Connections - Summer 2019

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SUMMER 2019 | ISSUE 210

24

CASE STUDY 2 0 David Adams goes behind the scenes – quite literally – at the Royal Opera House’s extensive refurbishment

MODULAR BUILDS 24 How does electrical contracting ntracting fit into the increasingly popular ular offsite, modular construction industry?

ENERGY STORAGE 2 9 A look at

Modular building can be quicker and more cost-effective than conventional construction

the financial and environmental possibilities offered by battery storage of power

CONTRACTOR PROFILE 32 A family focus and steady

32

15 17

approach have seen Alan R. Cross & Son thrive for nearly 70 years

20 HELLO 4 Striving for technical excellence

INDUSTRY UPDATE 6 Live South event report; rogue traders named, shamed and fined

TECHNICAL 38 Ask the experts 40 Surge protection devices 45 BS 5839-6: 2019 Fire detection

65

and fire alarm systems update

TRAINING 1 2 Ensure you’re comfortable with the

50 Fuse links under fault conditions 55 Protective equipotential bonding 60 Sources of short-term supply for

updates to BS 5839 with NICEIC’s one-day training courses

62 The ‘good old days’

CAUGHT ON CAMERA 1 5 Junction box nightmares and shocking

PRODUCT FOCUS 63 The latest products on the market

construction sites

live wires: this quarter’s worst bodges

7 Building safety consultation opens

OFF THE TOOLS 65 ‘I’m an electrician magician’

for comments; Scotland roadshows

ADVICE 1 7 Keep on top of your cash flow with Rick

9 Jobs for the Girls bursaries;

Smith’s tips for recovering late payments

CURRENT AFFAIRS 66 Somerset firm’s moment in the

1 0 Apprentice of the Year named;

OPINION 1 8 The industry needs to promote itself

new series of TechTalks announced

better to young people, says Ken Kerr

limelight, cable labels from the dim and distant past – and why workers are feeling off-colour in the office

Burnley business’s generosity

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hello

KEVA T E C HN N I PA CAL RKER

Technical excellence The need for continual improvement is central to the values of Certsure, and at the heart of the concept of the annual assessment

O

ne of our key priorities as an industry must be to develop individuals who operate with integrity, maintain their professional development and keep up to date with changes.

I refer to it as ‘technical excellence’, and it is something I am pushing within Certsure – both internally and externally. Technical excellence is about taking the industry forward through continual improvement. It’s knowing your role and how it fits with others, and having a desire to continually improve within that position.

I was reminded of this recently at the grand final of our apprentice of the year competition (see page 10). These finalists came into the industry a few years ago knowing very little. However, over time they have listened and learned from their peers, adding to their skill base each day.

That is how we grow and learn. If we implement the standards and behaviours we expect of ourselves in others, the industry will flourish.

This is what registration with NICEIC/ELECSA and the annual assessment process is all about.

We are assessing a company’s ability to carry out work to a required standard, while providing mentoring and support on how to improve.

The assessment is not a cosy chat, nor a tick-box exercise. It’s a robust audit to assess competency and the ability to develop your business going forward. If we take on a contractor and over three or four years they have demonstrated no desire to improve, we have to look at that.

No one can profess to know everything, but from the people I have spoken to so far, there is a will and desire to improve. That is something we should all look to build on.

‘If we implement the standards and behaviours we expect of ourselves in others, the industry will flourish’

Kevan Parker is managing director of Certsure

CO N TAC TS / CO NNE C T IO NS

Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL EDITORIAL General 020 7880 6200 Editor Nick Martindale nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk Technical editor Timothy Benstead Sub editor Kate Bennett Senior designer Craig Bowyer Technical designer Adrian Taylor Picture researcher Akin Falope Publishing and business development director Aaron Nicholls ADVERTISING/MARKETING connections@redactive.co.uk 020 7324 2726

PRODUCTION General production enquiries 020 7880 6209 Senior production executive Rachel Young rachel.young@redactive.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS Should you require your own copy of Connections or multiple copies for your staff, subscriptions are available by calling 01580 883844 CONTRIBUTIONS Connections welcomes ideas for contributions.

Please email nick.martindale@ redactive.co.uk

© Redactive Publishing Ltd 2019 Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London E1 8BL Registered No. 3156216. All rights reserved. This publication (and any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format (including but not limited to any online service, any database or any part of the internet) or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Redactive Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.

Printed by Precision Colour Printing Limited

ISSN 2042-5732

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

WWW.NICEIC.COM WWW.ELECSA.CO.UK ENQUIRIES Certsure 01582 539000 Communications manager Paul Collins 01582 539148 paul.s.collins@certsure.com NICEIC Direct Paul Elcock 01582 539709 paul.elcock@certsure.com Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA Customer services 0333 015 6625 Sales 0333 015 6626 Training 0333 015 6627 Technical helpline 0333 015 6628 Insurance 0333 015 6629

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news

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Roger Atkins of Electric Vehicles Outlook presented on the opportunities of the electric vehicle revolution

TRADERS FINED FOR FALSE CLAIMS AND DANGEROUS WORK

Contractors energised at Live South event More than 400 electricians attended NICEIC and ELECSA’s Live South event at Epsom Downs Racecourse in May. Contractors were given exclusive access to a variety of technical seminars and breakout sessions from some of the nation’s leading electrical experts.

Roger Atkins, founder of Electric Vehicles Outlook, kicked off the show with a presentation on the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. He discussed how technology has made it more financially viable for manufacturers to survive in the EV market, and pointed to the need for extra charging points and the opportunities for electricians in this area. “We can now match eco with economic, and we are just at the start of a renewable revolution,” he said.

Other speakers included technical experts from NICEIC and ELECSA including Darren Staniforth, Jake Green, John O’Neill and Tim Benstead, who discussed the 18th Edition and took audience questions.

This year’s event was CPD-accredited, meaning attendees could use the day as part of their ongoing professional

development. Attendees also benefited from great deals in the exhibition hall, featuring industry names such as Bosch, ESP and Scolmore.

“Live South is a great opportunity for us to meet contractors and discuss what is going on in the industry today,” said Certsure’s managing director Kevan Parker. “Efficiency and smart technology provide contractors with a wealth of opportunities and it is important we provide the relevant information so they can make informed decisions about where to take their business.”

Live North will be held on November 21 at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Tickets cost £29 plus VAT for NICEIC, ELECSA and ECA contractors and £49 plus VAT for all non-registered contractors.

Apprentice passes are available free of charge. To book your ticket visit niceic-elecsalive.com

Talking point: Live South gave NICEIC and ELECSA the chance to speak to its accredited contractors

A builder and electrician have been fined for carrying out dangerous electrical work on a domestic property in Dudley.

Kevin John Wakefield, trading as Beta Homes Improvements, and Paul Lloyd, trading as P Lloyd Electrical, both pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court in April to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The court heard how Wakefield was hired to build an extension and install electrics at a house but the householder was plagued with problems which led to an electrical fire.

After complaints from the homeowner, Wakefield asked his ex-brother-in-law Lloyd to check the electrical work and issue the necessary certificate. Lloyd issued an electrical installation certificate displaying the NICEIC logo even though he was not, and never had been, registered.

The homeowner continued to have issues and brought in another electrician, who found a host of problems including no RCD protection on some of the circuits and one of the circuits being considered so dangerous it had to be disconnected.

The electrician also highlighted various errors, missing information and inconsistencies with the certificate, provided by Lloyd.

NICIEC was alerted to the concerns and contacted Lloyd about the complaint. Lloyd failed to respond so the matter was passed over to Dudley Trading Standards.

Wakefield was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,144 costs, £819 compensation and a victim surcharge of £170. Lloyd was also fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,144 costs, £569 compensation and a victim surcharge of £170.

Kevan Parker, managing director of Certsure, said: “We take a dim view of those who pretend to be registered electricians when they are not.

Anyone thinking about using our logo fraudulently will be caught and dealt with appropriately by the courts.”

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BUILDING A SAFER FUTURE POST-GRENFELL TRAGEDY Contractors still have time to respond to the government’s consultation on its plans to reform building safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The consultation launched in June, following Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

The proposal for a ‘radically new building and fire safety system for multi occupancy residential buildings over 18m’ specifically looks at: • The concept of dutyholders who have clear responsibilities throughout a building’s design, construction and occupation • Plans for a new building safety regulator to provide oversight of the new building safety regulatory regime • Strengthened enforcement and sanctions

Spur to action: The Grenfell Tower fire has prompted a re-evaluation of UK building safety

DIARY DATES

Certsure is currently drafting its response to the proposals and contractors are encouraged to respond directly or input to our responses before the deadline of 31 July.

To view and respond to the consultation, visit www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/BuildingSafety Consultation At the same time, the government announced a review of the Fire Safety Order (FSO), which relates to all non-domestic properties.

It is looking to hear from enforcing authorities, fire safety professionals and landlords (domestic and commercial) to ensure the FSO is fit for purpose in light of the proposals above.

More information is available at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/

> September 3 NICEIC Scotland roadshow Drumossie Hotel, Inverness 4 NICEIC Scotland roadshow Hampden Park, Glasgow 5 NICEIC Scotland roadshow Invercarse Hotel, Dundee 6 NICEIC Scotland roadshow Edinburgh International Climbing Arena 25 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge 26 NICEIC & ELECSA Webinar Topic: BS 5839

> October 8 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Norfolk Showground, Norwich 9 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Luton Auction House, Luton

the-regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-

10 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Chelmsford Racecourse

2005-call-for-evidence

15 NICEIC ELECSA TechTalk Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast

IMAGE: GETTY

Scotland roadshows set to return NICEIC has announced the latest dates for its Scotland Roadshow events.

Kicking off in Inverness on 3 September, NICEIC will present a range of seminars designed to keep you up to date.

NICEIC’s experts will be on hand to discuss topics including BS 5839 part 6, regulation of electricians in Scotland; surge protection devices; and EICR coding in line with the 18th Edition.

Stuart Thompson, NICEIC’s area manager for Scotland, said: “Our roadshows are a great way to speak to contractors and find out first-hand the issues they want us to look at.”

16/17 PHEX Manchester

> November 21 Live North Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

• 5 September: Invercarse Hotel, Dundee • 6 September: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

The roadshows will be CPDaccredited, meaning contractors can use the information from the day as part of their ongoing professional development. The roadshows take place on the following dates: • 3 September: Drumossie Hotel, Inverness • 4 September: Hampden Park, Glasgow

Hitting the road: The shows help keep contractors in Scotland up to date

Each event runs from 8am-1pm.

Every delegate gets a breakfast roll, complimentary lunch and refreshments, along with the opportunity to win some great prizes. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked at www.shop.niceic.com/ events or by calling 0333 015 6626.

For more information or to enquire about exhibiting at Scotland roadshows, please email events@certsure.com

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

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

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

COURSE

NO. OF DAYS

VENUES

FIRE ALARM FUNDAMENTAL

1

Dunstable

AUGUST

9th September

Chesterfield Leicester

FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE

1

23rd September 5th August

Crawley

12th August

Bristol

19th August

Sevenoaks

5th August

Dunstable

10th September

Chesterfield

EMERGENCY LIGHTING FUNDAMENTAL

EMERGENCY LIGHTING MAINTENANCE

1

1

SEPTEMBER

24th September

Leicester

6th August

Crawley

13th August

Bristol

20th August

Sevenoaks

6th August

Dunstable

18th September

Chesterfield

11th September

Leicester

28th August

Crawley

28th August

Sevenoaks

19th August

Dunstable

19th September

Chesterfield

12th September

Leicester

29th August

Crawley

29th August

Sevenoaks

20th August

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

the power behind your business

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09/07/2019 12:13

INDUSTRY UPDATE

BURSARY HELPS MORE WOMEN INTO THE INDUSTRY

NEWS IN NUMBERS

The proportion of health and safety assessments in rental properties that fail due to electrical issues, research by VeriSmart finds

30% The amount by which work in the pipeline for construction firms has fallen since 2018, according to Bibby Financial Services – the equivalent of eight weeks’ work

The number of small business vehicles expected to break down during 2019, the RAC predicts

Ten more women have been given a helping hand into the electrical industry thanks to NICEIC’s bursary scheme. The bursary offers grants to women already working as electricians or those looking to get a boost at the start of their career. It is open to females of all ages and can help with training, equipment or other associated costs, up to a maximum of £500.

One recipient was 25-year-old Hannah Daly (pictured) from London.

She recently completed a level two qualification in electrical wiring and will use the funding to further her studies. She said: “The bursary will help me complete the final weeks of my studies. It has given me an extra spring in my step.”

Katie Harvey, 18, from Cumnor in Oxfordshire, is studying for her NVQ in electrical installations. She intends to use the funding to buy the tools and equipment she needs for her studies.

“I’ve had a great experience in the industry so far,” she said. “I feel accepted and I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues. I try and spread

49% The proportion of construction suppliers who fear Brexit will be bad for business – but 27 per cent believe it will be positive, MRA Research finds

The proportion of engineering firms that maintained or increased turnover in the first quarter of 2019, the Building Engineering Business Survey finds

BURNLEY FIRM’S SENSORY SPIRIT Burnley-based Avon Electrical has done its bit to help the local community by partly funding the installation of a multisensory room at a day centre.

The Charter House Resource Centre & Sensory Room aims to provide a safe

the word for female electricians as much as I can.”

The bursary, now in its second year, forms part of NICEIC’s Jobs for the Girls campaign, set up in 2011. It aims to educate women on the opportunities available in the electrical trade, as well as dispel the myth that it’s a job only suited to men.

NICEIC received more than 25 applications – an increase on the previous year. The money funded a variety of needs, including new tools, training courses and ongoing qualifications.

NICEIC communications manager Paul Collins commented: “Our research suggests that just one in every 100 electricians is female. If we can help out those women who are just starting out, or inspire others who might be thinking about a career in the electrical industry, then we will be well on the way to addressing the skills gap and gender imbalance.”

For more information about NICEIC’s campaign visit www.niceic.com/ jobsforthegirls

environment for adults with learning disabilities, the elderly and people of all ages with dementia.

The firm’s award-winning apprentice, Zack Duxbury, headed up the project, installing mood and depth lighting and a sound system at a significant discount for the centre.

Managing director Gareth Read said: “Everybody at Avon Electrical understands what it is to be a good corporate citizen and give back to the community where we can. That’s why we heavily subsidised the work we did at the new centre.

“The new centre, and in particular the multi-sensory room, will act as an important place for people in Burnley, especially those who suffer from sensory depriving conditions.”

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

FORMER MARINE NAMED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Richard Bradley has become the 2019 winner of NICEIC and ELECSA’s electrical apprentice of the year after triumphing over a field of more than 1,000 apprentices.

The 31-year-old from Southport, Merseyside, was one of eight competitors to reach the Grand Final, held on Tuesday 4 June at the head office of competition partner Scolmore Group.

The final was the third stage of the contest, which saw more than 1,000 apprentices from across the UK take part.

Richard studied electronics as part of his apprenticeship with the Ministry of Defence.

He is currently working towards his NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Electrical Installation at a local training centre.

“I entered the competition after recently being medically discharged from the marines,” he said. “I needed to find a career that was similar to the work I was doing but could also help me develop as a person and support my family.

“Being part of the competition has been such a rewarding experience. It has given me more confidence in my ability and I intend to push forward and keep challenging myself.

“I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to push themselves further to consider taking part. You’ve got nothing to lose and you never know what will come from it.”

Richard was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000. Runner-up Cameron Molloy received a holiday voucher worth £750, while third place went to James Martin-Lucraft, who received a £250 holiday voucher. All eight finalists were given an engraved glass trophy, an iPad and a kit bag containing an array of Scolmore electrical accessories.

CINEMA WINNERS Certsure has been awarded the title of best commercial initiative at the prestigious Memcom Membership Communications Excellence

The eight finalists were put through a series of challenges across a range of disciplines, including insulation resistance testing, earth loop impedance testing, safe isolation and a conduit challenge. Each candidate also had to undergo a technical interview with Certsure’s former technical standards director Alan Wells.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the nearby Belfry Hotel. Handing over the prizes were Kevan Parker, managing director at Certsure; Martyn Walley, group technical director at Scolmore Group; and Billy Byrne, star of TV’s DIY SOS. Darren Staniforth, senior technical development manager at NICEIC and ELECSA, said: “This is the fourth year that we have run the competition and the standards are getting higher each year. Through this competition, we want to recognise the talent of electrical apprentices and acknowledge all the good work they do.”

Marie Parry, group marketing director at Scolmore, said: “Our aim at the start of this venture was to create and develop a national competition that would not only attract the highest calibre of candidates but also generate interest within the industry, and this is certainly proving to be the case.”

Awards, in recognition of the cinema event it hosted for contractors around the country on the day the 18th Edition was launched.

The campaign saw more

than 6,000 contractors attend 40 cinemas to witness the live event – the first of its kind in the electrical industry – broadcast from the worldfamous Faraday Theatre.

TECHTALKS RETURN FOR A NEW SERIES NICEIC and ELECSA have announced the latest TechTalk dates. Returning in September, the regional shows will feature a range of seminars to keep you up to date with the latest news and views. The series is CPD-accredited, so attendees can use it as part of their ongoing professional development.

TechTalk host and senior technical presenter for NICEIC and ELECSA Darren Staniforth will be leading the discussion, along with technical engineer Jake Green. Topics include BS 5839 part 6, smart installations, EICR coding in line with the 18th Edition and technical Q&As. Each event runs from 8am-1pm, and every delegate gets a breakfast roll and refreshments as part of the package.

Tickets cost £25 and can be booked at www.shop.niceic.com/events or by calling 0333 015 6626.

For more information or to enquire about exhibiting at TechTalks, please email events@certsure.com

The full list of dates and venues: • 25 September: Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge • 8 October: Norfolk Showground, Norwich • 9 October: Luton Auction House, Luton • 10 October: Chelmsford Racecourse • 15 October: Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast • 3 December: Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle • 4 December: Elland Road, Leeds • 22 January: Liberty Stadium, Swansea • 23 January: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol • 24 January: Cheltenham Racecourse • 12 February: Fontwell Park, Fontwell • 13 February: Kent Event Centre, Kent • 26 February: Wolverhampton Racecourse • 27 February: Leicester Racecourse • 5 March: Venue Cymru, Llandudno

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REASON

MCB DISTRIBUTION BOARDS M M METERED, SURGE PROTECTED CUSTOM MADE C OR SELF ASSEMBLY O

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09/07/2019 12:15

FIRE DETECTION AND ALARMS

Setting the standard The update to BS 5839 Part 6 is the first in the sector for more than six years. Installers working in this area would be well advised to make sure they are up to speed

O

n 30 April this year, BSI launched an updated standard for BS 5839-6: 2019 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings Part 6.

BS 5839 covers the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises. It applies to premises for single families, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with self-contained units, and sheltered housing. The update is the first since 2013 and is relevant to anyone working in the fire alarm industry. It includes: • New recommendations for fire detection in supported housing • New recommendations on communal fire systems not to be installed • New information on testing and servicing by grade, and revised grades.

On page 45 of this issue of Connections is a technical article providing direction from an installation point of view. The article can also be viewed on the customer portal section of niceic.com, and our technical experts will be discussing the new standard at our latest series of TechTalks (see page 10).

Extra support

Neil Vincent is head of training at NICEIC and ELECSA

For installers and others responsible for implementing fire precautions in domestic premises, additional training may be necessary.

In this regard, NICEIC has updated module 6 of its domestic fire detection and fire alarms course. Set to launch in September, the course is aimed at contractors and individuals looking to understand BS 5839 Part 6: 2019* recommendations as a standalone course.

The course will provide information on how to ensure fire alarm systems comply with BS 5839 Part 6: 2019. Candidates will gain an understanding of design, installation, servicing and commissioning activities. They will also be shown how to complete the relevant certificates.

The course programme covers:

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

• Legislation • Codes of practice • Types of fire detection and fire alarm systems • Fire behaviour • Understanding product selection • Siting of equipment • Related standards • Service and commissioning • Log books • Completing certificates.

The one-day course will initially be running at nine locations across England, starting in Crawley on 4 September. It will also be available at our two centres in Dunstable and Chesterfield, as well as training centres in Cardiff, Lymm, Newbury, Leicester, London and Sevenoaks. *It has been assumed in the drafting of this part of BS 5839 that the execution of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and competent people.

If you would like to find out more about NICEIC’s training courses please visit niceic.com or email traininginfo@certsure.com

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MCCB PANELBOARDS CUSTOM BUILT OR OFF THE SHELF

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09/07/2019 12:16

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09/07/2019 12:17

YOUR P IC T U R E S

2

Caught on camera

1

4

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

3

T

his issue’s round-up of shoddy installations and downright dangerous discoveries features: a light fitting that was permanently live with no RCD protection (1); a poorly designed junction box set-up in a newbuild property (2); a fire waiting to happen in a church (3); redundant distribution boards that turned out to be live (4); and the result of circuits being added to over time in a domestic property (5).

It continues with: a live wire that was loose above a ceiling tile (6); a dangerous plug installation found on an EICR (7); LED tiles found without any junction boxes and with earths missing or not connected (8); a burnt-out shower pull switch (9); and the cause of a customer reporting electric shocks from pattress screws (10).

6 5

8 Thanks to... >Gerald Chantler of GA Chantler Electrical Services in Ashford >Joseph Petros-Kaldani of Redcar firm JPK E&I Engineering Solutions >Martin Cheshire of CT Electrical Engineers in Atherstone, Warwickshire >Matthew Wilks of Testing Services Ltd in Heckmondwike >Neil Bradley of Tas Valley Home Improvements, near Norwich >Oliver Gray of Property Electrical in High Wycombe >Sunny Saggu of SS London Electrical Contractors >Simon Pountney of Problec Limited in Tamworth >Tim Barker from Nottingham firm TMB Electrical >Scott Fountain of Fountain Electrical in Bovindon, Hertfordshire.

7 10

Keep those shots coming in!

Email caughtoncamera@redactive.co.uk

9 15

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11/07/2019 16:50

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09/07/2019 12:20

CASH FLOW

Bring in the money Ensuring you get paid on time is an increasingly vital part of the job for any electrical contractor. The trick is effective bookkeeping and early intervention with late-payers, says Rick Smith

C

ash flow stumbling blocks are all too common, especially within the electrical contracting sector. The sad reality is that more than half of SMEs don’t survive longer than five years, and poor cash flow is a very good early indicator of things going downhill.

Taking a step back and considering your options for improving this situation can work wonders.

Cash flow problems usually exist because of those niggling debts that can’t be recovered.

Unfortunately, many contractors and those starting out in trades have to seek help to avoid defaulted payments, and things can quickly spiral out of control if action isn’t taken. The following tips can help you protect yourself.

BOOKKEEPING BASICS Bookkeeping, although an arduous task, is often an area where businesses trip up. Many directors simply feel that they don’t have enough hours in the day and assume that they can catch up with this later. This is often the root cause of cash flow problems.

It is so important to put a few hours aside to work on your company rather than in your company. As long as you have caught the issue in time, there are things that can be done.

Rick Smith is managing director of Forbes Burton

NEGOTIATE PAYMENT TERMS Recent high-profile collapses of companies such as Carillion, as well as warnings being issued for other big names, should be enough to warn anyone off accepting contracts that aren’t signed, sealed and promised to be delivered.

In the case of a smaller company, this doesn’t mean having to refuse custom if credit records are poor, but you should always put measures in place – such as deposit requests or partial invoices – to avoid problems further down the line. The nature of electrical contracting means the latter option should be acceptable as clients and customers see physical, tangible progress on projects.

EFFICIENT CREDIT CONTROL It might sound obvious, but you should always have credit control systems in place to collect any money that is owed from customers. Prioritising

‘Have multiple suppliers that you can fall back on, should your primary supplier go under’ the efficiency and effectiveness of this system is important, especially if your company is in its early and most vulnerable stages. This is often the time when your reputation doesn’t precede you, yet contracts are hard to acquire and funding is critical.

As long as you keep your books up to date – which you always should – the process is usually straightforward. However, this is not always the case. Many companies simply need to set aside time to administer reminder emails and letters, and to pass anything that is overdue to recovery firms quickly. The sooner this kind of action is taken, the better.

SPREAD THE RISK It’s important not to keep all your eggs in one basket. Getting a lot of work from one source is great, but if that source collapses you need to have your back covered. The same goes for your suppliers. Have multiple suppliers that you can fall back on, should your primary supplier go under.

Planning for the worst eventuality will ensure that your business won’t share the same fate as others that have failed to prepare for the future.

As long as you are aware of these issues, you can tackle them head-on. Having this under control means you can focus on what’s important: running your business, doing a great job and exploring new ways to diversify or innovate.

Running a small business can be massively stressful and hugely rewarding – often both at the same time. We always recommend seeking professional advice if you’re unsure how to move forward with your business finances. Catching problems early and treating them can save you thousands, and allow you to keep growing into the future.

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SKILLS SHORTAGE

Could do better The electrical industry needs to do more to attract, retain and develop staff if it is to address the talent shortage many firms are currently experiencing, says Ken Kerr

T

here is huge demand for skilled electricians but often not enough people to meet this. The main reason behind the shortage of electricians is the decline in the number of electrical apprentices entering this field – meaning there are not enough new recruits lined up to replace retiring electricians.

Companies in the industry need to do more to promote the benefits of becoming an electrician, starting by going into secondary schools and speaking to 13-to-14-year-olds to offer work experience. This is the best way to promote the reality of working in the industry and make sure it’s an attractive alternative to a university degree when school finishes. Subjects chosen during the final school years can then be geared towards starting a career in the trade.

With an electrical trade you can start earning a wage straight away, while gaining valuable industry knowledge and hands-on experience.

In the UK, fewer than 1% of electricians are female. It’s a dismal figure, and it’s not just the electrical industry that has this issue.

The inclusion of women can bring a change of culture and a more professional work environment, leading to better productivity as people are happier at work. There are also practical situations that arise on a regular basis where having more women would be useful – for example a national health club provider with female changing rooms that requires maintenance during operating hours.

All this raises the question: just who is responsible for continual personal development? It’s sorely lacking in the industry, making many active electricians feel neglected.

An interesting observation from our data is that only 12 out of 1,000 electricians who signed up with us during 2019 have a valid first aid certificate. Who is responsible for this? The individual? The contractor? The agency? The answer is we’re all responsible for promoting good practice and investing in people, whether it’s people taking their first steps in the industry or those looking to develop their career.

Ken Kerr is technical manager at Sparky Hire

I N FO C U S / LU K E W ICH ARD How did you get into the industry?

I’ve always loved electrics. I went to college, did an apprenticeship for four years, and then joined another company. I started doing private work and decided to give it a go on my own back in 2010.

next couple of years?

As ‘My Trusted Electrician’, you make YouTube videos about your work. How has that helped?

I’d like to move into commercial, go back to lighting design and get involved in smart homes.

I use it almost as a testimonial – you can’t fake a video of yourself doing a job.

Will you be going away this summer?

This year I’m dedicating to work.

Does anyone help you?

What work do you take on?

I started off doing lighting design, but it was a bit big to do as a one-man band. Now I mainly do domestic and small commercial work.

Luke Wichard, My Trusted Electrician

It’s just me, and my wife does one day a week. I’m thinking about taking on a large contract which might mean I need an engineer.

What’s the hardest bit about working for yourself?

Whereabouts do you cover?

Wearing all the hats!

I’m based in Carshalton and cover that and surrounding areas.

What are your plans for the

What do you get up to outside work?

Mainly YouTube. People don’t realise how long it takes to create a 20-minute video.

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

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09/07/2019 12:21

CASE STUDY

M

ost electrical contractors who carry out work in major theatres have first completed similar projects in much smaller theatres. But Playfords, which has its headquarters in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has taken a different route. The first major theatre refurbishment project to which its staff have contributed was at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.

Playfords provided the electrical, mechanical and plumbing services for the Opera House’s Open Up project: a £50.7 million remodelling of a large part of the building. It has entailed a complete redesign of the Opera House’s entrance foyer, which has been extended by 50 per cent to create an 11,000-square foot social and cultural hub. This is now open to the public every day from 10am and includes a new café, a 250-seat restaurant, and public performance areas. The Opera House’s secondary venue, the Linbury Theatre, has also been upgraded, turning a studio theatre into a beautiful 400-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art acoustic and lighting systems.

This isn’t a leap from obscurity to the top table. The firm first worked at the Opera House in 2012, successfully designing and installing a 3200A TPN generator distribution system that would allow the building to maintain power in the event of transformer failure. Having observed the way Playfords dealt with the space issues and other practical constraints of working within the building, the venue put the company’s name forward when the time came to find contractors who could complete the enabling and early works for Open Up. Playfords started working on electrical and mechanical systems for the relocation of the venue’s toilets in autumn 2015, then won the contract for electrical and mechanical works on the main project. Up to 50 Playfords staff

BY DAVID ADAMS

Curtain call For a firm making its stage debut, the Royal Opera House is quite a location to choose. But that’s exactly what Cambridgeshire firm Playfords did, working on not one but two projects and sub-contractors worked in the Opera House at various times between September 2016 and project completion two years later.

MAPPING THE BUILDING The first phase involved identifying and locating the existing services within the building’s complex labyrinth. “We had to plan how to isolate and divert various items: sub-mains, cold water systems, supply and extract ventilation, sprinklers, fire alarms, stage systems and so on,” says contracts manager Steve Wood. “It’s a very heavily serviced building, mechanically and electrically. You’ve got multi-

292,350: THE NUMBER OF METRES OF CABLING REQUIRED ON THE PROJECT

discipline lighting and power trunkings, multiple stage lighting and AV trunkings, so there had to be a lot of tracing and diversion work upfront.”

3D modelling was then used to plan how the requirements of the project were to be met within the architect’s designs. A huge quantity of cabling was used to connect every individual speaker, spotlight and M&E service in the different spaces in the building. In total, the project required 292,350 metres of cabling.

The complex plans for the way the services were to be routed around the new systems were also subject to disruptive change at short notice.

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The Linbury Theatre has been turned into a 400-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art acoustic and lighting systems – seen here before the ceiling was put in, with the electrical work still visible

Wood cites one particularly problematic example, to the floor in the building above the Linbury Theatre. This entailed the removal of a 12-duct system and re-instatement of a more complex 10-duct format to enable maintenance access to the theatre’s new ‘flying’ systems above a new technical grid. The ducts had to be realigned to fit alongside containment systems and multiple pieces of scenery, lifting equipment and structural steelwork. “That was quite challenging,” says Wood, with a trace of understatement.

While the work continued, the Opera House’s main auditorium,

£50.7M: THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE’S OPEN UP PROJECT

‘It’s by far the most architecturally and technically challenging job I’ve ever worked on’

which seats 2,256 people and stages more than 900 performances per year, remained fully operational, adding significantly to the challenges facing Playfords and other contractors. In September 2018, Alex Beard, the Opera House’s chief executive, told The Guardian that completing Open Up while the Opera House’s programme of performances continued had been “akin to open-heart surgery while running a marathon”.

As Playfords began the commissioning phase of the main project in early 2018, the company also took on more work in the Opera House, installing a full M&E package in its new shop and working on an upgrade of the main auditorium’s flying systems alongside stage mechanics specialist Tait. The two companies developed a valuable working relationship and are now working together on other theatre projects.

The business also installed a new external LED lighting scheme on the exterior façades, including a colourchanging system that allows the Opera House to seemingly change colour at the touch of a button – for example, turning red, white and blue to commemorate national events, turning red for Valentine’s Day, or showing the colours of the rainbow for an LGBT-related event.

OPENING NIGHTS This final part of the project was completed in August 2018. The new foyer spaces opened officially to the public on Friday 21 September 2018, with the Linbury Theatre opening on 3 December. “It’s by far the most architecturally and technically challenging job I’ve ever worked on,” says Wood. “Very, very high pressure. From day one to completion your brain is nowhere else. But we developed very good relationships with the client and the construction management team. I feel immensely proud to have worked on the project and extremely proud of the team.”

IMAGE: HUFTON CROW

The Royal Opera House’s new foyer includes a café, a 250-seat restaurant and public performance areas

Playfords managing director Alan Tuohy also highlights the importance of teamwork, both in collaboration with the other contractors and specialists working on the project, and among the Playfords team. Three members of the Playfords site team – site manager Ashley Snart, mechanical supervisor Dean Mason and apprentice Francesca Di Stefano – were interviewed about the project on BBC television’s The One Show.

The Playfords team is now looking forward to its next major theatrical project, just up the road from the Opera House at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane – one of the oldest and most famous of all London’s theatres. It closed for a £45 million refurbishment project in January, which is due to be completed in time for the opening night of the new stage version of Disney’s Frozen in September 2020.

Playfords will be delivering electrical and mechanical services throughout. “It’s a very complicated building to work with and they’re putting in as many services as the Opera House,” says Tuohy. “We’re looking forward to it.”

David Adams is a freelance business journalist

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09/07/2019 12:23

M O D UL A R B U I L DS

Offsite construction, where sections of buildings are constructed and then taken to site, is starting to become a reality in the UK. But what does this mean for electrical contractors?

BY DAVID ADAMS

the building is assembled on-site. In some cases, electrical contractors will complete the work in the factory and/or on the building site, but many modular manufacturers now employ their own staff to do all the necessary work at both locations.

Modular building has become a more attractive option for many developers, particularly when a building features repetition – as in an apartment block. It can be quicker and more cost-effective than conventional construction, and mass production within a factory produces lower carbon emissions than traditional construction methods.

Modular building company Elements Europe, part of the international construction and manufacturing Pickstock Group, claims that using offsite construction cuts vehicle movements on building sites by 70 per cent and increases overall productivity by 25 per cent compared to traditional construction. Use of modular methods may also help the construction industry mitigate the effects of ongoing skills shortages, which may be exacerbated further by Brexit.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is calling for the government to support the use of these

FOR AS LONG AS ELECTRICIANS

have been installing electrical infrastructure in new buildings, most construction projects have followed a familiar pattern, with contractors working through first and second fixes, commissioning and testing on-site.

In recent years, however, an alternative method has become more widespread. During offsite and/or modular construction projects, whole small buildings – or components of larger buildings – are constructed in a factory, then moved to the building site for assembly.

Each component’s mechanical and electrical work is commissioned and signed off in the factory. Services are then connected together when

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Left, far left: modular homes at NU living's Beechwood development in Basildon, Essex. Below: modular construction in progress

IMAGES: NU LIVING

construction methods by local authorities, housing associations and developers, in an attempt to tackle the housing crisis.

STANDARD PRACTICE Paul Collins, technical services manager at Certsure, believes the ability to ensure consistent quality inside a factory is one of the most important reasons behind the growing momentum for modular.

“In a factory you’ve got a controlled, consistent environment for construction and quality assurance going through each stage,” he says.

“When you’re on a building site you don’t necessarily get that.”

Modular construction can be used for different types of buildings: industrial, retail, in schools, hospitals and elsewhere – but the biggest growth area remains residential blocks of flats, including student accommodation.

Sebastian Fielding, director at Vector Design Consultancy,

81m: THE HEIGHT OF APEX HOUSE, IN WEMBLEY; THE UK’S TALLEST MODULAR BUILDING

has worked with construction companies and contractors on such projects, and describes the typical modular building as a large student accommodation block mixing pre-built studio apartments with bed and desk areas, two-ring kitchen hob and en-suite bathroom, with multi-occupancy units where bedroom/en-suite pods are built around modules containing communal kitchen and living areas.

One building of this type is Apex House, in Wembley, London – currently the tallest modular building in Europe. The 29-storey, 81-metre high block contains 558 student rooms. It was designed by architectural firm HTA Design, and completed in 2017. The modules used, which weigh between 12 to 17 tonnes each, were built by modular specialist Vision Modular. During assembly, up to 11 modules could be attached to the building each day, allowing the block to be completed within 12 months.

HTA has also designed a residential development at 101 George Street in Croydon. This will have two towers

of 38 and 44 storeys, containing 546 new homes for rent; they will be the tallest modular buildings in the world. Vision Modular will again supply the modules, and the development should be completed during 2020.

MODULAR ACTION Manufacturers are creating production facilities capable of making multiple types of modular buildings. For example, modular specialist ModularWise builds whole extensions that can be used by local authorities to add downstairs bathroom facilities to social housing, along with complete modular houses and other bespoke buildings, including retail units.

The company’s main production facility at Knighton, Powys, produces housing units, while its second facility, at Shobdon in Herefordshire, produces non-residential buildings, usually on a bespoke basis. At the time of writing, the Knighton factory is completing 28 apartment modules for a scheme in Edinburgh, with another 16 to follow, then 75 houses.

During the same time period, the Shobdon facility will have produced about 30 or 40 bespoke units.

“When I first started working here in late 2017 we were doing a couple of houses per week, but now we’re getting massive orders,” says ModularWise designer and business development manager Mike Rutland.

Projects in the pipeline include another 50 apartments for a scheme in Milton Keynes and 155 houses for a new development in Scotland.

The UK’s largest construction companies are also investing heavily in modular buildings.

Crest Nicholson has said it plans to build 2,000 modular homes per year in the near future. Berkeley has created a new subsidiary, Berkeley Modular, which will build modular housing at a new, purpose-built factory

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M O D UL A R B U I L DS

in Northfleet, Kent. It is expected to be operational during 2020, and will use a new technique based on standard components that can be applied in different types of building.

Housing associations have also partnered with offsite or modular home manufacturers; Places for People, for example, made a major investment in ModularWise in 2017.

“They see a huge demand for social housing and they see modular as one of the key ways to support that demand,” says Rutland.

In May 2019 Places for People announced a partnership with modular home manufacturer Ilke Homes, from which it will purchase 750 homes. These investments are backed in part by government: in 2018, Places for People received a grant from Homes England to deliver more than 2,600 homes – one of eight housing associations to receive such grants.

Another housing association, Swan, has a modular factory in Basildon, Essex, where it plans to produce 400 homes per year.

Its in-house developer, NU living, builds modular housing using cross-laminated timber. The timber absorbs some carbon, meaning homes built using this material are actually carbon-negative for the first year after construction. At the time of writing, NU living has a development pipeline of more than 8,000 homes.

EARLY MOVERS For the past two years, Essex-based electrical and mechanical services contractor Newtons Group has done the electrical and mechanical work on modular houses built by NU living, both in the Basildon factory and when the buildings are assembled on-site.

Newtons’ director Harry Leeson says it has been very useful for the company to have been involved from the early days of the factory’s operation, as both its staff and the designers creating the modules were able to identify and overcome operational problems as they arose. “It took a little while to get everything up and running –

you’re taking a delivery model suitable for mass production and applying it to the construction industry,” he says. “But now I see this really taking off.”

Contracts manager Dean Macey leads a Newtons team that works at the factory, along with a smaller team that connects up the services on the building site. At present, the team usually works on houses consisting of a ground-floor module and two upper-floor modules, but they will shortly be working on a slightly larger house with a single module for each floor.

“It’s the same principle working on each building, but there are different sizes and shapes of module you have to work on, so if you think you’ve found an answer to a problem with one module you may then find you have to rethink it when you’re working on a different layout,” says Macey. “It is a challenge, but it is interesting, trying to overcome those problems.”

ELECTRICAL TESTING OF MODULAR BUILDINGS Electricians working on modular buildings should note the following points: • Only continuity, insulation resistance and polarity testing should be carried out on the electrical installation of the sitebuilt assembly on their completion at the factory. Results obtained from live testing will only give an accurate representation of ‘as installed’ conditions when the assembly is permanently connected to the supply from which it will be fed when in use • The electrical installation of the assembly should be subjected to full inspection and testing after its final connection to the electrical installation of the building • Prefabricated modules may be transported for long distances by road and/or rail to their place of installation and may be subjected to significant jolting and vibration during the journey. As a result, it is essential that the ‘dead’ tests carried out at the factory are repeated to reconfirm continuity, insulation resistance and polarity prior to progressing to the live testing. The results of this repeated ‘dead’ testing can be compared to the values recorded when testing was carried out at the factory prior to transportation, to verify that no damage or deterioration has occurred in transit. All relevant live testing should then be performed.

OPPORTUNITY OR THREAT? Vector’s Fielding expects to see increasing use of modular construction wherever it is a financially attractive option for developers. “This could become very widespread, because of the speed of construction on-site,” he says. “When you consider how tight some of those sites can be, here’s a way to build that doesn’t require much space.”

However, Leeson doesn’t think contractors working on conventional construction projects should be concerned about the growing popularity of modular construction. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about from a mechanical and electrical perspective,” he says. “There’s always going to be a demand for skilled expertise.”

Nor does Rutland think modular buildings will totally replace traditional methods.

“Housebuilders are still going to be doing traditional construction,” he says. “They’re still going to need sparkies.”

But modular buildings may provide work for other contractors in any case, whether through opportunities to develop expertise in working with modular buildings or providing maintenance thereafter; when working on smaller modules added to existing conventional buildings; or providing additional services for the new buildings, such as solar PV or electric heating.

“You’ve got to embrace it,” says Fielding. “It’s the way it’s going to go, because of the speed of construction and the ability to have quality control in the factory.

For low-cost, good-quality housing solutions it’s a good product, and there’s a big shortage throughout the country of that type of accommodation.”

Leeson also thinks contractors should see the rise of modular as an opportunity, rather than a threat.

“We should all be trying to push to get into this area,” he says.

David Adams is a freelance business journalist

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EN ERGY STO R AGE

B

present are behind the meter in combination with solar and other on-site renewables, and large gridconnected applications at multi-MW scales,” he says.

Although there was a lot of talk about battery storage at the NICEIC & ELECSA Live South 2019 event, none of those questioned had installed DC equipment – and only one had any kind of storage device.

“Cost is a barrier to entry,” says Paul Collins, Certsure technical services manager. “Once prices decrease, we will see greater adoption – but there also needs to be more awareness of the benefits to consumers in using battery storage, especially for the one million homeowners who have already invested in solar PV.”

attery-based energy storage has huge scope for decarbonising our power system. Rising electricity prices and decreasing technology costs are driving this market, while businesses and homeowners are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their energy use.

Battery storage is flexible, can be deployed quickly, has multiple applications and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) report, the global energy storage market will grow to 125GW between 2016-30. Policy Exchange has stated that a smarter power system that takes advantage of innovations such as battery storage could create savings of around £8 billion for the UK by 2030.

“Self-generation, buffered through storage, is now achievable for homeowners – at a cost,” says Luke Osborne, energy and emerging technologies solutions advisor at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). “In the commercial arena, significant savings can be made through the use of energy storage by reducing the periods when companies enter higher pricing regimes.”

Frank Gordon, head of policy at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), says opportunities to make savings already exist.

“The two main applications at

POWER-PACKED Batteries have management systems that offer a range of potential applications, such as storing excess energy generation from solar PV, purchasing cheap electricity at night and storing it for later, providing grid-balancing services and wholesale electricity trading, and providing back-up during a power cut. Solarcentury claims that the combination of solar, battery storage and a grid service tariff could cut the average electricity bill by 70 per cent.

BNEF’s ninth Battery Price Survey found that the average lithium ion (Li-ion) battery pack fell in price by 85 per cent from 2010-18 – a key factor in the growth of energy storage. “This has meant that storage

125GW: THE EXPECTED SIZE OF THE GLOBAL ENERGY STORAGE MARKET BY 2030

BY ROB SHEPHERD

IMAGE: GETTY

Locked up Storing electricity and heat when it’s cheap and plentiful, then using it afterwards when supply is scarce or expensive, makes sense for householders, businesses and society

has become economically viable in many areas,” says Richard Molloy, business development manager for energy storage at Eaton.

Flow batteries are increasingly used for large-scale installations.

“The chemicals in a flow battery can be replaced, so their effectiveness can be maintained,” says Osborne.

“They also have the ability to be completely discharged and charged without long-term degradation, which isn’t the case with Li-ion.”

The challenge to create more effective battery technology is global.

The UK government’s Faraday Challenge will invest £248 million into battery development initiatives, while the French government is putting £597 million into the manufacture of battery cells.

Meanwhile, the German government has set aside around £900,000 to support battery cell production.

However, for Lior Handelsman, SolarEdge’s vice president of marketing and product strategy, more attention should be paid to inverters. “The inverter acts as the brain of the local energy system and as a facilitator between the local energy system and the grid,” he says.

“An inverter’s ability to manage a battery for different purposes, such as time of use, self-consumption, back-up and grid stability, has allowed batteries to become more functional and useful.”

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E N ERGY STO R AGE

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS For almost a decade, the government-backed Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme promoted renewable electricity generation and required participating electricity suppliers to make payments on generation and export from eligible installations.

The scheme was closed in April 2019; while this is lamented by some, for others it means the government can focus on energy storage technology.

The link between renewables and energy storage can create a virtuous circle, says Delphine Clement, commercial and industrial building segment manager at Eaton. “The accessibility of energy storage technologies makes renewables a more viable option,” she says.

“Businesses can save on energy costs, generate additional revenue and ensure greater power resilience.

As more commercial organisations invest in energy storage, we’ll see increased flexibility for the grid and a boost to the renewables sector.’

Solar Trade Association chief executive Chris Hewett is upbeat about what’s been achieved and what’s in store. “Solar technology is now well established in people’s hearts and minds, while related technologies like battery storage and electric vehicles (EVs) are generating fresh excitement,” he says.

HIT THE ROAD Electric vehicles are becoming more common, and will soon require

Home help SolarEdge offers seven key pointers for specifying and installing residential battery storage: • The battery’s capacity needs to meet energy demands • The battery’s charging and discharge rate needs to meet

additional power generation. The transmission and distribution infrastructure may have to be upgraded by adding more capacity to transmit and deliver additional electricity during peak times.

Attention is turning to ways that battery storage can be used to power EVs, rather than feeding power back into the grid – both in domestic and commercial premises, and by placing battery storage at charging stations to reduce the capacity needed during on-peak periods.

Gordon believes the energy storage and EV sectors have much to gain from working together.

“Energy storage will improve EV infrastructure, and be beneficial in areas of the grid where constraints exist and users want to maximise the use of electricity they have generated themselves.”

But installing EV charging stations is expensive and, in addition to the cost of the charger itself, an upgrade to the grid connection may be required to accommodate the increase of a site’s capacity to manage peaks when cars are charging. “Using energy storage to support EV charger integration is a good way to mitigate costs by enabling peak shaving, cutting energy and reducing or even avoiding the need for grid connection upgrades,” says Clement.

“Energy storage is fundamental to the proliferation of EV chargers, as it limits their impact on the grid.’

owner demand • The battery should have a high power rating • The battery and inverter should have flexible installation, warranted for both indoor and outdoor installation • Both the battery and inverter should have longterm warranties

‘There also needs to be more awareness of the benefits to consumers in using battery storage’ It is also interesting to note that ‘second use’ EV batteries are being deployed as storage devices in buildings, becoming a key part of the energy storage cycle.

£248M: THE AMOUNT THE UK GOVERNMENT IS INVESTING IN BATTERY DEVELOPMENT

£8BN: THE AMOUNT THAT COULD BE SAVED THROUGH HAVING A SMARTER POWER SYSTEM, INCLUDING BATTERY STORAGE, BY 2030

• Select a DC-coupled battery system. This minimises energy loss as there are no additional energy conversions. In addition, it increases the amount of energy that can potentially be routed to the battery since the inverter does not act as a bottleneck • Select a high quality inverter

MAKING A MOVE Energy storage is opening up new opportunities for electrical contractors, who can combine it with renewables work. “Do your research,” says Osborne.

“Although most manufacturers have installation guides and specifications on their websites, it’s worth speaking to them and arranging product-specific training.

“Manufacturers will sometimes offer enhanced warranties for trained installers and will often add them to their preferred installer lists.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) also has a Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage (ISBN 978-1-78561-278-7), which offers useful information.”

It is estimated that the National Grid spends £1 billion a year on balancing and managing energy demand and supply, so it is no surprise that combining renewables and energy storage is being explored so vigorously. Likewise, the International Energy Agency claims that heat accounts for around 50 per cent of world energy consumption, so storing solar-generated electricity as heat energy could lower carbon emissions. This is likely to be a prominent area during the coming years – and one that savvy electrical contractors can benefit from.

Rob Shepherd is a freelance business journalist who specialises in the building services industry

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CON T RAC TO R P R O F IL E

Norfolk firm Alan R. Cross & Son can trace its roots back to a returning war hero wanting to set up on his own. Some 70 years later, it’s a thriving business eyeing up steady growth

BY NICK MARTINDALE

Baby boomer The business initially took on work in the domestic and agricultural sector, and Alan soon found himself having to take on extra staff. His young son Richard would also join him on jobs as a child, and eventually joined the company himself in 1977, after completing his apprenticeship and working with a number of other local firms for several years. “The company name was originally Alan Cross Electrical but it then became Alan R. Cross & Son, which is the company name we still have to this day,” says Kevin. Over time, Richard took on more of the day-to-day running of the firm, and Alan retired completely in 1985.

Kevin himself joined the business just a year later, having being made redundant from his job as a fire alarm technician. “I lived in a village about four miles from Wymondham and purely by chance my mother met a friend in Wymondham who was Richard Cross’s next door neighbour,” he recalls. “She told her

Company Alan R. Cross & Son Established 1950 Major projects BUUK Infrastructure head office; installing library automation systems for Norfolk County Council (L-R) Diane Marsh, Tracey Brown, Richard Cross, Kevin Hurn, George Kerry, Alistair Henderson, Ian Newitt and Terry Bobbin

that Richard was looking to employ an apprentice electrician. I made contact, went for an interview and got the job.”

By this time, the main focus of the business was agricultural and industrial work, and Kevin threw himself into it. “I didn’t really enjoy the domestic house-bashing work, although we did have people who did that,” he says. “I worked on the

IMAGES: © TONY BUCKINGHAM / UNP

I

n 1945, as the country was starting its slow process of recovery after the Second World War, a man in his mid-20s returned to his home in Norfolk from serving in the Royal Corp of Signals, where his tasks included laying cables behind enemy lines.

It’s hard to imagine the horrors Alan Cross must have endured, but it left him with a love of electrical engineering, and started him on a journey that would lead him to start up his own business five years later.

“He gained employment with a local electrical contractor called Gerald Lee based in Attleborough and worked there for five years, and then in 1950 he decided it was time to branch out on his own,” says Kevin Hurn, who is now contracts manager and director of Alan R. Cross & Son – the current form of that fledgling firm. “He set up as a sole trader, initially just doing work in the local village of Wicklewood, using a trade bike with tools and materials strapped to it.”

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‘When my mum met her friend and they had that chat which gave me my job and my apprenticeship, it was possibly one of the luckiest days of my life’

tools for about 12 years on different contracts and then Richard asked me if I would like an office position, which was obviously a promotion.

That was my chance to prove myself by being in charge of a team of electricians, and I still work in that role to this day.” Richard remains the company’s managing director, but these days only tends to work one day a week.

32-34 Contractor profile_Connections Summer 2019_Connections 33

BOUNCING BACK Today, the business employs 14 people – four office-based and 10 on the tools – and hopes to increase turnover year on year. “Our peak employment was in the late 90s and early 2000s, when we had around 20 staff, but when the recession hit we had to downsize,” he says. “It had been steady growth until that point. The hardest job

14

I’ve ever had to do was to make people redundant during the recession; it was something I didn’t enjoy doing at all, but thankfully we were strong enough to survive.”

As well as working with local farms, the business takes on regular work for a number of clients, including BUUK Infrastructure at its head office near Bury St Edmonds and Norfolk

The number of people currently employed by Alan R. Cross & Son

11/07/2019 16:54

CON T RAC TO R P R O F IL E

County Council. “We’ve just had a contract with them to work at local libraries all around Norfolk installing automation systems to give 24-hour access to patrons,” he says. “We’ve been installing all the electrical systems for the automatic lighting control and the power supplies to all the data equipment.”

It also undertakes a large amount of electrical testing work, producing electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) and PAT testing for landlords and local estate agents.

At one point, the firm worked across much of the UK, taking on projects from London to the Midlands and North Wales, but recently the focus has been closer to home. “We still do work in the East Midlands and London as required, but it’s mainly Norfolk and Suffolk,” says Kevin. He even takes on jobs himself in busy periods, he adds, helping out with projects on tight timeframes or undertaking EICRs. The business moved into its current premises in Wymondham in 1988, buying the land and a purpose-built office from a local building contractor who had sold his business. “We expanded it a few years later with additional office space and storage, with parking for four or five vehicles,” he says.

“We’ve moved with the times and if the need arose we would do the same again, but it’s still fit for purpose at the moment.”

96: THE AGE ALAN LIVED TO BEFORE HIS DEATH IN 2016

LEARNING THE ROPES The plan for the next few years is to grow steadily, taking on schoolleavers. “We’ve always followed the philosophy of employing school-

‘The hardest job I’ve ever had to do was to make people redundant but thankfully we were strong enough to survive’

leavers and apprentices because we believe that’s the best way to start someone in this career, and an apprenticeship gives them a trade,” he says. “It gives them a great insight into how we work.

“It’s not just about being a good electrician; it’s also about being people-friendly and knowing how to deal with customers, and clean up after yourself so you leave a job as you find it. That ethic is something we try and transfer through to all of our staff so they all have that mindset.”

Many staff have been with the firm since leaving school, he adds, and those who have left have often gone on to set up their own companies. “Even though they’re now our competitors, it’s nice to see they have managed to forge their own way,” he adds.

In summer 2020, the firm will be putting on an event in a local pub to celebrate 70 years. Attendees will include Richard and his daughter Tracey, who is the firm’s company secretary, as well as Richard’s sister Diane, who was inspirational in helping to expand the company until her retirement in 2018. “We became a limited company in 2002 but the family ethic is still running through the business,” says Kevin.

“Tracey’s daughter works part-time in the office as well.”

LEAVING A LEGACY Alan died in 2016 at 96, says Kevin, but into his final months he would still come into the office. “Being a military man, he would come in and make sure everything was clean and tidy and that people like myself have clean shoes and a smart appearance.”

In time, Kevin can see himself taking more of a back seat. “Some of our senior electricians were apprentices to me when they first started, and one of them would be the ideal candidate to take over,” he says. “I’m not slowing down at the moment; as well as being a contracts manager and company director here, I’m also a local town and district councillor, so I have lots to do outside of work too.”

There’s no doubt that the business is in safe hands, and Kevin says Richard is rightly pleased to see the name continue to thrive. However, he’s also all too aware of how well things have worked out for him.

“When my mum met her friend in Wymondham and they had that chat which gave me my job and my apprenticeship, it was possibly one of the luckiest days of my life,” he says. “I’m still here now and really enjoying it.”

Nick Martindale is editor of Connections

34 S U MME R 2 019

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technical

Your industry-leading reference guide to technical information 38

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

40

Surge protection devices An overview of the risk assessment approach to be taken when determining whether SPDs should be installed

45

BS 5839-6: 2019 Fire detection and fire alarm systems update Examining the recent changes to BS 5839-6, which deals with fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises

50

Fuse links under fault conditions Guidance on how the terms ‘peak let-through current’, ‘current limitation’ and ‘energy let-through’ relate to overcurrent protective devices when under fault conditions

55

Protective equipotential bonding The requirements for protective equipotential bonding where ADS is used, with a focus on its use in commercial and industrial properties

60

Sources of short-term supply for construction sites Direction on the use of plug-in tool transformers and low-voltage supply during construction work

62

The ‘good old days’ Taking a look at the equipment requirements for earth loop impedance testing in 1966 – and how they compare to today’s rules

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

HELPLINE John O’Neill technical engineering manager Sam Donaghy technical helpline engineer Stuart McHugh technical helpline engineer Duncan McFarlane technical helpline engineer Norman Bradshaw technical helpline engineer Mark Cooper technical helpline engineer Richard Atkins technical standards engineer Mark Barnes-Rider technical helpline engineer Craig Kemp technical helpline engineer Craig Cunningham technical helpline engineer

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T E C HN I CAL

Ask the experts

QU E ST I ON

I have been asked to connect a 12 kW instantaneous water heater to an existing unused circuit protected by a 63 A type B circuit-breaker and having a 63 A local isolator. Is this arrangement acceptable?

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

ANSWE R

Possibly. However, for a more complete response, more information would be required including, as a minimum, the following: • ambient temperature • cross-sectional area of the existing cable • grouping

Q UE STIO N

I am currently wiring a new detached garden studio that will contain a small office area and some gym equipment, which will be fed from the existing house installation. Am I required to provide overvoltage protection using SPDs? A N SW E R

There is typically no specific requirement to fit SPDs within a single domestic dwelling; however, it is important that the designer of the installation discusses the potential merits of providing such overvoltage protection with the client. An example of this may be where the value of the installation and equipment therein is considered by the client to justify the cost of providing such protection.

This consideration of value is not concerned solely with the direct cost of replacement of items, should they be damaged by an overvoltage.

Due account must also be given to the probability of such an overvoltage event actually occurring, and the frequency of such occurrences.

You must therefore consider: • the geographical location – and hence the probability of lightning strikes to electricity supply distribution system; and, • whether the installation might be affected by switching-induced overvoltages caused by neighbouring consumers connected to the distribution network. This is more likely to be an issue if the installation in question is in close proximity to industrial installations.

In some cases, the cost of provision will be significant, and this must also be borne in mind where there is no clear justification for such provision.

If after consideration it was agreed to provide overvoltage protection, would it be necessary to install SPDs both at the consumer unit in the house and at the studio, or do I just need one at the house?

Q A

The designer may conclude that limiting protection against overvoltage disturbances to only the addition or alteration may not adequately address the perceived risk. In these circumstances, we recommend that the designer discusses the situation with their client with a view to reaching a collaborative decision on the degree of protection provided.

If, after consideration of the above, a risk assessment is carried out and this determines that overvoltage protection of an addition or alteration to an existing installation is required, that requirement does not become retrospective in relation to the existing installation.

It may also be wise to record, under “Comments on Existing Installation” on the certificate covering the alteration or addition, that a survey is strongly recommended to determine whether further overvoltage protection for the installation as a whole would be beneficial.

In the case of single dwelling units where the person ordering the work, having satisfied themselves of risk/cost aspects, does not want overvoltage protection to be provided, there is nothing in BS 7671 that requires its provision. If, after being advised of the risk/cost aspects the person ordering the work is sufficiently concerned that overvoltage protection might be worthwhile based on geographic location, the risk assessment process described in Regulation 443.5 should be performed to determine need.

It should be noted that the measures to protect against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching given in Section 443 of BS 7671 do not apply to protection against overvoltages due to lightning strokes directly impacting, or striking in close proximity to, an electrical installation (see Regulation 443.1.1).

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

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Area Engineer / David Colley • cable length, and • presence of thermal insulation.

Furthermore, it would have to be determined whether the existing circuit was suitable for protection against electric shock and whether the additional demand upon the installation was excessive.

Assuming, based on the information provided, that all of these factors were suitably assessed, an isolator rated at 63 A would be sufficient in relation to the design current (Ib) of the circuit: Ib ≤ 63 A Ib = P/V Ib = 12000/230 Ib = 52.173 A 52.173 A < 63 A With regard to the rating of the protective device, consideration must be given to the co-ordination between the design current (Ib) of the circuit, the rated current (In) of the protective device and current-carrying capacity of the cable corrected for ambient conditions (IZ) as required by Regulation 433.1.1 of BS 7671.

That is:

When did you first become an Area Engineer for NICEIC? I joined on 5 September 1994.

How has the job changed in that time?

Reports were a single page in triplicate carbon copy; there were no computers or mobile phones.

Information wasn’t as easily available. We had our quarterly newsletter and the annual publication of our list of approved contractors, known as ‘The Roll’.

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

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

The biggest change is certification and reporting. The documents were shorter, handwritten and often not issued at all. In terms of installations, LED lighting is probably the biggest change.

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

A line of headless Pingu penguins, all in slightly different poses, during a visit to the animation studios in Altrincham.

What’s the strangest request you’ve had?

I was invited for a long walk after the contractor I was with locked the door of a house we had visited and accidentally posted the van keys through the letterbox.

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

I visited the photon beam installation at the Christie Hospital. This is the type of installation where the electrical and other services are the leading disciplines and the building simply provides enclosure and access.

Ib ≤ In ≤ IZ Clause 5 of Appendix 4 provides guidance on how to determine the size of the cable to be used. In particular, Clause 5.2 would apply as indent (ii) of Regulation 433.3.1 permits the omission of overload protection for a conductor, which, because of the characteristics of the load or supply, is not likely to carry overload current, where protection against fault current in accordance with Section 434 of BS 7671 is provided. A circuit supplying an instantaneous water heater is unlikely to overload.

What are your interests outside of work?

I like running and cycling. This year I was part of the GB age group team for the Sprint Duathlon World Championships. I am also a qualified bike mechanic.

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

I just want to run and ride my bike a bit faster.

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

An early morning run or bike ride, then a day out with my wife to a National Trust property or to the seaside.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: The Mystery of St Arondight’s by S M Porter; Film: Alice in Wonderland; TV programme: Endeavour.

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

Don’t have anybody in between you and the money.

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T E C HN I CAL

Surge Protection Devices O B JE C TIVE

The aim of this article is to look at the risk assessment approach given in Regulation 443.5 of BS 7671, to determine whether surge protection devices (SPDs) should be installed.

This article is designed to complement the two articles on SPDs (‘When is it necessary to install SPDs?’, and ‘Insulation resistance testing and SPDs’) that appeared in issue 209 of Connections.

the practical issues that arise when applying Regulation 443.4 to circuits installed within existing installations.

Transient overvoltages due to switching tend to have lower amplitude but a longer duration than those overvoltages of atmospheric origin.

Where SPDs are installed to provide protection against overvoltages of atmospheric origin, they will generally meet the requirements for transient overvoltages due to high speed switching. Details of such devices and how they are fitted are given in Section 534 of BS 7671.

Risk assessment The assessment and management of risk is now significantly more in-depth and extensive than the approach used in earlier editions of BS 7671, and is only used when the requirements of Regulation 443.4 do not apply.

The risk assessment calculation is based upon a formula that uses the environmental values given in Table 443.1 of BS 7671, which is reproduced as Table 1, and on values related to geographical locations shown in Fig 1, which is a map of the UK showing typical number of lightning flashes per km2.

The values shown in Table 1, and the distribution network cable lengths up to the origin of the installation as shown in Fig 1, are inputted into the equation given in Regulation 443.5 to determine the calculated risk level (CRL).

Introduction The introduction of the 18th Edition of BS 7671 saw a number of important areas undergo a review of regulatory requirements, which will have an impact upon the electrical contractor. One particular area is the subject of SPDs. Regulation 443.4 requires that protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by such over-voltage occurrences could result in: • serious injury to, or loss of, human life; • interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage; • interruption of commercial or industrial activity; or • where a large number of individuals at the same location could be affected.

Where: LPAH – length (km) of high voltage overhead line LPCH – length (km) of high voltage underground cable LPCL – length (km) of low voltage underground cable LPAL – length (km) of low voltage overhead line

For all other cases, a risk assessment according to Regulation 443.5 should be performed in order to determine whether protection against transient overvoltage is required. If the risk assessment is not performed, the electrical installation should be provided with protection against transient overvoltage.

An exception to performing a risk assessment is for single dwelling units where it is considered that the total value of the installation and equipment therein does not justify such protection.

A subsequent article will consider some of

CRL =

fenv where (LP × Ng )

LP = 2LPAL + LPCL + 0.4LPAH + 0.2LPCH (km) If the calculated risk level is equal to or less than 1 000, protection against transient overvoltage of 40 S U MME R 2 019

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atmospheric origin is required. Conversely, where the calculation gives a CRL value equal to or above 1 000, SPDs are not required.

This method of risk assessment relies on the designer having knowledge of, or having access to, the lengths of supply cable from the surge arrestor on the distribution network up to the origin of the installation.

Where the distribution network cable lengths are unknown or only partially known, then LP shall not exceed 1 km or the distance from the networks overvoltage surge arrestor to the origin of the electrical installation, whichever is the lesser.

Fig 1 Outline of the UK showing the approximate number of lightning flashes per km2

<0.1

0.1

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.1

Examples: 1. Would it be necessary to install SPDs at a warehouse situated in an urban area where the flash density is 0.8 and the supply is made up of the lengths shown below?

LPAH = 0.1 km of high voltage overhead line LPCH = 0.6 km of high voltage underground cable LPCL = 0.3 km of low voltage underground cable

<0.1

0.4 0.5

0.6 0.3

0.1

0.7

0.2

LP = 2LPAL + LPCL + 0.4LPAH + 0.2LPCH = 0 + 0.3 + (0.4 × 0.1) + (0.2 × 0.6) = 0.46 km CRL =

(The image used is a stylised map and reference should be made to Fig 44.2 in BS 7671: 2018 for a more accurate map)

0.4

fenv 850 = ≈ 2310 (LP × Ng ) 0.46 × 0.8

This result being greater than 1 000 indicates that SPDs are not required.

Table 1 Values of fenv

2. Would it be necessary to install SPDs at a village primary school situated in a rural area where the flash density is 0.3 and the supply is made up of the lengths shown below?

LPAH = 0.1 km of high voltage overhead line

Rural and suburban

85

Urban

850

LPCH = 0.2 km of high voltage underground cable LPCL = 0.1 km of low voltage underground cable LPAL = 0.6 km of low voltage overhead line

Fig 2 Line diagram showing the make-up of supply cables to a typical premises

LPAL

LPAH

LPCH

LPCL

LPCL

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T E C HN I CAL

Summary

LP = 2LPAL + LPCL + 0.4LPAH + 0.2LPCH = (2 × 0.6) + 0.1 + (0.4 × 0.1) + (0.2 × 0.2) = 1.38 km CRL =

There may be some confusion regarding the installation of SPDs. However, with the introduction of the 18th Edition, the decision to install SPDs or go through the risk assessment process is something contractors will need to consider when designing new installations or carrying out significant alterations in existing ones.

It must also be remembered that it is not only lightning that can cause an overvoltage; sudden switching in the supply line can also introduce a voltage spike or surge that is sufficient in amplitude to cause damage to any appliance plugged in and switched on.

Where a risk assessment has been carried out to determine that SPDs are not required to be installed, such paperwork should be appended to the Electrical Installation Certificate or handed to the client, along with other commissioning documents.

For more detailed guidance on using the risk assessment procedure as an alternative to fitting SPDs, refer to: BS EN 62305-2:2012 Protection against lightning Part 2: Risk management.

fenv 85 = ≈ 205 (LP × Ng ) 1.38 × 0.3

This result, being less than 1 000, requires SPDs to be fitted. This would appear reasonable considering the type and occupancy of the building and equipment likely to be found therein.

The effect of the geographical location and hence the flash density has an impact on the outcome of the calculated risk level. However, the significant part of the equation is dependent upon the makeup of supply and whether there is sufficient length of run following a lightning strike for the overvoltage to be attenuated.

It must be borne in mind that where a building has lightning protection installed, that does not mean that the electrical installation is also protected, thereby negating the consideration on fitting SPDs. Some of the lightning current discharged by the building’s protection system rises back into the earthing network of the electrical installation. Furthermore, the flow of the current in the building’s lightning protection conductors can generate induced overvoltages in the electrical installation.

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42 S U MME R 2 019

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T E C HN I C A L

BS 5839-6: 2019 Fire detection and fire alarm systems update from service once the cladding has been either removed or made safe; such systems are outside the scope of BS 5839-6.

O B JE C TIVE

This article considers many of the changes that have taken place in the updated British Standard dealing with fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises, BS 5839-6.

Grades and Categories of system The Category of a system defines the type of fire detection and fire alarm system necessary for a particular purpose, such as protection of life or protection of property. The Categories detailed in clause 8.1.1 of BS 5839-6 are LD1, LD2, LD3, PD1 and PD2.

The Grade of a system details the nature of the fire detection and fire alarm system necessary to adequately meet the previously determined category of system which has been based on a suitable risk assessment. The Grades of System detailed in BS 5839-6: 2013 were A, B, C, D, E and F. However, it has been clear for quite some time that very few Grade B and E fire detection and fire alarm systems are designed, installed and commissioned within the UK. BS 5839-6: 2019 reflects the reality that Grade B and E systems are not utilised and, therefore, the Grades of system have been simplified and are now graded as A, C, D1, D2, F1 and F2. While the definition of Grade A and Grade C systems has not changed, there have been some changes to the definitions of Grade D and F systems.

Introduction A full revision of BS 5839-6 has been completed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), and the updated Standard was published by BSI in April 2019. As with all British Standards, other than BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), there is no lead time period for the implementation between the old and new standard and, therefore, BS 5839-6: 2013 has been superseded and withdrawn with immediate effect. All new work relating to fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises should comply with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6: 2019.

BS 5839-6 is a standard whose scope is to give recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of premises designed to accommodate a single family, for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), sheltered housing and supported housing. It does not provide guidance and recommendations for the communal areas or ancillary accommodation, such as plant rooms and the like.

Post-Grenfell there have been instances where temporary fire detection and fire alarm systems have been installed in blocks of flats where the exterior cladding does not satisfy the requirements of building regulations in relation to the rate of fire spread over external walls. Such fire detection and fire alarm systems are intended to be of a temporary nature and are expected to be removed

D1 A system of one or more mains-powered detectors, each with a tamper-proof standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries.

D2 A system of one or more mains-powered detectors, each with a tamper-proof standby supply consisting of a user-replaceable battery or batteries.

F1 A system of one or more battery-powered detectors, powered by a tamper-proof primary 45 S U MME R 2 019

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T E C HN I CAL

battery or batteries.

F2 A system of one or more battery-powered detectors, powered by a user-replaceable primary battery or batteries.

Fig 1 Table 1 BS 5839-6

Both the D1 and F1 Grades of system avoid the risk of an occupier permanently silencing a smoke/ heat/multi-sensor alarm, with a long-life battery being permanently installed in the alarm. It is likely that such a battery/batteries will be of the long-life (lithium ion)1 type.

With the reduction in Grades of system a designer will have to decide, based on the risk assessment carried out, whether to design and install a Grade A/C system instead of a Grade B, and whether a Grade E system should actually be Grade D1/2 or F1/2.

Fire alarm signals transmitted to an alarm receiving centre (ARC)

Table 1 Table 1 of BS 5839-6 (reproduced in part as Fig 1) details the recommended minimum grade and category of fire detection and fire alarm system for the protection of life in a wide range of typical premises. This table has been significantly amended and expanded and makes clear the differentiation between privately owned and rented sector premises.

It should be noted that there is an uprating in the recommended Category of system from LD2 to LD1 for new or materially altered sheltered housing flats2 and new recommendations for fire detection in supported housing.

The minimum recommended Grade of system for single-storey and two or more storeyed supported housing premises3 having no more than four bedrooms is D1, LD1. For two or more storeyed supported housing premises having more than four bedrooms, the minimum recommended Grade and Category of system is A, LD1.

Grade C systems A Grade C system has a common power supply containing both a normal and a standby supply.

A Grade C system may also be integrated with another system, such as an intruder alarm or social alarm system.

The updated Standard has revised and expanded the recommendations for Grade C systems and made the design and installation of such a system an option where it is desired to be able to automatically transmit a fire alarm signal to the fire and rescue service.

Where a Grade C system is integrated with another system and both systems share a single communication link to an alarm receiving centre (ARC), the transmission system should be designed such that the fire alarm signals can be separately identified at the ARC.

1 There is a typical expected life of at least 10 years.

2 Defined in Clause 3.54 BS 5839-6 as ‘block or group of dwellings, with each dwelling incorporating its own cooking and sanitary facilities, designed specifically for persons who might require assistance, e.g. elderly people, and where some form of assistance is available at all times’.

3 Defined in Clause 3.61 BS 5839-6 as ‘housing (excluding sheltered housing) designed for vulnerable people with common characteristics, living as part of a community with support that is normally, but not necessarily, provided on a 24 hr basis.’

Where there is a high risk to life or a desire to protect property in the case of Category PD systems, it is necessary for the fire and rescue service to be called at the earliest possible opportunity while limiting the risk of false alarms.

Clause 20.2 of BS 5839-6 details the recommendations for the remote transmission of alarm signals and has been updated as follows: • c) to include changes where a scheme manager is on site or is off site • d) provide greater clarity regarding the facility for automatic transmission of fire alarm signals to the fire and rescue service, including the avoidance of false alarms, measures to prevent false alarms, and the possible need for the fire and rescue service to force entry to an unoccupied premises in the event of a false alarm • g) to prevent the use of automatic fire alarm signal transmission unless a contract is in place for maintenance of the system at periods not exceeding six months • h)1) where alarm signals are transmitted to an ARC, to reduce the delay when determining a false signal from two minutes to 60 seconds • k) to change reference from BS 5979 to BS 8591, Remote centres receiving signals from alarm systems – Code of practice • m) NOTE 7 added to enable two enclosures not more than 50 mm apart to still align with m).

Updated cross-referencing BS 5839-6 updates the cross-references made to BS 5839-1: 2017 for Grade A systems.

Table 3 Table 3 of BS 5839-6 (reproduced in part as Fig 2) is a new table detailing the testing and servicing recommended by Grade of System. Reference to this table is a new recommendation found in Clause 26.2b) of BS 5839-6.

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T E C HN I CAL

Table 3 recognises that a distinction can be made between those checks that can be sensibly made by a user and those that should be made by a competent person.

• Grade A systems should be tested and serviced in accordance with the recommendations detailed in BS 5839-1: 2017.

• Grade C systems should typically be tested and serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, otherwise in accordance with Annex I of BS 5839-6 where applicable.

• Smoke alarms, heat alarms and multi-sensors in Grade D and Grade F systems should have their test buttons pressed monthly by the user and, where serviced by a competent person, in accordance with the recommendations of Annex I of BS 5839-6 where applicable.

Fig 2 Table 3 BS 5839-6

Table 3 – Testing and servicing by grade Grade of detection

Type of fire detection and fire alarm system

Frequency of test by user

Testing action to be taken by user

Frequency of service by competent person

A

Systems of a type described in -1:2017 BS 5839 5839-1:2017 Fire detectors and fire alarms supplied with power from a common PSU, with central control equipment

Weekly

As in BS 5839-1

6 months

Monthly

Press test button on central control equipment (if a fire alarm system has no test button, testing should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s or supplier’s supp instructions, or

12 months for sheltered housing scheme and dispersed telecareenabled fire detection and fire alarm systems; otherwise to the extent recommended by

C

Servicing procedure by competent person As in BS 5839-1:2017

Records held for property

Battery change recommendations

As in BS 5839-1

As in BS 5839-1:2017

As in Annex I, if

—

If replaceable follow manufacturer’s recommendations

applicable B), C)

the manufacturer manufacture A)

Standard, all installations should now be designed, installed, maintained and serviced in line with the 2019 Standard.

There may exist specific regulatory requirements within various parts of the United Kingdom, and these must also be met.

Clause 27 Clause 27 is a new clause recommending that a logbook is issued for Grade A systems and for sheltered and supported housing installations irrespective of their Grade and Category of system; enforcing authorities may wish to have sight of such documentation under fire safety legislation.

Clause 27 details the minimum information that should be recorded in such a document as follows: • the name of the person in the premises who is responsible for the fire detection and fire alarm system; • brief details of the maintenance arrangements; • dates and times of all fire alarm signals; • causes, circumstances surrounding and category of false alarm; • dates, times and types of all tests; • dates, times and types of all faults and defects; and • dates and times of all maintenance.

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A logbook can be in electronic form but must be available and accessible for all interested parties. upda

Summary A number of significant changes have been made to BS 5839-6 and it essential that all those designing, installing, maintaining and servicing fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises are fully conversant with the new standard and, where necessary, have undertaken the necessary technical training.

All designers and installers need to make use of the updated certificates and logbooks and, although installations designed and installed to the previous Standard can still be certified to that

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T E C HN I CAL

Fuse-links under fault conditions High level short-circuit currents can create significant electrodynamic stresses which could, for example, warp busbars or force cables out of their fixings. The electrodynamic forces are proportional to the square of the peak current I2.

Short-circuit currents can also produce significant heating effects upon the conductors and equipment; this heating is proportional to the energy let-through I2t.

Fig 1 shows a typical example of peak current and energy limitation. While the start point of the fault is purely arbitrary, the graph shows the potential short-circuit current that could flow if a current limiting OCPD, in this case a BS 88 type fuse-link, was not in the circuit.

A current limiting OCPD prevents the letthrough current (cut-off current) reaching the prospective peak value and limits the let-through energy (I2t) to a value less than the let-through energy of a half-cycle wave of the symmetrical prospective current.

O B JE C TIVE

The aim of this article will be to focus on how the terms ‘peak let-through current’, ‘current limitation’ and ‘energy let-through’ relate to overcurrent protective devices when under fault conditions.

Introduction Overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) provide protection against fault currents and, where necessary, overload current. Regulation 430.3 requires a protective device to be provided to break any overcurrent in the circuit conductors before it can cause damage to items such as conductor insulation, connections, joints, terminations, connected equipment or to the surroundings of the conductors.

An overcurrent, as defined in Part 2 of BS 7671, is any current exceeding rated value.

While this term includes both short-circuit and overload, this article will concentrate on shortcircuit only.

A fault having negligible impedance either between live conductors or between live conductors and earth is classed as a short-circuit.

When a short-circuit occurs, a short time elapses before the OCPD operates. This operating time is dependent on the characteristics of the protective device, the magnitude of the shortcircuit current and the applied voltage.

Fig 1 Example of peak current and energy limitation Current

Prospective peak fault current which would occur without current limitation

Peak current limited by the fuse

Point of fault Normal load current

Fault conditions A short-circuit can produce a current many thousands of times larger than the normal operating current of the circuit. It is necessary, therefore, to ‘cut-off ’ this current in time before damage and/or destruction is done to cables (Regulation 434.5.2) or indeed other vulnerable circuit components.

ta

tf tf

Pre-arc fusing time

ta

Arcing time

tc

Total full-clearance time

5 ms

10 ms

Time

tc

20 ms (1-cycle)

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630 A 400 A

38 kA

200 A 100 A 63 A

10 000 6.2 kA

3

32 A

2

16 A

1 000

A

Do not scale

1 A symmetrical fault would typically describe a shortcircuit appearing across three phases or three phases to earth/neutral. Such a fault would have a balanced current flow, whereas an asymmetrical fault would typically occur in one or two phases or to earth/neutral and the fault current would be unbalanced.

2 The X/R ratio is the ratio of the system reactance to the system resistance as seen from the point of the fault, looking back to the power source, assuming that a short-circuit is applied to the system at that point. The X/R ratio affects the level of shortcircuit current that an OCPD is required to interrupt.

500 000

Prospective short-circuit current - symmetrical rms amperes

100 000

50 000

16 kA

20 000

10 000

1 5 000

2 000 2.7 kA 3 000

4

100 1 000

Peak current limitation characteristics are typically associated with selectivity studies for circuit-breakers and for illustrating the reduced electrodynamic stresses together with the apparent symmetrical rms fault current when using current-limiting OCPDs (see Fig 2 for such an example for fuse-links). Energy limitation characteristics are typically associated with selectivity studies for fuses and for conductor short-circuit thermal calculations using what is known as the adiabatic equation.

For fault currents of very short duration (<0.1 s), the time/current characteristic curves of Appendix 3 in BS 7671 are not applicable, and the curves must not be extrapolated; instead, use is made of the let-through energy (I2t) values as quoted by the manufacturer or product standard (Regulation 434.5.2 refers).

The peak let-through graph of Fig 2 can be used to estimate the equivalent or apparent symmetrical1 rms fault current that a system can withstand.

The line A-B of Fig 2 represents the maximum peak current a circuit can produce with no fuselink in place. This peak current is referred to as ‘asymmetrical’; the terms ‘asymmetrical’ and ‘symmetrical’ are used to describe the symmetry of the short-circuit waveform to the zero axis (see Fig 3). The asymmetrical peak will be the highest peak current during a short-circuit and its value depends upon the X/R ratio of the circuit at the time of the short-circuit. This X/R2 ratio is the degree of magnetic energy stored in the system and released during the short-circuit, for example by transformers, generators and motors.

The symmetrical peak current would normally be 1.414 times the rms current; however, the highest force will occur at the peak value of the

B

100 000

100

Peak current and energy limitation characteristics

Fig 2 Typical current limiting / cut-off characteristics

Instantaneous peak let-through current in amperes

In Fig 1 the area under the curve (dashed line) represents the energy let-through (I2t) without the energy limitation of the fuse, and the area under the curve shaded pink represents the total amount of energy let-through (I2t) from the start of the fault – through the melting of the fuselink and the duration of the arc before being quenched. The horizontal dotted line at the top of the pink area represents the peak current limitation (cut-off current) of the fuse.

A similar curve can be drawn for a circuitbreaker. When the circuit-breaker contact points open and the de-latching process starts, an arc will try to bridge across the contacts until it is quenched by the circuit-breaker. It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss how the arc is extinguished in a circuit-breaker which will be considered in a future article.

initial asymmetrical short-circuit current due to the released energy from the transformer, generator or motor, etc. It is therefore the asymmetrical peak current value which is considered and not the rms peak current value.

Multipliers, derived from calculated X/R ratios, are used in conjunction with the symmetrical fault current to provide an asymmetric peak current value. OCPDs are tested at predetermined X/R ratios according to their product standards. The A-B line in Fig 2 corresponds to an X/R ratio of 6.6 with the calculated peak value multiplier of 2.3 times the symmetrical rms current and not 1.414 as might be expected.

The fuse characteristic lines are plots of the peak let-through current passed by a given fuselink at various available fault currents.

Example Consider the line diagram of Fig 4, and assume that 16 kA prospective fault current was available at the position of the fault. Would the 100 A fuse operate before any damage was done to the control panel, which has a withstand current rating of only 6 kA? Using the cut-off characteristic graph of Fig 2, mark the prospective fault current of 16 kA rms on the horizontal axis () and proceed vertically until the 100 A fuse-link curve is intersected ().

Follow the horizontal until the instantaneous peak let-through current axis is met. The peak

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let-through current would be approximately 6 kA. It is worth noting that if a fuse-link wasn’t used, the peak current would have been about 38 kA. As a BS 88-2 fuse-link is a current limiting device, the Irms let-through current can be found following the route  through to  which reads approximately 2.7 kA rms.

The BS 88-2 fuse-link would ‘let-through’ approximately 2.7 kA rms of fault current in the short time (less than ½ a cycle) it took for the fault to clear. At this level of current there would be little risk of damage to conductors or any connected equipment overheating during the time the fault existed. However, short-circuit back-up and combined short-circuit protection is usually obtained by type-testing and thus the data for the selection of the OCPD should be obtained from the equipment manufacturer, for example the control panel manufacturer (Regulations 536.4.2.3, 536.4.2.4 and 536.4.2.1 refer).

Fig 3 Short-circuit waveform

Asymmetrical peak depends upon X/R ratio For X/R of 6.6, 2.3 x I symmetrical rms

I

Symmetrical peak is 1.414 x I symmetrical rms

t

Five cycles of asymmetrical current For this example short-circuit waveform

Symmetrical current begins

Fig 4 Line diagram showing the supply to a control panel

Summary A short-circuit current can produce a current many times larger than the normal operating current of the circuit. This can lead to significant heating effects and damaging electrodynamic forces.

Current limiting OCPDs impose an upper limit on the current that may be delivered to a load with the purpose of protecting the circuit from the harmful effects due to a short-circuit or similar problem in the load.

Bus-bar 25 kA rms symmetrical fault-current available

Position of short-circuit

Control panel Isolator

BS 88-2 100 A (33 kA)

Withstand rating 6 kA

Correction Last issue of Connections (issue 209) featured a table containing incorrect figures on page 41, relating to the maximum allowable voltage drops for installations connected to the low voltage public network. We are reprinting the table with correct figures below: Table 1 Maximum allowable voltage drops for installations connected to the low voltage public network Maximum voltage drop allowed

Type of load

Maximum % Voltage drop

230 V supplies

400 V supplies

Lighting

3%

6.9 V

12 V

Other uses

5%

11.5 V

20 V

We apologise for any confusion and inconvenience this may have caused.

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T EC HN I C A L

Protective Equipotential Bonding The primary purpose of main protective bonding is to limit the magnitude of any potentially hazardous touch voltages that may appear on exposed and/or extraneousconductive metalwork within an equipotential zone with exposed-conductive-parts.

O B JE C TIVE

This article discusses the purpose of carrying out protective equipotential bonding in commercial and/or industrial type properties. How to verify the electrical continuity of such protective bonding conductors is also discussed briefly.

Requirements for protective bonding In each installation, main protective bonding conductors complying with Chapter 54 of BS 7671 are required to connect any extraneousconductive-parts of the installation to the MET in accordance with Regulation 411.3.1.2.

Extraneous-conductive-parts are conductive parts liable to introduce a potential, generally earth potential, which do not form part of the

Introduction The majority of electrical installations in the UK use Automatic Disconnection of Supply (ADS) as the protective measure for protection against electric shock. In this article, the requirements of BS 7671 for protective equipotential bonding where ADS is used will be considered.

ADS is a protective measure in which: • basic protection is provided by basic insulation of live parts or by barriers or enclosures, in accordance with Section 416; and • fault protection is provided by protective earthing, protective equipotential bonding and ADS in the event of a fault, in accordance with Regulation Groups 411.3 to 411.6.

(Regulation 411.1. refers).

Where it is not feasible for an overcurrent protective device (OCPD) to provide the requisite disconnection time of sub-section 411.3.2, or use of an RCD is not appropriate, refer to Section 419 (411.3.2.5).

Fig 1 Potential touch voltage between motor starter and steelwork having no protective bonding

Ut

Structural steelwork Metal Enclosure

Drive shaft Motor

Purpose of main protective bonding In the event of an earth fault (a fault between a line conductor and an exposed-conductivepart or a protective conductor), a dangerous voltage – or, more correctly, potential difference – can occur between simultaneously accessible exposed-conductive-parts and extraneousconductive-parts in the installation, as shown in Fig 1.

General mass of Earth

Ut -Touch voltage

55 S U MME R 2 019

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T EC E C HN I CAL

Fig 2 Structural steelwork serving as a protective bonding conductor

Structural steelwork

MET

Means of Earthing

Concrete

Extraneous-conductive-part

General mass of Earth

electrical installation. Regulation 411.3.1.2 lists examples of items that can be extraneousconductive-parts.

Regulation 411.3.1.2 also requires that the connection of a lightning protection system to the main bonding shall be in accordance with BS EN 62305-3 – Protection against lightning.

The regulation further requires that main bonding conductors are connected to any metallic sheath of a communications cable at the premises, provided that the consent of the owner or operator of the cable has been obtained.

• calculated in accordance with Regulation 543.1.3; or • selected in accordance with Regulation 543.1.4; (iii) unless compensatory measures are provided, precautions shall be taken against its removal; and (iv) it has been considered for such a use and, if necessary, suitably adapted.

Using the steelwork as a protective bonding conductor provides a number of benefits, not least that less cable is needed, particularly in large installations, but also that the steelwork

Commercial and/or industrial installations

Fig 3 Means of connecting a protective bonding conductor to the structural steelwork

As mentioned previously, it is a requirement for all extraneous-conductive-parts, such as exposed structural steelwork, to be connected to the MET. What designers and installers may not appreciate is that, in many cases, the structural steelwork can be utilised as a protective bonding conductor, as shown in Fig 2 (543.2.1 (vii)).

Where the steel structural framework of a building is to be used as a protective conductor, Regulation 543.2.6 requires the following conditions to be met: (i) its electrical continuity can be assured for the life of the installation; (ii) the csa of the steelwork is not less than the minimum csa given by the application of Regulation 543.1.1 whether:

Structural Steelwork

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T E C HN I CAL

Fig 4 Verifying the electrical continuity of protective bonding conductors

Structural steelwork

0.02

MET Wander lead

Means of Earthing

Concrete

General mass of Earth

provides a more convenient and efficient method of maintaining continuity, as it is unlikely to be removed.

The connection from the accessory to the steelwork must be electrically and mechanically secure for the duration of the installation.

Where a bonding connection is to be made, it is necessary to obtain prior permission rather than drill holes arbitrarily. One typical method is to have a connection plate, as shown in Fig 3, welded to the structure. Other methods of making a secure connection are not precluded.

Extraneous-conductive-part

Fig 4, having temporarily disconnected the main protective bonding conductor from the MET. Where structural steelwork is used, it will be difficult to isolate any potential parallel paths.

Where significant differences are detected in the resistance readings between simultaneously accessible extraneous-conductive-parts and exposed-conductive-parts, it may be necessary to install supplementary bonding – for example between the metal cased motor starter and the structural steelwork, as shown in Fig 1.

Summary Verification of electrical continuity

The primary purpose of main protective bonding is to minimise the magnitude of the touch voltages.

Where the structural steelwork of a building is significant, Regulation 543.2.1 (vii) permits its use as a protective bonding conductor.

As part of the verification process for ensuring continuity of any protective bonding conductor, there is no difference in the testing procedure where the structural steelwork has been used in preference to running individual copper cables.

Unless the protective bonding conductor is visible throughout its full length and it can be assured the connections are electrically and mechanically secure, it will be necessary to perform earth continuity testing. It is essential to ensure that all protective bonding conductors, where fitted, are not only continuous but return a low ohmic reading when tested. Any extraneousconductive-part without an effective connection to earth will not provide an equipotential zone with any simultaneously accessible exposedconductive-parts, which may lead to a risk of electric shock in the event of an earth fault.

The test method usually used is by the wandering lead method, as shown in Fig 4.

Using a long lead (wander lead), the leads of the instrument are attached as shown in 58 S U MME R 2 019

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T E C HN I CAL

Sources of short-term supply for construction sites A number of options are available for use where the above or similar scenarios exist. This article considers the safe use of portable tool transformers, use of an RCD protected low voltage circuit of the premises and battery powered tools.

O B JE C TIVE

This article summarises the requirements and guidance related to the use of plug-in tool transformers and the normal low voltage supply of the installation during construction work.

Portable tool transformers Portable tool transformers are readily available having a 110 V or 230 V primary and a 230 V, 110 V or SELV secondary as appropriate for the portable equipment that is to be supplied. The transformer will provide electrical separation, and the heavy duty flexible cable to H07RN-F (BS EN 50525-2-21) or equivalent, used on both the input and output sides, will provide sufficient protection against mechanical damage. Further details are given in Table 1.

This article follows on from a series of other articles in recent issues of Connections, which looked at the less short-term yet temporary supply arrangements that can be employed on a construction site. You may find it helpful to refer to those articles when reading this one.

Introduction Use of an RCD protected low voltage circuit

While a properly designed temporary electrical distribution system should be installed to supply site lighting, power tools and equipment, and welfare facilities on a construction site, there will be instances where such a supply system is not considered necessary.

Where work of limited scope and duration is carried out in predominantly complete premises, power tools and lighting can be supplied from the general socket-outlets, so long as their current rating does not exceed that of the socket-outlets and of the circuits from which the supply is taken.

This would be the case, for example: • At the very early stages of some construction projects where a distributed temporary electrical supply may not be available on-site, and only minor work involving the need for power tools and/or lighting is being carried out.

• When certain alterations or additions are being made to an existing, otherwise complete, premises.

• During commissioning or ‘snagging’ activities.

• Where the nature of the work being carried out does not warrant the need for power tools requiring an external supply source.

If the environmental conditions are sufficiently benign, 230 V equipment may be used connected directly to the socket-outlets of the installation.

Where such an approach is taken, additional protection should be provided by an RCD having a rated residual current not exceeding 30 mA. It may not be possible to determine whether the circuit of the fixed installation being used as the source of supply has such protection for reasons including: • Lack of knowledge – not all persons working on construction sites are electrically competent.

• Inability to identify and/or gain access to the relevant distribution boards from which the circuits are supplied.

As a result, to ensure that such protection is provided, the portable equipment employed should be supplied via an RCD safety adaptor, RCD safety plug or in-line RCD conforming to BS 70711. Where such an adaptor is used, it should be determined that it is suitable for the rated voltage (for example 110 V/230 V).

Wherever RCDs not forming part of the fixed installation are relied upon for safety, their continued functionality should be verified prior to 60 S U MME R 2 019

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Description/ transformer ratio

Circuit diagram

230 V / 110 V RLV

Typical output ratings[1] 3 to 5 kVA

55 V 110 V

230 V 55 V

110 V RLV / 230 V

1 or 2 integral socketoutlets to BS EN 60309 rated at 16 A and/or 32 A

Up to 3.3 kVA 55 V 110 V

230 V 55 V

230 V / 230 V

1 or 2 integral socketoutlets to BS EN 60309 rated at 16 A or to BS 1363 rated at 13 A

Up to 3 kVA 230 V

110 V RLV / SELV

55 V SELV 55 V

Available with either 230 V or 110 V primaries, typically available in ratings of up to 2 kVA 1 or 2 integral socketoutlets to BS EN 60309 rated at 16 A

230 V / SELV

230 V

For use where, for example, a construction project is nearing completion or where alterations or additions are being made to an existing otherwise complete installation.

Allows the use of 110 V professional power tools without the need for the installation of a reduced low voltage (RLV) distribution system and yet provide an equivalent degree of safety for their users Uncommonly, but on occasion, it may be necessary to provide a 230 V supply for specialist equipment where only 110 V RLV socket-outlets are available on site

Straightforward 1:1 isolating transformer

1 or 2 integral socketoutlets to BS EN 60309 rated at 16 A or a single BS 1363 socket-outlet rated at 13 A

230 V

110 V

Notes

In certain parts of a construction site the use of portable lighting and power tools operating at separated extra-low voltage is recommended (see Note 2 of Regulation 704.410.3.10) Where the work is taking place in an area falling within the scope of Section 706 of BS 7671 (conducting locations with restricted movement) the use of an SELV supply is permitted for the supply of: • hand-held tools or items of mobile equipment

SELV

• handlamps • fixed equipment (706.410.3.10)

[1] It should be noted that these will often be short-time ratings and the rating for continuous use will be significantly lower.

See manufacturer’s data sheet for full details of any particular transformer.

each use through pressing the integral test button.

Portable equipment, as a result of its being moved around, connected and reconnected and stored with other equipment, is more vulnerable to damage than permanently installed equipment.

trailing leads, they cause less impact in the area in which work is being carried out. It should also not be forgotten that trailing leads can present a trip hazard in some instances, and so the lack of such leads is a significant benefit in itself.

Battery-powered tools

Summary

Despite significant advances in recent years, unless multiple pre-charged replacement batteries are available for use, battery powered tools offer both restricted power and availability of supply. However, when suitable for the work at hand, they are the safest option when using electrically powered tools2. They also require the least preparation as, at the most, only the battery charger needs to be plugged in. Another significant advantage of battery-powered tools is that, because they do not require the use of

A range of options are available to supply portable tools and lighting for those carrying out work of a limited nature and duration in situations where a reduced low voltage supply system is not present. Appropriate means of supply should be selected, taking into consideration the nature of the immediate work environment and associated degree of risk. Consideration should also be given to minimising the impact of the supply arrangements on any occupants of the building during work activities.

1 BS 7071: 1992 Specification for portable residual current devices 2 Section 29 of Electrical safety on construction sites (HSG141) refers

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T E C HN I CAL

The ‘good old days’ The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) was founded in 1956. Initially, the NICEIC issued a bi-annual newsletter rather than its current quarterly magazine, Connections. These newsletters detailed the progress of the NICEIC in its early days and its relationship with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and Area Boards, and also detailed some of the issues that were raised by Inspecting Engineers, many of which remain the same today.

This ‘good old days’ looks at the information contained in Newsletter No. 13 from February 1966 regarding the testing of electrical installations.

Newsletter No 13 from February 1966 This ‘Good old days’ part of the Technical Section of Connections will highlight an old problem that remains ever fresh.

Earth loop impedance testing equipment 1966 “Most of the Council’s Enrolled Contractors are now in possession of at least one suitable instrument for testing the value of the earth loop impedance, in accordance with Regulation 507.

There have been a few enrolled Contractors who have ignored all the warning notices and letters that have been sent to them, reminding them of their obligations to the Council, which include the possession of adequate testing equipment to satisfy the requirements of Section V of the IEE Wiring Regulations.

These contractors have been removed from the Roll and are no longer entitled to display the NICEIC emblem. Similar action will be taken with any contractor who continues

to ignore this requirement and who cannot produce proof, at the next routine visit of the Council’s Inspecting Engineer; that he is in possession of a suitable instrument for carrying out this essential test.”

Technical Topics – No. 13 Published February 1966

Test instrument requirements 2019 The testing requirements of the Wiring Regulations have increased significantly since 1966; however, the need for those verifying an electrical installation to have adequate test instrument(s) remains unchanged, for example: • Regulation 643.1 requires that measuring instruments and monitoring equipment are chosen in accordance with the relevant parts of BS EN 61557.

• Regulation 643.2.1 requires continuity to be verified by measurement (BS EN 61557-4).

• Regulation 643.3.1 requires insulation resistance to be measured (BS EN 61557-2).

• Where RCDs are used to provide protection for automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) or for protection against fire Regulation 643.7.1 requires RCDs to be tested using an instrument to BS EN 61557-6.

For RCDs used to provide additional protection, Regulation 643.8 requires that they should be tested using a suitable test instrument (BS EN 61557-6).

As can be seen from this brief review of the various test requirements found in BS 7671, the modern contractor is required to hold a range of test instruments to be able to correctly test the necessary parts of an electrical installation.

Summary There are very few issues that the modern contractor finds him/herself having to deal with that have not been seen before; even in 1966 the NICEIC had to remind contractors to have access to the correct test instruments.

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P ROD UC T FO C U S

Aico Aico’s Ei3028 is a mains-powered multi-sensor heat and CO alarm. It provides a convenient, costeffective and efficient solution to protect residents from fire and CO in the kitchen and garage.

The Ei3028 contains an electrochemical CO sensor and thermistor heat sensor, which reacts to temperatures of 58ºC or over but won’t be set off by cooking vapours. It has different sounds for fire and CO, and there are flashing fire and CO indicators on the unit itself. It also comes with AudioLINK data extraction, SmartLINK wireless interconnection and whole-system data monitoring capability.

The Ei3028 forms part of Aico’s advanced 3000 series alarms, which all use the same easi-fit base. www.aico.co.uk

Wiska Wiska’s KA range is the perfect solution for internal installations (internal cable joints – for example for twin and earth cable, extending ring circuits, spur lighting, adding light fittings with switch and loop, wiring centres for lighting and smoke detectors). Available in three sizes (KA006 86 x 44 x 41, KA012 86 x 86 x 41, and the KA016 96 x 96 x 50), the KA offers IP55 protection and is halogen free. With versatile mounting options and cable retention thanks to Wiska’s clever ZER strain relief rings, the KA is the ideal solution for internal applications. www.wiska.co.uk / 01208 816062

CK Tools Designed for electricians, CK’s dextroVDE screwdrivers have ergonomic handles and molybdenum-vanadium-steel blades for strength and durability. When it comes to quality, the CK dextroVDE (T49183D) is hard to beat. These safety screwdrivers are available as a set of five slotted/PZ, with features including tip-type marking for easy identification, a long, fine neck for precise control, and a handle that is injection-moulded directly to the blade. If it’s innovation you’re looking for, the dextroVDE Slim Glo screwdriver set (49283PD) is ideal. These screwdrivers emit a glow in low light conditions, so you need never lose your screwdriver again. The TritonXLS insulated set (T4729), meanwhile, combines versatility with exceptional value.

This screwdriver set – insulated five-piece slotted/PZD – provides electrical safety during use and a voltage rating of 1000V. www.ck-tools.com / 01758 704704

CK Tools

Ideal

CK’s MightyRods PRO Toolbox Set 3.3m offers efficient cable installation in confined spaces. It includes 10x 3cm rods, which create a total length of 3.3m.

The 6mm rods feature SplinterSHIELD. The set also includes a 5mm thread adaptor and cable hook, a 190mm coiled steel flexi lead and a mini eye ring. www.ck-tools.com / 01758 704704

The Ideal In-Sure Box is designed for use with In-Sure Push-in, In-Sure Lever and SpliceLine® wire connectors, making it maintenance-free and suitable for installation of an electrical junction in an inaccessible location. The enclosure fits through a 50mm hole for spotlights and similar installations, and supports cables from 0.5mm2 to 2.5mm2. www.wire-connectors.com

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O F F T HE TO O L S

Abracadabra!

volunteering for a church church, but I prefer having the certainty of a normal job during the week and I don’t want to lose the trade that I have. Having them both takes the pressure off.

When he’s not working on film studio jobs, Iain Bailey can be found doubling up as the ‘electrician magician’

tricks at work. I even escape from a high-vis jacket while handcuffed.

How much time does it take up?

I’ve limited it so I have two full weekends off each month, so I tend to fill my diary. I get around eight bookings a month but it’s mainly weekends.

Does the magic help with the day job, or the other way around?

The performance aspect of the magic helps me with client-facing skills on jobs, and the technical skills you learn with the sleight of hand can help with fiddly connections as well.

How big could this go?

How did you get into magic?

Where do you cover?

I’m 28 now and it started when I was about 12 years old, when I watched a programme with David Blaine putting a card through a window. The next day I went into Reading and bought a book on card magic, and it took off from there.

Most of it is within an hour of where I’m based in Bracknell, but I’ve done a wedding in Brazil, which was a bit of a trek. I travel quite a bit but I tend not to charge much more – I just make it a weekend away with my wife.

How did you get into events?

Could this become more than a hobby?

I did two events when I was 12. One was my niece’s birthday party and one was a wedding where I performed for the children.

Since then it’s slowly taken off. I joined the Magic Circle five years ago, and I now mainly perform at weddings. But recently I’ve started to do an electrical-themed show using things that are found on building sites, which grew from people asking me to do

I did do it full-time for a year when I was

‘I escape from a high-vis jacket while handcuffed’

I’d like to build up the electrician magician shows (electricianmagician.co.uk) but I’m happy to keep the two jobs and have some weekends free.

What about your electrical career?

My dad runs Bailey Electrical Contractors and he suggested it as a career. I did a fouryear apprenticeship with NG Bailey and then worked as a sub-contractor. Two years ago I joined Longcross Film Studios and I do a lot of maintenance there. Because I’m selfemployed I can choose my working hours, so having that flexibility helps with bookings for the magic shows.

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

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

#SPARKSLIFE

Under the floorboards Our call in the last issue for your unusual discoveries revealed quite a selection of cable-related finds.

Jonathan Keam of JK Electrical in Truro, Cornwall, found a label from a Slough business, St Helens Cable & Rubber Co, overlaid with a stamp warning users it was “war emergency grade” cable (right). Tom Chaney of Guildford firm Thomas Chaney Electrical Services, meanwhile, uncovered a label from London firm W.T. Henley’s Telegraph Works Co (top) at a cottage in Brixton.

We’ve been asking you to send in pictures of the jobs you are working on via social media – and you haven’t disappointed. Keep sending them in via Twitter @officialNICEIC or @officialELECSA, or via Instagram using the hashtag #sparkslife.

This issue’s prize for the best shot, a £25 voucher, goes to Heath Electrical If you think you know when this might date from, or have come across any unusual finds, let us know at currentaffairs@ redactive.co.uk

Smiling on the job – it’s Heath Electrical from Milton Keynes

The joys of being an electrician in summer – Cox Co Electrical, Wales

STEPPING UP TO TV CHALLENGE

ILL-BEHAVIOUR Most of us have been forced to work inless than-pleasant office conditions at one time or another, but it seems that a lack of cleanliness can actually make us sick.

According to a survey by Appliances Direct.co.uk, almost half of workers (46 per cent) believe their work environment has contributed to them becoming ill.

A lack of hygiene is seen as the number one cause, blamed by 68 per cent, while 62 per cent point to colleagues bringing in illnesses. Other issues include desk phones (48 per cent), dirty office kitchens (45 per cent) and poorly washed-up plates or mugs (34 per cent). Perhaps working on-site isn’t too bad after all…

A Somerset firm stepped in to help create a new two-storey extension in Weston-super-Mare on a recent episode of DIY SOS: Big Build.

Matt Francis of NICEIC registered M Tech Ltd in Bridgwater was asked to lead all the electrical design and installation work after volunteering his company’s services at a registration event.

He said: “There was a bit of pressure to get it done in time, but everyone got involved and there was such a good buzz on-site.”

Matt, along with three other electricians from his company, was on site for the entire job, which included supplying power for an internal lift and hoists in each bedroom. The programme is due to air on BBC1 later this year.

Loading up the van for an early start is lbaelectrical in Liverpool

It’s not all about connecting wires and chasing – Adam Duff, Lincolnshire

The joys of coming back to second fix after the plasterer has been in – John Brain, Swansea

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

66

Tag us at...

S U MME R 2 019

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Loop test with confidence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Discover the latest Acti9

PREDICT. PRECISE. PROTECT.

Acti9 Isobar P • Smart connectivity, delivering greater insights • Less cabling with Plug-on technology • Safe and reliable functional connections

schneider-electric.co.uk/isobar-p

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