ECN March 2018 by All Things Media

VOLUME 38 NO. 03 • MARCH 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE: CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

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20 COMPETITION

SPECIAL FEATURE: UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

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CABLES ARE HERE TO STAY, SAYS PRYSMIAN The headlines might be all about wireless technology, but even the most advanced devices rely on an infrastructure of cable to function – and that isn’t going to change any time soon, says Simon Hopkins, a member of the Future Thinking Team at Prysmian UK. It’s this type of cable knitting that really gets under the skin of technology users and generates a huge sigh of relief when a phone company introduces a wireless charging unit, or Bluetooth technology allows us to connect devices without wires. The technology already exists to dispense with all of this commodity cable and, on

As I write this article, I am sitting at a desk covered with cables. My computer, screen and keyboard are all connected by a cable while my phone and headphones are also still tethered through the use of cable. Under the desk, well, that’s simply a cable spaghetti of power leads and phone lines.

E EL

my part, it’s only inertia and a reluctance to invest in replacing a perfectly functional system that prevents me from sorting it out. However, all of this is pretty superficial and the devices I’m using simply provide access to the communication networks that actually run the modern world. Those networks continue to rely on cable.

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CONTENTS VOLUME 38 NO. 03 • MARCH 2018

CONTENTS…

Special features: Cable & Cable Management

Regulars 4 Editorial Changing the game.

7 Industry News Carillion and bridging the gender gap – what’s been happening in the sector?

14 Contract News What new contracts and installations have happened this month?

16 Training

20 Competition Win an iPad, courtesy of Dimplex.

22 Project Focus Scolmore Group looked close to home when considering the product requirements for the redesign of the visitor centre at its Staffordshire headquarters.

Richard Shaw, managing director of Ellis, talks to ECN about sorting the wheat from the chaff, and how to ensure the right decision is made when specifying cable cleats.

Phil Wakelam from Unitrunk discusses the cable management requirements for the electrical installation of the University of Buckingham’s new Medical School Academic Centre.

63 Company Showcase A round-up of new and innovative products, services and company news within the sector.

Supporting the next generation with training and apprenticeships.

18 Key Issue Simon Shenton from Luceco explains the new energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations that are about to come into force.

Atif Saleri, market development manager for ABB Ability, explains the logic behind the DCP161 regulation and how smart circuit breakers can help prevent penalty fees.

26 Charging ahead Emma Segelov from MK Electric explains how electricians can support the increasing demand for smart devices.

Graham Turner of AEI Cables examines the critical part played by cabling to support safe evacuation during fires.

Alan Darlow, commercial director at Pemsa UK, explains the requirements for cable management systems, and what manufacturers need to be offering installers in the UK market.

Security

Features 24 Preparing for peak time

32 Green goals Mark Deeney, business development director for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, considers how heat pumps can contribute to achieving the goals of the London Environment Strategy.

36 In profile Penn Elcom discusses its origins, accomplishments, and what the future has in-store.

With an ever-increasing appetite to move forward with technology, Y3K looks at the networking challenges that need to be addressed when trying to find the right security system.

What added value can CCTV services bring to electrical contractors’ business offering? Neil Baldwin, sales director at ESP, gives ECN a run-down of the benefits.

UPS & Power Distribution 55

Michael Brooks, managing director of CENTIEL Ltd, gives a guide on what to look for when it comes to providing the best UPS solution.

David Williams, regional director of power solutions at Schneider Electric, discusses how power distribution is being redefined for a new energy age.

Is UPS the solution to an evergrowing demand for energy? Leo Craig, general manager of Riello UPS, explores the benefits of adopting battery-centred demand side response.

March 2018 | 3

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Image: Andreas Weith CC BY-SA 4.0,

EDITORIAL

CHANGING THE GAME

limate change and safeguarding the environment is a hot topic right now, and has been for some time. From the drive to increase household and commercial recycling to the increased use of sustainable energy and electric vehicles, individuals, businesses and governments across the globe are joining the cause to ensure the planet is preserved for future generations. To that end, we’ve seen a raft of new regs and legislation being introduced in the UK and abroad to support this radical but much needed shift in the way we do things.

Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173

Kayleigh Hutchins, Editor

April 2018 will see the introduction of changes to the regulations surrounding the Energy Performance Certificate, and the London Environment Strategy is positioning London to become carbon zero by 2050, with the Greater London Authority planning a carbon tax on new developments in the city. Ofgem, too, has introduced new legislation designed to encourage electricity consumers to manage their consumption with an an amendment to the Distribution Connection Use of System Agreement. There are many solutions that contractors can offer to help increase efficiency, including changes to lighting and HVAC systems – all discussed in this issue – but are there

opportunities that are being missed? The electrical contracting sector should be at the forefront of these changes to improve efficiency, primed and ready to implement energy-saving solutions and offer advice and expertise to what is an emerging and increasingly important market. Now is the time to act – but is the sector ready? In next month’s ECN, our special features will be Lighting, Fire Detection and Safety and Wiring Accessories. As always, we are looking for thought leadership, opinion and advice pieces on all of these topics – as well as any other issue you think needs to be brought to the attention of the industry at large – so get in touch with your article ideas and drop me an email at Kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com.

EDITOR KAYLEIGH HUTCHINS E: kayleigh@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

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

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

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

DESIGNER JON APPLETON E: jon@allthingsmedialtd.com

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. 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

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INDUSTRY NEWS UNITRUNK TO SHOWCASE AT THE WORLD NUCLEAR EXHIBITION

TACKLING GENDER INEQUALITY MUST BE PRIORITY, SAYS NICEIC

Unitrunk and its sister company Vantrunk will be heading to Paris in June to join companies and delegates from 63 countries around the world at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) June 26-28, 2018. Taking place at Paris Nord Villepinte – Hall 7, the bi-annual exhibition and conference is an internationally acclaimed event covering the whole nuclear energy sector and focuses on innovation, future technologies and industry partnerships. The 2018 WNE will be the third event for the exhibition and is expected to be even larger and attract more delegates than the previous exhibition two years ago. Unitrunk’s stand at the 2018 exhibition will be the company’s first at WNE and the move follows considerable success for the company in the nuclear sector, including involvement in two contracts for a major nuclear build programme.

NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy has urged that tackling gender inequality should be a priority for the industry, following the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in February. Despite a certain level of progress in other industries, Emma has said that gender disparity still remains a prevalent issue in the electrical and wider construction sectors. “February 6, 1918, was an important milestone in our history, but it only marked the start of a journey that we are still on today to bring about equality,” commented Emma. “The unfortunate reality is that, despite great progress being made in breaking down gender barriers in other areas of life, there is still a huge job to do in the construction industry. “In the electrical industry alone, women only make up around 1% of the total workforce. As an industry we need to broaden our approach to recruitment and the image we portray.” NICEIC continues to promote opportunities for women in the electrical industry through its ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign. The campaign has helped bring greater focus to the issue and while perceptions of the construction industry are changing, Emma believes there are still more steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive environment.

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JUDGES ANNOUNCED FOR ECA INDUSTRY AWARDS Leading figures from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry will be judging the entries to this year’s ECA Industry Awards. With six new awards this year, including new categories for manufacturers, distributors and individuals, this year’s ECA Industry Awards Dinner is set to be a celebration of industry excellence. The ECA’s 2018 Industry Awards independent judging panel is made up of the following figures: Phil Buckle, chief executive, Electrical Safety First; Tessa Ogle, managing director, Electrical Industries Charity; Jon Graham, chief executive, JTL; Matt Nimmons, managing director, CEDIA; Mark Smith, marketing director, Certsure; Margaret Fitzsimmons, chief executive, Electrical Distributors’ Association; Andrew Stevens, chief executive, CNet Training; Binyamin Ali, features editor, Construction News; Paul Reeve, director of business and communications, ECA (head judge); Helen Atkinson, director of member services, ECA (judging panel adjudicator). Judging panel adjudicator Helen Atkinson commented, “I am delighted to confirm a panel of high-calibre judges for this year’s ECA Industry Awards, who will ensure that the process is rigorous and independent. “Many previous winners have said that being recognised by ECA has raised their organisation’s

profile within the industry, and I urge those with a compelling story to tell to enter this year.” The ECA Industry Awards 2018 are open to entries until midday on Tuesday 20 March 2018. The winners and special commendations will be announced during the ECA’s Industry Awards Dinner, which is being held at the Hilton Bankside in London on Friday June 8, 2018. The dinner is one of the industry’s leading events, with a round of entertainment that includes a nationally renowned comedian, to be announced soon.

The uncertainty which rocked the construction industry in the wake of the collapse of industry giant Carillion has led to renewed calls for increased regulation regarding payment security from SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland. SELECT, which is Scotland’s largest trade association, has added its voice to many others – including the Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group – which are calling for a lowering of the threshold at which Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) become mandatory and for PBAs to be universally required. Newell McGuiness, managing director of SELECT, said, “The crisis which has surrounded the construction industry since the collapse of Carillion illustrates perfectly why payment protection is required. “The Scottish Government had the foresight to introduce Project Bank Accounts two years ago, and now is the time for them to reinforce that foresight with a proactive, forward-looking legislative agenda and to provide a safety net for the SMEs which are building Scotland’s future infrastructure.” Presently, all Scottish government bodies must include a PBA – which is a retained account earmarked for payment of contractors and ringfenced from spending – for all building projects over £4.1 million. Bodies such as SELECT and the SEC Group, however, wish to see the Scottish Government lower the threshold of applicability to projects valued at £2 million. SELECT has 1,250 member companies who account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people

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INDUSTRY NEWS ERA SUPPORTS MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC LAUNCHES GO GREEN IN THE CITY 2018 Schneider Electric has launched Go Green in the City 2018, its global contest to find bold ideas and innovative solutions for smarter, more energy-efficient cities, which is now in its eighth year. In 2017, nearly 20,000 young innovators from 3,000 universities in 180 countries took part. The stakes for Go Green in the City competitors are high, with mentoring, networking, travel, cash prizes and business/job opportunities all on the horizon. In 2018, the competition is also offering a wider range of topics. Students are invited to submit their bold ideas in one of five categories, including sustainability and inclusivity, the digital economy, smart supply chain, cyber security, or ‘no boundaries/bold idea for going green’. Teams must be composed of two students attending accredited business or engineering schools in the same country for the duration of the competition. Each team should

include at least one female member, in line with Schneider Electric’s policy of promoting Diversity and Inclusion. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2018. All shortlisted teams will receive mentoring by Schneider Electric experts to produce viable business cases to present at one of seven regional semi-finals over the summer in Europe, North America, China, India, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. Each of the seven regional winners will then be invited to prepare for the competition final, along with one outstanding all-female team and two ‘wild-card’ teams (additional teams selected from the semi-finalists). After this second round of mentoring, ten teams will meet at the global final in the United States in the autumn. The global winning team selected by the executive jury, will be offered the chance to start a career at Schneider Electric, after an international travel to visit any two locations of their choice worldwide, where Schneider Electric offices are present.

Wolverhampton-based security specialist ERA is supporting the local Midlands Air Ambulance Charity throughout 2018. Money will be raised throughout the year via a programme of activities, run by ERA’s workforce, kicked off with a Valentine’s raffle, with many more events to follow during the year. Jon Cottrell, corporate partnerships coordinator for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said, “We are responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances across six Midlands counties, namely Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. With over 2,000 missions per year, we are one of the busiest air ambulances in the UK. “With each air ambulance mission costing £2,500 on average, and requiring a pilot, two paramedics or flight doctors as well as full life support medical equipment, we are extremely grateful for the generous support that we receive from organisations such as ERA, which is essential to our lifesaving operation.” Darren Waters, CEO at ERA said, “We are proud to support the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity which was voted for by our employees, and look forward to helping them to continue to provide this essential, life-saving service. They receive no National Lottery or government funding so all the work they do is funded by corporate and public donations, so anything we can do to help means they can continue to save lives.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS ECA AND BESA ISSUE RETENTIONS PLAN TO GOVERNMENT A hard-hitting action plan to finally put the issue of cash retentions in construction to bed has been issued to the government by leading engineering services bodies the BESA and ECA. The submission follows the collapse of Carillion, which has severely affected many subcontractors. In the submission, the two trade bodies called on the government to put retentions in trust as a key first step, with the Peter Aldous Bill seen as a suitable legislative vehicle. This would then be a stepping stone on an industry roadmap to full abolition of retentions in the near future. The joint submission also backed conclusions from consultancy Pye Tait that withholding retentions is widespread across construction. However, BESA and ECA noted that Pye Tait’s research was only based on the top three supply chain tiers, thereby underestimating the scale of the problem. The ECA and BESA solution – for retentions to be held in trust – already exists in Australia and has been compared to the UK’s private housing rental deposit scheme. The trade bodies noted that had such a scheme existed before the Carillion collapse, this would have protected many subcontractors, and the fallout must serve as a catalyst for change. The BESA and ECA made the submission in the context of the government’s consultation into the practice of retentions in construction, which closed in late January.

REL ELECTRICAL REBRANDS TO REL BUILDING SERVICES REL Electrical has rebranded to REL Building Services to better reflect its plans for further expansion. The identity change includes a new logo and corporate colours, which will be incorporated into a new website, marketing material, signage, van livery and workwear. The family-run company was formed in 1950 and provides mechanical and electrical packages to clients in the industrial, commercial, leisure, educational and residential sectors. Toby Buckley, managing director of REL Building Services said, “We’ve rebranded to ensure we can position ourselves more effectively with a contemporary logo and a name that better reflects the range of services we offer our clients. “Electrical contracting is at the core of what we do, but we also have a large mechanical team plus in-house design and BIM specialists, so operate across the entire building services spectrum.”

VW COMMERCIAL VEHICLES DELIVERS 34,500 VEHICLES IN JANUARY In January 2018, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 34,500 vehicles to customers worldwide, 1.4% less than the previous month. This decline is due to the temporary suspension of deliveries of the T6 with passenger car registration (M1). In Western Europe, the 21,400 units delivered mean that 11.5% fewer vehicles were delivered. In Eastern Europe deliveries of the brand increased by 5.9% to 2,800 vehicles. In South America deliveries increased by 37.0 % with 4,900 vehicles. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also delivered more vehicles in Africa (+58.7% to 1,400 vehicles), the Asia-Pacific region (+17.5% to 1,700 vehicles) and the Middle East (+7.4 per% 1,600 vehicles). The North America (Mexico) region 650 vehicles were delivered (-9.7%).

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INDUSTRY NEWS NICEIC LAUNCHES NEW MEMBERSHIP SCHEME FOR STUDENTS NICEIC has launched a new student membership scheme to offer greater support to the electricians of the future. The scheme is free to join for all students and apprentices currently undertaking full or part-time courses within the electrotechnical industry. All those who join will be able to access the latest advice and support which will complement their current training and development. Darren Staniforth, senior training development manager at NICEIC commented, “As the leading brand in the electrical industry, NICEIC have a responsibility to work with, encourage and promote those who will be working in the sector for years to come. “The student membership scheme will ensure all those who join have

HMRC TURNS UP THE HEAT ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS IN ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY HMRC has recently introduced a new online employment status indicator tool for electrical and other construction companies who engage, and make payments to, sub-contractors on a selfemployed basis. Firms across the country have received letters signposting them to check the employment status of sub-contractors using its CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) tool. CEST claims to allow companies to see whether an operative should be classed as employed or self-employed, with a view to moving them from CIS (construction industry scheme) to PAYE for tax purposes. “HMRC is targeting thousands of firms which it knows regularly reports CIS payments for the same subcontractors. It hopes that some of these firms will find, after using the tool, that the subcontractors should actually be employed and will encourage them to take appropriate action moving them from CIS to PAYE,” said Ian Anfield, managing director of CIS workplace audit and contract solutions provider, Hudson Contrract. “The financial consequences of failing CEST could be absolutely disastrous and a construction company with only a handful of subbies could be destroyed. A small error could result in firms finding themselves facing a huge bill for unpaid tax and National Insurance contributions. It could also result in CIS subbies being permanently reclassified as employees.”

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access to the most appropriate technical information and advice which will ultimately help them in their career. “It complements the work we have done in the past with our Apprentice of the Year competition and Jobs for the Girls campaign and further demonstrates our commitment to

helping those who will help shape the future of the electrical industry.” The scheme is open to anyone currently undertaking relevant technical competency training; full-time, part-time or apprenticeship within the industry. For more information about joining, visit www.niceic.com/join-us/ student-membership

TOP PRIZES WITH THORN’S TOPPER CLUB – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Thorn Lighting’s Topper Club is back for 2018 to coincide with The Company’s 90th birthday. The Topper Club helps Thorn’s customers turn purchases into rewards. Simon Greenwood, trade channel director for Northern Europe said, “Topper Club is a fantastic way to reward the contractors that purchase all THORNeco and selected THORN products through our distributors. This scheme will allow us to give back to those who support us and reward them with fantastic gifts from cinema tickets to top tech. Such is our faith in Topper Club we have chosen to advertise on National Radio through talkSPORT, a first for Thorn”. The scheme works with the customer registering on the dedicated section of the Thorn website. After registering, each time a selected THORN or THORNeco product in the Topper Club campaign is purchased, the invoice is uploaded to the site and, once verified, will then be recorded and exchanged for points within seven days. Points can be redeemed via the claim form with a wide range of treats, gifts and getaways on offer. All rewards are illustrated on the online rewards catalogue and includes cinema tickets, Costa Coffee vouchers, Top Tech and experience days out. Contractors who use a promo code will get 1,000 points free upon registration until midnight on March 31 2018.

INCREASE IN ELECTRICIANS CERTIFYING SKILLS, SAYS JIB Applications for ECS gold cards from the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme increased by 36% in 2017, signalling a boost in the number of electricians looking to formally certify their skills. In total, the scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland now has around 128,000 cardholders, ranging from apprentices to electricians and managers. In addition to core electrical occupations, the ECS also covers other electrotechnical disciplines such as fire, security and datacomms systems. Following investment in IT systems in recent years, customer service has also improved, with card processing turnaround times being significantly reduced from typically four to five weeks to, on average, 10 working days or less. To date, around 6,000 electricians have opted to recognise their skills since the ECS Registered Electrician scheme launched late last year. “The increase in gold card holders is good news for the industry, as it reflects a significant rise in the number of electricians looking to recognise their skills at the industry-recognised Level 3 standard,” said David Thomas, ECS strategic development manager. “The initial interest shown in becoming an ECS Registered Electrician is also encouraging and we hope that as more electricians sign up to this new status, it will help to raise standards across the industry even further.”

Italian cable company, La Triveneta Cavi (LTC), has confirmed it experienced a production fault last year that resulted in flexible cord cable with exposed copper conductors on sale in the UK, reports the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI). The cables, which failed the British and European Standards flex test, were found on sale following random market place sampling by the ACI. The Initiative has recently stepped up this programme of surveillance following an increase in reporting of substandard cable. In a written notification, LTC outlined that the incident, which the ACI originally reported in November last year, may be attributed to the ‘running-in’ phase of a new production plant in Moldova at the end of 2016 and into early 2017. Since the ACI’s original announcement, certification body IMQ has indicated that it has been addressing issues identified during routine surveillance work with the Triveneta factory in question. These issues were being dealt with in accordance with the HAR scheme rules and IMQ requirements. The company has also confirmed it is working with IMQ and that during the latest inspections at its production site by IMQ, no problems or anomalies were detected. BASEC also reported that testing of a further batch of cable passed relevant tests. In September last year, tests of cable samples were commissioned by the ACI and carried out by three independent sources. All showed similar results. Other non-conforming results were also noted, but the exposed copper conductors were deemed to be the most dangerous failing of the tested cable. All cable samples failed flex tests under BS EN 50525-2-11 2014.

MOVERS & SHAKERS… McCann has strengthened its in-house design team with the appointment of lighting design specialist, Yvonne Atkinson. Yvonne joins McCann from Parsons Brinckerhoff, where she worked as principal engineer/team leader. Robroy Enclosures has announced the promotions of Roger Schroder to business development manager, Doug Hill to product engineering supervisor and Al Calvi to sales engineer. Cable management specialist Jeff Kerridge has joined Marshall-Tufflex as its new regional manager for the North. Jeff, who has worked in the industry for 34 years, joins the Sussex-based manufacturer from Marco.

10 | March 2018

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COVER STORY

WIRELESS FUTURE? Simon Hopkins, of the Future Thinking Team at Prysmian UK, continues his discussion on the necessity of cable infrastructure.

hen we pick up our mobile phones, we think of them as wireless communication devices – but in reality the phone is only one part of the story. We’re mobile, but the network isn’t. When we use our phone, its radio signal is converted at the nearest base station to an optical signal that then travels to its destination through fixed fibre optic cable – whether that destination is in the next street or the other side of the globe – before being converted back into a radio signal at the point of final delivery. This network of fibre optic cables is a state-of-the-art global communications technology on which all of our internetbased communications rely. The simple reason is that no wireless system can match the capacity, speed or reliability of fibre-optic cable. Early this year, a new transatlantic communications cable is due to go into service – the latest of a series of new cables promising ever faster transmission speeds. Jointly owned and funded by Microsoft and Facebook, the Marea cable has a maximum throughput of 160 terabits (trillion bits) per second. Microsoft claims it to be 16 million times faster than the average home internet connection and that it is capable of streaming 71 million highdefinition videos simultaneously. These companies are not investing in a soon-to-be-obsolete infrastructure. Rather, they see this type of cable-based network as the foundation for the predicted explosion in cloud-based technologies. Since they use light to encode information and remain unfettered by weather, cables carry data faster and cheaper than satellites. The reality is that the cloud is actually under the sea.

Home comforts While the global giants of modern communication are investing in international channels, at a more local level we can see the demand for home entertainment, the connection of household appliances with smart control systems, and remote diagnostics increase the need for efficient broadband cables to every home. At the same time, the introduction of ever more capacity to smartphones is resulting in the installation of more antennas on every street – a process that will be hastened considerably by the introduction of 5G networks – all of which need to be connected to both the power and communications infrastructure. While communications cable is an important part of our business at Prysmian,

the cables we manufacture in the UK are just as likely to be used in the transmission of electricity. There are techniques that allow power to be transmitted without wires, but that’s not without challenges, which unfortunately are down to simple physics and engineering. Is it possible to share enough power across an air gap with simple, inexpensive components without causing harm to the user?

Essential cable Most of us will have encountered household devices that can be charged wirelessly – electric toothbrushes were the breakthrough of the 1990s and wireless phone chargers are the headline-grabbers of the early 2010s. These devices both use a system where power is transferred by magnetic fields and both rely on proximity to the power source for their effect – a power source that is, naturally, connected to the grid. Again, we have the illusion of mobility, of wire-free operation, but it is really only a convenience for the user. Delivering electrical power from the point of generation to the point of use remains the function of the national transmission and distribution network and it continues to rely on ever more efficient cable to carry out that function. Electricity is transmitted at high voltages via the National Grid from the generators, and then through to the point of use by the district network operators. This hugely complex infrastructure needs to ensure that electricity is generated at exactly the rate at which it is being used, as there is currently only a limited capacity to store electricity. The significant developments we are seeing in the national power supply focus on a shift towards more renewable energy generation. This shift is already well underway, with 2017 seeing the first day since the industrial revolution where none of the power used in the UK came from a coal-fired power station, while renewable power generation technologies delivered three times as much electricity as coal during the year.

Looking ahead An increasing reliance on renewable energy sources tends to mean transmitting power over increasing distances. We are already familiar with offshore wind farms, but how about international power distribution bringing electricity from wind or hydroelectric generation plants in Scotland or Scandinavia to meet demand in South East England? Looking into the future we can also speculate on the development of a decentralised power supply network, utilising local power generation. Why

“No wireless system can match the capacity, speed or reliability of fibre optic cable.”

shouldn’t a district housing development use photovoltaic panels, biomass boilers and a wind turbine to provide its energy requirements? Many pilot schemes are underway and most deliver excess energy they generate back to the Grid through the power transmission network provided by, you guessed it, a cable. At the moment, the whole power distribution network relies on copper and aluminium. These metals are simply the most efficient and cost effective conductors of electricity currently available, and are used both in high voltage power cables and low voltage domestic building wires. That is not a situation that is necessarily permanent, and at Prysmian our research and development teams are always looking for new materials or solutions that may provide better alternatives. We were at the forefront of developing the fibre optic cable that has largely replaced copper for data communication, and it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to imagine that some new material or technology may emerge to provide a more efficient alternative to copper. What is more difficult to imagine is a system that does not rely on a physical infrastructure. We may operate in an increasingly mobile environment with work and entertainment delivered to us via mobile devices, but there is no sign yet that the transport network for this vast quantity of energy and data to a rapidly increasing plethora of devices will be provided by anything other than cable. But while I’m completely happy to continue to rely on that cable to keep the whole system running, it would certainly improve my quality of life (just a bit) if I got my act together and sorted out all the unnecessary wiring cluttering up my desk – here’s hoping!

Cable infrastructure makes up a vital part of wireless technology systems

Prysmian UK, www.whyprysmian.co.uk

12 | March 2018

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09/08/2017 15:22 14:46 17/08/2017

CONTRACT NEWS SMART CITY LIGHTING STRATEGY LAUNCHED FOR THE SQUARE MILE

SCOLMORE SPECIFIES FOR NEW HOTEL

The City of London Corporation has announced it will bring innovative lighting proposals to the Square Mile, including remotely operated lighting that will complement the look of historic buildings, improve energy usage, and help tackle light pollution. The first of its kind in London, the strategy will use state-ofthe-art technology and see urban spaces coated in various lighting types, levels and colours at different times during the night. This will complement the work that is already underway to upgrade the City’s street lighting to high-quality, energy-saving and cost-efficient LEDs. The strategy will assess the balance between darkness, and street and commercial lighting. Surveys show that currently some streets may be excessively lit compared to how many people actually use them, or that the current street lighting adds little because of the impact that nearby commercial lighting may already have. The strategy will also consider the important role that lighting has on crime prevention and reinforcing road safety. Studies have found that artificial lighting at night is contributing to an alarming increase in the amount and brightness of light pollution across the world. This leads to less starlight in the night sky, disrupted ecosystems, a reduction in biodiverse populations, and can impact on human health and sleep rhythms. The strategy also seeks to address the needs of nocturnal animals in gardens and areas along the riverside. The City Corporation is working with lighting designer Speirs and Major on the strategy which will be implemented in phases throughout the City.

Southend-on-Sea welcomed the opening of its first luxury boutique hotel in December, the Seven Hotel. Following a £4 million investment, the new four-storey, 37-bedroom, luxury hotel opened on Clifton Terrace, overlooking the seafront. Products from Scolmore’s Deco wiring accessories range were selected to meet the high specification requirements of this prestigious new hotel. Switches and sockets from the Deco range have been fitted in all the hotel bedrooms and an antique brass finish was chosen to complement the style of the interior décor, which was dreamt up by award-winning designers, renowned for their contemporary concepts.

ELLIS SECURE ABU DHABI DEAL Cable cleat manufacturer Ellis has secured a major order from the Abu Dhabi Company for Petroleum Oil Operations (ADCO). The order, for Ellis’ Emperor cable cleats and Flexi-Strap intermediate straps, was secured due to the North Yorkshire company’s ability to deliver products that complied with ADCO’s specifications for its Al Dabbiya Surface Facilities project. In addition to the ADCO order, Ellis’ recent exports in the region include the King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, and the Shamiya Haram expansion in Mecca. The company is also the sole supplier of cable cleats to the Dubai Cable Company (Pvt) Ltd (Ducab). This latest order, which was secured through Ellis’s UAE distributor, Everest Metal Industries, has seen its cleats and intermediate straps used to secure cables running throughout the third phase of ADCO’s Al Dabbiya Surface Facility – a project that is aimed at doubling the production capacity of this major oil and gas facility. Ellis’ Emperor cable cleats are designed for use where the highest levels of short circuit withstand are required, are available for both trefoil and single cable applications, and are manufactured in type 316L stainless steel, meaning they provide ultimate corrosion protection.

THEISCRAFT SETS THE SCENE AT THE MANDRAKE HOTEL

PHILIPS LIGHTING INSTALLS POWER-OVER-ETHERNET CONNECTED LIGHTING SYSTEM Philips Lighting and TDC Erhverv have installed the first Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connected lighting system in the Nordics using network Cisco network technology. The Philips lighting system in the newly built smart office in Albertslund Municipality in Copenhagen, Denmark, gives its building managers unique insights into energy use and space utilisation, while enabling office workers to personalise their office lighting using a smartphone app. The project is a key landmark in Copenhagen’s Lighting Metropolis initiative. The smart office features a Philips PoE connected lighting system with occupancy sensors integrated with Philips SmartBalance and Philips PowerBalance luminaires. Approximately 400 LED light fixtures are connected to Cisco’s secure networking technology and powered by the small electric charge carried by the network’s Ethernet cables, which also route data acquired by the sensors to the building’s management system. Albertslund Municipality foresees the energy-efficient connected office lighting system as a paradigm shift in public digital management and service. The smart office represents a milestone in the EU-funded Lighting Metropolis initiative, which plans to make the whole of Greater Copenhagen a vibrant laboratory for connected lighting. The Albertslund Municipality smart office is one of the initiative’s initial projects and joins more than 25 other demonstration projects under development, from lighting for psychiatry to traffic lights and lighting for schools.

Lighting control expert TheisCraft has supplied DALI, 1-10v and Phase dimmed scene control systems to the Mandrake Hotel, situated in the heart of London’s West End. Working closely with electrical contractors CAG, the two companies designed a bespoke solution for The Mandrake which included controls in all areas of the hotel, as well as providing a modular wiring solution for the hotel’s bedrooms. The hotel includes 30 bedrooms, three suites and a penthouse apartment all in a boutique style that features a traditional frontage, designed and lit by dpa lighting consultants. The lighting plays a fundamental role in emphasising the perception of the space, creating focal points and cutting out discrete shadows of mysterious pockets of darkness. TheisCraft and CAG adopted a number of sustainability measures that were incorporated into the design, including the use of absence/presence detection, lighting controls, time-controlled events, and 3W emergency fittings and an emergency monitoring system. The lighting control panels incorporated lighting circuits with DALI technology, 1-10V, DMX and switching, along with emergency monitoring in accordance with EN50172, which tracks the performance of every emergency light fitting. The project also included a pre-wired metal conduit modular wiring solution which could be easily connected via a plug and play connection system for all bedrooms and corridors. This system meant the project could be finished quickly and to deadline without any extra manpower.

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CONTRACT NEWS AEI CABLES PARTNERS WITH ACHILLES Customers from the UK and overseas will be able to access the products and services offered by AEI Cables more quickly and easily after the company partnered with an industrial supply chain management service, Achilles. Among its services, Achilles operates supplier pre-qualification programmes designed to benefit both suppliers and buyers in the natural resources, industrials and infrastructure sectors. This means suppliers can save money and time by completing a single pre-qualification questionnaire, which can then be viewed by a range of organisations in a chosen sector and region. Customers can benefit from improved efficiency and higher standards, as the sector-specific buyers and suppliers are supported by an industry steering group which develops best practice approaches including prequalification standards. Stuart Dover, commercial manager for AEI Cables, said, “Achilles represents an opportunity for AEI Cables because the system is used by so many diverse businesses looking to manage risk and save time and money while looking for relevant suppliers. “A wide range of pre-qualified suppliers can be accessed, while industry-wide improvements and best practice can also be shared.”

ZUMTOBEL DELIVERS LIGHTING SOLUTION FOR TURRIFF PRIMARY SCHOOL Zumtobel Lighting has supplied a variety of luminaires for use throughout the new Turriff Primary School in Aberdeenshire, which has been built to replace the old Markethill Primary School. The brief was to create the perfect environment for the pupils and staff, whilst achieving a low maintenance, energy efficient solution. The state-of-the-art building provides increased sports facilities, including a gym with courts and changing rooms, 18 classrooms, a library, a dining hall, and additional needs facilities. Zumtobel’s Ecoos luminaires were chosen for the classrooms and corridors to provide all-round 360-degree light using just one light source. Zumtobel’s Sconfine pendants, which have also been installed in breakout corridors, combines all of the advantages of LED technology with room-determining aesthetics. As well as generating direct light, reflections are also generated in the body of the luminaire, which gives it a floating character. AECOM oversaw the lighting project from the initial concept stage, luminaire specification and final commissioning of all of the fittings used on the project and provided the ideal solution.

UNITRUNK HELPS FUTUREPROOF LOUGHBOROUGH UNI STEMLAB SCHEME

TELEVISION VENUE THROWS DOWN THE LIGHTING CONTROL GAUNTLET TO CP ELECTRONICS One of the last working Victorian Potteries in the UK has received a refurbishment which included the installation of lighting controls from CP Electronics. Middleport Pottery in StokeOn-Trent has been transformed from a dilapidated Grade II-listed factory into a modern Centre of Excellence, providing training and education to the local community, with a particular emphasis on traditional British craftsmanship. A key requirement of the project was to grant building managers greater control over the energy consumption of the facility. Part of this was the installation of CP’s standalone presence detectors. Consulting engineers at E3 cited CP Electronics as a preferred provider of lighting control in its performance specification to satisfy the requirement for presence and absence detection throughout the building. With a modest budget to cover the regeneration of the centre, the small savings in energy that could be made from controlling lighting would result in largescale cost savings over time. A variety of passive infrared (PIR) and microwave presence detectors are being used – including CP’s high bay PIR detectors and compact flush mounted microwave detectors which sense movement in multiple areas of the building, activating the lighting accordingly. These controls ensure rooms are only lit when required to prevent wasted energy. Due to the ageing infrastructure of the facility, contractors had to ensure they remained compliant with building regulations throughout the project. As part of the refurbishment, some areas within the pottery production space had to be relocated in the building, freeing up additional space for features such as a museum, shop, dining area and conference facility. With such a complex mechanical brief, all parties involved in the project wanted to make the electrical stage as simple as possible.

VEO OY ACQUIRES I.C. ELECTRICAL Finnish technology firm, VEO Oy, has acquired UK-based electrical installations and contracting company I.C. Electrical Ltd (ICE) for an undisclosed sum. VEO Group, headquartered in Vaasa, has strengthened its position in the UK marketplace to support its ambitious international growth strategy. During the last 10 years, both companies have worked closely together, and this acquisition is part of VEO Group’s commitment to stay, grow and develop its services in the UK despite the uncertainties posed by Brexit. The range of products and engineering capacity offered by the group will provide ICE’s customers and partners with access to a broader scope of supply, turnkey EAI engineering and highend technology products made either locally or in Finland. As well as the UK, VEO Group also operates from seven other locations across Finland, Sweden and Norway.

Cable management specialist, Unitrunk, has supplied solutions from its RIS (Rapid Installation Solutions) range for the £17 million STEMlab development at the University of Loughborough. Designed by CPMG Architects and constructed as part of a major campus investment by the University of Loughborough, the STEMlab scheme provides new engineering, physics, chemistry and bio laboratories for students. The state-of-the–art facility has the capacity to grow and adapt to the university’s changing needs, resulting in 25% redundant capacity in the cable management installation to enable the addition of more power and data cabling in the future. The electrical installation was delivered by electrical contractor Electract in a 38week programme, following design of the building services for the heavily serviced facility using BIM. The project involved the installation of more than three kilometres of cable management, including Uniklip cable tray, Easy Connect cable basket, and cable trunking. The primary mains cabling was installed using Unitrunk’s single compartment trunking, while triple compartment trunking for lighting, power and low voltage cabling was laid within the screed along with floor boxes to ensure full distribution at low level without reducing floor-to-ceiling heights.

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TRAINING AICO OFFERS FREE SMOKE ALARM TRAINING IN SCOTLAND AND NI Aico Ltd. has announced its mobile training and demonstration units will be delivering ‘Expert Installer’ training in Northern Ireland and Scotland this spring and summer. The first mobile unit visited Northern Ireland on February 13-14, with more dates planned for March, May and June. Dates in Scotland started from February 20 – 22, with further dates running through to June 1. A specially designed webpage on Aico’s website tracks all the mobile units and provides the latest information on dates and venues. Aico’s CPD accredited Expert Installer is a free of charge modular training scheme designed to ensure everyone involved in domestic alarm specification and installation has all the information they need. Aico’s Mobile Training and Demonstration Units have proven highly effective in bringing Expert Installer training to more people across the sector. Their internal layout can be configured to meet different requirements, be it a product demonstration or a hands-on training session with Aico alarms and technologies, such as AudioLINK data extraction or RadioLINK+ wireless alarm interconnection.

JTL SUPPORTS ITS APPRENTICES THROUGH CARILLION COLLAPSE JTL, specialist provider of apprenticeships for young people in the electrical, heating and plumbing sectors, has spent the last few weeks providing support to its apprentices who were working for Carillion, prior to its collapse. There are currently more than 6,000 apprentices across England and Wales working towards qualifications through JTL. It currently works with more than 3,000 employers, and it is with a number of these that JTL is talking, trying to find vacancies for the Carillion apprentices that are currently not guaranteed a placement after the end of January. Commercial director, Liam Sammon, has said the company currently has 26 learners on an apprenticeship programme with Carillion. “The good news is that just under half of our Carillion apprentices have now secured new or ongoing employment that has preserved their apprenticeships. Our training officers are using their contacts with other employers to do everything they can to secure employment for the others,” said Sammon. “These are difficult times for a whole raft of ex-Carillion employees at all levels, but we are understandably concerned first and foremost for those young people that we have been working with, in some cases for more than three years. “JTL, as a charity, are able to provide a financial incentive for employers through an ‘Adoption Grant’, where we can award up to £1,500 in respect of any JTL apprentice who is made redundant and taken on by a new employer. We are particularly keen to hear from employers in the mechanical engineering services and heating and ventilation sectors, and if you want to contact us or talk about anything else, please phone our customer services team on 0800 085 2308 who will be able to give you more information and advice.”

J S WRIGHT LAUNCHES NEW APPRENTICE TRAINING INITIATIVE J S Wright has launched an innovative Terence McLaughlin training programme to help its (left), J S Wright apprentices fast track their way up associate director, the career ladder. mentors first-year The J S Wright Experience will design apprentice Peter Hamblen complement existing academic and work-based college courses to provide the company’s technical trainees with the all-round knowledge and skills to become high-flying corporate engineers. Dedicated mentors from within the company, which has its headquarters in Birmingham and offices in Bristol and London, will guide and support the trainees in understanding and experiencing J S Wright’s values, processes and procedures, and help them develop their leadership and communication skills. Over the four-year course, each apprentice will follow a monitored schedule of working in different office departments from contracts and design to aftercare, and on-site in areas including commissioning, quality and health and safety. They will also get to learn industry design regulations and become involved in supplier and manufacturer visits and client networking as stakeholders in the business, attend mandatory training courses, and carry out a yearly in-house project that will also provide evidence for college qualifications. The J S Wright Experience has resulted from consultation with academic qualification providers and former apprentices, who will also be able to take advantage of the programme to hone their managerial skills as mentors. J S Wright is now in the process of devising a similar hands-on project-based experience programme for its craft apprentices.

PRYSMIAN GROUP LAUNCHES ‘MAKE IT’ AND ‘SELL IT’ RECRUITING PROGRAMMES Prysmian Group is continuing to run its ‘Make It’ and ‘Sell It’ recruiting programmes to recruit and train talent from around the world, with the initiatives now in their third and second year, respectively. ‘Make It’ is the programme targeted at process, maintenance, planning and quality engineers, as well as other specialist technical staff who have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or equivalent, and acquired between three and seven years’ experience in similar positions, as well as having leadership qualities and a passion for innovation. The fouryear programme includes, amongst other things, a one-week induction in the group’s new Milan headquarters, a three-week training in the manufacturing academy in Mudanya (Turkey), and attendance at the Prysmian Group Academy, the group’s corporate university created in 2012 in collaboration with the SDA Bocconi School of Management. ‘Sell It’, on the other hand, is a three-year scheme designed to recruit into the sales area professionals who have obtained a degree in economics, engineering, chemistry or other technical backgrounds, and gained three to five years work experience in sales within the industrial manufacturing or consumer goods sectors. The training programme takes place within the Prysmian Global Sales Academy – which works closely with business schools across the world – to then continue in the group’s key plants through a structured and constantly monitored induction programme that, since its very beginning, allows the attendees to meet all key customers in each business areas. Applicants to both programmes must be fluent in English (written and spoken), even if they will be based in their own countries.

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18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations and Guidance 10% off pre-orders from Monday 5th March BS 7671:2018 will publish in July 2018. You can order your copy of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations and popular IET guidance online from 5th March, to save 10% on the list price. With changes expected to include topics such as: Transient overvoltages Arc fault detection New requirements around RCDs Embedded electric heating systems for surface heating Energy Efficiency design recommendations EV Charging New Section 730 concerning Inland Navigation Vessels Order your copy now to stay compliant and ensure you meet the new requirements www.theiet.org/wiringbooks-ecn.

NEW 18th Edition online training from the IET Prepare for C&G 2382:18 with interactive training online or offline with our free app including full practice exams. Find out more at www.theiet.org/electrical-courses-ecn.

Order your copies at www.theiet.org/wiringbooks-ecn IET member discounts also available, see website for member pricing. The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England & Wales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SCO38698). The IET, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage. SG1 2AY. UK.

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KEY ISSUE

SHEDDING LIGHT ON BETTER ENERGY PERFORMANCE As new energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations are about to come into force potentially affecting those looking to rent out their properties, Simon Shenton from Luceco says landlords and their electrical contractors should ensure that LED lighting solutions are an integral part of their energy efficiency mix.

nergy performance certificates (EPCs) have been around for over a decade, having originally been introduced to help improve the energy performance and efficiency of domestic properties. An EPC – which is valid for 10 years – is awarded following an assessment of the property designed to gauge its energy efficiency performance across a number of key areas, such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows and lighting. The EPC presents the energy efficiency of a dwelling on a scale of A to G, with the most efficient home, and those with the lowest bills, placed in band A. The average property in the UK is placed in bands D or E.

“The EPC regulation change sets a new requirement for all properties rented out in the private rented sector.”

Helpfully, the certificate also makes recommendations as to the areas where improvements could be made to help save money on energy bills. April 2018 will see the introduction of a new EPC-related regulation that will directly impact the private rented sector, which according to estimates, now accounts for approximately five million properties across the UK. With private rental income for landlords exceeding £14 billion per annum, according to figures from HMRC, the impact of any changes to current regulations needs to be carefully considered if the private rented sector is to maintain its current position. The EPC regulation change sets a new requirement for all properties rented out in the private rented sector. Each will need to have a minimum energy performance rating of E on the energy performance certificate scale. Achieving a grade F or G will mean that improvements have to be made to the energy efficiency of the building before it can be marketed for rental. Having been introduced in 2007, many of the original EPCs that were first awarded are about to expire, meaning that for many landlords, the need to re-examine the EPC grading becomes an important issue, especially with the renewed focus the regulation changes will bring to the rented sector. The regulations will come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies from April 1 this year and for all existing tenancies on the same date in 2020. It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption. For landlords falling foul of the new law, a fine of up to £4,000 awaits if they do not ensure that their properties comply with the regulation changes. Landlords can seek to tackle potential energy efficiency improvements in many areas of their property to help cut energy consumption. This could range from installing a new, and highly efficient domestic gas boiler that manufacturers are currently making available, through to improvements around insulation and glazing that can keep the heat in and the cold out.

However, an area often overlooked is the impact lighting has on the overall energy performance of a property. It is in this area that landlords could look for answers in order to help them obtain the all-important and necessary Grade E they will require post April 2018. According to the Energy Savings Trust, lighting accounts for about 15% of a typical home’s electricity consumption and a simple appraisal of the current bulb infrastructure could help unlock real energy savings and, with it, better performance. Houses typically use a mixture of standard light fittings, downlights or spotlight fittings, and energy efficient lamps are available for both types of fittings. In terms of the main types of energy efficient light lamps currently available in the UK, they are either compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Both CFLs and LEDs are a costeffective option for most general lighting requirements, however, LEDs are about 10 times more efficient at converting electricity into light than the old-fashioned filament variety. LEDs are available to work with most fittings and are particularly good for replacing spotlights and dimmable lights. Simply replacing all the lamps in a typical property with an LED alternative would not only save pounds in terms of the electricity bill, it will also have a tangible impact when it comes to the EPC assessment and adhering to the new regulatory landscape for landlords. Other controls, such as room sensors and timers, can also add to the overall efficiency of the lighting performance, helping to ensure, for example, that LED lamps are not in use when a room is unoccupied or are utilised only when the occupant requires it. It is perhaps understandable that landlords may concentrate on the more obvious energy consuming aspects of their properties when it comes to achieving the Grade E EPC. But a review of current lighting solutions and a switch to the obvious efficiency benefits of LED lamps could also go a long way to helping ensure that landlords do not break the law after April. Luceco, www.luceco.com

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Because quality begins at home.

Prysmian cable has been proudly made in Britain for over 100 years. From the factory to the field, our dedicated people have always delivered the highest standards of quality and service. 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.

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25/07/2017 11:02 15:13 21/02/2018

COMPETITION

WIN A 32GB APPLE IPAD Courtesy of

offers a choice of seven slimline electric panel heaters, each delivering electronic thermostatic control with an integral seven-day timer, open window detection and adaptive start function. The XLE range of slimline, energy efficient storage heaters includes five models of varying size and output. XLE models offer dynamic storage capacity which automatically adjusts to the user’s requirements, allowing energy savings and greater controllability. The new additions to the Dimplex range ensure a better standard of product for your customers, higher margin opportunities, and added confidence from a trusted brand that all new products are compliant. To celebrate, Dimplex is offering a brand -new 32GB Apple iPad – another smart device with advanced controls. For more information about the Dimplex range of Lot 20-compliant electric heating appliances, visit www.dimplex.co.uk.

implex has launched two new ranges of space-saving electric heating solutions, with advanced controls which meet the requirements of the EU’s new Lot 20 legislation. Lot 20 of the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, which came into force in January 2018, are the minimum energy efficiency standards for new electric heating appliances (manufactured for sale in the EU after January 1, 2018.) Dimplex has responded by redesigning hundreds of products to ensure compliance across its collection of electric heating solutions, integrating intelligent digital controls with cap-sense technology into its ‘fixed’ appliances. The new PLXE range, released as an upgrade to existing Dimplex models,

January competition The winner of Two National Trust Family Memberships courtesy of Timeguard was Chris Pulman of Fords SW Ltd.

Closing date

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following questions: 2. What is the name of Dimplex’s new range of Lot 20-compliant slimline storage heaters? a) XLE b) XLD c) XLF

1. What is the name of the EU legislation which sets minimum energy efficiency standards for new ‘fixed’ electric heating appliances? a) Lot 10 b) Lot 20 c) Lot 30

3. What is the name of Dimplex’s new range of Lot 20-compliant panel heaters? a) MPXE b) NOXE c) PLXE

All entries must be returned by 31th March 2018. No correspondence will be entered into. The editor’s decision is final. The name of the winner will be published in the May 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 March’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

No 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 21-50

Competition.indd 20

6-10 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 ............................................

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22/02/2018 09:18

New Product Oxford Range- ECN- Sept.qxp_Layout 1 11/08/2017 14:52 Page 1

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PROJECT FOCUS

MAKING A CONNECTION Scolmore Group looked close to home when considering the product requirements for the expansion and total redesign of the visitor centre at its Staffordshire headquarters.

riginally opened in January 2009, Scolmore’s visitor centre was designed to cater for groups of up to 24 people and act as a facility to showcase and demonstrate the growing range of products to customers, as well as serving as a venue to host internal meetings and presentations. As the business has developed, the requirement to invest in the visitor centre and showroom facilities became a high priority. With the aim to now accommodate up to 60 guests at any one time, the new facility, which at 180sqm, is double the size of the original space, and is designed to host a range of events, including product launches and demonstrations, training session for customers, as well as corporate and industry events.

Taking control Representing a huge blank canvas, one of the key considerations for the refurbishment of the visitor centre was the lighting, and in particular the ability to control the lighting – from an energy efficiency point of view, as well as to offer ease and flexibility of control to reflect the variety of lighting function and scenes required, depending on the particular event or activity taking place. Products from across the Scolmore Group of companies were brought together to bring about a smart solution that would stand the test of time. These included Scolmore’s lighting and wiring accessories, as well as CCTV and emergency lighting products from group company, ESP. To begin with, the vast ceiling space was divided up into nine main sections to allow for banks of lighting to be installed and controlled – with downlights taking up the centre space along the length of the ceiling with spotlights around the edges.

This means that various areas of the room can be lit as required, e.g. the front part with the screen can be dimmed during a presentation with the back area lit for candidates’ comfort.

Scolmore’s visitor centre has undergone a complete redesign

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PROJECT FOCUS Lighting the way For the lighting, Scolmore opted for the Inceptor Omni fire-rated, integrated LED downlight with pre-wired driver and flow connector, and a total of 40 Omnis were installed for the project. As well as in the ceiling, they were fitted in pairs across the top of the display pods which are used to group the various products ranges together. Flexibility and ease of installation are vital attributes of the Inceptor Omni. Key features are an adjustable colour temperature switch – allowing the selection of colour temperatures to suit the installation – interchangeable fixed and adjustable bezels, and an insulation support clip for use when insulation is present. Scolmore’s Flow lighting management system was incorporated into the ceiling space, helping to attain the quick and easy installation of the lighting products. A number of eight-way distribution boxes were used to provide the means to make multiple connections from one box, via a plug and play operation. As well as adding to the speed of installation, it will also assist when any future maintenance testing is required. When it came to control of the lighting, Scolmore’s Click Smart system provided the solution throughout the visitor centre, offering both simple and flexible installation and easy programming. Total control of the lighting is achievable via the Click Smart RF touch control panel, as well as on a smartphone or tablet via the Click Smart App. Having control of the lighting contributes to significant energy saving, with energy only consumed when needed. Installation was simple and flexible, with no additional cables or wall cutting required to install the system as the receivers can be installed behind light fittings or into suitable installation boxes and the transmitters are powered by battery, so there was no need for any wiring or additional power supply. The Click Smart controls make it easier to switch and dim wirelessly from preferred locations without the use of switch drops. Each of the pods that houses the various

product collections has a dimmer receiver installed, which means the individual pods can be lit up or dimmed as required, for example when a particular range is being showcased during a presentation.

Switched on Scolmore looked to the very latest additions to its wiring accessories ranges to provide the switches and sockets that are seen throughout the visitor centre. From the GridPro collection, two 24-gang plates have been fitted – one at either end of the visitor centre – bringing together all the lighting control components. GridPro builds on the company’s MiniGrid range, and has been developed with speed and ease of installation as its key attributes. It offers installers the flexibility to create multi-function, one to 24 gang plates which are styled to integrate with Scolmore’s range of Click wiring accessories and are designed to complement any existing wiring installation. The 24 gang plates used in this project are in the Mode white finish. All white moulded products in the GridPro range are anti-microbial certified and have been independently tested and achieved a 99.9% kill rate across all four types of the strains of bacteria – MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella Pneumoniae. The rest of the switches and sockets fitted are from the Deco Plus collection, another range that was introduced in 2017. Deco Plus is a premium decorative metal wiring accessories range that builds on the Deco range – first launched in 2003 – and introduces contemporary curves. This collection of products is designed to provide a solution when a more contemporary look is desired. It also offers the flexibility to create bespoke solutions quickly and easily while on the job. As is befitting a working environment, USB sockets have been included as part of the install to ensure laptops, tablets and mobiles are kept charged when the visitor centre is being used.

Final touches “Having control of the lighting contributes to significant energy saving, with energy only consumed when needed.”

For the security part of the project, products from ESP’s CCTV and emergency lighting ranges have been selected. A number of CCTV dome cameras have been fitted into the ceiling. The white 1080p HD cameras feature a 3.6mm fixed lens and built-in 10m infrared LED illumination. The cameras are linked to the Scolmore network, and remote viewing and monitoring is achieved via ESP’s own CMS software. Completing the line-up of products for installation are wall-mounted, 3W LED maintained emergency exit signs from ESP’s Duceri collection. All Duceri products have been independently tested by established photometric data test house, LUX-TSI, and comply with the latest industry standards and regulations. With the restyling and modification of the visitor centre complete, the results are now being enjoyed. Marie Parry, group marketing director for Scolmore, comments, “What this project demonstrates is the ease and relatively inexpensive way we have been able to transform the configuration of the lighting in the visitor centre not just to control when the lights come on and off, but giving us the ability to bring together groups of lighting and incorporate dimming capabilities in any combination to really add a bespoke element to whatever function the room is being used for.”

Lighting has been utilised to offer the best possible user experience

Scolmore, www.scolmore.com

March 2018 | 23

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26/02/2018 09:11

FEATURE

DCP161 REGULATION

PREPARING FOR PEAK TIME Utilities are preparing to charge new penalty charges for excess peak time electricity consumption from April. Atif Saleri, market development manager for ABB Ability, explains the logic behind the DCP161 regulation and how the latest generation of smart circuit breakers can help facility managers avoid penalty fees.

nergy regulator Ofgem has introduced new legislation designed to encourage electricity consumers to monitor and manage their consumption more carefully. DCP161 is an amendment to the Distribution Connection Use of System Agreement (DCUSA) that will allow utilities, also known as Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), to charge up to three times the standard rate, depending on the region and voltage level. The new billing rates will only apply when customers exceed their agreed peak consumption over half hour time periods.

Logic behind DCP161 The logic behind the legislation is that DNOs have been experiencing a trend towards ever-higher peak time consumption, and that many customers are exceeding their agreed maximum load. As this has become more widespread, it has meant that DNOs are faced with making significant investments to reinforce and strengthen the power grid so that it can safely and reliably handle higher currents. However, DNOs have had to pass on the charge to all customers, whether they regularly exceed their contract or not. Ofgem took the decision to introduce DCP161 after deciding that the existing arrangement was effectively a discount. By introducing the new penalty charges, customers will be rewarded for controlling their peak time consumption – and it will prompt some to negotiate with their supplier to set a higher peak consumption.

Smart circuit breakers As a result of the new legislation, many building owners and operators are looking for ways to improve energy efficiency or cut consumption. One area with potential for savings is HVAC. Multiple heaters or air conditioning units could start up simultaneously and push consumption over the agreed peak, potentially incurring penalty charges. The conventional fail-safe technique to limit energy consumption is to use load control devices for each individual load. These involve installing accurate metering, PLCs and switchgear controllers, and tend to be complex and costly, especially for large and sophisticated sites.

However, recent advances in electrical technology and control systems mean that the latest generation of low voltage circuit breakers can have the in-built capability to act as a power manager and completely replace load controllers. Such circuit breakers were once straightforward switchgear units that relied on external equipment – but the latest models have a wide range of advanced functions for metering, control and communication of loads and generators. For example, ABB has developed a power controller function for its Emax 2 circuit breaker in anticipation of the trend towards energy efficiency. The function is also essential aboard ships and in other islanded installations where there is an absolute limit on available power. Each circuit breaker can control up to 15 individual loads or 15 groups of loads.

Intelligent load control Together, in-built metering, software and switchgear enable the circuit breaker to monitor consumption and automatically switch off low priority loads, before switching them back on again later, when consumption has dropped. The unit relies on a four-step algorithm to constantly monitor consumption and compare it with a prioritised list of loads. When consumption reaches the maximum average level, the software identifies the lowest priority load and takes it offline. The first step is to measure the total power flowing through the breaker. The algorithm then takes the second step of synchronising the average consumption over half hour periods – or any time period desired. It then forecasts total power consumption at the end of the period, helping to ensure that the average power stays below the limit. Third, an evaluation step is used to take intelligent decisions, either to maintain the existing loads, or to decrease or increase them. This is based on a set of rules that compares the average consumption and the loads available for switching. Each load has a different priority and a ‘respect time’, which is the minimum time period that the load must remain connected or disconnected to ensure safe and reliable operation. Loads are only available for switching once their respect time is over. The final step is load management – switching loads on and off to maintain power below the level of the cap in a way that is invisible to building occupants.

Significant savings “As a result of the new legislation, many building owners and operators are looking for ways to improve energy efficiency or cut consumption.”

A manufacturer in Italy is using ABB’s Emax 2 circuit breakers as power controllers to control its HVAC loads and save up to 11,000 Euros annually. The plant is equipped with HVAC loads with a total capacity of 400 kW. These are controlled through four Emax 2 circuit breakers, each of which can control up to 15 loads and which are connected together with an Ethernet cable. One of the four circuit breakers was selected as the master and is equipped with power management software called Electrical Distribution Control System (EDCS). This software is embedded into the circuit breaker’s electronic trip unit, and therefore no complex control system or dedicated software was needed. All four breakers use their built-in metering to constantly monitor consumption and feed data back to the EDCS. It then decides whether to disconnect loads (and if so which loads) and sends a command to open or close the relevant breaker. ABB, www.abb.com

Smart software can help to improve energy efficiency

24 | March 2018

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23/02/2018 09:01

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Shaping our industry. Enabling business growth. Getting you specified. 16/02/2018 09:16

FEATURE

USB SOCKETS

CHARGING AHEAD People are using smart devices more now than ever before. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, people rely on mobile phones and tablets in order to go about their daily lives. Emma Segelov, from MK Electric, explains how electricians can help.

any of us have become so hooked on our mobile devices that it becomes difficult to imagine life without them. They are our most important point of contact and a vital personal assistant we rely on to organise our lives, both for business and socially. But with most new smartphones offering only around five to seven hours talk time between charges, or enough to last roughly a day under light to moderate use, many phone owners find themselves struggling to make it home at the end of the day before it grinds to a halt. It is one of Britain’s biggest tech bugbears but, with users desiring light, slim gadgets, manufacturers have so far been unable to extend battery life to a point where users can comfortably reach the end of the day without reaching for a charger.

Ubiquitous USBs For many businesses, this has represented a key opportunity. Much like the proliferation of free Wi-Fi in recent years, USB charging solutions offer opportunities to engage customers and further enhance their experience, potentially keeping them on the premises for longer, winning their loyalty and securing repeat business. If a customer knows they can go somewhere to charge their phone, the likelihood is that they will return. Many customers can benefit from easy access charging. Business travellers, for example, often store important documents on their phone, such as boarding passes or hotel reservations – a loss of charge under these circumstances would be more than a little inconvenient. International

“USB sockets are a great upsell opportunity when a business is upgrading their wiring devices.”

students, meanwhile, would be forced to carry bulky plug adaptors if they want to use UK sockets while on the move. Not only is this an extra item for them to remember to pack before they leave their accommodation, they are also inconvenient to keep with them around campus. As a means of satisfying this demand for easy charging, many businesses including hotels, coffee shops, universities and colleges have begun to introduce USB sockets across their premises. This benefits users as they do not have to remember their bulky plug and any additional adaptors that go with it, they can simply bring their USB cable, plug in and charge for as long as necessary.

from the USB integrated socket in the most efficient way possible. Vertically stacked central USB ports on the MK Electric switchsockets provide access to virtually any standard 13A plug, including moulded plugs, and are electrically protected against an overload or short circuit to prevent damage to the socket and ensure user safety. Importantly, like all MK Electric’s switchsocket outlets, the USB integrated socket features a three pin child-resistant shutter system, designed to prevent access to the electricity supply unless all three pins of a standard British plug are in position.

Opportunity knocks

USB sockets are simple to incorporate into existing premises as part of a refurb, as they can simply replace existing sockets. MK Electric’s Logic Plus range has been re-engineered to fit into a standard 25mm back box, allowing for a quick and easy installation. This is good news for electricians, as operating a simple product switch saves on time, resources and money, making the job efficient and effective. Other installer benefits include backed out and captive terminal screws and upward facing terminals with a funnel entrance to make wiring and installation faster and easier on site. In line terminals, meanwhile, allow wires to be cut stripped to the same length to speed up the installation process. USB charging offers the ideal opportunity for businesses to meet the demands of their customers and offer an additional service to keep them on the premises. For electricians that can tap into this desire for constant connectivity, the technology can provide an excellent upsell opportunity that they can leverage when upgrading their customers’ wiring devices.

For the electrician, this demand creates a growing opportunity to develop additional revenue. USB sockets are a great upsell opportunity when a business is upgrading their wiring devices and, as well as offering immediate value, also presents the electrician as an expert who understands the challenges facing a customer’s enterprise, positioning them as a trusted consultant. It is important that any USB socket chosen is capable of distinguishing between the types of devices plugged in, as each unit will draw charge very differently – i.e. a USB charger which works well with an iPhone may not efficiently charge an iPad. This can lead to slower charging which is frustrating for the user and provides a poor experience. MK Electric’s offering features dynamic device recognition (DDR), which is specifically designed to detect charging configurations from a range of manufacturers and react accordingly for optimal and efficient charging. This technology ensures that whatever device is used, it recognises the socket as it would its own charger and draws current

Easily done

MK Electric, www.mkelectric.co.uk

26 | March 2018

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26/02/2018 14:38

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27/02/2018 10:56

SHINE A LIGHT

ON YOUR GOLD STANDARD Do you hold an ECS Installation or Maintenance Electrician card and the current edition of the Wiring Regulations? Get recognised as an ECS Registered Electrician. The ECS Registered Electrician status has been launched by the JIB to raise standards across the industry and recognise electricians who are working at the top of their game. Why become a Registered Electrician? • Get a well-deserved endorsement for your professionalism and skills • Increase your status and credibility in the industry • No extra cost for existing cardholders For more information visit:

www.registeredelectrician.uk

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20/02/2018 11:48

A QUESTION OF CONVERSION Joe Handley, applications development manager at Mackwell discusses the factors that need to be considered when converting general lighting for emergency applications.

n line with BS 5266-1 (emergency lighting code of practice), it is a fundamental requirement for all commercial premises to incorporate a compliant emergency lighting scheme. Often however, these premises have limited space to work with when it comes to incorporating health and safety features. Safety is such a vital aspect of any building, and some businesses or property owners look to convert their general lighting for emergency application when space or access is limited. This applies to both new and retrofit installations. Appearance can be a major factor when it comes to integrating emergency lighting into a building. Allowing the luminaire to operate in both mains lighting and emergency lighting situations is convenient, and is perceived as being more aesthetically pleasing. However, as with any lighting conversions, requirements of the environment must be taken into consideration, such as: • Humidity: how hot or cold the workspace is • Hazardous areas: high-risk areas • Space and location

Making the right choice

Savings matter

Considering the type of emergency lighting conversion you require is important, and your decision will be affected by the above requirements. The choice between nonmaintained emergency lighting (which only operates when the mains supply fails), maintained emergency lighting (which runs similarly to a normal luminaire but takes its power from a back-up battery when the mains supply fails), and combined emergency lighting (which contains at least one lamp/ light source that is powered by the emergency lighting supply and the others from the mains lighting supply) is dependent upon your emergency lighting requirements. With advances in technology, products and the quality of conversions, converting new and existing fittings is now better regulated and very popular with both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users. OEMs typically prefer to incorporate both general and safety lighting in one luminaire, as this means they can offer a single product that satisfies all of their needs. Another benefit of converting a luminaire is that their appearance does not differ to that of a general lighting luminaire, except from incorporating an LED status indicator, which is essential for knowing the condition of your emergency lighting.

Converting normal lighting for emergency use can also benefit businesses economically, as generally the products are supplied and converted by the same company, saving on cost and time. A luminaire that has been re-engineered for emergency use will include the following extra components: •R echargeable emergency lighting battery pack •E mergency driver •S tatus/charge indicator

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ADVERTISEMENT • Marking and classification • Routing of internal cables and the effect of EMC • Testing and compliance requirements • Technical files documenting the conversion

Although converting general lighting tends to reduce complications during installation, additional testing is often required prior to installation due to the nature of the fittings. It is advised that any conversion project is undertaken by a reputable manufacturer or conversion house, utilising high-quality products to ensure that the system is compatible with industry standards such as BS: EN 60598-1 and BS: EN 60598-2-22. Other countries, both within and outside of Europe, will have their own compliance bodies and standards which should be recognised and adhered to. Emergency lighting conversions offer a number of benefits and working with a

reputable manufacturer or conversion house will prevent costly alterations as a result of failing post-conversion testing, possible safety risks, and delays to agreed schedules.

“It is a fundamental requirement for all commercial premises to incorporate a compliant emergency lighting scheme.”

This is not an exhaustive list, which is why it is important to ensure you spend time sourcing a good manufacturer to guide you through the process, explain your options, and work with you to offer the best option for a safe and impressive finished product. For detailed information on how to implement the correct system, or more information on the emergency conversion solutions suitable for your application, contact Mackwell today on 01922 458 255. www.mackwell.com

Converting normal lighting for emergency use can benefit businesses in many ways

Consider this If you are currently looking at converting a luminaire, then some factors to consider include: • The type of conversion required • Component compatibility • Luminaire layout, both before and after re-engineering • Thermal and mechanical suitability

Control solutions – the ‘Smarter’ option. Hamilton’s out-of-the-box, plug-and-play Smart Lighting Control system is easy to install and comes with pre-programmed plates so all that is needed is to wire up the system. Once installed, the homeowner can create and recall lighting scenes from anywhere in the home using a wall-mounted control plate, or remotely with the Hamilton iPhone/Android app.

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Also available from SMJ Untitled-8 1

14/02/2018 11:33

FEATURE

LONDON ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY

GREEN GOALS Mark Deeney, business development director for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, considers how heat pumps can contribute to achieving the goals of the London Environment Strategy, thanks to a new approach to heating and cooling city centre apartments.

et to make London one of the greenest cities in the world, the London Environment Strategy is a blueprint for environmental excellence, detailing Sadiq Khan’s ambitious plan for London to become zero carbon by 2050. In addition to this strategy, the Greater London Authority (GLA) is setting the standard for low carbon homes through its Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), published in 2016.

Carbon tax As part of this green approach, GLA is planning a carbon tax on new developments in the capital. In essence, developers must reduce the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) of a dwelling to 35% below the Target Emission Rate (TER) required to secure a pass in Part L of the England and Wales Building Regulations. The remaining carbon, expressed in tonnes, must then be offset in the form of an abatement payment which is set by each individual borough.

The GLA recommends a price of £60 per tonne paid for 30 years, or £1,800 per tonne remaining. For a 200 plot development, this is an abatement payment of approximately £174,600 based on 97 tonnes remaining. This payment must be paid to the local borough at the commencement of works on the site and the developer must submit their energy assessment to the borough as part of the planning process. Therefore, the overall energy strategy should be decided before planning permission is granted.

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LONDON ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY

FEATURE

Reducing emissions What does all this mean for electrical contractors? Well, as you might expect, heating and cooling have a big part to play in the drive to reduce Dwelling Emission Rates. London’s 3.4 million homes are responsible for around one-third of London’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and if these ambitious targets are to be achieved, London’s new and existing buildings “must get their heat and power (needed increasingly for cooling) from local and renewable energy sources, enabled by efficient systems such as heat networks,” says the GLA. There are two key points here – both of which present installation opportunities for forward-thinking electrical contractors. Firstly, that we must move away from using natural gas to other energy sources, including renewable energy and the heat that is wasted from industrial and commercial processes. Secondly, that we must maximise the opportunity of local, decentralised, low-carbon energy, particularly in London, where it is particularly well suited because of the urban density. Decentralised energy ranges from small production, such as electricity from solar PV panels, to larger scale systems based on local energy resources utilising heat pumps that supply communal or district heating or cooling through a network of underground pipes connecting it to homes and buildings.

“Heating and cooling have a big part to play in the drive to reduce Dwelling Emission Rates.”

A heat pump solution One of the biggest opportunities lies with new apartment buildings, and there is a proven technology which can satisfy both of the points made above; heat pumps. Compatible with decentralised systems, capable of maximising renewable energy and with an innovative new approach, heat pumps could present the ideal solution for many of the UK’s new apartment buildings. And that could be good news for those electrical contractors already working with renewable heating technologies – or indeed those looking to open up new business opportunities by doing so. Current new build dwellings in the UK are at risk of overheating due to a number of factors which include more stringent regulations on air tightness and fabric performance, increased living density, single aspect apartment design and high internal gains. This risk is exacerbated in city centre multi-residential buildings, where internal gains and solar gains can be more significant due to an increased urban living density. Overheating can, of course, be addressed using mechanical cooling via dedicated chiller plant and a chilled water network, but this often masks the symptom without addressing the cause. It also does nothing to reduce the DER and so the financial impact of the carbon tax for London developments.

Energy loops The answer could lie in using a series of ‘energy loops’ within the building, as pioneered by the unique new Zeroth Energy System from Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation (GDHV).

By creating such energy loops, designers can replace the high-temperature system with a cool, low-pressure system, maintained by the building’s central plant room. Low temperature water flows around the building’s main loop to each apartment, which all have their own ‘mini loop’ where an individual heat pump produces chilled or heated water to the desired temperature. The water can then be passed to fan coils, which deliver cool or warm air into a room through vents in the ceiling or wall, or to underfloor heating, or smart electrical, fan-assisted wet radiators. With this approach, the central plant only needs to fill the balance of heating for the entire building, rather than servicing the total heating or cooling requirements of every resident at once. It is more environmentally friendly, as less total energy is required to heat and cool the entire building, and it is far more cost-effective, the benefit of which can be passed on directly to residents in the form of lower average heating or cooling bills. For contractors, there are increased installation opportunities too, with an individual heat pump in every dwelling.

There is another advantage too. For London developers, this system also provides an opportunity to significantly reduce the amount of carbon tax they might pay for a development. Based on the GLA recommended figure of £1,800 per tonne, the total saving when using Zeroth as the distribution system is £24 per apartment. If air source heat pumps are used instead of Combined Heat and Power (CHP), GDHV calculates a carbon tax saving of £399 per apartment – nearly £80,000 on a typical 200 plot development. Whilst the exact figures will vary by project due to the mix of dwelling types and differences in carbon payments required by boroughs, it is clear there are benefits to this new approach for cooling and heating using heat pumps in multi-dwelling buildings. And when you can consider that modern apartment buildings now represent more than 50% of the planned new build housing stock in the UK, there will be ample opportunity for contractors to help realise those benefits.

Dimplex’s new Zeroth Energy System utilises a series of ‘energy loops’

Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, www.glendimplex.com

March 2018 | 33

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23/02/2018 09:06

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Challenger Security Products explains how its SLFLF LED floodlight range offers both high lumen output as well as low power consumption.

hen the SLFLF LED floodlight range was launched in 2016, the ‘norm’ was single chip COB floodlights in the classic style, with typical performance of 65-80 lm/W. Challenger’s introduction of the Lumileds SMD chip array encapsulated in a polycarbonate lens module brought an immediate performance lift to 100 lm/W, and allowed design changes eliminating the conventional reflector commonly seen in floodlights, resulting in a much more slimline and lighter weight offering. Performance has improved greatly, up to 35% across the ever-increasing range, with examples of 135 lm/W now available. An increase in lm/W results in increased energy savings, as less power is needed to produce the light levels required. The resulting

reduction in energy use improves ROI figures, making the change to more energy efficient lighting accessible to more users. Designed with the installing contractor in mind, the range is easy to install due to its smaller physical size and lighter weight than regular fixtures. The head also does not need to be removed from the mounting bracket to install – a great time saving feature. Another benefit of the slim design is the vertical adjustability of the head through 90 degrees, enabling the contractor to effectively position the fixture to ensure light only shines on the required areas, minimising light pollution. Many users have benefitted from the changeover to Challenger LED, upgrading their existing Halogen and HID floodlighting to the latest technology and being particularly impressed with the quality and light output achieved whilst enjoying energy savings of up to 60%.

• Up to 135 lm/W •S limline lightweight design •P olycarbonate encapsulated lens module • I nstant 100% light output •P hilips Lumileds LED chip •P re-wired cable •P IR versions available

“Performance has improved greatly, up to 35% across the ever increasing range, with examples of 135 lm/W now available.”

Happy shoppers The maintenance team for Frenchgate Shopping Centre contacted the Challenger stockist as they were receiving feedback on low light levels in the car park areas. The stockist presented the SLFLF range of floodlights and following a successful trial in a small area, various models across the range from 30W to 150W were installed by the onsite maintenance team, 125 fittings in total. The light levels have now significantly improved and the shopping centre management are extremely happy with the performance and subsequent energy cost savings. Historically, certain lighting situations have not been cost effective to change to LED – for example matching the performance of 1,000W HID floodlighting has been difficult to achieve, until now. The latest model in the range (SLFLF400) is a direct replacement for 1,000W sodium or metal halide, with energy consumption rated at only 400W and with an expected lifespan between two and four times greater than the traditional technology, it is sure to be a success. For further information on Challenger Security Products, visit www.challenger.co.uk or email enquiries@challenger.co.uk

34 | March 2018

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21/02/2018 11:27

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For further Lumen & performance information contact Challenger at enquiries@challenger.co.uk Untitled-2 1

16/02/2018 09:17

IN PROFILE

IN PROFILE Penn Elcom explores its origins, accomplishments, and what the future has in-store.

enn Elcom is a leading manufacturer of quality flight case, speaker cabinet hardware and 19in racking solutions. It is also one of the largest distributers of LED lighting products, cable, connectors and audio leads, and offers complete solutions to electrical, pro AV, and lighting installations around the world.

What are the origins of Penn Elcom?

Penn Elcom began life as Penn Fabrication back in 1974

Penn was founded in 1974 as Penn Fabrication, a small metal fabrication company based in the village of Penn, in Buckinghamshire, England. The company was started by our now chairman, Roger Willems – who was the only employee. Originally, Penn specialised in manufacturing handles and latches for flight cases, which were delivered to Bulldog Cases, London. In 2003, Penn merged with Elcom, a US flight case trading company and Penn’s primary competitor. The merger

What is the company’s ethos?

resulted in the formation of the largest flight case hardware manufacturer in the world; Penn Elcom. It was also in 2003 that Penn Elcom’s new manufacturing facility in Hastings opened, specialising in the production of 19in racking and accessories.

How big is the company? Penn started out as a small enterprise pioneered by one person, whose first major investment was in a small power press that cost £150. From its humble beginnings, Penn has grown steadily, opening a new office or depot, on average, every 1.8 years from 1986 to 2018. Our company was built in Britain, and we are still proud of our heritage and UK manufacturing history. However, we’re now very much a global company, with depots and offices in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australia. It’s this global network that gives us the advantage of large stock holdings, short lead times, and a personalised service, no matter where our customers are in the world. From the hard work and drive of one person, we now have a staff of over 750, and have a fantastic global community of employees. Our £150 power press is now painted up as a mascot in our Washington facility, reminding us of where the company began. As well as expanding geographically, we have increased our range over the years by absorbing other companies, such as Pro Audio Stash and CLD Distribution. This expansion resulted in the diverse range of products we’re able to make and sell. It also gave Pro Audio Stash and CLD Distribution access to our global stock holding and distribution network. We were able to integrate all their warehousing websites with our product ranges to create a new e-shop for all products – Penn Elcom Online.

“We always will, as we always have, continue to strive for innovation and excellence.”

At Penn Elcom, we are what we make. Our staff are passionate about our products, and the knowledge-base we possess for our range is truly unparalleled. Within the company, we’re lucky enough to have experts in LED lighting, 19in racking, flight case hardware, and more. Many of our staff members have dedicated their career to these specialist industries – resulting in high-quality products, designed by people who know their industry inside out. We always will, as we always have, continue to strive for innovation and excellence. We have bucked the trend in UK manufacturing by doubling the number of staff we employ over the past 15 years. We pride ourselves on being fair employers, by offering reasonable salaries and by treating our staff with respect. The more you give to your employees, the more you get in return.

What are Penn Elcom’s biggest achievements? As any older, more established company will know, the process of selling online is completely different to more traditional methods. However, in order to remain current and competitive, an e-shop for any business is an essential evolution. The creation of Penn Elcom Online has given us new ways to reach our customers, and has given our customers an easy and userfriendly way to shop with us. By including additional products that weren’t previously available from Penn Elcom, a wider range than ever before is available to our worldwide customers. We were opening our global subsidiaries long before globalisation was the buzz. Penn Elcom was one of the rare companies to open shop in the US, which was affectionately known as the graveyard of European business. However, as our positive reputation continues to grow,

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IN PROFILE What’s in-store for the future of the company?

Every time we open a depot or factory abroad, it always feels like we’ve planted a little bit of England overseas. Seeing Penn Elcom become a recognised brand around the world is a great achievement.

we are increasingly recognised as a UK manufacturer who is taking on the US competition. The success of this transAtlantic venture gives us an immense sense of pride. One of our more recent achievements was our expansion to China in 2005, beginning with the purchase of a 130,000 sqft factory in Dongguan, China. Setting up this factory was the largest (and riskiest) overseas investment in our company’s history. Though challenging, our Chinese expansion has been insightful and rewarding. We’re excited to see where it takes us as the enterprise continues to develop and grow. Today we are laying the foundations for an Indian branch to our business, and are getting a depot in Mumbai up and running. We’re encountering some of the same obstacles as we did in China, but we love the challenge.

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What do you think are going to be the challenges and opportunities facing the electrical contracting sector in 2018? With the rising demand for sustainable building and infrastructure, we’re sure to see a rise in those seeking out electrical contractors for installations that will minimise their energy consumption. The number of households, public buildings and venues that sought us out to replace their existing halogen lights with greener LED alternatives almost doubled last year. We expect demand to rise again in 2018, in line with stricter government regulation and sustainability initiatives. Penn Elcom, www.penn-elcom.com

AMPTEC

Penn has opened a new office or depot roughly every 1.8 years since 1986

You learn very little when you’re doing well. A lot of our lessons have been learned from mistakes we’ve made, and they’re the kind you never want to repeat. We have three main lessons that we stick to. First and foremost, we’ve learned over the years to always listen to our customers. We design our products with professionals in mind, but there are times when things may be over looked, for example an additional feature that offers potential benefits to customers. When our customers give us constructive criticism or feedback, we’re happy and willing to adapt our product if it improves their experiences. Another important lesson we’ve learned is that you need to strike a good balance between price and quality. We pride ourselves on our high product quality, but also make sure our prices are fair to our customers. Finally, we’ve learned to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. You can’t be a pioneer within an industry if you don’t take risks.

“We’ve learned to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. You can’t be a pioneer within an industry if you don’t take risks.”

ELECTROMAX

What are the most important lessons that Penn Elcom has learned in the course of its history?

Globally, we are currently assuming complete control of all of our South American companies (excluding Brazil) and will be looking to make hardware available there as it is in Europe. We have opened in Beijing and are continuing to develop our sales strategy for China and the rest of Asia. In the UK, we’re committed to investing in high-end automated machinery. We’re currently in the process of replacing all the machinery within all our UK manufacturing facilities, and applying modern technological advances to the way we produce our products.

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CMY

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20/02/2018 11:49

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE RIGHT CHOICE Richard Shaw, managing director of Ellis, talks to ECN about sorting the wheat from the chaff, and how to ensure the right decision is made when specifying cable cleats.

he vital importance of cable cleats in electrical installations is now well known, but with this greater understanding has come a significant increase in the number of products on the market. For many years, Ellis was the lone voice stressing the importance of correctly specified cable cleats, but today there are a growing number of manufacturers with the same message. Competition is, of course, good; not only does it give a customer choice, it also helps drive product development.

Unfortunately, in the cable cleat market, this isn’t really the case. Instead, customers are now presented with numerous products of remarkably similar appearance, and in many cases products are being brought to market as computer renderings before they exist in reality. It makes a customer’s job harder when they have to sort fact from fiction in the specification process. What all of this adds up to is that when specifying a safety critical product like a cable cleat, a buyer really should resort to confidence and trust when making their final decision. So, what steps do you need to take when specifying cable cleats?

Tried, tested and trusted We already know that many cable cleats look similar. Even someone with years of experience can find it hard to tell the difference. So how do you know if you are looking at a Concorde or a Concordski? The answer is that you need to look at the company behind the product. What is their depth of technical know-how? Will they be able to help if things go wrong? What is the provenance of the product you are interested in, how many have been made and have they been used in similar circumstances? What do others in your industry say about them? Will they deliver on time?

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SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

Figure 1

F = 0.17 x ip2

Where: F = force in Newton metre (N/m) ip = prospective peak short circuit current in Kiloampere (kA) S = spacing between the conductors in m

Ultimately it’s a question of trust. The product you are about to purchase will have a long service life, probably exceeding 40 years, and it could be called upon to perform at any time.

Mechanical strength and short-circuit testing

Figure 2

Knowing the strength of a cable cleat prior to specification is imperative, but it needs to have undergone a short-circuit test for this value to be correct – and this may not be the case. Instead, a cleat’s quoted strength is arrived at through the use of a mechanical tensile machine, which can be misleading because the force is applied in a slow and controlled manner, unlike in a short-circuit fault, where forces are applied almost instantaneously and oscillate in every direction. In our experience, a short-circuit test is the only reliable way of proving that a cable cleat is capable of withstanding a specific set of fault conditions and is therefore suitable for specification and installation. In contrast, a cleat that passes a mechanical tensile test at a given force will not necessarily survive a short-circuit test at the same force. We always recommend that any claims of cleat strength should be supported by a short-circuit test certificate, which shows the test has been carried out in an independent and accredited laboratory. This should, as standard, be supplied with a full test report, including before and after photographs, and a table of results and conclusions so as to avoid any possible misinterpretation of headline results.

“Knowing the strength of a cable cleat prior to specification is imperative, but it needs to have undergone a short-circuit test for this value to be correct.”

EXAMPLE: Peak fault: 110kA Installation: ladder Cables in trefoil with an outside diameter of 38mm F = 0.17 x 110² = 54,132 N/m 0.038 F x cleat spacing

Required loop strength

0.3 for 300mm

16,240 N per cleat

0.6 for 600mm

32,480 N per cleat

0.9 for 900mm

48,718 N per cleat

1.2 for 1200mm

64,958 N per cleat

This force per distance can then be compared to different cleat loop strengths to ascertain the appropriate cleat and spacing requirements for specification. In this example, Ellis solutions are for Vulcan+ cleats loop strength (LS: 36,000) spaced every 600mm, or Emperor cleats (LS: 63,000) every 900mm.

A point of interest when it comes to short-circuit testing is the required duration of the test, which the International Standard specifies at just 0.1 of a second. Typically a circuit breaker in the event of a fault will trip in around three cycles or 0.06 seconds, but an underspecified cleat will fail long before this, usually before the first peak at 0.005 seconds. This is all it takes for the true strength of a cleat to be discovered.

Cleat spacing Cleats also need to be correctly spaced to ensure optimal performance and best value. In order to calculate this, the system peak fault current and the cable diameter both need to be known. Then, by following the formula in FIG 1, which appears in the International Standard (IEC 61914:2009), the forces between two conductors in the event of a three phase fault can be calculated. Once the value of F in N/m has been determined, then the optimum cleat spacing is easily calculated. Metric cable ladder, for example, tends to have rungs at 300mm intervals, so cleat spacing is usually a multiple of that distance. Therefore, F x 0.3 gives the force a cleat will see if spaced at 300mm, F x 0.6 for 600mm etc. F x cleat spacing can then be compared to the maximum recommended mechanical loop strength of the cleat, allowing both the cleat and cleat spacing to be selected – see FIG 2. Prior to the cleat and its spacing being finalised, it’s important to be aware of two other factors. Firstly, irrespective of the short circuit level, it is strongly recommended that a system employs a fault rated retention device at a maximum spacing of 1,500mm. Secondly, when installing systems on bends and risers, it is recommended that a maximum spacing of 300mm is used.

Matters of corrosion The risk of material corrosion, either as a result of the installation environment or from other metals the cleat is in contact with, also needs to be given due consideration. Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals are placed in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, and there are two factors that affect its rate. The first being the distance between the two metals in the galvanic series, and the second the relative surface areas of the different metals. Unfortunately, galvanic corrosion is not easily predictable and can be influenced by the type of electrolytes present – e.g. those coming from salt water or fresh water containing impurities – and so in general terms, the safest course of action is to

separate dissimilar metals with polymer separation washers. This separation should be carried out between the cleat and its mounting surface, and the cleat’s closure and mounting fixings. Stainless steel is the material of choice for the vast majority of cable cleats and fixings due to its non-magnetic and corrosion resistant properties, with 304L and 316L being the most commonly used variants. The corrosion resistance properties of stainless steel are a result of chromium, which reacts with oxygen and forms a self-healing impervious layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel. In most circumstances, this layer is extremely durable, but in certain locations, such as railway tunnels, the oxide layer can be penetrated as a result of mild steel dust in the atmosphere, which reacts with moisture to exaggerate corrosion. In such circumstances Aluminium products or electrostatic plastic coatings should be used. Contracts often require a guarantee regarding the life expectancy of a cleat. This is relatively simple if the installation is designed correctly and all other corrosion issues have been considered. Where it becomes complicated is if the cleat or its fixings are manufactured from galvanised mild steel. In such situations, the thickness shown on the Galvanizers Association map, which highlights corrosion rates across the UK, should be referred to and a calculation made as to the necessary thickness of the galvanised/zinc coat. Other elements that should be considered when specifying cleats include: •F ire – there are no current standards for fire-rated cable clamps, but common sense dictates the cleat being used should have the same fire retardancy as the cable. •O perating temperatures – most cleats are designed for use in ambient temperatures ranging from -50°C to 60°C and with cable conductor temperatures up to 90°C. •U V resistance – metal cleats are impervious to UV attack. Composite and polymer products aren’t. If they’re likely to be exposed, they should be supplied in materials containing carbon black or other UV stabilised additives. As previously mentioned, cleats may be small but their importance, mighty. As such, we publish a technical guide to cable cleats, which aims to help eradicate the specification issues that have dogged the electrical industry for years. Safely cleated cables are a must for safe electrical installations. Ellis, www.ellispatents.co.uk

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Conduit for the most demanding environments

Class 4 Hot Dipped Galvanised after manufacture Certified by bsi to BS EN 61386

Exceeds the most demanding performance and corrosion classifications

London Underground approved

Long established supplier to electrical distributors

Extensive stock holding and flexible delivery

Other sizes and BS 31 (imperial) steel conduit available on request

Other information Sizes available

20mm & 25mm 3mtr & 3.75mtr lengths

Comprehensive range of Conduit Fittings available

Visit www.detaelectrical.co.uk for further details

t: 01582 544 544

Untitled-5 1

e: sales@detaelectrical.co.uk

w: detaelectrical.co.uk

20/02/2018 11:49

SPECIAL FEATURE

The new high-tech medical centre required complex electrical installation

CABLE MANAGEMENT

MEDICAL MARVEL Phil Wakelam from Unitrunk discusses the cable management requirements for the high specification electrical installation of the University of Buckingham’s new Medical School Academic Centre at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

n recent years, the higher education sector has been characterised by investment in its estates to drive improvements in the standard of teaching facilities that will attract students from home and abroad. As the UK’s only independent university, the scale of investment and calibre of facilities created by the University of Buckingham has been higher than ever, and the institution’s new Medical School Academic Centre, designed by architects Feilden+Mawson and located at Milton Keynes Hospital, is the jewel in the university’s crown. The University of Buckingham launched the UK’s first independent medical school in 2015, working closely with Milton Keynes Hospital to offer a course that includes engagement with patients from the early

weeks of term one. With no purpose-built facility, the first cohort of medical students have been studying for their four and a half year MB ChB course at the university’s Buckingham campus and Milton Keynes Hospital’s Postgraduate Centre. With the University of Buckingham’s state-of-the-art clinical training facility now nearing completion, from 2018 students will be based on-site at the hospital with access to training equipment and technology available at no other medical school in the UK. With the support of the hospital’s team of doctors and consultants, they will train in an environment that includes traditional seminar and lecture spaces, alongside advanced simulation suites, giving them the opportunity to practice advanced procedures on life-like medical

mannequins. The technology installed in the building will enable students’ clinical practice and demonstrations from teaching clinicians to be broadcast live within the building or to medical students and professionals worldwide. All that technology has required a complex electrical installation, delivered by CT Walters, as part of a project carried out by main contractor, Beard Construction Ltd. RIS (Rapid Installation Systems) cable management solutions, including Uniklip cable tray and EasyConnect cable basket, were provided by Unitrunk throughout the building. These were vital in providing a robust infrastructure for all the building’s cabling needs, along with a faster, simpler approach to installation that has helped to keep the demanding programme on track.

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CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

Time saving The two-storey medical training facility is a standalone building on the hospital campus connected to the hospital’s HV power supply. It is divided into North and South wings, with a double height atrium in the centre, which provides the reception area, social learning spaces, and an open place location for presentations and formal gatherings. The North wing contains a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, admin offices and toilets, while the South wing houses a number of smaller seminar spaces along with the simulation units that lift the building from a standard university teaching block to an innovative training facility tailored to the needs of advanced medical practice. The technological focus in the South wing has required extensive Category 6 cabling to serve IT networks, wireless control systems, cameras and AV equipment, which includes widescreen TVs and the ability to live stream simulations across the building and beyond. To bring the electrical supply into the building from the HV ring, the CT Walters team installed a switch room on the ground floor of the North wing along with a rooftop plant room in the same area of the building. From the switch room, the core submains cabling is taken through the building via a single riser of Uniklip cable tray for each wing and a central spine of Uniklip down the main corridor of each wing. The two wings are connected by dual ‘bridges’ of cable management infrastructure across the central atrium. The majority of the power networks in the building will be served by modular wiring to aid speed of installation and all of this has been installed on Unitrunk Uniklip cable tray. This not only ensures that the cable management infrastructure is robust enough to manage the weight of the modular wiring, but the choice of Uniklip has also actively contributed to the speed of installation, enabling CT Walters to complete the extensive electrical installation in just 20 weeks. As Ben Wood from CT Walters comments, “For any complex installation like this, speed of installation is critical as it helps to keep the programme on track and reduces the cost of labour on-site, along with the amount of skilled installers required.

SPECIAL FEATURE

The facility is aimed at setting a new benchmark for medical training in the UK, and needed a cable management system to meet these needs

“The technological focus in the South wing has required extensive Category 6 cabling to serve IT networks, wireless control systems, cameras and AV equipment.”

“With its simple clip on connectors, ease of use and tool-free installation, Uniklip helped us reduce the installation time at the University of Buckingham’s Medical School Academic Centre by around a third and the on-site training and troubleshooting provided by the Unitrunk team helped us make the most of the system’s time-saving advantages.” Uniklip cable tray was installed in the ceiling void in numerous sizes, depending on the cabling requirements for each location. It varied from 600mm pre-galvanised cable tray at the switch room to 100mm tray, with the smallest possible size selected for use in each location to manage the available space in voids that were extremely congested due to the level of mechanical services required by the building. In addition to the modular power cabling, the Uniklip tray was also installed as the cable management infrastructure for the lighting installation throughout the building. The system was taken to a lighting control module in each room and the light fittings were plugged straight into these modules, enabling future flexibility of the installation and the accommodation.

Space efficient Thanks to the extensive use of technology and the need for reliable comms networks between the standalone medical training facility, the hospital, the university campus and other training and hospital partners around the world, there was need for a high specification data installation at the new medical school building, with more than 500 data outlets across the North and South wings along with Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the building. To accommodate this, CT Walters used EasyConnect cable basket from Unitrunk, in various sizes tailored to the requirements of specific locations in the building. Like the cable tray, the EasyConnect cable basket infrastructure was taken through the building with a single riser in each wing. This connected the whole building to a ground floor server room via a spine of cable basket running through the central corridor and teeing off to serve installation in both the ceiling and floor voids in each room.

Cabling for the fire alarm system has also been installed on the EasyConnect cable basket infrastructure. While operating as a standalone system for the medical school building, the programmable fire system has been linked to the main hospital fire safety provision via the BMS, and interfaced with the wider mechanical and electrical installation, with a cause and effect matrix to ensure automated door opening in the event of a fire, for example. The access control system has also been installed on the EasyConnect cable basket infrastructure. A fob-based system ensuring secure access via all internal and external doors is linked to the main hospital building via the BMS. CCTV, with a total of 10 cameras located around the building, has also been installed using EasyConnect cable basket as the cable management system. Finally, EasyConnect cable basket was also used to provide the cable management infrastructure for the cameras and AV equipment in the simulation/demonstration suites and observation areas. The filmed clinical practice, examinations and demonstrations can be broadcast anywhere within or outside the building, but the suites have also been designed with dedicated observation rooms where teaching staff and visitors can observe from behind one-way glass and communicate with staff and students in the adjoining room. CT Walters installed dividers within the EasyConnect cable basket to separate power and data cabling, reducing the number of runs required and thereby maximising space in the voids while contributing to the reduced installation times.

Best practice The electrical installation at the new University of Buckingham Medical School Academic Centre building at Milton Keynes University Hospital has now been completed, with the first students due to start training there in January. The completed building will set a new benchmark for medical training in the UK, utilising best practice from around the world and a progressive approach to enable students to practice the most complex and pioneering procedures and share their experience via live link ups. Unitrunk, www.unitrunk.co.uk

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23/02/2018 09:13

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLE MANAGEMENT

WORKING TOGETHER With high-rise fires in the UK and the Middle East putting increasing pressures on the electrical supply chain, the critical part played by cabling to support safe evacuation through these incidents cannot be underestimated. Graham Turner of AEI Cables examines the issues.

he electrical supply industry, not for the first time, is having to take a good hard look at how it works together. The various experts and organisations in regulation, design, specification, product supply and installation are all considering their positions and how best practice can be guaranteed every time. With new designs, materials and products continually coming on to the market for major projects – such as

hospitals, high-rise apartment blocks, shopping malls and airports – where large numbers of people move about, the need for consistent quality collectively and individually cannot be underestimated. In the event of a fire, the safe and effective evacuation of people is the priority. To ensure the fire and rescue services can evacuate people quickly, the continuity of power – which keeps emergency lighting and alarm systems functioning – is essential. The continuity of power will also ensure that sprinkler or water mist systems can continue to operate where they exist.

“The choice of cabling cannot be taken lightly.”

Top priority The choice of cabling to power these functions cannot be taken lightly and should be specified at the earliest opportunity with the rest of the specification. In commercial buildings, there may also be smoke evacuation fans which help enable safe evacuation. These building services buy time for the fire and rescue teams, who can then read fire alarm information and see the areas of most danger. Specifiers looking at large public sector projects, such as hospitals, should refer to

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23/02/2018 09:14

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT BS 8519 for advice on the electrical supply and the most relevant cabling system. This Code of Practice specifies that the type of system selected during the design phase ‘should be derived from a detailed process of consultation with the relevant authorities’ and that ‘the design should be agreed at an early stage.’ The decision-making process for cable selection relevant for life safety and firefighting systems is clearly defined. This covers three categories, with the cables needing to survive a fire for between 30 minutes to 120 minutes, depending on the category. Categories 1 and 2 cover means of escape for 30 minutes and then 60 minutes, respectively, and these cables are tested in accordance with the relevant codes. Category 3 for firefighting to 120 minutes refers to power and control cables meeting the 120-minute test according to the relevant standards. It should be emphasised that only Mineral Insulated Cable (MIC) or an enhanced cable meeting the requirements of BS 7846 F120 will meet this criteria. We should point out that BS 8519 does not take precedence over BS 5839 for alarm systems and BS 5266 for emergency lighting.

Best practice The best practice under Business Information Modelling (BIM) and all best practice of Fire Safety Engineering methods should be observed in conjunction with project partners.

Using additional software such as Amtech allows designers – including consultants and contractors – to create and manage specification documents using a comprehensive library of the latest relevant technical guidance to provide a fully robust building construction specification. As the inquiry into Grenfell unfolds, it is clear that Part B of the Building Regulations for fire safety will come under further scrutiny, and we welcome that, especially where projects may have been compromised in the past for whatever reason. Dame Judith Hackett, who is leading the Grenfell inquiry, sums it up; “As the review has progressed, it has become clear that the whole system of regulation, covering what is written down and the way in which it is enacted in practice, is not fit for purpose, leaving room for those who want to take shortcuts to do so. What is initially designed is not what is being built, and quality assurance of materials and people is seriously lacking.” We provide a full range of cabling products through our Total Solutions service – with the support of our parent company Ducab based in Dubai – with the design, manufacture and supply of MIC, Firetec Enhanced or Firetec Power, depending on specific needs. The ethos of pursuing excellence in modern cable performance ensures that the highest performing materials are available, both in fire resistance and fire reaction.

Safety in emergency situations often depends on the right cabling for the job

SPECIAL FEATURE

We are committed to working with specifiers, designers and contractors on major projects to meet all best practice standards. Indeed, there can be no compromise when it comes to protecting lives and property in these critical environments. AEI Cables, www.aeicables.co.uk

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C&CM – AEI.indd 45

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27/02/2018 17:00

SPECIAL FEATURE

CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT

MEETING THE MARKET Alan Darlow, commercial director at Pemsa UK, explains the requirements for cable management systems, and what manufacturers need to be offering installers in the UK market.

Image by Diliff - CC BY-SA 3.0

owadays, deciding on the best option for a cable management system is a really big decision for many reasons. It’s not just about considerations on security and the environment (we’ll talk about them later) but it’s also about the needs and demands of the UK market, keeping in mind the installers and, then later, the organisation of any future maintenance. Today the ‘musts’ for a product in the UK are that they need to be quick and easy to install, use minimal labour time, and offer a good range of accessories and stock availability.

“Sadly, following the Grenfell Tower disaster, it has become essential to talk about fire resistance requirements.”

For all of these reasons, wire mesh cable trays are usually the most adequate option, having the best possibility of capacity for supporting, routing and housing cables. They are generally used in installations containing a large number of cables, or where future expansions are required that can then be easily made. Another feature for selecting wire mesh cable trays, over the conventional perforated cable trays, is the ease and speed of installation.

UK requirements To provide a great experience, the market needs to trust in a company with a large presence in the industrial sector, which works with the main distributors and wholesalers and provides the expected requirements and features. The market, customers and installers tend to look specifically for a company with a longstanding experience in the UK market and with a high quality range of products. Along with this also comes the large amount of knowledge acquired after many years of working in the UK market. It is also very important that the company has achieved all of the necessary approvals and certificates. To remain updated and gain new certifications is now more important than ever to show that the company is offering a quality product along with the security of the installation now and in the future.

The development and building of large projects like The Shard and other high rise structures in the UK, new distribution facilities for major companies like Primark, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, energy plants or photovoltaics (solar farms) and also individual unique projects like salmon farms on the Isle of Skye, have all increased the requirements and specifications for cable management systems. Sadly, following the Grenfell Tower disaster, it has also become essential to talk about fire resistance requirements, and to trust in a product that can guarantee the maximum quality and reliability, with the purpose of minimising risk and damage in an accident situation. In case of fire, the E90 certification becomes necessary for every product. E90 tests confirm that the cable tray has withstood temperatures close to 1,000°C for 90 minutes, so it does not create any toxic fumes or corrosive or opaque smoke, which could be harmful to people or the installation, while also maintaining and supporting the cables for the electrical power to the installation.

Finished article Depending on the project and its environment, another key feature that is demanded by the market is the finish of the product in relation to corrosion resistance. In the BEAMA Best Practice Guide to Cable Ladder and Cable Tray Systems, it states, “In planning any cable ladder or

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CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT cable tray installation, the choice of an appropriate corrosion resistant material and finish is always a key issue at the specification stage. The correct choice has long term implications and is crucial for ensuring the longevity and the aesthetics of the complete installation.” This is why manufacturers continue to improve the characteristics of their finishes or coatings. The current BS 61537 Cable Management (Cable Tray and Cable Ladder Systems) classifies the resistance against corrosion from C0, for non-declared or non-tested material, up to C8 for components made of steel with metallic coating and C9 for stainless steel. For example, a steel component with a zinc coating, such as hot dip galvanising, is one of the most popular choices for humid or exterior installations. With a mean coating thickness of 70µm of zinc, this would be classified as C7. The future edition of BS 61537 will more than likely include a new classification table to consider other metallic coatings, such as new highresistance protections like Black C8. These new finishes have excellent aesthetics and high resistance which makes them perfect for environments with high humidity, as they improve both the barrier effect against the humidity and the ability of self-healing in any damaged areas. Within the current edition of BS 61537, tests can be carried out with a neutral salt spray (NSS) test. Providing that the corrosion of the surface of the sample has not been exceeded, according to the duration, after passing 850 hours, they can only be classified as a maximum of C8. In addition to the related technical and project requirements, installers and end-users of cable trays demand different features which are also necessary for the manufacturer to accomplish.

Experience wanted Customers want a business solution where they can trust in a high quality range of products and have access to a knowledge base that can only be acquired after many years of working in the UK market. It is very important for the manufacturer to understand the various details and specifications required depending on the area or sector of installation, and then be able to propose the best product solutions and the most competitive offer for each need. To cover the demand of the UK market, it is vital that the manufacturer not only has a strong partnership and presence with all of the major distribution networks, but also with the smaller, local independent distributor in order to satisfy demand from all types of end-user.

SPECIAL FEATURE

8newprodu 8newpro ducts du ucts...fr .fro .fr rom thewebs thewe bsi siite te towatc towatch h! As promised, the Emelux website is being expanded month-on-month to include brand new products like those shown below. Suitable fo f r most types of lighting proj o ect, covering interior or exterior areas oj and available with a next day delivery — they can complete a proj o ect even oj when design and purchase decisions are left f until the last minute. ft Emelux products are tested and selected to provide high quality, y y, competitively priced lighting equipment to comply with the relevant safe f ty fe standards and are CE marked. Please visit www.emelux.co.uk regularly fo f r new and comprehensive product details, and fo f r sales and fo f r any further info f rmation, including fo photometric details, please contact: sales@emelux.co.uk

The needs and specifications of the projects, and the end-user demands, require the cable tray range to have the necessary approvals and certifications. For example, in order to guarantee the technical features, it is necessary for the product range to be compliant with BS-EN 61537 and its related standards, verified by an external and independent testing organisation. From this certification, other approvals can be gained such as London Underground, IECEE-CB, UL&CSA, NEMA and DIN E90 Fire Resistance. We also cannot forget environmental care approvals, from various organisations, that also drive the company values along the line of responsibility and awareness. For example, regulations that ban components such as Cr+6 become essential to abide by. As for the product itself, the company should provide easy solutions for the installer to reduce installation time. Fast coupling on wire mesh tray, a click system for connecting accessories and brackets without the need of any screws or bolts. One of the most valuable points is not only to offer an extensive catalogue of products, but to have available a large inventory of stock in all sizes, finishes and accessories to provide a continued supply for the needs of the various project installations throughout the UK. Effective and decisive customer service is another area to consider. Again, to meet market demands, a company has to offer a good service and be able to work alongside the customer to advise and assist with all of the help, tools and information they require. The ability to answer technical questions or queries and resolve any issues the client may encounter should be from a well trained and experienced internal and external team. Of course, a fast and personalised delivery should be offered, guaranteeing a product within 48 hours via a controlled and effective transport system.

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the website to watch 23/02/2018 09:23

SPECIAL FEATURE

SECURITY

SMART TROUBLESHOOTING With an ever-increasing appetite to move forward with technology, Y3K looks at the networking challenges that need to be addressed when trying to find the right security system.

hat’s another app or another gadget connected to the home network? These are things that you may tell yourself on a regular basis, but there could be some serious consequences for those who brush off those kinds of questions. In order to answer those questions, you need to understand the various variables that could affect the stability of the security system. First, let’s take Wi-Fi. This communications protocol has made it possible to access the internet and connect devices together without the need for a physical connection. Unfortunately, it’s restricted to a specific area. To understand what the area restrictions are, it’s important to know your router. Is it single band, dual-band, or triband? What frequency is it running on? And what specification? Routers on the traditional 2.4GHz band can reach up to 150ft (46m) indoors, due to the need to travel through walls, while

those placed outdoors can reach 300ft (92m). Those on the 5GHz band, which offer higher speeds, reach approximately onethird of these distances. This becomes incredibly important when it comes to ordering Wi-Fi CCTV. Without understanding the signal, it’s impossible to begin installing the item. The last thing you want is to install the camera only to find out it’s out of range of the router.

Range isn’t the only thing to consider. Upload and download speeds are equally important, although rather than thinking about download speeds, which is often the case, upload speed will be the important variable. Upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and tells you how fast the device can send data from one device to another. There’s also the question of bandwidth. Having multiple devices on a network

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SECURITY

means that the download speed needs to be divvied up. If there are 10 devices on the network and the download speed is 10Mbps, then it could lead to a situation where each device is receiving a measly 1Mbps. If that’s the case, then some buffering could occur on the CCTV stream. Bandwidth can also vary due to decisions outside of your control, including through the use of throttling, which some service providers are guilty of doing at peak times. Finally, there’s the last piece of the equation. It’s likely that a phone could be used to view and control the CCTV cameras. If the rest of the network is uploading the footage without any issue, the mobile connection could be the final hurdle. The existence of a 3G/4G signal could be the difference between getting live images, and being unable to connect. With so many questions, it’s important to find someone who may know the answers. That’s why it’s key to find a CCTV manufacturer which will find a solution if your provider creates a problem. At Y3K we have the answers and we have a team of people waiting to help you overcome the technical pitfalls that technology is throwing at us daily.

SPECIAL FEATURE

“It is important to understand the various variables that could affect the stability of a security system.”

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SECURITY

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA What added value can CCTV services bring to electrical contractors’ business offering? Neil Baldwin, sales director at ESP, gives ECN a run-down of the benefits.

hether you already have a foot in the door of the security sector or are considering entering, opportunities abound for the security-minded contractor. Below are five key reasons why electrical contractors should add CCTV to their business offering.

Additional income stream “The UK security market s estimated to be worth £2.4 billion.”

CCTV accounts for 50% of sales within this sector and that represents a very lucrative income stream to those contractors willing to diversify. With homeowners and businesses seeing the value of investing in security to protect their properties, and seeking the appropriate measures to do so, the UK security market continues to grow and is estimated to be worth £2.4 billion. By utilising the skills they already possess, electricians are in a position to build

business with existing customers through the addition of CCTV as an additional product category and can use the knowledge of this new product sector to target new customers.

Added value equals customer satisfaction By demonstrating an understanding of new products and the solutions that they can offer and by showing a willingness to embrace new

March 2018 | 51

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SECURITY

technologies, contractors can be seen to add value to work they do for their customers. The continued advancement in technology means that more and more products and systems are being brought to market that are easier than ever before to install and operate. That means increased opportunities for contractors to update customers with the latest product developments. Launched in August last year, our Rekor branded CCTV range is aimed at providing a range of premium quality, competitively priced CCTV kits for the domestic market. These four channel kits are ideal entry-level products to satisfy the growing demand for reliable security solutions. They have all the components for a high definition CCTV system supplied in a handy kit form – simply requiring a connection to a monitor. This type of system can provide a comprehensive solution for home security requirements. Installers should be encouraged to provide security recommendations while working on the electrics of a premises, which can mean a quick and easy upsell with a product that offers quality, ease of installation and peace of mind to the end-user.

Innovation enhances reputation It can be comfortable to stick with what you’re used to. But by embracing the latest technologies and taking advantage of the opportunities out there, contractors can be seen as being proactive and innovative, and that will only enhance their reputation in a competitive marketplace. With the demand for technology by consumers continuing to rise, installers can take advantage of rapidly developing smart technologies which are designed to help make properties more secure than ever. Developed in direct response to the increasing demand from customers for Wi-Fi solutions, ESP added new 1080p wire free CCTV kits to its portfolio of HDView CCTV products in 2017. Designed specifically for the domestic market, the new systems have ease of installation and superior quality HD image capture among their key attributes – this all adds up to an ideal add-on product range for contractors to sell to customers. There are four kits in total – two camera and four camera options, each available with black or white cameras. The cameras supplied (2MP HD day/night bullet cameras) are pre-registered to the NVR and additional cameras can be added. Requiring a power supply at the NVR as well as at the camera, the CCTV kits offer Wi-Fi open field range of 150m, with no cabling required between the NVR and the camera. The NVR records camera footage to the internal hard drive and footage can be transferred to a memory stick using the USB port for easy evidence gathering. Remote monitoring is possible via smartphone, using the ESP HDView WF APP. The system’s 1080p resolution offers superior image clarity, providing users with better quality, live images and recorded footage, which is essential for any CCTV system installation. These are all features and benefits that will have resonance with customers, making the installer’s job an easy one to demonstrate the need to update an old CCTV system or install a new one from scratch.

Securing your business for the future “Installers can take advantage of rapidly developing smart technologies which are designed to help make properties more secure than ever.”

Economic uncertainty intensifies the need to identify and pursue business opportunities in growing markets, and the security systems market is one of them. So it makes sense for those contractors wanting to secure their future business operation to take advantage of the opportunities that the security category can offer. World security continues to be an issue and because of that people are more conscious of having security. The police are encouraging us all to use CCTV to protect homes and businesses, and contractors are in a prime position to fulfil the demand that is being generated. They can’t afford to get left behind. By honing their skills to offer additional products and services, they will be able to build work with their existing clients as well as attract brand new customers, and once on board, they will be customers for life.

Free training and support

the installation process, demonstrating ease of set up and programming. Technical support is also covered. We offer a fire training programme, with one session taking place each month and accommodating eight candidates at a time. The session aims to cover the best practice method for installing, setting up and final commissioning of our MAGPRO addressable range. The course is completed in a single day, with each candidate supplied with their own copy of the PC programming software, as well as a certificate for the attendance of a Level 1 MAGPRO Addressable Fire Products commissioning course. There is no reason for the electrical contractor to shy away from these products and this sector. As a manufacturer, we are putting a lot of time and investment behind getting the message out there. The electricians already have the necessary skills and with the right products and some training, they can take full advantage of the potential this sector offers.

Installers are in a prime position to take advantage of the benefits of offering security services to their clients

ESP UK, www.espuk.com

Despite the fact that they may be in possession of the necessary skills to diversify into the various aspects of security – CCTV, access control and fire safety – many installers are still reluctant to do so, believing that this is a specialist area. To counter this and to support those contractors who would like to add security equipment to their product portfolio, ESP offers access to a number of training opportunities. A security training programme takes place on one Wednesday each month, accommodating up to 22 candidates. This is designed to make it very easy for candidates to learn about our products and how they work. It provides an overview of all the ESP product categories – not just CCTV – but access control, external security, fire protection and emergency lighting. The aim is to simplify

52 | March 2018

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UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

SPECIAL FEATURE

SUPPLY AND DEMAND Michael Brooks, managing director of CENTIEL Ltd, gives a guide on what to look for when it comes to providing the best UPS solution.

lectrical contractors often need to include the provision for a suitable UPS system within tenders. There are many companies to choose from, selling different UPS solutions. So, what should electrical contractors be looking for in a UPS solution, and what new innovations are available when it comes to providing the very best solution for the client’s needs?

Continuing this passion for technological innovation, in 2015 he founded CENTIEL SA in Switzerland. While transformer-less technology has become mainstream today, the market is increasingly moving towards implementing modular UPS design. The fastest growing market sector we see is mid-range three phase modular systems. This is because properly configured modular systems simultaneously maximise load availability and system efficiency.

Foolproof system

Modular approach

Firstly, the number one goal for any UPS system has to be availability. In other words, clients demand a system that never fails. How can this be achieved? There have been many developments in UPS technology to improve reliability and availability. One of these was the transformer-less technology pioneered by Filippo Marbach and his design team in the 1990s. Marbach was also the driving force behind the design and development of the first three phase modular UPS.

We anticipate flexible, modular systems will increasingly replace traditional stand alone and parallel systems with the drive for high availability, fast repair and commonality of parts, as well as reduced system footprint. The idea when it comes to modular systems is that there is a single frame, containing a number (N) of power modules, all running together and sharing the load equally between them. Some systems also have modular battery packs providing the DC backup to all the power modules.

By utilising a true N+1 configuration, a failure in one module simply results in that module being isolated, leaving the remaining modules supporting the load and maintaining the all-important availability. The big advantage of this format is that you can have more modules than actually needed in order to power the load. Therefore, if one module fails, the load is simply shared out amongst the remaining modules. Modern UPS systems such as CENTIEL’s CumulusPower, incorporating Distributed Active Redundant Architecture (DARA), provide a significant improvement over previous system designs. Each module contains all the power elements of a UPS – rectifier, inverter, static switch, display – and critically, all control and monitoring circuitry. This places it above other current designs that have a separate single static switch assembly and separate control or intelligence modules, as there is no single point of failure. This provides the very highest availability for your power protection.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

Future proof

“Modern modular UPS systems can be quickly and easily reconfigured to adapt to changes in load requirements over time.” A good UPS system should be both foolproof as well as cost effective

Counting costs As well as availability, organisations need to consider the total cost of ownership of a UPS system. This is related to the purchase price, the system efficiency (running costs) and the ongoing cost of maintenance. From an efficiency perspective, the big challenge is that IT requirement in most organisations will change over time. Over a six-year period, a comms room with an initial load of 6kW, might easily have expanded to a 30kW load. So how can

the infrastructure be built to meet these dramatically changing demands? Put simply, a UPS needs to operate at the best point of its efficiency curve. A system which is too small will be overloaded, compromising reliability and availability. A system which is too large will waste energy, be inefficient and costly to run. It will also cost more than necessary to maintain due to its size. Scalability and flexibility is therefore an essential consideration when purchasing, to ensure the continual ‘right sizing’ of the UPS.

In our ever-evolving world, futureproofing systems is one of the greatest challenges faced by system designers. The good news is that modern modular UPS systems can be quickly and easily reconfigured to adapt to changes in load requirements over time. This not only ensures the highest efficiency is maintained, but more importantly it guarantees availability of power protection whatever the future holds. However, any UPS that is not maintained properly will ultimately become unreliable, and as a result, availability will be compromised. The good news is that modern modular UPS systems are straightforward to maintain, with the load remaining protected by the remaining modules if one module is removed for maintenance. When it comes to maintenance contracts, organisations should be aware of the pitfalls in agreements where repairs are chargeable. They may initially appear to be the ‘cheaper’ option, but they can result in unexpected and unbudgeted costs. Remember, the contractor makes the most margin with chargeable repairs. A fully comprehensive maintenance contract is often preferable, as the maintainer makes the most profit if the system is kept reliable – ultimately providing the best solution for the client. CENTEIL Ltd, www.centiel.co.uk

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SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

DESTINATION: DIGITISATION David Williams, regional director of power solutions at Schneider Electric, discusses how power distribution is being redefined for a new energy age.

s buildings and their uses become more diversified and complex, the ability to distribute power quickly and efficiently is essential. Energy demand is expected to double by 2040 and, at the same time, the end uses and management of that energy have only grown more complex1. In the near-future, building and facilities managers must be able to digitise and connect their systems and equipment to ensure power distribution is safe, reliable and efficient.

The challenges of a distributed system There have already been huge changes in how power is generated and distributed in recent years. Compared to just a few years ago, there has been a substantial increase in multi-source power generation, decentralised grids, decarbonisation, renewable sources of energy and electrical

distribution management. Indeed, approximately 70% of new power generation will be supplied through renewable rather than traditional generation systems by 20302. Without a doubt, great work has been done to evolve and meet demand in a sustainable, efficient way. However, while this innovation is a net positive for the environment, it presents businesses with substantial operational challenges. Buildings and facilities consume a great deal of energy while power assets incur significant operational costs, and the traditional distribution and monitoring systems that run them are struggling to keep up with the increasingly dynamic and multi-directional nature of power. At Schneider Electric, we believe a complete transformation of these systems is required. Fortunately, the latest generation of building architectures are pointing the way forward. To adapt, building and facilities managers should look to solutions that connect and integrate their distribution systems, as far as possible, under a unified, power monitoring and control architecture, supported by advanced analytics and remote services.

Power’s new paradigm The Internet of Things (IoT) has played a significant role in building operations in recent years. The more a building’s devices can connect to one another, the more data they can share. Building managers can then use this data to make changes that improve efficiency and optimise the system in a continuous feedback loop. Beyond this, by adopting autonomous building and industrial systems, facilities can maximise efficiency without the need for human intervention. This, of course, limits the chance of human error disrupting the system, and in the world of power distribution, often creates a safer working environment. The convergence of technical systems is also important to consider. As standalone building management systems (BMS) begin to phase out, power, energy, HVAC and other management systems will merge for simplified and streamlined reporting and maintenance. This is made possible by the proliferation of IoT-enabled connected products, devices and sensors. All data is then pushed and stored to a central hub for use by the building’s managers. In addition to this, the widespread decentralisation of

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UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION energy sources reduces reliance on any one energy source. This way, facilities can increase flexibility and productivity, while reducing supply chain risks. Ultimately, the more digitised a building and its systems becomes, the better it can handle the demands brought by the evolution of power. As a bonus, buildings will grow more efficient and comfortable for occupants as well.

Enabling greater efficiency The more digitised a building becomes, the better it will be able to adapt to the constantly shifting demands and nature of power. Digitisation has had an enormous impact on the world at large, but it can now have a particularly transformative effect on buildings and distribution. By taking a multi-tiered approach to building management – encompassing connected devices and sensors, edge control through management and integration software, and insight-generating apps and services – building managers can realise many benefits and shore up their electricity distribution capabilities for the future. Installing connected devices that can be linked to the power management system for comprehensive, real-time updates, is a crucial first step. As an example, Schneider Electric’s Smart Panels provide electrical equipment the ability to present data on your computer or smart device in realtime, allowing you to pinpoint overloads and inefficiencies proactively, stop chasing

SPECIAL FEATURE

vague alarms, and reduce costs. This can be as simple as adding an IoT-connected sensor into a circuit breaker that will constantly monitor energy consumption, asset condition and circuit health.

Software solution The next move should be to run power management software. By connecting devices to management software, you can analyse data to gain a better understanding of your power network. For large and critical facilities these solutions are ideal, collecting and organising all the data gathered from your facility’s network and allowing managers to maximise uptime, reduce costs and increase profitability. In smaller buildings, user-friendly and cost-effective cloud based technology and mobile apps can be equally effective. Finally, it is imperative to have more accurate insights. By using analytics, apps, software, and services that are available today, you can find ways to increase efficiency, improve safety, and cut costs. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Power Advisor uses analytics to improve power quality and network performance. The application can generate valuable insights into power distribution systems, monitoring the health of equipment and identifying areas of concern as well as opportunities for improvement. The presence of such a service ensures business continuity while optimising operations and limiting downtime.

“Energy demand is expected to double by 2040 and, at the same time, the end uses and management of that energy have only grown more complex.”

The energy landscape is destined to be ever-changing, but building a suitable power distribution framework does not have to be painful. The IoT, analytics and power management software will optimise key processes and help deliver better, smarter and more lucrative buildings. Digitisation and connectivity represent the future of power distribution. It is essential that building and facilities managers now start to lay the groundwork.

Digitisation and increased connectivity can help deliver smarter and more lucrative buildings

Schneider Electric, www.schneider-electric.co.uk Sources 1: Source: IEA, World Energy Outlook 2014; www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/ publication/WEO2014.pdf 2: BNEF; thinkprogress.org/bloomberg-study-70percent-of-new-global-power-capacity-addedthrough-2030-will-be-renewable-8cb6bfb7b4e7/

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SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS & POWER DISTRIBUTION

IN DEMAND Is UPS the solution to an ever-growing demand for energy? Leo Craig, general manager of Riello UPS, explores the benefits of adopting battery-centred demand side response.

ith the evolution of technology, more devices are connecting to the Grid than ever. If you start to factor in the development of electrical transport and decarbonising heat1, it’s no wonder that energy demand is set to double by 2050. Although that may seem a long way away, the pressure this is putting on demand side response is already rapidly increasing. Through demand side response, we can use electricity more intelligently, rather than simply generating more electricity to meet short periods of huge demand. So it is more vital than ever that electricity providers start to think of ways that they can help to balance the grid. The UK currently has more than 4GW of stored power in UPS units and this valuable, additional resource could and should be exploited by power providers to help avert a capacity crisis. There is a knowledge gap that needs to be plugged when it comes to demand side response and UPS battery solutions. This need for additional information exists across the commercial sector as a whole.

Understanding the issues Mostly associated with emergency situations and power failures, businesses have understandably been reluctant to use existing back-up generators as a demand side response mechanism. The harnessing of power from back-up generators is viewed as one of the more straightforward ways of providing demand response and yet it is not being widely implemented. So, taking things a step further by asking the mission control sector to consider investing in new UPS technology to support demand response is bound to meet with resistance. However, there are untapped benefits.

For instance, one of the key advantages of using a UPS battery storage for demand response purposes over the back-up generator option is the green credentials and power savings. The emissions produced by generators defeat one of the objects of demand side response – carbon footprint reduction. A UPS system cuts emissions and saves energy by reducing power surges and voltage drops. There are even solar versions available. Businesses can only consider UPS energy storage as a demand response option if their UPS is powered by lithiumion (Li-ion) batteries in the first place, and it is definitely worth considering switching as the industry needs to consider demand side response as part of its corporate social responsibility. There are also other benefits; Li-ion batteries as part of a UPS solution offer numerous advantages over their SLA (sealed lead acid) counterparts. For starters, Li-ion batteries have a much higher power density than SLA batteries. This means that twice as much battery autonomy can be located within the same amount of space as a traditional SLA battery space. They also have much faster charging times than SLA batteries, which can take six to eight hours to reach 80% charge, where a Li-ion battery takes 30 minutes. Also, Li-ion can be discharged and recharged up to 10,000 times. SLAs can only be charged/recharged 500 times.

Long-term goals

“The UK currently has more than 4GW of stored power in UPS units and this could and should be exploited by power providers to help avert a capacity crisis.”

Utilising the untapped potential of UPS battery power in demand response across the UK is a long-term goal. It will require a radical shift in the mindset of mission critical businesses if they are to be comfortable in using their UPS as an energy accumulator for use in this situation. Explaining the benefits, both in terms of financial reward and corporate responsibility achievement, is essential to winning businesses over. It is also important to alleviate fears around risks to operations when using a UPS beyond its primary back-up function. Combined efforts from UPS manufacturers, and those in the energy industry, to build awareness of the business drivers behind demand-side resource in a straightforward manner will help to boost buy-in. Demonstrating how the theory works, with examples of UPS batteries being successfully used for demand side response in a risk-free manner, is an effective way of communicating the benefits to a business. Industry seminars, workshops and conferences that explore demand side response are also opportune ways to communicate this. We also need to see increased incentive from the policy-makers. For some time now, we have heard positive noises from government around energy storage being a key part of the UK’s industrial strategy. It would be great to see this message developed further and a plan put into fruition. Demand side response is an integral part of the modern, flexible energy system evolving in the UK today. It offers a multitude of financial benefits to business by reducing energy bills, and providing revenue streams. From a long-term point of view, demand side response will help to reduce carbon emissions, supporting responsible business practice and protect the environment. It will also enhance the security of our electricity supply – reducing the potential for disruptive power outages and price hikes that we all want to avoid. All of these issues align with the benefits of UPS systems, so the two working alongside seems like a natural answer to a potential capacity crisis. Riello, www.riello-ups.co.uk [1] National Grid, Future Energy Scenarios; http://fes.nationalgrid.com/media/1253/final-fes2017-updated-interactive-pdf-44-amended.pdf

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