is recorded on the EICR, especially as neglecting to do so may leave the installer open to future claims of liability.

Requirements of BS 7671 Requirements for the provision of a firefighter’s switch are contained under Regulation group 537.6 and summarised as follows: • Provision of firefighter’s switches The firefighter’s switch should be connected in the low voltage circuit supplying exterior electrical installations, including the installation of a covered market or shopping mall, or internal discharge lighting installations (including luminous tube signage) operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage.

A firefighter’s switch is not required for discharge lighting where the high voltage is only present during the starting period of the discharge lamp. In addition, a portable discharge lighting luminaire or a sign having a rating not exceeding 100 W, which is supplied from a socket-outlet are excluded from the requirements of Regulation 537.6.1 Preference should be given to providing a single firefighter’s switch to control every low voltage exterior electrical installation operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage within a single premises, and a single firefighter’s switch to control every internal discharge lighting installation operating at a voltage exceeding low voltage within a single premises (Regulation 537.6.2. refers).

Furthermore, where both interior and exterior discharge lighting installations exist within a single premises they should be controlled separately.

• The location and position of a firefighter’s switch Regulation 537.6.3 gives specific requirements for the siting of firefighter’s switches and associated advisory notices, which may be summarised as follows: • for an exterior installation, the switch should be mounted outside the building and its function, either on account of its position or by the posting of appropriate notices at both the installation and switch, should be clear • for an interior installation, the switch should be in the main entrance to the building, unless an

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Fig 3 Height of firefighter’s switch

alternative position is agreed with the local fire authority The switch should be placed in a conspicuous position, reasonably accessible to firefighters, and mounted at a height not more than 2.75 m above the ground or other surface immediately below the switch, unless an alternative position is agreed with the local fire authority. Where more than one switch is installed on any one building, each switch should be clearly marked to aid identification of the installation, or the part of the installation, it controls.

Regulation 537.6.4 contains specific requirements for the firefighter’s switch as follows: • the switch should be coloured red and have fixed on or near it a permanent durable notice saying ‘FIREFIGHTER’S SWITCH’ in not less than 36 point lettering on a plate of minimum size 150 mm by 100 mm, and • the ON and OFF positions should be indicated by lettering that is legible to a person standing on the ground at the intended site of the switch. The OFF position shall be at the top, and • it should be provided with a device to prevent the switch being inadvertently returned to the ON position, and • it should be arranged to facilitate operation by a firefighter (typically using a pole).

Summary A firefighter’s switch forms part of the low voltage electrical installation, so the requirements of Regulation group 537.6 should be confirmed during periodic inspection and testing and any departures recorded on the Electrical Installation Condition Report.

The NICEIC and ELECSA publishing team Sue Heybourne, technical illustrator Sue joined NICEIC in 2000 and previously worked for The Electrical Safety Council before moving to Certsure in 2013. She is responsible for producing and archiving all the illustrations for publications, articles and presentations, pocket guides and books. She also helps design all certificates.

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

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

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PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER

– SIMPLE CONVENIENCE OR REAL NECESSITY? Some people may think that with smaller businesses come smaller risks. But even a small incident can result in a big pay-out and self-employed tradesmen are not exempt from this.

When an accident happens one of the first things that come to mind is insurance. No matter how mundane the topic may be, insurance is a prudent must-have, without which, you as a tradesman, should not even consider taking up work.

Once you get it, insurance could save you a lot of money, time, hassle and worry. The only thing you need to do is simply get insured prior to starting your business or renew it before your current policy runs out.

If you are a Sole Trader, the livelihood of you and your family depends on your ability to work, so you may wish to consider adding Personal Accident cover¹ to your insurance. It would protect your earnings in the event of an accident occurring at work, resulting in bodily injury or death.

How to get Personal Accident cover?

NICEIC and ELECSA Insurance Services is a preferred insurance provider for NICEIC and ELECSA members. All you need to do to add Personal Accident cover to your insurance is call our team on 0845 601 2376, and have a quick, non-committal chat about your options. We understand the subtle differences in requirements between the trades and can help you tailor our policies according to your unique needs and budget.

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Choosing the right level of cover We offer two levels of Personal Accident cover you can choose from: • A lump sum of £25,000 in case of death or permanent total disablement, or benefits of up to £250 a week, paid on monthly basis, in case of temporary total disablement – cover from £93.05² per year.

• A lump sum of £50,000 in case of death or permanent total disablement, or benefits of up to £500 a week, paid on a monthly basis, in case of temporary total disablement – cover from £155.08² per year.

In the case of your death, the benefit would be paid to a nominated person (usually your next of kin)³ as a lump sum.

If you suffer serious injuries resulting in permanent disability, such as loss of limb, the lump sum can be paid directly to you.

If you suffer a bodily injury, causing a temporary inability to do your usual work, the benefit would be paid to you in monthly instalments. Depending upon the length of recovery, this can be payable for up to a maximum of 104 weeks, but excluding the first 2 weeks of incapacity.

The cover also includes hospitalisation benefit of £30 for each full day you would be hospitalised as a result of your bodily injury.

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¹ You will need to be an NICEIC or ELECSA member and provide your enrolment number to purchase a policy with the Personal Accident cover. Cover subject to underwriter acceptance. ² All premiums include Insurance Premium Tax at 9.5% and are based on Personal Accident cover being an addition to Public Liability cover sold by NICEIC / ELECSA Insurance Services. ³ Providing the cover is purchased by an individual, not a limited company.

Exclusions: Personal Accident cover does not apply to Electricians under 16 or over 70 years of age or claims arising from intoxication or use of drugs, or whilst engaging in excluded hazardous activities or for any pre-existing physical defect or infirmity. Excludes Northern Ireland. Other exclusions, terms and conditions apply. A full copy of the Policy Wording is available on request.

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

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged Reducing earth resistance for rod-type electrodes A rod-type earth electrode is commonly used to provide a reliable electrical connection to the general mass of earth for a TT system, as required by Regulation 542.1.2.3 of BS 7671, or for a particular item of equipment such as a generator.

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he reliability of such a connection to the general mass of Earth can vary significantly from one location to the next, due to the resistivity of the soil at the particular location of installation. Because of this, clause 9.2.1 of BS 7430: 2011 recommends avoiding, wherever possible, areas of land made up of dry sand, gravel and chalk for the location of an earth electrode.

Even where this is the case, the magnitude of the measured value of earth resistance may not be sufficiently low enough to confirm that the connection will function reliably. For example, regardless of the type of earth fault protection installed, a value greater than 200 1 may not be reliable (Note 2 of Table 41.5 of BS 7671: 2008 Amd 3 and Note 3 of clause 7.2.9 of BS 7430: 2011 Amd 2015 refer).

Therefore in this article, the following three general options that may be employed to achieve the desired reduction are reviewed: • Extending the length of the rod-type earth electrode • Installing additional rods • Treating the soil Extending the length of the rod earth electrode The resistance to Earth for most shapes of electrodes generally decreases with buried depth, but changes little with diameter, so an extensible rod type electrode which allows sections to be added to extend the rod deeper into the soil can provide a significant decrease in earth resistance (R).

The effect of increasing the length of rod is illustrated using the following formula (clause 9.5.3 of BS 7430: 2011 refers).

where, is the length of the electrode in metres (m) fully driven in the soil is the diameter of the electrode in metres (m) is the resistivity of the soil (assumed uniform) in ohm metres ( ) ln is the natural logarithm (log to the base ‘e’)

Fig 1 Using a rod-type electrode to connect to the general mass of Earth

For example, using the formula the earth resistance (R) of a rod-type earth electrode having a length of 2 m and a diameter of 15 mm, installed in soil of resistivity( ), 100 m, is calculated as follows:

Repeating the calculation with the length of rod increased to 4 m gives R = 26.53 , and for a rod length of 8 m it gives R = 14.64 .

Whilst these calculated results show the reductions that might be achieved by extending the rod length, for the purposes of the calculation it is assumed that the resistivity of the soil is uniform throughout the length of the electrode, which is unlikely in practice. For most practical situations such calculated values have an accuracy within 10 - 15% (clause 9.5.1 of BS 7430: 2011 refers).

Although a rod-type electrode has a much lower earth resistance than a plate of equal Connections Winter 2015-2016

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Fully charged Fig 2 Separation distance

area, the depth of the electrode should be of sufficient depth so as not to be affected by seasonal variations in the soil resistivity (Regulation 542.2.4 of BS 7671 refers). The temperature of the soil drying out or freezing can rapidly increase the resistance of the upper part of the rod, causing a significant increase in earth resistance. For these reasons, clause 9.3 of BS 7430: 2011, recommends that any part of an earth electrode system within 0.5 metres of the soil surface should be considered to be ineffective under frost conditions.

In some locations, due to the composition of the subsoil, extending the earth electrode beyond a certain depth may not only be time consuming but also require specialist equipment and in some cases may achieve very little reduction in earth resistance, especially where the deeper soil layers are formed of materials having higher values of resistivity. For such reasons, clause 9.4 of BS 7430: 2011 recommends undertaking an on-site soil resistivity testing survey to determine whether it will be beneficial to extend the length of the rod-type electrode or whether, subject to the space available, the installation of additional rods, connected in parallel is more appropriate.

Installing additional rods

are connected in parallel, and the separation distance is equal and outside the resistance area of each rod (generally this is achieved by ensuring the separation distance is not less than the driven depth of the rod), then the combined resistance of all the rods can be considered to be connected in parallel and will have a resistance approximately proportional to the reciprocal of the number of rods employed (clause 9.5.3 of BS 7430: 2011 refers). For example, if one rod electrode has a measured earth resistance of 300 Ί, then 3 such rods connected in parallel will reduce the total earth resistance value to approximately : 300/3 = 100 Ί.

It should be noted that other methods, including formulae, the application of numerical methods or software packages, may be used to provide results of greater accuracy (clause 9.5.4 of BS 7430: 2011 refers). Furthermore, rod-type electrodes may be installed in a range of configurations, including triangular or square formations, and details for calculating the total resistance for these respective arrangements are contained in clause 9.5.8 of BS 7430: 2011.

In accordance with Regulation 542.2.3, underground structural metalwork may be used as an earth electrode, and where this is intended clause 9.5.8.6 of BS 7430: 2011 contains further details.

Treating the soil Another method of lowering the earth resistance is to treat the soil surrounding the earth electrode with a material of low specific resistivity, such as Bentonite.

Although soil treatments can produce earth resistance reductions of up to 20 %, usually it should only be used for temporary installations, as the additives migrate and leach away over time, requiring their constant monitoring and replacement (clause 9.2.2 of BS 7430: 2011 as amended refers). Harmful environmental effects may also result, and care must be taken to ensure that the chemicals used do not have an adverse effect upon the electrode material.

In particular, coke breeze should not be used due to its corrosive nature.

Although for some temporary electrical installations in areas having high soil resistivity the application of soil treatment may prove to be the most economical solution, in many cases, especially in areas where the land is predominately rocky or chalky, it may prove more beneficial to install an alternative electrode, such as plates or tapes.

Where a number of rod-type earth electrodes 52

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged The application of Regulation 422.2.1 of BS 7671 In response to the number of enquires received by NICEIC and ELECSA Technical Helplines, this article seeks to clarify the application of Regulation 422.2.1 (Conditions for evacuation in an emergency) of BS 7671 and the associated Regulation 521.11.201 (Wiring systems in escape routes).

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o assist contractors in determining which locations in a building the requirements of Regulation 521.11.201 can apply to, the article ‘What constitutes an escape route’, contained in this issue of Connections provides guidance.

Regulation 521.11.201 was introduced into Amendment 3 of BS 7671: 2008 to ensure wiring systems in escape routes are so supported that they will not be liable to premature collapse when subjected to the effects from fire. This requirement is to minimise the risk of wiring systems hindering building users evacuating the building and firefighters entering the building to carry out their duties, such as search and rescue, and it applies to all buildings, including buildings used for domestic purposes.

Regulation 521.11.201 also refers to the requirements of Regulation 422.2.1 to be applied, ‘irrespective of the classification of the conditions for evacuation’, and that requirement has been the catalyst for the number of enquires received by NICEIC and ELECSA; contractors have been enquiring whether the enhanced wiring system requirements detailed in Regulation 422.2.1 apply to buildings used for individual dwellings? 1 To answer such a question an overview of Regulation 422.2.1 follows.

Domestic premises

Overview of Regulation 422.2.1 Escape routes are intended to give building users a low risk means of evacuation during an emergency, such as an outbreak of fire, and the intention of Regulation 422.2.1 is to maintain this low risk by requiring wiring systems not to be installed in escape routes unless they are enhanced wiring systems.

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The time to complete evacuation of a building following an outbreak of fire is an important factor to determine the application of Regulation Group 422. Time to complete evacuation will typically have a correlation with one or more of the following: • number of storeys, • floor dimensions and shape, • number of individual rooms/areas.

• number and characteristics of building users.

Regulation 422.2.1 therefore applies to buildings characterised by prolonged escape routes and/or a large number of building users, and such buildings posing an increased risk to persons at times of evacuation are given condition codes BD2, BD3 and BD4 (see Appendix 5 in BS 7671). BS 7671 gives no guidance on what constitutes an easy or difficult exit or high and low density occupation.

Such judgements would be for the designer to consider.

1 For the purpose of this article a dwelling is an individual house, bungalow or maisonette.

It is highly unlikely that the enhanced wiring system requirements of Regulation 422.2.1 would be applicable to buildings used as individual dwellings. Dwellings (typically classed as BD1), especially those having two or less storeys, normally do not have prolonged evacuation times, due to ease of exit (the occupants are normally familiar with the points for egress) and low occupancy dwellings, therefore, impose a low risk on persons evacuating.

Some dwellings may have a prolonged evacuation time, such as a dwelling with a floor more than 4.5 m above ground level. To meet building regulations such dwellings are required to have additional provisions to provide a safe means of escape. The options suggested by Approved Document B (ADB) for England and Wales are: • a protected stairway either extending to a final escape route or giving access to at least two escape routes at ground level each giving access to final exits, • top storey separated from lower storeys by fireresisting construction and be provided with an alternative escape route It is to such ‘protected’ areas that the requirements of Regulation 422.2.1 apply. In such locations, wiring systems are not to be within arm’s reach unless they are protected against mechanical damage and are to be as short as possible. Furthermore, wiring systems are to be non-flame propagating, limiting options in the type and range of cables and systems to be used.

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Fig 1 Regulation 422.2.1 normally does not apply to individual dwellings

(a)

The requirements of Regulation 422.2.1 may, therefore, be applicable to escape routes of buildings containing individual units of domestic accommodation, for example, a block of flats, but not to typical single-user dwellings having a maximum of two storeys. High-rise blocks of flats can be classified as BD2 where it is identified that the number of storeys and/or number of flats on each storey have an increased risk due to a prolonged evacuation time.

It is worth noting that, regardless of the enhanced wiring system requirements of Regulation 422.2.1, Clause 16 (Wiring) of BS 5839-6 the British Standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems in individual dwellings requires fire systems to Grade A and Grade B to incorporate fireresisting cables. This requirement supplements the requirements of BS 7671.

Summary For the reasons given within this article, it is the view of NICEIC and ELECSA that the link to Regulation 422.2.1 given in Regulation 521.11.201 is there to remind the designer that the requirements of Regulation 422.2.1 apply to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;protected escape routesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rather than general escape routes.

The requirement for robust supports to wiring systems given in Regulation 521.11.201 is applicable to wiring systems in all types of escape routes in buildings irrespective of the conditions coded in Regulation 422.2.1, rather than wiring systems in individual dwellings having to be enhanced to meet the requirements of Regulation 422.2.1.

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged What constitutes an escape route? copy

This article expands on the overview of escape routes given in Connections 193 (Supports for cables in escape routes) and will identify factors commonly needing to be taken into account where persons, such as electrical contractors working in and about buildings, especially domestic dwellings1 are attempting to determine if a route or area in a building is used for a means of escape (or not). Buildings other than domestic dwellings are also briefly mentioned.

W

hilst houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are, by definition, a domestic dwelling, a fire risk assessment will have had to be undertaken under the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for England and Wales, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. As part of that risk assessment the responsible person will have to determine escape routes and, therefore, such consideration falls outside the discussion in this article.

There are a number of definitions used to define an escape route in a building (see later), and additionally there are related terms used in the construction industry, such as ‘designated route’ and ‘protected route’; hence there can be misunderstanding when determining what is an escape route. However, what is clear, regardless of whether the route is a designated route (with or without fire protection), without a building containing a route to escape, persons cannot evacuate a building in an emergency.

Clearly, determining the escape route(s) in a building is not only important to avoid hindering the route2 and consequently causing panic and/or delaying evacuation, but also in deciding whether (or not) to apply the applicable requirements given in, BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations, such as Regulation 521.11.201 (Wiring systems in escape routes).

Preferably wiring systems having the potential to hinder an escape route in the event of fire, such as non-metallic trunking containing unsupported cables should not be mounted in

56

1 For the purpose of this article a ‘domestic dwelling’ is an individual house, bungalow and maisonette occupied by a single person or persons living together as a family.

2 Escape routes must not be impaired; they must provide a safe unobstructed route to a final exit.

a route intended to provide a means of escape.

Where this cannot be avoided the requirements of Regulation 521.11.201 must be met.

The application of Regulation 422.2.1 is discussed in another article within this issue of Connections (see page 54).

Means of escape It takes time from the ignition of a fire to be detected and for an alarm to be sounded. After the alarm is sounded there will always be a ‘pre-movement’ time where the alarm signal is recognised and responded to. Only after this time has elapsed will people begin to move to a place of relative safety; this ‘travel time’ will include queuing.

To protect the life of building users all buildings must, therefore, have an intended means of escape; a route that is suitably located to enable persons to travel from any point in the building to a place of safety in the event of emergency, such as fire. Where such a route is internal and provides a degree of complexity or unfamiliarity normally a ‘designated route’ is established and identified by the siting of escape route direction signs and emergency exit signs in and around the building.

Where it is identified that the time taken to evacuate may place persons escaping at high risk from the effects of fire, such as flame, smoke and fumes, a ‘protected route’ is generally constructed by enclosing the route in fire-resisting material meeting specific requirements.

Examples of where protected routes may be constructed in buildings are buildings having: • more than two storeys (such as a high-rise building containing individual flats), and/or • a degree of complexity (such as a building with a large amount of corridors, rooms/offices), and/or • a large amount of building users (such as a building open to the public), and/or • where the characteristics of the building users pose a high degree of risk in the event of evacuation (such as a home for the elderly).

A protected route can also provide a safe route for those entering the building to save life, such as firefighters carrying out search and rescue.

Definitions of escape routes There are a number of definitions given for an escape route in British Standards (see Table 1); meaning determining an escape route may not be obvious, and an interesting point to note is that BS 5839 the British Standard for fire alarm systems does not included a definition for an escape route.

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Table 1 Escape route definitions from a number of British Standards (Titles omitted for clarity) British Standard

Escape route definition

BS 7671: 2008

Path to follow for access to a safe area in the event of an emergency

BS 5266-1: 2011

Route designated for escape to a place of safety in the event of an emergency

BS EN 1838: 2013

Route used to evacuate in case of an emergency, starting where the evacuation starts and ending at a place of safety

BS EN 50172: 2004

A route designated for escape to a place of safety in the event of an emergency

BS 9999: 2008

Route forming part of the means of escape from any point in a building to a final exit

Fig 1 Means of escape from a two-storey dwelling (Reproduced from Approved Document B)

This article will, however, reflect the common guidance issued by the governments in the United Kingdom (UK)3 jurisdictions for domestic dwellings to meet the respective Building Regulations.

For example, the definition for an escape route given in Approved Document B – Volume 1 (England and Wales) is: Route forming part of the means of escape from any point in a building to a final exit. It is interesting to note that there is no mention of the words ‘designated’ or ‘protected’ in that definition. Also, that document includes diagrams (reproduced in Figs 1 and 2) with the words ‘Escape via entrance hall’ indicating that although the entrance hall of a dwelling is not a designated route, it is recognised as an intended escape route.

Domestic dwellings having one or two storeys Domestic dwellings, regardless of dimensions or shape, normally do not have a designated escape route identified by signage, and dwellings having one or two storeys are typically constructed without having a designated route or protected route; historically it is acknowledged that such buildings are not complex and the occupants’ familiarity with the building provide for a low risk easy exit in the event of evacuation.

For such buildings, evacuation in an emergency to the outside, in most (but not all) circumstances, is provided by doors on the ground storey and openable windows meeting specified requirements on either storey (see Fig 1). It should be recognised that access to these doors or windows is likely to involve persons travelling along the hall, stairway or landing; meaning these circulation spaces, although not part of a designated escape route, are recognised as providing an intended escape route, and any wiring systems in these spaces should meet the requirements of Regulation 521.11.201.

Contractors should note that some two-storey dwellings may contain a protected escape route.

This can be the case where an existing dwelling, having only one stairway and constructed to earlier versions of the building regulations or statutory acts, contains windows on the second storey having openable areas or structural openings that do not meet the latest edition of the building regulations for the means of escape; meaning that where certain building work is carried out (which must therefore meet current building regulations), these windows cannot satisfy the requirements for a means of escape and a protected escape route is constructed as an alternative (see Fig 1).

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Ask the experts/Technical

Fully charged at least two escape routes on the ground storey; the top storey separated from the lower storeys by fire-resisting construction, and providing two protected stairways.

Fig 2 Means of escape from four-storey dwelling (Reproduced from Approved Document B)

Summary Contractors should now be aware that all buildings will, regardless of complexity or usage, have an identified route for a means of escape to a place of safety in an emergency, and any wiring systems installed in routes intended to provide escape should not have the potential to hinder the route in the event of fire.

In a domestic dwelling it should be recognised that access to doors on the ground floor or windows is likely to involve persons travelling along the hall, stairway or landing; meaning these circulation spaces, although not part of a designated escape route, are recognised as providing an intended escape route, and any wiring systems in these spaces should meet the requirements of Regulation 521.11.201.

Buildings having a degree of complexity or unfamiliarity will generally have a ‘designated’ escape route and where a route places escaping persons at high risk that route is likely to be a ‘protected route’.

A designated route may be easily identifiable by signage, and a protected route will be enclosed in fire-resisting material. However, a route intended for escape may not be signed or protected such as a route in a dwelling having two storeys.

Domestic dwellings having three or more storeys Regardless of occupants familiarity with the building, providing safe escape in an emergency from any storey above the second storey of a dwelling (or any building) naturally becomes more complex with every additional storey. It should be self-evident that for storeys above the second storey, openable windows cannot be a provision for escape and the stairway may become impassable before evacuation is complete. Contractors should therefore note that dwellings having three or more storeys generally have protective escape route(s) provisions (see Fig 2), and these provisions should not be impaired by wiring systems.

There are a number of provisions that are employed; these include: a protected stairway which extends to a final exit or gives access to 58

3 For specific guidance from the governments of the UK see Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Volume 1 – Dwellinghouses (England and Wales), Technical Handbook domestic – Fire (Scotland) and Technical Booklet E (Fire Safety) (Northern Ireland).

4 Building work – there are a number of descriptions of building work (such as an ‘extension of a building’) given in the building regulations. For the complete list, see the building regulations for the relevant UK jurisdiction.

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Ask the experts/Technical

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

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

Parts 4 and 5, which have recently been introduced, cover 50 problems relating 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 5 – Domestic fire detection and fire alarm systems, relating to types of fire alarm warning device. snags and solutions

snags and solutions

snags and solutions

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 1

earthing and bonding 5th Edition

Amd 3: 2015

Types of fire alarm warning device Fire alarm warning devices appropriate to the occupants’ circumstances should be provided to give occupants the earliest warning of fire, to aid safe evacuation of a building

Snag 36 Not taking account of the occupants’ circumstances may result in undue risk to them on the giving of a fire alarm warning signal

Solution Not all occupants in and about a building react in a similar manner on the giving of a fire alarm warning signal. Indeed, depending on the type of fire alarm warning signal, some occupants may not react at all. The designer (who may also be the installer) should therefore evaluate the occupants’ circumstances and select appropriate type(s) of fire alarm warning device to provide an adequate fire alarm warning signal, to alert occupants. snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

snags and solutions A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO EVERYDAY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Part 2

wiring systems

Part 4

3rd Edition

4th Edition

Emergency Lighting

BS 5266-1:

Amd 3: 2015 Amd 3: 2015

Part 5

to BS 5266 series 2nd Edition

Amd 3: 2015

2011

2nd Edition Amd 3: 2015

60

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There are three main types of fire alarm warning device used in fire alarm systems: visual (such as a flashing light), audible (siren, bell or speech) and tactile (such as vibrating pads). The most common type of device used is audible. However, audible devices may not provide an adequate signal to alert particular occupants in a building, regardless of the sound level produced by the device(s).

Examples of where the sounding of a fire alarm warning device may not alert particular occupants include where the occupants: • wear hearing protection due to excessive background noise, or • are deaf or severely hard of hearing, or • are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or • wear headphones.

Although an audible fire alarm signal may not alert certain occupants, such a signal can still be satisfactory within the building if other occupants present can alert those unable to hear the fire alarm warning signal.

Where other occupants are relied on for fire warning, a procedure for this should be established.

Where the designer evaluates that certain occupants may not be alerted by an audible signal, other types of fire alarm warning devices should be recommended.

For example, visual devices and/or tactile devices may be suitable where occupants use hearing protection or are deaf or seriously hard of hearing (clause 14 of BS 5839-6 refers).

Visual devices may provide the most appropriate solution where it may be undesirable to install audible devices, such as where sound media are being recorded or broadcast, due to the potential of an audible fire alarm warning signal being given during recording or broadcasting (clause 17 of BS 5839-1 refers) .

Standard applied BS 5839-1 BS 5839-6 Recommendations/Regulations referred to Clause 17 Clause 14

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

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

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.

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 Winter 2015-2016

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Product Focus Danlers The project: lighting refurbishment at Servomex Office, Crowborough, East Sussex.

The brief: to install a lighting control system for switching and dimming LED lighting panels.

The solution: Danlers’ ‘ControlZAPP’, the programmable lighting control.

Richard Allison, project director for AMG Electrical Services, explained “I was contacted by office refurbishment specialist Saracen Interiors Ltd and asked to install a lighting control system that would be suitable for switching and dimming a recently installed LED lighting system. After some research, we found Danlers’ ‘ControIZAPP’ ticked all the boxes. This programmable device with Bluetooth ‘Smart’ communication was straightforward to install and enabled Servomex to have full control over the entire LED lighting system. Lights are now no longer needlessly left on when the office is unoccupied and individual work areas can be programmed to dim and switch up automatically delivering light at a pre-set control.”

01249 443377 sales@danlers.co.uk www.danlers.co.uk

Schneider

Snickers Workwear

While traditionally consumer units have been unsightly square boxes that were kept out of sight, hidden under stairs or in cabinets, the Easy9+and Resi9+ circuit protection ranges do not compromise on design. With a sleek curved profile, crisp white finish and minimalistic markings, the consumer units blend seamlessly with modern home aesthetics. The customisable front offers additional flexibility allowing homeowners or electricians to enhance the look of the unit with anything from a family photograph to an advert for your business.

Snickers’ new 100% wool sweater is the ideal combination with Snickers undergarments to provide a truly warm and cosy wrapper when you’re out on site in the chilly winter months. The special wool weave is really soft, but also highly moistureabsorbant and breathable. It provides pure natural wool comfort to keep you warm in really cold conditions. With a zip-up neck line collar and polyamide-reinforced elbows and lower arms for enhanced durability, this really is a top quality, highly practical garment for keeping warm and looking smart at work.

www.schneider-electric.com/uk

01484 854788 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

ESP

Scolmore

Launched as a ‘must-have’ product for installers of CCTV, ESP’s TMpro test monitor is now compatible with AHD CCTV cameras. The new TMProHD allows a single installer to accurately set up any CCTV camera, including those with on-screen menus, with ease.

The TMproHD connects to the camera during installation to display an impressive image on its relatively large 3.5” TFT full colour LCD screen, while powering the camera directly from its integral 12vDC 400ma output. It provides a four hour constant working time from its rechargeable lithium cell and can be wrist mounted or hand held.

Continually striving to bring the best performing products to market, Scolmore has extended its range of integrated, fire-rated LED downlights with the launch of an adjustable version of its popular Inceptor Max model. With a 15° tilt angle capability, the new Inceptor Max Adjustable meets the growing demand in the market for ever more sophisticated lighting solutions. It is available as a dimmable option, which offers a lumen output of 550Lm, an increased efficacy of 65 lm/watt and an input wattage of 8.5W.

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

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

Hultafors

Wylex

The Hultafors Group’s close connection with tradesmen and women is becoming even more tangible through the launch of a new online community – MyCrowdCraft – in which Hultafors is continuing its mission to make sure craftsmen get the most and best out of their workday. The MyCrowdCraft online tool is designed to make it easy for craftsmen and women to post their thoughts and ideas about anything that goes on during their workday. It’s a wholly interactive forum where news and views can be discussed and exchanged.

Wylex has introduced its NMFS range of easy-fit, self-adhesive intumescent strips to enhance fire safety in consumer units. When the intumescent strip is exposed to sufficient heat, a fire resistant ‘char’ is created. This expands and flows around the heat source filling the surrounding space and smothering fire by reducing the oxygen supply. Once expanded, this highly insulating char also restricts the heat of any fire from reaching the surface of the enclosure, thus preventing fire propagation that may otherwise ignite surrounding materials.

www.hultafors.co.uk 01484 854788

01543 455000 www.electrium.co.uk

Connections Winter 2015-2016

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

Hultafors New from the Hultafors Group – Solid Gear and Toe Guard – the new safety shoes brands for the UK. With a premium product portfolio that already includes tools and workwear in the form of the Hultafors and Snickers brands, the Hultafors Group is now launching a top quality range of safety shoes for the UK market. Now owned by the Hultafors Group, the Solid Gear and Toe Guard brands are the fastest growing in Scandinavia, where demands for safety, quality and value keep their shoes and boots one step ahead of the competition.

Scan QR code with your smart phone to visit our site

Green Brook Electrical GreenBrook’s new fused connection unit with a countdown timer is ideal for use with all heating, hot water and lighting systems, including LED. With a flexible boost time ranging from 15 minutes to 23 hours, it is suitable for typical domestic use, but also offers an additional advantage for landlords and facilities managers looking to control their electricity consumption. Chosen timings can be password protected.

www.hultafors.co.uk 01484 854788

01279 772765 www.greenbrook.co.uk

Snickers Workwear

Scolmore

Snickers’ new full colour ‘Next Generation Workwear’ product and price catalogue is now available FREE to those professional tradesmen and women who want the very best in working clothes. It has full details of the new ‘Next Generation’ range of working clothes. There’s also loads of other information on all the other garments and accessories you can get for working effectively in the coming autumn and winter months wherever you are on site – and whatever trade you’re in.

Scolmore Group’s wiring accessories collection includes a range of durable, easy-to-install weatherproof boxes offering a high level of protection against ingress of water jets and dust. The Aquip66 range comprises one and two-gang double pole switched socket enclosures, plus one and two-gang, two-way switch plates, which all come as completely sealed units in a choice of furnished and unfurnished options. The IP66-rated weatherproof socket and switch enclosures provide a single fix installation – the whole of the back box fixing to the wall to accommodate the socket or modules.

01484 854788 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 01827 63454 sales@scolmore.com www.scolmore.com

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ESP

GH Lucas

Old, corroded and out of order security lights are widespread. Yet a fully functioning, replacement solution can be installed in no more than 15 minutes and without the need for extra cabling. ESP’s range of GuardCam external area protection systems provide a quick and easy solution for the protection of external areas. GuardCam LED is a complete, all-in-one, energy-efficient PIR LED floodlight, camera, speaker and DVR system. It is straightforward to install – you simply connect to the mains power, fix to the wall, set the time and date and it’s ready to go.

GH Lucas is delighted to launch new Mini Gel Covers that compliment the existing Mammut Gel Cover and Mammut Gel Cover 6 from Raytech that enables IP68 protection against water, dust and insects to fit inside enclosures. Perfect protection is achieved by displacing the pre-filled gel and snapping the cover shut – no tools are required and submersion is possible.

The ‘Isaac’ is suitable for two or three pole connectors and the ‘Pascal’ for five pole connectors. Being universal they are compatible with all makes and are far more cost effective than traditional pouring gels.

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

www.ghlucas.co.uk

Fluke

Snickers Workwear

Fluke has introduced the Fluke® 1587 FC Insulation Multimeter, a high performance wireless digital insulation tester plus full-featured true-rms digital multimeter (DMM) combined into one versatile handheld tool. The wireless Fluke 1587 FC provides enhanced versatility for both troubleshooting and preventive maintenance applications. It adds four powerful new diagnostic capabilities when used with the Fluke Connect smartphone app: the PI/DAR (polarity index/dielectric absorption ratio); memory storage; temperature compensation; and historical tracking and trending of assets.

Ward off the worst of wet, winter weather with Snickers’ A.P.S. ‘Foul Weather’ jacket. Developed and proven in the worst that arctic weather can deliver, Snickers’ ‘Foul Weather’ winter jacket provides the best in protection from snow, wind and rain.

It’s the ultimate, no compromise jacket with hi-tech waterproof protection and Snickers’ guaranteed Advanced Protection System functionality that will keep you, dry and working well when the weather’s at its worst. Its design combines dry and ventilated comfort with freedom of movement and built-in functionality.

www.fluke.co.uk 0207 942 0700

01484 854788 www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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KEEPING US BOOSTED

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Current affairs

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

Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

In sickness and in health All that working outside or in draughty and unheated units during the winter months is bound to have an impact on health, so it should be no surprise that those in the utilities industry – including electricians – are more prone to getting ill than their peers holed up in a warm office.

Research by insurance firm There found people working in the utilities sector take 45 sick days in their working lives, versus a national average of 35.

The most common reasons are stomach bugs or the flu, but electricians are also more likely to miss work due to stress or overwork than those in other jobs.

Despite this, 60 per cent of utilities workers say they feel guilty when calling in sick, ahead of the national average of 53 per cent.

66

This quarter’s selections of hidden horrors features (1-3): a consumer unit front cut out to fit in an awkward spot; a spot of RCD linkage; and dubious Henley block wiring in a domestic flat.

It continues with (4-6): a piece of pipe which had been meticulously machined as an alternative to a fuse; a tangled mess in a restaurant consumer unit; and a consumer unit with no main earth and a rather dodgy entry route.

2

1 4

3

5

6

Thanks to: Dave Wint of DJ Wint in Cornwall /// David Simpson of Glevum Heating in Gloucester /// Keith Slatter of Worksop-based A1 Housing /// Ron Walters of Ron Walters Electrical in West Hanney /// Richard Sanders of RS Electrical UK in London /// and Eddie Lydden of Phase 3 Electrical Installation in Blackpool.

Keep those shots coming in!

The quest continues…

Guest appearance

In our Autumn issue we featured an enrolment certificate from Rotherham firm Lilleker Bros, boasting an enrolment date of 1 January 1957.

This has been equalled

by Norwich Electrical, after the firm’s current qualifying supervisor Peter Matchett sent in a certificate from the same date.

Crucially, this one boasts an earlier registration number 973 rather than 1529, which we reckon puts Norwich Electrical in the lead by a few hours. Any more for any more?

• Email nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk with a scanned copy

When Tony Cable and DIY SOS star Billy Byrne went for a quick pint in a Baker Street pub, things didn’t go quite according to plan.

The duo were in London for a radio show to promote electrical safety at Christmas and decided to go for a quick pint the night before.

Unbeknown to them, the pair had unwittingly gatecrashed one of the UK’s biggest annual reunions for electricians, and soon found themselves approached for countless autographs and selfies from dozens of retired electricians.

Every year, former apprentices of the firm Duncan Watson, which was founded in 1937 and is now part of the Balfour Beatty Group, meet up to catch up on the good old days. The event, organised by Billy Harrison, Tony Grey and Brian Cahill, has been running for over 40 years and attracts up to 120 retired and working electricians. The oldest member, 89-year-old Ron Dylan, still goes every year.

“It was lovely to see all the guys,” said Billy. “It just goes to show that there’s a real camaraderie between electricians. You wouldn’t get this in other trades!”

Winter 2015-2016 Connections

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Testers’ testers

The MFT1730 multifunction tester is the full-time testers’ tester of choice. Why?

Dual display - measuring earth loop and PFC simultaneously to speed up testing

Dual non-trip loop testing – 3-wire and 2-wire, for where there’s no neutral, with no lead null required

Dual convenience of on-board results storage and rechargeable batteries

Adapted to any task, domestic or industrial even has a built-in earth stake tester

See why MFT1730 is the testers’ tester today by scanning the QR code with your smart phone Call 01304 502 101 or go to www.megger.com for full details.

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Real Bosch!

Flexible versatility +Extra!

Download the FREE Bosch Toolbox App for Bonus Bang cash back offers

Simply more.

GSR 18 V-EC Professional drill / driver with FlexiClick 5-in-1 System* With its bit holder, drill chuck, angle, off-set angle and rotary hammer adapters, the Bosch FlexiClick System offers the optimum solution for every work application. Get more from your cordless screwdriver.

Blue Power Tools: for trade and industry www.bosch-professional.co.uk *Part of the Bosch Professional 18 Volt Cordless System; see on line or at your stockist for details of full range

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