ECN June 2022

uickwire

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

VOLUME 42 NO. 06 • JUNE 2022

LIGHTING CONTROLS NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS (PART L)

23

ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM

27

SPECIAL FEATURE: SMART BUILDINGS

NEW GENERATION CONSUMER UNITS BY

SPECIAL FEATURE: TEST EQUIPMENT

45

Award Winning Consumer Units

Consumer Units & Distribution Boards Designed And Independently Type Tested To BSEN 61439-3 & BS7671 18th Edition Amendment 2

CIRCUIT PROTECTION YOU CAN TRUST

Tested in accordance with BS EN 61439-3 including annex ZB Up to 100A (InA) rated Surface and flush mounted boards Up to 24 modules single row Up to 44 modules Dual Row Type A RCD, eRCBO & arc fault detection as standard

No B25-21-AV-01E_SDDSv1-CERT Applicant

Contactum Ltd

2 Blackmoor Lane. Croxley Green Business Park, Watford London WD18 8GA. United Kingdom

Alfanar Electrical Systems

Madinet alfanar, 3rd Industrial City P.O. Box 564. Riyadh 11383. Saudi Arabia

Consumer Units SDDS Defender 2.0

Designation: Contactum Defender 2.0 Main ratings: Rated Current: Rated Insulation Voltage: Rated Operation Voltage: Rated Frequency: Rated Impulse Voltage:

100 A 400 V 230 V 50 Hz 4 kV

Fulfills the type-test requirements of: Standard

SURFACE

CONSUMER UNITS

BS EN 61439-3:2012 Edition 1.0

Clauses 10.2.2 - 10.2.3.1 - 10.2.3.2 - 10.2.6 - 10.2.7 - 10.3 - 10.4 - 10.5.2 10.5.3 - 10.6 - 10.7 - 10.8 - 10.9.2 - 10.9.3 - 10.10 - 10.11 - Annex ZB 16 kA with Fuse - 10.12 - 10.13 Test results are described in the following documents: Type test report No: Certificate issued on

B25-21-AV-01E_SDDSv1

6th September 2021

Razón Social / FUNDACIÓN TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION Nº F-69 Registro de Fundaciones del Gobierno Vasco CIF G48975767

Manufacturer

Product

Electronic signature

FLUSH

CONSUMER UNITS

Luis Martínez Cancela Head of Electrical Equipment Laboratory

© TECNALIA This certificate, issued by TECNALIA, implies exclusively type test compliance of the product range for which tested objects are representative. Certificate and associated type test report may be issued either in electronic or printed form.

Tested by an independent reputable laboratory

£50,000 DONATED

See pages 8-9 in the supplement to find out more.

FCP – Contactum.indd 1

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

27/05/2022 15:01

THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR SITE. AVA I L A B L E N AT I O N W I D E O N DA B , O N M O B I L E , O N L I N E

OPEN HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU’RE MISSING

Untitled-1 2 FIX IFC GATEFOLD ECN 1

25/05/2022 12:12 09:51 24/05/2022

CONTENTS

CONTENTS…

VOLUME 42 NO. 06 • JUNE 2022

Regulars

SPECIAL FEATURES:

6 Editorial

Smart Buildings

EV charging costs rise, but still cheaper than petrol

Full IoT roll-out of 15,000 28 connected homes by 2025

8 Industry News Ansell Lighting and Bradford College join forces to support electricians; Napit releases new guide to electric vehicle charge point installations; Top marks for apprenticeship scheme; and more

17 Contract News Pharos showcases the splendour of Lincoln Cathedral; Roof completes Yorkshire solar installation; Luxury showroom gets the Rolls-Royce of lighting controls; and more

20 Training TechTalks are a hit with electricians across the UK

22 Key Issue Women get things done: the rapid rise of female tradespeople

23 Advertisement Feature New building regulations: how lighting controls can ensure Part L compliance

30

World’s first Smart Building Gold certificate awarded

32

Electrical contractors assemble for EI Live!

34

Smart technology – a growing market

36

Light for the biorhythm ‘naturally’ with KNX

38

Hamilton Litestat sets the scene at stunning Blue Lagoon property

40

Now is the time to cut unnecessary use of energy

42

Demand for smart technology increasing

24 Interview Carly Wills talks to CMD’s Paul Allen about life at CMD

26 Project Focus Residents bowled over by refurbished leisure facility

44 Competition Win a lunar white Fitbit Sense health and fitness watch, courtesy of Hamilton

54 Advertisement Feature Ethos launches new PAT tester

56 Advertisement Feature Five myth-busting tips on modular UPS

67 Company Showcase Sponsored content from across the sector

26

Test Equipment 46

asy detection and documentation: E the Bosch D-Tect 200 C Professional wallscanner for exceptional results

48

New EV test equipment range from Di-LOG

50 The art of calibration 52 Standing the test of time

UPS, Power & Energy 58

rotecting critical research P equipment at the University of Warwick

60

Summer’s coming – look before it’s too late

62 A way of defining redundancy hy be satisfied with net zero 64 Wbuildings, when energy-positive buildings are possible?

66

@ElecConNews

Contents.indd 3

/electricalcontractingnews

hat the British Energy Security W Bill is missing

@ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com

June 2022 | 3

30/05/2022 16:55

Untitled-1 2 FIX DPS ECN.indd All Pages

25/05/2022 09:52

THE ELECTRICAL SHOW

WITH THOMAS NAGY

SPEAKING YOUR LANGUAGE. For the lowdown on the latest products, top tips, business advice, competitions and exclusive deals. It’s just one of the trade specific shows that make Fix Radio the only station for the trade.

EVERY THURSDAY AT 2PM ON DAB, ON MOBILE, ONLINE

Untitled-1 3

25/05/2022 12:27 09:53 24/05/2022

RISE REWIRE REST REPEAT

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25/03/2022 11:03

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Electricfix customers receive an EXCLUSIVE 10% OFF selected products Look out for the gold badge in your deals paper, instore and when you log in to your Electricfix account

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Untitled-1 3

23/03/2022 25/03/2022 14:44 11:04

EDITORIAL

NEXT TIME…

EV Charging

EV CHARGING COSTS RISE, BUT STILL CHEAPER THAN PETROL

H

ello and welcome to the June issue of ECN. Latest figures from the RAC have shown that the cost to rapid charge an electric car has risen by a fifth in eight months.

The average price of charging an electric car on a pay-as-you go, non-subscription basis at a publicly accessible rapid charger in Great Britain has increased by 21% to 44.55p per kilowatt hour (kWh) since September.

In stark contrast, the cost of filling a 55-litre family car from empty to 80% has increased by a huge £14.54 since last September, from £59.67 to £74.21.

The RAC’s analysis shows that it now costs on average 10p per mile to charge at a rapid charger, up from 8p per mile last September – nearly half the cost per mile compared to filling a petrol-powered family car.

So the cost to charge a vehicle to 80% has risen from £17.51 to £26.10 – this is still £48

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

cheaper than filling a petrol-powered car to 80%, although electric car drivers do not get quite as many miles from an 80% charge as drivers of petrol cars do from an equivalent fill-up of a tank.

“While electric car drivers may not be immune from the rocketing price of wholesale energy – most notably gas, which in turn dictates the cost of electricity – there’s no doubt that charging an electric vehicle still represents excellent value for money compared to filling up a petrol or diesel car”, RAC fuel spokesman, Simon Williams, told the BBC. Keep an eye out for the Electrical Vehicle Charging feature in the July issue for the latest from the sector.

In this issue we bring you all of the regulars, along with special features Smart Buildings, Test Equipment, and UPS, Power & Energy, bringing you the latest updates and information.

Plus, Hamilton is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Fitbit Sense health and fitness watch, so don’t forget to enter!

I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month!

Fire, Safety & Security

Carly Wills, Editor

LED Lighting

July Issue Editorial deadline: 20 June Advertising deadline: 28 June

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

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

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

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

ECN charity of choice

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.

Editorial.indd 6

electricalcontractingnews.com

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30/05/2022 16:40

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).

Untitled-1 2 - Elucian AFDDs.indd 1 ECN June ad

19/05/2022 09:45 16:42 18/05/2022

INDUSTRY NEWS COSTS DOWN AS WELL-PAID SPARKIES TAKE A WELL-EARNED BREAK IN APRIL The cost of hiring a self-employed electrician dropped in April as sparkies took a break during the Easter holidays, according to Hudson Contract.

Hudson Contract said average weekly earnings for electrical subcontractors fell by 7.8% to £1,031 in April and matched the same month in 2021.

Ian Anfield, Managing Director of Hudson Contract, says: “As expected, earnings for April were affected across all trades as freelancers took their families away for a long-awaited holiday with the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions across many European short-haul destinations and plenty of good package deals on offer. The well-publicised queues at Manchester airport and tailbacks outside Dover will have been full of self-employed tradespeople heading off for some early season sunshine. Well-paid sparkies took a well-earned break after doing so much to keep the wider economy going over the last two years.”

Weekly earnings for electrical contractors reached a post-pandemic high of £1,150 in December 2021 and have averaged at £1,069 this year.

Hudson Contract, hudsoncontract.co.uk

THREE IN FIVE ELECTRICIANS ARE NOW MORE LIKELY TO WORK ABROAD THAN PRE-COVID

ANSELL LIGHTING AND BRADFORD COLLEGE JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT ELECTRICIANS

More than three in five (62%) UK electricians say they are now more likely to move abroad to work than they were before the pandemic.

The study by ElectricalDirect found that almost a third (31%) are actively looking for opportunities overseas and a similar number (35%) know a colleague who has already made the move.

The most common reason for considering a different country is the chance to try something new (29%), with the last few years encouraging electricians to broaden their horizons.

Interestingly, although each generation of electricians is similarly likely to consider moving abroad, the age groups all have different motivations. For millennials (25-34s), the prospect of more work is their top incentive, whereas better weather (35-44s),

new opportunities (45-54s) and higher wages (over 55s) lead the way for older workers.

Gender is another factor, with male electricians significantly more likely to say that coronavirus has increased their desire to leave the UK (67% vs 41%).

For those looking to move, Australia appears to be the most coveted destination. Every year, Brits search for electrical jobs abroad more than 18,000 times, and the land down under tops the wishlist, with an average of 3,373 Google searches.

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says: “The pandemic has affected our lives in many ways, and it appears that the allure of working abroad is now stronger than ever for lots of electricians.”

ElectricalDirect, electricaldirect.co.uk

Ansell Lighting has joined forces with Bradford College to support the building of a house for electrical installation students to practice on.

The house, or Active Learning Area, has been built in the atrium of the leading West Yorkshire college and worked on by City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 students from a range of building services and construction courses, including electrical installation, plumbing, bricklaying and joinery.

Ansell has sponsored the project, which has been named the Ansell Lighting Academy, and provided Prism Pro CCT Fire Rated Downlights for use in the kitchen and bathroom areas, as well as floodlighting, a mini floodbox and exterior wall lights.

Electrical students will be wiring the lighting and power while the plumbing students will be piping the services and radiators. The house has also been ‘futureproofed’ so it can be re-used each year for new students to get active practice.

Adam Brough, Team Leader in Electrical Installation, Plumbing and Gas at Bradford College, says: “Having a real building to practice on is invaluable for our students – instead of their practical work being restricted to boards.”

Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com

8 | June 2022

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electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

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@ecn_magazine

30/05/2022 16:41

YOUR TRADE WEBSITE Find us at yesss.co.uk

Contact your local branch for access to your trade account online features: • Over 15,000 products including your local YESSS branch stock • Free next working day delivery to UK mainland on orders over £50 • Click & Collect (within 1 hour)

• View your account including quotes, orders and statements • Ability to make a payment on your trade account • Your saved pricing

We’ve got all the tools for the job ONLINE or OFFLINE

With our 24/7 TRADE WEBSITE, the INDUSTRIAL CATALOGUE, the YESSS BOOK, the EV & ENERGY BROCHURE and an industry leading CUSTOMER APP

Tel 01924 227941 Email enquiries@yesss.co.uk

Find your branch yesss.co.uk/map

YOUR ELECTRICAL

SUPPLIES, SERVICE & SOLUTIONS Untitled-8 2

23/05/2022 16:17

INDUSTRY NEWS 81% OF UK ELECTRICIANS EXPERIENCE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO WORK 81% of UK electricians experience mental health problems due to work-related issues, a new study has found.

The research was commissioned for Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May) by IronmongeryDirect and the results have been published in its annual industry report.

Unfortunately, 89% of electricians say they don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their mental health, with finances (31%) being their main cause of anxiety.

Across all trades, almost two-thirds (64%) experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, every month, and sadly, one in eight (13%) feel symptoms every single day.

Finances remain the number one cause of stress, with over a third (34%) saying that money worries play on their mind. In fact, the top five reasons are the same as last year, with customer tensions (24%) taking second spot once again.

The most significant change from 2021 is the impact of customer abuse, with almost a fifth (18%) saying they struggle with insults or threats, which is treble the figure from the previous report (6%).

Unfortunately, despite the benefits of doing so, more than four in five (85%) tradespeople don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their feelings. Just one in six (16%) have spoken to friends or family about their mental health, which is considerably fewer than last year (42%).

Furthermore, one in six (16%) worry what their colleagues would think if they told them what they were going through, and more than a quarter (28%) feel they can’t take time off work for mental health reasons.

As part of its campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst tradespeople, IronmongeryDirect is partnering with Basildon Mind, the mental health charity, and is donating over £3,000 to support with its vital services.

IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk

ECA URGES INDUSTRY TO PREPARE FOR HEAT PUMP DEMAND The ECA is urging the industry to fully engage with Government initiatives to decarbonise heat, including the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), launched recently.

The BUS offers a grant of up to £5,000 for heating installers and households to replace traditional fossil fuel-powered boilers with more efficient, low-carbon alternatives, including air and ground source heat pumps.

The ECA is urging electrotechnical contractors, designers and installers to prepare for a surge in demand for heat pumps, and a rapid shift towards the electrification of heat via low-carbon technologies.

Luke Osborne, ECA Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, says, “The electrification of heat is finally gathering pace. This presents clear opportunities for electrotechnical firms such as ECA’s Members to use their skills to drive decarbonisation and help reach net zero.

“The BUS grant, along with important consumer protection initiatives, will go a long way in making heat pumps a more affordable option for households trying to cut their energy bills and carbon footprint.

“ECA urges all electrotechnical designers and installers to familiarise themselves with new sources of information and guidance, such as the new AM17 document from CIBSE and BEIS (for non-domestic heat pump installations), to enable a faster, cheaper transition to net zero.”

ECA, eca.co.uk

BUREAU VERITAS URGES COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS TO ADOPT SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY

TOP MARKS FOR APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME UK Power Networks’ apprenticeship programme has achieved the highest standards set by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The apprenticeship has been accredited by the IET, recognising the quality of the company’s specialist training to keep power supplies flowing to 8.4 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England.

Assessors endorsed the high quality of training programmes which prepare apprentices for key roles as electricity cable jointers, linespeople, substation fitters and engineers.

Dudley Sparks, Head of Technical Training at UK Power Networks, says: “IET Accreditation is recognised as a high quality seal of approval throughout industry, and it aids companies in the recruitment, retention and development of graduates and professional engineers.

“IET accreditation of our apprenticeship programme is a fantastic achievement and is a recognition for all those involved that have made contributions from our technical training and assurance department to our in-business mentors, managers and apprentices alike.”

The firm operates dedicated training schools in Sundridge in Kent, Frant in East Sussex, and Bury St Edmunds and Risby in Suffolk, where power apprentices gain the skills needed to help maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies and enable low carbon technologies for a net zero future.

Bureau Veritas is urging local authorities, commercial property owners and facilities managers to adopt smart grid technology, to ensure control of electricity during peak demand.

Smart grid systems utilise photovoltaic panels (solar power) and battery energy storage (BESS) to provide bi-directional electricity, to enable a building to both produce and consume energy.

This reduces reliance on the grid and avoids costly time-of-use tariffs during peak demand. When using power from the grid, utility companies charge greater tariffs during times of the day where more energy is used; the cost is then lower at ‘off-peak’ times, such as overnight.

The advice from Bureau Veritas follows the recent Government announcement of a new Energy Security Bill, to deliver on its commitment to create a sustainable and homegrown energy system in the UK by utilising wind and solar capabilities to reduce the country’s dependency on and exposure to volatile global gas prices.

Alisdair McDonald, Principal Consultant, Bureau Veritas, says: “By storing renewable energy, commercial property owners can use surplus energy during peak demand on its own power system – powering lighting, sockets and EV charging points. This becomes even more vital considering the long-term boom in electric vehicle sales, as the country aims to remove petrol and diesel cars from UK sale by 2030.

Bureau Veritas, group.bureauveritas.com

UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk

10 | June 2022

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@ecn_magazine

30/05/2022 16:42

Y* DARY XT VE NE LI DE

Cost-effective single-socket charger *On orders placed before 1pm

3.7 kW - 22 kW

OZEV approved

PME fault detection incorporated

Dynamic load balancing built-in

OCPP 1.6 compliant

App & Cloud management software

Order now! Call 0330 058 7144 email customerservice@sevadis.com or visit sevadis.com Untitled-3 2

19/05/2022 16:55

INDUSTRY NEWS MORE THAN £100M OF TOOLS HAVE BEEN STOLEN IN THE UK SINCE 2020 More than £100m of tools have been stolen across the UK over the last two years, with almost 60,000 crimes committed, new research has revealed.

The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, issued Freedom of Information requests to police forces to discover how many tools were stolen in 2020 and 2021, and the value of these items.

In total, 58,833 tools were reported stolen, averaging over 2,000 per region. The biggest hotspot for the crime is London, where over a third (37%) of incidents occur. Between 2020 and 2021, the Metropolitan Police Service dealt with 21,630 cases of tool theft.

West Yorkshire takes second place, with 6,684 offences over the two years, but tops the chart for value of goods stolen. In 2020 and 2021, the combined value of stolen tools in the region was a staggering £50,242,427. This is more than half of the UK’s total value, which stands at £100,329,740.

This figure could be even higher in reality, however, as in many incidents of tool theft the value of items taken is not recorded.

To help tradespeople protect themselves from tool theft, IronmongeryDirect has partnered with Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, to offer security advice.

Here are Stefano’s top three tips: 1) Be careful where you store tools 2) Invest in security 3) Make your tools less appealing IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk

MOVERS & SHAKERS…

NAPIT RELEASES NEW GUIDE TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGE POINT INSTALLATIONS NAPIT’s technical team has produced a new ‘Top 10 Tips’ guide to help those installing electric vehicle charge points avoid commonly overlooked errors.

In response to the recent Government funded audit into the installation of Domestic Electric Vehicle charge points (EVCPs) under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, NAPIT has created a Top 10 Tips leaflet to provide valuable advice to installers of EVCPs. The audits revealed several areas that should be enhanced to enable greater safety and compliance and made a series of useful recommendations to support the installation of EVCPs. This new Top 10 Tips guide outlines some key areas of focus for installers of EVCPs and encourages all those who undertake EVCP installations to take some time to read it as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Areas of focus within the guide include how to approach existing electrical installation checks, ensuring the correct earthing of charge points, adequacy of supply, how to alert the DNO, and labelling and certification requirements.

Commenting on the new guide, Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer at NAPIT says: “We hope this guide will enable greater compliance and safety standards as we remain committed to supporting our members and the wider industry enhance their understanding as new technological advancements are made.”

NAPIT, napit.org.uk

Scolmore has announced the appointment of a highly qualified and experienced professional engineer to the company’s growing technical department.

Taking up the role of Technical Engagement is Tim Benstead, Chartered Engineer and member of FSH12 and FSH12/1 (BSI committees for fire detection and alarm systems) and the Chairman of JPEL64/B responsible for thermal effects relating to BS 7671.

SCREWFIX OPENS ITS 800TH STORE AND TARGETS 80 NEW STORES ACROSS UK Screwfix’s ambitious expansion plans are continuing at pace, with the retailer set to open the doors of its 800th store in June of this year. The omnichannel retailer will create more than 800 jobs by the end of January 2023 with the opening of 80 new stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, taking its store estate to over 870 stores. This follows the successful opening of 70 new stores in 2021.

As part of the retailer’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the 80 new stores will be equipped with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water powered by electricity instead of gas. Screwfix’s entire store network is already powered exclusively by renewable electricity, with over 250 existing stores fitted with air source heat pumps so far.

Newly recruited staff will have the opportunity to participate in the retailer’s apprenticeship scheme, to join the 850 apprentices currently training across the business in areas such as Retail Management, Supervisor, HR, Finance, Data and Legal.

John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, says: “We know how busy tradespeople are and how important it is to be able to find a Screwfix store close to site. In opening more stores across the UK and Ireland, we’re making Screwfix even more accessible to tradespeople, ensuring they can get their job done quickly, affordably and right first time. We’re also delighted to be having a positive impact on local communities, creating more than 800 jobs for local people.”

Steve Murray has been appointed the new President of the ECA. Steve jointly owns WT Jenkins, an electrical contractor based in Liverpool. Steve joined WT Jenkins in 2000 whilst undertaking a Higher National Diploma in electrical engineering. Six years later, he became co-owner of the business. myenergi has announced the appointment of Tom Callow as Head of External Affairs. Joining the business from bp pulse, Tom is widely regarded as a leading voice in the electric vehicle sector.

With more than 14 years’ experience in senior level strategic and operational roles, Tom has worked with some of the world’s largest automotive and electrification brands.

Screwfix, screwfix.com

12 | June 2022

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30/05/2022 16:42

GARDEN LIGHTING NEW AMENITY LIGHTING, WALL & GROUND LIGHTS A selection of our new wall lights are available in standard or PIR versions for automatic activation. We also have a large selection of bollards to suit any application. With the addition of the new spike light, ideal for adding ambience to your outdoor space.

Features & Benefits

3

WARM WARM WHITE

COOL COOL WHITE

Warm White

Cool White

YR

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Up To 50,000 Hour Lifetime

call: 01827 300640

Untitled-1 2 - Ovia Garden Lighting.indd 1 ECN June ad

3 Year Warranty

email: sales@oviaUK.com

visit: oviaUK.com

10:45 20/05/2022 10:25

Defender Defender 2.0 2.0 Consumer Consumer Defender 2.0 Units Units Consumer Units

Award Award Winning Winning Consumer Consumer Units Units Award Winning Consumer Units

DEFENDER 2.0 NEW OF NEW GENERATION GENERATION OF CONSUMER CONSUMER UNITS DEFENDER 2.0 UNITS Units & Distribution Boards Designed And Independently Type NEW Consumer GENERATION OF CONSUMER UNITS Tested To BSEN 61439-3 & BS7671 18th Edition Amendment 2

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CIRCUITincluding PROTECTION YOU CAN TRUST Compliant Annex Compliant with with BS BS EN EN 61439-3 61439-3 including Annex ZB ZB n n 18th 18th Edition Edition compliance compliance Type test certificate issued by third party n Up to 100A without Type test certificate issued by third party n Up to 100A without derating derating Surface & flush mount versions n Type A RCDs & eRCBOs Surface & flush versions including Annex ZB n 18th TypeEdition A RCDscompliance & eRCBOs Compliant withmount BS EN 61439-3 Up to 24 modules single row n Up to 44 modules dual row Up totest 24 modules row n Up to 44 modules dual row Type certificatesingle issued by third party 100A without derating Surface & flush mount versions n Type A RCDs & eRCBOs Up to 24 modules row Contactum’s Preferred n Distributor Up to 44 modules dual row Suppliedsingle Through Network

Supplied Through Contactum’s Preferred Distributor Network

T: T: 020 020 82087400 82087400 E: E: sales@contactum.co.uk sales@contactum.co.uk www.contactum.co.uk www.contactum.co.uk Supplied Through Contactum’s Preferred Distributor Network

T: 020 82087400 E: sales@contactum.co.uk www.contactum.co.uk FCP – Contactum.indd 2

26/05/2022 10:07

SURFACE Consumer Units

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FCP – Contactum.indd 3

2.0 26/05/2022 10:07

Protecting Cables with Trunking Solutions to Suit Every Installation Environment Dado

Skirting

Architrave

Slotted

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Find out more about these products by visiting our open day at Farnborough on the 14th of June.

Attendees can win a selection of prizes and get access to exclusive discounts.

Manufacturers showcasing their solutions include Univolt, Marshall Tufflex and Brother UK. Register for the open day by emailing dave.dann@cmwltd.co.uk

Cable Management Warehouse Ltd Units 5/6 Arkwright Road Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK42 0LQ

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Email: sales@cmwltd.co.uk Website: www.cmwltd.co.uk

CONTRACT NEWS TRADESTON BRIDGE LIGHTING UPGRADE SIGNALS A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR GLASGOW’S CLYDESIDE Signify has enhanced Glasgow’s Tradeston Bridge with dynamic, sustainable, connected lighting. The newly illuminated pedestrian and cycle bridge spans the river Clyde, connecting the Tradeston and Broomielaw districts, and was seen as part of the backdrop to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last year.

The lighting project was delivered by Glasgow City Council as part of the City Deal ‘Clyde Waterfront and West End Innovation Quarter’ programme. The newly illuminated bridge will aid the regeneration of Tradeston, connecting the new Barclays Glasgow Campus to the city’s financial district on the West side of the city centre.

The fresh new lighting design complements the bridge’s eye-catching, wave-like structure and form. The handrail has been fitted with custom stanchion lighting using Color Kinetics high-performance professional LED lighting products from Signify. The system is connected to Signify’s Interact Landmark software application, which controls the lights from a central dashboard and offers the ability to monitor and manage performance and outages from a single, secure dashboard.

The entire project has been delivered in partnership with Lightways (Contractors) and includes a five-year lifecycle package, managed through Interact Landmark Lighting Asset Management that enables remote and

on-site maintenance, along with energy savings through regular system optimisation.

Signify, signify.com

PHAROS SHOWCASES THE SPLENDOUR OF LINCOLN CATHEDRAL As part of Lincoln Cathedral Connected – a multi-million-pound transformational project funded

by The National Lottery Heritage Fund – significant work has been undertaken to radically improve Lincoln Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience, offering engaging and dynamic spaces for many more visitors to enjoy.

Light Perceptions was appointed to deliver a new lighting system to replace the exterior lighting at the cathedral. The uplighting for the cathedral’s three towers needed replacing, and an essential component of the design brief was to change the orange-tinted floodlights for softer, whiter lights, to showcase the cathedral’s intricate stonework and Gothic features.

Pharos Architectural Controls was selected by Light Perceptions to bring the project to life, using Pharos Cloud to control the external lighting scheme remotely. Pharos Cloud offers simple and secure lighting installation control and management remotely from any PC, tablet or mobile, any time and from anywhere in the world.

The installation uses a dynamic lighting control system, also from Pharos. Lincoln Cathedral features a Pharos LPC 2 (Lighting Playback Controller 2), connected to Pharos Cloud, which supports the DMX lighting protocol, and 17 RIO D (Remote Input Output DALI) devices, which provide a remote and scalable way to control all the DALI fixtures and ballasts.

Five Pharos TPS (Touch Panel Station) screens have been integrated into the scheme to provide users with a customised interface to trigger and adjust scenes, timelines, and overrides.

The project also features Studio Due’s Citybeam LED SL84 RGBW (High Power) to deliver a powerful beam of light and long-distance outdoor colour change with single LEDs.

ROOF COMPLETES YORKSHIRE SOLAR INSTALLATION Atrato Onsite Energy (ROOF) has completed a commercial rooftop solar installation in Yorkshire.

ROOF invests in and installs behind-the-meter solar energy generation systems – predominantly located on the roofs of commercial buildings. These are commercialised through long-term, indexed power purchase agreements (PPAs).

The new installation at the Vale of Mowbray, a leading pork pie manufacturer in the UK, will provide green energy to power its bakery in Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire.

For Vale of Mowbray, the newly installed solar panels will provide long-term, fixed price electricity at a significant discount to the price of electricity imported from the grid. Vale of Mowbray expects to save £45,000 per year on its energy bills under the new 25-year PPA with ROOF. The 1MW project consists of 2,500 solar panels covering 5,000 square metres of the bakery’s roof, which is equivalent in size to four Olympic swimming pools. The project is expected to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 200 tonnes in the first year alone.

The renewable energy generated on the site is fully traceable, measurable and reportable, providing Vale of Mowbray with demonstrably improved low-carbon credentials.

Pharos Architectural Controls, pharoscontrols.com

ROOF, atratoroof.com

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June 2022 | 17

25/05/2022 09:59

CONTRACT NEWS

Image: Rolls Royce Motor Cars

LUXURY SHOWROOM GETS THE ROLLS-ROYCE OF LIGHTING CONTROLS In 2021, Rolls-Royce opened its new flagship showroom in Mayfair, London, where customers could enjoy an immersive retail experience inspired by Galleria-style shopping. The showroom included various zones, including a ‘speakeasy’ bar and consultation areas with product samples.

To bring the luxury experience to life, Hygienic & Environmental Engineering Services (HEES) required a lighting control system that would light distinct zones depending on the desired ambiance or requirements of the end users. In order to do this, they selected the RAPID lighting control system from CP Electronics.

Working with CP Electronics, HEES selected a fully addressable, hardwired RAPID system that included AV integration with store display as well as scene set plates for store colleagues to control the lighting. Scenes were set up for the different showroom zones and opening hours, and could be cycled through automatically or using the scene set plate.

This included automatic adjusting of lighting levels according to the time of day. This could be controlled manually through the scene setting plate but was also adjusted automatically using light level sensors to drive up efficiency and reduce unnecessary energy usage.

Another scene that was integrated into the RAPID system was a display which would be the only illuminated part of the space at night time. One of the vehicles on display would be lit up while promotional footage on three screens played on a loop. Capable of integrating AV into lighting scenes, the RAPID system was able to be programmed to do this as part of an out of hours scene.

CP Electronics, cpelectronics.co.uk

ELECTRICAL FIRM FINISHES COMPLEX SCHEME AT A GRADE-I LISTED CREMATORIUM Ash Integrated Services has completed a complex project on a Grade-I listed crematorium, working under strict conservation conditions at the Haltemprice Crematorium in Hull, with the electrical team on site for 20 weeks.

Activity across the chapel and crematorium included full rewiring of lighting and power, as well as the installation of a fire safety system.

Ash was appointed as part of a scheme to revamp the building following a fire which caused significant damage in October 2020.

Antony Grace, Co-Founder and Director at Ash, says: “It’s been a very challenging job, as you would expect working on a Grade-I listed building.

“Due to the limitations, which included only drilling into mortar joints and not creating any new holes in the brickwork, everything takes that little bit longer. However, the attention to detail shown by our team on site meant the project ran smoothly.

“It was a technical challenge to run wires and cables from point to point and we worked closely with all parties to ensure any proposed work was acceptable under the conditions. While all wiring except for the three cartwheel lights is hidden in the chapel, we were able to utilise the industrial space of the crematorium to provide the wiring within galvanised conduit and trunking providing a clean, neat and tidy installation for the power, lighting and new safety circuits.”

Ash installed new power supplies to the crematorium for elements including heating, lighting, machinery, and safety circuits, complete with emergency stop buttons, while also linking it to the ventilation systems.

Power and cables were also installed to allow for funeral services to be streamed across the world.

Ash Integrated Services, ashintegratedservices.co.uk

GRAVESHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL AND KENSA PARTNER TO DELIVER CARBON SAVINGS Work has started on installing ground source heat pumps at two of Gravesham Borough Council’s housing developments, as part of the authority’s work towards achieving net zero status by 2030.

Boreholes are being drilled at Merston Court and Hermitage Road, Gravesend, ahead of the installation of the pumps, which are predicted to save almost 36 tonnes of carbon over the next 20 years and reduce energy bills for residents.

The introduction of a ground source heat pump in 11 properties in Hermitage Court is expected to see a saving of 24 tonnes of carbon over 20 years, while at Merston Court, ground source heat pumps in five retrofitted properties will see 13.67 tonnes of carbon saved over the same period.

The council is one of only two in Kent to successfully apply to the fund and will receive a grant of £823,337. Gravesham will contribute £800,170 to the project, meaning a total of £1,623,507 will be spent on upgrading the energy performance of 364 council-owned properties in the Borough in 2022/23.

Kensa, kensaheatpumps.com

18 | June 2022

Contract News.indd 18

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25/05/2022 10:00

THE PROFESSIONALS’ CHOICE

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24/05/2022 13:05 14:26

TRAINING

TECHTALKS ARE A HIT WITH ELECTRICIANS ACROSS THE UK Electrical contractors are continuing to flock to CEF TechTalks – free CPD accredited events taking place across the UK and the Channel Islands.

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ulti-channel electrical distributor, CEF, in partnership with the IET, is helping electricians and contractors get to grips with the latest changes to the 18th Edition wiring regulations by explaining what’s new and how it affects their business at these free events.

To date, over 6,000 contractors have registered to attend TechTalks throughout the UK. And with venues in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and major UK cities scheduled throughout June and July, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get the lowdown on the changes to the 18th Edition BS 7671 wiring regulations.

Electrical expert

CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth presents the TechTalks. His wealth of knowledge and personable presentation style makes it easy for everyone to understand. He’s joined on stage by Dave Austin, and guest speaker Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations from the IET. It’s a dream team of experts, well placed to answer any questions.

Commenting on his first few weeks of presenting TechTalks, Darren says: “It’s been brilliant meeting so many electricians and helping them understand the new regulations. It’s my job to turn all the technical information into something that they can relate to.

“There have already been loads of great questions to keep me on my toes, so it’s great to know that they leave with the knowhow to stay compliant.”

CPD accredited

CEF’s TechTalks are CPD accredited, meaning attendees can use information from the day as part of their on-going professional development. Each session counts as 3.5 hours of CPD training, so it’s well worth going along to an event near you.

To support you further, you also get six free Tech Cards to take away. These are packed with technical information to help you understand what the changes to the wiring regulations mean and how to comply with them in future. They act as a handy reference guide to help you get the job done.

20 | June 2022

Training – CEF.indd 20

All delegates receive: • Free breakfast on arrival • A pack of six TechCards • A 10% discount voucher to spend at cef.co.uk • A CPD certificate for 3.5 hours • Time to chat with over 20 leading brands including Aico, Electrium, Rolec, Scolmore and Wago • Entry into a prize draw to win:

What attendees are saying about TechTalks

• A brand-new Super Rod ‘SUPER CAM’ or • A pair of VIP British Superbike tickets (winners drawn at each event) • Access to special on-the-day deals

Each session counts as 3.5 hours of CPD training

“Gave a good insight to the new amendments in a professional but light-hearted way.”

Spaces are filling fast, although there is still time to register for an event.

Remaining TechTalk dates and locations are below.

Amendment 2 came into effect immediately when published on 28 March 2022 and the previous version, BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 will be withdrawn on 27 September.

This essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations forms the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions, and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK, are to comply. The IET and BSI are now urging all electrical professionals to ensure they become familiar with the changes.

“Excellent and very informative.”

CEF, cef.co.uk

Feedback on CEF TechTalks has been very positive, with attendees and exhibitors posting regular updates on social media. Comments from attendees include the following:

“Excellent event. Very well planned and executed. The presenters were superb – loads of very useful content.”

“The event, information, discussions and exhibits were top class.

Highly rewarding morning.”

“Very well-run event and everyone involved was on hand to answer any questions.”

Leeds – Leeds United

1 June

“Darren and Dave were fantastic and presented the presentation in an easy-to-understand fashion.”

Preston – Preston North End FC

7 June

Newcastle – Falcons (Rugby)

8 June

Hull – MKM Stadium

9 June

What to expect at a CEF TechTalk

Liverpool – Aintree Racecourse

15 June

Rotherham – Aesseal New York Stadium

16 June

Cheltenham – Racecourse

21 June

Reading – Reading FC

22 June

Dundee – Apex City Quay Hotel

27 June

Inverness – Drumossie Hotel

28 June

Aberdeen – Aberdeen FC

29 June

Edinburgh – Murrayfield

30 June

As well as a full breakdown of the changes within the 2nd Amendment, CEF TechTalks also cover: • Energy monitoring • Battery storage • EV charging and the opportunities it offers • Changes to CO legislation • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Coding • Technical Q&A Every TechTalk is free to attend, and each event starts at 8am and finishes at 1pm.

electricalcontractingnews.com

Glasgow – Golden Jubilee Conf. Hotel

1 July

Belfast – Culloden Estate and Spa

6 July

Jersey – Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

19 July

Guernsey – Beau Sejour Leisure Centre

20 July

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25/05/2022 10:00

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KEY ISSUE

WOMEN GET THINGS DONE: THE RAPID RISE OF FEMALE TRADESPEOPLE Hands-on trades have historically been dominated by male workers. However, as the years go by, this once unsurmountable gender gap is slowly narrowing and softening. With an increasing demand for skilled workers in the industry and an array of attractive advantages, more women than ever before are considering a plunge into the field of manual trades. Van Ninja takes a look at the rise in popularity of hands-on roles filled by women over the years, delineating both the benefits of physical professions and the future of female tradespeople.

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hysical and hands-on jobs in the past were often reserved for male workers. But this doesn’t mean that women have never had a say in the industry – it’s just that it would be more unlikely to see them on a construction site or with a spanner in their hand.

Over the centuries, there have been several ladies who have played a notable role in the skilled trades field. Back in 500 BC, in China, Lady Yun innovated the processes of woodworking, helping her husband develop chalk lines and furniture design principles that persist to this very day. In the 1800s, Tabitha Babbitt patented a cutting, circular blade that was the predecessor of today’s electrical saw. Whereas Emily Roebling, in the late 19th Century, supervised the construction and completion of the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge.

It is fair to say that, in recent times, we are finally witnessing a rise in the number of women in hands-on professions. In fact, the number of women taking on construction and engineering apprenticeships in the UK has skyrocketed by 366% in the last five years. From 2009 to 2019, the estimated number of women working as builders, plumbers, and electricians jumped from 15,000 to 33,000.

In line with the increase of tradeswomen in the industry, people’s perception of having a female builder knocking at their door has changed significantly. According to a 2019 poll conducted by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), 38% of London homeowners would feel more positive about hiring a tradeswoman than a male builder. The reasons for this enlightening outcome are numerous. Respondents said they believed that female tradespeople can be more respectful of their home, more trustworthy, more careful to detail, and possibly friendlier.

That said, builders are not yet the most popular trade jobs for women to have.

As of 2021, 33% of females in the British skilled trade industry were painters or decorators, followed closely by plumbers and heating-related fixers (28.38%).

Interestingly, when a separate survey asked which trade women would be most interested in learning, the most frequent answer was electrician.

22 | June 2022

Key Issue – Van Ninja.indd 22

Women are finally embracing the opportunity to take on hands-on jobs

Appealing benefits of hands-on jobs

Apart from acquiring a new set of useful skills, hands-on roles have a wide range of benefits. With the current skills shortage in the UK, the demand for tradespeople is incredibly high. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is in search of a career path to clinch a profession that can guarantee both certainty and a secure income.

One of the beauties of trade roles, which make them particularly appealing to women, is the possibility to have a better work-life balance. In fact, it has been found that 80% of female tradespeople in Britain are their own boss, and employ on average a couple of helpers. This allows women to have more flexibility to juggle their work and family commitments by planning and delegating tasks according to their schedules.

What’s more, tradespeople can enjoy great payslips. There is even a good chance that skilled tradespeople, from electricians to scaffolders, can receive a higher salary than university graduates.

Not to mention the opportunity for significant career progression, which is an

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aspect that will drive and motivate a truly ambitious woman.

The future of tradeswomen

The future seems bright for women hoping to enter the world of hands-on jobs, and female interest in the sector is growing exponentially. Once a predominantly male academic route, engineering courses are now seeing a rise in female students. In fact, 10% of engineering students are now female.

Jonathan Beadle, Commercial Manager at Van Ninja, says, “It is great to see more and more women dedicating themselves to skilled trades. It is an extremely rewarding career and one that opens the doors to a large range of exciting opportunities.”

Ultimately, as the demand for trade continues to grow at a fast rate, women are finally embracing the opportunity to take on hands-on jobs. As things stand, there is a wide pay gap difference between men and women in the trade industry. With an increasing number of the tradeswomen in the sector, the next step is to achieve equal salaries.

Van Ninja, vanninja.co.uk

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25/05/2022 10:01

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS: HOW LIGHTING CONTROLS CAN ENSURE PART L COMPLIANCE On 15 June 2022, new requirements outlined in the 2021 edition of Part L Building Regulations will come into effect in England. These changes will affect engineers, electrical contractors, consultants, and lighting designers, and apply to all buildings that aren’t a residence, writes Miguel Aguado, Marketing and Technology Manager at Lutron.

W

hether you work with universities, schools, offices, or any type of non-domestic development, it’s critical to prepare now to guarantee your compliance. Many of the changes focus on making new construction more sustainable. All non-domestic new builds must produce 27% fewer CO2 emissions than previous standards, while existing buildings need to install new controls that improve the efficiency of their heating and hot water boiler systems. However, a particularly complex amendment impacts the lighting inside non-domestic new builds.

Changes new requirements

In previous editions, there were no explicit requirements for lighting controls, meaning the use of high efficacy lighting was enough to comply. However, this was a missed opportunity. Using lighting controls will always enhance energy savings. With a systems approach, intelligent lighting control can overlay multiple energy savings strategies, such as presence detection or daylight harvesting, with timers, and more importantly with high end trim (that helps you define what the highest light level allowed in the space is).

To compensate for lumen depreciation over time, lighting is usually over specified, and spaces are over lit, causing issues beyond the obvious waste of energy. An over lit space can result in uncomfortable glare on computer screens, which can negatively impact productivity.

Starting on 15 June, the minimum lighting efficacy will be raised to 80 luminaire lumens per circuit watt for display lighting and 95 luminaire lumens for general lighting. Spaces must not be over lit, and each lighting circuit must have a kw/h meter, unless a lighting control system that can calculate and share the energy usage be installed.

Meanwhile, the tools used to verify compliance of a building (SBEM) will also expect the use of presence detection and daylight sensors.

This is the first time that UK building regulations have incorporated lighting controls. And initially, these rules may prove tough to meet. So let Lutron help you.

Please visit lutron.com/UKBuildingRegulations for more information, including videos and online training courses.

You can also register for a free Lutron webinar by scanning the QR code below.

NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS (PART L) APPROVED DOCUMENT SIGN UP FOR A VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION TODAY TO LEARN ABOUT THE LIGHTING CONTROLS REQUIREMENTS COMING IN JUNE

Advertorial – Lutron.indd 23

27/05/2022 12:13

INTERVIEW

A VALUE ADDED APPROACH TO POWER DISTRIBUTION SALES Carly Wills talks to Paul Allen, CMD’s National Sales Manager, Power Distribution Division, about life at CMD. CW: Tell us about yourself and how you got into the sector PA: Like several of my colleagues on the sales team at CMD, I began my career ‘on the tools’ as an electrical apprentice.

We won’t talk about how long ago that was, but it remains a useful part of my skill set because it formed the basis of my understanding of what an electrical contractor does and what they need from a supplier, from both a technical and operational point of view.

CW: For those who may not know, can you give us an overview of the work that CMD does?

PA: CMD is a UK manufacturer of electrical products with a 30-year track record of product quality and innovation. I work for the power distribution business, which specialises in under-floor power distribution systems with our Betatrak powertrack system and our Power Hub system, along with a wide range of floor boxes and grommets and our under-desk power modules, the best known of which is Rotasoc, with its 3,600 rotating sockets.

We serve the electrical contracting and consultancy markets, while our interiors business works with FMs and the office furniture sector to provide workstation power and ergonomics solutions.

CW: Tell us about your current role - what are you responsible for and what does the normal working day consist of?

PA: As National Sales Manager, leading a team of six external sales people and working with our internal sales team, I consider the customer’s needs as a central part of my role. Our job is to provide contractors with what they need to meet the specification and deliver a safe and compliant installation. But it’s also to consider their commercial and operational needs and provide them with solutions that will overcome site challenges, tight programmes and mission critical lead time requirements.

Day-to-day, I am responsible for generating my own sales pipeline and managing the rest of the field sales team.

It’s a role that means I spend much of my time visiting customers at their offices or on site, working out of CMD’s Clerkenwell showroom in London, or from home.

24 | June 2022

Interview – CMD.indd 24

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Alongside my sales and sales management responsibilities, I am also part of CMD’s new product development team, which meets on a monthly basis to drive innovation. The team comprises of four members of the sales team, drawn from both our power distribution and workstation power/ergonomics divisions, along with our product designers and marketing and creative manager.

CW: How did your career progress to where it is now?

PA: I have worked at CMD for the past 12 years, having moved into electrical sales as soon as I completed my apprenticeship. I worked for an established UK manufacturer of wiring accessories, before taking on a role with one of CMD’s competitors, then opting to move to my current post in 2010.

CW: Why did you decide that CMD was the right place for your career?

PA: When I decided to move to CMD it was because it was the right role with the right company. I think we all want to work for a company that we can be proud of, and to work with colleagues who believe in what they’re doing and have the skills to deliver success for the business and its customers.

That’s certainly the way CMD operates.

CW: What are the best things about your role? What are the most challenging?

PA: I believe there are so many advantages for electrical contractors who source products and materials from a UK manufacturing supply chain. For example, at CMD, the sales team provides the interface between product development, manufacture and quality assurance processes on the one hand, and the customer – end user, consultant, contractor, wholesaler/stockist – on the other. We are able to provide accurate information on lead times and pricing to customers, along with traceability and ISO 9001 accredited quality assurance.

We’re also able to take their feedback on what they need from us, in terms of products and service, into the business to ensure that our new product development, quality assurance processes, lead times, technical support and customer service are all aligned to what the customer needs from us now. As buildings, technology and commercial conditions evolve, that

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25/05/2022 10:02

INTERVIEW

responsive approach to embedding customer needs in our product, service and sales strategy helps to differentiate us in a competitive marketplace.

One of the other things I love about my job is the variety. No two days are ever the same and the challenge is finding the right solution for the customer – whether that’s an electrical contractor, a consultant or an end-user, such as a building owner or an occupier with a specific requirement.

Another challenge is the pressure to compete on price, but competing on price is always a race to the bottom and, as all electrical contractors know, the cost of the products is only one element of the cost of the job. We aim to be competitive and we can often provide cost savings on product without compromising on quality. But our focus is on the value we can offer by combining quality assured products with UK manufacturing, responsive lead times and high standards of technical support. In that way, we help electrical contractors to meet the requirements of both the specification and the programme.

CW: How was CMD affected by COVID-19?

PA: One of the biggest challenges of the pandemic was having that freedom to meet face to face and go to site taken away.

Projects remained on site, our production continued and we carried on working with customers to ensure they had the products they needed, when and where they needed them, but that human contact was missing.

It’s been great to get back out there and spend time with customers again. Ours is a consultative selling process; we never take a hard sell approach and we never need to, because our customers can see the value we provide by offering the right advice, reliable quality and complete accountability for delivering on our promises.

Some of the things that were integral to our business before COVID-19 had to stop during the pandemic, such as training wholesalers to understand our products and doing product demos, so it’s great to be able to kick start those things again.

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?

PA: Tighter programmes and a demand for shorter lead times are big changes I have noticed over my 12 years at CMD, along with an increasing trend towards contractor-led purchasing decisions.

In the past, most of our customer contact was with consultants and, once CMD was named on the specification, the job was a CMD job. These days, the contractor is often the decision maker that determines which brand of power distribution system to choose. A lot of that decision making comes down to lead times and availability, because the cost of programme delays is much greater than the cost difference between systems. That’s one of the reasons why CMD’s 30-year track record and UK

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Interview – CMD.indd 25

manufacturing capabilities are so important for our customers, because they enable us to respond to spikes in demand for specific products in real time.

CW: What’s next for you and for CMD?

“I think we all want to work for a company that we can be proud of, and to work with colleagues who believe in what they’re doing and have the skills to deliver success for the business and its customers”

/electricalcontractingnews

PA: CMD has recently launched a 48-hour turnaround service for its Betatrak powertrack under-floor power distribution system, which enables customers to order up to 50 lengths of Standard or Clean Earth (C/E) low noise Betatrak, along with up to 25 feed units and 10 flexible corner kits with scheduled delivery to a nominated address within 48 hours.

As a supply chain partner, we have to understand our customers’ challenges and do whatever we can to overcome them. Lead times have been a huge issue for electrical contractors, so we’ve launched the 48-hour service. Along with the technical support, troubleshooting and product sample services we provide, it’s all part of our approach to making CMD the right choice as a brand as well as a product.

Our next product launches on the power distribution side will be stainless steel grommets and floorboxes, which will enable us to provide a one-stop-shop for power distribution installations in commercial environments. There are also some exciting workstation power launches on the horizon.

Our approach is to provide a complete power distribution solution from distribution board to desk that considers what people need now and how they will work in the future.

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CW: What do you think are the most exciting products or technologies coming to the market?

PA: It is clear that sustainability is an increasingly important aspect of building design and specification and this is not only being driven by compliance requirements and design professionals but also by end users and their employees, who want to do the right thing when it comes to ethics and the environment.

There will be an increased focus on energy management and reducing power consumption at the workstation, with automated power off at sockets and integration with smart building technologies over BMS and Bluetooth systems.

CMD has already done work in this area as bespoke solutions for corporates at the premium end of the office market, and we’re continuing to innovate as technology evolves with product areas that focus on energy efficiency and rapid charging.

CMD has recently launched a 48-hour turnaround service for its Betatrak powertrack under-floor power distribution system

CW: What are your interests away from work?

PA: Outside of work, my leisure time usually revolves around family and following Tottenham Hotspur My colleagues are like an extended family, so it’s great that we are meeting face-to-face again rather than by video call and we enjoy getting together after work - I think it’s one of those simple pleasures that so many people can relate to after COVID-19.

CMD, cmd-ltd.com

June 2022 | 25

25/05/2022 10:02

PROJECT FOCUS

RESIDENTS BOWLED OVER BY REFURBISHED LEISURE FACILITY Helping to fill a gap in the provision of leisure facilities for young people in Darlington, the Zumtobel Group lighting brands Zumtobel and Thorn worked with Davies Tindale Associates to supply advanced lighting control and luminaires for the £1.7m Darlington Dolphin Centre refurbishment project.

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or many years, Darlington’s residents have asked about a 10-pin bowling alley for the town. The council’s research had also shown a gap in the provision of leisure facilities for young people. Darlington Borough Council responded with a £1.7m redevelopment of the Dolphin Centre, which it hopes will improve the town’s leisure offer and bring in future income.

The underutilised, double-height space of the squash courts provided the perfect location to install the much-demanded bowling alley, creche, and café, while the Under the Sea soft play area was both upgraded and extended.

Davies Tindale Associates (DTA) approached the Zumtobel Group to assist with a lighting design for the refurbished areas. The end consumer wanted a fun, dynamic lighting scheme that staff could adapt to different events and occasions. Therefore, the lighting control was very important.

26 | June 2022

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“The scheme delivered a superb lit effect with colour change control, good colour rendition, and low energy consumption”

Jordan Wilkes, Electrical Associate at DTA Consulting Engineers, comments, “I have worked with Steve and the team on several other jobs. For this project, the client wanted complete lighting control, from scene-setting to colour changing. I knew that the Zumtobel Group would provide everything DALI-enabled to achieve the desired results.

We had a tour of the local Zumtobel Group factory, where they showcased the levels of lighting control that can be achieved.”

Meeting the challenges

The main challenges were integrating a complete controls system, including scenes and dynamic colour change, that would add interest and creativity to appeal to the younger generation using the bowling alley.

Furthermore, the ceiling design added complications – the Zumtobel range of TECTON continuous lines of light overcame this situation, offering a unique zero glare optical performance from the asymmetric beam attachment and full wiring containment, including the colour changing controls. The products were finished in

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black as standard to allow the installation to ‘disappear’ into the ceiling void space.

Jordan continues, “This area of the building was beginning to look aged. The new lighting and the refurbishment have modernised and revitalised the space, creating a leisure facility at the heart of the community. It looks fantastic. The client is over the moon, and the feedback from the local community is excellent.”

A focal piece of the scheme was the circular windows into the bowling alley, which show a snapshot of the area. The client had a clear vision that it wanted to achieve. The accent lighting and bowling alley can be changed as required for parties and different functions.

The bowling alley scheme also consisted of Zumtobel’s MICROS, PANOS infinity downlights and ONDARIA. The soft play and playrooms feature Thorn’s Glacier pendent, Omega Pro 2 recessed, and Chalice downlights.

The scheme delivered a superb lit effect with colour change control, good colour rendition, and low energy consumption.

Zumtobel Lighting, zumtobel.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

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June 2022 | 27

25/05/2022 10:03

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

FULL IOT ROLL-OUT OF 15,000 CONNECTED HOMES BY 2025 As of November 2021, Barnet Homes has over 3,000 homes connected to the Aico-HomeLINK IoT platform, accounting for 20% of its total stock. The technology has demonstrably saved people’s lives and generated net savings. Following a smooth roll-out, Barnet Homes has confirmed that it will complete a full roll-out of 15,000 homes by 2025.

For every £1 invested, at least £2.70 will be saved

A comprehensive business case identified cashable savings of £8.9m. There were also further safety, compliance, and reputation-related savings of £16.9m but this was not included in the business case to take a conservative approach.

Example savings areas include:

1. Increased asset lifetime

The industry average time an alarm spends on the ceiling is estimated to be six to eight years (eight years was used in the business case to be conservative). This is short of the 10-year recommendations given by most reputable manufacturers because contractors, installers, and

asset managers err on the side of caution when replacing devices to decrease the risk that alarms go out of date on the ceiling. The main examples given are for EICR tests, as these are five-year cyclical programs, alarms found to be over five years old are automatically replaced to prevent them from falling out of date prior to subsequent visits. While this approach improves compliance, it can be more financially and environmentally costly.

The Aico-HomeLINK platform provides transparency about average alarm replacement age and provides asset managers absolute transparency of alarms that are out of date; greatly reducing non-compliance risk whilst enabling a data-led, strategic, and targeted approach to replacements.

2. Reducing visits “Knowing that my home safety systems are connected to Barnet Homes gives me peace of mind.”

Florida, Barnet Homes Resident

Physical annual smoke and CO alarm tests are often no longer required. While most of these checks were completed concurrently as part of gas servicing, there is still a cost associated with them.

3. Improving safety and compliance

Savings areas include improved and more efficient compliance reporting, reduced risk of fines, reduced legal expenses, less and more efficient repairs/callouts, and lower probability of reputational costs associated with accidents resulting in near misses, injury, or death.

Gavin Bass, Senior Compliance Manager at Barnet Homes, says: “We suspected that this product could improve our services from an early stage, and, after

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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25/05/2022 10:04

SMART BUILDINGS

SPECIAL FEATURE

a small pilot, we committed to a sizeable initial deployment to truly test the system.

There are now many people within Barnet Homes using this system and as we roll out across the entire stock it has become business as usual.”

Lifesaving impact

The business case is both conservative and strong, but the primary motivator for Barnet Homes is the potential to improve the safety and healthiness of their resident’s homes. For example, by the time 1,000 homes had been connected, Barnet had already identified three homes that had low levels of Carbon Monoxide and one home that had high levels. In all cases, Barnet Homes sent an engineer immediately to rectify the problems, ranging from a faulty cooker to an unclean cooker. From a compliance point of view, these are very different scenarios, but the net result is the same for the resident: at best rapidly deteriorating physical and mental health; at worst, death.

Gavin says: “Carbon Monoxide was already required as part of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. We now have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure our homes are free from CO. CO alarms will be a legal requirement soon. We can also see IoT solutions such as this becoming a legal requirement further out into the future because it is the difference between ticking boxes and assuming you know, and actually knowing 100% - in reality, this means saving money and lives and we have seen the reality of this already.”

Compliance 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to a new phase in the Industrial Revolution that focuses on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. It has already transformed many other industries, from manufacturing to automobiles and aviation.

Cars or jet engines without data analytics and sensors are now rare and homes are rapidly following suit.

While Barnet Homes leads the way, many other social landlords are on the same IoT adoption trajectory as them.

This is more evidence that Industry 4.0 has arrived for social landlords in the form of compliance. To date, Aico-HomeLINK has already brought online IoT solutions for nearly 14,000 socially rented homes in the UK and this number is increasing exponentially. Based on feedback from customers who are currently scaling this technology, Aico-HomeLINK will have at least 50,000 live homes by the end of 2022 and 750,000 by the end of 2025. There are currently 20+ large social landlords that have either reached full scale or are on the

“We received a CO alarm event notification followed by an alert that the alarm had been removed. We dispatched an engineer who immediately disconnected the cooker and reported the worst recorded level of CO he had seen in his career. It is extremely lucky no one died as a result.

Surprisingly the resident didn’t realise it was a CO alarm and had been doing this for some time” Peter Chapman, Project manager (Fire Safety), Barnet Homes

path to a full IoT roll-out.

Given the dramatic improvement in compliance that IoT sensors provide, this is clearly a ‘horse to car’ moment for the industry. IoT enables landlords to know that they are compliant, not simply hope. This is an evolution from a cascade of ticked boxes and reports to simply getting alerts when things go wrong and being assured of compliance in real-time at all other times.

Questions that can be answered much more effectively with IoT, analytics, and software include: • Are homes fitted to the right specification?

• Have the alarms been tested?

• Are the alarms in date?

• Are alarms being replaced close to the 10-year mark?

• Have any alarms been removed?

• Are your homes free from CO?

The plan for Barnet Homes is to cost-effectively install the gateway in all homes by 2025 as part of ongoing LD2 upgrades. Beyond this, the plan is to roll out the new HomeLINK Environmental sensors to at least 100 homes in the near future. These sensors will be essential in tackling several emerging compliance challenges covered in legislations like the Homes Act 2018 (e.g., such as damp and mould, ventilation, thermal rating, and energy efficiency). An additional benefit

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Aico, aico.co.uk

The road ahead

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of having the Aico-HomeLINK gateway installed across its stock is that it would be very low cost and low effort to deploy these sensors across its 15,000 homes.

“We can see a huge amount of value in the environmental sensors,” says Gavin.

“From improving resident health and wellbeing to ensuring we are compliant with things that are very difficult and expensive to measure, such as damp and mould locations and causes. It is clear from the Ombudsman’s report that landlords are expected to take a proactive approach to solve these problems - non-compliance will no longer be tolerated, and disrepair legal claims are likely to increase. The sector needs to get on its front foot and there aren’t many options.”

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The European Market Leader in Home Life Safety Fire & Carbon Monoxide (CO)

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

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25/05/2022 10:06

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

WORLD’S FIRST SMART BUILDING GOLD CERTIFICATE AWARDED Smart Building Certification has awarded the world’s first Smart Building Gold certificate to the Lippulaiva urban centre in Finland.

T

he new Lippulaiva will be a strong centre for local services in the greater Espoonlahti area and the first milestone in the implementation of Citycon’s strategy for the development of multipurpose centres.

Lippulaiva is also a transportation hub: the shopping centre will house the new metro line and bus terminal.

Citycon is an owner, manager and developer of mixed-use centres for urban living, including retail, office space and housing. The company owns 36 centres and one other retail property – 10 are located in Finland and Estonia, 18 in Norway, and eight in Sweden and Denmark.

The centres attract approximately 120 million visitors annually.

Lippulaiva will have a total of 44,000 square metres of leasable area and over 100 different shops, cafés, restaurants and services. The new Lippulaiva offers everything that the residents in the Espoonlahti area need in their daily lives.

The shopping centre is strongly focused on groceries and services, and offers approximately 100 different shops, cafés, restaurants and services. The anchor tenants of the shopping centre include the Espoonlahti regional library, Elixia fitness centre, English-language daycare centre Pilke Playschool, as well as grocery stores such as K-Supermarket, Prisma, Lidl and Tokmanni.

In the evaluation report, Lippulaiva received particularly high scores on the building environment and building performance. Smart Building Certification measures how smart buildings are using a variety of criteria, such as building usage, user behaviour and collaboration, building performance, building environment and safety and security.

“Citycon is paving the way for better understanding and realisation of energy and sustainability goals with clear strategy, innovations, applications, and solutions that push the market to think differently. The practices we are learning

Citycon is paving the way for better understanding and realisation of energy and sustainability goals

“Lippulaiva received particularly high scores on the building environment and the building performance”

about from Citycon are not only good for the environment but are good for business. The entire world should take note of what they are doing and follow their lead”, says Nicholas White, Head of Operations and Strategy and founder of Smart Building Certification.

In addition to the Smart Building certificate, Lippulaiva was also awarded a LEED Gold environmental certificate.

The LEED certification measures the environmental performance of the project phase, i.e., design and construction. In particular, Lippulaiva’s location in the middle of an urban structure in a public transport hub and the utilisation of local renewable energy contributed to achieving the high level of certification. Lippulaiva’s certification was achieved on the basis of the latest and most stringent criteria.

At Lippulaiva, the aspects of sustainability and sustainable development have been taken into account in a variety of ways. Thanks to its various sustainable energy solutions, the urban centre is carbon neutral in terms of energy consumption. Energy solutions for Lippulaiva include the utilisation of geoenergy and solar energy and smart

management of electricity consumption.

The heating and cooling needs of Lippulaiva are almost completely met by utilising the plot’s geoenergy and by recycling surplus heat. Lippulaiva’s geoenergy plant is the largest such system in a commercial building in Europe. The centre’s electricity consumption is partially covered through the use of solar panels placed on the roof and wall surfaces.

“Citycon aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. We strive for carbon neutrality, for example, by reducing our own energy consumption and increasing the production of renewable energy. The Lippulaiva project and the lessons learnt from it provide excellent support for reaching this goal”, says Kirsi Simola-Laaksonen, Chief Information Officer at Citycon.

The international LEED certification system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) assesses spaces, buildings and construction projects for their environmental qualities. The certificates are awarded and monitored by the independent Green Building Business Certification Institute.

Citycon, citycon.com

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

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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-3 2 connected-home-aico-full-page-advert Smart Building Feature ECN.indd 1

19/05/2022 16:56 04/05/2022 10:43:46

SHOW PREVIEW

EI LIVE!

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSEMBLE FOR EI LIVE! EI Live! returns to the Farnborough Exhibition Centre on 14 and 15 September, and Carly Wills speaks to Show Director, David Kitchener, to find out more about what’s in store for electrical contractors.

CW: What can electrical contractors look forward to at the show?

DK: For electrical contractors, getting to know the AV installation business can offer an extra revenue stream and generally increase their business. A trip to EI Live!, the only dedicated AV and home automation exhibition in the UK, could pay dividends to electrical contractors, as they have the opportunity to learn all they need to know.

Apart from seeing, hearing, and feeling all of the various products, all AV distributors and manufactures offer full training - often free of charge.

CW: What is the crossover between the smart home/AV industry and the electrical contracting industry?

DK: Electrical contractors are, of course, dealing with high voltage products and services, and the AV products are low voltage. But the benefits are that once an electrical contractor has completed their work in any establishment, they can easily upsell to installing AV and home automation products, thus offering a greater revenue stream. That could be hanging a flat screen, installing a multi-room automation system, and everything in between.

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

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EI LIVE!

There will be new products shown in the UK for the first time at EI Live!

SHOW PREVIEW

CW: Will there be the chance for contractors to learn more about the smart home market during the show?

DK: Yes - once they have chosen which products and services they are interested in installing from an AV point of view, all manufacturers offer full training and support, as do all the AV distributors. Most offer training free of charge, and there is no limit to the amount of training you can embark on.

CW: What new products can we expect to see at the show?

DK: It’s difficult to say at this stage, but a lot of exhibitors use EI Live! to announce their new products and services to the world. Exhibitors tend to outline the new launches nearer the time running up to the exhibition, so keep an eye out for the new launches published in ECN as soon as we get to know about them. But we can guarantee that there will be new products shown in the UK for the first time at EI Live!

CW: Will the Technical Theatre return this year?

DK: Yes, the Technical Theatre forms a major part of the show, with a variety of topics presented. This year the Technical Theatre is sponsored by Snap One/Control4, probably the largest AV and automation company in the industry.

CW: Can you tell us more about Snap One’s dealer training that will take place during the show?

DK: Yes, this will take the form of technical training and sales training. The technical training session looks at best practices for delivering a successful installation.

Starting with RMM and an overview of the usability and power of OvrC, this training also covers networking procedures – from router to WAP management – and provides an in-depth look at the new features available with OvrC. The sales training will explore Snap One’s strategic categories, as well as providing an update of its sales proposition and team structure. Partners will also receive an overview of the Partner Portal, and the company’s industry-leading initiatives, including the Certified Showroom Program and Design & Build collaboration.

This year the Technical Theatre is sponsored by Snap One/Control4

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Getting to know the AV installation business can offer an extra revenue stream

Register to attend EI Live! for FREE at eiliveshow.com

CW: The Smart Building Awards return on 14 September – how can electrical contractors get involved?

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DK: The Smart Building Awards is a great evening of fun, with 24 awards being presented at a sumptuous dinner, taking place on 14 September 2022, the first evening of the show. The awards are free to enter and judged by an independent panel of judges. Of course, if an electrical contractor has a case study or two they are encouraged to enter the awards under the relevant category. Tickets are available for the dinner, even if they don’t wish to enter the awards themselves. To enter or buy tickets to attend, please visit smartbuildingawards.com.

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

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26/05/2022 12:32

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

SMART TECHNOLOGY — A GROWING MARKET Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager, Scolmore Group, looks at the detail of a recent home automation market report to get a picture on the future of smart homes and the role of smart home security.

T

he 5th edition of the Home Automation Market Report – UK 2021-2025 is the latest market report from AMA Research, and it addresses the market for home automation products and systems, which has benefited in recent years from the continued growth in the spread of wireless and app-based technologies.

According to the report, the home automation market value increased by more than 46% between 2016 and 2019.

However, this growth was disrupted during 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK. After 2020, the market was expected to hit double digit growth, with a forecasted increase of approximately 47% by 2025. Performance holding up during the COVID-19 pandemic is largely attributed to growth in the lower end of the sector and strong growth in online retailing. Home automation products have seen significant growth over the last decade, as housebuilders have started to embrace systems such as lighting and heating controls, with smart plugs also a growing sector.

A modular approach

Home automation products have seen significant growth over the last decade

The offering of modular systems which enable future expansion has also driven growth, and in addition, the development of systems aimed at self-installation has expanded significantly, helping to substantially reduce costs and make systems more affordable to a wider market.

Greater interest and purchase of home security systems and devices has been encouraged by the wider availability of smartphone app controlled devices that are now more affordable and enable greater monitoring and control of security devices: access, CCTV, motion and smoke, water detectors and other devices.

With the rapid increase of availability of home automation products, manufacturers are addressing this situation by making second and third generation devices with a broader range of connectivity options and protocols. Medium-term prospects for home automation remain positive.

Millennials driving growth

The editor of the AMA Research Home Automation Report asks if millennials are the ones behind the growth in home automation.

As it stands, there are approximately 2.2 million smart homes in the UK, a number that is expected to grow as consumer interest in efficiently operated households grows. Ownership of smart home devices tends to be higher amongst those aged 35-49. This is currently credited to this particular age groups’ spending power.

Millennial homeowners are more likely to invest in smart homes and home automation systems in the near future, whereas a large chunk of those in the 50+ age bracket have little to no interest in purchasing smart home devices in the foreseeable future. 84% of UK adults own a smartphone as of 2020 – a trend that is likely to accelerate demand for home automation systems.

Recent advances in technology and innovation helped ameliorate the perception of cost being a hurdle in the growth of the home automation market, but as manufacturers continue to address consumer concerns, such as developing systems that dovetail into existing automation systems with minimal additional costs, as well as technological improvements in data security, have helped support the continuous growth of the automation market. The home automation market is expected to hit double digit growth as soon as 2023 following the pandemic disruption, with a forecasted increase of 47% by 2025.

Even through the pandemic and lower spending levels, the home automation market only declined by 3% in 2020, an increase in online sales of lower-cost items is credited in preventing a dramatic fall.

Having a reliable infrastructure in place is vital in ensuring not only growth but also the longevity of the home automation market. Currently up to 57% of UK properties have access to ultrafast broadband speeds of 300Mbps+. With more people now asking for the option of flexible working as we look to our post pandemic world, having access to great broadband will be vital, so as long as this number continues to rise this market sector will be in good stead.

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Smart buildings and smart security

Smart security is a close ally of intelligent buildings. It uses the same technologies – wireless networks and the internet of things – that give users the ability to customise and monitor their security systems in the home and manage security over a wider area and respond to threats in the workplace.

Basic home and business smart security systems typically centre on a mobile or computer application, which the user can use to monitor and manage their building security. It can be linked to an internet of things-enabled security system that detects entry and exit, the status of smart locks, whether doors are open or shut, lighting, heating, water systems and much more, providing the user with a holistic view of who and how their building is being used.

For home security, for instance, this means that users can remotely detect whether their house has been broken into or interfered with while they’re at work or on holiday. They will receive information if a door has been opened, lock broken or light turned on, which can then be automatically or manually relayed to the police. It could also proactively warn users about potential security flaws, such as doors that don’t shut properly or smart locks that have developed a fault.

Scolmore, scolmore.com

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Ownership of smart home devices tends to be higher amongst those aged 35-49

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Join Ring Professional Programme free today.

Ring Professional Programme is designed to educate professional installers and electricians on Ring’s range of whole-home security products.

Ring helps installers give expert advice to customers by offering outstanding service when installing and setting up Ring devices. Gain access to exclusive training videos and installation materials. You’ll also receive a training certificate, access to competitions, exclusive updates, and a 40% discount code for Ring products.

Scan the QR code to join Ring Professional Programme today.

www.ring.com/professionalprogramme

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24/05/2022 16:50 24/05/2022 15:58

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

LIGHT FOR THE BIORHYTHM ‘NATURALLY’ WITH KNX What makes KNX so successful worldwide is the standard set by the KNX Association which all manufacturers in the network have to adhere to as members. At B.E.G., for example, the company offers motion and occupancy detectors, actuators, panels, power supplies, interfaces and much more for the KNX system, writes Paul Jones, Sales Director UK & Ireland, B.E.G.

O

nce integrated in the BUS, B.E.G.’s KNX devices can be connected to KNX devices from other manufacturers.

Electrical contractors, system integrators and installers have a unique choice from a wide range of products for different areas and can choose the devices that are exactly right for their project.

Technology is ever-changing, as end consumers see especially with PCs, which are outdated after three years at the latest, which is why lighting control manufacturers must always be looking to constantly evolve and offer the best solutions. For electrical contractors, what is the best is also very much dependent on the end user’s requirements, which is why the company says it always has an open ear for feedback and follows the most recent trends on the market.

B.E.G. says that its most outstanding innovation in recent years has been the integration of an HCL control system. HCL stands for Human Centric Lighting – a lighting control system that puts the focus on people. The light colour and intensity is gently changed throughout the day so that it can mimic the natural course of sunlight during the day.

Scientists discovered only at the beginning of the 2000s that light colour and light intensity control our internal clock.

Living indoors or even extreme working hours in shift work disturb our natural rhythm because we do not receive any impulses from the sun. The HCL control system demonstrably increases human well-being.

In its latest development, all of the B.E.G. Generation Seven occupancy detectors have integrated HCL control so the end user can choose between three standard light curves developed by experts: Industry, Office and School.

For electrical contractors, what is the best is also very much dependent on the end user’s requirements

“B.E.G. says that its most outstanding innovation in recent years has been the integration of an HCL control system”

There are other components required, such as special luminaires. The DALI Device Type 8 luminaires are fantastic examples, as they have both warm white and cool white LEDs. The controller mixes the white tone with these LEDs. To establish the connection between the KNX detector and the DALI luminaires, the DALI KNX gateway is also required. With these three components, the HCL control can be implemented via KNX. For the new KNX detectors, lighting quality is therefore a major issue, which is why not only does B.E.G.’s range control HCL luminaires, but also (via the DALI-KNX gateway) RGB lighting. For example, the logo colour can be selected as the night light in the entrance area of your offices, so as soon as the detector detects movement, the right colour light is switched on. This is a very smart solution.

It is important that the new KNX secure security standard is installed so when end users activate it via ETS, the protocols are sent encrypted. They can then only be decrypted by the legitimate protocol recipient. It is then no longer possible

to intercept the data, for example, by connecting a third-party laptop to a switch.

This does not affect the usability of the system, as the end user does not notice the change – the system can still be operated via switches or visualisations. As a further operating option, there is the option of an end-user remote control for B.E.G.’s detectors.

The remote control has five buttons that are freely programmable. The benefits can be better explained by means of the following example: in an office building, the conference rooms have such a remote control. The function ‘light on’ and ‘light off’ is assigned to buttons one and two. The scene presentation is assigned to button three, where the light is dimmed, the shutters are closed and the projector is moved out of the ceiling.

The meeting scene on button four activates a bright lighting and the pause scene on button five adjusts the lighting to a pleasant warm white light that supports relaxation. Here, too, B.E.G.’s guiding principle of lighting quality, which stands for quality of life, can be found.

B.E.G., beg-luxomat.com

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

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25/05/2022 10:09

D ANLERS

View the range

New Smart ISI range ♦ PIR occupancy switches with built-in photocells ♦ Free-to-download DANLERS iOS and Android app ♦ Simple and easy-to-use ♦ Programmable setback light levels and fade rates ♦ Upgradeable for extra features such as group control and asset tracking

This NEW DANLERS range of smart sensors is quick to set up, with DANLERS own easy-to-use APP (Android & iOS).

Security options are available, to avoid unauthorised changes to settings.

It has switching and dimming compatibilities for DALI and 0-10V. Upgradeable via over-the-air updates with additional licences and extra features.

Ideal for energy-saving automatic lighting control.

DANLERS Lighting Controls DANLERS Limited, DANLERS Business Centre, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6NQ, UK T: +44 (0)1249 443377

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20/05/2022 11:56

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

HAMILTON LITESTAT SETS THE SCENE AT STUNNING BLUE LAGOON PROPERTY Infinity is a contemporary waterside home situated on the Sandbanks Road, Poole, Dorset.

The sustainable, open-plan property has direct views towards Brownsea Island and is on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This stunning piece of architecture was developed

by Hi Homes to be as exquisite as its very special location.

H

i Homes’ project brief outlined very specific criteria that it required from a lighting partner. It needed a smart control system that would span a multitude of lighting solutions, blinds, garage doors, electric gates, landscaped grounds and jetty. The system needed to control a large number of circuits individually, while having the ability to personalise multiple lighting scenes for each room.

Having undertaken much research into smart lighting control, the developer found that the majority of systems with pre-set lighting scenes were created by installers, with a change to the scene settings requiring a further visit from an engineer.

However, the client specifically wanted the capability of changing these settings and scenes themselves at a whim’s notice and without the inconvenience and additional cost of installer call outs.

Aesthetically, each control plate needed to complement the contemporary design of the property, while being durable and reliable.

The plates also needed to control between eight to 10 circuits and a minimum of four lighting scenes, with personalised labelling for clarity. As well as bespoke control plates, the lighting must be smart device-enabled so it can be controlled via the Hamilton app from either a smart phone or tablet.

During the research process, Hi Homes came across Hamilton’s solutions. The contemporary design, touch activation and the ability to create bespoke sizes in its capacitive touch control plates made it the ideal choice.

Hamilton’s Smart Lighting Control System was chosen for its flexibility in supporting projects of varying complexity.

It can provide a simple plug-and-play pre-programmed installation, or additional levels of system functionality can be utilised and programmed to meet exacting requirements. It can also incorporate control for other electrical circuits, with this property integrating the control of window

blinds, garage doors and the electric front gates, as well as two switches enabled in turning the entire home on or off.

Following consultation with Hamilton on design and layout, Hi Homes undertook the internal and external electrical works, with the Hamilton team supporting on the testing of lights, blind automation, garage door and gate functionality to ensure seamless functionality throughout the home.

Master control plates were strategically placed in key positions on each floor of the property, with every room also having zonal control plates for the utmost convenience.

Hamilton supported the client in creating and setting lighting scenes. For the home’s master rooms, such as the main living room, the kitchen/dining/living area and bedrooms, four lighting scenes were created. For other communal areas, two lighting scenes were set, such as hallways, landings and the garage. The Hamilton team also showed the client how to easily alter and set new lighting scenes, giving them the capability of making adaptions and changes without the need for an on-site engineer.

Alongside lighting control, Hamilton also incorporated blind control within the system. Blind control means that the homeowners can simply adjust the blind settings to suit any time of day and let in just the amount of natural light they desire.

To control the circuits, Hi Homes chose Hamilton’s Linea Duo frames in satin nickel with black capacitive touch plates. They offer control of the high number of circuits required, which Hi Homes hadn’t been able to source from competitor brands.

It was essential that the switches could be individually etched with personalised names for ease of use. To provide enough room for the detailed labelling required, Hamilton used a 16-circuit control plate and enlisted its bespoke design team to convert this to a 12-circuit control plate. This allowed for wider framing of the buttons and enough space for the descriptive text alongside each switch, making for easy control of all circuits and functionality in a stylish manner befitting of the property.

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Hamilton’s Smart Lighting Control System was chosen for its flexibility in supporting projects of varying complexity

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For a seamless look, complementary wiring accessories were installed throughout the home. Hamilton’s switch plates and sockets were selected in Hartland CFX and Sheer designs with a satin steel finish and black or white inserts, depending on the room décor.

Many of these sockets were also bespoke, incorporating a 5A socket or USB charging functionality alongside a standard socket.

As well as the capacitive touch plates, the Hamilton Smart Control System can be commanded into action using the Hamilton app.

In addition to the initial brief, extra functionality was added during the project. For security, if the burglar alarm is triggered, all the lights throughout the house and garden automatically turn on to ensure maximum visibility of any intruders.

The project’s final requirement was to integrate the Hamilton Smart Control System with the Control4 Media and Home Automation System. The Hamilton team worked closely with Control 4 to achieve this with seamless results.

The client is delighted with the finished project, which exceeds the initial smart control brief and delivers remarkable functionality and an exquisite design finish.

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NEW

VIVARES – THE IOT LIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FROM LEDVANCE.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? COMFORT. WE’VE NAILED IT. VIVARES LIGHT MANAGEMENT. SIMPLY BETTER.

LIGHT MANAGEMENT – THE COMFORTABLE WAY With VIVARES you can provide optimal lighting conditions in the office while being flexible and future-proof. Get all the LMS components and the matching LED luminaires from a single source for maximum stability and compatibility. The new IoT light management system from LEDVANCE is not just easy to install, but you can also choose between wireless Zigbee or wired DALI technology. And our optional cloud services allow you to diagnose the system remotely and carry out energy monitoring from anywhere.

Discover the comfortable way of inspiring your customers!

LEDVANCE.CO.UK Untitled-3 2

19/05/2022 16:55

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

NOW IS THE TIME TO CUT UNNECESSARY USE OF ENERGY Adrian Barber, Marketing Manager at Prefect Controls looks at how to make energy go further.

A

drian says that he received an email recently from a director of a newly opened student accommodation facility. The tone of the email was almost incredulous – having installed electric panel heaters in around 200 rooms, staff were finding that the occupants were adjusting the room thermostats to 35°C and then leaving them at this setting constantly. Windows were being opened to cool the rooms down!

This, unfortunately, is not an uncommon issue, and with the energy cost crisis biting, reducing the use and therefore the spend on energy has swiftly risen to the top of many agendas.

Whichever method of energy generation is delivered, whether from gas, renewables or nuclear, with costs rising and scarcity becoming a very real possibility, control at the point of use is the only way for organisations to supervise consumption and keep a handle on costs for themselves.

Purpose built student accommodation is experiencing a relentless expansion

The current unpredicted energy crisis will hopefully be relatively short term. But growth forecasts for some sectors project very predictable long-term increases in demand for energy. Purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) is experiencing a relentless expansion. Latest reports[1] suggest a staggering 350,000 additional places could be needed by 2035.

The ease of moving into high quality, fully serviced rooms is very attractive when going to university. This is what has fuelled the growth in this sector to almost 700,000 beds. A population with a similar energy demand to that of a medium sized UK city!

Managing energy use in student accommodation can pose a real conundrum for energy managers, particularly when an ‘all-inclusive’ deal is the business model. The occupants expect comfortable rooms but have no responsibility for directly footing the bill for the heat they use, while energy managers need to curb unnecessary energy use but keep occupants happy!

For the sender of the email mentioned earlier, rather than ‘which is the most cost-effective source of heat?’, they should have considered, ‘how can that heat be controlled most effectively?’

Control systems designed specifically for student accommodation provide managers with far greater influence on consumption than relying on integrated electric heater controls in each room.

The minimum requirement should be programmable thermostats that only allow boost heating when asked for, reverting to the setback temperature after a pre-determined period. This avoids the ‘set it and forget it’ at 35°C. The system should also sense empty rooms/open windows and reduce heat input accordingly. This type of ‘local control’ thermostat, is robust, built for non-domestic environments, and is tamper-proof.

For larger properties, a centrally controlled Building energy Management System (BeMS) is a preferred option. A system that performs the same basic

tasks as local controls but is operated via an internet portal. This provides energy managers with access to every room, remotely. The room node is more sophisticated than a local control and can monitor environmental conditions such as humidity, light, CO2, and decibel levels – automatically alerting managers to unusual readings.

Stepping out of the bedroom and into the bathroom, even greater savings can be made when the BeMS controls water heating. With this comes the potential for leak detection and the monitoring of complete water system temperatures.

BeMS don’t just provide economic benefits – convenience; fault finding in hardware; the archiving of data; monitoring of best safety practices, are all standard.

For example, the data collected from water systems provides evidence that the criteria used in Water Safety Plans has been adhered to for the prevention of Legionella.

When jurisdiction extends to the kitchen – monitoring of cooking appliances means if temperatures on the cooking surface reach dangerous levels or if the kitchen is left unattended by a distracted student, the power supply is cut before ignition or flash points are reached.

Ultimately, in the current climate, efficient use of energy is the focus of concerns. The installation of a Building energy Management System can result in quite staggering savings – up to 40% has been cited. The return on investment is usually quoted to be under five years, but with the instability in the energy market and rising costs, that length of time could be slashed!

Now is not the time to try and save money by buying cheap energy – there isn’t any! Now is the time to make energy go further by not using it unnecessarily. After all, the cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use!

Prefect Controls, prefectcontrols.com Cushman Wakefield UK Student Accommodation report 2020/21

[1]

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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25/05/2022 10:13

• DECORATIVE WIRING ACCESSORIES • SMART LIGHTING CONTROL & WIRELESS AUDIO

NEW RANGE!

White Pl stic

Verve – sometimes White...is just right!

Our heating controls are always striving to use less energy, while keeping rooms at a comfortable temperature.

Allowing heat boost, but reverting to setback temperatures after pre-set times and reducing heat input when rooms are empty or if windows are open, are just some of the ways that Irus and ecostat2 typically save 30%-40% on energy costs.

Visit our website to find out more about how we cleverly, but simply, control energy use.

25

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YEAR GUARANTEE

A slick, modern curved look and slim profile.

It’s got everything you’d expect, plus a few extras.

• Micro-Grid switch options – 1 to 6 gang • EuroFix module plates – 1, 2 & 4 gang • 20AX switches with printed appliance identification for cooker hood, dishwasher, oven etc • Ultra-fast dual 2.4A USB-A (4.8A Total) charge ports • 100W/400W LED rotary dimmers – 1 to 4 gang • NEW 50A double pole 1 & 2 gang switches with neon • NEW 45A double pole neon cooker control switch +13A neon switched socket • Fit & Forget: *25-Year Guarantee *Excludes Verve Dimmers (1-Year) and Verve USBs (2-Year)

Scan for more info, or contact your local wholesaler Central control

Local control

www.hamilton-litestat.com

1997 - 2022

+44 (0)1747 860088 PrefectControls.com

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19/05/2022 16:58

SPECIAL FEATURE

SMART BUILDINGS

DEMAND FOR SMART TECHNOLOGY INCREASING The Global Smart Buildings Market size is expected to reach $131.5bn (£105bn) by 2027, rising at a market growth of 10.6% CAGR during the forecast period. The IoT and connected sensor environment is growing, and smart building systems are a crucial part of it, according to the new Global Smart Buildings Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report, 2021-2027.

A

ccording to the report, the growing demand for lower energy consumption and the massive growth of energy use has led to the rising number of enterprise buildings that have forced the development of innovative techniques to reduce and optimise building energy usage. Because of the growing demand in energy conservation and savings, building energy management systems (BEMS) that monitor and control the energy needs of a building have grown in popularity.

Smaller buildings require a system that can provide data on historical billing analysis, incentive availability, and educational, behavioural, and retrofit suggestions, whereas larger buildings require predictive analytics, advanced building, continuous optimisation and building optimisation, autoDR, demand response, automated building control, and enterprise integration. BEMS is crucial to addressing these requirements.

COVID-19 Impact

The reopening of corporate buildings for in-office work following the pandemic is projected to increase the demand for smart technology that ensures a safe atmosphere.

After a lockdown, commercial office facility managers and corporate tenants should provide a safe workplace. As a result, smart technologies are anticipated to be used to handle cleaning and sanitising, proper workplace ventilation, temperature measurement devices, smart entrance control, and space management for complete distance. The report says that this will increase the market for smart building systems.

intelligent building demand in residential applications. The residential market is expected to witness rapid adoption of smart building technologies to control smart maintenance, energy consumption, safety and security, and other factors.

The expansion of the smart buildings market is projected to be supported by an increase in smart city efforts by various governments

Solutions elements. Governments across the world are funnelling millions into smart city projects, which will boost smart building adoption in different regions of the world. As a result, the expansion of the smart buildings market is projected to be supported by an increase in smart city efforts by various governments.

“Smart buildings play a significant role in smart cities, even though the growth of smart buildings and smart cities are not mutually exclusive”

Smart city projects

Absence of teamwork, rising cyber attacks

For IoT and current smart building technologies to perform together, there appears to be a lot of interaction among standard enterprises, city governments, organisations, and other stakeholders.

This collaboration in the development of smart cities is critical to realising the full potential of these technologies. Property and tenant management, along with facility management, each has its range of requirements and operating systems. Since these technologies are often built to connect with other systems, accessing data from building systems can be problematic. On the other hand, the increase in cyber attacks is a major hindrance to market expansion.

All building systems and equipment are connected to intelligent technology.

Residential outlook

Smart buildings play a significant role in smart cities, even though the growth of smart buildings and smart cities are not mutually exclusive. Buildings with sensor networks can track sustainability initiatives, monitor power and water usage in live time, and connect with other smart city

The residential market registered a significant revenue share of the smart buildings market in 2020. Increasing demands for HVAC monitoring, smart door and locking systems, along with smart meters, can propel the growth of the

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Smart Buildings – KBV Research.indd 42

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Regional outlook

North America dominated the smart buildings market by generating the largest revenue share in 2020. The United States and Canada are major contributors to regional technology development. US organisations are making significant investments in smart building metrics, including building system integration and building controls, in order to leverage energy and system storage and deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable buildings. Similarly, the Canadian government is working hard to assist the country’s commitment to environmental and resource protection by rendering federal facilities more energy efficient and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in the creation of smart buildings.

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The solutions segment is divided into Safety and Security Management (Access Control Systems, Video Surveillance Systems, Fire and Life Safety Systems), Building Infrastructure Management (Parking Management Systems, Smart Water Management Systems, Elevator and Escalator Management Systems), Energy Management (HVAC Control Systems and Lighting Management Systems), Network Management, and Integrated Workplace Management Systems.

The Safety and Security Management segment acquired the highest revenue share in the market in 2020. Advanced building operation services, security systems, surveillance systems, and smart workspace solutions are in high demand in commercial buildings. It’s further divided into three categories: access control, video surveillance, and safety.

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25/05/2022 10:36

COMPETITION

TIME TO MAKE THE SWITCH TO HAMILTON VERVE

Win a lunar white Fitbit Sense health and fitness watch!

D

espite the variety of materials and finishes available in wiring accessories today, there’s no denying that sometimes white plastic… is just right.

Providing all the functionality expected within domestic and commercial settings and with a traditional box-fit design, Hamilton’s new Verve range has a slick modern look that reflects the aesthetic of today’s interiors. An ultra slim plate profile, subtly tapered top and bottom edges and white screw cap covers create an attractive, screwless appearance.

When it comes to the functional spec, you’ll find everything you’d expect… plus a few extras!

NEW RANGE!

Verve at a glance: • 1 to 6 gang micro-grid switch options • 1, 2 and 4 gang EuroFix module plates • 20AX switches with printed appliance identification: Cooker Hood, Dishwasher, Oven etc.

• Ultra-fast dual 2.4A USB-A (4.8A total) charge ports

April Competition

• 1-4 gang 100W/400W LED rotary dimmers • New 50A double pole 1 and 2 gang switches with neon • New 45A double pole neon cooker control switch +13A neon switched socket • Fit and Forget: 25-Year Guarantee (excludes Verve Dimmers (1-Year) and Verve USBs (2-Years))

Attention has also been paid to ease of fitting – with clearer terminal markings to improve identification and in line terminals for straightforward installation. A moulded recess houses the micro-grid module, while top and bottom locating screws hold the module in position.

For your chance to win a Fitbit Sense health and fitness watch in stunning lunar white, simply answer the following questions correctly.

1. Which edges of Hamilton’s new Verve plate are subtly tapered?

2. The Verve micro-grid switch plates are available in which range of gangs?

3. How many amps are the new double pole 1 and 2 gang switches with neon? a) 40A b) 50A c) 60A

a) 1 to 2 gang b) 1 to 4 gang c) 1 to 6 gang

a) Top and bottom b) Left and right c) All four edges

The winner of the April competition – a £250 Amazon voucher – was Simon McCarthy.

Closing date All entries must be returned by 30 June 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 August 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 June’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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Y ES, I would like to share my data with Hamiliton

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

Company Name......................................................................................................................

Address...................................................................................................................................

2. ...........................................................................

Signature.......................................................................

................................................................................ Postcode.................................................

Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................

3. ...........................................................................

Date..............................................................................

E-mail.....................................................................................................................................

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25/05/2022 10:14

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT supported by

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25/05/2022 10:17

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

EASY DETECTION AND DOCUMENTATION: THE BOSCH D-TECT 200 C PROFESSIONAL WALLSCANNER FOR EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS Precise. Reliable. Efficient – the first radar detector with leakage detection from Bosch Professional.

T

he D-tect 200 C Professional was optimised based on user feedback. It is the first radar detector on the market that can record measurements via a screenshot and then process them on a PC via a USB-C cable or a SD card. This makes documentation easier than ever, for example, of concrete cover for reinforcing bars or to track live cables.

In addition, the radar detector features a leakage detection for the first time. This is based on even better signal processing that makes it possible to analyse and display damp spots on wall surfaces through reflected radar waves.

Burst water pipes can, therefore, be identified more quickly and without having to prise open the wall. To detect objects, professionals now also have a choice of four instead of previously two different views, shown on a 3.5in colour display. They can read the detection results even easier and derive suitable measures. Whether construction managers, test engineers,

The wallscanner features multiple views, to flexibly offer best results in various situations

experts, or craftspeople from different trades, they obtain conclusive results when using the D-tect 200 C Professional.

Four different views for optimum detection results

The D-tect 200 C offers three different operating modes

The D-tect 200 C offers three different operating modes: object detection, leakage detection and distance measurement. All common objects such as live/non-live cables, water-filled/empty plastic pipes, magnetic/non-magnetic metal and wooden studs can be detected with a depth up to 200mm.

To complement the operating modes, the wallscanner also features multiple views, to flexibly offer best results in various situations; object view, spot view, signal view 2D and signal view. Selecting the correct wall type along with the choice of view allows better targeting of the

relevant area and ultimately produce a more precise result.

The object view is the main view, giving the best measuring results – visualising all detected objects at a glance and giving a depth indication. Clear illustration of objects via colour code plus and material classification are displayed. You can see straight away how many and which objects are in a specific wall section, which simplifies the installation of wall cabinets or other components, for example. In addition, you can flexibly choose between displaying the object or drilling depth of detected objects.

The Signal View and the Signal View 2D are a great help when different materials are used. They indicate the strength or the strength and depth of a signal and thus provide experts with information about the wall condition. Grid structures such as reinforcing bars can therefore be clearly seen.

D-TECT 120 PROFESSIONAL WALLSCANNER Intuitive radar scanner for almost all materials

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

46 | June 2022

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TEST EQUIPMENT

The D-tect 200 C is available now

Users will be able to receive free software updates through downloads in the future

SPECIAL FEATURE

Specifications

D-tect 200 C Professional

Detectable materials

Plastic pipes (water-filled and empty), electrical wires, threephase power cables, low-voltage cables, data cables, magnetic metals, non-magnetic metals, wooden substructures, cavities

Max. detection depth, dry concrete (metal objects/other objects)

200/80mm

Max. detection depth, metal objects in early age concrete

60mm

Max. detection depth, wooden beams in drywalls

38mm

Max. detection depth, horizontal coring brick

50mm

Max. detection depth of objects in other supported wall types, e.g. vertical coring brick

80mm

Wall types

Early age and dry concrete, drywall, panel heating (wall and floor), vertical coring brick, horizontal coring brick, brick/universal

Accuracy of object centre measurement

± 5mm*

Accuracy of displayed object depth (dry/early age concrete)

± 5/± 10mm*

High added value – even after the tool has been purchased

Views

Object View, Spot View, Signal View 2D, Signal View

Internal image memory

>100 images (50 MB)

New features and functions which differ from previous models include multiple views, higher amount of wall types and detectable objects for even better detection experience, more intuitive user interface, screenshot feature for easier documentation, and many more.

Whatever is needed, the menu guides through every measurement with clear explanations in form of pictures and text, thus helping to avoid application errors.

There is also flexibility when selecting the energy source – the D-tect 200 C Professional can be operated both with a replaceable battery in the Professional 12V System and with four AA alkaline batteries together with the AA1 Professional battery adapter.

When fitted with a 2.0Ah battery, the radar

Data transfer

Via a USB-C cable or, optionally, a micro SD card

Protection class

IP5X

Power supply

12V 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery, alternatively with the AA1 Professional battery adapter: 4 x 1.5V LR6 (AA) batteries

Operating time

2h (4 x AA) to 6h (12V, 2.0Ah)

Dimensions (length x width x height)

231 x 106 x 112mm

Weight

0.64kg (AA), 0.69kg (12V)

Detection in tight spots is also simple thanks to a new Spot View. In this view, the tool does not have to be moved over a surface to detect an object. Instead, it indicates the object as soon as it is held against the wall.

Professionals can not only carry out detection with the D-tect 200 C, but they can also measure and mark distances, for example, to determine uniform distances between metal/wood stud profiles when pulling in drywalls or to assemble wall cabinets precisely.

* plus use-dependent deviation. Deviations depend on the material and the size of the objects, material and condition of the substrate, and the selected view.

detector weighs just under 700 grams. This makes it extremely light. In addition, you will be able to receive free software updates through downloads in the future, for example, to successively use new documentation functions. This means higher added value – even after the tool has been purchased.

The D-tect 200 C is available now. All Bosch tools have a one-year warranty, which can be extended to a total of three years if the tool is registered on the Bosch Professional website within the first month of purchase.

Bosch, bosch-professional.com

GMS 120 PROFESSIONAL DETECTOR Simple detection for safer work

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

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25/05/2022 10:18

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

NEW EV TEST EQUIPMENT RANGE FROM DI-LOG The continued growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is at a record level, adding immense pressure to meet the growing demand for increased EV charging infrastructure.

T

he new building regulations come into effect from mid-June 2022. It is stipulated that every new dwelling with associated parking, new residential properties with more than 10 parking spaces, and residential buildings undergoing major renovation will need to have at least one charge point fitted. The update in building regulations also covers commercial applications, including change of occupancy.

According to Zap-Map, the UK app for EV drivers, at the end of April 2022 there were 31,507 charging points across the UK, in 19,707 charging locations. This represents a 35% increase in the number of charging devices since April 2021.

In April 2022, 1,213 new charging devices were added to the Zap-Map database.

These figures do not include the many charge points installed at home or at workplace locations, which are estimated to be more than 400,000. Some of these charge points are available to the public in some form via community or visitor charging.

As a UK manufacturer of Multifunctional Electrical Installation Test Equipment, Di-LOG continuously monitors new electrical safety equipment that enters the UK and worldwide market, analysing new safety features, and developing crucial new testing techniques to keep our industry at the forefront of electrical safety.

With the demand for EV installation about to expand tenfold over the coming years, the company felt that this sector should be key to its next generation of multifunctional testers.

The New DL9100 Series MFT incorporates the DL9120 and DL9130EV. Based on the current award-winning 18th Edition Installation Multifunction Tester range, the DL9100 series MFT has a brand-new hardware and firmware platform to pave the way for some exciting new features incorporating a brand-new user interface, continuing to maintain the simplistic and easy-to-use operational design. A major addition to the range is the introduction of a Type B (Pure DC) RCD test which has paved the way for a host of tests specific to the EV and PV sectors, a fully auto-sensing intelligent high current Loop/PSCC test that will automatically

detect if the user is conducting either a two wire or three wire test without the need to select, a brand new RGB screen with colour changing screen alarms when specific triggers or warning are required, variable RCD test, and a full secondary display for recording the recorded result.

The flagship DL9130EV has been designed specifically for service engineers that currently offer, or are looking to add, EV installation as part of their electrical installation portfolio. The DL9130EV has many new and exciting features in addition to the DL9120, crucially to the safe verification of EVSE charge station installation including a 6mA pure DC test for RDC-DD verification. The DL9130EV will follow a pre-defined sequence comprising a full EV testing sequence for verifying the DC protection provided by the EV charger, combined with the testing required for AC protection of the sub-distribution board with Type A RCD protection. All results are then recorded with the RGB colour changing screen indicating pre-set pass-fail parameters. With just a press of one of the function buttons, you can simply switch between standard Auto RCD and Auto EV Test – no complex menu systems, or illogical sequences, just press and go!

A unique new feature added specifically to the DL9130EV is Rmax – this brand new concept will automatically capture the maximum R1+R2 and R2 continuity test reading, registering the result on the secondary display for recording once the circuit continuity testing is complete.

One of Di-LOG’s new user features is the addition of the Zmax function. Whilst performing a non-trip Earth Loop Test using the company’s patented RCD-LOC Xpert Loop Technology, you can track your maximum Zs measurement by simply pressing the Zmax function key before recording the maximum measurement on the secondary display.

Many European spec RCDs are appearing on the UK market and, from time to time, you may be in a situation where you need to program in bespoke RCD values to complete the manufacturer’s required test.

The new variable RDC test feature enables the user to customise bespoke RCD mA values to complete the tests required.

The DLEV1 is a universal EVSE Charge Station Adaptor Kit that will simulate the

Proximity Pilot (PP) States and Control Pilot (CP) States required to energise a free-standing or wall-mounted EV charger.

Supplied with a type 1 and type 2 connector plug specifically designed for testing, the DLEV1 kit will also simulate PE Pre-test, CP Error ‘E’ and PE Error with the added feature of CP signal output and load connection.

The DLEV1 has a 13A socket for MFT mains lead or can be used for inline load connection. In addition to this, there are also 4mm input terminals for single or 3-phase connections.

The DL9130EV offers incredible value for a feature packed MFT, meeting all the safety and performance requirements of BS EN 61557 and the requirements of 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671).

All the Di-LOG EV range products can be purchased separately or in kit form, offering additional savings.

The DL9130EV has been designed for engineers that offer, or are looking to add, EV installation to their portfolio

Di-LOG, dilog.co.uk/ev

D-TECT 120 PROFESSIONAL WALLSCANNER Intuitive radar scanner for almost all materials

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

48 | June 2022

Test Equipment – Di-Log.indd 48

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27/05/2022 12:05

NO GUESSES. NO SURPRISES.

Pinpoint hidden objects with the D-tect 200 C Professional wallscanner The D-tect 200 C uses advanced radar technology to precisely locate hidden objects. A groundbreaking user interface provides clear measuring results with multiple views in various applications, such as the Spot View, which makes detection in hard-to-reach locations easier.

The innovative screenshot feature enables quick documentation and allows downloads via USB-C and SD card. www.bosch-professional.com It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

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23/05/2022 10:11

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

THE ART OF CALIBRATION It’s critical to maintain the measurement accuracy of test instruments if they are to work properly, explains Steve Winder, Service Sales Manager at Calibrationhouse.

T

he calibration of test and measuring instrumentation is vital in ensuring that manufactured equipment used across whole swathes of healthcare, manufacturing and workplace applications continues to meet its published performance specification.

Indeed, accurate measurement is the base factor in all industrial processes and systems and is essential to the delivery of high-quality products and services.

For instrumentation, the only means of checking the reliability of equipment used to monitor, measure or test electrical or electronic equipment or installations is to calibrate them regularly.

Calibration is the process of comparing a measured value to a known reference value, and valid traceability of calibration to national and international standards is important to ensure compatibility with approvals processes and quality standards such as ISO9001/2. Traceability on the other hand, is a declaration stating to which national and international standards a certain instrument has been compared. Measurement devices form a kind of hierarchy with international and national standards on the top.

Establish traceability

Calibration of most test instruments is usually recommended on an annual basis

A calibration laboratory needs to establish traceability of its own measuring standards and measuring instruments to the international system of units SI, by means of an unbroken chain of calibrations or comparisons linking them to primary standards. Traceability of measurement can also be established to a consensus standard agreed by all users where it is not strictly based on SI units but may be derived as a ratio or by definition.

“Calibration is the process of comparing a measured value to a known reference value”

Compliance with the ISO 9001/2 quality management system requires that measurements are traceable to national standards where necessary and that the uncertainty of these measurements is known at a level which provides assurance that processes are under control and products will perform and conform within specified requirements.

Calibration certificates provide evidence that companies are undertaking appropriate calibration of instruments in order to justify their declared quality assurance level.

A calibration is incomplete without a statement of the measurement uncertainty.

ISO 17025 requires that measurement uncertainties shall be shown on all calibration certificates as calculated by internationally agreed methods.

Certificates must also show traceability to national standards as well as an indication of the test used, the products tested and the test method employed.

The international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 specifies the general requirements for the competence to carry out tests and/or calibrations and covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, non-standard methods, and laboratory-developed methods. It is applicable to all organisations performing tests and/or calibrations, which include, for example, first, second and third-party laboratories, and those laboratories where testing and/or calibration forms part of inspection and product certification.

In the UK, UKAS is the national body recognised by government for the accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories. Certificates issued by UKAS accredited calibration houses display the UKAS logo and are accepted by assessors as traceable to national standards.

However, where calibration to manufacturer’s specification is sufficient, calibration can be carried out in ‘non-UKAS accredited’ laboratories, which may still meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, but have not been formally accredited by UKAS. These ‘BSI’ accredited calibration facilities provide systems and processes that are traceable to national standards and generally use individual instruments or equipment which have been verified through UKAS standards, to enable valid calibration certificates to be issued.

Calibration to a manufacturers’ specification is the most common request for calibration and is the minimum calibration requirement necessary to ensure that the equipment is operating correctly and within the limits of the manufacturer’s published performance specification.

Accredited certificate of calibration

The actual requirement for an accredited certificate of calibration for all test equipment will depend on the level of assurance the equipment’s output reflects on the processes and products of the company – the importance of the product’s fitness for purpose.

Quality and health and safety issues drive the demand for calibration services.

The type of instrument and its intended application will also determine the frequency of calibration. More heavily used test instruments clearly need to be checked for accuracy more frequently than others which may have more specialist and therefore restricted usage patterns.

In general, calibration of most test instruments is usually recommended on an annual basis. For example, for 16th edition electrical installation testers and similar equipment, checkboxes are available to provide a simple and effective means of ensuring the in-service accuracy of instruments, between formal calibration periods.

Instruments requiring calibration by a UKAS accredited laboratory are normally the most important items of test equipment used for establishing traceability of measurements of the user’s product or service. However, for most forms of test instrumentation, calibration to manufacturers’ specification is usually acceptable.

The importance of accurate calibration of all instruments cannot be underestimated in ensuring that contractors continue to provide an acceptable service. Any lack of control or knowledge within the calibration arena not only has a consequent adverse effect on the quality of service provided, but could ultimately lead to a failure to meet regulatory requirements, including health and safety regulations.

Calibrationhouse, calibrationhouse.com

GMS 120 PROFESSIONAL DETECTOR Simple detection for safer work

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

50 | June 2022

Test Equipment – Calibration House.indd 50

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25/05/2022 10:20

NEW EV Range DL9100 Series Multifunction Tester DL9130EV launch offer EV Auto RCD Sequence

£699.00 + VAT

Type AC, A, B & Selective RCDs 6mA RDC-DD for EV Testing Variable RCD Test Rmax and Zmax Feature

List price £1499.00 +VAT

EV

Intelligent Auto Sensing High Current 2 & 3 Wire Loop Test New Colour Changing RGB Display Selectable 15/200mA Continuity Test Remote Test Probe Full UKAS Calibration Certificate

DLEV1 launch offer

£325.00

Made in the UK

+ VAT

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Kit contents: DL9130EV DLEV1 Universal to all MFTs CP state & PP state Type 1 & Type 2 Leads Included PE Pre-test CP Error “E” PE Error Protective Carry Case

Di-LOG Test Equipment Unit 28, Wheel Forge Way, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1EH | Email: sales@dilog.co.uk | dilog.co.uk | PHONE

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0161 877 0322 25/05/2022 10:27

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEST EQUIPMENT

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME Electrical contractors are required to test a wide variety of products and systems, and therefore need to invest in the correct equipment to perform these important tasks. Mike Cullom, Sales Manager UK & Ireland at IDEAL Industries, looks at some of the latest developments in test equipment design and explains why it pays to do some research before making a purchase.

A

To compound the issue, the rising cost of construction materials is having a knock-on effect and both issues are driving a greater need for increased productivity in order to secure decent profit margins. As a result, manufacturers are using all their research and development know-how to introduce test equipment that meets this objective.

Although functionality is crucial, ease of use, build quality, safety and technical support all have to be balanced against what is often the dominating factor – cost.

While manufacturers offer products that can accommodate all budgets, the onus is upon electrical contractors to be realistic about their requirements and make an investment to match. It makes sense to investigate what’s on offer in order to make sure that any return on investment is fully maximised.

level of business confidence that has been conspicuous by its absence over the last couple of years has returned and an increasing number of electrical contractors are now looking to upgrade their test equipment. It’s a sector that’s seeing significant growth and recent analysis from Future Market Insights suggests that the global electrical testing equipment market is anticipated to be valued at $5bn by the end of 2022.

Selection procedure

This, however, is against an ever increasing skills shortage – as the older generation retires, there simply aren’t enough young skilled people taking their place. A study

by ERF found that half of the UK has a shortfall of more than 50 electrical contractors, and the industry needs an additional 15,000 fully qualified electricians over the next five years in order to ensure that demand is met.

Feature packed An increasing number of electrical contractors are now looking to upgrade their test equipment

The most common design trends include smaller instruments that have greater versatility, better displays, intuitive interfaces and, of course, enhanced safety features. As an example, backlit displays that are easy to read under any conditions are now commonplace.

Although the internal technology that goes into a piece of test equipment is vital in making sure that results are provided quickly and accurately, productivity can also be optimised by the use of lightweight devices that have clearly marked buttons, are ergonomic and made of non-slip materials. For example, market leading testers come with ingress protection (IP) ratings to provide dust and water protection, and drop protection of up to 2m.

It might seem obvious but devices that have easy to spot colourways, such as yellow and black, can prevent jobsite losses and enhance safety awareness. Facilitating instant familiarity when upgrading is also a major advantage for electrical contractors, so testers and meters that boast common feature and function location across a range make it easy to transition between devices. Ease of use is particularly important for the new generation of electrical contractors, while they are still learning how to use these tools.

When designing test equipment IDEAL Industries uses focus groups to make sure that customer requirements are understood and this has led to small but effective measures such as putting probe holders on the back of testers, enabling two handed testing. Similarly, a built in torch function can be invaluable when working in poorly lit locations and the inclusion of a personal protective equipment (PPE) level warning indicator alerts the user that 30V has been exceeded. This vital health and safety feature provides notification that properly rated PPE equipment may be required to safely perform the necessary task(s).

Proof positive

With multimeters, a common mistake is to attempt to measure voltage with the leads in the incorrect terminals. Some devices now have specific terminals for different amperages to avoid this happening – if the leads are not in the correctly corresponding terminals, ‘lead’ appears on the screen and the meter beeps loudly to get the user’s attention. Furthermore, inadvertently measuring current from live to neutral results in a dead short, where hundreds of amps immediately flow through the meter and the fuse will blow. If this happens ‘fuse’ will appear in the display indicating that the fuse has been blown.

Warranties and technical support must also be considered in case something goes wrong or operational advice is required.

A two year warranty period ensures the investment is protected and technical support is invaluable because although most testers are designed to be as intuitive as possible, users might still require assistance when it comes to using a device.

Word to the wise

Test equipment manufacturers will continue to develop technology that allows electrical contractors to enhance their productivity.

Given that they are totally dependent on their test instruments, manufacturers that offer reliability, availability, technical support and service should be at the top of the shopping list.

IDEAL Industries, idealind.com

D-TECT 120 PROFESSIONAL WALLSCANNER Intuitive radar scanner for almost all materials

Precise. Reliable. Efficient.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

52 | June 2022

Test Equipment – Ideal.indd 52

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25/05/2022 10:20

Circuit Protection Making Electricians Smile!

Switched Neutral Mini RCBO

fusebox.co.uk Untitled-3 2

25/05/2022 09:58

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ETHOS LAUNCHES NEW PAT TESTER

5 TH EDIT

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The Ethos Test Instrument range is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding electrical engineers and contractors – making their job faster and easier, whilst helping the user comply with latest legislation.

W

ith 17 years of experience in the domestic and industrial market, Ethos has gained significant traction over the years to become a well-known and trusted brand among electricians. Based in the south-west and now boasting a staff of 50, the company is always busy looking for new ways to innovate and to make your working environment safer.

Ethos is proud to announce the launch of its new PAT tester – the Ethos 9700 and accessories to help you fully automate your portable appliance testing requirements.

The Ethos 9700 is a great value ‘plug and play’ PAT tester with a comprehensive range of tests and advanced data transfer and storage features. It has been designed to enable simple, professional and fast PAT testing, with remote data transfer, USB upload/download and a memory to store up to 10,000 complete test sets.

With point-to-point measurement, fast boot-up and a risk-based retest calculator to quickly determine suggested retest periods, the Ethos 9700 is the ideal companion for high volume testing.

All Ethos portable appliance testers comply with the latest 5th edition of the IET code of practice for the ‘In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment’.

A full complement of accessories are also available to support the Ethos 9700, Including a choice of 1D or 2D (for QR reading) cordless scanners and ‘PRO’ and ‘Elite’ cordless printers. These accessories will speed up the PAT testing experience, particularly if you are testing a large number of appliances.

Ethos offers two versions of complete kits. The Ethos 9755 includes PAT tester, 1D scanner, Pro printer and Software package in a heavy-duty tool bag. Also available is the Ethos 9756 Elite Kit with PAT tester, 2D scanner, Elite printer and Software package in a heavy-duty tool bag.

The software supplied is owned by you outright, so no more subscription charges every year, but with all the benefits of full technical support and free upgrades as the software evolves for the life of the software.

The Ethos 9700 has a two-year warranty and all accessories have one-year warranty.

Ethos, ethos-instruments.co.uk

ETHOS 9700 FEATURES • Battery and mains powered • Colour screen and QWERTY keypad • Large internal memory of up to 10,000 records • Bluetooth scanner and printer compatible • Password controlled user accounts • Set up multiple user accounts with varying levels of privileges • Clone facility to set up multiple testers • Checkbox supplied as standard • Auto-increment asset ID • PAT setup option to allow for custom menus • Enter asset description after test using keypad or barcode scanner • Comprehensive electrical safety test features • Point to point measurement (RPE and IR) • User configurable electrical test/ visual inspection sequences • User set sites and locations • Risk based retest period calculator • User definable comments lines against test records • Configurable checklists for any workplace test or inspection (user tests) • 1D and 2D scanner connectivity • Read QR code (2D) labels with 2D scanner • Print Pass and Fail labels with 1D barcode • Print Pass and Fail labels with QR code (2D) • Add your company logo to labels (on large 1D labels only) • Select from various label formats to print • Download to PC via USB cable • Filter results to be downloaded • Upload previous results to tester for retest • Two-year warranty

54 | June 2022

Advertorial – Ethos.indd 54

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30/05/2022 10:17

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.

Metrel UK Ltd. Unit 16, 1st Qtr Business Park Blenheim Road Epsom Surrey KT19 9QN Phone: 01924 245000 E-mail: info@metrel.co.uk Web: www.metrel.co.uk

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Twitter-@MetrelUkLtd Facebook - @MetrelUk Instagram- metrelukltd

23/08/2021 09:46

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

FIVE MYTH-BUSTING TIPS ON MODULAR UPS There are lots of different types of modular UPS systems available on the market so here Aaron Oddy, Sales Engineer at CENTIEL UK, shares the company’s five myth-busting tips on modular!

Modular UPS are more expensive than standalone

The cost of a modular UPS and its surrounding infrastructure can seem more expensive than installing a standalone.

However, when you consider the cost of a modular UPS and its infrastructure, you need to factor in the additional benefits and long-term savings.

To create redundancy in a standalone UPS, it is necessary to have a minimum of two units. Suddenly, the lower initial purchase cost starts to look more expensive. Particularly when remedial works are factored in. An engineer may need to be onsite for several ‘chargeable’ hours to complete these works. This dramatically increases the Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), leaving the system with reduced or no redundancy and adding risk to the critical load.

Installing the infrastructure to run and support a facility at full capacity with a standalone UPS from the outset, may not offer the most cost-effective option.

Under-utilised standalone UPS need to be run, maintained and managed, which can dramatically increase TCO over time.

Adopting a pay-as-you-grow modular approach can offer a flexible solution that minimises initial expenditure and ongoing running costs.

Standalone UPS offer redundancy

Standalone configurations can offer redundancy. However, what happens if one UPS fails? Suddenly, there is no redundancy.

UPS systems designed with decentralised or distributed architectures are truly modular, offering the ability to hot-swap modules. This means that if one module needs to be exchanged it is easy to swap it with a service module kept locally on site. Centiel’s CumulusPower takes this one step further with safe-hot-swap capability which enables modules to be changed in a live system, safely isolating and testing the replacement module before it is introduced to a live load and removing the risk of an inherent fault being added to the system through the introduction of a new module.

Modular is modular

Modular simply means it’s possible to swap certain elements out in a live system, increasing availability. However, the elements of commonality in a centralised solution, leading to single points of failure, are open to huge variations between manufacturers.

56 | June 2022

Advertorial – Centiel.indd 56

CumulusPower is the latest in true modular UPS technology

At Centiel, the company refers to ‘true modular’. This means each module is a UPS in its own right, all containing a rectifier, inverter and static bypass. This offers the highest level of availability as single points of failure are removed - there is redundancy on every component.

CumulusPower is the latest in true modular UPS technology and has been designed with distributed decision-making control logic. This means that no single module takes control of the decisions for the whole system. Instead, a distributed decision-making consensus takes place, eliminating the logic’s single point of failure.

Modular introduces redundancy

Any modular system offers peace of mind

Imagine if a static switch fails in a modular concept UPS. The system will switch to by-pass. Then what if there is a power failure? The load the UPS is supporting would be dropped. This sort of outage could cost an organisation many thousands of pounds in lost revenue, fines, damaged reputations etc…

A true modular system avoids the common single point of failure of the static switch as each element of the UPS is replicated many times over within each module. Choose carefully!

Centiel, centiel.co.uk

Yes, it can but, again, not all modular systems introduce the same levels of redundancy. Some ‘modular concept’ UPS systems are designed with a centralised architecture which means that there are elements of commonality, leading to single points of failure. Single points of failure might include: a CPU, inverter, or static switch. If there is a fault with one of the common components the whole system could fail, resulting in the load being lost.

A true modular UPS, such as CumulusPower, offers the capacity for redundancy increasing availability. Its distributed architecture offers the highest level of availability because it replicates all of the components across the multiple modules resulting in further power resilience.

electricalcontractingnews.com

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25/05/2022 10:21

NEXT ISSUE

Fire, Safety & Security

NEXT TIME… In addition to our regular range of news and viewpoints, the next issue of ECN will contain special features relating to fire, safety & security, EV charging and LED lighting.

The features will include articles and information from major companies, providing a range of information about the latest issues and technological developments affecting the sectors. For electrical contractors, the features will prove to be a valuable reference point for all that is happening within this area.

EV Charging

LED Lighting

FAST, FASTER,

TIME SAVING SCREWLESS CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY

To make sure that you don’t miss this major opportunity to advertise your products to ECN’s 20,000+ readers, call Kelly Byne on 01634 673163 / kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

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26/05/2022 11:45

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS, POWER & ENERGY

PROTECTING CRITICAL RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK The University of Warwick’s (UoW) new Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB) brings together 300 biomedical researchers from across the School of Life Sciences and Warwick Medical School to fight human diseases. Its focus is on understanding the origins and mechanistic basis of diseases of the body and brain, with the aim of finding new ways to extend healthy life spans.

T

he new IBRB builds on UoW’s existing world-class research in neuroscience, microbiology and infection, cell biology, and disease models, supporting and facilitating interdisciplinary biomedical research of the highest quality.

Representing an investment of over £50m, the IBRB provides the two schools with a world-class environment in which to train future generations of biomedical researchers.

In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Kohler PowerWAVE 8000DPA 100kVA was installed in the IBRB’s new services room located in the basement.

This new UPS system was commissioned to support a network of critical power outlets throughout the building. These are used for designated equipment that must continuously function throughout a power disturbance, including analytical and monitoring systems that form part of critical experimental equipment.

Based on the initial load, a 100kVA system was selected with 20-minutes battery autonomy, an external bypass switch, cable box for top entry cabling, plus site load bank testing to confirm everything was working and delivering what it should.

If the protected equipment were exposed to a power failure, it would result in months of research being lost, key results invalidated, and crucial samples destroyed. Ultimately, this would lead to a significant delay in the research of diseases for the general public. With the designated KUP system in place however, power dips will not result in equipment resets, and any spikes will be prevented from reaching and damaging sensitive components. If the power fails completely, the battery backup system will immediately begin supplying power until the mains power is restored or the onsite standby generator comes online. Featuring energy efficiency of up to 95.5%, low THDi and a near unity power factor, the PowerWAVE 8000DPA UPS system does this whilst minimising environmental impact and ensuring a low cost of ownership.

Paul Holland, Electrical Design Engineer, University of Warwick, comments: “We set out to find a reliable partner that was able to demonstrate innovative, low

58 | June 2022

UPS, Power & Energy – Kohler.indd 58

energy and low maintenance solutions with a commitment to sustainability. The Kohler PowerWAVE 8000DPA system was chosen because of its superb energy efficiency, allowing us to keep running costs low.

The small footprint and an innovative, fully modular design improve resilience compared to standalone UPS systems by removing single points of failure. The design also enables 100kVA to be installed now and another 80kVA to be installed later in 20kVA steps – this both future-proofs the building and further reduces running costs compared to buying and running a 180kVA unit right from the outset.”

Nigel Harrington, Power Protection Specialist at KUP continues: “Whilst lithium-ion batteries were considered, their cost and the lack of recycling infrastructure meant VRLA (valve regulated lead-acid) batteries were chosen. VRLA batteries are around a third of the cost and, with a well-established recycling infrastructure, they are 98% recyclable. The batteries are housed in robust racks – a solution that combines the best protection for safety, access for maintenance, and ventilation to avoid heat reducing their lifetime. As is good practice, the UPS room is fitted with an air conditioning unit to control temperature. By keeping the batteries at the right temperature, the lifetime costs are also reduced. In terms of monitoring,

electricalcontractingnews.com

the maintenance friendly new system communicates with the IBRB Building Management System, allowing the Estates Team to monitor the system and have full peace of mind.

“Whilst the system is covered by a KUP maintenance agreement that should avoid any unforeseen issues, the monitoring system will also provide useful information if a problem does occur. The open protocol nature of the system allows integration with third party systems, in line with the university’s smart buildings strategy, and will allow an engineer to arrive informed and, if necessary, with suitable spares to resolve any issues swiftly. This is one of the ways that KUP’s Field Service Team achieves a first visit fix-rate of over 90% and the company is ranked so highly when we analyse our monthly customer satisfaction surveys and feedback.”

To conclude, the new Kohler PowerWAVE 8000DPA system, coupled with KUP’s support, provides an efficient, dependable, and innovative solution as expected by the University of Warwick Estates Team and will be there to support the critical research being undertaken whenever power disturbances threaten to interrupt it.

The Kohler PowerWAVE 8000DPA system was chosen because of its superb energy efficiency

Kohler Uninterruptible Power, kohler-ups.co.uk

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25/05/2022 10:22

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26/05/2022 11:21

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS, POWER & ENERGY

SUMMER’S COMING — LOOK BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! Even before summer time hits, we have already seen some good BBQ weather, with the mercury rising and letting us enjoy the great outdoors. Great for you, but it doesn’t bode as well for your electrical equipment, writes Karl Lycett, Rittal UK’s Product Manager for Climate Control.

A

t this point in the year, there probably won’t be any alarms on your cooling equipment and therefore your mind wanders to other important issues on your site which need more ready attention. Climate control can wait…right?

While everything is settled down, it’s worth assessing any problem enclosures from last year

Wrong. In fact, the opposite is true; this is the best time of year to turn your mind to your enclosures, carry out a climate review, and start to understand what changes or improvements need to be made before it’s too late.

In a few months’ time, things will be very different. Fans and filters won’t be cutting it if the ambient temperature is higher than you require inside your enclosures! While everything is settled down, it’s worth assessing any problem enclosures from last year and making the necessary changes to ensure that when summer comes you are free to spend your time on tasks other than firefighting.

It’s important to remember that every degree above your set-point will be time removed from the life of your PLCs, variable speed drives and transformers.

Collectively, this can easily have a replacement value that tops £100k, even in a relatively small setup. If you replace only 2% of that equipment each year because of burnt-out or damaged componentry, then the costs can quickly mount up and it’s an entirely unnecessary spend.

But it’s not just the cost of repair and replacement of the actual componentry.

There are also the add-on operations costs

caused by unexpected breakdown and stopping the processes it controls. This lost output will continue for as long as it takes to repair the fault and is bound to have consequences for your wider business, impacting productivity and efficiency, and thereby reducing profits.

Correct climate control is often overlooked during the installation of electronic equipment because the focus is all on the equipment, not on regulating the environment that it operates within.

This is where Rittal can help you – as a leader in enclosure climate control products, the company prides itself on being your trusted advisor.

With its RiAssure service, one of Rittal’s trained staff can visit you and provide a free Cooling Review. This review is a short visual inspection of your existing enclosures and cooling equipment; from this the company can ascertain the next best step for your equipment and also provide ongoing, best practice suggestions so that your operations benefit from increased longevity, life and profit.

So, before summer arrives, reap the benefits of optimising your climate control.

Rittal, rittal.co.uk

Enclosure Climate Control Whatever the scale...... ......we have the solution

UPS, Power & Energy – Rittal.indd sk_engl_420x104 NCL.indd 1 60

25/05/2022 10:22

UPS, POWER & ENERGY

SPECIAL FEATURE

www.rittal.co.uk

UPS, Power & Energy – Rittal.indd 61

25/05/2022 10:23 09/05/2022 12:04:47

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS, POWER & ENERGY

A WAY OF DEFINING REDUNDANCY In a world that demands reliability and uptime, with many businesses making progressive movements in digital transformation, unexpected power outages can cause massive disruptions for businesses’ mission-critical services, writes Robert Williams, Technical Director, Custodian Data Centres.

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power outage of just one second can often impact services for many hours, sometimes even days, as not all devices may recover efficiently.

Some software such as large database engines may even require manual intervention to bring them to a recoverable state.

For data centres, redundancy defines how much capacity a facility still has after an infrastructure failure has occurred. The optimum being a complete duplication of the critical components within the facility, with a stark intention of increasing reliability and creating complete failover. When selecting a data centre partnership, businesses often will have the choice between what is likely a Tier III or Tier IV data centre. Such facilities will provide a certain amount of redundancy and failover in case of a power outage, which in turn could cause massive financial losses to their business. The most important role of a data centre is to maintain uptime 24/7.

Securing data centre resilience is essential and is key when assessing the potential for a new facility.

Having the foresight to forward plan and ensure that your critical power infrastructure, like UPS, ATS and switchgear, are future-proofed and scalable,

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is vital for end-users. To protect your customers and your business, redundancy must be included within the core priorities of your colocation selection process. Planning for the future and planning for the worstcase scenario is how you secure your data within a data centre environment.

N+1, 2N and 2N+1 – a way of defining redundancy As an operator, uninterruptible power is essential, but that power should also be sustainable, which is where truly diverse renewable energy feeds can play a critical part in delivering sustainable service to customers.

Power resilience varies significantly between data centre operators and there is a myriad of terms used to describe power provision. Dual Diverse Power Supply is what you should be looking for. This guarantees full resilience. ‘Diverse’ means that power paths are 100% separated from the power source to your rack, certifying there is always a failover in place.

A basic definition of N+1 is the data centre has a backup in place should any ‘single’ system component fail. The ‘N’ stands for the amount of data centre components needed to run the system, with the ‘+1’ describing the ‘one’ independent backup, should a component of that system

electricalcontractingnews.com

“Power resilience varies significantly between data centre operators and there is a myriad of terms used to describe power provision”

fail. Think of a 2N system as a system that contains double the amount of components necessary to run. All components are separate, with no single points of failure.

With this in mind, a 2N system is more reliable than an N+1 system. A 2N solution will keep things running should a failure occur at any point along the distribution system and, in some cases, data centres can offer a 2N+1 situation. This only differs from a 2N situation in that an extra component is bolted on, enabling the system to remain at 2N after a single failure has occurred.

Operationally you need to ensure you have processes in place to deal with any situation that may arise, so you can respond in a controlled way. When choosing your data centre supplier, this remains a key focus as you can supply your customers with a reliable backup solution.

Transparency from your potential data centre is essential for a trusted future partnership. For peace of mind, you can review data from the Uptime Institute to validate power uptime records and, robust Service Level Agreement (SLA), to guarantee maximum network uptime, power service, cooling and temperature stability are part of your agreement with your provider.

Custodian Data Centres, custodiandc.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

@ecn_magazine

25/05/2022 10:23

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

Untitled-2 2

27/05/2022 13:46

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS, POWER & ENERGY

WHY BE SATISFIED WITH NET ZERO BUILDINGS, WHEN ENERGY-POSITIVE BUILDINGS ARE POSSIBLE? The imperative to reach net zero is clear, with the construction industry having a pivotal role in securing a future for our planet. Today, buildings consume more than a third of the EU’s carbon emissions. That’s why we must set our buildings’ targets high – going beyond net zero isn’t just possible, its necessary if we are to achieve net zero by 2050, says Kas Mohammed, VP Digital Energy at Schneider Electric.

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uildings have the power to bring about better safety, security, and sustainability, using technologies and materials that deliver enhanced usability. We have come to expect that buildings, particularly those ecosystems designed and built from scratch, will have a certain level of connectivity. Advancements in software and digital technologies have helped facilities become more efficient and will ultimately be vital in helping us achieve net zero.

However, creating a net zero building ecosystem requires us to take a two-pronged approach. Firstly, ambitious pragmatism in mitigating the problems of the existing building stock. Secondly, turning aspirational future-gazing into immediate action for new buildings.

Retrofitting: no time to waste

Across Europe, about 75% of buildings were constructed before 1990, with a renewal rate of around 1.2%. The International Energy Agency tells us that 50% of the world’s current buildings will still be in use in 2050 – many have lifetimes of a century or more. And according to recent Schneider Electric research, nine in 10 buildings that exist today will need to be digitally retrofitted in order to meet net zero. It’s clear – retrofitting existing buildings with net zero technologies must become standard right now. At its most basic, this means moving from fossil-fuel-based heating and power to renewable sources – a move that building owners should have already taken. However, we don’t want basic; we need better.

Better means using intelligent digital technologies to drive efficiencies through insight.

IoT (internet-of-things) technologies are now part and parcel of many new builds and can be easily retrofitted within older buildings to deliver actionable insights on inefficient energy use. IoT energy management systems allow facility managers to make informed decisions. A step further, these choices are automated based on AI. For example, weather prediction software can automate a building management’s software to regulate building operations according to the upcoming weather patterns. Such insight, delivered via low-cost devices, can also enhance building experiences for

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users – monitoring room capacities, air, and lighting quality, for example.

Any building can be digitally retrofitted to become both smart and sustainable, with benefits that go beyond reaching net zero.

The reality of hyper-efficient, people-centric buildings designed for net zero is an achievable goal for all buildings and one that must be the top priority for building owners and operators over the next 12 months.

Beyond net zero, to energy-positive

Retrofitting existing buildings to achieve net zero and enhance user experience represents a better option than simply leaving them to eke out an unsustainable existence until they are obsolete. But what about new buildings? If achieving net zero is possible in those built decades ago, what should we be aiming for in those built today or over the next 20 years?

Combining the potential of IoT technology with the development in self-healing buildings is an exciting and potentially game-changing prospect. But it is still in infancy and unlikely to impact buildings under construction right now.

Energy positive buildings – those that create more energy than they use through renewable means – are a different matter. Not so long ago, they were an

electricalcontractingnews.com

aspiration. Now they are a reality, both at a commercial and residential scale.

New buildings fitted with wind or solar energy generating capabilities are even acting as microgrids, producing enough energy to power themselves and other buildings in their vicinity. Not only does this provide green energy, but such microgrids can also help ensure resilience in the face of broader grid failures. For building owners, combining energy procurement and efficiency can turn a building’s energy management into an asset rather than an expense.

A decade ago, the EU dubbed Positive Energy Building as evolution – something to aim for at some point in the future. With all we know about climate change, the industry needs to be more ambitious. Technology continues to leap forward – IoT technologies for building management were a pipedream just two decades ago. Now they are becoming ubiquitous. Self-healing buildings are at the cutting edge of innovation today but will likely be the IoT of tomorrow.

What can we do right now to achieve sustainable ambitions? For our older buildings, retrofit with today’s technologies as a priority to meet net zero as quickly as possible. For new buildings, we need to aim even higher. Reset efficiency goals from net zero to energy positive. Go beyond better and choose best.

Combining energy procurement and efficiency can turn a building’s energy management into an asset

Schneider Electric, se.com

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

@ecn_magazine

25/05/2022 10:24

Lasnek.

Because Quality Matters Stainless Steel Cable Management Systems • The stainless steel containment specialist • Choice of containment types & finishes • Bespoke manufacturing service • Large stock availability

www.lasnek.com • sales@lasnek.com

Lasnek Ltd, 1 President Way, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 9NR Tel: +44 (0) 1582 425 777

ELECTRICAL CONTACTING NEWS - FEB 2017 - 224 X 159.indd 1 Untitled-5 2

16/02/2017 14:45 25/05/2022 10:38

SPECIAL FEATURE

UPS, POWER & ENERGY

WHAT THE BRITISH ENERGY SECURITY BILL IS MISSING The Government’s new British Energy Security Strategy outlined a heavily delayed and much-anticipated plan to reach energy independence and net zero carbon, writes Luke Osborne, Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, ECA.

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We need short- and medium-term wins to bring the cost of fuel down quickly and decarbonise the grid

he strategy saw mixed reactions from the electrotechnical sector, ranging from praise for its renewed focus on wind power, to shock at its proposals to boost oil and gas as an interim measure while we ramp up renewable and nuclear generation.

But before any of these points can be addressed, we must first pay attention to a glaring omission from the Strategy: retrofit and energy efficiency. By a long stretch, the quickest route to energy security is to reduce our energy use by retrofitting our aging housing stock.

Retrofit, insulation and other energy efficiency measures may not sound as glamorous as wind turbines or nuclear power plants, but these are essential pieces of the energy security puzzle which have been overlooked and need urgent attention from Government.

Unlike long term projects such as nuclear plants and wind farms, retrofit solutions are available today, and can immediately alleviate the energy crisis.

While we wait for new projects to be completed and start producing electricity, the strategy proposes to boost domestic oil and gas production. This is not an acceptable short-term measure –

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Retrofit solutions are available today and can immediately alleviate the energy crisis

especially when our sector can so readily deliver energy efficiency solutions. The notion that we can delay our switch to low carbon energy by burning more fossil fuels in the interim is misguided, especially in light of the IPCC’s latest ‘final warning’ climate change report.

For the long haul to net zero, we need energy flexibility; a mix of low carbon sources and a reduction in energy use.

We need short- and medium-term wins to bring the cost of fuel down quickly and decarbonise the grid, rather than large spends on long-term projects which will do little to ease our emissions in the short term or provide room to develop new solutions in the future.

Our best bet for immediate results is to focus on retrofitting our leaky and draughty housing stock. By creating better incentives for energy efficient buildings, such as a home insulation scheme and an expansion of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include other low carbon, energy saving solutions, consumers would see an immediate reduction in fuel bills, and carbon emissions would drop.

Of course, none of the measures discussed here or in the Energy Security Strategy would be possible without a skilled and competent workforce. The engineering services sector knows all too well about the risks involved when the people delivering ambitious projects are not suitable for the job.

And yet, no mention of upskilling or workforce training is to be found in this latest strategy. Who will fill the tens of

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

thousands of jobs that will be created in the wind and nuclear sectors between now and the end of the decade?

Before it can answer that question, the wider construction sector urgently needs more support to raise training standards and upskill its people by boosting their training and qualifications.

Contractors also need support to take on more apprentices and new entrants, whom they can equip to operate at the highest standards.

Retrofitting requires a holistic understanding of the UK’s buildings, crossing over many professions and fields of expertise. The good news is that a lot of work has already been done to map out the retrofit process, through the PAS 2030 and PAS2035 schemes, and the creation of British Standard 40104.

The recent removal of VAT on energy saving measures, along with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme was warmly welcomed, but the ECA says that the Government has missed a trick by not extending the VAT cut to include Electrical Energy Storage Systems (batteries). These are key to giving households the ability to keep using their stored renewable energy when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing.

With that said, the cut in VAT on the upfront cost of energy efficiency measures simply removes a barrier to entry – this is not the strongest of incentives. What’s more, the VAT reduction is available for just five years, until 2027.

Much more work is needed to stir people into action and give them long-term incentives to install more insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, and batteries. In partnership with the Sustainable Energy Association, ECA recently proposed an ‘ECO+ scheme’ which could build upon the Government’s ECO4 grant scheme currently in place.

The energy crisis is affecting everyone in the UK now. While the ECA supports the Government’s vision for the future, it is urging them to focus their efforts on what can be done right now to help households and businesses reduce their energy consumption and cut their carbon emissions.

Retrofit must be recognised as the first step on our path to true energy security and net zero. Without it, none of the other proposals in the British Energy Security Strategy can be nearly as effective.

ECA, eca.co.uk

/electricalcontractingnews

@ecn_magazine

25/05/2022 10:25

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

COMPANY SHOWCASE

COMPANY SHOWCASE ELUCIAN - AFDDS

supported by

Increase Protection with AFDDs The smart way to detect arc faults in your circuit.

With the amendment 2 of the 18th Edition it is now recommended for AFDDs to be installed for circuits supplying socket outlets in 4 areas; • High Risk Residential Buildings (6 Storeys +) • Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), • Purpose Built Student Accommodation • Care Homes

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AFDDS LAUNCH COMPLETES THE ELUCIAN

BY CLICK CONSUMER UNIT RANGE Among the significant changes included in the Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) is a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits supplying socket outlets in some types of higher risk residential buildings.

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egulation 421.1.7 now requires that AFDDs conforming to BS EN 62606 shall be provided for single phase AC final circuits supplying socket outlets with rated current not exceeding 32A in the following: Higher Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB) • Houses of multiple occupancy (HMO) • Purpose-built student accommodation • Care homes •

The use of AFDDs conforming to BS EN 62606 is recommended for single phase AC final circuits

HRRBs are assumed to be residential buildings over 18m in height or in excess of six storeys, whichever is met first.

For all other premises, the use of AFDDs conforming to BS EN 62606 is recommended for single phase AC final circuits supplying socket outlets not exceeding 32A. Where used, AFDDs shall be placed at the origin of the circuit to be protected.

Amendment 2 was published on 28 March 2022 and comes into full force on 28 September 2022. Scolmore says that it is pleased to announce that it has added a comprehensive range of AFDDs to its Elucian by Click consumer unit and protective devices collection.

Scolmore has added a comprehensive range of AFDDs to its Elucian by Click consumer unit and protective devices collection

The new range comprises Type A 1 Pole + Neutral True 6kA B Curve and C Curve 30mA Trip AFDDs with integral RCBOs, which are available in 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A and 40A, complete with 450mm neutral out tails.

Key features and benefits of the Elucian AFDDs with integral RCBOs are as follows: • Arc fault detection: providing a form of protection that pre-existing devices – that are mandatory as part of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations – cannot provide.

• Fault reporting: reports five different types of fault conditions. Each fault condition has its own unique LED flashing sequence pattern that signifies the reason why the AFDD has tripped.

• Self-test: inbuilt self-test function to ensure the device is fully operational.

• Green LED indication: for a clear, visual representation of the flashing sequence to determine fault condition.

• BS EN 62606 & BS EN 61009-1 compliant: to cover the general rules and requirements for Arc Fault Detection Devices and residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection.

• Range available: 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A and 40A to completely harmonise with the existing range of Elucian RCBOs. • B and C trip curves available: to cover both short circuit trip times.

• 18mm single width size: to harmonise with the existing range of Elucian RCBOs and circuit-breakers, only taking up a single din rail space to fit seamlessly into the Elucian range or any existing Elucian installation.

• Neutral out tails: 450mm length supplied as standard.

Full details of the Elucian by Click consumer units range can be viewed on the Scolmore website.

Scolmore, scolmore.com

by Click®

Increase Protection with AFDDs

The smart way to detect arc faults in your circuit.

June strip ads - Elucian AFDDs.indd 68 ECN | June 2022

Company Showcase.indd 68

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27/05/2022 11:40

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

FORT – THE COMPLETE SMART SECURITY RANGE FROM ESP

COMPANY SHOWCASE

AXIOM LAUNCHES POP-UP SOCKETS WITH USB CHARGING POINTS

ESP is enjoying continued success with its Fort smart security range.

Fort is a complete range of smart security products, which includes intruder alarms, a video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras, which all operate under the ‘Click Smart+’ app, which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred.

The Fort Smart Security range offers accessibility and simplicity for both the installer and end user and has been designed to bring simple, smart solutions together for a safer and more comfortable home. The range features contemporary styling and has been designed to be simple to install, maintain and use, providing a hassle-free security solution.

There are six different kits in the range, with the basic kit containing one each of the following – a smart hub, PIR, door/window contact and remote control. Other kits offer an additional number of PIRs, door/window contacts and remote controls, and there are two kits which include Pet PIRs.

Axiom’s vast range of extension leads and trailing sockets has been strengthened and updated with the addition of 1 or 3 gang pop-up tower sockets, each complete with two USB charging points and supplied with 13A plugs for ease of operation. Further innovations come with the launch of a 10-gang free-standing tower extension unit with active neon surge protection as well as a 5 gang 13A remote control extension lead.

These more contemporary products join an array of more traditional options in the Axiom range, with 1 to 8 gang individually switched trailing sockets leading the way, followed by 1 to 6 gang extension leads with cable lengths from two to 20m and options including standard, fused, switched and anti-surge protected products. The standard trailing socket range is equally expansive, with 1 to 8 gang options with or without neons.

CED Electrical, cedelectrical.co.uk

ESP, espuk.com

GARDEN LIGHTING RANGE AVAILABLE FROM OVIA As we approach the warmer days and longer evenings, Ovia has a range of garden lighting products to help your clients get their outdoors summer ready.

A collection of wall lights, spike lights and bollards make up the range, ensuring all areas of the garden can benefit from a new lease of light. The majority of the range is available in cool white 4000k and warm white 3000k colour options. With warm white a very popular choice for external garden lighting schemes due to its softer light source, Ovia is experiencing high demand for this collection.

The range sits within Ovia’s Amenity Lighting category. The wall light designs include: Twist, Verta, Centuri, Orna, Quadra, and Avori.

The Spear spike light is a 7W IP65 LED in a grey finish and the Tribus 7W IP54 LED bollard is available in a mini (350mm height) or maxi (750mm height) version.

Ovia, oviauk.com

MULTI-REASONS TO CHOOSE C.K’S NEW MULTITOOL ACCESSORIES C.K Tools is extending its trade favourite multitool accessories range with the launch of three new products.

With oscillating tools a staple for electricians who work with a variety of materials, C.K Tools’ new multitool accessories include a Carbide Blade (T0877), Scraper (T0878) and Box Cutter (T0880), ensuring versatility and precision for any occasion.

The Multitool Carbide Blade (T0877) is designed for heavy duty jobs and cutting through tough metals such as steel pipework or conduit, as well as damaged fixings such as screws, nails and bolts.

For removing unwanted surface material, the Multitool Scraper (T0878) takes less effort and makes less damage than a manual job and its stainless-steel blade provides strength and an easy-clean surface from waste residue.

The Multitool Box Cutter (T0880) provides users with quick, clean and precise cutting of one and two-gang sockets in plasterboard, wood and plastic. Its unique cutting guide also allows for more efficient secondary cuts.

by Click®

Protective Devices Our Elucian range of Protective Devices are easy to install, suitable for residential and light commercial environments, they provide protection against earth faults to ensure people’s safety against electrocution and fires. Now including AFDDs.

ECN June strip ads - Elucian AFDDs.indd 2 @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews

Company Showcase.indd 69

@ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com

scolmore.com

C.K Tools, ck-tools.com

18/05/2022 June 2022 11:35 | 69

27/05/2022 11:40

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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

SNICKERS LITEWORK 37.5 WORK SHORTS – FOR COOLING COMFORT THIS SUMMER

LANOS – A DRAMATIC AURA OF LIGHT WITH COUNTLESS APPLICATIONS Clean lines, subtle elegance, and impressive versatility are the hallmarks of the new LANOS circular luminaire from Zumtobel. The outer edge and the circular interior of the LED panel form a visually seamless whole but can be controlled and dimmed separately. The LANOS range is highly versatile, thanks to the many colours, sizes, and installation methods to choose from.

LANOS means ‘beautiful flower’ – the perfect name for the new decorative circular luminaire. The clean, geometrical lines; the patented halo effect; the optics that can be adjusted as required; the time-saving installation process; and the numerous design options are all characteristics that make LANOS so timelessly elegant and eye-catching.

LANOS provides both functional wide-area light and a light ring to create evocative scenarios. The outer edge and the circular interior of the LED panel form a visually seamless whole which can be controlled and dimmed separately. The outer ring of light illuminates’ ceilings and walls, appearing as if it is suspended.

Lightweight Work Shorts have been designed to deliver superior comfort and freedom of movement.

Great for summer working on site, these lightweight Work Shorts have a street-smart fit with a cool working comfort in warm conditions. They’re made of quick-drying 37.5 technology fabric that delivers efficient moisture transport, ventilation and UPF40 sun protection in sunny weather.

They have a functional design and come with or without extra robust holster pockets. There’s also a four-way stretch panel at the crotch and reinforcement at critical areas for extra durability.

They’re packed with comfort and functionality and specially designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and always delivering top class work on site. For professionals who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for everyone who wants the ultimate cool comfort this summer.

Snickers Workwear, snickersworkwear.co.uk

Zumtobel, zumtobel.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE CAN’T BE TOUCHED OVER NEW SWITCHES

ANSELL ADDS UK FIRST INNOVATION TO ITS EMERGENCY EXIT RANGE Ansell Lighting has added two game changing new exit products to its extensive range of emergency lighting.

The unique Adler LED Exit Sign and Adler Slim Exit Box are versatile luminaires used to mark fire exit locations.

The first of its kind registered design of the Adler LED Exit Sign features fully rotatable legends which allow the direction of the arrow indicators to be changed as required, making the luminaire extremely versatile and adaptable and suitable for installation in almost any setting, Suitable for surface mounting, the Adler Slim Exit box is a low profile, compact LED luminaire ideal for marking emergency exit routes and doors. Supplied with a five-year product warranty, it is constructed from a durable polycarbonate material and features rotatable legends allowing the direction of the arrow indicators to be altered as required.

Available in both black and white finishes, the Adler Slim Exit Box has an LED lifespan of L70, 36,000 hours and delivers 35m viewing distance in dark environments.

Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com

In these days of heightened hygiene awareness, combined with requirements for advanced controls, Knightsbridge’s new touchless switches and switch modules help with home or commercial cleaning regimes while bringing hi-tech style to contemporary interiors.

Part of the company’s popular screwless collection, the touchless switches are ideal where an enhanced level of personal or environmental hygiene is required. Beyond improved hygiene practices, the switches are also on trend for the increasing incorporation of touchless technologies into home and commercial applications. Seven colourways are available – from anthracite and matt black to brushed and polished chrome – and the switches, along with the rest of the screwless range, have an ultra-slim projection profile of only 4.3mm.

The touchless switch modules combine seamlessly with Knightsbridge’s entire selection of modular frames and are simple to install as part of a modular system. These modules are a 50x50mm euro module design requiring a neutral connection and a mounting box with a minimum depth of 47m.

Knightsbridge, mlaccessories.co.uk

by Click®

Increase Protection with AFDDs

The smart way to detect arc faults in your circuit.

June strip ads - Elucian AFDDs.indd 70 ECN | June 2022

Company Showcase.indd 70

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27/05/2022 11:40

SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY

AFDDS LAUNCH COMPLETES THE ELUCIAN

BY CLICK CONSUMER UNIT RANGE

COMPANY SHOWCASE

MARSHALL-TUFFLEX MARKS 80-YEAR MILESTONE

Unicrimp, unicrimp.com

Marshall-Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com

Scolmore, scolmore.com

UNICRIMP INTRODUCES RED AND WHITE FIRE-SAFE METAL CABLE CLIPS

by Click®

Protective Devices Our Elucian range of Protective Devices are easy to install, suitable for residential and light commercial environments, they provide protection against earth faults to ensure people’s safety against electrocution and fires. Now including AFDDs.

ECN June strip ads - Elucian AFDDs.indd 2 @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews

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Unicrimp has just extended its range of 8th Edition compliant fire-rated Metal Twin and Earth Cable Clips to include red and white options.

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place.

Part of Unicrimp’s Q-Fire range, the fire-rated T&E Cable Clips are manufactured from zinc plated carbon steel and are available in two sizes – 1-2.5mm and 4-6mm – and in a choice of uncoated or with a grey PPA LSF coating. The LSF coating provides long term protection for metal clips, as well as added protection for the cable during and after installation.

They provide installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping them to satisfy the latest wiring regulations.

Marshall-Tufflex is celebrating its 80th birthday this year. To mark this significant milestone, the company is undertaking a range of special activities, including a drive to increase the average recycled content in its PVC-U products to reach 80% by the end of the year.

For eight decades, the company has solidified its place in the electrical industry as a market leader in cable management solutions and pioneers of plastic extrusion. The manufacturer is marking its 80-year milestone with a series of activities that reflect the company’s ambition.

Notably, the company is aiming to build upon its already impressive recycling credentials, with an ambition to increase the average percentage of recycled content used in its PVC-U trunking and conduit systems this year.

Having built a reputation for being the vanguard of research and development, the company will be applying its expertise in producing quality solutions that incorporate recycled content, to reach an average of 80% by the end of the year.

Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex says: “We started using recycled content in our manufacturing over 25 years ago and since then we have refined our processes to produce superior products that retain their high quality while remaining competitively priced. We want to inspire the whole supply chain to think more sustainably when it comes to any PVC-U specification.”

In addition to working with customers to improve sustainability, the company has continued to innovate over the past 80 years to provide solutions that make installers work simpler and easier. The company’s recent launch of the ‘Tufflex Tile’ is testament to this commitment. This Correx pattress product replaces the use of traditional plywood or MDF for ceiling installations and makes installing spotlights, smoke detectors, PIR sensors and speakers simple.

Marshall-Tufflex is also focusing on a number of fundraising initiatives to support local and international causes, as well as hosting a series of giveaways and celebratory events to commemorate its 80th year.

Among the significant changes included in Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) is a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits supplying socket outlets in some types of higher risk residential buildings.

Amendment 2 was published on 28 March 2022 and comes into full force on 28 September 2022. Scolmore has announced that it has added a comprehensive range of AFDDs to its Elucian by Click consumer unit and protective devices collection.

The new range comprises Type A 1 Pole + Neutral True 6 kA B Curve and C Curve 30 mA Trip AFDDs with integral RCBOs, which are available in 6 A, 10 A, 16 A, 20 A, 32 A and 40 A, complete with 450 mm neutral out tails.

Key features and benefits of the Elucian AFDDs with integral RCBOs include: arc fault detection, fault reporting, self-test, green LED indication, BS EN 62606 and BS EN 61009-1 compliant, B and C Trip Curves available, 18mm single width size, and neutral out tails.

18/05/2022 June 2022 11:35 | 71

27/05/2022 11:41

THIS SUMMER AT CEF Get set for summer with the latest issue of the CEF Trade Catalogue – grab a copy at your local CEF store or request yours at cef.co.uk/request

S L A E D T S E T A L R OU OUT NOW – CEF’s latest Deals Paper packed with great deals & special offers

G R A YOUR COPB Y

IN-STORE

VISIT YOUR LOCAL CEF OR CEF.CO.UK TO FIND OUT MORE Untitled-8 2

23/05/2022 16:18