ECN February 2018 by All Things Media

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VOLUME 38 NO. 02 • FEBRUARY 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE: TEST & MEASUREMENT

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SPECIAL FEATURE: COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

RAISING STANDARDS FOR 25 YEARS NAPIT Group is celebrating its 25th year of supporting and promoting the electrical industry and achieving a Gold Investors In Customers Award. NAPIT was founded 25 years ago this March by a small group of electricians whose aim was to improve the standards within the electrical industry. It started with six staff members campaigning persistently at the local and national level to introduce a system where electricians and electrical inspectors and testers could be certified as competent. With offices throughout the UK, NAPIT is a government approved and UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited certficiation body in the building services and fabric sectors. With a membership of more than 10,000 NAPIT registered businesses operating across the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, complemented by a national network of training centres, NAPIT continues to uphold its ethos, to underpin and promote continual professional development (CPD) through training and assessment.

Turn to page 12 for full story.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 38 NO. 02 • FEBRUARY 2018

CONTENTS…

Special features: Test & Measurement 36

Dan Payerle Barrera, global product manager at IDEAL Networks, discusses the importance of installation testing and documentation of IP CCTV systems.

Peter Wade of Megger explains why now is a very good time to think about replacing your old test kit with the latest multifunction installation testers (MFTs).

Joe Bishop and Chris Fox of Test-Meter.co.uk take a look at what the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations will mean for test and measurement.

Regulars 4 Editorial No uncertain terms.

6 Industry News Catch up on the latest happenings in the sector.

14 Contract News Contracts and installations galore.

18 Training Mobile training and construction colleges.

20 Key Issue Martin Boorman, national sales manager at Prysmian UK, gives an assessment of the new regulations six months after they came into force.

22 Competition Win an iPad courtesy of ABB.

24 Project Focus Rolec EV explains how Teesside University has installed a range of its Charge Online electric vehicle (EV) charging points around its campus.

57 Company Showcase

Features

26 Make a change How can fire safety be improved today? asks Simon Goodhead, VP of Jensen Hughes.

30 In profile ECN takes a pew with UK sales director for Marshall-Tufflex, Jon Chamberlain, to discuss the driving force behind the company.

Commercial Vehicles & EV Infrastructure

A round-up of new products, services and company news stories from the industry.

BEW looks at how installing charge points can be a brilliant opportunity for contractors in the here and now.

Tina Skinner, Kasp Security brand manager for Carl Kammerling International, explains how electricians can guard against vanrelated thefts.

32 Join the smart building revolution EI Live! is the UK’s only smart home/ building trade show, providing Electrical Contractors with the chance to learn about and join this expanding and lucrative sector.

34 In control How can lighting control benefit the electrical contractor? asks Tony Biggs, senior sales manager at Lutron Electronics.

Kate Thompson from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles explains what contractors need to know about the van market to keep their costs down and their wheels turning.

Martin Hale, of ABB’s electric vehicle charging business in the UK, introduces the potential charging technology has to optimise road transport and public services.

Insurance 54

Don’t get hit by higher fines for health and safety offences, says Ian Hollingworth, head of claims for ECIC.

February 2018 | 3

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Image courtesy of Maxwell Hamilton, CC BY-SA 3.0

EDITORIAL

NO UNCERTAIN TERMS

e’re only two months into the year, and so far the sector has already been hit with some pretty big news. Unless you’ve been living on Mars for the last few weeks, you’ll know that the talk on everyone’s lips at the moment is, of course, the Carillion collapse. Trade bodies the ECA and BESA have been urging for reform of potentially unfair payment practices within the construction industry, calling on the government to pay SMEs directly using ring-fenced, independent ‘project bank

Kayleigh Hutchins, Editor

accounts’. The ‘Aldous Bill’, proposed in January by Peter Aldous MP and developed in conjunction with the ECA and BESA, is making its way through parliament, and is specifically aimed at preventing main contractors from using their own accounts to store money held back from suppliers in case of defects. However, it seems this legislation has come too late to offer any reassurance to those affected by the Carillion collapse. The ECA and BESA have already pressed Carillion liquidators PwC to offer a clear indication of what will happen concerning the outstanding money owed to private sector contractors, and the trade bodies are appealing to the government to provide support to those

affected – but there are going to be many small businesses that are left in a quandary about what the future will hold. Surely there are lessons that can be learned from the Carillion crisis. It seems the perfect opportunity for the government to undertake a reform of supply chain and procurement practices, as has been recommended over the last few months – but will anything change? Is the Carillion collapse affecting you? Is the government doing enough to protect the interests of small and medium sized businesses? Let me know your thoughts by emailing Kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd. com – as always, we want to hear your thoughts on what’s happening at the coal face of the sector.

Average net circulation Ist January 2016 to 30th June 2016:

10,016 ECN charity of choice The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173 Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00 Copyright © 2017, All rights reserved Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontilanfraith, Blackwood, NP12 2YA

Editorial.indd 4

EDITOR KAYLEIGH HUTCHINS E: kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR CAROL GYLBY T: 01634 673163 E: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO MANAGER BEN BRISTOW T: 01634 673163 E: ben@allthingsmedialtd.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com

DESIGNER JON APPLETON E: jon@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS T: 01634 673163 E: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS ACI DELIVERS WINTER WARNING ON ARCTIC GRADE FLEXIBLES With the UK having already experienced some severe winter weather, the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) is advising contractors and distributors to check their cable choices carefully following the discovery of significant quantities of substandard arctic grade flex. Recent market surveillance has detected failures on numerous examples of arctic grade flexibles including preassembled industrial hook-up leads. These samples were purchased from a variety of sources including electrical wholesalers, DIY stores, online retailers and eBay stores. Major concerns arose when ordinary duty flexibles (designed for indoor use to +5°C) were discovered coloured yellow, in what could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to pass the cable off as an arctic grade flexible (designed for use at sub-zero temperatures and tested down to -40°C). The pre-assembled yellow leads, sold as industrial extension leads designed for use in harsh environments, incorporated cable clearly marked as H05VV-F (ordinary duty flexible). When subjective to the cold bend test as an arctic grade flexible the cable failed to maintain its integrity; the sheath split open and insulation cracked, subsequently exposing what would be live copper conductors. Arctic grade cable, which is predominantly yellow or blue in colour, is often used on construction sites and by caravan and motorhome owners to provide temporary

outdoor power supplies and in some indoor applications such as cold stores. Whilst it is normal to have different colours of H05VV-F flexibles (such as white, black, orange and gold), yellow and blue are commonly associated with arctic grade flex and these substandard products could lead end-users to use cable unsuitable for their intended purpose. Suppliers and end users, who need cable suitable for outdoor use in the cold, should look for the cable marking ‘BS 6004’ and the UK cable code for arctic grade cable,

such as ‘3183A’. Cables marked with ‘H05VV-F’ are not intended to be suitable for such use. In the past month, several new examples of substandard arctic grade flex have been found which are currently undergoing further testing. Previous independent testing of arctic grade flex samples has shown cables exhibiting poor conductor resistance with sheathing and cable insulation disintegrating when subjected to a cold bend test. This problem could result in a fire, short circuit or an electric shock. Peter Smeeth of the Approved Cables Initiative said, “The harsh environment in which these cables should operate means they need to be able to withstand forceful treatment and contractors need to know their cable choice is safe and suitable for its application. Having originally warned of such issues six years ago, it is worrying to see a marked increase in substandard artic grade cable again. “The ACI continues to monitor the marketplace but we need distributors and contractors to check their stocks and ensure their cables comply. They should look for cable markings and third party independent approval of all purchases. If they are in any doubt about a cable they should contact the Approved Cables Initiative immediately.”

BEAMA PROMOTES BETTER VENTILATION IN HOMES

NEW BUILDING CONTROLS INTEGRATOR ECS CARD LAUNCHED

BEAMA is launching a new video as part of its ongoing ‘My Health My Home’ campaign, aimed at driving public awareness of the risks of poor indoor air quality and a lack of ventilation, in response to rising symptoms of poor air in UK homes. A recent poll of UK homeowners, commissioned by BEAMA, has shown that 65% had experienced the signs of poor indoor air quality in their home, while 80% of respondents thought that indoor air quality was either as important to their health or more important than outdoor air. 65% would be willing to pay a small premium for a house with effective ventilation that maintained good indoor air quality and 73% thought that poor indoor air quality should be a health priority for government. The video has been produced to inform homeowners of the benefits of ventilation in helping to achieve good indoor air quality, as well as warning of the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality – including asthma and allergy. Long-term exposure is linked to heart disease and respiratory problems including lung cancer. BEAMA has long campaigned for improved indoor air quality through its ‘My Health My Home’ campaign, aimed at raising public awareness of poor indoor air and improving education on how to combat it through the use of properly installed, effective and wellmaintained ventilation. The video can be found at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=8JiQTaC3lvo.

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced the launch of the new Building Controls Integrator ECS card. The BCIA and ECS have worked in partnership to introduce the card, which is aimed at meeting the need for the growing body of electrical engineers to gain appropriate recognition for the control integrator skills they have acquired. The new card allows control engineers to gain access to contracts and sites which specify ECS cards as mandatory and gives an advantage over competitors who can’t prove their accomplishments. Furthermore, it demonstrates to the industry, employers and clients that they have the skills in line as listed on the card. This also represents a unique opportunity for engineers who already hold an ECS electrician card and would like to transfer their current skills into the building controls sector. The card is now available for applications via the ECS website. To be eligible, applicants must hold a BCIA Technical Certificate, which is awarded on completion of the recently updated BCM01, BCM02 and BCM03 courses. The BCIA has comprehensively revamped the building control training courses for 2018 which have been devised to help professionals build on their expertise while gaining valuable knowledge of the latest technology which can be utilised in the workplace. Applicants must also hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment and a formal BS7671 qualification in the current edition of the wiring regulations (currently BS7671: 2008, 17th Edition). Each applicant will have their skills assessed and certified based on the qualifications evidence they submit before a card can be issued.

KNX UK INTRODUCES ENTRY-LEVEL MEMBERSHIP The UK KNX Association is offering a new entry level of membership: KNX UK Professionals. Electrical installers are invited to apply to join the association, which is a national voice and ‘support network’ for anyone involved in installing, stocking or producing devices for smart networks based on the KNX global open system. With KNX smart home and commercial building technology is no longer a custom install. KNX systems are built using certified, compatible products from over 400 manufacturers. The KNX software can control and coordinate everything from heating, lighting and AV to security and household appliances. KNX software is scalable, controlling anything from a house to a high rise. KNX UK Professionals have the opportunity to share experiences and exchange information about KNX technology with all members of KNX UK growing their knowledge and giving them a head start in a growing and broadening market.

MANY BRITS WITHOUT CO DETECTORS, SAYS RESEARCH 36% of households in Britain don’t have carbon monoxide detectors installed despite the risks caused by standard household appliances such as gas stoves, gas boilers and ovens, according to a new report. New research from online electrical retailer, reichelt elektronik, shows Brits are unnecessarily putting themselves at risk. 52% of those without a detector say they are aware of what the detector is but don’t feel a need for one at home. This is surprising given that the number of people in the UK with gas stoves, gas boilers, fireplaces and ovens, which are known to be causes of carbon monoxide if faulty. Wine cellars and cooker hoods may also surprise households as potential dangers too. 9% are unaware of what a carbon monoxide detector is and why they would need one. As an odourless, colourless gas, that can cause serious health issues and even fatalities in worst case scenarios. The best way to detect a carbon monoxide leak is with an alarm detection system. In 2015, UK government regulations came into force stating that every rented property must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. A carbon monoxide alarm must be placed in any room that’s used as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning appliance. They should also be positioned at head height, a few metres away from the potential source, according to UK government recommendations. If this is the case for rented accommodation, homeowners should take note and consider installing detectors themselves.

6 | February 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS FULHAM PUBLISHES WHITEPAPER ON CLEVER LIGHTING Fulham has released a whitepaper outlining the benefits of Clever and using special attributes of LED light to solve real problems for customers. The new whitepaper looks at some of the leading features of Clever Lighting. These include more options for light source control, such as programmable dimming curves and tunable output drivers, and more intelligent systems maintenance, such as monitoring the temperature of lighting systems during operation, superior flicker control, and lower start-up power requirements so reducing wiring and installation costs. Other Clever Lighting features discussed include driver diagnostics to track individual driver’s actual operating conditions, standardised control interfaces, adding flexibility and future upgradeability – such systems providing additional energy saving while gathering important data for facility or system optimisation. In the whitepaper, Fulham contends that survival for many in the LED industry will rely on their thinking and product offerings moving from commodity to Clever. The whitepaper on Clever Lighting from Fulham is available to be downloaded on the Fulham website.

SULZER DOUBLES CAPACITY OF HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING To keep up with growing demand for performance testing of high voltage motors and generators, Sulzer has made a major investment at its Falkirk service centre that will enable the test-bed load capacity to be doubled. Until now, the Falkirk site has used a 1,250kVA diesel generator that operates through two step-up transformers to provide 3.3 - 11kV via high voltage switchgear to the test cell. This setup ensures a reliable power source for testing that is not affected by local demand on the power grid. The new investment by Sulzer will add a 2,000kVA and a 700kVA generator to the site that will be synchronized through a 4000A LV switchboard, as well as a new 2,500kVA transformer, that will double the capacity of the test bed. The original capacity of the service centre was 1,000kW in load testing, of which 800kW could be used for testing vertically-orientated motors, across a full range of voltages from 400V up to 11kV at both 50 and 60Hz. The installation of the new equipment will increase the load testing capacity to 2,000kW for horizontally-orientated motors as well an increase in voltage to 13.8kV.

ALDOUS RETENTIONS BILL UNVEILED Proposed parliamentary legislation designed to dramatically reform the controversial practice of payment retentions in the construction industry was formally unveiled at a House of Commons briefing on Monday, 8 January. The Bill, which is being introduced under the ‘Ten Minute Rule’ by Peter Aldous MP, has attracted crossparty support with the full permitted complement of 12 ‘sponsoring’ MPs including Sir Henry Bellingham (Conservative); Barry Sheerman (Labour); Caroline Lucas (Green Party); and Alan Brown (SNP). The ‘Aldous Bill’ seeks to amend the 1996 Construction Act to ensure retention money is held in a deposit protection scheme – thus ending the issue of upstream insolvency and the working capital it takes from the industry and SMEs. The average UK contractor has £27,500 withheld per year in retentions, which limits their ability to invest in apprentices, upskill existing employees, and improve productivity and quality. Aldous, along with a number of other sponsoring MPs, briefed the national and trade media about the contents of the Bill and explained the background, including the fact that more than £10.5 billion of SMEs’ potential working capital is locked up in retentions every year and £7.8 billion was unpaid in the last three years. The Bill does not seek to abolish retentions, but to address the fact that this money is not protected from upstream insolvencies, which led to £700 million being entirely lost to SMEs in the same three-year period. This amounts to £20 million a month, £4.5 million a week or £640,000 per day.

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INDUSTRY NEWS J S WRIGHT PLUMBER PIPES UP WITH CLIP INVENTION A plumber with mechanical and electrical services specialist J S Wright has solved the problem of failing expansion gaps on first-fix soil vent pipe installations. James Mwangi, who works out of the Birmingham-based company’s London office, devised a gapfixing method that has impressed plastic pipe manufacturer Polypipe Terrain so much so that it plans to incorporate the aid in its installation manual. While working on a new 10-storey residential scheme, James was following the traditional method of marking and withdrawing the pipe to maintain the correct expansion gaps between fittings on a heavily loaded duty stack pipe. James explained, “The downward force of the installation process can lead to movement at the joints, so I came up with the idea of fixing a 12mm spacer between the gaps of the fittings using piping instead. “I cut pieces of piping and married them to create a solid and accurate fit. The spacers can be removed easily at second-fix stage.” Alan Whyte, J S Wright senior contracts engineer, added, “The ‘Mwangi Clip’, as we have dubbed it, is a real time and cost saver. It is so strong that you can literally stand on it without compromising the expansion gap. “The clip avoids having to replace sections of pipe and, much worse, remove tiles and sections of sanitaryware later in the building process.” Carl Brunger, drawing office manager for Polypipe Terrain, added, “The ‘Mwangi Clip’ is a simple yet brilliant solution to ensuring the expansion gap is maintained on Terrain PVC installations. We are now looking to include it as an installation aid under our new product development process.”

Industry News.indd 9

EIC’S POWERBALL 2017 FUNDRAISING SUCCESS The Electrical Industries Trading Company has announced that the powerBall 2017 raised over £140,000. On the night, 51 people pledged to raise £1,000 each for the charity in the next 12 months through individual fundraising. In addition, dozens of people who attended the event got involved in the charity’s Raise the Roof ‘One brick at a time’ campaign by donating £25 each to the Electrical Industries Charity, allowing them to buy a personalised brick which will go towards building a house for Caz Dickinson and her family. The charity aims to raise £250,000 and work with industry partners to carry out any renovation work which is required to safeguard the future of Caz and her family. Managing director, Tessa Ogle said, “powerBall 2017 once again proved to be a huge success, bringing over 750 guests together under one roof for the most unforgettable night in the electrical sector. “We would like to say a big thank you to our headline sponsor City Electrical Factors (CEF) and every one of you for your continuing support. Without you, we would not be able to help those who are in need of our support.” Next year, powerBall will take place on Friday 9 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

26/01/2018 11:42

INDUSTRY NEWS CEF DRIVER WINS WHAT VAN? AWARD Stephen Bray, delivery driver at CEF, has been crowned ‘Driver of the Year’ at the 2018 What Van? Awards. Driver of the Year, a new addition to the awards, recognises exceptional driving performance across light commercial vehicle fleets. Beating almost 10,000 other drivers, Stephen picked up the award after consistently achieving 100% on his driving performance – a statistic provided by Lightfoot, the in-van technology which promotes safe and environmentally-friendly driving. Operating in the North London and South West region, Stephen’s efficient and reliable driving ultimately won him the title. However, fleet operations manager at CEF, Ian Thorn, was quick to praise Stephen’s all-round professionalism; “Stephen goes about his daily vehicle checks with military precision. He always says that the cab is his office – and he can’t work in a dirty office!” During his seven years with CEF, Stephen has become famous at the Launceston branch for taking great pride and care in his work – from his spotless van to his outstanding customer service. “He’s not just a professional behind the wheel – Stephen’s interaction with customers is superb. He accommodates their every need with excellent attention to detail,” added Ian.

ENGINEERING SPECIALISTS PRESS PWC AND GOVERNMENT ON CARILLION COLLAPSE Trade bodies ECA and BESA have pressed Carillion liquidators PwC to provide greater certainty to private sector contractors over the outstanding cash owed by the fallen construction giant. PwC’s David Kelly confirmed they and Carillion will provide suppliers with ‘commitment letters’ that guarantee payment for work undertaken and materials supplied during the liquidation process. However, Mr. Kelly advised that work completed before Monday 15 January 2018 will be treated as ‘unsecured debt’, and at the back of the queue for payment. The liquidator also stated that work had been ‘paused’ on many construction sites until the situation could be evaluated, and he was unable to provide a timeframe for if and when work would restart. The discussions took place during a meeting on Wednesday January 17, that was also attended by Business Secretary Greg Clark MP and Small Business Minister Andrew Griffiths MP, along with a range of other trade bodies including SEC Group, BCSA, Build UK, FMB, CECA and the CPA. Business Secretary Greg Clark confirmed that the banks had committed to provide those affected by the fallout with support and special arrangements. The Business Secretary also noted that HMRC will be taking a ‘flexible’ approach to tax bills, and will provide information on this in due course. On Monday January 15, ECA and BESA also met with government ministers and officials, including Greg Clark MP, to discuss the immediate aftermath of Carillion’s collapse. During the talks, the two trade bodies called on the government to provide maximum support to businesses affected, and to learn lessons from the crisis and undertake full scale reform of supply chain and procurement practices. The Business Secretary said that the ‘construction sector deal’ would be an appropriate vehicle to bring about structural change in the industry.

MOVERS & SHAKERS… SsangYong Motor UK has appointed Vanessa Cox as PR and key relationships manager with immediate effect. Jim Gallacher has joined MarshallTufflex as its new area sales manager for Scotland. With 30 years’ experience and a background in wholesaling and manufacturing, Jim has close links throughout the industry in Scotland, experience that will stand him in good stead in his new role. Vicente Lopez Ibor Mayor, who has stepped down as chairman of Lightsource, will be taking up a new position as chairman of the Lightsource Foundation, which will be dedicated to supporting development and philanthropy by leveraging the potential of clean energy. Vicente is the former commissioner of Spain’s National Energy Commission. ESP has appointed two new area sales managers. Lisa James joins as area sales manager covering the West, East and South Yorkshire regions. Nick Bailey takes up the position of area sales manager for the East Midlands region.

JIB CELEBRATES 50 YEARS The JIB is celebrating 50 years of setting employment standards and maintaining good employment relationships across the electrical contracting industry, since its formation in 1968. Owned jointly by employers and employees – via ECA and Unite the Union – the JIB facilitates discussions on wages and other employment terms and conditions. Each year the JIB handbook details the agreements made on areas such as pay, holiday, travel and lodging allowances and training schemes. The National Working Rules, and the ‘Green Book’, have become a part of working life for electrical operatives, contractors and other organisations in the industry. Underpinning this partnership, the JIB Benefits Scheme looks after the welfare of those employed by JIB members by providing private medical services, life and accident insurances and a recently introduced Occupational Health Assessment programme. To assist in rebuilding employee relations and prevent unnecessary legal claims (and the associated costs), the JIB acts as an impartial ‘go-between’ to mediate between employers and employees when disputes arise. Over 3,000 claims have been successfully handled by the JIB over the past 50 years, covering grievances on unfair dismissal, underpayments of wages, holiday pay and redundancy. Since 1968, the organisation has grown to set employment standards even more widely via Apprenticeship Training Schemes, Craft Training Schemes and the Mature Candidate Assessment. The charitable JIB Skills Development Fund has provided over £100,000 in course grants and NVQ Level 3 vouchers since 2006, and has also established the overseas Apprentice Exchange Programme with partners in New York and Australia. Throughout 2018, the JIB will be running a programme of special activities to commemorate its 50th year. It has released an initial celebratory video featuring JIB Chairman Paul Corby, looking at the organisation’s achievements and plans for the future.

CARILLION SUBCONTRACTORS FACING HUGE LOSSES, SAY ECA AN BESA A poll of Carillion engineering subcontractors shows that many companies are facing huge financial losses from the collapse of the construction giant. That’s according to new data obtained by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the electrotechnical and engineering services trade body ECA. Carillion owes around £75 million to around 80 engineering services firms, which provide vital services such as electrical, plumbing, gas, fire and security, and heating and ventilation. The overall losses are likely to be far higher, given there are thousands of businesses operating in the industry. The engineering services sector is the largest part of the construction industry by value. The ECA and BESA survey shows that contractors of all sizes have been affected by Carillion’s demise. According to the survey, the total value of ongoing contracts with Carillion is worth £47.2 million, which are now at risk. Micro businesses (less than ten employees) are owed on average £98,000; one of these SMEs is owed over £250,000. Small firms (10-49 employees) are owed £141,000 on average; one of these contractors is owed £800,000 by Carillion. Medium-sized businesses (50 – 249 employees) are owed on average £236,000; one of these firms is owed almost £1.4 million. Large businesses (250 employees +) are owed on average £15.6 million. This figure includes Balfour Beatty’s widely reported £45 million loss from joint ventures with Carillion.

10 | February 2018

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COVER STORY

LASTING LEGACY Mike Andrews, group chief executive of NAPIT, explains how the association has worked non-stop since its inception to raise standards within the electrical industry.

rom its inception, NAPIT has promoted the importance of entrants to the electrical industry having access to and completing structured and industry recognised qualifications, encouraging good working practices at the first stages of study and the importance of working in accordance with BS 7671 of the Electrical Wiring Regulations. NAPIT’s college engagement programme provides support and guidance to electricians just starting out in the trade, and highlights the importance of competence, compliance and exercising higher standards of work in the industry – all of which NAPIT membership prides itself on. A range of masterclass training materials have been developed by the NAPIT technical and training departments to ensure up-to-date and relevant training materials are freely available to colleges. NAPIT recognises that within the inspection and testing area of the electrical industry, one area of continual debate surrounds the observation codes required on an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). To address this NAPIT, has provided an EICR Codebreaker publication, which will continually evolve to be in line with current regulations and allows users to take its observations and codes and modify them to new situations. By taking this approach to defining existing observations and developing new ones, NAPIT is helping to train and support the electrical industry in what is arguably the hardest technical competence to master. By using EICR Codebreakers, the electrical industry is on a consistent playing field, where the most commonly found observations have been brought together for everyone to benefit.

Focus on raising standards As industry experts, NAPIT promotes excellence in electrical inspection and testing, actively campaigning to raise standards in this area of the electrical industry. Recognising that this is one of the key components that has always set NAPIT registered electricians apart, and it is vital for electrical safety, both at home and in the workplace. NAPIT engages with industry stakeholders, providing representation at all the relevant industry and government working groups and committees.

Taking the lead on areas of importance, in 2012 NAPIT founded the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) in response to widespread concern over poor promotion of competent registered electricians and enforcement of Approved Document P of the Building Regulations. The Home Safety Guidance (HSG) working group, a sub-group of ESR, was established with the objective of designing a suite of HSG documents to assist landlords in the private rented sector. Following the guidance from the HSG, landlords can ensure that all the appropriate checks have been made to meet their duty of care they have to their tenants, and highlight their compliance with important legal obligations. Continually collaborating with the other electrical industry bodies, NAPIT strives to improve the safety of electrical installation work by working together with a coordinated and collaborative approach. The focus going forward, and one which has always been one of the cornerstones of NAPIT, is individual competence. There are too many ‘registers’ which simply check qualifications, which do not adequately access whether the individual is actually competent to do the job correctly, effectively, and more importantly safely. NAPIT will continue to campaign in the area of individual competence, working with organisations and government until a common approach is adopted through the whole of the UK.

Awards and recognition Constantly striving for customer service excellence, NAPIT has been awarded the Investor In Customers (IIC) Gold Award. Described by IIC as an achievement of ‘world-class best practice’, the Gold Award secures NAPIT a top spot on the list of companies with the highest standards of people management and development that support their business goals. I am delighted with this year’s result. We believe that the quality of our customer experience is one of the largest factors when determining long-term success. We have an ongoing commitment to measurement, feedback, and improvement, as the insights gathered will help us address the weak spots and enhance our strengths, year on year. Achieving Gold reflects the dedication and passion of our staff and is a testament to the fact that everyone is fully engaged in our vision. The coveted IIC Award is presented to businesses based on an independent

“NAPIT promotes excellence in electrical inspection and testing, actively campaigning to raise standards in this area of the electrical industry.”

assessment designed to establish the strength of a business’ relationship with its customers. Registered NAPIT members, training centre customers, and staff were all asked a wide range of questions regarding their perceptions of NAPIT to provide a detailed picture of their overall experience.

Supporting good causes in the community NAPIT has a strong commitment to the community and through its Corporate Responsibility Scheme supports many charities and good causes throughout the year. Last year, NAPIT staff completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, raising a considerable amount for Ashgate Hospice care. Alison Ward-Foster from the hospice comments, “Ashgate relies mainly on fundraising and donations to continue providing free pain relief and symptom control to patients with life limiting illnesses, so NAPIT’s donation means a lot to us.” This year, many more fundraising activities will be organised and NAPIT staff will complete a 50K Jurassic Coast walk in support of the Electrical Industries Charity. NAPIT, www.napit.org.uk

12 | February 2018

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29/01/2018 11:15

OfficialNAPIT

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@OfficialNAPIT

ANNIVERSARY

19/01/2018 16:10

CONTRACT NEWS CP ELECTRONICS HELPS TRANSFORM BOURNEMOUTH LEISURE COMPLEX

ZIRCON CORPORATION LTD OPENS NEW OPERATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The site of an old bus station and NCP car park in Bournemouth has been transformed into a modern leisure complex, complete with intelligent lighting control solutions from CP Electronics. CP Electronics has supplied a range of microwave presence detectors and its RAPID fully addressable lighting control system to the project to cover the main public areas and back-of-house corridors, in addition to the various types of external feature lighting. For ease of use and effective time management, the controls can be operated via a head end PC. The installation is enabling building managers to optimise the use of lights in various sections of the complex through one central location. CP worked closely with the main building services contractor, Accolade Building Services, to facilitate a seamless installation for this building design. The installation of microwave detectors is enabling more efficient use of lighting, particularly in corridor areas. These detect the slightest movement in the detection zone, and activate the lighting accordingly, ensuring corridors are only lit when required to prevent wasted energy. Microwave detectors are ideal for large spaces, areas that have an awkward shape, or where fine motion detection is required. They were well-suited to the corridors within this building. The detectors are connected to CP’s RAPID relay modules, which connect to a head end PC. This enables building managers to switch individual groups of luminaires on and off and exercise more effective time management; for example, programming the lights to turn off during times when the leisure complex is closed. This is enabling building managers to effectively optimise the use of lighting, based on building use and footfall.

ABB SUPPORTS SINGAPORE’S AUTONOMOUS ELECTRIC BUS PROJECT ABB is underlining its role in sustainable global transport solutions with a new project together with Volvo Buses, this time for Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. ABB will provide its Heavy Vehicle Chargers (HVC) 300P for the forthcoming project to deliver two autonomous driving electric buses for the island by the beginning of 2019. The HVC 300P fast charging system delivers 300kW DC power and will recharge a battery in three to six minutes. It is based on OppCharge, an open interface for DC electric bus charging, which is now being used in Singapore and Asia Pacific. Using a pantograph mounted on the infrastructure for end-point charging, it allows buses to be charged at the end of the line, without impacting on the normal operation of the route. The system will charge two all-electric 12m Volvo 7900 electric buses and Volvo and NTU will build the autonomous driving solution on Volvo’s platform. This is Volvo’s first autonomous application in public transportation, following success in autonomous technology in mining, quarry and refuse collection operations. One of the autonomous electric buses will be used at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles (CETRAN) – Singapore’s advanced new test facility – where researchers will test new functions and study how the bus interacts with other road users. The second bus will be used for tests in the bus depot, in partnership with SMRT. The aim of the project is to enable tomorrow’s autonomous buses to charge their batteries, drive to the vehicle wash and park – entirely autonomously. ABB is due to deliver the first of two HVC 300P fast chargers towards the end of 2018, when the cooperative venture between Volvo Buses and NTU gets underway. The autonomous electric buses will be delivered in early 2019.

Zircon Corporation, manufacturer of the StudSensor stud finder, today announced the launch of its new affiliate, Zircon Corporation Ltd, a UK Corporation. Zircon Corporation has been engaged in the UK for over a decade and has an established customer base in the tool, hardware and home improvement sectors. The creation of Zircon Corporation Ltd reinforces Zircon’s goal to increase its footprint in the UK and, through this expansion, enable customers to work directly with the company’s local affiliate. “After years of growth, both with our business partners and with direct sales, now is the time to have an organisation in place for an active local presence and leverage our global position in the category” stated Ennis Pipe, Zircon’s EVP of global sales and marketing.

J S WRIGHT TO FIT OUT ONE OF CITY’S TALLEST RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS J S Wright has secured a contract worth more than £2 million to fit out one of Birmingham’s tallest residential buildings. The mechanical and electrical (M&E) services specialist has been commissioned by Wates Construction to equip the new 31-storey second building at The Bank development on the city’s Broad Street for Regal (West Point) Ltd. J S Wright will design and install all the mechanical services for the building’s 205 apartments, including boosted cold water and domestic hot water services supplied through electric water heaters. It will also provide an energy saving heat recovery ventilation system, water sprinklers, above-ground drainage and a building management controls system. The 16,055 sqm structure is nine storeys higher than its neighbouring building, which is already in the process of being equipped by J S Wright. When complete, the taller building will feature ground floor retail space open to the public. J S Wright will start work on site on the second building this summer with completion scheduled for autumn 2019. Both buildings have been designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects. J S Wright was responsible for Birmingham’s 26-storey Orion Building and recently carried out the enabling works for Paradise Birmingham. It is currently equipping two brick apartment towers at Keybridge in London, one of which at 37 storeys will be Britain’s tallest.

TAKTIS UPGRADES CARE HOME FIRE SAFETY Taktis Fire, Kentec’s fire alarm control panel, is proving to be a success at two of Cumbria’s leading care homes, central to fire safety systems designed to protect vulnerable residents, members of staff and visitors. The unique risks posed by safety critical locations like care homes demand fire safety systems of the highest pedigree, performance and reliability, which is why specialists JJ Group (Contracting) Ltd. opted for an open protocol system built around the features of the new Taktis Technology Platform. The existing fire safety system at Elmhurst Care Home, Ulverston, has been upgraded with a Taktis 2 loop fire control panel while at Brampton’s Moot Lodge, a care home for older people operated by Cumbria Care, the existing conventional fire safety system has been replaced with a new addressable system, comprising a Taktis 2 loop fire control panel with Apollo addressable loop powered devices.

14 | February 2018

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26/01/2018 12:28

CONTRACT NEWS VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SUPPORTS BOURNVILLE VILLAGE TRUST Bournville Village Trust has recently taken delivery of 36 new Transporter vans from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which will be used by its service and maintenance team to carry out repairs and general maintenance work on properties from Birmingham to Telford, a distance spanning over 30 miles. Bournville Village Trust has provided housing and estate management services to over 8,000 properties across Birmingham and Telford for over 100 years. The Trust is one of the oldest housing associations in the UK with a range of properties including social housing, retirement accommodation and a nursing home, and it also manages a number of parks and open spaces.

The new vans are equipped with some of the latest security features including slamlocks and alarms, as well as telematics technology to help deliver increased efficiency and safety for drivers. Paul McNamara, support service manager at the Trust, said, “Our old fleet was in definite need of a revamp and, as Volkswagen is well known for its reliability, it was the perfect choice for our new commercial vehicles.

Contract News.indd 15

“We have been able to customise the vehicles to our needs, with features including bespoke bulkheads and telematics technology. And by opting for the Transporter, the size of the load compartment means we can reduce the number of times the team has to shuttle to and from locations, while at the same time ensuring drivers have an enjoyable experience behind the wheel.”

29/01/2018 10:49

CONTRACT NEWS HELVAR LIGHTS UP THE LANGHAM HOTEL Helvar has given The Langham in London a lighting upgrade with its lighting control technology and dimming solution. Opened in 1865, The Langham is situated in the heart of the West End. The hotel offers 380 rooms and suites, with 15 function rooms, cocktail bar, and Roux at The Landau restaurant. As part of the

multi-million pound restoration at the hotel, Helvar’s lighting control products were installed in the spa, bar, corridors and the newly built pool area of the hotel to control the stunning dimming and lighting scenes, as well as creating the ultimate ambient hospitality experience for the guests. Lighting designers, Kate and Sam, specified the Helvar solution and worked with electrical contractors, Ambient Electrical for this project. The wet areas posed a challenge for the lighting designers to ensure protection for the user and the lighting. Due to to the scale of the project, the ability to centralise the lighting control was also a key element of the lighting design brief. A lighting design solution was required to meet the specific requirements of the hotel and, as a result, a bespoke solution has been created with the ability to control

different lighting scenes to suit the setting. The Helvar lighting control system met the needs of the project and provided a userfriendly system for staff. Helvar’s Imagine 920 router provided a building block to integrate the Digital

Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) based lighting control systems installed in the hotel. The lighting control system has been designed around DALI, an open protocol system to provide future proof system architecture.

TE CONNECTIVITY IN NEGOTIATIONS TO ACQUIRE ABB’S ENTRELEC TE Connectivity (TE) has announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with ABB to acquire ABB’s entrelec terminal block business. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including receipt of customary regulatory approvals and prior consultation with employee representative bodies. ABB’s entrelec terminal block business was founded as entrelec in 1920 and serves customers in more than 70 countries. The business comprises research and development, product development, marketing and sales and management activities in Chassieu, France, with main manufacturing sites in France and Poland. “We believe the combination of the two portfolios will be more competitive on a larger scale under TE‘s ownership, while keeping all current sites and locations, and providing greater opportunities for customers and employees,” said Giampiero Frisio, managing director of ABB’s Business Unit Protection and Connection.

MPOWER SECURES UPS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR NORTH WALES POLICE Provider of uninterruptible power supplies, MPower UPS (part of the CENTIEL Group) has been appointed to manage UPS maintenance at North Wales Police and Fire Service. MPower will now look after North Wales Police’s headquarters in Colwyn Bay and district headquarters at Caernarfon and Wrexham plus the UPS at Rhyl Fire Station. Michael Brooks, managing director, MPower UPS, said, “We will now provide annual maintenance visits, 24/7 emergency support 365 days per year, in addition to remote UPS monitoring and monthly reports. We will look after 10 UPS across our four sites ranging from 10kVA to 100kVA, which support critical IT equipment, computer systems within the custody suites and telephone systems. Remote monitoring will be important to pick up any anomalies and ensure alarms are dealt with quickly. Monthly analysis of UPS performance and trend data will also be provided, which may indicate any ongoing issues which need to be addressed relating to power cuts, the efficiency of air conditioning or any other challenges which could potentially impact power protection.”

TANSUN IMPROVES HEATING AT VILLAGE CHURCH Tansun’s Apollo heaters have recently replaced the inefficient heating system at St John the Baptist Church in Kinlet, Shropshire as part of an ongoing renovation project. The church’s congregation were in desperate need of a permanent and effective heating solution for the winter months that was easy to use and cost effective. Their previous infrared heating system had been mounted incorrectly, was only partly working and the heaters didn’t offer enough power to warm up the church. In order to get a reliable and instantaneous heating solution for the medieval building, members chose infrared heating specialists Tansun. Tansun’s Apollo infrared heaters in ivory were chosen for the church as they were powerful enough to heat large buildings with high ceilings. Tansun offers a range of bracketry so the heaters could be mounted at the appropriate angle to warm those below. The Tansun Apollo A1C is one of the infrared heaters in the Apollo range, which is best suited for corner mounting due to flexible positioning of the heater and bracket combined. It provides instant warmth to objects and people, rather than heating the air around them resulting in a stuffy and uncomfortable environment.

UNITRUNK PUTS A BOOST INTO STEPHENSON QUARTER INSTALLATION Unitrunk’s cable management infrastructure is playing its part in bringing new life to the Stephenson Quarter in Newscastle, which gave birth to the Stephenson Rocket, located behind Newcastle’s Central Station. The Quarter is a public-private partnership between Newcastle City Council and developer the Clouston Group. It is hoped the Quarter will generate £100 million per year for the economy and support 2,000 jobs. The building services design and installation is by Opus Building Services, which has installed Unitrunk’s underfloor (In-Screed) trunking system for power and data, with a bespoke exposed floor trunking system for temporary AV cabling. Unitrunk worked in tandem with Opus to develop a system which combines the two approaches to cable containment. “We’ve married the In-Screed underfloor trunking with exposed chequer plate containment, delivering a bespoke solution to meet the client’s desire for an industrial aesthetic for the exposed trunking,” explained Tim Brown, national sales manager at Unitrunk. “Valuable time savings have been achieved for the construction team, with Unitrunk’s raised collars on the In-Screed trunking system providing a level for the concrete pour when laying the floor.” The chequer plate trunking has been hot-dip galvanised to give the rough, industrial feel desired by the client.

16 | February 2018

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26/01/2018 12:28

CONTRACT NEWS REL SECURES STANSTED AIRPORT CONTRACT

PRIVA UK PLAYS PART IN ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL UPGRADE

REL has been selected to provide electrical services at an £11 million technical skills centre, which is the first of its kind to be located at a major UK airport. Harlow College, in partnership with London Stansted Airport, is establishing the two-storey facility, which will be located on land made available by the airport. It will provide specialist further education tailored to fill skills gaps in engineering, business and finance and airport-related industries such as logistics and hospitality. Willmott Dixon is the main contractor for the new facility, which is scheduled to open in September 2018. Appointed by Kershaw Mechanical Services, REL will deliver all the electrical services, including power, lighting, security systems, access control, and data installation. “We’re looking forward to working with the team to help deliver this unique project, which will build the local skills base and support the airport’s future growth,” said Toby Buckley, REL’s managing director. “We’ve worked on many schools and colleges but this one is one of the most unusual in terms of the design and location. Situated in a former aircraft hangar right next to the runway, there is lots of double height space to contend with and both conventional teaching facilities as well as a workshop area, so power usage will be high. There will also be no natural ventilation, so all electrical services will need to be carefully co-ordinated with the extensive mechanical elements.” REL started on-site in January 2018 with all electrical work scheduled for completion in August 2018 in time for the new academic year.

Priva Blue ID S-Line and C-Line controls have been installed as part of a major BMS retrofit project at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The installation, which was part of an overall plant room refurbishment, gives the cathedral complete control over its temperature requirements from radiators/heating coils and the hot water system throughout the building. A new front-end based on Priva UK’s integrated, web-based TC Manager, which is accessible from any PC with internet access, ensures authorised staff can change preset temperatures or on/off times at the click of a button. St Paul’s Cathedral’s plant room equipment was in need of replacement in order to improve energy efficiency, enhance reliability and meet high heating and hot water demands. The cathedral’s existing heating system consisted of three steel shell boilers fitted in the 1960s which received a burner upgrade in the 1980s. Equipment problems occurred frequently and were fixed until the boilers finally started leaking and could not be repaired anymore. Although deciding that a upgrade project would be the best course of action, an immediate issue came to light. The site’s 20-year-old control panel would not have the capability to adopt the new equipment being installed. St Paul’s wanted to replace its existing boilers, hot water system and ventilation plant, thus instigating the search for a suitable BMS. The appointed M&E contractor, Bunton M&E Services, had a good relationship with Electrical and Mechanical Controls Ltd (EMC) in Norwich, which in turn is an experienced Priva installation partner. Priva Blue ID S-Line controls were selected for the main boiler room at St Paul’s where they now control four new Hamworthy Wessex ModuMax mk3 boilers and the primary boiler pumps, which together provide a total space heating output of up to 1,016kW. In fact, thanks to a turndown ratio of 20:1, the boilers can deliver any output from 50.8 to 1,016kW. This means that in periods of low heat demand, the boilers are not constantly cycling and wasting energy. In terms of the plant upgrade, Bunton M&E built everything off-site in five weeks to ensure minimal disruption. In total, the installation time on-site was condensed to just four weeks. Saving further time, it was possible to use the existing IT network (utilising Ethernet) to communicate between the main panel, Wren Suite and the BMS PC.

NEXT ISSUE

Standalone DALI MDCC Lighting Control System

SMART BUILDINGS SUPPLEMENT In addition to its regular range of news and viewpoints, the next issue of ECN will contain a supplement dedicated to smart buildings as well as special features relating to cable management, security and UPS & power distribution The supplement and features will include articles and information from major companies, providing a range of information about the latest issues and technological developments affecting the sectors. For electrical contractors, the features will prove to be a valuable reference point for all that is happening within this area.

Cable Management

Security

UPS & Power Distribution

To make sure that you don’t miss this major opportunity to advertise your products to ECN’s 40,000 readers, call Kelly Byne on 01634 673163 / kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

Contract News.indd 17

• Standalone addressable • Ideal for classroom and meeting room applications • Absence or Presence detection • Graduated dimming • Designed and manufactured in the UK • Various lead lengths available from stock Contact us for more information:

sales@metway.co.uk | 01273 431600 | metway.co.uk

26/01/2018 12:29

TRAINING UPONOR’S DUDLEY COLLEGE SCHEME MAKES H&V AWARDS SHORTLIST Uponor has been shortlisted for an H&V News award for the TABS (thermally active building system) installation at Dudley College’s Advance II construction training facility. The scheme is one of just five schemes to be shortlisted in the ‘Project of the Year’ category. The winner will be announced at a gala awards dinner at London’s Grosvenor Hotel on April 19. Now complete and occupied by Dudley College’s staff and students, the Advance II project is the fifth development on the further education college’s ‘Learning Quarter’ campus and will provide both classroom and vocational learning for careers in the construction sector. Uponor worked with the college’s estates team, the architect, the building services consultant and the main contractor from the concept design stage of the building to ensure that the TABS infrastructure was built into the energy strategy for the scheme. “A TABS has to be installed as part of the structural works so early engagement was critical to the success of the project,” said Uponor application specialist James Griffiths. “The college’s goal was to create a building that showcases advanced construction methods and delivers maximum environmental performance and operational efficiency within the available budget. The TABS from Uponor was the ideal solution, working with the heavily insulated building fabric to provide low cost heating and cooling and delivering an ambient, comfortable indoor environment all year round at low cost and with virtually no maintenance.” The award entry demonstrated the benefits of the TABS system and the added value provided by Uponor’s technical team through early engagement with both the end user and their FM team, including a visit to a similar installation at Manchester Metropolitan University. The entry placed a clear focus on the importance of developing a heating and cooling strategy that complements both the building fabric and the end-user’s requirements, providing a fit and forget solution that offers operational benefits in terms of both cost and maintenance. ECN_halfpage.pdf 1 16/01/2018 14:07:19

ESP OFFERS MOBILE TRAINING ESP is offering an education and training resource which is convenient for customers with is newly revamped mobile showroom. The ESP branded five-tonne unit transforms into a showroom and training facility, fitted out with the latest products which are mounted on display panels. There are currently two key training workshops being delivered. The Security Training programme will provide an overview of all the ESP product categories, CCTV, access control, external security, fire protection and emergency lighting, with full features and benefits covered. The aim is to simplify the installation process, demonstrating ease of set up and programming. Technical support is also covered. The Fire Training programme comprises 50% presentation and 50% practical, and aims to cover the best practice method for installing, setting up and final commissioning of ESP’s MAGPRO addressable range.

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19/01/2018 16:13

KEY ISSUE

IS CPR MAKING A DIFFERENCE? Martin Boorman, national sales manager at Prysmian UK, gives an assessment of the new regulations six months after they came into force.

rysmian clearly has an interest in any regulations relating to the quality or sale of cable products, and consequently has been following the development of the Construction Products Regulation closely. We welcomed the introduction of this regulation and regard it as a really significant step towards removing substandard cable from the supply chain. The reason for its significance is that for the first time it makes the whole supply chain – manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and importers – responsible for the standard of the cable they supply. It is now a legal obligation for all of these players to supply only CPR compliant cable for any permanent installation in a building. This is a sea change: up until this point, we have had to simply watch substandard and questionable cable being supplied into the market without any ability to do much about it as it was not necessarily illegal to import or sell it. While this is obviously an irritation to manufacturers like ourselves who focus on producing high quality, tested and properly certified cable, it is even more of a problem for contractors who risk installing cable that does not perform safely. CPR at present focuses on reaction to fire. Every cable covered under the regulation needs to declare its performance level in terms of heat release, smoke, acid and flaming droplets to allow specifiers and installers to select the correct level of performance. There can scarcely be a more topical or important performance characteristic at the moment so the introduction of the regulation was, in retrospect, timely. CPR does not replace other product performance standards or installation regulations. It sits above national standards and provides a single technical standard for one basic safety characteristic with which all cable should be measured. In my mind, this is the most significant thing about it.

“CPR sits above national standards and provides a single technical standard for one basic safety characteristic with which all cable should be measured.”

We operate in a global market but want to ensure that in our own back yard we are installing products that are safe and will perform well. The only way to achieve this is to make sure that all products, wherever they are manufactured, are tested to the same standard and that we all understand how they are expected to perform. Just as important is the transparency with which this testing regime is promoted. That is why every wholesaler has the responsibility not only to check that the cable they supply conforms to the regulation, but also to supply the paperwork (in the form of the Declaration of Performance or DoP) to prove that it does so. It is very much in the contractors’ interests to check that this paperwork is in place. Years in the writing – it does take time to reach an international consensus – CPR came into force in July 2017. Six months on and we are seeing some teething problems, but perhaps these are to be expected with such an ambitious undertaking. The Approved Cables Initiative has estimated that about 20% of the cable currently being sold in the UK is not compliant in some way – with a particular problem with the accuracy of the DoPs. Mostly these are simple errors. My personal favourite is an example of imported cable quoting a technical performance standard which turned out to relate to flooring products. As the DoP needs to be completed in the language of the country in which it is to be sold rather than the country of manufacture, it is perhaps not surprising

that there are some mistakes. However, the more concerning issue is whether mistakes in the documentation mask more serious quality issues with the cable itself. At Prysmian we test cable products all the time and are currently identifying cables in the market to test and review in the context of the CPR to see if they are compliant with their declared performance, in order to get our own view as to the likely scale of product performance problems throughout the market. This is our contribution to the enforcement process and the whole issue of enforcement is tricky for CPR. While the terms of the regulation are completely clear, enforcement is down to Trading Standards who are unlikely to have the resources to be proactive in terms of checking and policing this standard. It is therefore up to the industry to collaborate: every organisation in the supply chain has both the opportunity and the responsibility to check and to report instances of noncompliance either to Trading Standards or to the Approved Cables Initiative for further investigation. CPR in the cable industry will succeed or fail depending on the degree to which the industry gets involved. At Prysmian we believe that it represents an extremely important first step towards a point where the supply of substandard cable is illegal and where any product that could contribute to the spread of fire is eliminated from the supply chain.

The success of CPR in cabling depends on industry involvement

Prysmian UK, www.prysmiangroup.com

20 | February 2018

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19/01/2018 16:11

COMPETITION

WIN AN IPAD Courtesy of

BB developed the Protecta Plus as a new generation of MCB distribution board that frees electrical contractors from additional engineering and installation work, whilst integrating the latest low voltage components.

The big trend in electrical distribution is for growing levels of sophistication and performance. Building owners and facilities managers want to optimise their facility’s performance, minimise energy bill and earn new revenues at the same time as complying with tightening legislation. The Protecta Plus series of distribution boards supports this. It is a modular switchboard designed to give electrical installers and designers the flexibility to cover all types of application from standard to complex sites – and it can be expanded over time as requirements grow. The board’s clever design gives plenty of space for wiring and access inside the modular units. The boards are 450mm wide, 125mm deep and come in six height options from 590mm to 1,360mm. All Protecta Plus boards come as standard with 250A main bars to give the user a full range of incoming options from 125A 3P to 250A 4P. The series enables installers to integrate the latest low voltage technologies. These include the MCB S 200 miniature circuit breaker, which is designed to enhance safety, as well as reduced height DSE201 M RCBOs. At only 115mm high, these free up space. Lastly, the series will help to future-proof installations as they enable accurate submetering, intelligent building capabilities and Internet of Things connectivity.

December competition The winner of £418 worth of contractor’s kit from Dimplex Quantum was Adrian Sewter of A Sewter Electrical Ltd.

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To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following questions: 3. W hat is the standard current rating of the main bars? a) 250A b) 300A c) 200A

2. H ow high is the DSE201 M RCBO? a) 151 b) 115 c) 100

1. How many height options are there in the Protecta Plus series? a) Six b) Seven c) Ten

All entries must be returned by 28th February 2018. No correspondence will be entered into. The editor’s decision is final. The name of the winner will be published in the April issue of ECN. * Prize is not exchangeable.

To enter, please complete the form below and fax to 01634 673173, or post to: ECN Competition, All Things Media Ltd, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8UD. Alternatively, you can email your answers and contact details to: carol@allthingsmedialtd.com.

The answers to February’s competition are: 1.............................................. 2. . .............................................. 3. .................................................

Personal Details Name..................................................................................................................................

Have you previously registered for your free monthly copy of ECN? What is the main activity of your business?

Yes

How many people read your copy of ECN? 1

2-3

Electrical contractor

Manufacturer

3 4 5

Public utilities

Facilities management

Training/qualifications

Trade association

SELECT

Other (please specify)

NAPIT

6 7

4-6

Which of the following areas are you interested in? Circuit protection and switchgear

Wholesale/distribution

Are you a member of any of the following trade bodies?

1 2

Test equipment

Consultancy

Tools

NICEIC

Cable management

ECA

Security

B&ES

Fire detection & emergency lighting

Lighting

Heating and ventilation

UPS

ELECSA

Wiring accessories

IET

Network infrastructures

Other (please specify) .

How many full time employees work for your company? 1-5

6-10

21-50

Competition.indd 22

51+

11-20 .

Other (please specify).

....................................................

Job Title.............................................................................................................................. Company Name................................................................................................................. Address.............................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................... Postcode....................................... Tel.......................................................... Mobile ................................................................. E-mail................................................................................................................................

Important Notice For audit purposes we need to update our database. Complete this form stating any changes and make sure you fill in the analysis tick boxes. Please do not forget to sign and date your form to ensure you receive your magazine every month.

Signature........................................................................ Date.............................................

...................................................

26/01/2018 12:38

Because compliance means safety.

Every Prysmian cable goes under the spotlight. Because only with fully compliant and properly tested cable can you be sure that your installation is as safe as possible. It’s just one of the reasons we’re the world’s leading cable brand and the trusted choice for professionals like you.

That’s why Professionals choose Prysmian.

ECN_Prysmian_Ads_244x340.indd Untitled-15 1 3

25/07/2017 16:14 19/01/2018 15:13

PROJECT FOCUS

SMOOTH RIDE With electric vehicles increasingly seen on the roads, Rolec EV explains how Teesside University has installed a range of its Charge Online electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

total of 12 charging points were manufactured and supplied for Teesside University, across two project phases. Managing director of Rolec EV, Kieron Alsop, comments, “We were delighted Teesside University chose to install Rolec EV charging points, supported by our popular EV Charge Online system network. “This network, which is fast gaining renown for becoming ‘the people’s choice’, is continuing to flourish at a rapid rate. “Hosts implementing the EV Charge Online system can allow EV drivers to payto-charge via mobile phone – using secure payment platforms such as PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. “The EV driver does not have to pay any subscription, membership or connection fees – they simply pay the tariff advertised on the charging point, then drive away just like they would after having topped up an ICE vehicle at a petrol station.”

Teesside University is benefitting from 12 new charging points

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PROJECT FOCUS The installation project Managing director of McNally EV, Nicky McNally, explains, “This was a series of EV charging installations we were really proud to be involved in. “The first installation involved four double socketed Rolec AutoCharge electric vehicle charging units for the university. It began with McNally being invited to visit the location for a pre-site survey, a service we provide to identify exactly what our client needs – and which also gives us the opportunity to tailor the installation to their requirements. “Our engineers made the trip up north to assess the level of work required, establishing that the requirement was for an electric vehicle charging system that would be open to everyone – but which also allowed members of the university’s management team to group and monitor users accordingly. “The work would involve replacing four existing electric vehicle chargers on the site with four Rolec double socketed, 32A pedestals. Each was to be commissioned with the Rolec EV Charge Online system in order to provide a portal to manage those drivers who use the chargers. The system can also track when the drivers could charge, and even manage the price they pay. “Our engineers proceeded to produce a plan of the university’s car park, highlighting the proposed location of each charger in order to make it as clear as possible for the university’s project team to see how these would be laid out, and how the installation would be conducted. “After the plans had been approved, we began to carry out health and safety checks to ensure our installation adhered to industry regulations. “We worked hard to ensure the appropriate groundwork was scheduled for the job, with our own groundwork team implementing the required run and ducting – allowing the EV charge points to be powered with no visual pollution on the university campus. “This was carried out via a distribution unit, again sourced, supplied, and installed by us, which was conveniently installed at a central point between all four proposed Rolec EV charging points.

“The work involved with this part of the project was a team effort, as after the groundwork was completed over a two-day period it made life easier for the electricians to come in and install the units. “The installation was finished in a day, with the EV chargers tested and certified by our trained installers. “The following day we were back, this time to commission the units with the Rolec EV Charge Online framework. We provided tutorials to staff in order to show them how to manage the portal, and how to use the group management facility – allowing them to fulfil their requirement of being able to manage a diverse number of groups across the university. “We also provided Teesside University with our 24/7 customer care line, so that they knew we would be there for them should any issues arise.”

Back for more After one week of the university having the Rolec EV charging points installed, McNally were again approached to install another Rolec EV charger at the university as a direct result of the success of the previous installation. Nicky adds, “We followed the same process, attending the proposed site of the installation for a pre-survey. This was to be another Rolec double socketed 32A AutoCharge pedestal, which would be added to the university’s existing EV Charge Online network to replace four other EV charging units. “All the paperwork was then signed off, and certificates provided to document another safe, successful installation. “The university is so happy with the installations to date that they have since requested a further Rolec EV charging pedestal be installed. This is due very soon. “Despite their different locations at the university, all the EV charging units can be managed from one central place thanks to Rolec’s EV Charge Online network.” David Newton, electrical services manager at Teesside University, oversaw the installation from the client end.

“All the EV charging units can be managed from one central place thanks to Rolec’s EV Charge Online network.”

David says, “Teesside University recently installed new ‘EV Charge Online’ dual charging electric vehicle charging units on their main campus site in Middlesbrough. “The posts were installed during the summer break by McNally Electrical, with the installation carried out ‘on programme’ and to a high standard. The ongoing maintenance cover will also be provided by McNally Electrical, with the ‘EV Charge Online’ web user page initially set up by them and user training provided to the university’s system operators.” Nicky continues, “We are delighted with the work carried out at Teesside University. It was a pleasure to work with David and help the university with their EV charging needs. The fact that after installation they then requested additional units is a real testament to the service we provide – and of course the Rolec EV products we install. “We take pride in our full turnkey service, and supply, install, and maintain the EV charging units we install. At McNally EV we also provide McNallyCare – our very own maintenance package. A monthly fee is payable to ensure the continued maintenance of units following installation. However, at Teesside we provided the first year free of charge in order to highlight our continued commitment to the EV charging installation service we provide.”

Charging points have made Teeside University more accessible to electric vehicles

Rolec EV, www.rolecserv.com

February 2018 | 25

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FEATURE

FIRE SAFETY

MAKE A CHANGE How can fire safety be improved today? asks Simon Goodhead, VP of Jensen Hughes.

ire safety is something people often take for granted. With the exception of fire service personnel, rarely would one see a fire occur, and it is even rarer for an individual to witness a fire take a life. With recent media coverage of fatal fires around the world, many have been exposed to the dangers fire still poses in building. This has naturally brought questions about fire safety and suitability of regulations into sharp focus. So, what can be changed in the short term to improve fire safety in both future construction and existing buildings?

Aspects of fire safety There are many facets of fire safety for the built environment, but distilled down into the most basic forms, there are five, namely: legislation and regulation requirements; consideration of flammability and behaviour of materials in fire; design provisions and associated approvals; construction methodology and associated approvals; and ongoing operation of a building and the associated maintenance,

“There are many facets of fire safety for the built environment.”

When considering near misses and life loss incidents related to fire, often a number of these areas of concern have failed, and with major loss, the failure has likely occurred in more than one way.

Changes in UK regulation The majority of legislation and regulation development is the result of a major incident. Throughout the UK, preference has tended towards compartmentation (passive protection), in part due to an aged water supply infrastructure at the time fire safety regulations were first drafted. The same is true with respect to approaches to means of escape, permitted materials, fire resistance of structure, and fire department access. Regardless of the geographic location, regulations are often vague or open to interpretation. Why is that? The guidance or regulation is trying to solve every situation with one document and reduce reliance on the need for expertise to solve a particular safety concern. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 reversed the approach of waiting for disaster, and instead focused on prevention. This ties in with the above – is the property being used and maintained in the way it was designed? The three biggest offenses in this area of building management are: • Are the escape paths clear and unobstructed? • Are fire doors allowed to close or are they blocked open by something? • Are the fire extinguishers charged and in the correct location and ready for use by persons trained in their use? In the UK, as passive protection is the primary protection, blocked open fire doors are of significant concern, along with storage in escape paths.

The need for a streamlined approach

Image courtesy of Awesomoman https://commons.wikimedia.org/ w/index.php?curid=8060468

Design and construction coordination is addressed through the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. When a builder follows the design, there is a level of assumption that the design is correct, as it has both been designed by a chartered professional, and approved by the authority. Regardless, a

builder will often, as they piece together a building, determine if there are unusual approaches – they have the ability to raise those questions. Equally, when a builder requests to build in a different manner than designed, the designer can object. In both instances, the authority should be involved. In any of these conditions, how should those parties behave if the design issue is outside of their area of expertise? While you may think that bringing in an expert is the correct response, that often does not happen. Chartered engineers and architects are viewed favourably by owners and developers in the design process. As an example, structural work requires a chartered structural engineer to sign off. However, a chartered fire engineer is rarely a requirement on the project. Globally, qualified fire engineers (the people who have a fire safety degree, years of experience, and who write the standards and guides available worldwide) are commonly avoided by design teams – perceived as an unnecessary cost. There is no requirement, and limited guidance, that states how alternative approaches should be approved. A chartered fire engineer is not required to be involved in fire safety. So, if fire safety is reduced with a qualitative argument, who will know? What does that do to safety when the expert is limited in scope or, worse, prevented from being part of the solution?

How to improve fire safety Without massive overhaul of legislation, and the years required to develop sound changes in guidance, two simple things can fundamentally change fire safety. Have qualified fire engineers be part of the design team, including multi-disciplinary reviews, to verify coordinated fire safety design across disciplines and inspect the constructed product as well as the building inspector, and engage, educate and empower building users to ensure passive protection measures are used (fire doors closed, clear escape paths). So have you replaced your smoke alarm batteries? Are your fire doors able to close? Fire safety is of utmost importance in any building, no matter the type, and getting advice from a professional is key to ensuring individuals are fully protected. Jensen Hughes, www.jensenhughes.com

26 | February 2018

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26/01/2018 12:40

POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS

CAVITY FLOOR BOXES Designed and Manufactured in the UK

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+44 (0)20 8905 7273

BESPOKE & PRE-WIRED

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sales@olson.co.uk

www.olson.co.uk 19/01/2018 16:12

TRIED AND TESTED Michael Derrick, business manager for Ethos Instruments, explains the importance of PAT testing, and why the Ethos 9100 tester is the ideal solution for contractors looking for efficiency and performance.

horough PAT testing of portable appliances is imperative to ensure not just the performance of equipment, but that it also remains safe to use and suitable for purpose. Indeed, current PAT testing law states that it is essential for all landlords, employers and self-employed electricians to ensure the safety and maintenance of equipment. PAT testing guidelines recommend regular maintenance, inspection and periodic testing to prevent damage or fault to appliances that might be brought about by regular use. Both the PAT test and the visual examination of each appliance must be performed only by someone deemed competent to do so. This should be someone with experience and expertise in testing appliances for safety purposes, but individuals with knowledge of electricity and electrical work in general can also qualify. According to the legislation, any competent person can perform the test by using a PAT instrument or tester. Testing can be completed by PAT testing companies, or alternatively, individuals can obtain certification to perform their own testing. The certification can be achieved by successfully completing coursework in the field.

The Ethos 9100 “Current PAT testing law states that it is essential for all landlords, employers and selfemployed electricians to ensure the safety and maintenance of equipment.”

The Ethos 9100 is a functional and diverse manual PAT tester. Featuring three operational modes, it is an ideal choice for those looking for an easy to use electrical safety tester. Simply pushing a button will give you the option of PAT test mode: class I and II, IEC lead test mode or power socket mode. The large LCD display shows the test results values as well as a PASS or FAIL indication. This piece of portable appliance testing equipment is battery powered and lightweight to enable quick and efficient portable appliance testing. The Ethos 9100 is the fastest, most compact PAT tester available, providing accurate measurements of earth bond, insulation, leakage and mains outlet condition. The simple three button operation facilitates quick and accurate PAT testing at the touch of the button. The Ethos 9100 portable appliance tester is ideal for all applications where comprehensive and regular testing is required. The unique design of the Ethos 9100 incorporates a high/low current test technique which ensures an accurate and repeatable measurement where other testers struggle to provide reliable readings. An in-built socket tester allows the user to ensure that the mains supply has been correctly wired. The Ethos 9100 is used by thousands of people to test millions of appliances every day. For further information, get in touch with the Ethos Test Equipment team on 0117 938 6400 or by emailing enquiries.ethos@adivision.co.uk. www.ethos-instruments.co.uk

Ethos 9100k Handheld Portable Appliance Tester Kit The kit is designed so that the contractor has all they need to start their PAT testing job: • The Ethos 9100 tester • The Ethos PAT checkbox • A PAT testing log book • Pass and fail labels • 110V adaptor • Environmental rating • IP rating: IP40 • Operating temperature range: 0°C to 40°C, without moisture condensation • Storage temperature range: –25° to 65° (Note: Batteries should be removed prior to storage) • Overvoltage category: 300V CAT II

28 | February 2018

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Circuit Protection

CIRCUIT PROTECTION & ACCESSORIES

SF0100

F110PM

CP (Electric) Ltd Find us on www.cpelectric.co.uk sales@cpelectric.co.uk

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(01563) 533554

16/01/2018 12:16

INTERVIEW

IN PROFILE ECN takes a pew with UK sales director for Marshall-Tufflex, Jon Chamberlain, to discuss the driving force behind the company.

fter starting his career as an apprentice electrician in 1986, Jon Chamberlain switched to sales around 1990 and joined the C&C Marshall Group of companies in 2010 to run the Bendex division. Subsequently becoming involved in the energy management sector, he re-joined Marshall-Tufflex in September 2016 as part of the UK sales team to drive sales and build on the Marshall-Tufflex brand within the cable management sector. What drew you to the company? Marshall-Tufflex is a very strong brand name within the electrical sector, standing for quality, service and a company that is good to do business with. The business’ family feel and its strong desire to grow and continually innovate within its sector was – and still is – a big draw. What are the origins of Marshall-Tufflex? Marshall-Tufflex began in 1942, when founder Harold Cirket registered the company name. He had the idea of developing the then unknown potential of plastic extrusion with just a £394 War Loan behind him. The rest, as they say, is history. Marshall-Tufflex is now a multimillion-pound business trading in more than 40 countries. How big is the company? We have approximately 170 staff spread across our head office and manufacturing plant in Hastings, plus depots in Manchester and London, as well as a dedicated sales team out on the road. We have regional sales managers in the north and south, each supported by seven area sales managers. They service our wholesalers and also work with contractors. We also have project and specification managers in both regions who work specifically with contractors and consultants on larger cable management projects. This on-the-ground presence gives our customers really good support and back-up. There’s obviously also the technical team based at our head office in Hastings who also support us and our customers.

Jon Chamberlain, UK sales director for Marshall-Tufflex

What is the company’s ethos? The company is still predominantly familyowned and retains a strong connection to its roots, as well as Harold Cirket’s commitment to supporting charities. We pride ourselves on developing high quality, high functioning, yet straightforward to install cable management solutions, and we continually strive to be a company that is easy to do business with. In practice, that means investing in our people in terms of training and support and investing in our relationships with contractors, consultants, specifiers and wholesalers. Our aim is always to put customers first and, whilst we’ve been in the marketplace for many years, we are not complacent and constantly strive to innovate and bring new products to the market to meet customer needs, ease installation and aid safety. Marshall-Tufflex employees are encouraged to put ideas forward that can improve our product portfolio or customer service and we also work closely with, and listen to feedback from, contractors to innovate. It really is a team effort.

What are Marshall-Tufflex’s biggest achievements? 2017 saw the company celebrate 75 years in business, a major achievement of which Harold Cirket would be incredibly proud. He virtually single-handedly pioneered plastic extrusion in the UK and, once his fledgling business was established, founded the Charlotte Marshall Charitable Trust in the name of his wife. This trust has supported hundreds of charities, donating what now runs into more than £1 million to good causes locally, nationally and internationally. Just recently, it donated £2,642 to the SADIE (Skills for Adjusting Diet and Insulin in East Sussex) course, which is run by the East Sussex Health Trust’s diabetes team. While the lion’s share of the charitable donations are made through the Trust, Marshall-Tufflex staff are committed fundraisers too. Running in tandem with this legacy of philanthropy is Marshall-Tufflex’s commitment to product development, notably the Sterling range which has been one of the UK’s best-selling trunking solutions for more than 25 years, and the hugely popular Odyssey profile, which has been in the market for 11 years and remains the only all-curved trunking profile. Odyssey was a real ground-breaker when launched and is still the go-to cable management profile when performance and design-led aesthetics are required. Looking after our people remains a core value and we are proud of our Apprenticeship Scheme which has seen a number of young people join the company with a clear career path progression. We are also continuing to work with local schools to promote engineering as an exciting and worthwhile career. What are the most important lessons you have learned during your career? To listen and understand what our customers are telling us and to exceed their needs with our products and our company. I always strive to be better, am passionate about what I do and give care and consideration to the people that work with me. I never expect my team to do something that I would not or have not done myself.

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INTERVIEW

“Driving forward sustainability is critical and MarshallTufflex aims to be at the forefront of this.”

What are going to be the challenges and opportunities facing the electrical contracting sector in 2018? Due to the continuing changes in standards and regulations, for example the 18th Edition and BIM, there is an ever demanding need for the contracting market to keep, and where possible, exceed the pace. Cabling methods will change, technology will drive higher service demands, but through all this MarshallTufflex aims to keep ahead of the game and educate the market. Product development must keep up, for example, with the demand for faster data, both via cabling and wireless technology. We will also be looking at how modern buildings work, how they are constructed and how they are used – more flexibility, more hot desking, multi-functional, home working, mobile working and so on. Any insider information on Marshall-Tufflex activities in 2018? Yes, we are starting a training programme, initially for wholesalers and then for contractors. Our sales team will be visiting wholesalers and delivering training to counter staff on specific product areas – underfloor to desk solutions, three compartment trunking and wire basket solutions. We hope that by educating branch counter staff, a greater level of understanding will enable them to advise contractors better. The contractor training programme is aimed at increasing awareness amongst contractors/consultants of our product range and its features and to forge closer relationships with our brand. The training content will cover problemsolving rather than specific products for electrical contractors, electrical consultants and specifiers.

What’s in-store for the future of the company? Marshall-Tufflex is in a unique position within the UK cable management market, being the only UK-based, privately-owned, specialist manufacturer. We specialise in cable management and we have 75 years of experience in extruding and moulding PVC, nearly 50 of these years in cable management. We are not part of a multinational corporation and therefore we can respond more quickly to our customers and the market. Every Marshall-Tufflex sale supports the wider community around our headquarters in Hastings, East Sussex, and a charity. It’s a pretty special package. Moving forward, our focus will continue to be serving our customers and our market better than anyone else through increased innovation in all aspects of our business – material development, product development, service development and our people. We are currently looking at environmental issues. Driving forward sustainability is critical and Marshall-Tufflex aims to be at the forefront of this, leading the way with products that are sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Recycling is something we have been doing for many years and we are actively looking to continue developing products that are either produced from recycled material or can be recycled. Whilst typically the cable management material content in a building is less than 10% of the materials used, we still feel it is critically important to provide products that are manufactured to the required standards and reflect the quality that is expected of our brand in the marketplace but at the same time be made from recycled material and be recyclable within a quality controlled manufacturing chain from start to finish. Marshall Tufflex, www.marshall-tufflex.com

February 2018 | 31

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EI LIVE!

JOIN THE SMART BUILDING REVOLUTION EI Live! is the UK’s only smart home/building trade show, providing Electrical Contractors with the chance to learn about and join this expanding and lucrative sector.

ant to learn how to install smart technology into your clients’ homes and commercial properties and make more money? Then EI Live! is the event for you. Held over two days at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, May 9-10, 2018, the show offers you the chance to meet hundreds of exhibitors and brands who want to train you to sell and install their products. But what is ‘smart technology’? In most cases, it’s merely un upgrade to concepts and products you already fit. Take lighting for example; if you are involved in providing lighting systems, wouldn’t you like the opportunity to provide intelligent lighting that can react and plan, saving the client money? These easy to fit systems can also deliver pleasing aesthetics, helping customers set the right mood or simply make their home or business a more pleasant place to be. Another aspect of the industry is creating full home or building automation systems which can control the client’s services, and audio-visual systems too. Technical advancements mean that many of these automation platforms are simple to fit, with no programming skills required. Your company can deliver automated control of lighting, heating, security/CCTV as well as other audiovisual systems for entertainment or information sharing purposes. The smart home industry can also deliver the contacts and training you need to fit multi-room music and AV systems, providing a completely new, but easy to fit string to your bow. Whether at home or at work, the trend for connectivity and access

to content, has never been more popular. Systems that provide access to audio and video content in multiple locations are again easy to fit and add another tier to the work you are already providing. Another key area that electrical contractors can benefit from is networking. Modern intelligent lighting, entertainment, audiovisual and content sharing systems all need a strong network to work, be that cabled or wireless. The smart building sector stands ready to train your company in exactly how to deliver these crucial services which are becoming as important as heat and light. Without them the world simply stops turning; why not be the one to deliver them?

Training and a warm welcome Adding a new sector of products and services to your business can be challenging. However, the UK’s smart building sector is set up precisely to overcome these barriers. Every single company working in the sector today had to start somewhere – many electrical contractors have already made the move and are finding success. The reason they are able to do this is that the sector is led by specialist distributors, who have created a business model that revolves around providing all the support their dealers need, no matter what level of experience they are at. Training and support is not just an after-thought, but a central part of the distributor’s offering in this sector. Many have their own academies where companies can receive training, often completely free of charge. Online training and on-site support complete a full package which means new entrants or

those with less experience will never be left on their own to cope when they have a question or query.

The show and the venue “Adding a new sector of products and services to your business can be challenging.”

The show consists of a packed show floor offering a huge array of companies and brands to interact with and share expertise. Live demos to see how the systems and products work are a real feature of the show, so visitors can see first-hand how to fit the products and how they perform once fitted. The Learning Zone will deliver a variety of talks and presentations on key topics and technologies, to provide an in-depth understanding of not just the technology, but how to be successful in this dynamic market. This year also sees the inclusion of the Smart Home Seminar, set up and delivered by trade association Retra and one of the leading distributors in the sector, AWE. This seminar has been specifically set up to provide an introduction to the sector for retailers – but the content is also relevant for the electrical contracting sector. Contact Retra direct for more information on how to attend the seminar on 01234 269 110, or visit www.retra.co.uk/contact-us. As for the show itself, attendance is completely free, and the venue of Sandown Park has excellent road, rail and transport links. Thousands of commercial vehiclefriendly parking spaces await; simply drive up, park up and walk into the show – it could well be the most important trip you make this year. Find out all you need to know and register for EI Live! at the show’s dedicated website www.essentialinstalllive.com or call the team on 01634 673 163.

32 | February 2018

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26/01/2018 12:50

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11/01/2018 10:24

11/01/2018 10:03:04

FEATURE

LIGHTING

IN CONTROL How can lighting control benefit the electrical contractor? asks Tony Biggs, senior sales manager at Lutron Electronics.

uge opportunities are at hand in the retrofit and renovation markets. Despite recent decreases in new construction activity, new lighting control solutions have been developed with a specific objective of growing renovation and retrofit business, improving building performance and driving energy savings.

New business Lighting control is not new. Since Lutron invented the solid-state dimmer in 1959, the list of applications made possible by lighting control technologies has grown to encompass smart buildings,

smart homes, as well as architectural and efficient spaces for retail, education, hospitality and leisure sectors. The benefits of light management systems are well known. The commercial sector currently promotes the many benefits of smart buildings, including energy savings, staff productivity and wellbeing, space utilisation and reduced carbon footprints. The residential sector is abuzz with smart home integration for lighting, heating and security – all driven by the uptake of voice control through Alexa, Siri and Google Home devices. Retail, education, hospitality and leisure sectors leverage lighting control everywhere from guestrooms, to classrooms, to public spaces, to restaurants and even back office operations. Simple ‘point for point’ upgrades of fluorescent panels to LEDs can lead to

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LIGHTING

FEATURE

greatly over-lit spaces. The opportunity is to add simple controls to facilitate dimming, occupancy and daylight sensing, to transform any space into a more efficient multi-use space, with optimal lighting for each occupant at any time of day.

Why does it matter? Adding lighting controls can improve the project margin whilst providing an improved client experience and energy savings. As LED prices fall and commoditise, lighting controls allow you to offer your clients service differentiation as well as improved performance. Lighting control is no longer a ‘dark art’. Simple-to-install, scalable and often wireless technologies have been developed especially for retrofit and renovation projects, allowing for contractor designed solutions. The leading brands are on-hand, often supported by the wholesalers through trained branch staff, demonstration units and stock.

How to engage Lutron is often asked by contractors how to get their clients to consider lighting control for their projects. Contractors can shine a light on lighting control with a few simple questions: 1. Is there a benefit to automatically turning off or dimming lights when the space becomes vacant? 2. Is there a benefit to adjusting fixture output (dimming lights) when there is enough natural light in the space? 3. Is the space used for a variety of purposes with potentially different lighting needs? 4. M ight the space be repurposed in future for different tasks, requiring re-wiring circuits to accompany a different space set-up? 5. Has the tenant or owner thought about maximising space productivity, energy savings, and/or tenant comfort through control of LED fixtures? A ‘yes’ to any of the above means that clients could benefit from lighting controls.

Benefits abound

Favourable environment

Every time a traditional light switch is installed, it is a missed opportunity to provide a better solution for lighting control. So, why does the light switch still exist? On new installations and renovations, lighting is typically one of the last elements to be installed, so it is often valueengineered to offset project overspend in other areas. Lighting controls not only provide strong return on investment, they also provide superior functionality, flexibility, and ultimately customer benefit. For the contractor, small scale wireless solutions exist that bring speed of installation and flexibility of placement – ideal for both new installations and retrofit solutions.

The UK government is driving change through legislation, building requirements and incentives along with independent ‘best practices’. Each supports lighting control, providing opportunities for contractors to sell more lighting control products to deliver client value. These important initiatives cover multiple topics such as requirements on installations, tax offset on approved energy efficiency products, best practices to build better buildings, lightbulb phase-out or energy efficiency for property rental. So why do they matter? Simply, they allow the contractor to offer higher quality products at affordable prices and to encourage the building owner to invest. If unsure, there is more information available at your local wholesaler, online or from Lutron.

“Every time a traditional light switch is installed, it is a missed opportunity to provide a better solution for lighting control.”

Easier solutions The rapid changes the lighting industry is experiencing – with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), growth in wireless technology, changes to building and energy requirements, as well as wider adoption of building performance standards – are generating lighting-related growth opportunities, with simple-to-install, simpleto-use lighting controls at the forefront. In addition to the existing building blocks of traditional lighting control systems (occupancy and absence detection, daylight harvesting, scheduling), new future-proofed installations using flexible and scalable lighting control solutions will be the key to success. The next time you see or install a light switch or LED fixtures, consider customers’ needs and how much more user-friendly, space optimised and energy efficient it could be with lighting controls. Make 2018 the year of client satisfaction and retention, with an improved revenue opportunity and repeat business for you. Lutron Electronics, www.lutron.com/europe

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST & MEASUREMENT

AN EYE ON CCTV Dan Payerle Barrera, global product manager at IDEAL Networks, discusses the importance of installation testing and documentation of IP CCTV systems.

esting and documentation of low voltage and fibre optic communications cabling has been standard practice since the introduction of multi-function LAN cable certifiers in the early 1990s. LAN cable certifiers perform a variety of tests that ensure the installed systems meet industry standards and generate detailed reports that serve multiple purposes. Test reports provide assurance to the network owner that their new network infrastructure provides the performance for which they paid. Reports can be submitted

to the manufacturer of the cabling system to activate warranty programmes that cover material and labour defects. Furthermore, the reports protect the installation contractor by providing proof of ‘as-built’ performance meaning call-backs can be billed as service calls instead of free warranty work. The concept of documenting CCTV installations to provide the same level of protection to CCTV integrators and installers is very new. Until recently, test tools that allow professional reporting of CCTV installations did not exist and installers are routinely called back to troubleshoot problems that may be caused by the customer’s network and not the CCTV system.

Troubleshooting problems with CCTV can be made much easier with testing and documentation

What to test and what it means Virtually all new CCTV systems are digital/ IP, running over Ethernet cabling, and have many advantages over analogue/coaxial systems. One particular disadvantage of IP CCTV is that video quality is affected by network performance. Ideally, an IP CCTV system should be on its own network that is separate from an organisation’s business systems network. In reality, many businesses insist CCTV and business systems run on the same network to reduce costs. As a result, network congestion and bandwidth limitations of the customer’s network may result in poor CCTV performance with symptoms that include:

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TEST & MEASUREMENT • Reduced video frame rates – choppy video where moving objects jump across the screen • Higher video compression – reduced image clarity, high pixilation of video • Network buffering – video pauses and hesitates, then catches up and hesitates again in a continuously repeating cycle When any of the above symptoms occur, the client will assume the fault is with the CCTV system, putting the integrator in a position of troubleshooting the client’s network or trying to prove that the CCTV system is being affected by external conditions. Documenting the CCTV system before turning it over to the client gives integrators/installers proof of performance that the cameras are performing as expected after installation. The equipment used to test and document a CCTV system is different than cable certifiers. Instead of measuring the characteristics of the cabling, a CCTV test tool is going to capture network and video information to provide a snapshot of each camera’s configuration. The key data recorded to generate a CCTV test report are: • Camera IP address – the network address of the camera and whether it is fixed (static) or assigned by the network (dynamic). The IP address is programmed during installation • Network details – complete network configuration of the camera including gateway, DNS, subnet and other information to ensure the camera is connected to the intended network • Camera MAC address – the unique hardware ID of the camera which is often the serial number. The MAC address cannot be changed • Location of the camera – a description of where the camera is installed and what it is aimed at • Screen capture – a picture of what the camera is monitoring. The screen capture is key because it shows the camera’s field of view and that it is properly focused. Reports should allow multiple images to demonstrate both day and night image quality • Video resolution – the resolution of the video stream, ex., 1920 x 1080 is ‘full HD’. This proves the camera is filming at the resolution required by the client

• Frame rate – number of images captured per second (fps). Most cameras will allow up to 25-30 fps for smooth video. The frame rate can be reduced to lessen the impact on network bandwidth • Video CODEC – the type of compression used to stream video. Common types are H.264 and MJPG. The CODEC used affects video quality and bandwidth • Bandwidth – the average amount of data streaming from the camera at the current video configuration settings, measured in megabits per second (Mb/s). Bandwidth is a function of resolution, frame rate and CODEC.

Reduce maintenance and repair time The benefits of installation documentation reach beyond closing out a project with test reports. If a camera needs to be replaced at a later time, the replacement should be configured just like the failed camera to ensure the system can be returned to normal operation as quickly as possible. If a client reports that the camera overlooking the front of the building is down, a technician can be sent to the site with a camera ready to drop in place, assuming the necessary information is available. At the office, the report for the failed camera can be retrieved and used as a template for the replacement. The report contains the camera brand and model, allowing the correct replacement to be pulled from inventory. While at the office, the new camera can be programmed with the network settings, location, description and video settings that were captured on the original report. A technician can then take the preconfigured camera to the customer site, swap it out and use the field tester to create a new report. The updated report can be compared to the original to verify that the field of view and video setting are the same

SPECIAL FEATURE

“Virtually all new CCTV systems are digital/IP, running over Ethernet cabling, and have many advantages over analogue/ coaxial systems.” as the original. Time on-site and labour costs for service calls can be significantly reduced when technicians and service personnel are armed with the information and tools to maximise efficiency.

CCTV test reports ensure proof of performance

More than documentation Documentation is just one function of multifunction CCTV testers. They also provide field technicians with tools to troubleshoot cable and network problems, test PoE (Power over Ethernet), test video monitors and much more. While IP is here to stay, the installed base of analogue cameras as well as new HD coax systems must also be supported. CCTV testers that support IP, analogue and HD coax cameras, plus cable and network troubleshooting, minimise the equipment technicians need to carry in the field. They can also replace laptops, PoE injectors and other cumbersome devices that are difficult or even dangerous to use while on a ladder or lift. The new generation of CCTV testers available on the market improve productivity, profitability and safety while making it easy for technicians to migrate from analogue to network/IP installations. IDEAL Networks, www.idealnetworks.net

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ET Series advert 244x340mm rev6.indd 1 Untitled-3 1

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TEST & MEASUREMENT

Could new MFT technology change the way loop testing is done?

SPECIAL FEATURE

TRIED AND TESTED The latest multifunction installation testers (MFTs) have innovative features that will definitely save you time, trouble and money. Peter Wade of Megger explains why now is a very good time to think about replacing your old test kit.

ost of the time MFTs, just like other technology products, evolve gradually, with each new model adding a few features that it would be nice to have. Once in a while there’s a game-changing development and an MFT appears with new features that are definitely ‘must have’ rather than only ‘nice to have’. Though it may be hard to believe, there is at last an MFT that makes loop impedance testing easy and reliable. Most electrical contractors will be prepared to admit that loop testing is the bane of their lives, so let’s take a look at why this is, and how the new MFT banishes the problems forever.

Trip hazard Two-wire, high-current loop testing has always been a fast, reliable way of measuring loop impedance and it still is. Contractors won’t need reminding that this test technique has a big shortcoming – it can’t be used on circuits with RCD or RCBO protection as these devices will trip during the test. There are ways around this, but all of these involve temporarily bypassing or disabling the protection, which is inconvenient and very difficult to do safely. Because of this, test equipment manufacturers have for many years been offering instruments with non-trip loop test facilities. On good instruments, these methods work well most of the time, but they are far from perfect. Possibly the biggest problems are inconsistent results,

where carrying out several loop tests on the same circuit can give a different result each time, and often produce results that don’t look right. These odd results are typically considerably higher than would have been expected, even though examining the circuit under test reveals no faults. Another common problem is that, even though the test is described as ‘no-trip’, some RCDs and RCBOs still trip when no other AC earth leakage is present. The reason for the inconsistent results is that, for a non-trip test, the test current used by the instrument has to be small enough to ensure that the RCD or RCBO doesn’t trip. Such a small current produces only a tiny change in voltage in the circuit, which is what the instrument actually measures. This change can easily

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST & MEASUREMENT This is a big time saving compared to the 15 seconds plus it typically takes to perform a no-trip loop test with traditional instruments. To be fair, the test takes longer on noisy circuits and, if the noise in the circuit varies during the test period, it is possible that the arc will expand again before finally shrinking to a dot. Even so, the technique still saves time, as users can have a high level of confidence in the result, and never need to repeat tests ‘just to be sure’.

Bringing benefits

Megger has developed a new three-wire nontrip loop testing technique

be masked by noise on the circuit or even by harmonics, leading to inconsistent results. To minimise this problem, modern instruments actually make multiple measurements while the loop test is being carried out and the results they show are often just the average of these measurements. This approach is helpful but once again, it isn’t perfect. There is another reason for unexpected results being obtained. This happens because instruments, in some situations, include in the result the internal impedance of the RCD or RCBO protecting the circuit under test. This is often called ‘RCD uplift’, but it does not occur on every circuit. When it does, however, it can be very misleading and disconcerting.

The new measuring technique has three other big benefits. The first is that the impedance of the RCD or RCBO protecting the circuit is never included in the measurements, so misleading RCD uplift just doesn’t happen. The second big benefit is that the new method significantly reduces the risk of RCDs and RCBOs tripping during the test provided there is no extraneous AC earth leakage present on the circuit. The third is that now there is an instrument that will allow you to undertake a three-wire no-trip loop test on circuits protected by the 10mA RCDs and RCBOs that are used in schools and other special locations. In addition to this new three-wire non-trip loop test, the MFT also provides two-wire non-trip testing. While it doesn’t offer all of the features of the new threewire test, the two-wire test works well in the majority of situations and is particularly valuable when there is no easy access to a neutral connection.

Of course, an MFT that only offered great loop test facilities would be something of a one-trick pony so, as would be expected, the new MFT1741 provides all of the facilities needed for testing installations in-line with the requirements of the IET Wiring Regulations – and much more besides. Other invaluable features include automatic and manual RCD testing compatible with the increasingly wide range of RCD types that are being used in modern installations, facilities for earthresistance testing when used in conjunction with suitable earth stakes, and support for testing on three-phase installations, which means that contractors no longer need to buy additional test equipment so that they can carry out work on industrial systems. Battery consumption is another cost factor when considering investment in test equipment and the MFT1741 addresses this by using rechargeable cells that offer operating time comparable to that of a standard alkaline battery. Having the ability to recharge the batteries in-situ means that the problem of removing them to charge each time is also eliminated. The MFT you’re using right now has probably given you good service and may even be continuing to work well enough, but can you really afford to ignore the benefits offered by a new MFT that takes the troubles and trials out of loop testing? MFT functionality has just taken a giant leap forward – make sure you’re not left behind. Megger, www.uk.megger.com

“In addition to this new three-wire non-trip loop test, the MFT also provides two-wire non-trip testing.”

Finding solutions So much for the problems, but what about the solutions? After many years of research and development, Megger has devised a new three-wire non-trip loop testing technique, which is incorporated in the company’s latest multifunction tester, the MFT1741. This technique builds on the averaging method for test results, but takes it further by continually monitoring the measurements during the test period and using a proprietary new method for evaluating them, which minimises the effects of noise and harmonics. The new test technique is complemented by a unique confidence display. This takes the form of an arc that starts off wide at the beginning of a loop test, then gets shorter as the instrument becomes more and more confident of the reliability of the result. When the arc reduces to a single dot, a high-confidence result has been achieved. This can take as little as six seconds on circuits that have very little noise present.

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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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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST & MEASUREMENT

UP TO STANDARD Joe Bishop and Chris Fox of Test-Meter.co.uk take a look at what the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations will mean for test and measurement.

ased on the most recent international (IEC) and European (CENELEC) standards, the 18th Edition of the UK BS7671 Wiring Regulations is due to be published on July 1 2018 before totally superseding the 17th Edition six months later. With changes covering everything from structural integrity of circuits during fires to onshore power supplies for large commercial barges, only certain changes are relevant to test and measurement, so it is important to identify such changes and define areas where a professional electrician may have to update their test equipment. Broadly speaking, there will be changes to earthing regulations, RCD use, surge protection device requirements, various specialist installations and an allnew energy efficiency section.

Earthing One of the most important changes to the 18th Edition is a new recommendation for foundational earthing (542.2.2) within new buildings. Taking the form of an earth electrode attached to the structure’s frame, this system is especially pertinent at the moment because more and more buildings use a steel frame. Such frames may become live in fault conditions and therefore put the occupants at risk. Consequently, this new earthing recommendation will require testing by installers and it is here where many electricians may need to reconsider their choice of multifunction tester (MFT). Many MFTs now feature an earth test as standard including the Fluke 1663, Kewtech KT65DL, and Megger MFT1731. For those comfortable with their current MFT, a different option is available in the form of a single-function earth tester. A wide range of earth testers are available and these

will complement an existing MFT and help the owner properly test the foundational earthing recommended in the 18th Edition. Additional earth testing capability will also be extremely useful in meeting other Chapter 54 requirements as, from January 2019, an extra earth electrode will be required to work alongside any earthing facility provided by the distributor. Earth testing is therefore likely to become essential for electrical installers.

RCDs and surge protection Following the trend of recent editions, the 18th contains new requirements for RCDs (Chapter 41). Going forwards, a 30mA RCD will be required on all luminaires on AC final circuits in domestic dwellings and on every socket up to 32A where the limit had previously been 20A. Whilst current standard test and measurement equipment has the capability to test A-type RCDs, it is important to note that any new or significantly refurbished domestic installation is likely to require multiple RCDs which means more testing and a greater cost for customers. In a similar vein, electricians will now have to take into account changes to Section 443 dealing with transient over voltage. The old ‘AQ’ criteria – largely based on lightning strike frequency – which determined the necessity of surge protection, has been replaced by much broader criteria that instead considers the consequences of any potential strike. Whilst the material consequences for test and measurement might not be immediately apparent, standard insulation tests can damage surge protection devices and technicians will have to take steps if such devices become more common. This may involve testing at a lower voltage or using an insulation tester from the Megger MIT400/2 range. With a low over-voltage limit of 2% compared to the standard 1020%, these testers keep test voltages safely below damaging levels.

Electric car charging points

“There will be changes to earthing regulations, RCD use, surge protection device requirements, and an allnew energy efficiency section.”

The number of both plug-in hybrids and electric cars has rocketed to north of 100,000 over the last five years and charging stations are expected to soon become a common sight on UK roads. Accordingly, Section 722 of the regulations contains several changes to ensure that installations are safe for users. Notably, dwellings are no longer excepted from the general prohibition on PME earthing systems where the current special criteria (722.411.4.1 [i], [ii], [iii]) do not apply. With PME, by far and away the most popular domestic earthing system in the UK, installers may often have to introduce a separate earth electrode which will need to be tested. Secondly, the regulations will now contain requirements of B-type RCDs. This could well include testing, so anyone involved in installing charging points may need an MFT capable of testing B-type RCDs. Examples include the Megger MFT1741, the Metrel MI3152 – also capable of earth testing – and the Dilog DL9118.

Embedded heating units A further specialist area that will see a lot of changes in the 18th Edition is that of underfloor heating. Section 753 has increased its scope to now include embedded heating units in walls, floors, compacted soil and other outdoor spaces meaning that many new installations will fall under the umbrella of Section 753. For professionals working on such systems, a thermal camera can be a really handy tool for detecting heat patterns and finding any areas which are overheating. For simple mapping, an imaging thermometer like the FLIR TG165 might be a good option whilst a slightly higher-spec unit such as a FLIR C3 or E5 will provide radiometric data for accurate

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TEST & MEASUREMENT

reporting of inspections and assessments of installations and repairs. Both of these higher-grade models also have a handy internal memory.

Energy efficiency Finally, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations will consider energy efficiency for the first time in a brand new Section 8, designed to help buildings meet their efficiency targets under Part L of the England and Wales Building Regulations. This moves away from the primary objective of the regulations which has always been to ensure safety in UK electrical installations but reflects important changes in the electricity marketplace over the last 10 years. The new section proposes that installers aim to produce the most efficient system possible whilst maintaining adequate

performance and safety levels by considering various factors including load mapping, power factor correction, and harmonic reduction. A power quality analyser is an ideal addition to a toolbox as it will provide useful ongoing data on consumption, harmonics and power factor, thus allowing the electrician and client to make adjustments and ensure maximum efficiency. A really user-friendly option is the Chauvin Arnoux PEL103 which is easy to install and operate whilst still providing all the information required to meet these aspects of Section 8.

Should I start planning now?

“The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations will consider energy efficiency for the first time.”

The 18th Edition of the BS7671 Wiring Regulations is, as ever, enormous in its scope and this article has only been able to discuss certain changes that are particularly pertinent to test and

SPECIAL FEATURE

measurement and will therefore affect electricians’ choices when equipping their toolboxes. It is also important to point out that the new regulations have appeared in draft form only and can therefore be subject to modification or even complete withdrawal up until the publishing date on July 1, 2018. Nevertheless, the main things to watch out for are increased requirements for earth testing, greater prevalence of surge protection and RCDs, and changes to electric vehicle charging and embedded heating units. The largest single change is likely to be Section 8 with associated requirements regarding energy efficiency, which could well see power quality analysers become an essential instrument for many installers. Test-Meter.co.uk, www.test-meter.co.uk

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Handheld (left or right) Red and green pass / fail LED indicators Help screens built-in for referencing on site Built-in line/loop impedance tables for automatic evaluation against current regulations Automated RCD testing to reduce test time Trip lock function to test loop impedance without tripping the RCD Bluetooth and memory download (MI 3125BT) Quick, efficient and automatic R1+R2 testing with A1214 Easiswitch (MI 3125BT)

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PRIME POSITION Seaward explains how its PrimeTest range has been designed to offer the latest technology, safety and convenience to the PAT testing market.

he classic PrimeTest range by Seaward, which revolutionised Portable Appliance Testers (PAT), is still leading the field ten years after first being introduced to the market. Before the arrival of Seaward’s innovative products, testers were large, mains-powered devices. The PrimeTest range pioneered a portable, handheld form that took the devices in a new, more convenient and modern direction. Being battery powered meant the PrimeTest range was freed from the need to be connected to the mains, and as a result became much more manageable, portable and adaptable to different circumstances. The range’s lightness and compactness also made a big difference. It made PrimeTest easier to use which, along with its accuracy and reliability, ensured the range was not just popular but highly influential in the world of PAT equipment. “We’re very proud indeed to be a British manufacturer still leading the field with this hugely popular range,” says Andrew Upton, managing director of Seaward. “We’re also marking over 35 years of keeping people safe since the founding of Seaward in 1982 and the PrimeTest range has been a big part of that. The PrimeTest range has had – and is still having – an enormous influence on other PAT testers, but they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. “While the PrimeTest range is often imitated, it’s still the best. It was designed in Great Britain and is still made here, which is something else we’re very proud to say. The range represents fantastic value for money.” The PrimeTest range offers solutions for many different PAT testing needs. The PrimeTest 50, for example, features a simple range of tests – earthed appliance, double insulated appliance or mains cord test. It’s ideal for all applications where in-house testing is being performed by staff with limited experience. It’s capable of testing the most common electrical equipment, providing a simple pass/fail indication. The PrimeTest 100, in addition to the features listed above for the PrimeTest 50, adds the ability to view the exact measured values, allowing more experienced users to make decisions with regards to appliance

“The PrimeTest range offers solutions for many different PAT testing needs.”

deterioration and to compare results to pre-calculated pass/fail values. The PrimeTest 100 is a fast, compact and yet cost effective PAT tester, providing accurate measurements of earth continuity, insulation resistance, leakage and mains outlet condition. The more advanced PrimeTest 250+ has a comprehensive range of tests, data storage, label printing features and includes free datalogger software. It can be used with the Test n Tag Pro serial printer, allowing the user to produce professional, low cost inspection and test labels at the press of a button. The 250+ also has an internal memory capable of storing up to 999 appliance test records. This data can also be transferred via a USB cable directly to a PC using the datalogger software. The data downloads into CSV format and can

be opened directly in spreadsheets or other PC applications. The PrimeTest range is supported by a number of different online training courses, as well as FAQs and videos. Seaward, www.seaward.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

CHARGING AHEAD Electric vehicles are no longer a futuristic concept. With approximately 122,000 electric cars on the road, and the latest UK budget pledging £400 million to support EV infrastructure, BEW looks at how installing charge points can be a brilliant opportunity for contractors in the here and now.

V is a rapidly growing sector. Between 2013 and 2016 alone, the market more than doubled from 35,000 to 80,000 electric vehicles registered in the UK; as of October 2017, that number has increased by a further 42,000. That’s 122,000 electric vehicles currently operating on UK roads. With battery life improving all the time, and flexible hybrid options making EV increasingly accessible, that rate of growth looks set to climb. As such, the opportunities in the EV charging market are huge for electrical contractors. With every new EV registration, the demand for charge points intensifies – each new electrical vehicle purchased or leased is a new domestic charge point that needs to be installed, or a communal charge point that needs to be extended. The more electric cars on the roads, the more charge points need to be fitted into petrol stations, car parks and high streets, work places and homes, in cities and remote spots across the country. In short, EV charging is no longer a ‘future’ market for electricians – it is very much in the here and now. So what are the opportunities?

Become an accredited installer “A lack of charge points in some parts of the UK is inhibiting EV uptake in certain areas”

Before you are able to install EV charge points, you’ll need to become an accredited installer with one (or more) EV charging suppliers. Both Rolec and Schneider have accreditation schemes available: visit their websites for more information, or ask your local BEW branch for contact details of their local representative.

EV at home Most – if not all – electric vehicle owners will want to have some sort of charge point installed in their home. In fact, EV charging has become a key selling point for some new-build property developments, with the option to have a charger installed forming part of the package. In the past, it has been difficult to install (especially retrofit) EV chargers in residential buildings, due to the power they require, causing problems with outages and eye-wateringly expensive electricity bills. However, with smart chargers that use load sharing to reduce energy consumption now available, this is no longer a problem. What’s more, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme

funds up to 75% of EV charge point install in a domestic setting, with a maximum spend of £700 per vehicle. If you have a forthcoming new build project, why not offer EV charging as an additional option? From a charge point in each house to a few communal charge points dotted around a new estate, there are many options available.

EV at work From commercial fleets to office car parks, there are lots of opportunities to install EV charge points in commercial premises. The Workplace Charging Scheme was set up to support businesses fitting EV chargers in the workplace and can help with initial install costs, whether it’s for business vehicles or simply for employee use. Visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/ workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-forapplicants-installers-and-manufacturers for details. Next time you’re called to a commercial premise – particularly large office blocks or businesses with a fleet of vehicles – spark a conversation about their EV charging options: they might be unaware of the financial help available.

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

EV in the community

HOW CAN I BECOME AN ACCREDITED EV INSTALLER?

f you want to claim the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grants on behalf of your customers, it is a two-stage process. Firstly, you must become an approved installer for your chosen company’s chargers and, secondly, apply to become an OLEV approved installer. Before proceeding, visit the OLEV website to research the various grant schemes and how to apply.

Schneider To become an approved installer of Schneider’s EVlink, you can complete the online training on their website, following which you will be able to download a certificate. You should then forward that certificate to Schneider to allow them to issue you with a letter showing the product ranges you are authorised to install. This documentation will need to be forwarded to OLEV together with your application for approval.

Rolec To become an approved installer of Rolec, you can contact them direct to obtain a form for completion. As with Schneider, you will need to forward the documentation to OLEV, with your application for approval.

CV&EV – BEW.indd 47

SPECIAL FEATURE

“From commercial fleets to office car parks, there are lots of opportunities to install EV charge points in commercial premises.”

Local authorities are under pressure to facilitate EV ownership by making charge points readily available. There are still some parts of the UK that are, technically, ‘off grid’ to electric vehicle owners. Although there are few places that are completely inaccessible to EV drivers, a lack of charge points in some parts of the UK is inhibiting EV uptake in certain areas. EV infrastructure has a long way to go, but this presents an excellent opportunity for registered contractors. Once trained as an installer, it’s worth contacting your local council to find out about upcoming EV charging projects in your area. You can even inform associations of the grants and schemes available to them. Visit the Office for Low Emission Vehicles website for more information.

The future of EV charging In Philip Hammond’s autumn 2017 budget, he announced a £400 million boost to EV charging infrastructure, with an extra £100 million in Plug-InCar grants and £40 million in charging research and development. “EV charging is not a passing fad. All the early indications show that it’s a market that will grow significantly in the next few years,” says David Shirt, commercial director at BEW Electrical Distributors. “It’s a sleeping giant –

contractors who become an accredited installer now will be in a brilliant position to grasp the opportunities that this booming industry is set to bring.” BEW Electrical Distributors, www.bewdirect.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

SECURE SOLUTIONS Tina Skinner, Kasp Security brand manager for Carl Kammerling International, explains how electricians can guard against van-related thefts.

ccording to 2017 figures from the Office for National Statistics, police recorded crime has risen by 10% across England and Wales to nearly five million offences, the largest annual rise for a decade. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) also estimated a total of 796,000 vehicle related thefts in the year 2015/16. Add to this the autumn/winter months, with longer nights meaning thieves benefit from more time under the cover of darkness, and it’s no surprise that the Metropolitan Police report a typical 25% rise in residential burglaries during these seasons. In fact, car crime increases by 20% and malicious damage by 160% on Halloween alone. For an electrician, their work van is essentially their office, and crime against their vehicle can put them out of action for days, if not weeks, impacting negatively on their back pocket. Increasing insurance premiums have led to a significant number of crimes going unreported, and according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), small firms are not reporting crimes against their business because they do not think it would lead to a successful prosecution (38%). On top of this, vehicle crime is costing UK businesses £620 million a year, with the average insurance claim costing around £3,000 – so is it any wonder insurance costs are at a premium and crime goes unreported?

Staying safe However, there are many ways an electrician can deter opportunist thieves and protect their vehicle and indeed livelihood. It needn’t cost the earth and could actually save money in the long term, with some insurance providers offering up to a 10% discount if vehicles are protected with durable security devices.

“Vehicle crime is costing UK businesses £620 million a year, with the average insurance claim costing around £3,000.”

The security chosen to deter thieves and vandals should be right for the job. Spending thousands of pounds on tools is a big expense if an electrician falls prey to the criminals who either empty or steal a van. Professionals know the importance of choosing the right tool for the job and take a lot of pride in their tools. It makes good sense that the same pride is displayed when seeking security methods to protect them. This is becoming increasingly important with reports that ‘lock picks’ are being used by thieves, a fact the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has been working to address for some time. It’s an issue aggravated by the fact that anybody, not just licensed locksmiths, are able to buy locksmith tools. Therefore, when it comes to security, electricians need a lock they can trust. For example, Kasp’s 500 series van lock and hasp has been designed to make it almost totally resistant to common forms of commercial vehicle break-in, providing virtually no points for attack. Following end-user feedback, it now includes a retaining clip meaning that, when it’s not in use, the padlock can be closed onto the retaining clip so it is not left on the roof of the van or on the ground and left behind or lost.

Purpose-made Kasp’s own market research has found that the standard locking system of a typical van is vulnerable to an experienced thief. A shed-type hasp and padlock may do slightly better but for real security a van needs to be protected with a purpose-made lock. The Kasp shackle-less 500 series lock is enclosed within the walls of the hasp allowing maximum protection against hacksaw and cropping attacks. The six-pin cylinder provides extra protection against picking and the tough, zinc-plated steel hasp gives added strength and protection against corrosion. Unlike similar products on the market, it also comes with fixing bolts.

The right van security is important to combat the increasing number of ‘lock picks’ being used by thieves

Keeping guard In addition to strong and durable locks, electricians should also look to further boost security with alarms, door keepers and loom guards, all of which will help prevent thieves gaining entry by door peeling and wire cutting. Then there’s the issue of insurance – electricians should check their policies carefully, as many do not cover the loss of tools stored in a van overnight. Some even stipulate that unless a tradesperson’s vehicle meets certain security requirements, then tools cannot be stored in the van, full stop. Although there are never any guarantees that an electrician’s vehicle will not become a target of the staggering number of thefts annually, there are measures that can be taken to deter them. Carl Kammerling, www.carlkammerling.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

DRIVING BUSINESS Kate Thompson from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles explains what contractors need to know about the van market to keep their costs down and their wheels turning.

hoosing the right van for a business and keeping it in mint condition won’t just get you from A to B – it could also help you save money, make your business more efficient and help keep you on the road for longer.

Fuel for thought

It’s crucial to choose the right van for the job

While the van market is currently dominated by diesel, we know that customers are aware of changes to legislation and looking at other available options. They’re scanning the market for guidance on what will be right for their business not just today or tomorrow, but in three or five years’ time. When it comes to fuel, it’s essential that installers make the right choice when buying a van and consider their requirements, typical journeys and other operational considerations. Where electric and alternatively powered vans are on offer, a limited range, reduced payload and cost may mean they’re just not practical for dayto-day van jobs. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that sales of alternative fuelled cars increased in 2017 by nearly 35%, though the overall market share of these vehicles is still less than 5%. The situation in the van market is different, with diesel dominating

around 98% of sales, and there are far fewer electric and alternatively powered vans available. However, changes to legislation and the introduction of low emissions zones, in tandem with the development of electric and alternatively powered vans, means that we expect these models to become more popular in the future. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we recently extended our petrol range, meaning we now offer the Caddy compact van and Transporter with petrol-powered options. In addition, our eCrafter, which will be available from September 2018, will soon be undertaking fleet trials in the UK. This is an all-electric version of the Crafter, offering the same loadspace, comfort, practicality and technology as the standard Crafter. It has a power output of 100kW, a range of around 160km and can handle loads of up to 1.75 tonnes, making it an economic solution for contractors – particularly those where the charging infrastructure is well established.

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

Whether your van is diesel, petrol or alternatively fuelled, making time for regular servicing and maintenance is essential to keeping it on the road. Most contractors will testify to how difficult it can be to find the time to visit the garage, especially when the diary is full and customers are not in the habit of waiting. The good news is that flexible servicing times and arrangements are becoming increasingly commonplace to help tradespeople fit their vehicles in for necessary work or repairs at their convenience.

contractors to have their vehicle checked without impacting their working day. Mobile service mechanics just meet the installer at a time and location which suits them, for example at a customer’s premises. The added advantage of mobile servicing is that the contractor still has access to all the tools and equipment in the van while the work is carried out so there is zero downtime required. Our qualified Volkswagen technicians can do service work, inspections, A/C servicing, MOT repairs, minor warranty work and software updates remotely, so it’s definitely worth looking in to.

Open all hours

Looking ahead

Many manufacturers now offer flexible opening hours and like-forlike replacement courtesy vehicles to help minimise the impact of routine maintenance and servicing. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, for example, we have a network of Van Centres that open between 13 and 16 hours a day for three or more days a week so that customers can come in before or after a job.

Mobile servicing

Our ‘Working With You’ promise is at the heart of everything we do. Expanding our petrol range and offering a new alternative before electric vehicles are widely available provides our customers with new options and our Van Centres are able to offer advice on the choices available. Our continued investment in innovation, from alternative fuel choices to providing more convenient servicing and repair options and longer opening hours, demonstrates this guarantee to every customer that we’re here for the long-term.

As well as garages which open longer, there is a growing trend for mobile servicing – another great way for

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Keeping the wheels turning

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY Martin Hale, who heads up ABB’s electric vehicle (EV) charging business in the UK, introduces the potential charging technology that could optimise road transport and public services.

oad transport is set for a major shake-up as transport engineers work out the most efficient ways to power vehicles. The first generation of electric buses had large batteries that needed to be charged overnight to give them maximum range during the day. However, that didn’t reflect the reality for many bus routes, where buses stop and wait frequently. By switching to buses with small batteries that require charging little

and often, operators can reduce the capital cost of batteries and reduce the weight and size of vehicles. They can also enable the first ever 24/7 service of buses as such buses never need to return to the depot for charging or refuelling. ‘Opportunity charging’ technology is what supports this type of operation. It makes use of fast chargers at bus stops, with a pantograph that lowers onto contact rails on the roof of the bus. While passengers embark and disembark over a few minutes, the bus receives small top-ups at regular intervals as it travels its route.

“Opportunity charging is compatible with any type of road vehicle.”

Simplifying the process Opportunity charging relies on AC-DC converters coupled with a pantograph that can be housed in existing street furniture or a new mast. In theory, a single mast can serve a whole fleet of electric buses. It therefore allows bus manufacturers to simplify their vehicles by cutting out the large battery and the pantograph. This saves the capital cost of the vehicle and reduces its energy consumption along every mile travelled. But perhaps the biggest savings can be found in the depot. Conventional

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & EV INFRASTRUCTURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

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electric buses require overnight charging as well as the power supplies to feed them, the manpower to plug them in and the footprint to park them. Switching to opportunity charging can eliminate all that, letting operators focus their resources on passenger services, with buses only needing to park when the timetable dictates. It’s no wonder that bus operators and manufacturers are excited about the potential for opportunity charging. The UK’s first system is due to go live in February 2018 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where three ABB OppCharge masts will power a new fleet of eight fully electric buses.

Fully portable charging infrastructure

Duo

However, the most recent development is a portable OppCharge system. One application is as an emergency spare for permanent sites, but it could also provide temporary power to transport crowds at major events. On September 25 last year, ABB and Volvo launched a 16-week demonstration tour with a portable OppCharge mast and a 7900e electric bus in Manchester city centre and London Heathrow airport. The bus has a 79 kWh capacity battery, which compares with the 350 kWh battery required for a conventional overnight charging electric bus. When it pauses for three to six minutes at the OppCharge, it receives a recharging that allows it to stay on the road constantly. For its first eight weeks, the demonstrator operated on Manchester’s Metroshuttle 2 route that connects the city’s railway stations. After truck transport and installation at Heathrow, it shuttled passengers between the car parks and terminals. Because the connection and base are already in place, installers can set it up quickly on a plugand-play basis.

All of ABB’s fast chargers are connected to our network operations centre via the cloud, where we monitor our fleet. This enables us to identify and diagnose in real time and in 60% of cases we can resolve issues remotely with no need to send a technician to site. For example, if we identify an issue with an AC-DC converter, we can remotely switch it off and let the charger work on the remaining power modules so that it can continue charging buses, albeit at a lower power rating. Then we can schedule a technician to visit the site and swap out the faulty module within minutes. All opportunity charging systems are governed by the international standard for off-board charging, EN IEC 6185123, as well as the ISO 15118 standard for vehicle-to-grid communication and the DIN 70121 specification for digital communication in electromobility.

Fast charging modules

Long-term prospects

ABB has based OppCharge on its existing fast-charger technology that is used widely on electric cars. It has an installed base of 5,000 fast chargers worldwide as well as 15 OppCharge systems. These have demonstrated a high level of availability and reliability – allowing motorists to charge their vehicles frequently and without breaks. OppCharge takes the form of modules that can deliver 150, 300, 450 and 600kW depending on the speed of the charge and the size of the batteries. These are connected to a pantograph that is either installed in a mast structure or can hang from a roof or ceiling or a modified bus stop.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of opportunity charging is its potential for longer-distance road passenger and freight transport, as well as public services such as refuse collection or emergency services. Opportunity charging is compatible with any type of road vehicle. It could therefore lead to greater efficiencies, such as electric refuse trucks that use the same charging stations as buses, or ambulances that charge their batteries at the hospital’s reception facility. Equally, long-distance electric trucks and coaches will no longer be fuelled by diesel but will be optimised to travel between major cities or service stations. As electric vehicles become more common, transport engineers are developing new ways to enhance the efficiency. Opportunity charging has much in common with the way that drivers have always refuelled their vehicles and because one mast can serve many vehicles, it can help operators make the most out of their resources.

Digital connectivity However, the clever bit is the in-built intelligence and communication. This includes a digital handshake between the charger and the vehicle. When the bus arrives, its Wi-Fi connects to the infrastructure. After a software connection that it is safe, the pantograph descends, only disengaging when it is safe to do so.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

INSURANCE

HEALTH OF THE SECTOR Don’t get hit by higher fines for health and safety offences, says Ian Hollingworth, head of claims for ECIC.

ompliance with health and safety practices are part and parcel of the electrical contractors’ role, but in 2016 a new regime came into force which has seen fines for health and safety breaches rise significantly. A mid-size electrical contractor could potentially face a crippling fine of up to £4 million – and even a prison sentence. While there has been a long-term downward trend in the rate of fatal injury to workers (137 workers killed at work in 2016/17 compared with 287, two decades ago), and the number of fatalities in construction is currently the lowest number on record for the sector, over the last five years the number of fatalities have fluctuated. 30 deaths were recorded in 2016/2017 but there were 47 in 2015/2016.

A fine line To address concerns that existing penalties were not acting as an effective deterrent, in 2016 the UK Sentencing Council announced major modifications to the penalties for health and safety at work offences in England and Wales with fines increased – in some cases substantially – so that they have an ‘economic impact’ on the offending employer. Under the new guidelines, fines are now set relative to the size of the business and the potential harm that could have been caused. We have therefore seen the number of fines imposed that are reaching six and seven figures for health and safety at work offences rise considerably. Looking at the fines in 2016/17, there were 38 cases at £500,000 or above issued to businesses and a maximum fine of £5 million. This compares to just three fines reaching seven figures in 2015 and none at all in 2014. We have also seen a worrying uplift in the frequency of HSE enforcement notices in the past year, with 9,495 issued in 2016/2017 vs 8,776 in 2015/2016. The modifications mean that some of the UK’s largest contracting businesses with turnovers exceeding £50 million convicted of corporate manslaughter can now face fines of up to £20 million. Furthermore, individuals such as company managers or directors who are found guilty of a breach in duty of care to their employees could face a custodial sentence of up to two years.

Change of scale What really concerns ECIC, as a specialist insurer in the electrical contracting market, is that due to the wide bracket of fines, many of our policyholders who are classed as

mid-sized businesses under the guidelines (with turnovers between £10 million and £50 million) could face fines ranging from £1,000 to as much as £4 million. In fact, they could now find themselves facing a fine similar to that of a much larger company with much deeper pockets. To illustrate the scale of the change, previously a £250,000 – £500,000 fine was the range for the most serious offences whereas now, dependant on the company’s annual turnover (as opposed to profitability), the fine could be as much as £10 million for the exact same incident.

Evidence based Ensuring you have an effective and robust approach to complying with health and safety laws is therefore crucial for electrical contractors of all sizes. But in addition, you must have evidence of this approach that would stand up in a court of law. That evidence is a site specific health and safety assessment form that each and every worker should sign at the outset of each job to ensure they are aware of any risks, the control measures in place and personal protective equipment needed. It was a concern to find that in a survey we conducted amongst contractors in 2017, one in four firms failed to take this approach. Simply documenting health and safety practices and risk assessments is not enough. If those documents were not provided to the employee, they will not stand up in a court of law as evidence the

claimant ought to have known about the risks and known what preventative action to take. In its defence, the contractor must provide evidence that the worker read the risk assessment, understood the risks and signed and dated the health and safety policy document prior to them commencing the work. A signed, dated document will demonstrate compliance with the relevant statutory duties of care and Health and Safety Regulations.

Risk averse Without this proper risk assessment detailing the risks and control measures shown to and signed by the workers involved, the contractor leaves themselves open for criticism by the courts, claims for civil damages and if serious enough a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive which may lead to a significant fine or even imprisonment. It doesn’t need spelling out that the outcome of a court prosecution could be immensely damaging financially, on a personal level for the company directors and the reputation of the business. It’s just not worth the risk. So if you don’t already have a system in place for site specific health and safety forms to be signed by workers, now is the time to get your house in order. Let’s remember, this isn’t just about protecting businesses from financial harm, by highlighting the risks and preventative actions, it’s also a process which helps protect workers from physical harm. ECIC, www.ecic.co.uk

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