ECN July 2022 by All Things Media

uickwire

The faster way to connect downlights. www.quickwire.co.uk

VOLUME 42 NO. 07 • JULY 2022

SPECIAL FEATURE: EV CHARGING

ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE: FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

Custom-made doesn’t have to mean custom-headache!

SPECIAL FEATURE: LED LIGHTING

Turn to page 12 to learn more about Hamilton’s custom-made pedigree.

Control & Automation www.niglon.co.uk t 0121 711 1990 e sales@niglon.co.uk

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Good lighting adds up to better performance in schools and colleges Educational environments need the right lighting in the right places

NVC lighting has been installed in study areas, sports halls, kitchens, corridors, outside walkways, car parks and other areas. Our 7-year comprehensive warranty means that value and performance from NVC products is assured wherever they are.

T: 0121 457 6340

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E: sales@nvcuk.com

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W: www.nvcuk.com

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS… Regulars Government refocuses on public EV chargers as grant ends

6 Industry News The 10 customer habits that tradespeople find most annoying; Schneider Electric partners with Tradify to support electricians; Electricity at Work Regulations explained; and more

12 Cover Story Hamilton’s custom approach, fit for a king!

14 Contract News Tryka performs perfectly at Swansea Arena; Lighting Oxford’s first new secondary school in 60 years; Balfour Beatty awarded London Underground contract; and more

16 Training Sinewave Academy launched; Viva BPEC approved for heat pump training; and JTL launches free, bite-size course on earthing and bonding

18 Key Issue Materials shortage: anticipating bumps in the road ahead

20 Project Focus National Ventilation designs and supplies ventilation to London landmark

22 Interview Carly Wills talks to Megaman’s Micaela Abbott about her career and the company’s recent fixture range launch

24 Competition Win a Makita site radio, courtesy of Marshall-Tufflex

64 Company Showcase Sponsored content from across the sector

ransitioning to electrification and the T opportunity for installers

Prowired perspective on the EV A charging industry

hy low voltage assemblies are W essential for EV charging

Introducing EV charging to your SME clients

etter fleet management software key to B persuading van owners to go electric

36 38 40

EVs: what’s new and is it time to upskill? 100,00 funding awarded to supercharge £ sustainable travel around Derbyshire ew range of distribution units for EV N chargers launched

Fire, Safety & Security 42

martLINK Gateway and HomeLINK S Dashboard save lives in Tiverton

mbracing digitalisation in the electrical E industry to improve health and safety

new lease of life for former 17th A Century public house

Case study: the University of the West of England

he need for retrofitting emergency light T testing in social housing

LED Lighting

Contents.indd 3

SPECIAL FEATURES: EV Charging

4 Editorial

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VOLUME 42 NO. 07 • JULY 2022

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ighting for learning – buying the right L solutions for schools and colleges

Generating savings through smart technology

Luceco lights Volvo Truck & Bus Wales & West

via lights up fruit packing and O distribution facility

he next frontier of growth: smart T lighting for the home

An uplifting healthcare package

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July 2022 | 3

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EDITORIAL

NEXT TIME…

Cabling & Cable Management

Tools & Workwear

GOVERNMENT REFOCUSES ON PUBLIC EV CHARGERS AS GRANT ENDS

ello and welcome to the July issue of ECN. Last month the government announced that the plug-in car grant scheme had come to an end, after helping to increase the sales of fully electric cars from less than 1,000 in 2011 to almost 100,000 in the first five months of 2022 alone. According to government figures, battery and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) now make up more than half of all new cars sold, and fully electric car sales have risen by 70% in the last year, now representing one in six new cars in the UK. The government has said that this temporary grant was due to end in 2022-23 and that it is now refocusing funding towards the main barriers to the EV transition, including public charging. £300 million in grant funding will now

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

be refocused towards extending plug-in grants to boost sales of plug-in taxis, motorcycles, vans and trucks and wheelchair accessible vehicles. The shift in focus will also help allow government funding to target expanding the public chargepoint network, helping to eradicate range anxiety and ensure the transition to zero-emission transport is easy and convenient for all drivers across the UK. Read more about the latest developments in EV Charging in our feature starting on page 26, showcasing articles from myenergi, Prowired, Schneider Electric, Sevadis, UFODrive, GTEC, Cenex and Proteus EV. This month also covers Fire, Safety & Security and LED Lighting, along with all of our regular features. And don’t forget to enter the competition to win a Makita site radio, courtesy of Marshall-Tufflex! I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month!

Wholesalers & Distributors

Carly Wills, Editor

Special Supplement: Skills – Regulation, Legislation & Training

August Issue Editorial deadline: 21 July Advertising deadline: 28 July

EDITOR: CARLY WILLS T: 01634 673163 E: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO: MARK WELLER T: 01634 673163 E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: BEATRICE LEE T: 01634 673163 E: beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com

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The editors 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 © 2022, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ.

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For all your Electrical Essentials

4000+

STOCKED ITEMS

50+YEARS 7 CATEGORIES IN THE TRADE

WE HAVE IT COVERED Be sure to keep an eye on our website & our social media for the latest news & offers!

www.niglon.co.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS REVEALED: THE 10 CUSTOMER HABITS THAT TRADESPEOPLE FIND MOST ANNOYING New research has revealed the customer behaviours that tradespeople find most annoying, and being watched while they work tops the list. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, found that more than two in five (41%) tradespeople find it irritating when clients won’t leave them alone while working. Being constantly asked how they’re getting on is another major annoyance (34%), as is the cheeky request to do additional little jobs ‘while you’re here’ (28%). The 10 customer habits that tradespeople find most annoying are: • Watching you closely while you work (41%) • Constantly checking your progress (34%) • Asking you to do extra little jobs while you’re there (28%) • Asking for a discount (26%) • Not paying on time (25%) • Making suggestions or instructing you how to do your job (17%) • Calling during non-business hours (17%) • Insisting a job is urgent when it’s not (15%) • Not offering you a drink (14%) • Not being in when you arrive so you can’t get to the job (14%)

OCTOPUS HELPS OVER 1,500 UK BUSINESSES’ SWITCH STAFF TO ELECTRIC CARS Octopus Electric Vehicles has hit a milestone of over 1,500 companies joining its salary sacrifice scheme in just over a year since its launch. The salary sacrifice scheme for electric cars provides an all-in-one service for drivers looking to make the switch. It is one of the fastest growing schemes of its kind in the UK. The scheme is the next step in the company’s mission to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and drive the UK’s transition toward zero emission transport. Since launching to the market, it has grown by 22% on average each month, with companies of different sizes and sectors joining the scheme, including household names such as McLaren, Dyson, RES and Nando’s. An EV salary sacrifice scheme is an attractive employee benefit where employers can offer their staff the use of a brand new electric car with a saving of 30% or more by paying through their gross salary, saving thousands of pounds on both national insurance and income tax. There is a small amount of Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax to pay, but it is very low compared to the savings, with the BiK rate for EVs set at 2% until 2025. Octopus Electric Vehicles, octopusev.com

The top grievances are similar for both tradesmen and women, but male workers are far more likely to be irritated by customers not offering them a drink (16% vs 9%). Meanwhile, tradeswomen are more bothered about clients calling them outside of business hours (23% vs 13%).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the self-employed are far more angered by customers who don’t pay on time (33% vs 22%) and ask for discounts (31% vs 23%) than employed individuals, likely due to it being their own personal income on the line. IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk

ALISTAIR GRANT ELECTED PRESIDENT OF SELECT A veteran small business owner with more than 40 years’ experience in the electrical industry has been elected as the new President of SELECT. Respected professional Alistair Grant pledged to put apprenticeships and regulation of the sector top of his agenda after taking up his post at the body’s AGM on 1 June. The new president established his family-run business, Alistair Grant Electrical, in 1982, and has built up a first-class reputation in Moray, Aberdeenshire and throughout the Highlands. Alistair says: “One of my main ambitions as President of SELECT is to push forward its campaign to introduce protection of title for electricians. The association’s Wall of Support now has plenty of politicians, organisations and fellow electricians signed up, agreeing with us that it’s not safe to undertake electrical work if you are not a qualified electrician, but we need to keep up the pressure. “I’m also interested in working with the colleges to promote apprenticeships. I’ve had 15 apprentices through my company in my time and it’s so important to nurture new talent for our industry. “I would also like to get more involved with the various SELECT committees that look at changes in other industry rules and regulations.”

NAPIT OPENS LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE NAPIT’s new centre of excellence for low carbon technologies, located at its Mansfield headquarters, has opened its doors to learners, including those wishing to upskill in low carbon cutting-edge technologies. Designed to offer a variety of low carbon training, the centre will offer courses on solar PV, heat pumps, energy storage, and electric vehicles. “We have created a space for tradespeople to learn about ever developing low carbon technologies, which includes the use of all the necessary training rigs and components with an outdoor roofing structure that stimulates real-life conditions for solar PV installations,” states Brett Forster, Head of Training at NAPIT. Through its new centre, NAPIT aims to develop a centralised location for learning that brings together many areas. In the new hub, learners will be able to take advantage of excellent training facilities that provide real-life work scenarios and will be able to earn industry-recognised credentials upon successful completion. The centre aligns with NAPIT’s goal of supporting the Government’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions from homes through its net zero strategy. NAPIT, napit.org.uk

SELECT, select.org.uk

6 | July 2022

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29/06/2022 15:41

DON’T TRIP UP! Amendment 2 now mandates the use of AFDDs for High Risk Residential Buildings (6 Stories+), HMO, Purpose Built Student Accommodation & Care homes.

3YR 3 Year Warranty

B & C Curve

Self Test Function

Neutral Out Tails

Elucian AFDD’s are available in B and C curves. They range from 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A and a 40A devices.

Contains inbuilt self-test function which operates initially on first power up and less than once every hour to ensure the device is fully operational.

Elucian AFDD’s provide a 450mm Neutral Tail as standard. The AFDD’s are also single width (18mm).

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27/06/2022 09:45 13:39 18/05/2022

INDUSTRY NEWS COUNCIL WINS PRESTIGIOUS INDUSTRY AWARD FOR LOW CARBON HEAT NETWORK Leeds City Council has scooped up a prestigious industry award for the success of its flagship low carbon district heating network. The council and its network partners, Vital Energi and Ener-vate, were revealed as the winners of the ‘Heat and Efficiency: Operational’ trophy at the ADE’s Decentralised Energy Awards. By using heat and energy recovered from non-recyclable waste at the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) to provide hot water to buildings in the city, the Leeds PIPES district heating network offers a reliable and affordable lower carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuel powered heating systems. Last year, the £47 million network of insulated underground pipes supplied 13,900 megawatt-hours of heating and helped reduce the city’s carbon footprint by more than 2,000 tonnes. Currently stretching more than 26km in length, the network continues to expand and is regularly connecting to new buildings. It is set to become one of the UK’s largest heat networks in the future. Nearly 2,000 homes, commercial and public buildings have already been connected. Leeds City Council, leeds.gov.uk

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC PARTNERS WITH TRADIFY TO SUPPORT ELECTRICIANS Schneider Electric has partnered with Tradify to support electricians across the UK. The partnership will enable electrical professionals to manage all aspects of their business through Tradify and help them work more efficiently, helping their businesses grow. Tradify is a cloud-based construction and field service solution that supports electrical companies. As part of this, it can assist all aspects of a company with its no-nonsense business plans. This includes online job management, scheduling, quoting, invoicing, materials tracking and real-time project updates. Tradify has been giving UK tradesmen access to the best software available for their business since 2013 and can be tailored specifically for UK electrical

teams. Tradify users can expect several easy to access benefits, such as effortless accounting. Faultless syncing with Xero, Sage, MYOB and QBO lets users push and reconcile invoices with one click. They can instantly import customers and pricelists into Tradify and settle bills in their accounting system. Automated customer communication will notify customers of upcoming appointments and send reminders about outstanding quotes and invoices. As well as access to Tradify’s cloud-based system that streamlines processes and saves valuable time, members of mySchneider will now be able to sign up to Tradify with 50% off for the first three months. Schneider Electric, se.com

ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS EXPLAINED The Electrical Safety Roundtable has worked collaboratively to create two new technical summary leaflets to promote a better understanding of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWAR). The leaflets have been produced in collaboration with over 25 different organisations after concerns were raised about the lack of understanding and compliance seen within workplaces in relation to managing electrical safety. It was suggested that this may be because of the multitude of complex and overlapping regulations which can make it challenging to understand what is needed – which is what these freely available leaflets have been created to assist with. The initial two summaries are the first of many to be part of an extensive collection of technical advice documents and summaries of important regulations to enhance electrical safety. The first leaflet provides a three-page overview of the EAWR and the second focuses on systems. It is hoped that the leaflets will be welcomed as useful for raising awareness of the importance of the EAWR and enhance compliance with them. Electrical Safety Roundtable , electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk

8 | July 2022

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9 Edition

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Tel 01924 227941 Email enquiries@yesss.co.uk

Find your branch yesss.co.uk/map

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SUPPLIES, SERVICE & SOLUTIONS Untitled-3 2

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INDUSTRY NEWS FOUR IN FIVE UK ELECTRICIANS DON’T FEEL CONFIDENT DISCUSSING SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is a growing concern for customers when hiring tradespeople, but four in five (80%) UK electricians are unaware of how to make their work more eco-friendly. A new study by ElectricalDirect found that a quarter (25%) of clients are now more eco-conscious than they used to be, and over the last year, more than a fifth (22%) of electricians have been directly asked about their environmental impact. However, the vast majority of workers are not sure how to become more sustainable and more than four in five (82%) say they don’t feel confident discussing the topic with customers. This lack of awareness could explain why so few electricians actively try to reduce their impact on the planet. Fewer than one in five (18%) say they consciously try to work sustainably. For some, finances are a major factor. One in six (17%) say they can’t afford to become more eco-friendly due to the extra costs involved. Nevertheless, with many customers now favouring tradespeople with green credentials, electricians could potentially start to miss out on work if they don’t make changes. Almost two in five (37%) Brits try to only use companies who are socially and environmentally responsible, so there’s a strong business case for sustainability, on top of the wider benefits. ElectricalDirect, electricaldirect.co.uk

ELECTRICITY PRICE SURGE DRAMATICALLY REDUCES SOLAR PAYBACK TIMESCALES

TRADESPEOPLE CALL ON COUNCILS TO OFFER FREE PARKING FOR EMERGENCY CALL OUTS Steep parking fees and green motoring charges are landing Britain’s army of tradespeople with higher costs when travelling to emergency call outs and some have turned away work because of parking ticket costs. According to Toolstation, 71% of tradespeople think they should be given parking exemptions and emergency parking spots when out on an emergency job. Research also shows that 80% of tradespeople have had to raise their prices because of spiralling parking costs and the price of fuel. In North London, Camden Council charges £41.39 for a trade permit to park during business hours. Combined with the £15 congestion charge, it means a full day’s work of eight hours could come to £56.39. In Edinburgh, the council charges up to £5.60 per hour to park a vehicle in a central location. It means parking for eight hours can result in a bill of £44.80. Whilst in Bristol, tradespeople are charged up to £4 an hour, taking the cost of an eight hour working day to £32. A spokesperson from Toolstation says: “Tradespeople need to be able to get to their jobs quickly and carry their materials with them, so parking charges for carrying out emergency work and on longer jobs are another unnecessary cost for them to bear and could result in raised prices for their customers.”

The surge in electricity prices is likely to drive a dramatic increase in solar uptake, with payback periods being slashed to less than six years. The verdict from GoodWe UK is driven by the spike in electricity prices resulting from the 12% increase in the Energy Price Cap that has allowed energy companies to increase the price for each unit of electricity or gas. The current 12-month inflation rate for electricity stands at 8.7%, the highest level since 2009. As a result, Eugene Lucarelli, Strategic Marketing Manager at GoodWe UK, says the potential payback period for a solar installation has been slashed to below seven years for the first time ever. “Our view is that the payback periods on solar are now somewhere between five and seven years as a result of the electricity price spike and the VAT cut on solar installations announced by the Chancellor in the Spring Statement. Previously, with lower electricity prices the working assumption was that payback periods were between 15 and 19 years.” GoodWe is basing its payback period calculations on an average household installing a typical 4kw solar system. This size of system can generate 3,600 units of electricity per annum, more than enough to power the average UK household. With electricity currently costing 30p per kilowatt hour, a £6,000 installation could deliver an annual saving of £1,080 per annum, paying for itself in less than less than six years. GoodWe, goodwe.com

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ERA has appointed a new Engineering Project Manager. Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Stephen Wright, will be responsible for managing the execution of new product development, in addition to existing engineering projects, ensuring they are delivered efficiently and to the highest possible standard. TSG UK has announced the appointment of Michael Mounteney as its UK Director of Electrical Business. Michael joined the company in March 2022 and his credentials speak for themselves, with over 12 years of experience in renewable energies and a wealth of knowledge in the EV marketplace. CENTIEL has invested further in its service sales team with the addition of Shane Brailsford as Area Sales Manager. With over 20 years’ experience working in the power industry, Shane joins CENTIEL from Finning UK where he was sales manager for two years. Prior to that, Shane was northern sales manager for Dale Power for two years. He is a fully qualified electrician and has also held managerial project management and operation roles at AVK-SEG and Rykneld Homes.

Toolstation, toolstation.com

10 | July 2022

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

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29/06/2022 15:42

Introducing the Easy9 Compact Multirow consumer unit The latest addition to the Easy9 range provides electricians and homeowners with unmatched design flexibility, adaptability and safety Easy9 Compact Multirow consumer units complement the existing premium Easy9+ range in order to meet the needs of every household and electrician. It incorporates

flexibility, simple installation and ample cable space to easily connect multiple devices and provide peace of mind when it comes to regulatory compliance.

se.com/uk/easy9

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COVER STORY

HAMILTON’S CUSTOM APPROACH, FIT FOR A KING! When it comes to custom-made decorative wiring accessories, there are few as well versed or as well equipped to respond as Hamilton Litestat. The company’s Bristol-based factory and hands-on approach to the provision of electrical wiring solutions is unrivalled. Working from the most specifically detailed (or even particularly vague) of briefs, every custom project begins with the same objective – taking all the problems and headaches of sometimes complex problem-solving out of the hands of the electrical contractor.

uilt in 1511 as a luxury country retreat by Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham, Thornbury Castle Hotel has a rich and illustrious past. Playing host to royal guests including Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, who honeymooned there in 1535, the King later took possession and it remained part of the Crown Estate until 1554, when it returned to the ownership of the Stafford family. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1966, and now a Grade 1 listed building, it remains

the only Tudor castle operating as a hotel and restaurant. Fast forward to the 21st Century and this stunning architectural feat, complete with all its Tudor foibles – fiercely protected by Historic England – was now overdue a little modernisation, especially to the electrical services. With a strong pedigree of large prestigious hotel projects, together with an expertly choreographed custom-made service, British electrical solutions provider Hamilton Litestat was the natural wiring accessories supplier of choice. Drawing on its technical and practical expertise and extensive range of standard plates, control

“I’ve worked with Hamilton numerous times and have always been impressed with the quality of work they bring to a project. Knowing Hamilton’s ability, and I must say willingness to take on a brief for short run custommade plates, sets them apart from other companies. A British manufacturer working on a very British project, it couldn’t have been a better fit – the dependable and trusted partner you need when working to such exacting standards” Tony Long, Project Manager, Electrio Limited

12 | July 2022

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systems and aesthetics, Hamilton expertly steer decision-making on plate style, finish, functionality and configuration for each and every custom plate. Nevertheless, as anyone familiar with projects involving listed buildings will appreciate, this particular job threw up numerous challenges that forced both the design and installation teams to think outside the box.

The solution starts with bespoke design Whether working from sketches, discussions with interior designers or technical drawings, Hamilton’s custom-made process starts in the same place – taking all the stress out of the contractors’ hands and ridding you of the headache. In this case, working from architects’ drawings, Hamilton’s design team worked closely with the project’s architect to decide on the design, finish, configuration and functionality of the plates.

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COVER STORY

From here, the design team produced CAD drawings of each plate, which, once approved, formed the template for the production of a golden sample plate; a perfect one-off sample for approval and final sign off by all major decision-makers. Then it was on to Hamilton’s Bristol-based factory for manufacture – where the production line is perfectly geared towards short runs of bespoke designs.

A design solution fit for a Tudor King, while meeting 21st Century technical expectations When it came to making aesthetic decisions, Antique Brass finished wiring accessories were the natural choice – taking inspiration from the 24-carat gilding, gold-finished tapestries, carpets and Tudor-styled soft furnishings throughout the castle – with the exception of the bathrooms, where Bright Chrome compliments the polished chrome tapware. Finalising functionality was also a no-brainer. The provision of lighting controls for the room chandelier, table and bedside lamps within easy reach of the sumptuous bed, as well as switched sockets with USB charging points by the desk, are services that most guests would take for granted. However, for projects such as this, the installation required a little more head-scratching by Hamilton’s design team, who worked closely with architect, Childs Sulzmann, and electrical contractor, Electrio Limited, to meet the expectations and requirements of both the client and Heritage England.

A sensitive approach

The team worked sympathetically to come up with creative solutions – using existing recesses to fit accessories within the timber skirting and leaving the 1500’s stonework untouched. In the bedchambers, Hamilton’s Sheer CFX plates, custom-made with a 3-Gang Toggle Switch were selected to compliment the Tudor aesthetic and provide the desired bed-side lighting control. Etched labelling of each switch makes identification easy for guests, while the plate, which sits almost flush to the wall with concealed fixings also features a single plug socket and USB charging port to meet contemporary expectations.

Secrets cleverly concealed

Off with your head

In a few of the bedchambers however, the bedhead sits against a stone wall, making installation without compromising the stonework impossible. So, the plates were affixed to stained oak panels that were fastened directly to the bedhead to ensure conservation requirements were met. And where fitting new accessories into original skirting boards, the original recess was used wherever possible. A second multi-functional custom plate from the Sheer CFX range, comprising a double switched socket, dual 2.1A/1A USB charging points and RJ45 CAT6 outlet for internet access was installed in the desk area of each bedchamber, providing everything a guest would need to use their electronic devices.

Internet access was installed in the desk area of each bedchamber

When installing new accessories to original skirting board, the old recess was used wherever possible

In the larger bedchambers and deluxe suites an occasional table with decorative lamp is positioned centrally in the space. Here, a power socket positioned within the stone wall with cables running across the floor would both compromise conservation efforts and prove unsightly and a trip hazard. Sheer floor power sockets with a protective cover plate, again finished in Antique Brass, provided the ideal, discrete solution. Atmospheric lighting control was achieved with the inclusion of Casambi Wireless Control modules fitted within the custom-made back box of each wiring accessory. This enabled the gradual dimming of the lights to aid scene setting: in the guest’s room upon entry and in areas such as the hotel lobby and lounge. With sustainability a pre-requisite – even in a Tudor castle, the Casambi modules provided a master control switch ensuring all room lights are automatically switched off as guests leave.

A close shave

Each suite features a palatial bathroom with either an ornate slipper bath, a walk-through wet room style shower, or both. A Hartland shaver socket finished in bright chrome with black inserts was installed to complement the bathroom’s polished chrome tapware, delivering a feel of luxury-meets-stately-opulence. Standard plates finished in Antique Brass from Hamilton’s Hartland Collection were also utilised for more general services.

“Manufacturing short-run custom-made items is not suited to everyone, especially when expectations are so high, but Hamilton were able to take our working drawings and supply prototypes of the bespoke plates for us to approve quickly. We look forward to working with them again on future projects” Mike Cox, Childs Sulzmann Architects

Hamilton Litestat, hamilton-litestat.com

Custom-M de

PAINTABLES POWDER COATING SERVICE

When you need something a little different..a special! Bespoke design and manufacturing service – custom-made plates to order • Mix and match: switches, sockets, media plates and euro fix • Any size, style, finish, and any colour • Laser etching and printing services • Sample prototype service available • Low volume orders, short lead times

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+44 (0)1747 860088 Scan for more information, or contact your local wholesaler

July 2022 | 13

27/06/2022 12:02

CONTRACT NEWS TRYKA PERFORMS PERFECTLY AT SWANSEA ARENA The striking Swansea Arena is a brand-new £135m music and theatre venue, operated by Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG). Set to attract some of the world’s most famous music acts and much-loved theatre productions, the 3,500 capacity indoor arena will no doubt become a popular entertainment venue in the city. The stunning LED façade is particularly notable, making the venue instantly eye-catching and awe-inspiring. To achieve this, 97,000 LumiNode Pixel LED’s, from LED specialist Tryka, have been used on the façade. The LumiNode Pixel LED is a full-colour, 16-bit, RGBW solution, guaranteeing smooth dimming and optimising colour output for the most vivid image and video playback. For the Swansea Arena, the LumiNode has been made-to-measure to suit the specific needs of the project, with pixel pitches ranging from 110mm through to 435mm, whilst the custom-moulded body is designed to suit a 30mm aperture for a panelised installation, allowing ease of installation as well as any future maintenance or system upgrades. When partnered with Artnet DMX to SPI control protocol, LumiNode allows complete control for decorative and architectural lighting, and if required; full image and video playback effects. This makes it perfect for architectural, entertainment, advertorial applications, or more lighting effects.

For Swansea Arena, the bespoke LumiNode luminaire arrangement is powered by 12V Meanwell HLG power supplies and ARTNET control interfaces. They are housed in a custom-built, weatherproof enclosure, by Tryka.

Other elements of the control system are from controls expert Pharos. This includes the Pharos VLC 1000+ for the façade, and the Pharos LPC and RIO D for landscape controls. Tryka, tryka.com

J S WRIGHT SECURES £9.5M-PLUS SECOND PHASE OF AYLESBURY ESTATE REGENERATION

ROOF INVESTS IN MAJOR MARKS & SPENCER SOLAR ROOFTOP SYSTEM

J S Wright has been awarded a second phase of work valued at more than £9.5 million for London’s largest estate regeneration. The company will provide the mechanical services for 352 new apartments on the First Development Site of the Aylesbury Estate in Walworth. J S Wright is already close to completing the 229 apartments in the first phase (Phase A) of the FDS, which will comprise of 800 homes and form part of a regeneration process that will eventually deliver 3,500 homes. The first two phases (Phases A and B) of exclusively social housing are being delivered in partnership with award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, housing developer Notting Hill Genesis and Southwark Council. J S Wright will design and build an energy centre with gas-fired combined heat and power units and

gas-fired boilers that will feed heat interface units in each apartment to deliver instant hot water on demand and heating to radiators at low return temperatures. The contract will also involve installing a cold water plantroom and distribution network to deliver boosted cold water and residential sprinklers to all apartments. In addition, the Phase B work will include fitting mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, wet and dry risers, sanitary ware, internal rainwater, and above-ground drainage systems. Also within the commission is a building management control system that includes a pre-payment billing system for each apartment’s energy use. J S Wright is beginning work now on Phase B, with the contracted work due for completion in December 2023. J S Wright, jswright.co.uk

Atrato Onsite Energy (ROOF) has invested £6.6m into a large rooftop solar system situated atop a major Marks & Spencer (M&S) warehouse. At the time of installation in 2015, this was the biggest rooftop solar system in the UK. The installation at the 900,000 square foot M&S logistics warehouse in Leicestershire has more than 24,000 solar panels, capable of powering the facility with up to 6.1 megawatts of green energy. For M&S, the rooftop solar panel system provides long-term, fixed price electricity at a significant discount to the price of electricity purchased from the grid. The system was designed to generate enough energy to make the fully automated distribution centre – which is large enough to house 11 football pitches – close to self-sufficient during daylight hours. The project, which has been operational since 2015, generates circa 5GWh of clean energy per year – enough to power 1,190 houses, saving around 1,200 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions a year. The renewable energy generated on the site is fully traceable, measurable and reportable, providing M&S with demonstrable evidence of its progress towards meeting its 2040 net zero commitment. ROOF, atratoroof.com

14 | July 2022

Contract News.indd 14

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27/06/2022 12:03

CONTRACT NEWS LIGHTING OXFORD’S FIRST NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL IN 60 YEARS After 60 years, residents in Oxford were delighted to welcome a brand-new secondary school – The Swan School – to ease some of the strain on the town’s educational resources. Recent studies have shown that many classrooms have poor acoustics because of material selection. As a result, children cannot make out what is being communicated in class, and teachers suffer from voice strain. The Zumtobel Group lighting brands, Thorn and Zumtobel, worked with LJJ Mechanical & Electrical Contractors to create a suitable lighting solution to address these important issues. Thorn’s acoustic Arena Symphony LED raft luminaires have been integrated into the classroom’s concrete ceilings, helping to avoid all acoustic related issues, and creating an optimum learning environment. Thorn’s innovative Arena Symphony luminaire was the ideal solution. Its sound-absorbing features minimise sound reverberation in classrooms, and it is fully compliant with BB93. The linear raft luminaire offers a choice of infills; the system’s length has been specially adapted to match each classroom’s layout.

In addition to the Arena Symphony luminaires, the brands delivered a complete educational lighting solution with Zumtobel’s ONDARIA wide area circular luminaires and MIREL recessed and surface luminaires in the circulation areas and classrooms and CRAFT high bay luminaires in the sports hall.

Outdoor learning also featured heavily in the plans – Thorn’s R2L2 road lanterns and Orus low level mounting luminaires illuminate the car parks, and Urba Deco provides decorative pathway lighting. Zumtobel Group, zumtobel.com

EAST MIDLANDS UK LOGISTICS CENTRE A major logistics centre based near the UK’s East Midlands Airport needed an efficient video surveillance system to monitor its operations, specifically an automated part of its warehouse that operates 24/7 to fulfil orders. The logistics company handles packages for contract customers including major retailers and is subject to strict service level agreements, so any downtime in its operations may incur significant penalties, damage its reputation, and impact customer loyalty in a competitive industry. The automated picking area handles approximately 90 parcels a minute and operates 24/7 so the cameras and video management system (VMS) selected needed to be reliable and easily supported remotely. The cameras also needed to be high definition, and highly accurate, due to the speed of the processing in the picking area. As a result, the logistics company turned to Zicam and Hanwha Techwin, as previous projects gave the team confidence in Hanwha Techwin’s reliability and ease of use. Zicam and Hanwha Techwin implemented a standalone system for the picking area to give a comprehensive overview of any issues occurring on-site, such as a conveyor belt jamming, equipment failure, or parcels falling from the belt. Quick responses are critical with a fast-moving conveyor system, so the cameras used, coupled with the Wisenet WAVE VMS, enable the company’s 24-hour engineering team to take quick action. This keeps downtime and parcel build-up to a minimum and maintains the productivity of the site. The site uses Wisenet QND-8080R cameras, chosen for their wide field of view and high resolution. The dome cameras feature motorised varifocal lenses that allow operators to scan the area and zoom in on parts of the conveyor system that are prone to blockages. Hanwha Techwin, hanwha-security.eu

BALFOUR BEATTY AWARDED LONDON UNDERGROUND CONTRACT Balfour Beatty has announced that it has secured a c. £50 million contract to deliver essential upgrade works to London Underground’s Piccadilly line. The contract is the first of several packages to be let under the new ‘London Underground High Voltage (HV) Power framework’, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed to earlier this year. The framework will run for a period of six years, with a potential to extend by a further two years. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of new assets along the Piccadilly line to support the increase in Traction Power required to run the next generation of trains which will be introduced from 2025. On completion, the scheme will also support a 23% increase in capacity on the Piccadilly line at the busiest times, with new, longer trains scheduled every 135 seconds from 2027. Works will include the renewal and replacement of aging assets such as high voltage and low voltage switchboards along with new HV cables at several substations across the Piccadilly Line, including Cockfosters, Hyde Park Corner, Northfields, Sudbury Hill and Leicester Square. Completion of the work is expected in 2025. At construction peak, the company will employ approximately 80 people, with 10% of its workforce made up of apprentices and graduates. Balfour Beatty, balfourbeatty.com

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July 2022 | 15

27/06/2022 12:04

TRAINING

SINEWAVE ACADEMY LAUNCHED Sinewave has announced the launch of the Sinewave Academy. As a training provider, Sinewave Academy offers First Aid at Work Training, Mental Health First Aid Training and Technical Electrical Training to contractors and businesses within Swindon and the Southwest. The company aims to pass on its skills as experts in the industry. Sinewave Academy helps people at every level within the electrical engineering sector, from those who work in close proximity to but not on electrical equipment (such as support and administrative colleagues), to hands on engineers and those with aspirations to become managers or supervisors. The training courses can also help achieve competence in G99 testing. Courses vary from full day Mental Health Champion courses through to three phase, 10 module Leadership Training. Current courses available include Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Champion, Mental Health Awareness, Emergency First Aid At Work, Leadership Fundamentals, Basic Electrical Principles, Substation Access, and G99 testing. Sinewave, sinewave.co.uk

VIVA BPEC APPROVED FOR HEAT PUMP TRAINING Halifax-based Viva Training has enhanced its well-established heat pump courses by switching to BPEC’s industry-leading Heat Pump Systems programme, which includes superior course material to ensure learners gain the information they need in an engaging and easy to digest format. This BPEC heat pump qualification covers air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and an introduction to ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology, enabling experienced heating installers to develop their skills and knowledge, expand their services into the growing renewables sector and achieve Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation. Richard Firth, MD at Viva, says: “With heat pump installations growing year-on-year, stimulated by a variety of measures – including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), uplifts to Part L of the Building Regulations and market-based mechanisms, such as government plans to mandate boiler manufacturers to sell a specified number of heat pumps each year – there has never been a better time to upskill into this popular renewable technology. The heat pump systems training programme is designed for learners with existing qualifications and experience in the plumbing and heating sector who want to develop their skills. Because of the technical nature of this course, learners must hold a Level 2/3 plumbing or heating qualification as a minimum to meet the entry requirements of this training programme, including Water Regulations/Byelaws (WRAS or an equivalent). Alternatively, heating installers who can provide documentary evidence of three years’ experience installing wet central heating systems may also meet entry requirements.

JTL LAUNCHES FREE, BITE-SIZE COURSE ON EARTHING AND BONDING Work-based training provider, JTL, continues to support the changing needs of electricians with the launch of its latest, free bite-size digital course, An Introduction to Earthing and Bonding. The free course is offered as part of JTL’s Power Up series, a digital initiative which offers free advice and educational resources to individuals working within the building services engineering sector. Developed with the recent changes in earth bonding regulations in mind, the course helps electricians understand the role that earthing and bonding and earth fault loop impedance play in ensuring electrical safety. As part of this course, learners will be introduced to the different types of earthing conductors and their purpose, as well as how they can be sized accurately to ensure that electrical faults disconnect within the time allowed by the IET Wiring Regulations.

In addition to this, the course also explores the importance of the earth fault loop impedance path and how it differs for different earthing arrangements. Designed to take a minimum of 30 minutes to complete, the course has been produced to facilitate the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of its participants and boost workplace competency. Nadia Choudhury, Digital Product Manager at JTL, says: “As a training provider which prides itself on the technical support it offers to industry professionals, we’re deeply invested in keeping our learners up to date on the latest sector developments. We’re delighted to now be able to add this new course on earthing and bonding to our already extensive selection of bite-size modules.” JTL, jtltraining.com

Viva Training, vivatraining.co.uk

16 | July 2022

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29/06/2022 12:54

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21/06/2022 16:21

KEY ISSUE

MATERIALS SHORTAGE: ANTICIPATING BUMPS IN THE ROAD AHEAD ECA’s Director of Legal and Business, Rob Driscoll, explains why continued planning for restricted supplies and rising prices should be the new normal for contractors.

he UK construction industry has faced a very challenging past two years, but has proved itself to be highly resilient. However, the ECA says that we must prepare ourselves for even more bumps in the road. On the positive side – at least to some extent – we have some idea of what might lie ahead. In 2020, Brexit caused supply delays for the UK, which were quickly compounded by the global pandemic that resulted in a virtual shut-down of the global logistics industry. More recently, as the world looked to regain a semblance of normality, freight was displaced and China’s industries changed gear, creating huge regional demand for raw materials that drew supplies away from other markets. Further delays in the Suez Canal and other ports compounded these problems and made it easy to see just how fragile the interconnections of our world can be – and how their interruption can leave us with shortages and rising materials prices. Further economic shock came earlier this year when Russia invaded Ukraine. In these deeply troubling times, the ECA says that its thoughts are first and foremost with the Ukrainian people. If we consider the further supply chain disruption caused by this sad turn of events, the economic landscape for construction contractors looks even tougher to navigate.

Surging demand

Against this backdrop, demand in the construction industry has, perhaps surprisingly, returned to above pre-pandemic levels and ECA Members are reporting healthy order books. But this rising activity level hides peril for anyone caught out by ongoing materials shortages and rising prices. It is vital that contractors who are quoting work now continue to account for anticipated price inflation for materials and labour over the next year at least. Because although general inflation in the UK economy is around 5.5% (March 2022), that does not give a true reflection of what’s happening in our sector. A survey by the Electrical Distributor’s Association (EDA) at the end of 2021 showed that 80% of respondents saw inflation above 10% on materials. The other 20% mentioned material cost inflation of between 5% and 10%.

18 | July 2022

Key Issue – ECA.indd 18

It is vital that contractors who are quoting work now continue to account for anticipated price inflation for materials and labour

Don’t forget UKCA

Yet another factor to take into consideration is the introduction of the UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) certification which will be required on electrical products from January 2023. Manufacturers have already noted that testing their products to comply with the new certification will take time. If UKCA marking rules proceed, then as 2023 approaches we can expect even more constrained product supplies and delays. The industry has had extra time to prepare for the UKCA introduction, since it was delayed by government for a year. It seems unlikely that further delays will be offered though, so contractors must be prepared. For any work that is due to start several months in the future and last for many months, basing a quote on today’s prices is almost certain to lead to squeezed profits, or even losses. This means planning ahead is crucial. The worst approach would be to win work now, only to find that you have bought problems for your business next year because your pricing was a year and a half off-pace.

Communication is key

ECA works within the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to raise awareness of these major issues. As a result of its joint work, the governments of Wales and Northern Ireland have already

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issued guidance advising public sector procurers to share the risk on delays and price volatility. The association says that it would advise that if contractors are to survive, they take the same proactive approach with all their clients. In principle, there are already mechanisms in most standard contracts linking materials to inflation. This means that, unlike trying to accommodate the contractual impact of COVID-19, the industry has some precedent (dating back to the 1970s/80s economic turbulence) for future price changes that could apply here. The critical message is that good client communication is key, so talk to your clients about what’s coming and work together. Some clients are already working with contractors to identify materials at high risk of price rises and agreeing to pay the price at the date of procurement. Whatever the solution, make sure you are considering materials cost inflation in our sector, not just the general economy. Although the issues we face in the 2020s are daunting, the overall picture is an industry that is better prepared for challenges than ever. Some of the major difficulties can anticipated, and their impacts are understood. Knowing the problems in advance and planning accordingly will reduce their impact on your business. ECA, eca.co.uk

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27/06/2022 12:07

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29/06/2022 14:28

PROJECT FOCUS

NATIONAL VENTILATION DESIGNS AND SUPPLIES VENTILATION TO LONDON LANDMARK National Ventilation has designed and supplied a ventilation system for the Golden Hinde, a full-size reconstruction of the English galleon captained by Sir Francis Drake on his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577-1580. The ship is undergoing a major refit utilising traditional materials and methods, and modern ventilation was installed to control humidity levels and provide a safe, healthy environment for the visiting public.

20 | July 2022

Project Focus – National Ventilation.indd 20

Toby Millinder

Ventilation design was crucial to this unique project

Toby Millinder

entilation design was crucial to this unique project and so National Ventilation’s design team worked closely with the Golden Hinde’s Lead Shipwright, Toby Millinder. Combining National Ventilation’s expertise in ventilation with Toby’s in-depth knowledge of the ship ensured an effective, practical ventilation system that would achieve a good level of ventilation. “We tried to specify as much kit as would fit in the small spaces of the ship to achieve the required air changes and, in the end, the design exceeded the expected air changes by 25%”, explains Andy Bills, National Ventilation’s Specification Manager, South East Region. Currently docked on the south bank of the Thames in London, the full-sized, still sailable reconstruction was launched in 1973. The refit was needed as the ship had rotting timber and needed to be restored to protect its longevity. With the ventilation design, National Ventilation specified heat recovery ventilation. However, due to space restrictions, it was necessary to specify two Monsoon HRU/ECO150EC mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. National Ventilation commissioned and balanced the system, making it safe for the public. Two inline heaters were also part of the specification, with National Ventilation supplying one heater for each MVHR unit, to provide comfort heating for visitors to the ship. National Ventilation’s design service went the extra mile for this unique project. Ductwork is generally run in straight lines – but a ship is not straight, it is curved. Therefore, a ductwork solution was needed that was small in size and could

accommodate the necessary bends on the ship. Monsoon radial ducting was specified. Radial ducting was the perfect solution as it can accommodate all the bends and it can be pulled through spaces without tearing. The 75mm radial ducting runs between the ceiling planking (the inner planking on the inside of the hull) and the hull planking, so all the ductwork is hidden. The fact that it is also antimicrobial was an added bonus. Outlets for the ventilation grilles would not have fitted with the aesthetics of the ship. Therefore, to allow the outlets to fit with the ship, eight holes of 70mm were made each side of the ship as air outlets. These holes resemble scuppers, where water escapes from the deck, so fitted with the overall aesthetics of the ship. The Monsoon HRU-ECO range provides superior air comfort levels whilst minimising heat wastage. Heat that would normally be expelled outside is recovered and transferred to fresh air being drawn inside, which the system then distributes throughout. In this way the Monsoon HRU-ECO system conserves energy and can significantly reduce space heating bills. By removing stale, polluted indoor air it also helps control condensation

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levels and odours, resulting in improved indoor air quality and so a healthier and more comfortable environment. The Monsoon HRU/ECO150EC MVHR unit runs continuously at low speed, only boosting to high speed when required. Installation is simplified thanks to the unit’s multi spigot arrangement and there is the option to include an in-duct humidistat to automatically boost the units to high speed, further reducing installation time as well as cost. The Monsoon radial ducting system is 60% quicker to install than traditional ducting thanks to the unique click system which removes any need for sealant and tape, simplifying and speeding up the installation process. Radial ducting assists in the reduction of noise transfer between rooms, which is often a problem with traditional ducting. The flexibility of the ducting also allows for unforeseen circumstances during installation and its smaller diameter means it is crush resistant and sturdier than alternatives. Its round shape simplifies cleaning of the system and clean, healthy air is guaranteed as it is anti-static and antibacterial.

National Ventilation’s design service went the extra mile for this unique project

National Ventilation, nationalventilation.co.uk

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27/06/2022 12:08

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INTERVIEW

MAKING MOVES WITH MEGAMAN Carly Wills talks to Micaela Abbott, Megaman’s National Sales Manager about her career and the company’s recent fixture range launch. CW: Tell us about yourself and how you got into the sector MA: I started my career straight from school as a sales junior with a local manufacturer, Rewires Devon Limited (RDL). I really enjoyed my time there and quickly progressed to sales administrator and then sales office manager, which got me noticed. From there I moved to Stearn, where I found myself being approached by a number of other manufacturers. In the end, I decided to take a leap into a completely different industry as sales development manager with Carlsberg and I was proud to be the company’s youngest ever recruit. The gruelling 20-week sales programme taught me lot about sales, but I eventually returned to my roots with a national electrical merchant before being headhunted by Megaman UK in 2007. CW: For those who may not know, can you give us an overview of Megaman and what it does? MA: Megaman emerged onto the UK market in 1994 as the first manufacturer to launch the classic and candle-shaped compact fluorescent lamps. We have been constantly adapting ever since as the challenges of the lighting sector have changed, along with the legislation. In recent years, we have established ourselves a fixtures manufacturer, not just an expert in lamps, which had always been our bread and butter. We are constantly seeking to improve on our standard fixture products and make life easier for both our stockists and our

installers. Recently, we launched two new range of fixtures – Essentials and Performa. A cost-effective selection of staple products, including the BERTO backlit LED panel and GARRON LED indoor batten, the Essentials range is designed to be always on hand in the back of the van. Providing reliability over innovation, it’s there for the day-to-day, delivering both in terms of cost and results. Performa, on the other hand, is designed to provide a high performance, added value selection of the same key products - ensuring we can deliver for any installation requirement. CW: Tell us about your current role. What are you responsible for? MA: As National Sales Manager, my goal is to develop relationships with our customers at a national level, as well as heading our team of regional business development managers and supporting them with whatever they need. Having started my career with Megaman as a BDM myself, I can understand what is happening at the sharp end and keep my finger on the pulse of the needs of our wholesale partners. This is incredibly helpful for when I am communicating with those same customers’ senior management teams on a national level and vice-versa. As such, I can ensure the needs of the two levels – which often differ – are being met. CW: How has COVID-19 affected the industry? MA: COVID-19 did require us to regroup the industry and as individual businesses, reconsider our offering, innovate and adapt. For us, that has been in terms of how we function as a team internally and also how we interact with the marketplace. On an installer level, we have taken a step back to look at our fixture offering and launched a number of products, all developed with the intention of making life easier for the installer – whether that’s in terms of ease of installation or adaptability – as well as allaying the concerns of our wholesalers. As construction booms post pandemic, sales have been buoyant and we have had a successful year so far. I recently attended the ANEW (Associated National Electrical Wholesalers) Overseas Conference in Portugal and was pleased to see so many people in attendance and a really positive atmosphere – the industry is certainly back and better than ever. CW: Aside from COVID-19, what have been the biggest changes across the industry in recent times? What will be the biggest changes in the future?

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MA: Development in terms of smart systems and the IoT is certainly a challenge that will be on going for a long time, with adaptation and compatibility a constant concern of many manufacturers. At Megaman, we are currently working on an exciting new lighting product that will be compatible with the latest technologies, including Bluetooth, and allow for the creation of a sustainable smart space. Stay tuned for that launch later in the year. CW: What’s next for you and for Megaman? MA: We will continue to grow and develop our current product portfolio and have the imminent launch of several new products to our Performa range. As I touched on earlier, the Performa range combines quality materials and value-added features such as motion sensors, emergency compatibility, dual beam (DBT) and colour change technology (CCT). With this, alongside the Essentials range of day-to-day basic fixtures, we can provide a wide range of options for various indoor and outdoor lighting applications, whatever the budget or scope. Megaman, megamanuk.com

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28/06/2022 15:00

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23/06/2022 12:24

COMPETITION

WIN WITH MARSHALL-TUFFLEX! Leading cable management manufacturer, Marshall-Tufflex, is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a Makita DMR107 Site Radio in celebration of the company’s 80th anniversary.

ince 1942, Marshall-Tufflex has been at the forefront of plastic extrusion in the UK and has built a reputation for delivering high quality, durable cable management solutions that tradespeople can rely on across any job. The British based manufacturer has been behind some notable industry product launches. In 1976, the company transformed the re-wiring and refurbishment procedures of the time with the launch of its Mini Trunking range, and 30 years later introduced the Odyssey trunking, the only all-curved three compartment trunking profile. Most recently, the company launched the ‘Tufflex Tile’ that has been designed to take the hassle out of pattress installations with a ready to use solution that means electrical accessories are far easier to install into suspended ceilings. For over 25 years, the British based manufacturer has also refined its PVC-U production processes to incorporate the use of recycled content into its products, whilst retaining the high quality and durability that is synonymous with the brand.

May Competition The winner of the May Competition – a bundle of installer energy savers – was Kevin Osborne.

Closing date

For your chance to win, simply answer the following questions correctly. 1. I n what year was Marshall-Tufflex’s Mini Trunking launched? a) 1956 b) 1976 c) 2006

2. What year was Marshall-Tufflex founded? a) 1940 b) 1941 c) 1942

3. W hat is one of the main features of Marshall-Tufflex’s Odyssey Trunking? a) It has a curved profile b) It has a flat profile

All entries must be returned by 31 July 2022. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms. The name of the winner will be published in the September issue of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable.

To enter, please complete the form below 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: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com.

The answers to July’s competition are:

Contact Preferences Y ES, I would like to receive the ECN newsletter Y ES, I would like to subscribe to ECN magazine

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27/06/2022 12:10

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SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

TRANSITIONING TO ELECTRIFICATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR INSTALLERS Jordan Brompton, Co-Founder and CMO of myenergi, discusses the UK’s transition to electrification and the significant opportunity this presents for installers.

EV chargers are quickly becoming a must-have essential for every property

he UK’s transition to electrification is accelerating at pace. Indeed, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), total national registrations of electric vehicles (EVs) surpassed 470,000 in April[1]. Despite global supply challenges hampering the sales of new models, consumer demand has remained strong, with the sale of used EVs also reaching record rates (14,586 preowned vehicles changing hands in Q1 2022; more than twice as many compared to the same period in 2021[2]). The speed of EV uptake and ever-increasing public demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles is positive news, but experts remain concerned that our national charging infrastructure is struggling to keep up. While many drivers are coming around to the real-world viability of EVs, it seems as though we now have another challenge on our hands. If the EV car parc is going to grow in line with predictions, there is an urgent and pressing need to ensure that we have sufficient charge point capacity. The solution, in Jordan’s opinion, is simple. We need further investment in the development of charging networks that are robust and easy to use. More importantly still, we need to encourage EV owners to charge their vehicles at home – wherever possible – to free-up public chargers. This should be seen as a significant opportunity for electrical installers.

A growing opportunity

Historically, EV charge points never amounted to a vast percentage of the installer order book. While early adopters needed a solution to power their daily run-around, chargers sat in the same domain as other ancillary technology (such as alarm systems, CCTV and security solutions) – an area that an electrical installer might be asked to delve into from time to time, but definitely not a main contributor to workload. However, as more and more households have begun to ditch their dirty diesel for an energy-efficient alternative, EV chargers are quickly becoming a must-have essential for every property. What’s more, with legislation set to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, the opportunity is here to stay. Three key points are therefore important to consider. Firstly, is your business positioned to take advantage of the opportunity? Secondly, have you and your team undertaken the necessary training? Thirdly, with so many chargers flooding the market, are you aware of the best solutions available for your customers? To find out more about the training and qualifications required to install an EV charger, head over to the City & Guilds website. There, you’ll find a wide range of expert courses and further detail about how you can harness the opportunity presented by the UK’s transition to electrification. When it comes to understanding the charging options available, there’s a huge number of comparison tools online (such

myenergi online platform As part of continued efforts to seamlessly connect zappi customers with certified installers, myenergi has developed a helpful online platform. Created in partnership with EV Comply, the step-by-step solution connects new users with their closest myenergi-approved independent contractor. The platform aims to build a tight-knit family of approved installers to support the UK’s transition to electrification, further streamlines the purchase process and provides busy contractors with hassle-free sales leads. In time, myenergi will add a whole host of added-value features to the platform, including a generous rewards scheme for certified installers.

as Rightcharge). These free services compare the features and benefits of the market’s leading solutions – as well as the cost – making it simple to choose the right product for your customers. Becoming acquainted with the latest, and most advanced solutions, should be a priority. Myenergi is renowned for designing the world’s first eco-smart EV charger – zappi. Alongside offering standard charging modes, it can integrate with a customer’s solar panels or wind generation to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of charging at home. With a whole host of carefully designed features to give customers complete control of their charging experience, it can be paired with the myenergi app to utilise economy tariffs, offer boost functionality and provide real-time monitoring data. zappi has been designed with simplicity in mind, making it one of the easiest devices on the market to install. Indeed, wireless connectivity means fishing long CT cables can become a thing of the past, while PEN fault protection means the install doesn’t require an earth rod – no digging up driveways, better aesthetics and quicker installations all round! With the transition to electrification showing no sign of slowing, and more than 30 million drivers set to make the EV switch, the opportunity for contractors is significant. For those who act fast to take advantage of the market, home charger installations will quickly fill up the order book. myenergi, myenergi.com

https://www.zap-map.com/april-pure-electric-car-sales-increase/

[1]

https://news.sky.com/story/electric-cars-sales-of-used-pure-vehiclesreach-record-high-12609686

[2]

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EV Charging – myenergi.indd 26

electricalcontractingnews.com

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27/06/2022 12:11

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29/06/2022 10:21

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

A PROWIRED PERSPECTIVE ON THE EV CHARGING INDUSTRY Having installed many charge points over the years, Prowired has found that as it continues to grow as a business, and with demand for projects in all other areas accelerating exponentially this year, the company has also seen a substantial increase in interest in vehicle charge points.

With copper and metal prices fluctuating daily, it has been vital to the company’s clients that it has been able build a team dedicated to cutting costs without sacrificing quality. Maintaining good relationships with its suppliers and ensuring it consistently utilises its buying power to its full potential is a win for all parties involved in the process of charge point installation.

rowired says that this, coupled with the latest requirement for new build properties to have an EV charger installed during construction, has driven the company to make changes to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction throughout the process. The company decided it was worth getting together to figure out what issues it may be experiencing and what could be done as a team to ensure its client base is encouraged to remain interested in EV charging alongside renewable energy, whilst ensuring they maintain receipt of the best possible product at the best possible value. With demand for electric vehicles being greater than the abundance of materials required to build them – which in turn is inflating costs – remaining committed to the roll out of renewable and clean energy is of high importance throughout Prowired’s ethic. The company says it believes that electric vehicles are the future, and simply being a small part of the bigger picture gives great satisfaction when designing and installing these products.

Products

Prowired has seen huge progress made by its preferred EV charge point manufacturers in recent years, with the advent of O-PEN technology from Rolec eliminating the need for costly and intrusive earth rod installation in most instances. Also, advances in compatibility with battery storage and solar PV installations from Zappi and even EV Ultra cable from Doncaster Cables have proven to reduce the cost of installation during this time of economic uncertainty. All of these advances have a huge impact on affordability and efficacy when it comes to design centred around ensuring the client maximises the full potential of any installation. Keeping an eye on new products entering the market and training on how to implement them on site is key to the success of the EV charger rollout across the UK and beyond. Prowired, prowired.co.uk Prowired believes that electric vehicles are the future

Remaining competitive has, of course, been no easy task, given the recent price increases in construction materials in amongst a cost-of-living crisis impacting much of the UK at this time. However, this also illustrates the importance of going the extra mile to combat these rising costs and to create and maintain relationships with the wholesalers and preferred manufacturers.

Prices

Prowired has seen huge progress made by its preferred EV charge point manufacturers in recent years

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EV Charging – Prowired.indd 28

After seeing costs of materials increasing by as much as 50% on some products since the beginning of the year, Prowired has had to remain focused as a company to ensure it is sourcing the right products and quantities for each individual project. Gone are the days of overestimating cables and parts just in case you run into issues – the only way to survive as a business in the current market is a meticulously planned and run project, treating all with equal respect.

electricalcontractingnews.com

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27/06/2022 12:12

Take our online course on installation requirements for EV charging

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27/06/2022 14:25

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

WHY LOW VOLTAGE ASSEMBLIES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR EV CHARGING As societies move towards their 2050 carbon neutral goals, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming increasingly important, writes Tom Mennell, General Manager of Low Voltage Distribution, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland.

his increasing importance is due to their low carbon footprint, which will help to address climate change. In fact, according to research by Schneider Electric, 68.5% of business leaders in the UK and Ireland believe we will hit the milestone of 60% of global car sales being electric from 2030 on the road to net zero. To make EVs the viable solution, it is integral we have the infrastructure in place so that consumers are incentivised to make the switch to electric. With this is the need to install EV chargers in vast quantities. In some instances, these will be low power chargers in domestic properties, but others will be in hubs in public places with a wide range of capacities. Low voltage assemblies are essential to control and protect the supplies to chargers in hubs. As most charging hubs will be located in open spaces, outdoor low voltage assemblies offer significantly more benefits than indoor assemblies in small buildings or fibreglass housings. The space required is reduced, often enabling the assembly to be closer to the chargers. In addition, installation time is reduced as the assembly is delivered as a single unit, and the initial and lifetime costs are much less. The electric vehicle charging application is more demanding than most low voltage assemblies. This is because all circuits need to be fully and continuously loaded simultaneously, and in some instances, the assembly may be managed to full load for long periods. This article explores the specific needs of outdoor low voltage assemblies for electric vehicle charging installations.

Choosing an outdoor low voltage assembly

With the move towards a carbon neutral society, there is considerable pressure to migrate transport away from fossil fuels to greener energy sources. Electric vehicles will play a significant role in this transition in the immediate future. Many vehicles will ordinarily be charged at home from the domestic electricity supply. Other vehicles will be charged in hubs where charging can take place over several hours or in service stations. A highpower fast-charging solution is essential for electric vehicles to win drivers’ confidence and replace combustion engine vehicles. Outdoor low voltage assemblies offer several advantages over an indoor assembly in a building. The most significant advantage is that less space is required

30 | July 2022

EV Charging – Schneider.indd 30

outside, and it is easier to locate the assembly when it is closer to the point of distribution. Additionally, the installation time is significantly reduced as the assembly is usually supplied as a single complete unit; this means there is no requirement for separate buildings to be created and equipped with the basic service for charging.

Outdoor low voltage assemblies offer significantly more benefits than indoor assemblies in small buildings or fibreglass housings

Safety comes first

Charging an electric vehicle requires connection to a powerful electricity supply, even though the vehicle is situated in an outdoor environment, during a rainy period, and used by persons not aware of the risks of electricity. Electrical safety is paramount to avoid short-circuits, overheating, or electric shocks. This is why a key consideration when installing outdoor assemblies is that they must conform to BS 7671 and IEC 61851 industry and product standards for electric vehicle charging equipment in both the UK and Ireland. As low voltage assemblies for electric vehicle charging supplies are often located in areas accessible to the public, additional safety features are necessary compared with other applications where access can be more restricted. In addition, providers of charging facilities that operate over a large number of sites are increasingly appreciating the cost of downtime and loss of service to customers when charging facilities are not available. Many are now opting for fully remotely monitored services and remotely operated low voltage assemblies. These incentivise the reason for the loss of supply to be diagnosed remotely, and when it is safe to do so, supplies to be restored remotely.

electricalcontractingnews.com

Future-proofing low voltage assemblies

The anticipated life of an electrical installation and that of an electric vehicle charger are very different. This makes it vital that any low voltage assemblies forming part of the installation be very flexible, changeable and upgradeable for them to be readily adapted to match the needs of new chargers and the number of chargers, as and when they may be installed. Looking to the future, the most likely changes to outdoor low voltage assemblies are number and rating of circuits, manual to automated operating, local to remote monitoring and control and planned predictive maintenance. Ideally, any new low voltage assembly that is future-proofed should be within the limits of the enclosure and be capable of being rearranged to accommodate a combination of outgoing circuit breakers. Changing the combination should take little time and be carried out without adapting the busbar and enclosure system. It should also incorporate circuit breakers with trip units that can be upgraded to enhance protection, monitoring and maintenance functions. Finally, it should include facilities that enable remote monitoring and control to be added or upgraded as applicable. Outdoor low voltage assemblies offer significant benefits in electricity distribution to car chargers. Of course, selecting the right design of low voltage assembly at the time of the initial purchase can significantly reduce downtime and costs as the needs of the installation evolve – a win-win situation. Schneider Electric, se.com

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27/06/2022 12:13

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0161 877 0322 25/05/2022 10:27

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

INTRODUCING EV CHARGING TO YOUR SME CLIENTS Sultana Rahman, Marketing Manager of Sevadis, discusses how the EV Infrastructure Grant can generate additional business for electrical contractors in their local area.

o ensure that all businesses and organisations are provided with fair opportunities in installing electric vehicle charging points at their premises, the Government has introduced the EV Infrastructure Grant which enables SMEs to take advantage of up to £15,000 grant funding per property (maximum of five properties permitted). This grant funding model not only provides businesses with grants to cover the installation of EV charging points, but also grant funding towards the infrastructure works. What’s more, the grant also allows businesses to claim funding for the infrastructure works to future-proof their location for a later date.

The installation of electric vehicle charging points is quickly becoming a priority for most

The EV Infrastructure Grant simplified: • The business must be registered with Companies House or VAT registered with HMRC. • Have no more than 249 employees. • Businesses can claim up to five grants for five separate properties they own, lease or rent. • Charging points can only be used by staff or fleet drivers. • The grant supports the provision of charging points and future charging point locations. • Each grant application can be up to a maximum of £15,000. If more charging points are required, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) can be used. • The charging points required for the grant must be on the Workplace Charging Scheme Approved Chargepoint Model. • Businesses can claim up to £500 for the charging infrastructure per parking space. • Businesses can claim up to £350 towards the purchase and installation of a charging socket. • The total amount of grant funding available cannot be more than 75% of the cost of the installation of the charging points and infrastructure charged to the customer.

“Towns and cities are collaborating with key stakeholders to combat climate change, encourage greener travel and address poor air quality”

new EV Infrastructure Grant, but demand is increasing as a result of the greater number of electric vehicles on the road; additional incentives and business owners who are simply thinking more sustainably. Because of this, small local businesses with designated parking spaces are beginning to introduce electric vehicle charging at their premises for their staff, encouraging employees to make the transition to an electric vehicle whilst generating employee satisfaction by providing the facilities to recharge whilst on-site. For installers, this specific grant funding model available to SMEs presents ample opportunities in their local areas, particularly as towns and cities are collaborating with key stakeholders to combat climate change, encourage greener

What does this mean for installers?

The introduction of the EV Infrastructure Grant generates greater demand for electric vehicle charging points as SMEs look to take advantage of the grant funding incentive to alleviate the upfront costs of EV chargepoint purchase and installation. Not only is demand increasing due to the

32 | July 2022

EV Charging – Sevadis.indd 32

The Government has introduced the EV Infrastructure Grant

electricalcontractingnews.com

travel and address poor air quality. This year, as well as many years to come, is going to be crucial for businesses and organisations of all sizes as they steer towards operating sustainably for the future of our planet. With sustainability now a corporate responsibility, the installation of electric vehicle charging points is quickly becoming a priority for most, in turn providing businesses and organisations with green credentials. With the EV Infrastructure Grant enabling SMEs to claim up to five grants (one grant claim per business location), electrical installers and contractors have the ability to expand their opportunities with businesses requiring EV chargepoint installations for multiple properties. Combined with the grant funding available for the infrastructure installations to prepare premises for future installations, the EV Infrastructure Grant not only provides immediate opportunities, but opportunities for future installations too. Also, with SMEs able to additionally claim the WCS (Workplace Charging Scheme) on top of the EV Infrastructure Grant, businesses can install more charging points at their premises, thus creating more installation projects for installers and contractors. Sevadis is working with SMEs across the UK to support them in their electrification journey with its comprehensive range of electric vehicle charging solutions. Become a Sevadis Approved Installer to assist the roll-out of the nation’s growing EV charging network. To become an approved installer, please contact Mark Smith: mark.s@sevadis.com. Sevadis, sevadis.com

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27/06/2022 12:13

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21/06/2022 16:18

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

BETTER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE KEY TO PERSUADING VAN OWNERS TO GO ELECTRIC New data shows many van drivers have ‘range anxiety’, but the key to tackling this isn’t more chargers – it’s better software, argues Aidan McClean, CEO and co-founder of UFODRIVE and author of ‘THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION: Myths & Truths about Electric Vehicles and Climate Disaster’.

s the world starts to transition away from internal combustion engines and towards electric vehicles (EVs), couriers, delivery fleets and individual traders are itching to make the move to electric vans. Yet while electric van uptake has doubled in the past year, the market is still around two years behind that of cars, causing the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to call for a ‘Van Plan’ by the UK Government to aid the transition. According to new research published by the SMMT, 57% of people who own or lease a van in the UK are worried that they wouldn’t be able to find a public charging point when they need it. Persuading van drivers to switch to zero emission vehicles is essential if Britain is to become net zero and meet its climate commitments. Vans directly support around one in 10 workers in Britain, particularly in sectors such as construction and industry, trades such as plumbers, and home delivery services which grew rapidly during the pandemic. With more than four million vans on the road, electrifying vans is an essential part of the UK’s climate action, substantially

34 | July 2022

EV Charging – UFODRIVE.indd 34

“Whether it’s setting an accurate and up-to-date route for your specific range, time frame and the types of chargers you might need, or accessing real-time data about which chargers are available and functioning; easy to use software and real-time data plays an essential role in simplifying access to charging infrastructure and easing the concerns of drivers. “This is where the latest software is essential to the ‘behind the scenes’ work at every depot, bay or headquarters. Fleet managers need to know that their charging schedule is optimised – balancing maximum charge for each vehicle, against each vehicle’s requirements, against the requirements of other vehicles that may have a busier schedule tomorrow and need that extra time charging. Furthermore, this all has to be balanced against long-term battery health – as fleet managers will want to know their batteries, and therefore the vehicle, will last. “With effective software, EVs can be as effective as combustion engine vehicles – but like charging your phone at night, it needs a proper routine and a new mindset for both managers and drivers. With this, EVs will not just be possible, they will also be cost-effective and practical.”

reducing carbon emissions, while also delivering cleaner air in cities. The reasons to switch are compelling – but so seems to be the ‘range anxiety’ which is holding these sectors, drivers and fleet managers back from transitioning. However, with a change in mindset, and a charger at home or at the company parking bay, finding a charger during the day-to-day travels isn’t a priority. What should be a concern, however, is the lack of effective fleet management software. This is truly the key to green courier and industry fleets. Aidan comments: “Range anxiety is a clearly an issue that needs tackling – in delivery fleets and individuals’ cars. The fear of being left immobile, stranded, and unable to charge your battery is a common and emotive one. However, this conversation is being had – and more chargers are being added all the time. “Of course, each new charger helps; we need far more and we need to see and access them along any given route – but the truth is that chargers will never be as convenient as a petrol pump, particularly for a courier with a busy schedule to keep. A more pressing issue in my mind is the lack of fleet management software that is truly effective. If we had this, needing to find a charger on the daily route would be an anomaly, like breaking down, and not the norm.

electricalcontractingnews.com

UFODRIVE, ufodrive.com

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27/06/2022 12:14

Does your EVSE kit help you test, or does it just test?

Metrel’s charging point test kit is exceptional! The adapter will simulate a vehicle using the charge point and will complete all the functional tests and load test the installation. Meanwhile, the multi-function tester will automatically do all the electrical safety tests, let you record and store the results. So you can issue the certificate without added hassle. Helping you move on to the next job without delay!

Find out how the Metrel range of EVSE kits can accelerate your business. CALL TODAY 01924 245000 or mail info@metrel.co.uk for more information.

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Twitter-@MetrelUkLtd Facebook - @MetrelUk Instagram- metrelukltd

23/08/2021 09:46

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

EVs: WHAT’S NEW AND IS IT TIME TO UPSKILL? In June, two important legislative changes occurred in the EV industry that will stimulate uptake and accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport industry. Griff Thomas from GTEC gives an overview of the changes and discusses the opportunities they create for those with electricians to upskill.

n 14 June 2022, the government announced the end of the plug-in car grant scheme to new applications. Purchase costs remain a barrier to uptake and the consequent backlash from consumers is to be expected. However, price is not the only problem for end-users. A recent survey revealed that 55% of EV drivers were concerned that charging infrastructure would not keep pace with EV adoption. Now is the right time to re-focus funding on some of the other challenges facing the sector, including building a strong and reliable mix of private and public charging infrastructure. The EV industry is constantly shifting as we edge towards 2030 – the year in which the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end. The introduction of two new pieces of legislation in June this year represents a first step towards meeting some tough challenges faced by the sector in the coming years.

New Approved Document S

The government announced back in November last year that it would bring in new legislation mandating the installation of EV charging points in new homes and non-residential buildings. As part of a large-scale update of the Building Regulations, the new Part S came into force on 15 June 2022 alongside new statutory guidance for housebuilders, property developers and EV charge point installers, Approved Document S, 2021 edition. The new regulations apply to: • New build homes • New build non-residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, such as supermarkets and workplaces • Buildings undergoing change of use • Buildings undergoing large scale renovations which result in 10 or more parking spaces. How many EV charge points do we have? The government says it has supported the installation of 250,000 EV charge points in homes and workplaces to date. In addition to this, there are over 30,000 public EV charging devices across the UK, almost 5,500 of which are rapid chargers. How many more EV charge points will be installed? An estimated 145,000 each year under the new regulations. After 2030, consumers will no longer be able to purchase new petrol and diesel vehicles, therefore this new legislation aims to ease the transition by ensuring as many homes, workplaces and ‘destinations’ – places

36 | July 2022

EV Charging – GTEC.indd 36

Electrical installers should consider the opportunities for training and career progression that this represents

like retail parks and supermarkets – as possible have EV charging facilities. Soon, EV charging will become the ‘norm’ and electrical installers should consider the opportunities for training and career progression that this represents.

Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021

“The government says it has supported the installation of 250,000 EV charge points in homes and workplaces to date”

The government has also introduced new regulations to ensure that EV charge points sold for domestic or workplace use have smart functionality and device-level requirements, including things like supplier interoperability, measuring systems to calculate data surrounding usage and ensure transparency, safety provisions and security requirements.

Why are these regulations important?

Demand on the grid is increasing due to the electrification of sectors such as transport and heating. At the same time, we have the additional challenge of a higher proportion of renewable energy entering the mix, which is less reliable and controllable than fossil fuels. The challenge of balancing supply and demand will only become more complex as we move further down the path to decarbonisation. We need to be clever about how we use energy generated from renewable sources, including for EV charging which could cause a surge on the grid if it is not properly managed. These regulations are designed to help even out spikes in demand, while enabling renewable energy to be allocated in a controlled way to keep carbon emissions to a minimum and prevent power outages.

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

Updates such as these help to accelerate progress and create jobs and opportunities for those with the right skills. Electrical installers could consider expanding into EV charge point installation to deliver the infrastructure required to meet our net zero targets. A Level 3 EV Charging course covers the installation of dedicated conductive charging equipment for the charging of pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric road vehicles (PHEV) and is ideal for those with existing electrical skills looking to expand their knowledge and services.

Integrated approach

Solar PV and battery storage will also make a major contribution to balancing supply and demand of electricity moving forward and are a great investment for EV drivers, creating a golden triangle of generation, storage and use that could see monthly costs reduced to a bare minimum. EVs themselves also make great storage devices following the development of bi-directional charging devices that allow power to move from EV to home as well as from home to EV. If you are interested in this new approach, you could consider a Level 3 Solar Photovoltaics Installer course and/or Level 3 Battery Storage training course. Electrical skills are in high demand across a wide variety of sectors, creating a wealth of business opportunities for those with qualifications and experience and an eye on the future. It’s exciting to be part of an industry that has such a promising future and a huge role to play in creating a more sustainable society. GTEC, gtec.co.uk

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27/06/2022 12:14

TUR I NG A E

EN P O E : T T A M P R O T E C TI

DISTRIBUTION UNITS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS

Proteus Switchgear have an extensive range of single and three phase EV distribution units for Home, Workplace and Public charging. Developed over many years, we have a standard offering incorporating loss of neutral protection as well as the patented matt:e O-PEN® protection for 3-phase applications. We understand the range of applications/industries needing to invest in EV chargepoints and have developed this range accordingly. However, we also appreciate in many instances, one size will not fit all.

PRE-FABRICATED SOLUTIONS Therefore, our bespoke service from our Midlands based manufacturing facilities can manufacture distribution units to your specific requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.PROTEUSSWITCHGEAR.CO.UK/PROTEUS-EV evsales@proteusswitchgear.co.uk

www.proteusswitchgear.co.uk

Installation Materials Division ...the name behind the brands

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27/06/2022 14:26

SPECIAL FEATURE

EV CHARGING

£100,000 FUNDING AWARDED TO SUPERCHARGE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AROUND DERBYSHIRE An online platform that will encourage EV usage and car sharing in Derbyshire has been awarded £100,000 funding from Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect.

ndependent research consultancy Cenex, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, has won the Midlands Connect’s rural mobility competition, receiving £100,000 of funding to develop its proposal for an online Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and car sharing platform. Once developed, the online platform will allow EV users across Derbyshire to ‘rent out’ their private chargepoints, giving motorists access to more chargers to power up their vehicles. The platform will also promote car sharing by providing opportunities for people to rent out their cars when they’re not using them, meaning that residents without their own private vehicle can get around more easily. The project will encourage sustainable travel and open up opportunities for EV ownership to groups who may not have benefitted from access to local charging points before, particularly households without off-street parking. The online platform will initially be targeted towards residents and local businesses, with hopes to expand to tourists in time. Cenex and Derbyshire County Council will now use the prize money of £100,000 to further develop, test and trial the platform. Following the trial phase, should it be successful, it can then seek funding from

38 | July 2022

EV Charging – Cenex.indd 38

either public or private sector sources for its widespread rollout. Midlands Connect’s future of rural mobility competition received submissions from businesses which were asked to present new ideas that could help solve the social, environmental, and economic issues caused by poor connectivity in rural areas. The winner was announced at Midlands Connect’s Rural Mobility Conference in Melton Mowbray. The conference included panels from competition winners and runners up, as well as the Department for Transport, senior politicians and transport experts. Midlands Connect CEO, Maria Machancoses, says, “Poor transport connectivity can be a challenge for rural communities, with residents often experiencing worse access to amenities and services such as schools, workplaces or hospitals. Our rural mobility competition was created to address these challenges and create innovative solutions that would enhance transport connectivity in isolated communities. “All our finalists for the rural mobility competition produced innovative solutions to tackle rural mobility – picking one winner was very challenging. We would like to congratulate our competition winner Cenex and look forward to seeing the idea developed in further detail.” Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex, adds, “Our digital mobility hub has the potential

electricalcontractingnews.com

to change the way Derbyshire residents think about transport. By giving people access to information on services such as car sharing we can improve transport connectivity and reduce harmful carbon emissions from road transport. “It also gives residents the chance to make some extra money through renting out their own vehicle – at a time when the cost of living is ever-increasing. This platform has the power to accelerate the transition to EVs by opening up access to more charging points locally, especially for people without a driveway who may otherwise find charging difficult.” Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, says, “The platform proposed by Cenex has the potential to change our residents’ lives – particularly those who do not have their own vehicle or share with other members of their household, as well as those considering switching to an electric vehicle. “Whether it’s a student going to college, an elderly person attending a medical appointment or someone just trying to get to work – this platform has the potential to do so much for Derbyshire residents and we are thankful for the opportunity given to us by Midlands Connect. We’re looking forward to developing the platform even further with Cenex until it is ready for roll-out.” Cenex, cenex.co.uk

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29/06/2022 11:56

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NEW RANGE OF DISTRIBUTION UNITS FOR EV CHARGERS LAUNCHED Proteus EV has recently launched a new range of distribution units for EV charges which incorporate the matt:e O-PEN protection device.

he O-PEN device can detect load imbalances under all conditions including open PEN on three phase PME infrastructures and safely isolates the incoming supply or electrical loads. This helps prevent the risk of electric shocks if dangerous touch voltages occur above 70V in line with BS 7671. Utilising the O-PEN technology on EV applications saves time and costs during installation, but, more importantly, offers a safer alternative to Earth electrodes. Proteus EV can offer this technology with its new range of distribution units available as standard in 100A and 200A incomers, in 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 outgoing ways (16 ways only available in 200A). Not only does this level of protection negate the need for costly and time-consuming ground works, when monitoring the PEN conductor and in the event of a fault, the five pole MCB will trip and automatically reclose once the fault has cleared. With the inclusion of this protection within the UK manufactured Proteus EV

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The O-PEN offering is complimented by a range of optional surge protection devices, MID meter kits, stand-alone O-PEN boards and modular boxes to house sockets or RCDs. In addition, being a British switchgear manufacturer, Proteus can offer a ‘make and manufacture’ service incorporating this latest matt:e O-PEN technology. Understanding EV charger installations can vary greatly from project to project, therefore the company can offer completely bespoke solutions to customer specification. Whether you have size restrictions on site, need to fit a concern feeder pillar, have other devices that need to be included in the enclosure or you want your devices pre-populated, contact Proteus’ experienced technical team with your enquiry.

O-PEN distribution boards the company can accommodate large numbers of charge points within one distribution board. This new offering ensures that your customers and installers can save both time and costs during their installation, by fitting one Proteus board as opposed to multiple boards. This will also reduce the space required for the switchgear side of the EV charger point install. This unique combination of over 30 years switchgear manufacturing from Proteus and the latest technology from matt:e provide a marketing leading product offering. By providing the protection within the switchgear you will reduce the risk of striking buried services during your installation.

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28/06/2022 15:01

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY supported by

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Fire, Safety & Security – Aico.indd 41

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27/06/2022 12:16

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

SMARTLINK GATEWAY AND HOMELINK DASHBOARD SAVE LIVES IN TIVERTON Mid Devon Council has undertaken a project to install Aico’s Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway and connected home technologies into all tower blocks within its housing stock to improve resident safety.

he Council aims to offer housing with more choice by developing new homes and improving existing homes and communities. There is a particular focus on affordable and social rent properties alongside a strong commitment to providing low carbon, accessible and adaptable homes. This means that they can support their most vulnerable residents to access and maintain quality housing which meets their needs, while helping their hamlets, villages, and towns to be sustainable in the longer term and contribute to the district’s prosperity and wellbeing. Aico has a long-standing relationship with Mid Devon Council, and the housing provider was keen to utilise Aico’s market

Steve Bulley, Aico RSM for South West and Mike Lowman, Repairs and Adaption Supervisor

leading technology for domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection and Internet of Things (IoT) platform – already a choice for many within the social housing sector. Regional Specification Manager for the South West, Steve Bulley, is an integral part of the relationship. A colleague of Mid Devon Council comments, “We appreciate our strong working relationship with Steve – he has a vast knowledge of this technology and always provides first class support.” Mid Devon Council quickly recognised the benefits of Aico’s connected home life safety solution, as it received an alert of high levels of CO within a property, via

the SmartLINK Gateway and HomeLINK Dashboard. This alert led to the quick identification of a faulty cooker and enabled the Council to ensure maximum safety for residents. In this scenario, the Gateway minimised the risk of the CO alarm event being mistaken as a false activation, which may have resulted in serious illness or fatal outcomes to the resident. The SmartLINK Gateway and associated HomeLINK Dashboard provide Mid Devon Council with real-time alerts of CO levels within their connected properties, resulting in a fast response, as seen with this property.

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CREATING SMARTER, SAFER HOMES Aico with HomeLINK offer a network of alarms and sensors to improve the health and safety of homes throughout the UK.

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FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

The alert provided by the SmartLINK Gateway ensured a prompt response by the Council, who proceeded to contact the residents to ensure their safety. An out of hours electrician attended the property, whilst the Council advised the residents on the necessary safety measures, for example; turning off the gas, ventilation, and evacuating the property. Throughout the incident, Mike Lowman, Repairs and Adaption Supervisor at Mid Devon Council was able to monitor the CO levels within the property via the HomeLINK Dashboard in real-time. The insights demonstrated that the medium levels of CO reduced to a low level once the safety measures were implemented. The CO eventually became undetectable, indicating that it was safe for the residents to re-enter the property. A faulty cooker was identified as the cause of the Carbon Monoxide, resulting in the appliance being condemned. Residents were warned not to use the appliance and advised on the symptoms for CO poisoning. Mike comments, “So, all in all, a fantastic result, the fact that this private flat had no Carbon Monoxide alarm prior to the installation of the new system just shows what a success it can be, as they would have surely suffered serious health problems, if not worse, if the alarm wasn’t present and a notification wasn’t sent via the Aico SmartLINK Gateway.” Steve adds, “I work very closely with Mid Devon Council, and they are always looking to offer the best experience for their tenants and the Aico SmartLINK Gateway is very much an extension of that philosophy. It’s fantastic to hear that by deploying this

SPECIAL FEATURE

Mid Devon Council quickly recognised the benefits of Aico’s connected home life safety solution

The SmartLINK Gateway has demonstrated important and positive outcomes in the Council’s properties

technology they saved many people from fatal injuries.” The SmartLINK Gateway has demonstrated important and positive outcomes in the Council’s properties. In the future, Mid Devon Council will be updating its procedures to further improve its response times to fire and CO related to incidents and resident safety. Alerts from the SmartLINK Gateway will notify a dedicated phone team during working hours and to a call centre when out of hours. The out of hours team will follow the scripts in place for both fire and CO activations to effectively assist residents in the event of an emergency. Aico, www.aico.co.uk

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05/05/2022 15:32:07 July 2022 |

27/06/2022 12:16

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

EMBRACING DIGITALISATION IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND SAFETY Greg Duncan, Group Health and Safety Director at the multi-discipline engineering solutions business, BGEN, highlights how digitalisation can help to improve health and safety in the electrical sector.

hile health and safety is a priority for progressive businesses in the electrical space, more work is needed as the industry works towards its ultimate target of zero harm. Despite best efforts in the construction industry (which include electricians), the rate of self-reported workplace non-fatal injuries were statistically significantly higher than the average rate across all industries. In fact, in the latest figures, there were 74,000 workers suffering from work-related ill health (new or long-standing) averaged over the three-year period 2018/19-2020/21. And sadly, there were 39 fatal injuries to workers in 2020/21 – falls from height being the number one cause.

With the need to leave no stone unturned in the mission to reduce injuries, companies can make great strides in further improving their health and safety record through embracing advancements in technology and digitalisation.

Prevention is better than cure

Training will be crucial if the benefits of this type of software can be realised

Construction sites are, by nature, a hazardous environment, so if you can remove people from sites, you eliminate the chance of injuries occurring in the first place. Technologies such as BIM360, Dalux, Matterport, Revizto and Unity – Visual Live create the opportunity for less people to be on site. Matterport for example, creates 3D walkthroughs and guides anyone immediately to a virtual site. Amongst other benefits, Matterport enables employees to perform remote inspections and measure while offsite. It reduces site visits by capturing all required data the first time.

Leveraging data

Like with many business processes, improvements can often only be made by understanding, monitoring, and reacting to data in real time. Health and safety software, such as EcoOnline, is now available, which can transform this practice. This software, for example, provides comprehensive reporting, recording and investigation of events (accidents, incidents, near miss, observations/hazard spot) and allows BGEN to effectively capture and analyse data to enable focussed and targeted health and safety improvements. It will allow BGEN to identify trends and target areas for improvement. Near miss and observation/hazard spotting will be viewed as a ‘leading indicator’ to encourage reporting and enable further development of an open and honest culture.

Developing a digital culture

Developing a digital culture to facilitate open and honest communication will not happen overnight. For example, BGEN is

currently in the build phase of transitioning its systems to EcoOnline. Once completed, the company will go into a testing phase when it introduces the system on to one of its larger projects. The system is very intuitive, but the testing phase will help BGEN to identify elements where the company needs to place focus to ensure it can be used effectively by its people. Training will be crucial if the benefits of this type of software can be realised. In addition to regularly scheduled calls and check-ins, BGEN will have superusers aligned to each part of its business to help with upskilling management. In terms of its blue-collar workforce and sub-contractors, the observation/hazard spotting element will be the only system open to them. This is easily accessed via a QR code and is quite simple to use. People will be able to quickly report health and safety concerns and incidents. BGEN will incentivise reporting of observations/hazard spots at a project level to encourage meaningful reporting and this will be publicised internally via a poster campaign and toolbox talks. One-to-one guidance and additional training will be provided as required as the company understands it has people at differing levels on the ‘digitally savvy’ spectrum.

The future

While the industry continues its journey to zero harm, advancements in technology are playing a key role in helping the electrical sector and wider construction industry to further improve its health and safety record and reduce the risks facing the workforce. This type of approach is being welcomed across the highly regulated industries that BGEN operates in such as nuclear, petrochemicals and pharmaceutical. In fact, blue-chip companies are using the data to merge with their own safety statistics, a move BGEN sees increasing in the times ahead as we all work towards a safer future. BGEN, b-gen.co.uk

THE CONNECTED HOME LIFE SAFETY SOLUTION The European Market Leader in Home Life Safety

CREATING SMARTER, SAFER HOMES Aico with HomeLINK offer a network of alarms and sensors to improve the health and safety of homes throughout the UK.

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27/06/2022 12:18

The European Market Leader in Home Life Safety

THE CONNECTED HOME LIFE SAFETY SOLUTION

CREATING SMARTER, SAFER HOMES.

Aico with HomeLINK offer a network of alarms and sensors to improve the health and safety of homes throughout the UK.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Our 3000 Series offers full circle Fire and CO protection, wirelessly connecting to the SmartLINK Gateway via Radio Frequency for remote whole-system data monitoring.

HomeLINK Environmental Sensors Monitor temperature, humidity and Carbon Dioxide to gain insights into indoor environmental conditions to create better maintained, healthier, energy efficient homes.

SmartLINK Gateway and App The SmartLINK App enables quick and easy installation of alarms and sensors with SmartLINK technology, while the Gateway is the central hub for data, extracting information from connected devices.

The HomeLINK Dashboard Data is extracted from all connected alarms and sensors with actionable insights presented on the dashboard, segmented by high, medium and low risk.

Find out more at: www.aico.co.uk/ smart-home

The Resident App With the HomeLINK Resident App, residents are provided with a healthy home rating, handy advice on how to improve the quality of their home, and Fire and CO alarm testing reminders.

www.aico.co.uk | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk Untitled-4 2 connected-home-aico-full-page-advert Smart Building Feature ECN.indd 1

21/06/2022 16:22 04/05/2022 10:43:46

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR FORMER 17TH CENTURY PUBLIC HOUSE Estimated to have been built in the 17th Century, the former Anchor Inn pub in Market Place, Bolsover, had been in a state of disrepair when it was acquired by a local couple in 2019. With work to transform the premises into a new bistro, bar, bed and breakfast and beauty spa severely disrupted during the pandemic, it is now enjoying a new lease of life, as well as a new name, as Sanctuary Garden.

he building required major structural renovation which included the replacement of many of the roof supports and almost all of the internal floors. During the painstaking restoration work to showcase as many of the original features of the premises as possible, the original solid wood Kingpost roof support was uncovered – a beautiful piece of architecture that had been hidden for many decades. Having invested so much time, passion and money into the project, of paramount importance to the couple was to ensure the safety of the overall premises and this is where ESP’s expertise in fire protection systems came into play. Working with the contractor responsible for the renovation project, Russ Cutts, Managing Director of Sheffield-based firm RT Electrical, ESP was called on to supply the whole package of support – from the creation of the fire design scheme, supplying of the appropriate products, to commissioning of the fire alarm system once installed. It was agreed that ESP’s MAGDUO two-wire fire alarm system was the ideal solution for the premises. Its adaptability, speed of installation and cost-effectiveness, makes MAGDUO an ideal fire alarm solution for a range of small to medium sized projects such as restaurants, retail outlets, schools, offices, apartments and hotels, and was the ideal solution for Sanctuary Garden. The eight-zone control panel was selected along with five combined smoke and heat detectors, 15 combined smoke and heat detectors with sounder, six resettable surface call points and a fire panel isolator switch. Two-wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology. Unlike standard conventional four wired systems where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone

are wired on separate circuits, MAGDUO utilises intelligent two-wire technology, which allows all devices to be wired on the same set of two-core zone cables back to the control panel – enabling it to use a single circuit per zone both for detection and to power the sounders. This advanced technology can reduce both installation and material costs. ESP’s fire commissioning service was also included in the overall project. This means that a qualified engineer will confirm that the system has reached the relevant British Standard, and they will issue a certificate on completion of the project prior to system handover. Commenting on the project, Russ says: “I have worked with the team at ESP for around 10 years now on a range of different sizes and complexities of projects and have utilised products from across the different categories – fire protection, CCTV and emergency lighting. When it came to this particular project, I knew I could rely on them for an excellent service and the right fire protection solutions for our

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The former Anchor Inn pub is now enjoying a new lease of life

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requirements. It was great to have one company able to supply the whole package – from design, selection and install of the MAGDUO fire system and then to undertake the commissioning of the system once it was installed. Installation of the equipment was very straightforward and the programming was very easy. The added benefit is that there is scope to build on the system installed with additional devices as and when required.” Sanctuary Garden is situated just 200 yards from English Heritage site Bolsover Castle and benefits from its proximity to this historic building and archaeological site. The holistic and wellbeing clinic Sanctuary Rituals, already established by the couple, is based upstairs in the restored building’s two large treatment rooms, along with a shop for customers to buy beauty therapy products and there are three bedrooms for guests to stay overnight. On the ground floor is a rustic, botanical themed gastro-pub and bar with outdoor dining space.

Fire & Carbon Monoxide (CO)

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27/06/2022 12:20

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27/06/2022 09:42 13:37 13/04/2022

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

CASE STUDY: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND Hanwha Techwin secures three campuses 24/7 with a reliable and intuitive video surveillance system.

UWE was attracted to the Wisenet cameras and Wisenet WAVE VMS due to the system’s flexibility and reliability

he University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) serves over 30,000 students from 140 countries. It has over 3,200 staff, and is one of the largest universities in the UK, with three modern campus locations: the main Frenchay Campus, City Campus (Bower Ashton, Watershed, Spike Island, and Arnolfini) and Glenside Campus. Over the past five years, the university has invested over £300m in its state-of-the-art facilities and it needed a video surveillance system that matched. It previously had a CCTV system that was over a decade old, which wasn’t fully operational and regularly had downtime issues. The UWE Facilities-Estates team looked for a solution that would help maintain operational security in order to keep students and staff safe 24/7, that could scale across its different campuses, and that would bring video surveillance up to date with modern technology. The instruction to install the new video surveillance system, which features cameras and the WAVE video management system (VMS) sourced from Hanwha Techwin, was awarded to KSCM, the university’s incumbent CCTV maintenance contractor.

Reliable, scalable solution

UWE was attracted to Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet cameras and Wisenet WAVE VMS due to the system’s flexibility and reliability. The team carried out a phased upgrade of its existing video surveillance system, so having the ability to support both the legacy cameras and new Wisenet cameras on a single WAVE VMS was a significant operational benefit. Three-quarters of the university’s CCTV cameras (around 150+ devices) have now been replaced, along with all recorders and the VMS. The Wisenet solution was also chosen as it had improved quality cameras and footage, with greater cost-effectiveness when it came to the devices’ and VMS’ lifecycle.

Greater insights

When an event occurs, the UWE team can look back through video footage to understand important contextual information like when the event occurred, who was present near the event, and any damage that occurred. They can also closely monitor any higher risk areas like campus entrances and receptions, and see who is entering and exiting the university property. UWE has also invested and recently upgraded its automatic number plate recognition system (ALPR/ANPR) and cameras to more accurately identify the vehicles entering and exiting its sites. The system has been upgraded to detect not only the number plate, but also the make, model, and colour of vehicles to offer even more situational awareness. Along with the new cameras and VMS, the team also installed new CCTV client computers and improved screens in the Frenchay Campus control room (previously they had a selection of smaller and inconsistent screens, which have been upgraded to six 42in large, high resolution displays). The screens present UWE’s security team live feed 24/7/365 and have the capability to display recorded events that have occurred across the three campuses so they can be more proactive and informed about anyone entering and exiting a building, any damages (and who caused it), any potential crimes, and anyone trapped in lifts or in buildings after hours.

UWE Bristol serves over 30,000 students from 140 countries

Future plans

The university is continuing to roll out greater CCTV coverage across the estate, particularly into difficult remote areas devoid of normal network capability, such as car parks and fence line boundaries. This is being provisioned using external fibre connected roadside boxes and directly fibre connected CCTV cameras utilising media converters. All of which are connected to the Wisenet WAVE system. UWE is considering additional capability in the Wisenet cameras and WAVE system to include some people counting. Specifically, to measure jaywalking on and across the campus road systems in order to determine better provision of signage and crossing points at key routes used by people, thereby reducing the potential for accidents, making the campus a safe place to navigate. A further project is the install/upgrade of the security control rooms in Glenside and Bower Ashton to create live and redundant capabilities within other campuses, should the main Frenchay campus be compromised. This will help the security team and the University with disaster management, if for any reason the main control room cannot be accessed.

An intuitive VMS

The university installed the Wisenet WAVE system, an open video platform that can integrate with a wide range of other security solutions. It offers cloud, desktop, mobile, and server, to fit an array of different organisational needs. Furthermore, the system is designed to be highly intuitive to use, so teams can get up-and-running with the VMS quickly. It requires very little computing power and can be installed within minutes. It does not require a system with high specifications. This makes it particularly well-suited for the education sector.

Hanwha Techwin, hanwha-security.eu

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28/06/2022 10:45

SPECIAL FEATURE

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

THE NEED FOR RETROFITTED EMERGENCY LIGHT TESTING IN SOCIAL HOUSING New buildings are constructed with the most up-to-date technologies in mind, but many structures – especially older ones – are prone to be left behind when it comes to innovation, impacting the ability for teams to manage the safety of a building. Social housing is a victim of this lack of innovation, writes René Joppi, Managing Director, Mackwell.

ccording to official government statistics, social housing provided homes for 4.4 million people across the UK in 2021, yet the nation only saw an approximate 25,000 net increase of these homes over the course of the year – a marginal rise of 0.63%. A significant amount of social housing stock exists within the UK. However, these are older buildings, and there doesn’t appear to be much of a push to construct new ones. With a limited number of new social housing being constructed, estate management teams are missing out on the benefits of new technologies. While smarter buildings introduce the potential for better operational technology that improves management capabilities, more importantly, technology can play a pivotal role in the safety of a building.

Sub-optimal safety

There is a large amount of existing building stock that doesn’t live up to the fire safety risk assessment

Social housing is often made up of either large towers that require rigorous fire safety tests, or lots of smaller blocks that are managed across one estate. In both instances, they require a robust fire safety strategy. This includes having the appropriate systems installed to achieve a safe and compliant building, and also having a regular testing regime established that ensures that the life-safety systems are working as required. For emergency

lighting, for example, this means monthly and yearly tests. In many cases, these tests are not done at all or carried out manually, which can pose a significant challenge for maintenance teams who have a lot of ground to cover when undertaking manual tests. Not only is manual testing heavily time-consuming, but it is open to human error and negligence, which can cause inaccuracies. It can also result in faulty systems that pose a threat to the health and safety of the inhabitants of the social housing structures. Ultimately, there is a large amount of existing building stock that doesn’t adequately live up to the fire safety risk assessment. A legal requirement for areas of premises where staff and members of the public have access to – the fire safety risk assessment dictates that any such location must undergo ongoing maintenance and regular testing of emergency lighting. However, social housing often falls short in audits.

The social housing issue

Social housing estates can be large and disparate with many buildings, but many of these are also smaller buildings, each with a small number of luminaires. This makes each visit more expensive for an engineer on a ‘per building’ or ‘per fitting’ basis, whether the visit is to conduct the tests or return to fix issues. Automated emergency testing is now commonly specified in new builds, usually using the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) protocol, either standalone or as part of the lighting control system. This is not convenient for existing social housing due to the cost and disruption associated with installing control wiring into existing building infrastructure. However, wireless systems have recently been introduced into the market that facilitate the automation of emergency testing, which now makes this easier and more technically viable for existing buildings.

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Automated testing

A retrofittable system with cloud reporting can be an extremely efficient way of ensuring compliance at a low cost by targeted maintenance based on real-time data. Cost savings are not just limited to the testing itself. Tests and results need to be documented in the fire safety logbook. The reporting of the results to an online cloud system allows this to be achieved automatically, with interfaces possible to asset management systems. The online systems can be further developed and upgraded over time to allow reporting of other parameters, such as air quality, noise pollution and dampness.

Turning to technology

New-build infrastructure, developed with the latest smart technologies, is making the world a more efficient place. However, concerns remain around the safety of older buildings that cannot go unaddressed. Technology is playing a pivotal role in the development of new builds, but it is just as important to deploy the latest innovations in existing structures. With retrofitted emergency lighting testing systems, building estates – and in particular, social housing – can become much safer and easier to manage through the cloud. Furthermore, this technology can be deployed and integrated at a comparatively small cost to alternative solutions that would have required the installation of control wiring into the existing building infrastructure. Mackwell, mackwell.com

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For estates, it is desirable for estates managers and maintenance teams to understand the compliance status of their whole estate, which creates a need for wired and wireless test systems to report to a common portal which can be viewed remotely via a cloud interface.

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27/06/2022 12:21

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23/08/2021 09:48

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING

LIGHTING FOR LEARNING — BUYING THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES It’s that time of year again when schools and colleges throughout the UK are upgrading their lighting. Contractors are being asked to come in during the half-term and school holiday periods while students are away and have short time windows to get the lighting projects done.

t times like these, working with a lighting supplier and product range that is designed to take the hassle out of buying lighting for wholesalers and electrical contractors is critical. First of all, they need to have stock; commercial LED lighting designed for indoor and outside schools and colleges. This enables orders to be placed with short notice, ideally for next day delivery to the wholesaler or directly to site, which can be particularly important when the installation is underway and you’re missing something! Secondly, the lighting needs to be available in different configurations, with emergency lighting options, sensors and controls, as needed. If these can be pre-installed, along with connectors and cables, before they are shipped, so much the better, as this will mean minimum wiring needed on-site and will further take the hassle out of installation for the

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LED Lighting – NET LED.indd 52

“A lighting supplier and product range that is designed to take the hassle out of buying lighting is critical”

contractor. Multifunctional products – such as tri-colour, with different colour temperatures built into the single fitting – allow the contractor to select the best colour temperature for the room at the time of installation. This means more choice and fewer returns or changes – again taking the hassle out of the project for everyone! Sometimes things don’t go to plan – that’s a normal part of life. It’s at times like these when working with a supplier who’s been working with contractors for years, and understands what they need to keep the job on track when hiccups occur, is invaluable. Make sure there are sales and technical support people available to take phone calls during working hours who understand the pressure of having to refit lighting in the whole school or college to a tight deadline and are trained to provide advice and technical guidance. This will help to ensure that you have the ideal solution for the school or college and that things are dealt with quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, all this boils down to working with suppliers that understand

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what you need, and that you can trust. Having specialised in LED technology since it has been used in lighting, NET LED has been supplying quality LED solutions to wholesalers for over a decade. The company’s low glare panel lights are ideal for classrooms and corridors and the low glare linear high bays are perfect for sports halls, so whether the hall is being used for exams or playing badminton, looking up will be comfortable on the eyes! Furthermore, they’re designed with an IK rating of 10 so can take impact from balls and they have a five-year warranty too. NET LED also manufactures some of its lighting for schools and colleges at its production facilities in Cambridge. These Made in Britain products help to protect the supply chain and ensure continuity of supply of the same lighting type when a school or college project has to be completed across different school terms or holidays, with months of gaps in between. NET LED Lighting, netledlighting.co.uk

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27/06/2022 12:21

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info@recolight.co.uk Untitled-6 2

23/03/2022 15:43

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING

GENERATING SAVINGS THROUGH SMART TECHNOLOGY The move to LED lighting has resulted in huge energy savings in organisations and homes of all sizes. But with electricity costs continuing to escalate, how can this technology be used to generate further savings? Rachel Morris, Marketing Manager for OCTO at Ansell Lighting, explores the additional technologies contractors should consider.

Motion sensors can be installed in any building, automatically turning lights off and reducing unnecessary energy use

he benefits of LED lighting are well publicised. Highly energy efficient, LED bulbs use around 80% less energy than traditional alternatives, which ultimately results in huge cost savings for users on their electricity bills. As an example, a 60-watt halogen light bulb costs roughly £7.20 per year to operate, based on an average usage of 10 hours per day, whilst the equivalent LED bulb costs just £1.08. This is undoubtedly a huge saving in itself but importantly, for businesses and consumers, further savings can be made by combining the use of LED lighting with other technologies. One of the key technologies to consider is smart lighting. Suitable for use in almost all indoor and outdoor settings, from offices to schools, hospitals, recreation areas and car parks, a fully connected smart lighting system gives complete control over all lighting outputs, optimising electricity use. Time of operation, output levels and colour temperature required all impact energy use and a smart system enables every detail to be automated, ensuring lighting is only used where and when it is needed. It also eliminates reliance on human intervention, thereby reducing the risk of lights being accidentally left on and wasting energy.

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LED Lighting – Ansell Lighting.indd 54

Capable of reducing lighting energy use by up to two thirds, a well-designed and operated smart lighting system can greatly reduce energy bills. Based on the common assumption that 15% of the average domestic electricity bill is spent on lighting, adding a smart lighting system into a home can result in an overall 10% reduction in costs. Certainly, something not to be sniffed at when you consider that the lifting of the energy price cap has meant many consumers are facing an average 54% increase in price. Taking the use of smart lighting systems one step further, using smart LED light lamps as opposed to regular LED lamps and other light fittings can generate further savings. Smart light lamps are powerful LED lights that incorporate smart technology within themselves. They can be linked with other smart lamps or smart networks to form a fully automated and controllable lighting system where those same energy zapping factors – operation time, brightness, intensity and colour temperature – can all be highly tuned. Similarly, smart plugs are another new technology that can be installed to improve efficiency. Ideal for floor and table lamps as well as so-called ‘vampire appliances’ such as microwaves, dishwashers and TV’s, smart plugs are a great device that give automation and connectivity to anything that is plugged into them. Controlled in the same way as a fully integrated smart lighting system, traditional fittings can be linked together and set to turn on and completely off – not just on standby – dependent on when function is required. Another important technology that can help to enhance the savings LED luminaires offer are motion sensors and presence and absence detection lighting. Not just something to be used in commercial properties, motion sensors and presence and absence detection lighting can be installed in any building or outdoor area, automatically turning lights off when a space is unoccupied, reducing unnecessary energy use. The Carbon Trust estimates that energy use for lighting can be cut by up to 40% from the use of this technology alone. Where light is required over longer periods, or even 24/7, corridor functionality offers another highly efficient way of further reducing energy consumption. Motion sensors increase output from a continuous 10% to 100% only when somebody is actually using the space. They are perfect for public

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A well-designed and operated smart lighting system can greatly reduce energy bills

buildings, schools, care homes and some areas within hospitals, as well as pedestrian underpasses. A final product that delivers real energy savings are daylight harvesting systems. Using daylight to offset the amount of electric lighting needed to properly light a space, they are hugely efficient at reducing energy consumption. The technology is responsive to daylight, dimming or brightening electric lighting in response to changing natural light. As you can see, there are a wealth of technologies that can be used alongside LED lights to deliver real cost and energy savings. Each option has its own merits and its suitability will be dependent on the project itself as well as the intended use of the space. What you can be sure of, however, is that whichever technology is specified, end users will see a real difference in their energy bills. Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com

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27/06/2022 12:23

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28/06/2022 13:13

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING

LUCECO LIGHTS VOLVO TRUCK & BUS WALES & WEST Luceco was recently instructed by Wessex Electricals to provide a comprehensive lighting design for the brand-new facility of its client, Volvo Truck & Bus Wales & West.

he new £8 million facility in Avonmouth combines the business’s expertise under one roof and features an 18-bay workshop, offices and external service areas. Truck & Bus Wales & West supplies and fits over 1.5 million new and exchanged parts a year, keeping Volvo fleets well serviced and maintained. Working with the Wessex Electricals team, the Luceco team used a combination of luminaires for the different areas of the facilities – workshop, office, and external areas – including Callisto, Climate, LuxPanel, Epsilon, recessed Platinum downlighters, Celeste, and emergency lighting. Callisto is a high-level LED luminaire, offering over 100,000 hours of maintenance free, operational life with an efficacy of 135Llm/cW, and lumen output variants ranging from 11,000lm up to 32,000lm. Suitable for many commercial applications such as front of house and high street environments, Callisto also

benefits from a IK10 rating and is ideally suited to industrial facilities so was used for the workshop area for Truck & Bus Wales & West. Callisto offers both wide and narrow optical light distribution and is available as a fixed output, DALI dimmable, emergency back-up variant, PIR or Luceco Wireless Lighting Control. It provides excellent photometric performance as well as being a very visually pleasing, energy saving luminaire. In the office area, recessed Epsilon luminaires were installed in the meeting rooms and communal areas. Epsilon luminaires are ideally suited for office environments where the activity is predominantly detailed screen work. Externally, high level floods were fitted under the eaves, over the roller doors and along the side elevations of the building to distribute an outward light pattern, with columns and post top luminaires around the perimeter. Luceco Project Manager, Steve Harris-Aucott, says: “We were asked to provide a full lighting design including

The Luceco team used a combination of luminaires for the different areas of the facilities

presence detection control and daylight saving options. Luminaires in the workshop space had to be designed to be mounted on purlins and follow the steel beams, ensuring fittings were not positioned over the top of trucks. Callisto was my go-to luminaire for this application with the end walls and the ATF bays lit with angled Climate IP65 linear fittings mounted at 45° set at three metres height to direct light under the trucks.” Jim O’Brien, Contracts Manager at Wessex Electricals, adds: “We instructed Luceco for the lighting design, and we were very impressed with both the plan and the expertise of the team. Their scheme has taken the different areas and requirements for those areas into detailed consideration and the result is a well-designed and executed lighting system for our client.” Luceco, luceco.com

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27/06/2022 12:23

FULL RANGE, FULL BENEFITS. OUR NEW PRODUCT PORTFOLIO.

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23/06/2022 12:18

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING

OVIA LIGHTS UP FRUIT PACKING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY A C Hulme & Sons is a family run mixed farming business which has been operating in the Canterbury area of East Kent since 1946. The company farms approximately 4,000 acres, supplying some of the UK’s foremost retailers, as well as local markets, farm shops and other outlets.

major development project commenced in 2014 and was the start of a carefully planned campaign of expansion that has seen A C Hulme & Sons become a major player in the fruit world. The amount of fruit picked has grown from 10,000 bins in 2012 to 14,500 in 2015 and 20,000 in 2021. The latest phase in that expansion was an extensive new grading, packing and distribution complex that was built from scratch and expected to handle around 12,500 tonnes of apples and pears. Ovia was specified as the exclusive lighting supplier for the development, with the sales and lighting design teams working closely with the designated electrical contractor for the project, Steve Collins, Managing Director at BMS Electrical Contractors (Kent). It was a long-established working relationship between Ovia’s National Sales Manager, Reg Oldrey and Steve at BMS that led to the initial introduction and assessment of the various requirements for this large and complex project. It required

that as far as possible it was ‘business as usual’ for the grower, while delivering the massive new building on time – and partly on the footprint of existing packing and distribution facilities that had to be operational until the very last moment. This is where the expertise of Ovia’s lighting scheme designer came to bear – a highly experienced and qualified member of the Ovia team, responsible for pulling together the lighting design proposal and working in close collaboration not just with the contractor but with Tom Hulme, Director of A C Hulme. A variety of Ovia light fittings have been installed across the range of buildings, office space and external locations. Several PIR lighting controls as well as Scolmore’s Click Flow connectors were also specified to provide quick and easy solutions for specific areas. For the vast packhouse shed, Ovia’s Inceptor Hion LED Dimmable Highbay fittings with microwave sensor were installed. A white finish in the Hion was selected and fixed to the ceiling using the surface brackets, to provide the finished look required by the client.

A C Hulme & Sons is a family run mixed farming business

The non-corrosive U-Lite slimline linear LED fittings in a range of standard, emergency and microwave options were selected for a number of areas including the packaging store, plant room, forklift charging room, traffic light area, pre grader store, grader room and dispatch area. There were various requirements to be met for the main office areas and these were satisfied using the Inceptor Iona commercial LED downlight in both standard and emergency options for the corridor and stairwell locations. The Inceptor Slate LED recessed panels were chosen for the main office area, with their low UGR19 diffusers making them suitable for working environments. These were fitted in conjunction with the Click Flow connectors which provided a quick and easy method of configuring the lighting circuits. Inceptor EVO Bulkheads in standard and emergency options were selected for the external façade by the entrance reception lobby. These featured the IK10 metal housings for added protection. PIR Controls – recessed passive infrared sensors – have been fitted for all offices and external lighting requirements. Occupancy sensors were chosen as part of the desire to help save costs and energy usage. For the extensive external areas, a number of Ovia IP65 LED Pathfinder Floodlights – 50W and 150W – have been installed. These robust, metal floodlights are powerful yet energy efficient. Where there was a requirement for emergency lighting on the project, a number of self-test options were selected. These were the 30W emergency LED self-test maintained box exit signs and the IP65 3W emergency LED maintained bulkheads Commenting on the project, Steve says: “This was a very large and quite complex project from a lighting installation point of view and having worked with Reg and Ovia on a number of projects, we knew that this was the right team for the job. We have been very impressed with the design service they have provided from the initial submission of the tender and coming up with solutions to a number of issues that emerged. They were able to supply us with a raft of sample fittings for the client to see and approve, and the quality of the products and ease of installation they offered meant we were able to hugely improve the install time of the overall project.” Ovia, oviauk.com

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LED Lighting – Ovia.indd 58

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27/06/2022 12:24

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27/06/2022 10:25 13:38 20/05/2022

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING

THE NEXT FRONTIER OF GROWTH: SMART LIGHTING FOR THE HOME There was a time when the lights in your home did precisely two things: turned on and turned off. Over the past few decades, there have been significant innovations, and over the last few years there have been big leaps in the evolution of lighting. Smart LED lighting has the power to change the way you live and interact with your home, writes Giuliano Ghidini, Consumer Commercial Leader, Signify UK&I.

oday, people are using LED lighting to manage the energy crisis and adding controls to better manage their energy consumption at home, while simplifying daily routines and gaining

peace of mind. So, if you are refurbishing or building a house, the time is right to switch to smart lighting in the home. Here is what smart lighting can offer a household and why it should top the list for any home that is being re-done.

Smart LEDs and smart lighting systems

LED lights replace your existing incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs on the other hand are energy-saving and offer long-lasting quality light, making LED bulbs good for both the planet and our pockets. Smart lighting, on the other hand, allows you to have more control over your lights by allowing you to tweak the colour via your smartphone, brighten or dim the bulb or even switch it on or off – to create the perfect ambience for that is just right for you. Electrical contractors can set their clients up for success, whether on a new build or retrofit, by studying the available makes and models. Philips Hue offers a wide range of options from ambient lighting to accent or task lighting.

What’s in it for your customers?

Automated lighting offers customers the most convenient way to control the brightness and mood of their homes, while offering added advantages like better controls and monitored use of energy. • Energy savings: switch to energy-saving LED light bulbs and experience long lasting, quality light. An LED bulb can last up to 22 years, eliminating the hassle of frequent bulb replacement, and it can use up to 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. Furthermore, when coupled with controls like motion sensors, smart LED lights offer so much more control over energy and power consumption and ensure there is no or little wastage – if programmed right.

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• Feel connected and secure: so much of your home can be controlled from afar when you’re set up with smart lighting. With the touch of a button, you can turn on outdoor lights when you’re getting home later than planned or you could turn off the closet light you mistakenly left on. • Optimise the house for wellness or a party: it has been proven that smart lights improve your alertness, mood, and productivity, therefore, lighting has a positive effect on health. Also, colour-changing bulbs and light strips let you create the perfect mood when entertaining and get the house ready for a party or movie nights! • Ease of plug and play: smart lights eliminate the need to rewire your home or hire an electrician to get things going. Simply screw the bulbs into your existing light fittings, connect to WiFi or Bluetooth, and download the smart app.

Seize the opportunity

As more and more consumers wake up to fact the smart LED lighting is good for the purse and planet, the demand for these lights will only grow. Latest industry data indicates that the consumer LED bulbs market is at about £165m, of which 85% is still non smart. Globally, the smart lighting market is expected to grow at 20% CARG for the period from 2021-2026. The smart luminaires market is booming and is overtaking smart bulbs in terms of market size. This means there is a real opportunity for electricians, installers, and wholesalers to tap into this growing market. They should be preparing themselves to handle

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more smart lighting installations, backed by an understanding of which products work for which scenario.

Options

One can invest in a single lightbulb or branch out into a whole load of smart lighting devices. Smart lighting begins with lightbulbs. Today, a range of options provide coloured-light ambiance, remote control via smartphone, and automation features – like lights coming on automatically when somebody attempts entry. Smart switches can also set the building’s owner up for success. They wirelessly become part of a smart home’s networked Internet of Things (IoT) and provide automation and control for other lighting products in the home. Then there are other factors that help add to the ambiance and functionality of a room. From smart bulbs to light strips and to outdoor lights, there is an option for all rooms of the house, for everyone.

There is a real opportunity for electricians, installers, and wholesalers to tap into this growing market

Conclusion

The growth and demand of this industry is a sign that contractors and electricians have everything to gain by learning more about these technologies. Whether building a state-of-the-art smart home or upgrading an existing property, smart lighting offers the solution to future-proof your customer’s home, and Philips Hue can make sure you are always getting the most out of your smart lighting system. Signify, signify.com

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27/06/2022 12:25

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28/06/2022 13:14

SPECIAL FEATURE

LED LIGHTING

AN UPLIFTING HEALTHCARE PACKAGE A TRILUX lighting scheme is supporting a biophilic design approach for patient recovery and is helping to create a calm and natural environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

undreds of thousands of people in England will benefit from new NHS facilities and services as the UK embarks on its biggest hospital building programme

in a generation. The government is committed to helping the NHS build back better from COVID-19 and one of its main goals will be to deliver on the manifesto commitment of 40 new hospitals across England by 2030, backed by an initial £3.7 billion investment. These will provide: Better care for patients • An improved working environment for staff • And help the NHS reach its net zero • carbon ambition

Images: Amphitype

The £98 million hospital emphasises both patient and staff mental and physical wellbeing

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The Heatherwood hospital in Ascot (25 miles west of London) is a forerunner in the new hospital landscape. A new world-class facility, it offers planned, non-emergency care to patients in Berkshire and its surrounding areas. Designed by BDP for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, the £98 million hospital emphasises both patient and staff mental and physical wellbeing.

TRILUX was the energy-efficient lighting partner for the complete project

The 11,500m2 new building (located at the rear of the current hospital) is part of the Trust’s strategy to double the number of patients visiting Heatherwood each year to 168,000 over the next decade. The site includes six state-of-the-art operating theatres, outpatient and diagnostic facilities for orthopaedics, cardiology, radiology, lithotripsy, physiotherapy, and orthodontics, all set in a contemporary, sustainable facility bordered by woodland. BDP’s design for the new building exploits the hospital’s stunning natural setting to maximise the wellbeing benefits that access to nature can provide. Its design draws in the landscape to enhance the building’s links with nature. For example, patient bedrooms have views across the treetops and access to outdoor terraces. The café space offers woodland views. There is a sizeable biodiverse pond area and nearby nature walks. This biophilic design approach supports patient recovery and creates a calm and natural environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Sustainability has been fundamental to the project, with renewable energy from a solar farm covering a large section of the hospital’s roof and a robust, sustainable urban drainage system installed under the car park. The themes of sustainability and efficiency continued through to the lighting design. TRILUX was the energy-efficient lighting partner for the complete project, from the downlights in the bathrooms to linear fittings in the corridors, weatherproof and industrial lighting for the back of house areas, external wall lights, and the specialist lighting in the theatres.

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Uplifting lighting design

As the emphasis on health care designs shifts to a more holistic approach, attractive designs are becoming more important. TRILUX’s Liventy Vision recessed LED panels are installed in all six theatres, printed with works of art inspired by nature, providing a feature to focus on while undergoing a stressful scan or treatment. Additionally, the Sanesca wall light has been integrated into patient areas. Both appealing and purist, the looks of the Sanesca LED blend harmoniously into patient rooms. And thanks to a high flexibility, uniform lighting concept, it can be implemented over different areas. The luminaire combines indirect distribution and general light with direct, glare-free reading light to support progressive and efficient patient care. Reception areas, corridors, and offices throughout the building rely on a combination of LC60, Polaron IQ, Arimo, and Amatris for energy-efficient, comfortable lighting that exudes calm and tranquillity. Giorgos Kourtelis, BDP Senior Designer, says, “We worked with TRILUX on Heatherwood and their technical support throughout the project was fantastic, particularly in the latter stages of design. They offer a comprehensive range of fittings needed to cover the project needs and hit the numbers commercially.” Trilux, trilux.com

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27/06/2022 12:26

Metway Lighting Controls

MCC’s & PIR’s In Stock • On / Off Occupancy / Absence detection • • Switching or DALI dimmable versions • • Intelligent photocell • • Manual override • • Commissioning via hand held programmer • • Surface mount option • • Pre leaded or stand alone • • Standalone System • •8 8 and and 10 10 output output units • units • • • Absence Absence or or presence presence detection • detection • • • Standalone Standalone System • System • • • Side Side Latching Latching outputs • outputs • • • Dimming Dimming or or non-dimming non-dimming • • •

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28/06/2022 12:37

COMPANY SHOWCASE