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VOLUME 41 NO. 11 • NOVEMBER 2021
SPECIAL FEATURE: CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT
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ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM
26 COMPETITION Win a Nintendo Switch Neon, courtesy of Hamilton
SPECIAL FEATURE: FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
46
CONNECTIVITY IS YOUR KILLER ADVANTAGE Competitive prices, expertise and unbeatable customer service make for a successful electrician. Yet, in today’s day and age, being connected is your killer advantage. Digital is big business, with McKinsey predicting it to generate $11.1 trillion a year by 2025. If a contractor can adopt digital products and offerings, they have an edge on the competition and success will follow. However, a connected future isn’t always an easy one. Connectivity has made unprecedented services possible, but it also places a big responsibility on electricians to get things right. If you want to provide the best, most competitive service today you need to do your homework on what technologies are out there and how to install them.
Turn to page 14 for the full story
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS…
VOLUME 41 NO. 11 • NOVEMBER 2021
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Regulars
Cabling & Cable Management
6 Editorial
providing knowledge and 28 CMW expertise for all things cabling
Energy companies collapse as prices soar
and cable management
8 Industry News Electrotechnical industry gears up for All-IP switch; Research shows half of tradespeople have mental health problems; Electrical manufacturing industry makes climate commitment; and more
14 Cover Story
32 The future is bright! wired – how to make 36 Totally wire connection faster, safer and easier Why hybrid working could help 38 drive sales for office equipment
Connectivity in context
16 Contract News Balfour Beatty to help re-wire London with National Grid contract; Schneider Electric to provide digital backbone for landmark tower in Hackney; Mitie lands new life systems contract with DWP; and more
18 Training
Energy Management for change: 40 Rewired ‘prosumers’ and the fast track to energy efficiency
Training/supplier partnerships supports product loyalty and innovation
20 Key Issue
connected technology can 42 How help property developers reach future net zero
Manufacturing a green future
22 Project Focus Complex electrical connection concluded for office conversion in Sidcup
24 Interview Carly Wills talks to Mike Collins, Sales Director at Ovia, about day-to-day life at the company, and what the company’s plans are for the future
26 Competition
43 Sustainability in MEP design 44 Autumn is here! Time to reflect
Fire, Safety & Security modern building 46 Why electrics must be fit for today and tomorrow
Win a Nintendo Switch Neon, courtesy of Hamilton
48 CCTV – a growing opportunity security 50 Solving installation challenges
41 Advertisement Feature Ethos launches new PAT tester
53 Company Showcase
for evolution in 52 Time security lighting
Sponsored content from across the sector
26
8
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EDITORIAL
NEXT TIME…
Smart Buildings
ENERGY COMPANIES COLLAPSE AS PRICES SOAR
H
ello and welcome to the November issue of ECN. The past few weeks have been dominated by energy-related news – from the fuel crisis to rising energy prices. Research from Cornwall Insight says that as a result of wholesale gas and electricity prices continuing to reach new records, the organisation’s modelling for the summer 2022 default tariff price cap has risen once again, with its indicative forecast climbing to approximately £1,660. Although there is still a long way to go and uncertainty to resolve before this is confirmed, it is implied that the summer 2022 cap level would increase by approximately 30% on the record level seen for winter 2021-22. The government has said whether you notice the spike in gas prices will depend on when you negotiated your energy tariff and who your supplier is, and that it is working closely with energy stakeholders to discuss the impact of the increased wholesale gas prices. Which? has compiled a list of 10 ways to save on energy bills: 1. Switch energy supplier (small savings available) 2. Choose energy efficient appliances 3. Install and use heating controls 4. Replace light bulbs 5. Cut draughts 6. Get a new boiler 7. Home insulation
Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173
8. Quick energy-saving tips including: use a smart meter; don’t leave your gadgets on standby; fit a water-efficient showerhead; only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they’re full, and use energy-efficient programs; and dry your washing outside, rather than using your tumble dryer (easier said than done in the winter!) 9. See if you’re eligible for energy efficiency grants 10. Keep your energy bill under control - paying through direct debit means you spread your energy costs over the year, and avoid big shock winter bills. And providing your energy supplier with regular meter readings will keep your bill as accurate as possible Several energy companies have gone bust over the last few weeks, including PfP Energy, MoneyPlus Energy, Utility Point, People’s Energy, Green, Avro Energy and Daligas. The industry forecasts that the number of suppliers in the market will fall to just 10 by Christmas - compared to 71 in January this year. However, the government has said that consumers should not worry about their energy supply because there is an established process in place to ensure that electricity and gas stays on. This issue brings you the latest from the Energy Management sector, along with all you need to know on Cabling & Cable Management and Fire, Safety & Security. And don’t forget to enter this month’s competition to be in with a chance of winning a Nintendo Switch Neon, courtesy of Hamilton! See you next month!
Test Equipment
Carly Wills, Editor
UPS & Power Distribution
December Issue Editorial deadline: November 19 Advertising deadline: November 25
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
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The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00. Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ.
Editorial.indd 6
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INDUSTRY NEWS £2 MILLION SMART ‘MATRIX’ TO HELP ELECTRIC CARS A £2 million machine-learning tool is creating a Matrix-like simulation of the South East’s electricity network, that could unlock energy capacity equivalent to 1,371 new rapid electric car chargers by 2028. UK Power Networks’ Envision project is simulating how power is flowing through its networks across London, the South and South East of England. From this data-led approach, providing better ‘visibility’ of everything that is happening across hundreds of thousands of miles of network, the company will be able to run the network more efficiently and safely allow more low carbon technologies like heat pumps and EV chargers to connect. Experts forecast Envision could release almost 70MW of electricity capacity by 2028. This means engineers won’t need to physically upgrade the network to release capacity, leading to significant cost and time savings – up to £4 million in total over the next five years. Envision is building new predictive models which combine UK Power Networks’ data with external and real-time data from monitoring devices connected to substations. The machine learning algorithm will create a simulation of the electrical ‘load’ in specific areas and expand it across the entire network. Engineers will compare the simulation to real life physical monitors; feeding the software more and better data over time so the algorithm gets more accurate. UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk
FANCY A SCOLMORE MINI FRIDGE FULL OF CHOCOLATE? Scolmore is close to hitting 5000 followers on its Twitter and Instagram accounts and is launching a giveaway to help reach its next target. Running across Twitter and Instagram, Scolmore will be giving away a mini fridge filled with chocolate to each of the overall winners on Twitter and Instagram, with beanie hats and travel mugs to the five runners up from each account. The requirements for entry on both platforms are simple. For Instagram you need to follow the account, comment how long you’ve been on the tools and tag three sparks in the comments. For an extra entry just share the post to stories using #ClickCrew. For Twitter, follow Scolmore, comment how long you’ve been on the tools and tag three sparks in the comments. For an extra entry, retweet the post using #ClickCrew. Scolmore, scolmore.com
TRADE BUSINESSES BOUNCE BACK, BUT SOARING COSTS MEAN FEARS OF FAILURE Demand for UK trades has boomed since the end of the initial lockdown in July 2020. Plumbers, electricians, building maintenance firms and other trades making up the UK’s 1.3 million business field-service sector have seen their workloads increase by 70% year on year, according to a new report published by field service management software provider, BigChange. BigChange’s State of the Field Service Sector report reveals that three-quarters of trades businesses saw demand increase in the year to July 2021. Almost one in five (18%) took on over double the work they did in the 12-month period before. BigChange’s research indicates that demand for plumbing and heating, plant hire and drainage increased fastest. Despite soaring turnovers (up 79%) and average price increases of 47%, fewer than half of trades businesses (48%) said they were profitable in the year to July 2021. Debts have increased by 117% among the worst performers in the sector, and one in eight firms fear they will fail within a year as COVID-19 complications, compliance issues and surging costs continue to hit hard. Most businesses surveyed (81%) said that the pandemic had continued to impact their finances negatively in the last 12 months. 67% said their margins had been squeezed by the cost of complying with new regulations, and rising prices for materials, fuel and labour are cited as ongoing problems by more than 70% of respondents. BigChange, bigchange.com
8 | November 2021
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INDUSTRY NEWS LEADING THE WAY FOR YOUNG BUILDING CONTROLS ENGINEERS The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is extolling the engineers of tomorrow after another impressive showing in the Young Engineer of the Year category at this year’s BCIA Awards. The Young Engineer of the Year Award is presented to an individual aged 35 years or under who best demonstrates the achievements gained through successful participation in the BCIA Technical Training Programme and other building controls educational programmes. This year, Lewis Williams of Detail Design Engineering (DDE) came out on top among a very strong group of finalists. Lewis first visited Detail Design Engineering on a work experience placement while still at school. He enjoyed the work and the environment and his enthusiasm and aptitude was a natural ‘fit’ for DDE’s young engineer recruitment policy. Still only 22, Lewis has gone from work experience visitor to an extremely qualified and competent engineer in six years and is now seen as a role model for DDE’s junior engineers. Lewis says: “Throughout my time as a controls engineer I have been fortunate enough to attend a number of BCIA specialist training courses which greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge, not only on key principles and theories of climate control, but how effective application and use of building controls is paramount to environment control, whether for comfort or precise process environment control. I was both surprised and delighted to win the award which has increased my confidence and further ignited my passion to grow my career within the industry.” BCIA, bcia.co.uk
SELECT AND SCOTSS ISSUE URGENT ALERT OVER SUB-STANDARD PRODUCTS
ELECTROTECHNICAL INDUSTRY GEARS UP FOR ALL-IP SWITCH Electrotechnical services trade body, ECA, is stepping up advice to its Members and the wider industry, as they prepare for the switch to All-IP networks. The UK switch started earlier this summer and completion is set for 2025. The switchover presents an abundance of commercial opportunities. Between now and 2025, telecommunications providers will gradually switch 14 million traditional copper phone lines to new ‘All-IP’ (Internet Protocol) networks, which utilises fibre optic cabling. ECA Technical Manager, Shahid Khan, says: “To retire the entire UK analogue network by the 2025 deadline, an average of 50,000 analogue lines will need to be upgraded to digital every week. This presents a huge opportunity for structured data cabling professionals to get involved in this space.” Demand for faster broadband and other digital communications services has skyrocketed in recent years, and especially during the coronavirus lockdowns. Some of the customer benefits anticipated to result from the switch-over include: • Larger businesses will be able to consolidate multiple sites onto a single platform – reducing operational costs and requiring less equipment and maintenance (simpler network structure) • Improved telephony via laptop/PC, and general improvements in functionality e.g., voicemail to email/call recording/instant messaging/call management/diary integration. ECA, eca.co.uk
RESEARCH SHOWS HALF OF UK TRADESPEOPLE HAVE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS Nearly half (49%) of UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work related issues, a study has found. The research by IronmongeryDirect found that nearly three in five (58%) experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, at least once a week. Money worries cause the most stress, with 38% of tradespeople blaming financial situations for giving them anxiety. Other issues, such as tensions with customers (31%) and suppliers (29%), are also major causes of concern for tradespeople. The 10 issues which cause the most stress for tradespeople: • Finances (38%) • Tensions with customers (31%) • Tensions with suppliers (29%) • High workload (26%) • Tensions with business partners (26%) • Job security (21%) • Doing the best job for customers (12%) • Making mistakes (11%) • Abuse from customers (6%) • Lack of work (5%) Female tradespeople (57%) are significantly more likely to experience work related mental health problems than their male counterparts (41%). Additionally, the main causes of stress and anxiety differ between the genders, with women more likely to feel stressed due to finances (39%) and tensions with business partners (29%), whilst men are more affected by high workloads (39%) and tensions with suppliers (37%). When it comes to age, middle aged tradespeople experience the most work-related related mental health issues. Nearly three in five (57%) tradies aged between 45-54 report stress and anxiety due to work.
SELECT has joined the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) to warn that all heat, smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms being fitted under new legislation must comply with the relevant product standards. The joint alert about sub-standard and potentially unsafe products comes as the February 2022 deadline for compliance with new Scottish Government guidance for all Scottish homes gets ever nearer. The warning also echoes guidance from SELECT and SCOTSS about what householders and landlords should do to comply with the new rules – and why they should use a competent person, such as a professional electrician, to carry out any necessary installation work. SCOTSS Chair, Graeme Paton, says: “This is a major change to what is required in terms of fire and CO detection in dwellings and we must get the message across that all new and existing systems have to be wholly compliant.” SCOTSS is now advising all homeowners to make sure all alarms are labelled and marked with the following: • Manufacturer’s name and address • Batch code/date of manufacture • Model number and type • The relevant standard number for the type of alarm installed For heat detectors, products should be identified as compliant with BS EN 5446-2, while smoke alarms and multi-sensor alarms should be identified as compliant with BS EN 14604, and CO alarms should be identified as compliant with BS EN 50291-1. Multi-sensor alarms may also be identified as compliant with BS EN 54-29. SELECT, select.org.uk
IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk
10 | November 2021
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21/10/2021 11:44
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INDUSTRY NEWS UK CONSTRUCTION JOBS VACANCIES CONTINUE TO SOAR Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, has said that the company is continuing to see the number of available UK jobs rising, as the sector and economy as a whole recovers from the pandemic. The latest data shows that there were 43,000 construction job vacancies between July and September, by far the highest it’s ever been, and the first time it’s ever risen to over 40,000. “This is a huge increase of 7,000 vacancies from June to August, which, at the time, was another record for the industry, showing a definite trend,” he says. “These large increases in vacancies suggest that the industry is confident about the sector’s future and is investing in manpower to tackle upcoming projects. However, with the number of jobs available continuing to increase, it appears that some companies are struggling to find staff to hire. “Unfortunately, the sector also saw unemployment numbers rise by 9,000 to 62,000, the highest figure since December to February (70,000) earlier this year. “This corresponds with a large increase in redundancies over the same timeframe, rising from 5,000 between May-July, to 9,000. This is the first time that redundancies have risen since February-April this year. “This new data shows that there is still plenty of movement in the industry, and that will likely continue, with vacancies and redundancies both rising. Whilst unemployment remains high in construction, the sizable increase in new jobs provides hope for the future that this figure will fall once again, as long as companies are able to attract new staff.” IronmongeryDirect, ironmongerydirect.co.uk
ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY MAKES CLIMATE COMMITMENT BEAMA has announced the publication of its industry climate commitment, which has been signed by 37 leading UK manufacturers. This is a commitment for the delivery of sustainable products and operations for the long-term, aiming to mobilise action across its supply chain. This represents a major step in progressing industrial decarbonisation in the UK. There are three key parts to this commitment: • ‘As domestic and international businesses we commit to reducing our emissions, as well as meeting the needs of the supply chain for the transition to net zero by 2050’ • ‘We support the application of the most rigorous science-based approach to setting targets in line with a 1.5C future’ • ‘We commit to the delivery of sustainable ‘cradle-to-cradle’ products in our marketplace by 2050’
NEW GUIDANCE SET TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS The Electrical Safety Roundtable has presented its new guidance on How to Manage Electrical Systems in Higher-risk Buildings to a wide range of industry stakeholders. The online event, held in October, saw over 50 organisations join the ESR in sharing its 106-page document. Higher-risk Buildings (HRBs) present a unique challenge when considering the correct, or best way to manage electrical compliance and risk. This is due to the nature of the asset as it houses multiple tenancies and multiple areas of risk which need to be independently managed. This guidance has been created to generate consistency within the industry and provide a user-friendly overview for those who may not be experts on the subject of electrical safety management and compliance within HRBs. It will present an opportunity for organisations to look critically at their current electrical safety management policy and see what more could be done and help those new to the industry, or those coming into new roles. Electrical Safety Roundtable, electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk
As a sector manufacturing low carbon technologies for the future, BEAMA’s climate commitment and sustainability practices are at the heart of what the organisation does. BEAMA says it cannot do this alone and as a community of manufacturers it commits to support the wider industry in delivering effective climate action. BEAMA CEO, Dr Howard Porter, says, “This an important moment for our industry and I am proud to see so many of our members supporting this target and leading this work to develop collaboration across industry and ensure industrial decarbonisation can be achieved in the UK and globally.” BEAMA, beama.org.uk
MOVERS & SHAKERS… Dr Neale Foster has been appointed CEO at INDRA, the innovative British electric vehicle charger and renewable technology company. Dr Foster’s appointment is a key part of INDRA’s ambitious growth plans in the smart energy and EV industry. Previously CEO of Access Europe, Dr Foster has a proven track record in the automotive industry and brings a wealth of experience to INDRA at a crucial time for the company.
12 | November 2021
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Dominick Sandford has been promoted to Managing Director of Manutan’s Traders Division businesses, IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect. Having been at the company for over five years and with a broad background in category management, supply chain, sales and marketing, Dominick is well positioned to drive the two businesses forward and continue their ‘trusted to deliver’ ethos.
electricalcontractingnews.com
Gary Anderson, the Independent Chair of Certsure, has announced that Richard Orton will be joining the organisation from January 2022 as the new Managing Director. Richard is a Director and member of the Senior Leadership team at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) where he has lead its activities with policy makers, regulators and the investment and business communities globally, helping to shape sustainable strategies and cultures.
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21/10/2021 11:45
Become an approved Sonos Become an approved Sonos Installed Solutions partner Installed Solutions partner Sonos is one of The World’s Leading Sound experience brands. We invented multiroom wireless made it sound amazing, and changed people Sonos is one of Theaudio, World’s Leading Sound experience brands. the We way invented listen at home. Known for premium sound, ease of and use,changed thoughtful multiroom wireless audio, made it sound amazing, thedesign, way people and anatopen platform, products that make listening listen home. Known we for create premium sound, and easeexperiences of use, thoughtful design, simpler and more joyful. and an open platform, we create products and experiences that make listening simpler and more joyful. Sonos innovation powers better listening experiences, We want to continue to workinnovation with the Installer and build on thoseWe successes in the future. Sonos powerscommunity better listening experiences, want to continue From Portable Home Cinema Architectural systems, in these all to work with thespeakers, Installer community andand build on those successes the future. benefit when installed by Home an approved From Portable speakers, Cinemainstaller. and Architectural systems, these all benefit when installed by an approved installer.
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21/10/2021 15:47 6/22/21 9:27 AM
COVER STORY
CONNECTIVITY IN CONTEXT As technology evolves, so do customer expectations. That’s true of both the commercial and residential sectors.
B
There are great opportunities for digitally skilled electricians in commercial buildings
14 | November 2021
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uilding managers want complex systems with connected sensors that feed them real-time updates on equipment health; homeowners are demanding smart home heating systems they can control from their smartphones. That’s a far cry from just wiring a consumer unit. The electrical industry is no stranger to change, but will everyone be able to keep up? Change is happening now, it’s happening to everything, and it’s happening faster than ever. By 2025 an estimated 26-36 billion devices at home and in the workplace will be equipped with sensors, processors and embedded software. Technology can be disruptive, and disruption can sometimes be frightening if you’re just trying to hold on. Yet, while connectivity has a learning curve, it opens new doors for those willing to buy in. So how can being connected help you become a better electrician? You have to remember that every stage of the customer journey now has a connected component. Your customers will find you online while browsing on their phones, but it doesn’t stop there. By using connected devices in your installations, you become more connected to the customer, and when they realise the benefits of your connected offering, they will come to you again and again. It’s the foundation of a long-lasting customer relationship. The main benefit of connectivity is insight. Depending on where it is installed in a circuit, an IoT-connected sensor can tell a building manager or homeowner many things, from their energy consumption to the health of their equipment. Having this information saves money, reveals opportunities and stops problems before they happen.
The main benefit of connectivity is insight
“The buildings and construction sectors account for 36% of global energy consumption”
As a result, there are great opportunities for digitally skilled electricians in commercial buildings. The buildings and construction sectors account for 36% of global energy consumption – over the next 20 years, there is the potential of savings of over a quarter in space heating and more than 20% in water heating. This means that if your commercial customer isn’t thinking about insight-driven efficiency now, they will be very soon. To make the most of this opportunity, you must remember that your role as an electrician doesn’t have to be just giving customers electricity. You can increase your value-add as a connected consultant able to empower them with insight and optimise operations for the better.
in every job, whether it’s from electric shocks or arc flashes – yet the risks to health and life are greatly diminished when connected technologies are able to do much of the dangerous work for you. What’s more, when an application has more software components than hardware, there is much less of a risk from degrading equipment and more problems can be solved remotely. With some of today’s digital tools, a contractor can check or even perform maintenance on a device without ever having to touch the enclosure. For example, Schneider Electric’s MasterPact MTZ circuit breakers can connect to an operator’s phone through a smartphone app. Instead of having to open a distribution board and manually check where a problem might be, a contractor only has to download the app and it will indicate what’s wrong. Connectivity, of course, is also safer for the customer. When the capabilities are in place for connected monitoring and detection, potential dangers can be flagged and resolved before they can snowball into a larger problem. You don’t need to wait until a scheduled check-up before a potentially dangerous fault is discovered. With connected solutions that feed customers insight across their assets, repairs and maintenance can also be performed on a proactive rather than reactive basis. This means less downtime and safer, happier customers. PowerTag, the world’s smallest wireless energy sensor, helps with this proactive maintenance by measuring energy and power in real time and sending downtime alerts. Circuit breakers which are ‘tagged’ with PowerTag become fully connected, enabling assets to run smoothly. Ultimately, connectivity is king. It brings the ability to improve efficiencies, and therefore the quality of service offered to customers. Mastering connectivity gives you a clear advantage as an electrician, so make sure you get on board and stay ahead.
Work smart, work fast, work safe Connectivity and insight don’t just benefit the customer, they benefit you. For example, when you’re called in for maintenance or repairs, having a pool of data to draw from the connected devices you installed will drastically speed up your workflow. Hours of manual inspection can be replaced by minutes of reading a series of data points. When supported by insight, you can isolate and resolve a problem much faster. You’ll develop a reputation for speed and efficiency – and make it more likely that the customer will call on you again. By working smarter, you work faster. This means you can get more work done is less time, offer more competitive prices and focus on what matters most – growing your customer base and business. Schneider Electric’s Acti9 Isobar P distribution board is a good demonstration of how connectivity saves contractors time. With a plug-on RCBO, the board demands much less wiring – therefore cutting installation times by around 50% and ensuring a faster, more competitive job. Connectivity also makes you safer by putting another layer between you and the live equipment. There’s an inherent danger
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21/10/2021 14:46
Discover Acti9 Isobar P Predict.Precise.Protect. Electrical contractors are always under pressure to deliver projects as quickly and cheaply as possible. Isobar P is the latest addition to the Acti9 range of low voltage (LV) distribution boards from Schneider Electric. It consists of a comprehensive range of distribution boards, RCBOs and pan assemblies that, when installed, provide electrical power to commercial and industrial equipment, providing protection in the event of system faults. They are ideal for electrical contractors and panel builders to perform installations as quickly, reliably and effectively as possible.
• Smart connectivity, delivering greater insights • Less cabling with plug-on technology • Safe and reliable functional connections
se.com/uk/isobar-p
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CONTRACT NEWS BGES GROUP WINS MAJOR INDUSTRY AWARD FOR HOTEL HEAT DECARBONISATION PROJECT BGES Group has scooped a coveted Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) award for a complex BMS retrofit at the Oxfordshire Golf Hotel and Spa. BGES Group won Technical Innovation of the Year for the project, which integrates the controls of three legacy heating and cooling systems and a new closed loop water source heat pump system. As part of a drive to decarbonise hotel energy use, water from the golf course lake is used as the main heat source. The system was designed and retrofitted by Geyser Thermal Energy, and sees pipework take water from the lake to the heat pump in the main plantroom. The resort’s old oil-fired boilers and chiller have been replaced with a low-energy heat pump system, linked to a 250kW solar array installed onsite. The upgraded BMS, which was designed and installed by BGES Group, provides intelligent monitoring and control of the plant. The precise control and visibility provided by the BMS is contributing towards a vast reduction in energy input demand for the club’s heating/cooling and hot water: from 1,410kW to below 100kW. Prior to the upgrade, there were three different independent heating and cooling systems with a non-working BMS. BGES Group upgraded the controls on the existing BMS plant and designed a new panel to control the new heat pumps; tying them in with the existing boiler plant to maximise the efficiency of the heat pumps.
The user-friendly front end of the BMS helps resort staff to understand how the system works, and it is crucial to understanding what the loads are in the pool, spa and air conditioning. Monitoring and control is key to the project’s
success as it will allow for ongoing tweaking to drive further output and efficiency improvements. BGES Group, bges.co.uk
AMEY SECURES PLACE ON NATIONAL GRID FRAMEWORK Amey has successfully secured a contract with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) on the RIIO-T2 Electricity Construction Mechanical and Electrical Installation Framework that will see its team deliver the design and build works on substations, as part of NGET asset replacement and build programme. The five-year framework requires Amey’s team to deliver works on the electricity transmission system, including asset replacement, network reinforcement and connections. Amey’s Power business has a long-serving and dedicated team of technical and construction specialists that has worked with National Grid since 2013. The team has also worked with a range of energy providers on projects across the UK upgrading and reinforcing transmission and distribution electrical infrastructure, including wind farm connections and high voltage direct current (HVDC) developments. Amey, amey.co.uk
BALFOUR BEATTY TO HELP RE-WIRE LONDON WITH NATIONAL GRID CONTRACT Balfour Beatty has announced that it has been awarded a £52m contract on behalf of National Grid to deliver essential cabling works as part of the London Power Tunnels 2 project. Having delivered the cabling works for phase one of the project, north of the Thames in 2017, Balfour Beatty will now embark on the second phase of the ambitious scheme to ‘rewire London and connect with the capital’. Works will include installing 200km of 400kV cables within a 32.5km tunnel network, deep below the ground between Wimbledon and Crayford. Connecting several substations across the city, the cables will run through an underground tunnel network. To enhance efficiency and precision, Balfour Beatty will deploy the second generation of its Automated Cable Installation Equipment (ACIE) machine. The second-generation machine features laser sensors and cameras to improve the speed and quality of the works. Cable installation will begin in January 2023, with the full package of works expected to be completed in 2026. Balfour Beatty, balfourbeatty.com
16 | November 2021
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electricalcontractingnews.com
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21/10/2021 11:47
CONTRACT NEWS SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC TO PROVIDE DIGITAL BACKBONE FOR LANDMARK TOWER IN HACKNEY Principal Place, a new mixed-use development in the borough of Hackney, has selected Schneider Electric to provide the digital backbone for Principal Tower, the landmark apartment tower within the site. At 175 metres tall, 50 storeys, and containing over 300 apartments, it is one of London’s tallest and largest residential buildings Principal Tower is pioneering in London hotel-style living, offering the highest possible apartment standards and service. The building is also designed for energy efficiency, with environmental strategies including a combined heat and power plant, and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels. Principal Place wanted to create a future-proof building that met the toughest criteria for flexibility, reliability, energy efficiency and sustainability. To this, it chose to use Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Operation software.
The EcoStruxure solution acts as an all-in-one BMS for the tower, delivering optimisation in every operation. The system plays a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption and expenditure, while also enabling operators to drive greater cost savings through a better understanding of energy, through a single platform. It integrates with smart home technology to meet the needs of owners, operators, and occupants.
Crucially, EcoStruxure Building Operation also gave the Principal Place team the ability to work with multiple systems and have real-time insight into operations, displaying data on a single dashboard. The ability to have visibility of all building issues prior to any reactive, emergency events or tenant complaints enabled the team to provide the level of service required. Schneider Electric, se.com
MITIE LANDS NEW LIFE SYSTEMS CONTRACT WITH DWP
ABERLA SECURES £20M VIADUX MEP CONTRACT
Mitie’s Central Government and Defence team has won a new life systems contract with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The contract is worth £29m over 19 months. Under the new contract, Mitie will be responsible for the maintenance of all water, fire, lift and electrical systems across 900 UK sites. This is in addition to Mitie’s existing contract to deliver cleaning, maintenance, and engineering services for DWP. At the DWP sites, including job centres and offices, Mitie will be responsible for ensuring essential assets, including water, fire, lift, and electrical systems, are working efficiently through a programme of planned and remedial maintenance. Mitie will also carry out Statutory Asset Compliance checks to ensure that all of DWP’s equipment meets legal requirements and is working safely. As part of its Plan Zero commitment, Mitie is helping its customers reach net zero carbon emissions and so sustainability will be central to the delivery of this contract. With engineers regularly travelling between sites, Mitie will begin rolling out electric vehicles (EVs) to its colleagues to help cut emissions. The Mitie team will also consistently review equipment to identify any opportunities to reduce energy use and save carbon emissions by adjusting the settings of equipment or upgrading to more energy efficient systems. These new services are in addition to Mitie’s existing contract to provide cleaning, maintenance, and engineering services for DWP at the same sites.
Aberla M&E has secured an £20m contract to deliver the MEP on the landmark Viadux development in Central Manchester. Aberla will be renewing its partnership with Domis Construction. The contract package includes full mechanical and electrical infrastructure, ventilation and fire/security, apartment and commercial fitouts. Viadux encompasses residential properties, a spa, aquarium, cinema and a 14-story office tower with 240,000ft2 of workspace. The grade two listed arches, which stand proudly above Deansgate Locks, will be fully preserved. Paul McCarren, chief executive officer at Aberla says, “The delivery of Viadux will be a challenge, but it will allow us to showcase the level of expertise and capabilities of our team. We have successfully worked with Domis on several great projects over the last couple of years, but this will arguably be the most impressive so far.” Viadux brings a unique feel to the city and will be added to Aberla’s list of growing contract wins across the UK. Work on the £300m Viadux development is now underway and the project has an anticipated completion of spring 2024.
Mitie, mitie.com
BILFINGER AWARDED €15M CONTRACT BY GLAXOSMITHKLINE
Aberla, aberla.co.uk
Bilfinger has secured a €15m (£12.5m) project and maintenance contract with multinational pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its production facilities in Montrose, Scotland. The three-year contract, which has an option for a further two-year extension, will be booked under Bilfinger’s Engineering & Maintenance Europe segment and commenced at the end of July 2021. “As pharmaceuticals is a strategic growth sector for Bilfinger, we are very pleased to have won GSK as a customer, since they are an international market leader in this industry,” says Christina Johansson, interim CEO and CFO of Bilfinger. “With our many years of experience in this industry, highly qualified experts and efficient processes, we are perfectly positioned to deliver everything our customers need from a single source.” The agreement will see the subsidiary Bilfinger UK provide electrical and instrumentation installation (E&I) as well as access, insulation and painting services. Over 40 Bilfinger employees will work on-site in Montrose, where GSK manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients for a diverse portfolio of HIV, Respiratory and Corticosteroid medical products. Bilfinger, bilfinger.com
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November 2021 | 17
21/10/2021 11:47
TRAINING
TRAINING/SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT PRODUCT LOYALTY AND INNOVATION Many electrical supply chain companies invest in training their own team, but for Ideal Industries, training also forms part of a deeper commitment to the sector and the company’s business development strategy.
G
eneral Manager EMEA of Ideal Industries, Brett Smyth explains: “We know from experience that the products and brands electricians use when they are training are often the products and brands to which they remain loyal throughout their careers. “That’s one of the reasons why we have developed a knowledge partnership programme with colleges and training providers, because it allows us to contribute to training the next generation of electricians and enables us to introduce them to the benefits of our products and the quality they can expect from our brand early in their careers. We are currently investing heavily in developing a virtual reality platform that will enhance the training support we can offer and enable more training electricians to experience our products using innovative technology.” For Ideal Industries’ latest training provider partnership, early career does not necessarily mean school leaver trainees. In addition to working with a number of colleges, the company has developed a partnership with a not-for-profit training provider in Widnes, Cheshire. Trade Training UK specialises in upskilling electricians and enabling people to retrain for roles in the electrical sector. The training company was the brainchild of Greg Hoonahian, who has worked on the tools and in the vocational training sector and still combines delivering courses at Trade Training UK with work as an electrical tester.
Zareh Nersessian of ESE working with Ideal products within Trade Training UK
18 | November 2021
Training – Ideal Industries.indd 18
Ideal has developed a knowledge partnership programme with colleges and training providers
has also visited the training centre to demo a range of other products to help introduce electricians to the range. “We see this as a relationship that will continue to develop over time,” Brett continues. “Providing products for training in this way is an investment in the future of the sector and helps us develop our customers of the future. “The benefits for us are much wider. Our partnership with training providers like Trade Training UK allows us to gain first hand understanding of installation challenges, which helps guide our product development, and it also gives us access to feedback on new products prior to launch. It’s an ideal way for us to tap into technical knowledge and legislative insights too. All of this ensures we continue to innovate and give the electrical marketplace what it really needs: quality, affordable products that are faster and easier to install, while driving standards of quality and safety.” The knowledge sharing partnership will continue to develop this year as lockdown restrictions ease and face-to-face training is permitted once again. In the meantime, both Ideal Industries and Trade Training UK can already see the benefits it’s had for both organisations. Greg adds: “We’ve had great feedback from the students on the Ideal Industries products they’ve used and the relationship helps us enable students to use high quality products without increasing our overheads or the cost of courses. I’m looking forward to seeing how else we can work with Ideal Industries.”
“There is huge demand for electricians and, with the growth in green technologies, zero carbon and electric vehicle targets, and the appetite for smart buildings, that demand will continue to grow,” explains Greg. “Meanwhile, people who have lost their jobs or had time to consider their options on furlough over the past year are looking for opportunities to retrain. What we have done with Trade Training UK is make electrical training affordable and accessible to people who need to continue earning while they retrain or upskill, with weekend and evening courses to fit around busy lives.” Greg delivers much of the training at Trade Training UK himself and was already familiar with Ideal Industries’ products from working on site. After contacting the company for samples of Ideal Industries’ Insure Push-In, Lever and In-Line Connectors to demonstrate the ease, speed and consistency benefits they offer for wire terminations, he was able to develop a wider partnership with the company. Brett continues: “We really admire what Trade Training UK does to make electrical training more accessible and encourage people of all ages to establish a career in the sector, so we were delighted to be able to support them with products for use in training sessions. It’s really important that people training for site roles have access to a variety of products so that they have experience of different installation methods and are ready for the diverse range of tasks that might be required of them on different projects.” Ideal Industries has provided both In-Sure Connectors and Safe Isolation kits for use by Trade Training UK students and
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Ideal Industries, idealind.com
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21/10/2021 11:48
Academy
Sustainability strategy: Did you know that only 1 in 10 organisations have all the green skills needed to achieve their goals?
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Find more at: theiet.org/greenskills-courses *Statistics taken from the ‘IET skills for net zero and a green recovery 2020 survey’. See the theiet.org/greenskills-survey for details. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.
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25/10/2021 11:27 09:22 26/08/2021
KEY ISSUE
MANUFACTURING A GREEN FUTURE Ellis Patents says that going green is no longer an option for manufacturers – with a company’s green credentials now playing a major role in its success or failure. Richard Shaw, the cable cleat manufacturer’s Chairman, spoke to ECN about a change in priorities that is putting the planet’s future first.
“T
he focus on green initiatives and the need for a business to boost its green credentials has been steadily growing over the last decade, but it’s a fair assessment to say that for a long time it was question of doing the bare minimum to tick the necessary boxes. “But now, with evidence of climate change unarguable and us all having a moral obligation to play our part in helping to save the planet, everything is changing. “Here at Ellis Patents, we’re being called upon with increasing regularity to provide a green CV when seeking to secure specifications – both here in the UK and in export markets around the world. “And it seems very clear in these requests that if your green CV is found to be lacking then, at best, you’ll find yourself relegated down the specification pecking order, and at worst? Out of the running entirely. “What this means in practice is that those with the most impressive green CVs will thrive. And given the precarious climatic conditions, this does seem right and proper.”
Ellis Patents headquarters in Rillington, North Yorkshire
as they were more energy efficient, faster and more reliable – and because of their quality, the increased investment in their purchase was quickly forgotten. “Since 2001, our headquarters have expanded considerably – with five new buildings, exceeding 30,000ft2 constructed. Every new building has been built to the highest standard of insulation, using rapid-close doors, and making the best use of natural light. We were also an early adopter of LED lighting in both the factory and the offices. “Our latest new building, which we completed as lockdown began in March 2020, was the most ambitious yet. It includes 408 solar panels, capable of providing up to half of the company’s electricity needs. They also provide electricity for eight charging points for a fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles. The calculated payback for this investment was eight years, but, because we bought the best, the installation is already exceeding expected output. “And it’s not just our new buildings – we’ve also invested significantly in our legacy buildings. All asbestos cement cladding was removed in 2015 and replaced with modern insulated materials. While in our injection moulding facility, natural ventilation was introduced, which dramatically improved working conditions and all but eliminated forced ventilation. This development not only saved power but reduced noise, improving environmental conditions for the neighbouring homes in the village. “Things didn’t change overnight. This has been a slow process which advanced as finances allowed, however, because it happened slowly, the culture is now truly embedded in the DNA of Ellis Patents.” Because of its forward-thinking approach, Ellis Patents is perfectly equipped to meet these green CV specification requirements, but for those who remain unconvinced by the need to go green, Richard is keen to point out it’s not just box-ticking elevated to a whole new level. “Every investment we’ve made that today boosts our green CV not only helps to save the planet, it keeps energy costs low, which protects margins and keeps us competitive,” he says. Looking to the future, Ellis Patents recently became a partner of Circular Malton and Norton – a York and North Yorkshire LEP initiative aimed at developing local, collaborative circular economy approaches that will see the two towns become the first circular market towns in the region.
Impressively, Ellis Patents’ green culture can be traced back virtually to the turn of the century – specifically Monday 5 February 2001 and Richard’s first day as the company’s managing director. “I was being given a tour of the site and was introduced to the factory substation,” continues Richard. “I was told it was operating at capacity and that if I wanted to grow the business, I’d have to invest in a new one. “Twenty years down the line, the business has grown beyond all recognition, but the substation is still the same one that was working at capacity on my very first day.” So, what has Ellis Patents done that means it is still using a substation that was at capacity two decades ago? “Back in 2001 the finances were such that a new substation simply wasn’t an option,” explains Richard. “Instead, we looked at energy consumption and began factoring it into all investment decisions. “The first, and still the most important, thing we agreed on was that adopting such an approach meant planning for the long term, as energy efficiency justified a longer payback. “The first major change in how we did things was the way we purchased machines for the factory. We switched from buying second-hand machines to new ones
Ellis Patents, ellispatents.co.uk
20 | November 2021
Key Issue – Ellis Patents.indd 20
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21/10/2021 11:49
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PROJECT FOCUS
COMPLEX ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CONCLUDED FOR OFFICE CONVERSION IN SIDCUP Worcestershire based Independent Connections Provider (ICP), Rock Power Connections, has finalised the installation of an electrical connection to a new office block conversion, located in Sidcup.
P
rogressive House, which offers luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments within close proximity to Sidcup High Street, comprises of 36 units, which all benefit from the latest smart technology, including entry system, heating, lighting and parcel collection. With extensive experience in designing and installing electrical connections for large residential developments, Rock Power Connections was appointed to install a 45-way Lucy MSDB to supply 36 single phase cut outs and one three phase cut out. The team also installed a
22 | November 2021
Project Focus – Rock Power Connections.indd 22
two-way link box, completing all jointing works and testing. A key and challenging part of the installation was timing the new connection to go live, whilst simultaneously disconnecting the existing UKPN supply to ensure the building was not left without power. Sayer Emrich, Project Manager for Rock Power Connections, explains: “We faced a few setbacks during this install, especially as the site was closed down to comply with COVID-19 restrictions at the start of the pandemic. “We also faced restrictions on the space for the BNO network install, which further added to the complexity of the install. Despite this, we managed to mobilise
electricalcontractingnews.com
and complete both the energisation and disconnection on time, ensuring the site was not left without power.” Progressive House is one of the latest connection projects to have successfully been completed by the growing independent connections provider within a short timeframe. Founded in 2012, Rock Power Connections is a family-run Independent Connections Provider, which specialises in the design and installation of new and upgraded electricity connections to businesses, industrial and commercial properties UK wide. Rock Power Connections, rockpowerconnections.co.uk
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21/10/2021 11:49
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
INTERVIEW
BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD FOR OVIA Carly Wills speaks to Mike Collins, Sales Director at Ovia about day-to-day life at the company, and what the company’s plans are for the future. CW: Tell us about yourself and how you got into the sector. MC: The electrical industry is in my blood. My family have run an electrical contracting business for as long as I remember. I got my first taste at the age of 13 with a two-week work placement at a large electrical wholesaler in Kent and was offered a job there on leaving school. I’ve worked my way up from there, through various sales roles to the position of sales director with a leading lighting manufacturer. I joined Scolmore Group in May 2019 to head up the development of the Ovia lighting business. CW: For those who may not know, can you give us an overview of the work that Ovia does? MC: When we launched Ovia as an independent business at the end of 2019, our aim was to bring to the professional electrical industry a vastly extended range of high quality products that are very competitively priced and available exclusively through the reliable wholesale channel. These include domestic, commercial, industrial, utility, amenity, floodlighting, and emergency lighting – plus a range of lighting control solutions. We also offer a free design service to provide expertise in choosing the right products and solutions for a proposed scheme.
CW: Aside from COVID-19, what have been the biggest challenges across the industry in recent times? What will be the biggest challenges in the future?
CW: Tell us about your current role – what are you responsible for and what does the normal working day consist of? MC: As the head of the Ovia business I am responsible for the overall running of the operation. I like to be very hands on and I will get in involved in everything; helping to select the range of products; developing the teams that will sell the products; and provide internal infrastructure to ensure we deliver a great after care service. My focus is to build the best lighting teams that are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to all our customers and to continue to strengthen the Ovia brand.
“We will continue to build on the success we’ve enjoyed since the launch of Ovia in 2019”
launches, as well as improved products, that have all been brought to market on the back of continual engagement with contractors to ensure that the products and solutions they seek are developed and available through the wholesaler.
MC: Due to the ongoing pandemic, increases in component and manufacturing costs, and massive price increases in transportation of goods, getting access to quality, competitively priced products is now a challenge and this only looks set to intensify. Therefore, bringing projects in on time and in budget is becoming more of an issue than before. With Scolmore Group as the backbone of our business we have huge resources and very experienced teams in place to manage stocks and supply chain to ensure the best stability in pricing available.
CW: What do you think are the most exciting products or technologies coming to the market? MC: The feedback we get from our engagement with contractors consistently highlights their need for lighting products and solutions that are quick and easy to install. As far as technology goes, we are seeing more uptake and demand for fittings that combine a number of features in one, such as CCT and multi-current and multi-wattage. Since the migration from traditional lamp sources across to LEDs in recent years we have seen a major increase in the efficacy of products leading to great energy savings. The next phase to generate even greater efficiencies from installations is through lighting controls and these are advancing at a significant rate.
CW: What’s next for you and for Ovia? CW: How has COVID-19 affected the industry? Do you think things will be finally able to get back to normal? MC: I think all businesses, ours included, have had to adapt in many ways. We have all had to implement and operate our day to day working lives within the appropriate COVID-safe regulations and guidelines. I think it has helped everyone prioritise more. Whilst we have seen the benefit of getting our sales teams back on the road and having face to face meetings with customers and continuing to do site visits, we recognise that there is value in conducting certain meetings and interactions remotely. It’s about using time wisely.
24 | November 2021
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MC: We will continue to build on the success we’ve enjoyed since the launch of Ovia in 2019. The team has expanded, we’ve made significant investments in new equipment and we will continue to develop products that the contractors are asking for, and to generate further demand from the specification teams working on major projects. We are about to launch the next Ovia catalogue – Issue 3 – which will showcase a raft of new products. At over 400 pages it boasts an additional 100 pages on the previous edition and will bring to designers, contractors and specifiers a comprehensive product guide covering the entire range on offer. It includes brand new product
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CW: What are your interests away from work? C: I am a keen golfer and unfortunately M an Ipswich Town football club fan. I love anything car related and spending time with my beautiful family. Ovia, oviauk.com
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21/10/2021 12:17
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Untitled-7 1 ad - Click Smart +.indd 1 ECN September
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14/10/2021 14:32 24/08/2021 10:49:18
COMPETITION
HAMILTON LEADS THE CHARGE: COMBINED USB-A AND USB-C SOLUTIONS Hamilton is offering one lucky winner the chance to win a Nintendo Switch Neon with Joy-Con Controllers and USB-C port.
F
uture-proof customers with the latest USB charging solutions from Hamilton Litestat. Demand for faster charging has led to new USB standards, resulting in opportunities to install 13A USB charging sockets and Euro Module solutions to support legacy devices and the new standard of smart devices.
Lead the charge today… and tomorrow! Hamilton is supporting forward-thinking installers with combined double switched 2.4A USB sockets with both USB-A and USB-C charging points. This now ‘must have’ functionality is available in four plate collections: Hartland, Hartland G2, Hartland CFX and Sheer CFX, plus 12 on-trend finishes, including matt black and matt white.
Need a 45W power boost? While the switched 2.4A USB sockets suit many electricals, newer smart devices demand more power more rapidly than a 13A socket can support, such as the high-capacity MacBook Pro or iPad Pro. In response, Hamilton has recently launched a 45W Type C (labelled PD – Power Delivery) 18W Type A (Labelled QC – Quick Charge) 50x50 Euro Module to support such power-thirsty devices. There are 14 plate designs and up to 12 different finishes, and the insert modules are also available in either black or white. Ensure your customers are never without charge with Hamilton’s stylish USB charging solutions.
For your chance to win a Nintendo Switch Neon with Joy-Con Controllers and USB-C port, simply answer the following questions correctly. 1. Hamilton’s combined double switched 2.4A USB-A&C sockets are available in how many collections? a) One b) Two c) Four
2. What is the wattage of Hamilton’s Euro Module USB-C port?
3. W hat does PD stand for?
a) 18W b) 30W c) 45W
a) Power Delivery b) Power Docking c) Power Density
September Competition The winner of the September competition – Virgin Experience vouchers worth up to £250, courtesy of Timeguard – was Edward Burke.
Closing date All entries must be returned by 30 November. 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 January of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable.
To enter, please complete the form below and fax to 01634 673173, or post to: ECN Competition, All Things Media Ltd, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8UD. Alternatively, you can email your answers and contact details to: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com.
The answers to November’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
1.............................................................................
Y ES, I would like to share my data with Hamilton
Personal Details Name....................................................................................................................................... Company Name...................................................................................................................... Address...................................................................................................................................
2. . .........................................................................
Signature.......................................................................
................................................................................ Postcode................................................. Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................
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To register to receive your copy of ECN each month, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/subscribe Competition.indd 52
21/10/2021 11:50
The Metway Connection Centre
8 and 10 output units
Dimming or non-dimming
Side latching outputs
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Absence or presence detection
1 or 2 channel operation
All lead configurations available from stock
Standalone System
22/10/2021 14:49
SPECIAL FEATURE
CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT
CMW PROVIDING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE FOR ALL THINGS CABLING AND CABLE MANAGEMENT Established in 2003, Cable Management Warehouse is a leading distributor to the network, data, and electrical installation industry. The CMW headquarters is based in Bedford and is supported by team members, many of which have worked with CMW from the very start. The company’s trade counter facility provides customers with the option to visit HQ and collect their orders, and an online ordering facility is also offered, providing customers with easy access to placing orders, reviewing their accounts, and earning reward points.
C
MW has recently opened new premises in the Royston Centre, Farnborough. This new location provides office space, a product demo room, warehousing, and a trade counter facility for customers to collect or place orders on their way to projects in the City, Thames Valley, and surrounding areas.
It shows in the name There are many cable management products and systems on the market, providing an abundance of options to choose from. However, selecting the right type of solution is something that most people generally do not invest a huge amount of time in. This can have a massive impact on the effectiveness and longevity of a network infrastructure installation and, as the old saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. When you make an investment in a cable management solution, you need to make sure that you are selecting the correct product for the job. But what choices have you got and how do you pick the right one?
Trunking Protects cables and keeps them out of sight. Perfect for data and electrical cables. External options are available. CMW has a full range of traditional white trunking held in stock but also has coloured variants available, including black, brown and red. These products give you a way of blending your trunking in with its surrounding environment. Self-adhesive versions are available too.
Trunking protects cables and keeps them out of sight
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Cable tray Supports and routes cables around a building and is ideal for use with multiple data cables. Cable trays can be mounted onto a wall or suspended from a ceiling, with the use of accessories, tray supports, support channels and brackets, to provide a track that allows cables and wires to be routed around your building.
Basket tray Supports and routes the electrical cables that are used for power distribution, control, and communication.
Conduit Can be flexible or rigid (plastic and metal) and ideal for electrical and data cables. External varieties are also available. Rigid conduit and accessories and flexible conduit and accessories give complete protection for your data cables. Polypropylene, PVC and galvanised options are available from stock, as well as the necessary accessories for you to successfully install these products.
Cable spines These manage cables vertically or near/on a desk. They are usually height adjustable and can be used with sit/stand desks. The flexible design keeps all your cables and wires organised and free from damage and knots. A great item which helps to provide an organised, neat finish to your working environment.
Benefits of installing the correct solution
Cable ties These secure bundles of cables together.
One of the key benefits of installing the correct cable management solution is the time and money it can save you. Working with the right product for the job can mean less time spent on installation and labour, while it can also avoid the risk of cables getting damaged. In extreme cases, damage can lead to loss of service and, in some instances, prevent a business from operating altogether. We all know that no business wants to experience downtime. It also improves health and safety, as poorly installed cabling can be a big hazard. When you have wires lying around, especially on the floor, the chances of slips, falls and other accidents are vastly increased. Removing those obstacles means preventing accidents and protecting staff. Lastly, it keeps work environments tidy. If you have lots of cables exposed, they can look unsightly and gather dust. By using cable management, you are helping to improve the overall aesthetic and feel of a space. This can make employees feel proud of their workspace and show visitors and customers that you are a professional concern.
Traditional cable ties or Velcro brand-based solutions are available.
Cable Management Warehouse, cmwltd.co.uk
Cable matting Protects against low level water flooding, attacks from chemicals in floor screed and any sharp edges in a floor finish. There are two data cable matting solutions: one protects cable baskets and trunking, while floor matting will protect cables that are laid under suspended floors.
Braided leeving Bundles wires together, helps avoid tangles and offers protection from abrasive environments. Expandable braided is ideal for cable containment within cabinets and is extremely cost effective. The braiding available from CMW is constructed from halogen free, self-extinguishing close weave material and is available on standard or industrial reels in black and grey.
electricalcontractingnews.com
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By using cable management, you are helping to improve the overall aesthetic and feel of a space
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21/10/2021 12:18
ARE YOU INSTALLING THE RIGHT CABLE? BENEFITS OF INSTALLING MICC OVER POLYMERIC FR CABLES
Polymeric FR Cable
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*Installation time
82 min
60 min
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£81.73
Can be installed without FR conduit
Ingress resistant (waterproof, oilproof)
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*based on 12m sample of 2 core 1.5mm2
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22/10/2021 12:31:22 22/10/2021 12:38
A wide range of data, fibre cable and cable management solutions
AV & Power
Flexible conduit & accessories
Desk power & data
Cat 5e and Cat 6
Black trunking
GOP boxes
Standard and bespoke products available on short lead times.
Cable Management Warehouse Ltd
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Units 5/6 Arkwright Road Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK42 0LQ
Unit 4 Royston Centre, Lynchford Road, GU12 5PQ
Tel: 01234 848030
Tel: 01252 917300 21/10/2021 11:27
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Email: sales@cmwltd.co.uk Website: www.cmwltd.co.uk
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21/10/2021 11:27
SPECIAL FEATURE
CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT! UK construction continues to march on with unprecedented levels of activity post pandemic. Demand for products and materials is at an all-time peak, with manufacturers facing challenges in meeting demand.
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The PVC cable tray has been developed specifically to meet the needs of aggressive or coastal environments
able management supplier, Univolt UK, is rapidly gaining traction in the explosive UK market, where its complete range is being embraced by an increasingly broader audience. David Mattin of Univolt discusses what’s next for the long-established Anglo-European firm and what impact a booming building industry, Brexit and COVID-19 has had on the business. “Whilst much of the construction industry continues to operate throughout COVID-19, I’m not sure any of us expect the surge in projects and building that we continue to see across the UK. “Contractors and specifiers are looking to use premium products that are easy to install and are delivered with efficiency. Both Brexit and COVID-19 have presented us with challenges never experienced in my lifetime, largely associated with haulage and travel bureaucracy. We continue to demonstrate agility and are exploring different ways in which we receive our products safely into the UK. “Interestingly, in a changing and fluctuating market, we are seeing demand for different products to those favoured in the past. A safety conscious and very aware customer base continues to specify our SLXL product as their PVC-LSF 3 compartment dado trunking solution. “This is unique as it offers a higher ignition point of up to 15% than standard PVC, the halogens contained within the products are released at a slower rate, therefore, smoke release is also reduced by up to 65% in the first four minutes of a fire (when compared to standard PVC dado trunkings).
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“It’s also incredibly future-proof, working with Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat8 and OM3 Fibre Optic cables whilst offering far reaching safety benefits through its slow burning fire-resistant properties. “We are already seeing Cat8 being installed within data centres, delivering 2000MHz bandwidth, representing three times more than Cat 6A. Whilst we don’t envisage this having any major impact on the commercial market for the next 12 months, this product essentially future-proofs any cable containment system. “We also launched a bench trunking product which is a strong specification for desktop cable containment. Finished in a white PVC, this is a great choice for any office, school, healthcare or laboratory environment. “A fantastic move for us has been an introduction of the PVC cable tray. We are one of only a handful of manufacturers to supply this product and the take-up has been amazing. The product has been developed specifically to meet the needs of aggressive or coastal environments, providing a lasting and durable cable containment solution. “Not only does the tray deliver the perfect properties to meet this type of environment, it is also lightweight and, therefore, easy to handle and transport, as well as being simple to cut to length, therefore saving time and cost on installation.” David continues: “Whilst we have had to be flexible and agile, our business model has essentially remained the same. We are committed to operating in partnership with the wholesaler. We have forged some brilliant relationships and are exploring new associations. Their role is essential within our business and that approach will remain in place.
electricalcontractingnews.com
“Feedback from the wholesaler is essential and it is through them that we begin to understand the needs of the end user. In order to market and promote our products, it’s essential that we can provide useful quality literature – as such we’ve recently launched a new catalogue. “This, in essence, is a bumper catalogue which brings together all product groups in one complete catalogue, as well as a host of how to guides, case studies and accessory detail. “The catalogue can be ordered free in hard copy format or downloaded from the Univolt website. “This is a real step up for us in terms of marketing material – creating one main document which contains all information a specifier, contractor or wholesaler would need to understand our products. The clear, clean crisp layout makes it incredibly accessible and easy to read. The structure and simple category format allow the reader to access all relevant product information within seconds.” David concludes: “Now is a great time for the business. We are innovating, delivering and expanding. We are a well-established company, and we are finding our niche more within the UK as leading suppliers of certain products. Our ability to deliver a one-stop shop in terms of cable containment is supporting our future growth. Whilst we continue to monitor the markets closely and remain up to date with developments, we are committed to delivering on all orders – innovating and responding to need and demand.”
Demand for products and materials is at an all-time peak
Univolt UK, dietzel-univolt.com
@ElecConNews
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@ecn_magazine
21/10/2021 11:51
SPEED, ACCURACY & RELIABILITY
www.idealind.com Untitled-3 1 244by340-ECN-TandE-v2.indd 1
15/10/2021 12:09 21/09/2021 08:39:09
CABLE MANAGEMENT
WE’VE GOT IT COVERED
• Conduit fittings • Adaptable boxes • Flexible conduit • Brackets
• Gland packs • Cable glands • Thread converters • Cable jointing & crimps
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22/10/2021 10:59
ONE STOP SHOP FULLY STOCKED Circuit Protection
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t 0121 711 1990 | f 0121 711 1344 | sales@niglon.co.uk Untitled-1 3
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SPECIAL FEATURE
CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT
TOTALLY WIRED — HOW TO MAKE WIRE CONNECTION FASTER, SAFER AND EASIER Nathan Bennett, Product Manager for Electrical Installation and Enclosures at cable management specialist, HellermannTyton, offers practical advice on how electrical installers can become better connected.
‘3 The transparent housing means that an installer can see at a glance whether the correct length cable has been inserted and that there’s a sound connection
00,000 new homes per year’. That’s the headline figure in the Government’s ambitious plans to tackle Britain’s housing crisis. It’s a target that is subject to many pressures and challenges – societal, logistical and practical. Whether it’s finding suitable land for development, staving off objections from communities nervous about the pressure on local infrastructure, rises in material costs and well-documented shortages in skilled labour – every potential new build faces an upward struggle. And that’s before developers can even begin to consider how to balance speed and productivity, with increasingly tough safety standards. When it comes to electrical installation, the game has changed due to the sheer amount of connectivity required in the home. From smart devices to EV charge points, electrical installers have never had to do so much. While no products can ever replace the skill and expertise of an electrical installer, every little helps to make their lives easier, given the pace and complexity of work required to deliver those 300,000 homes a year – safely, on time and on budget.
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Choose push-in connectors
HelaCon Releasable uses a lever clamping system to connect electrical cables and conductors quickly and easily
By comparison, push-in wire connectors, like the HelaCon wire connector series from HellermannTyton, can offer a better solution for this, saving time and resources that could speed up installation processes. Suitable for all types of wire – including solid, stranded, and fine stranded – the newest product in the range, HelaCon Releasable, uses a lever clamping system to connect electrical cables and conductors quickly and easily. Together with built-in features, including a separate voltage test point and transparent housing, it streamlines installation, application and maintenance while enhancing overall safety. Designed for maximum flexibility, HelaCon Releasable can be used in all kinds of enclosures or junction boxes, on-wall or flush-mounted. It has a 10mm stripping length and clamping range of 0.2mm2 to 4mm2 and can therefore handle most wires and applications, including in household installations behind light switches, light fittings, and sockets. With an operating temperature range of -30°C to +85°C and a UL94VO flammability rating, it’s also designed for strong all-round performance and safety.
The importance of strong connections
Support on site Unlike some push in connectors, the transparent housing on HelaCon means that an installer can see at a glance whether the correct length cable has been inserted and that there’s a sound connection. It also helps installers quickly identify any noticeable faults or problems. While skilled labour is in short supply, and the next generation of electrical installers are being trained, devices like HelaCon could speed up key processes on site. Not only is the transparent housing useful for the installer, but if any apprentice work needs checking, the transparency can also aid anyone supervising the install on site. While targets continue to push for more construction, therefore more installs, and more apprentices to fill the labour shortage and skills gap, installers should be able to rely on the support of manufacturers, whose extensive research and development programmes are there to help make their lives easier – and HelaCon Releasable is a great example of a manufacturer identifying a problem and creating something to help with it.
Whatever the type of electrical installation – be it a brand-new project or a rewiring job, and whether residential, commercial or industrial – installers need to be on the lookout for anywhere that might be prone to damaged cables or loose connections. Not only could this result in costly and time-consuming work to rectify an issue, in some cases it can be unsafe, potentially leading to arc faults that might then lead to an electrical fire. Wire connectors are commonly used for the fast, easy, and reliable connection and distribution of cable and conductors in electrical housing applications – yet it’s worth noting that there is a wide variety of connectors available, and not all of them are fast, easy, or reliable to install. Strip connectors – which carry a cable in each side and screw to hold in place – can be easily misused by junior or apprentice installers, or even by a more experienced installer under pressure, as they can be easily over tightened, and they don’t provide a constant force. And for installers looking for time savings they can instead be time consuming.
electricalcontractingnews.com
@ElecConNews
HellermannTyton, hellermanntyton.co.uk
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@ecn_magazine
21/10/2021 14:44
The new Helacon Plus Releasable The universal push-in wire connector for all types of wire www.HellamnnTyton.co.uk
Available Now! Please contact us to find out more: 0808 164 2204 uk-salessupport@hellermanntyton.com
Untitled-4 1 18.10.21.indd 1 Helacon Advert
20/10/2021 16:15 19/10/2021 14:16:04
SPECIAL FEATURE
CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT
WHY HYBRID WORKING COULD HELP DRIVE SALES FOR OFFICE EQUIPMENT Stephen Roberts, head of sales at CMD, the specialist in workstation power, connectivity and ergonomics, discusses the opportunity for electrical wholesalers as employers adapt to permanent agile working models.
F
or years, working from home was largely the privilege of senior management and often the butt of jokes insinuating that ‘working’ was a euphemism for finishing off the DIY, or enjoying the garden on a sunny day. The pandemic forced companies to enable staff at all levels to work from home if they could and, after a period of adjustment, the involuntary experiment has generated in some unexpected results. Far from seeing a drop in productivity, many employers actually noticed an upturn in motivation and efficiency when people worked from home. Working days became more flexible, wasted commuting time became productive work time, and digital systems combined with video meeting apps kept everyone connected. The spontaneous trial of agile working has been an unequivocal success for many companies and, now that things are returning to ‘normal’, it appears that the old normal of nine to five office routines five days a week are a thing of the past. But if agile working is to be part of companies’ operational strategy for combining reduced overheads with flexibility, makeshift arrangements that were acceptable on a temporary basis are not acceptable as part of a permanent move to a hybrid office and home working model. The duty of care and health and safety best practice that applies in the office must also be applied at home, which means that companies will need to invest in safe and robust equipment for their team’s home offices, as well as considering how hot-desking in the office affects their electrical equipment and distribution.
They will also need to think about safety. The BS 6396 standard restricts the number of sockets fed from a single 13A plug in commercial environments to prevent overloading or excessive earth leakage. While the standard does not usually apply to domestic properties, if an employee is being mandated to work from home, the employer is effectively making their home part of the workplace for the allocated number of days per week that they are home-based. As a result, BS 6396 compliance should be the aim for all companies with a working from home policy to ensure the home/work environment is as safe as the office, thereby protecting both people and equipment.
Taking workplace standards home
Advising on the right solution
One of the biggest challenges for employers is that no two employees’ homes are the same. In an office fit-out, consistency enables due diligence across specification, maintenance and health and safety management, with scheduled PAT testing of electrical equipment throughout their lifecycle. As companies move to a hybrid of hot-desking in the office and working from home, they will need to consider both the portability of devices between the two locations and the speed and ease of set-up at any workstation in the office or at home.
Some companies are already on board with the need to invest some of their operational cost savings in equipment to enable employees to work safely and efficiently at home, but if they simply provide a grant for employees to buy what they need, who is monitoring whether their choices are safe, fit for purpose and ergonomically suitable? Moreover, if every employee spends their own allowance on their personal selection, the opportunity for consistency, standardised maintenance intervals and routine replacement is lost.
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electricalcontractingnews.com
Companies’ investment in home office equipment should be co-ordinated and guided by expertise to ensure it is suitable, compatible with their existing equipment and fully tested and certified. Wholesalers have an important role to play in this, providing guidance to companies that want to do the right thing but don’t know what they need to ensure the safety of their choices and longevity of their investment. There is also a need for wholesalers to be proactive in communicating the message about safety and compliance for home working environments to electrical contractors. As companies re-fit their offices to adjust to new hot-desking and occupancy density, there is scope for the whole supply chain to highlight the need for a joined up approach between the office and home workplace and the importance of tested and robust solutions from trusted manufacturers. We are still in a period of change, and with change comes opportunity. As companies invest in evolving their work environments, it’s up to electrical wholesalers to embrace that opportunity and CMD has developed a complete range of homeworking solutions to help the sector do just that.
Companies will need to consider how hot-desking in the office affects their electrical equipment and distribution
CMD, cmd-ltd.com
@ElecConNews
/electricalcontractingnews
@ecn_magazine
21/10/2021 11:51
IP65 Enclosed Switch Disconnectors up to 1250 Amp IP65 Enclosed Switch Fuses up to 800 Amp IP65 Enclosed Change Over Switches up to 1250 Amp IP65 Enclosed Automatic Transfer Switches IP65 GRP, Polycarbonate or Mild Steel Enclosures 3, 4, 6 & 8 Pole Switches Defeatable door interlocked handles Ex-stock for next day delivery
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Because Quality Matters Stainless Steel Cable Management Systems • The stainless steel containment specialist • Choice of containment types & finishes • Bespoke manufacturing service • Large stock availability
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ELECTRICAL CONTACTING NEWS - FEB 2017 - 224 X 159.indd 1
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20/10/2021 16:22
SPECIAL FEATURE
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
REWIRED FOR CHANGE: ‘PROSUMERS’ AND THE FAST TRACK TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY Michael Kenyon, Technical Lead at Bureau Veritas, gives his expert advice on how companies can implement energy efficiency ‘prosumer’ initiatives that will not only help them meet their environmental obligations, but that also offer huge cost savings.
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Prosumers will be at the heart of facilitating the transition to electric vehicles
s the government pledges a ‘green recovery’ to lead Britain out of the coronavirus crisis, the end of lockdown offers an impetus for companies to ramp up their sustainability goals – particularly with latest data showing reduced economic activity has inadvertently been a boon for the environment. With this brings a renewed focus on energy efficiency, as the next amendment of the Wiring Regulations, due in spring 2022, is likely to introduce the concept of Prosumers Electrical Installations (PEI) to the UK, concerned with how businesses and individuals can both produce and consume energy. According to the International Energy Agency, global progress toward energy efficiency has slowed to its lowest rate in 10 years due the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing a setback to efforts to curb climate change[1]. Faced with the opportunity to ‘build back better’, for many businesses the end of the coronavirus lockdown brings with it rising pressure to ramp up their sustainability goals, with a robust energy efficiency strategy that can deliver. This is not just because of COP26, but also a growing expectation from consumers that businesses are invested in building a braver better world. So how can businesses improve energy efficiency in their day-to-day operations?
Rise of the ‘prosumer’ One increasingly fundamental aspect is the energy efficiency of electrical installations. Where, traditionally, electricians have abided by the IET Wiring Regulations in order to meet prevailing safety standards, the latest amendment – expected in March 2022 is set to ensure energy efficiency is incorporated into electrical installation designs as a prerequisite. While talk of a ‘prosumer’ world is nothing new, recent years have accelerated its role from individual stakeholders to creating a network working towards a more energy efficient future. Indeed, Part 8 of the second amendment of the 18th Edition will do just that - set out the electrical industry’s vision for how visionary prosumers will help to create and build Britain’s smart infrastructure. Within this, prosumer installations refers to wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, solar collectors and heat pumps, where not only will businesses and individuals be able to use this energy to power their own homes and premises, but they will also be able to sell the surplus to others and back to the grid. The proliferation of prosumers in this way will be key to the UK’s ambitions to build a smart grid that is more reactive in controlling the generation, distribution, and storage of electricity within a connected system.
Giving energy efficiency the green light While becoming a self-sufficient prosumer is the goal, for those that find this a daunting process, there’s a number of simpler ways of improving energy efficiency through regular inspection and maintenance of electrical installations. These include solar panels, which is not simply about safety, but considering whether these are performing as they should and regular maintenance is key to this. As is power quality analysis, whereby an experienced engineer can help define a company’s energy efficiency strategy by checking whether installations have got poor powerfactor, higher voltages or damaging harmonic distortion and thus using more electricity. If this is the case, independent third-party assessors such as Bureau Veritas can provide an impartial view on energy efficiency and advises if additional equipment will help save businesses, energy, power and money. It’s a similar case for the increasing number of businesses installing electrical charging points – not only do these need to be regularly assessed for electrical safety, but also performance. This is particularly important for fleet operators moving over to electrical vehicles, where it’s of utmost importance to ensure a consistent and broad availability of charging points on any given route.
Global progress toward energy efficiency has slowed to its lowest rate in 10 years
Why businesses should invest This premise alone presents a clear case for why businesses that haven’t done so already should be investing in their own role as a prosumer. The incentives from energy companies are ten-fold, not to mention achieving true credibility among consumers for playing your part in the sustainability realm. The other significant advantage for businesses is energy resilience. For example, if the electrical grid goes down, prosumers may be able to go off grid and operate using battery storage systems – essentially allowing businesses to continue to produce/trade. What’s more, prosumers will also be at the heart of facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, which will undoubtedly put pressure on the electrical grid.
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electricalcontractingnews.com
Brave new world With the pandemic signalling a brave new world for energy efficiency, those businesses that truly take the time and effort to establish themselves as prosumers will not only meet their sustainability goals but will also be more resilient and, ultimately, help to create a brave new world that’s better for the planet and society. Bureau Veritas, bureauveritas.co.uk
Energy efficiency progress falters amid pandemic: IEA | Reuters
[1]
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21/10/2021 11:52
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
ETHOS LAUNCHES NEW PAT TESTER 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
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November 2021 | 41
21/10/2021 11:57
SPECIAL FEATURE
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
HOW CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP PROPERTY DEVELOPERS REACH FUTURE NET ZERO Nations and businesses around the world are working towards net zero targets, and reducing utility consumption is an obvious step in the process. Matthew Margetts, Director of Sales and Marketing at Smarter Technologies asks, with this significant focus on energy efficiency, how can property developers ensure future net zero compliance?
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he UK aims to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. To help achieve this goal, the government has announced that all new homes will be banned from installing gas and oil boilers by 2025. Instead, they will be heated by low carbon alternatives. The change comes as no surprise, considering that the heat used to warm the UK’s homes contributes to 14% to the nation’s overall emissions level. The ban of gas boilers will be a significant step in the right direction. Another carbon reduction measure mandated by the government is that energy suppliers must make all reasonable efforts to install smart meters or Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) equipment in all businesses and homes by 2025. Alongside alternative heating solutions, smart meters and automated meter readers (AMRs) give even greater oversight to property developers and homeowners on their premises’ energy use. It should be encouraged that property developers consider this type of technology as standard to truly enhance the 21st Century energy game. Smart and AMR meters can allow you to see exactly how much energy your business
is using. Along with helping to support your energy-efficiency efforts, intelligent metering technology also enables more accurate bills, and can help you reduce your utility bills. When we talk about smart meters and AMRs, we’re not just talking about gas and electricity; water efficiency also has an important role in helping us adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate further climate change, and reach net zero status. According to Waterwise UK, around 6% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions are from household water supply and use. Smart water meters and AMRs for water help property managers to reduce water consumption and thus deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Curbing water usage also helps save money and secure future water supplies.
Accurate billing With an AMR retrofitted onto your existing meter or new smart meter technology, you won’t need to spend time and money taking manual readings. Meter readings will be sent to your supplier remotely every month, saving you time and hassle. This improved billing with actual readings also provides you with more control to forecast usage and budget ahead.
Access the data
“Knowing how much gas, electricity and water is used by your facility in a day and during a month is the first step in reducing your consumption”
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electricalcontractingnews.com
Analyse the data With accurate, real-time utility consumption data available to you, you’ll be better equipped to make data-driven decisions about how to control your consumption and reduce your carbon footprint. Key to identifying potential efficiencies is having a central reporting and analytics system. This gives you not only a real-time view of your consumption, but allows for historic reporting and predictive analytics, allowing you to optimise your gas, electricity and water provision even further.
Smart meter or AMR – which type of meter is right for your premises?
The government has specified that micro businesses and domestic premises should be upgraded to smart meters, rather than AMRs. Small or medium sized businesses can have either a smart meter or AMR installed. However, it is likely an AMR meter will be more suitable. Large businesses should have an AMR meter installed. It’s worth noting that there may be exceptions as to which meter type is the most suitable, due to the specifics of your site. In some cases, another specialist type of meter may be required. Regardless of the type of meter installed, industry-leading technology can help your facility use utilities more effectively, reduce waste and running costs and reach UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you’re working with domestic or commercial properties, it won’t take long for you to see results AND a return on investment.
Smart meters and AMRs give greater oversight to property developers and homeowners on their premises’ energy use
42 | November 2021
Knowing how much gas, electricity and water is used by your facility in a day and during a month is the first step in reducing your consumption. A simple tool to help you achieve this is an AMR or smart meter, which gives you access to accurate consumption data. Simply placed on your existing water meters, AMR devices can feed your utility consumption data into a smart portal in real time to help you track your usage and spot any issues or unusual increases.
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Smarter Technologies, smartertechnologies.com
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21/10/2021 11:52
SPECIAL FEATURE
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
SUSTAINABILITY IN MEP DESIGN Sustainability will be one of the prevalent themes in building design and construction for years to come. Driven by technological developments such as BIM, the construction sector, and more in particular, the MEP industry is moving towards a more sustainable future.
B
IM gives architects, designers and MEP engineers the tools to co-work with interchanging models and data from their trades in order to visualise and simulate the overall energy performance of a building. BIM also extends 3D model capabilities beyond just design and opens up a world of information to all stakeholders. Through BIM, the federated models and data from different trades, for example, help identify top energy consumers in a building design: HVAC inefficiencies, top electricity users, peak energy consumption hours, etc. By combining value-added data from suppliers of MEP system components, as well as spatial and design data, trades can work with enriched 3D building models that can provide real-world energy consumption insights.
Data-based design decision
Through BIM, the federated models and data from different trades help identify top energy consumers in a building design
Trimble’s Sefaira software offers architects and designers a number of metrics that help them make more sustainable decisions in their designs. Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), for example, has been shown to be a good predictor of actual as-built daylight performance. It describes how much of a space receives sufficient daylight. Simulated sDA can be applied to find the right amount and location of glazing in a building design, the best floor-to-floor heights, the best floor plate depths and optimised artificial lighting.
Peak heating/cooling load
But believe it or not, there is also such a thing as too much light coming in. The Annual Sun Exposure (ASE) metric describes how much of space in a design receives too much direct sunlight, which can cause visual (glare) or thermal discomfort. To reduce ASE, shading devices can be added to a design’s windows, or glazing can be moved to facades that receive less direct sunlight.
Energy efficiency While the two previous metrics are very specific, there are a number of overall indicators for the sustainability of a building’s design, such as Energy Use Intensity (EUI), the expression of a building’s annual energy use per unit area. EUI can help design buildings with low energy use, and, as a likely result, lower operating costs by helping architects understand whether the building’s performance is good or bad (relative to target, or to other similar buildings). From a design’s projected energy consumption, the Annual Carbon Emissions can be measured.
Annual operating cost Many building owners are looking to reduce operating cost. The annual utility costs incurred for operating a building (electricity + fuel + water) metric is also important for evaluating payback period of energy efficiency measures, as well as calculating ROI and Life Cycle Cost (LCC). This metric can demonstrate the benefits of different design options and optimisations. Users of Sefaira can use Response Curves to identify strategies that minimise operating cost.
“Modern artificial intelligenceenabled HVAC systems can make automatic, on-the-fly adjustments to increase energy efficiency”
In MEP designs, HVAC systems are typically sized to meet heating or cooling peak loads – the metric indicating the largest amount of heat that needs to be added to or removed from a space in a single hour. Reducing peak loads means a smaller, less expensive HVAC system, which is a key strategy for achieving energy reductions with favourable payback, or with no cost premium at all. As an alternative, passive design strategies (eg. shading devices) can reduce peak loads. This metric also represents a good opportunity for early collaboration between the architects and a project’s engineers. Which is crucial, as there are a number of technologies in the MEP domain that are driving sustainability. Combined in an optimised design, these can, in fact, exert a great deal of control over the energy efficiency of a building and help reduce the bottom line.
Intelligence in HVAC Modern artificial intelligence-enabled HVAC systems can make automatic, on-the-fly adjustments to increase energy efficiency. These systems leverage IoT data to predict impending weather conditions and adapt air conditioner settings accordingly. Some can even monitor human activity in a room and fine-tune AC and heating levels accordingly. Depending on a building’s expected usage, and the outcome of the sustainability metrics analysis, some buildings can rely on eco-friendly ventilation systems. These systems use heat from machines and human activity to warm up air blown in from outside. This means that virtually no heat is wasted, and it ensures a sustainable circulation of air.
Solar-thermal Adding an extra dimension of sustainability are high efficiency heat pumps. These heat pumps are upwards of four times more efficient than gas boilers, offering both environmental versatility and cost savings. Meanwhile, improvements in solar technology have made solar energy more powerful than ever. Solar collectors, installed in combination with boilers, heat pumps and smart thermostats, make a solar-thermal system a realistic MEP asset. Once an MEP system is fully operational, with all its sustainable technologies in place in an equally sustainable design, maintenance can leverage all the data from the design, and from sensors throughout the building, to uncover larger strategic improvements that will affect sustainability on the level of day-to-day operations and maintenance management. Adding to the bottom-line, while contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of building projects. Trimble, trimble.com
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Energy Management – Trimble.indd 43
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21/10/2021 11:53
SPECIAL FEATURE
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
AUTUMN IS HERE! TIME TO REFLECT Finally! The temperature seems to be reducing to a more bearable level, the nights are slowly drawing in and...do I see a hint of colour change on the trees? Karl Lycett, Rittal UK Climate Control Product Manager discusses how you can make your life easier for next summer.
T
hat’s right, autumn is upon us once again and that can only mean one thing…it’s time to stop, look back at the summer period and understand how things went.
It’s time to stop, look back at the summer period and understand how things went
Did you see:
• Electrical equipment under stress? • Unexpected breakdowns? • Emergency repairs needed on critical equipment?
There is always an opportunity to make small improvements which will increase your overall efficiency
If any of this sounds familiar or has happened to you, now is the perfect time to put plans into place to make your life easier when next summer hits. Servicing, upgrading or even specifying some brand new climate control to protect your equipment is one of the most effective ways of creating a protective environment for the sensitive electrical equipment within your enclosures, and ensuring it lasts for many summers to come.
Even if your cooling equipment is up to date, there is always an opportunity to make small improvements which will increase your overall efficiency. A great example is the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles. Simply put, this is taking any data generated by cooling equipment and allowing it to be directly reported into your building management systems or straight to the relevant person in charge of managing the health of your electrical equipment.
Enclosure Climate Control Whatever the scale...... ......we have the solution ENCLOSURES
Energy Management – Rittal.indd 44
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CLIMATE CONTROL
21/10/2021 11:56
SPECIAL FEATURE
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
This reduces the need for a daily walk round with a clipboard, making notes of any issues. This old-style approach can result in things being missed and breakdowns occurring unexpectedly, however, with solutions now available you can choose to have emails sent directly to key personnel whenever limits have been reached and warning flags are showing. This means staff are utilised more efficiently and can be safe in the mind that they will be notified if any issues begin to arise. Now never fear, Rittal knows that your sole focus doesn’t lie on climate control – you have more important things to worry about, mainly keeping your business up and running and producing for your customers. That is where Rittal is here to help. Over the next three months the company is going to cover a different theme related to climate control, but with the focus on how you can utilise this information to get the most out of your equipment – by creating that protective environment and allowing it to thrive and stay healthy. This takes the workload off you when the temperature starts to rise again and allows you to concentrate on more important matters on site, while in the back of your mind knowing you have implemented systems to keep your equipment chugging along. The additional benefits of undertaking this action is the reduction in energy usage and costs related to the replacement of spare parts etc. If items are tripping out every year, this causes a high level of wear on components which can result in more order being produced to replace burnt out cards etc. All of these small changes are going to impact your bottom line and overall efficiency. If you have any specific questions or would like the information sent straight to your inbox, send an e-mail to cooling@rittal.co.uk and one of our colleagues will get in touch to help. Rittal, rittal.com
OL
Rittal knows that your sole focus doesn’t lie on climate control
IT INFRASTRUCTURE
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21/10/2021 11:56
SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
WHY MODERN BUILDING ELECTRICS MUST BE FIT FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW Electricity is the beating heart of UK businesses, with systems having the power and potential to keep organisations operational and enabling staff to work in safe, efficient and productive buildings. However, Steve Gardner, Managing Director of Eco UK Group, says that the reliance on electrical systems can also present risk, with electrical faults potentially leading to a lot of down-time and a dangerous environment to work in, as well as disruption to services and a possible loss of business.
T
Maintenance for longevity
he chance of eventualities like these make it all the more important for businesses to take all precautionary measures around their electrical infrastructure during installation. Having mechanical and electrical systems installed can make a property run more energy efficiently. However, these systems must be robust, adhere to regulations and be maintained well enough to guarantee longevity if a business wants to maximise investments and drive long-term efficiency.
Business downtime and potentially hazardous working environments are both very real possibilities when an electrical fault occurs. However, with the right level of maintenance work in place, properties can extend the lifespan of their electrical systems and keep them fully functioning at all times. What’s more, a robust and future-proofed electrical infrastructure can make a property more commercially viable. By investing in the right services, managers can make their building a more attractive and low maintenance proposition for potential buyers. Preparing a building’s electrics for long term operation is not only done during the planning phase. Once installed, these systems must be properly maintained in order to remain effective for longer. This maintenance is crucial as it can determine how the property is being affected by internal environmental conditions. It is essential to provide conditions that create a safe and efficient work environment and contribute towards maximum performance so the organisation can function at an optimum level. With mechanical and electrical maintenance, it is easier to have a schedule instead of relying on emergency and reactive maintenance. Should something break down, efficiency and productivity will likely be reduced for a certain amount of time, whereas with scheduled maintenance, it is likely potential issues will be caught proactively before it has time to cause disruption. This supports facilities managers in their daily operations and helps to minimise risks of downtime and, more importantly, reduces safety risks for those within the property. In order to keep systems functioning, it is also important to perform regular internal audits and health and safety inspections on electrical and mechanical components to make sure that health and safety compliance requirements are being met. This combination of forward planning and a proactive approach to service and maintenance is the key to ensuring that electrics maintain performance and keep businesses operative both immediately after install and for years to come.
A view of the future Modern buildings require a host of electrical installations to operate successfully, from main electrical power installation, distribution and containment to lighting and communications cabling. Property owners must also consider the very real possibility that the purpose and requirements of their building may change over time, given that overhauls of such systems can prove costly in both time and money. This means looking further than five years into the future when planning long-term electrical infrastructure. By looking beyond its immediate future and understanding the smartest long-term solution that will maintain a safe and well-maintained space, planning ahead is also future-proofing the investment. Today, efficiency and a reduced environmental impact are huge priorities when it comes to a building’s electrical infrastructure. Working alongside an experienced team of mechanical and electrical installers, decision-makers can set out their goals ahead of an installation project and understand the exact nature of payback periods and energy savings before work takes place. The nature of electrical installs can take many forms and no two buildings are the same. This work could span from the partial rewiring of a current premises to a full electrical installation for a new property, depending on the company’s needs. Regardless of the type of project required, doing your due diligence prior to the work taking place is essential. Not only will this help to identify the specific
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Fire, Safety & Security – ECO UK Group.indd 46
electrical needs before the full installation process, but it will help you to make informed decisions about the right systems that will not only be fit for today, but will reduce costs and reduce the need for replacements in the long run. Regulation is also another key consideration during the planning phase, especially as modern buildings are becoming increasingly complex. As new, more energy efficient systems come into play, the standards for electrical installations may well change in order to reflect the changing needs of a property. Those who plan for this change when assessing their electrical service needs will ultimately be best placed for greater cost and energy efficiency. That said, with so many moving parts, it can understandably prove challenging for decision-makers to know what their electrical requirements are and how best to plan for the future. That’s why comprehensive installation services that manage the process from the initial survey all the way through to the finishing design touches provide a business with clarity over the exact electrical needs of a building at every stage, from install through to completion. Installation and maintenance staff are trained to be aware of the potential risks when performing any works. This includes risks to the property, themselves and property occupants both during the install and further down the line, should issues with systems occur in the future.
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The standards for electrical installations may well change in order to reflect the changing needs of a property
Eco UK Group, ecoukgroup.com
@ElecConNews
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@ecn_magazine
21/10/2021 11:56
Environmental Sensors
POWERFUL INSIGHTS. PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE. PREVENTATIVE MEASURES. Create smarter, safer homes for your residents with HomeLINK – the connected home solution for social landlords. Our Environmental Sensors and HomeLINK portal have been designed to create better maintained, healthier and energy efficient homes, enabling preventative maintenance strategies and the delivery of unrivalled service to residents.
To learn more about HomeLINK, please visit www.aico.co.uk/ HomeLINK
The HomeLINK Portal From energy efficiency to indoor air quality, you can access a wealth of actionable insights via the HomeLINK dashboard, segmented by high, medium and low risk.
Ei1020 & Ei1025 The Ei1020 measures temperature and humidity while the Ei1025 measures temperature, humidity and CO2, providing actionable insights into conditions such as mould risk, draught risk and indoor air quality.
Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway The SmartLINK Gateway is a central hub for data and is required to extract insights from connected Environmental Sensors, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
www.aico.co.uk | 01691 664100 | enquiries@aico.co.uk
The European Market Leader in Home Life Safety Untitled-1 1 Sensors_244 x 340#.indd 1 Environmental
19/10/2021 11:49 19/10/2021 11:07:46
SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
CCTV — A GROWING OPPORTUNITY With the CCTV market continuing to show strong growth, ESP’s Managing Director, Neil Baldwin, encourages contractors to think big, with the right support.
F
or many electrical contractors, installing a CCTV system in an average domestic dwelling will be one of those jobs that they are very comfortable with. However, when it comes to larger, more complex commercial projects, there will be installers who are put off by the size and perceived complexity of the job, believing it to be best left to a specialist CCTV installer. This is where it pays to partner up with a supplier who can not only provide a comprehensive range of security solutions to cover a wide variety of project applications, but also has the expertise and experience in the planning, design and ongoing support that will reassure installers that they will be providing the best possible security solution for their customers. ESP has been supplying CCTV solutions for the professional installer market for over 25 years and continues to invest in the range to make sure that contractors have access to systems that harness the latest technologies, are quick and easy to install and boast a raft of features and benefits to attract a wider range of clients for installers. The company’s reputation as a reliable CCTV provider has been established by guaranteeing consistency of stock, with high-end pre and aftersales support. Commercial applications requiring comprehensive analogue or IP POE systems are available to meet a wide range of requirements. The RekorHD (2MP) range has recently been expanded into a comprehensive analogue CCTV range. Analogue CCTV remains a popular
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choice with installers and end users who are impressed with the image quality and functionality that it provides, and the new additions will meet the increasing demand for a comprehensive analogue CCTV range. Included in the range is a host of contemporary housed cameras which offer; different lens specification for tailored viewing angles including motorised, fish-eye and PTZ solutions; a range of infrared capability for different low light performance; and options for vandal resistant applications. To increase flexibility in the range, DVRs are available separately alongside a 16-channel DVR option to cater for larger scale applications. All DVRs will incorporate a range of hard drive capacity options. Also available through ESP are essential accessories such as license free remote viewing software, POE extenders and switches for extended cable runs, deep camera bases for convenient system connections and simple to use test monitors for set-up and troubleshooting. With access to a comprehensive range of CCTV systems, as well as the support of a highly experienced technical team, contractors can now also take advantage of ESP’s specialist design service. A team of dedicated design engineers will work with professional installers to assist with specifying the right system for project-based applications. For CCTV projects that require larger systems and specific cameras, the company believes that pre-planning is vital and that producing and working to a professional design will mean the best possible system is specified to get the best results on site. The design service is able to generate computer generated models
electricalcontractingnews.com
of a system’s live view from the cameras, a useful tool to ensure a client will have a good understanding of the camera angles and views before committing to the system. As well as providing computer generated previews from the camera locations, the service will provide recommendations for the total amount of cable required for installation, suitable hard drive capacity and will also highlight the record duration, resolution and ESP camera part number required – making specifying an installation simpler.
“ESP has been supplying CCTV solutions for the professional installer market for over 25 years”
Future-proofing We are living in a time of economic uncertainty, and this intensifies the need to identify and pursue business opportunities in growing markets and the security systems market is one of them. It makes sense, therefore, for those contractors wanting to secure their future business operation to take advantage of the opportunities that the security category can offer. World security continues to be an issue and, because of that, people are more conscious of having reliable security measures in place. The police are encouraging us all to use CCTV to protect homes and businesses, and contractors are in a prime position to fulfil the demand that is being generated. By honing their skills to offer additional products and services and working in partnership with experienced suppliers who are able to offer support for all aspects of an installation project, they will be able to build work with their existing customers as well as attract new customers, and bigger projects. ESP, espuk.com
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21/10/2021 11:58
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14/10/2021 11:26 14:29 13/10/2021
SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
SOLVING SECURITY INSTALLATION CHALLENGES As demand for security installations grow, a new generation of handheld tools can help electrical contractors overcome key challenges and benefit from significant time and cost savings. Tim Widdershoven, Marketing Director for TREND Networks explains how.
W
e see many electrical contractors assuming they need to configure, install, and troubleshoot IP security cameras using laptops, even though it’s time consuming and ineffective. The reality is that more electricians are needing to add security installation to their offering, but as this is a new and fast evolving area, they are unaware of the productivity benefits possible with a different approach to test equipment.
Emerging technologies
Even on complex installations, users may only need to use one tester
Arguably the biggest trend affecting the security industry in recent years has been the switch to digital IP cameras from analogue technologies. Contractors are faced with having to fit unfamiliar, fast evolving equipment and obtain new knowledge to keep up with customer demand. With numerous types of CCTV camera, plus many different configurations and connection methods, installation and troubleshooting can be time intensive and complicated. The handheld SecuriTEST IP CCTV tester from TREND Networks supports contractors with features to help save time and boost productivity such as QuickIP, which enables novices to connect and configure IP cameras quickly and easily. Even on complex installations, users may only need to use one tester, helping remove the need for in-depth and time-consuming training. Where security installations are using Power over Ethernet (PoE), technicians also need to be able to verify that the camera has enough power to function. The compact PoE Pro tester from TREND Networks eliminates guesswork when installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks where PoE is deployed.
Installation can be especially complex where contractors don’t have the correct tools
Network integration installation or where building construction is in progress, set up can only be completed at a later date, returning to site when the IT infrastructure and computer room are in place and performance can be checked. With a handheld SecuriTEST IP tester, the whole installation can be completed, tested, and documented, removing the time-consuming need to return to site later. It is small, lightweight and does not require external power adapters and injectors, has 10-hour battery life and is operable with one hand, supporting productivity even for installers working on lifts and ladders.
IP security cameras are usually installed to an existing network, already in place supporting computers, phones, or IoT (Internet of Things) devices. So, contractors need to understand a completely new area of how network integration works, in order to conduct installation correctly or troubleshoot issues. First, it’s important to verify that the network has the bandwidth to support the cameras and prevent poor image quality, for instance. The SignalTEK 10G tester from TREND Networks can be used to determine maximum bandwidth up to 10Gb/s and identify areas with bottlenecks. Post installation, it can also be used to troubleshoot Ethernet connectivity issues faster using diagnostic tools such as the 72-hour event log which helps diagnose intermittent connectivity issues faster. During commissioning and maintenance, SecuriTEST IP can also be used for a range of network troubleshooting and advanced testing requirements, including cable tracing, length, wiremap, and quality testing, removing the need for installers to carry multiple instruments.
Residential security boom As demand for home security cameras and devices such as video doorbells has increased, the cost has become ever more affordable, even for those looking for more advanced solutions. However, residential customers do not necessarily have the same understanding of how these systems work as a commercial user, making it even more important to be able to clearly document the installation has been done correctly to prove performance and prevent unpaid callbacks. SecuriTEST IP features advanced reporting to enable contractors to document performance on site in detail, rather than filling in Excel documents to create reports. When an issue arises, the proof of performance reports can demonstrate both camera images and network configuration, making return visits to site billable, especially in the case that the customer has changed the network parameters.
Changing use of cameras Cameras are increasingly being used for a wider range of purposes, not just for observing crime, such as number plate recognition, access control, and fire monitoring. For outdoor cameras, installation can be especially complex where contractors don’t have the correct tools to test a fixed camera. Time is spent travelling up and down a ladder to check the angle on a laptop. In the case of a new network
50 | November 2021
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TREND Networks, trend-networks.com
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21/10/2021 11:58
Untitled-4 1
20/10/2021 16:19
SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
TIME FOR EVOLUTION IN SECURITY LIGHTING Device Smart’s Jason Hill takes a look at security lighting and what it can now offer the customer in addition to its basic purpose.
Y
ou’ve got one on your house – or maybe quite a few – they do the job but there’s no getting around the fact that security lights are ugly. Even though the lighting industry has adopted LED as the optimum source for energy efficiency and choice of colour, temperature and cost – design was overlooked. The reason floodlights are the way they are was primarily down to the need to reflect light from an incandescent bulb towards the target area – most of the bulk of the light is the reflector. When the industry moved to LEDs (which don’t emit in 360°) the reflector sort of stayed, even though it was mostly redundant. Whilst working on some high end residential properties for a lighting manufacturer, Device Smart kept getting push back from the clients; refusing to consider floodlights for aesthetic reasons. So, these high net-worth home owners eschewed one of the fundamental layers of target hardening for security due to design.
The surge in smart home technology has primarily been driven by the security and lighting sectors
LED has had the single biggest impact on the reduction of greenhouse gasses
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Fire, Safety & Security – Device Smart.indd 52
A number of studies have been done over the years asking convicted burglars what is most likely to deter them from attempting a break in. Consistently at the top of those lists are occupancy and the risk of being seen in the attempt. Outdoor lighting that detects movement at night is designed to illuminate a trespasser and take away the cloak of darkness. With smart lighting we can add another powerful deterrent – moccupancy, or the illusion of occupants moving about. The smart security light can send a signal over WiFi or similar wireless means to other smart devices in the home to turn on an internal smart bulb – after a suitable delay, as if the owner has woken and wants to see what’s going on. This type of intelligent deterrent is likely to displace the intruder to look for a softer target. Wireless control of external lighting gives the owner control too, being able to turn the light on through an app when sitting on the patio of an evening or asking Alexa to set the garden light to 50% for an attractive landscape lighting effect adds additional value to security lighting. Finally, the use of Power over Ethernet (PoE) has been widely adopted for CCTV installations and is a growing trend for lighting in the US. When combined with the latest CCTV cameras, PoE powered security lighting enhances images at night – often allowing full colour video and simplified cabling – some IP cameras have PoE pass through so that the light can be powered from the camera itself. Security lighting has historically been a commoditised product category, but there are now ways to add real value, improve performance and reliability and offer the customer a much more discreet installation which will last a very long time.
LED lighting allows us to use a much wider range of forms to enclose them and linear lighting has been widely adopted in retail, architectural and internal applications – under the kitchen cupboards and kick boards, discreetly hidden in coving and pelmets for wall washing and uplighting. Having a lot of low wattage light sources allows an even dispersion of the light with less harshness and the latest COB strip lighting is a totally seamless line of light. Device Smart launched the world’s smallest security floodlight in 2020 – the Night Sabre – by applying the principle of linear LED lighting in an IP65 extrusion measuring only 25mm high. At 1400 lumens, it’s equivalent to a 100w tungsten bulb, but provides a much more even dispersion of light with very little light pollution above the horizon and the profile directs the light directly down and out. LED also adds energy efficiency and longevity. The transition from incandescent bulbs to LED has had the single biggest impact on the reduction of greenhouse gasses for two reasons; firstly the LEDs use around 10% of the energy an equivalent traditional build required and, secondly, the life expectancy of modern LEDs can be 30-50,000 hours, meaning the bulb doesn’t have to be replaced – maybe ever. So new bulbs don’t have to be made, shipped and sold – consider the energy usage attached to that process and then consider the number of bulbs required globally. The surge in smart home technology has primarily been driven by the security and lighting sectors – the end user sees these as key benefits of ‘smart’ technology for convenience and protection. So, doorbell cameras and smart bulbs feature at the top of searches for smart tech. Leveraging these end user needs we can add some real value with smart security lighting – intelligent deterrence.
electricalcontractingnews.com
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Device Smart, devicesmart.uk
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21/10/2021 11:59
SPECIAL FEATURE
COMPANY SHOWCASE supported by
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21/10/2021 12:02
COMPANY SHOWCASE
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ESP LAUNCHES COMPLETE SMART SECURITY RANGE ESP continues to build on its reputation as a market-leading supplier of electronic security products through the electrical wholesale channel and is very excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive new smart security range.
M
arketed under the brand name Fort, the complete range of smart security products, which includes intruder alarms, a video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras, will all operate under a single app – the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which will be completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the new Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ app from Scolmore, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform. The Fort Smart Security range has accessibility and simplicity at its core, 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 Fort smart security range features contemporary styling and has been designed to be simple to install, maintain and use and provide a hassle-free security solution. At the heart of the Fort smart security range is the smart intruder alarm, which will support up to 32 RF devices and provide remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ app. The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor-made system.
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. All devices supplied within the kits are pre-registered, to assist with a straightforward install. The Wi-Fi Smart Alarm Hub includes an in-built siren, backup battery with up to eight hours standby time and GSM backup facility (Sim not included) for additional system security. The Hub is compatible with a range of battery powered RF devices that can be controlled to provide whole home security in and around a property. In addition, the Fort range includes Wi-Fi security devices such as a video doorbell, video security light and a selection of 1080p cameras, all of which are supported on the same app and do not require any additional subscription fees other than a Wi-Fi connection. Accessories include remote keypad, pet friendly PIR’s, vibration sensor and includes an option of a solar powered or wired external siren for an additional intruder deterrent. The range also includes a Smart Alarm Keypad which provides a central keypad that is usually positioned in entrances and hallways. The keypad requires the Smart Alarm Hub and provides users with arm, disarm, home mode and panic functions. The Fort range also offers a range of security devices that does not require a hub. By connecting directly to Wi-Fi, the various devices add an additional layer of security to your property. The range of security devices includes a video doorbell to monitor visitors, security flood lights with in-built cameras to deter intruders at night, and a range of simple to use cameras for a range of applications, such as monitoring loved ones and pets, or simply to provide reassurance whilst monitoring your property. ESP believes a key element to the projected success of the new security range is its subscription-free app. Unlike some systems on the market which will provide a free basic system, but charge for additional devices and functions, users of the Fort smart security system, powered by Click Smart+, will have full
access to all devices and functions with no subscription fee or hidden costs to pay. The app provides an easy-to-use platform to remotely arm and disarm the system, whilst producing real time events such as activations and low battery indication status. In addition, the app supports a range of Click Smart+ home automation products which enables a range of sockets and switches to be activated in certain system scenarios. Commenting on the launch, ESP managing director, Neil Baldwin, says: “We have seen the market for home security solutions grow enormously in recent years, fuelled by the rapid development in new technology, as well as a demand from end users for solutions to keep their families and properties secure. “We believe our Fort smart security range will challenge some of the operators in the marketplace. The fact that users can access and control all Fort smart security devices, as well as the Click Smart+ smart home devices, all under one easy to use and subscription-free app will make it an attractive proposition for installers and end users. For the wholesaler, it adds another potential revenue stream, in the form of a comprehensive new security range from a supplier with a long-standing reputation within the security products sector.” ESP has produced a glossy A4 brochure which can be downloaded at espuk.com. ESP, espuk.com
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SMART SECURITY PRODUCTS Every device can be controlled from anywhere using the Click Smart+ app. www.espuk.com November Strip ads - Fort.indd 54 ECN | November 2021
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A VARIETY OF IDEAL CONNECTOR BAGS NOW AVAILABLE The IDEAL range of wire connector bags have been designed for electrical contractors, plumbers and heating engineers that may not require the quantities found in the IDEAL’s popular boxes, but still have the occasional requirement for the company’s key range of electrical wire connectors. The range includes the new Gen II 2-, 3- and 5-port lever wire connectors, 2-, 3and 4-port push-in connectors, the popular SpliceLine wire connector which are all rated at 32A, as well as a couple of mixed bags and are available from B&Q as well as most electrical wholesalers. IDEAL push in wire connectors provide electricians and contractors with a time-saving, modern and safe alternative to traditional screw-down terminal strips. Suitable for a variety of applications, the durable connectors can reduce wiring time by up to 50% as the simple glide-in wire connection of the In-Sure range makes installation easy. Gen II lever wire connectors provide electricians and contractors with a versatile tool-free alternative to traditional connector strips for joining solid, stranded or flexible conductors. The levers are designed to open in the opposite direction to the insertion port, locking the cables into position to prevent any accidental loosening or pull-out. The SpliceLine in-line wire connector is an innovative alternative to traditional butt splices that does not require time-consuming crimping, soldering or heat shrinking to create secure end-to-end connections. Electricians are often confronted with an existing wire that has been cut too short by the previous contractor to safely install a socket, light switch or lighting fixture, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to use a crimp tool due to space restrictions. With SpliceLine, however, the short wire is simply pushed into one end of the connector, with the extra length of wire being pushed into the other open end. It now takes less than 10 seconds to join two wires together. IDEAL Industries, idealind.com
MAJOR ADDITIONS TO AIRMASTER’S HEATING RANGE For many years, the Airmaster brand has been a major player in the space heating market, but the range available for winter 2021/22 has been substantially strengthened in three sectors – Panel, Infrared and Tubular Heaters. In Panel heaters, the standard and slim ranges have gained both new aluminium remote control options as well as state-of-the-art smart free-standing Wi-Fi enabled heaters, including a glass panel option. In contrast, the Infrared range of aluminium wall, pedestal and tower products has been completely replaced by a new improved range. Similarly, the old Tubular range has been succeeded by 1ft to 6ft heaters with significantly enhanced wattages – now from 60w for the 2ft up to 360w for the 6ft. Naturally, the best-selling Convector, Fan and Oil filled ranges, plus some specialist heaters such as Screen Door, Quartz Bathroom and Frost Protection convectors, complete the Airmaster range. CED Electrical, cedelectrical.co.uk
LIGHT THE WAY WITH THE INNOVATIVE NEW C.K INSPECTION LIGHTS The new range of high performance C.K Inspection Lights offer the best powerful lighting solutions for a multitude of low light working conditions. T9423USB – C.K COB Mini Inspection Light 240 – Rechargeable: Ideal for illuminating smaller low-lit spaces, this Inspection Light is fully rechargeable with up to 2.5hrs battery life, and two lighting modes – high and dimmed. It is just 89mm in height. T9424USB – C.K COB Inspection Light 240 – Rechargeable: This premium aluminium bodied 240 lumen Inspection Light packs a host of additional features; four lighting modes – standard, red, torch and tip – an integrated magnet, a clamp and a hanging hook. The 3.7V 1200mAh Li-Ion battery delivers up to 2.5hrs in standard/red modes, up to 4hrs for the torch, and up to 14hrs for the tip light. T9425USB – C.K COB Inspection Light 400 – Rechargeable: This Inspection Light has all the features of its smaller sibling – standard, red, torch and tip lighting modes, an integrated magnet, a clamp and a hanging hook – and benefits from a larger capacity integrated rechargeable 3.7V 2600mAh Li-Ion battery delivering even longer working time; standard/red up to 3hrs, torch up to 5hrs, and tip up to 17hrs. C.K, carlkammerling.com
UPGRADE YOUR
Protect everything that matters with the Fort range of Smart Security products, featuring alarm kits, cameras, sensors & more www.espuk.com
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LUCECO’S SWEET LIGHTING SUCCESS
ESP ADDS NEW 2K WI-FI DOORBELL TO ACCESS CONTROL RANGE ESP has added a 2K (4MP) Wi-Fi Wired Doorbell to its Aperta access control range, offering installers a higher specification, superior resolution product that it believes will perform extremely well in the market. With the typical resolution for video doorbells in the market currently at 1080p (2 megapixel), ESP’s 2K (4 megapixel) offer will set the new doorbell apart in a competitive marketplace, providing a key selling point for installers and end users. The new Aperta Wi-Fi doorbell connects directly to a smartphone, offering instant front door security and convenience to users. 2K (4MP) live view, visitor recording, automatic motion detection, and clear two-way audio are some of the key features and ESP has maintained its subscription free status, with the new door station available via the ESP Smart 2K app. It will activate a notification to the user’s smartphone when the doorbell has been pressed and, for additional security, the doorbell features motion and human detection feature. ESP, espuk.com
Luceco, luceco.com
FREE LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE FROM OVIA
MAKITA’S NEW LINEUP Makita UK has expanded its offering with a number of new XGT 40VMax machines. The new TW007G and TW008G impact wrenches offer four speed options. These machines can deliver up to 2,900 impacts per minute and reach a no-load speed of up to 2,300rpm. The MP001G Max Inflator has three inflation modes (high speed, low speed and ball mode) and can achieve a maximum air discharge of up to 24 litres per minute. The MP001G will automatically stop inflating when the pre-set target pressure is reached, and it has an air release function to prevent over inflation. The DC40RB Two Port Charger can quickly charge two XGT batteries at the same time. It can charge a 4.0Ah XGT 40VMax battery within just 45 minutes and utilises real time battery data to optimise the charging process and prevent damage. The MR007GZ DAB Radio can receive both DAB and DAB+ radio stations and is equipped with Bluetooth to wirelessly connect to mobile phones within a range of 10m to play music from the device. Makita, makitauk.com
Luceco has recently supplied exterior amenity lighting to the famous village of Bournville. Over 90 Viva-City Pro street lanterns were chosen to illuminate the streets, some with the columns boasting the purple livery of the famous ‘glass and a half’ chocolate bar that became the most popular chocolate consumed in Britain. Viva-City Pro is a modular, slimline, performance LED street lantern offering a choice of optics. Manufactured from high pressure die-cast aluminium, the luminaire is IP66 and IK10 rated and has an efficacy of up to 141 Llm/W and can produce up to 24,000 luminaire lumens at 4000K with a CRI >70. The range offers 15W – 180W power options with 2,062–24,741 luminaire lumens respectively and an operational working life of 100,000 hours. As early as 1875, this celebrated confectionary manufacturer produced its first Easter Egg, and the famous milk chocolates that ‘the lady loves’ in 1915, and has been inspiring a nation of chocolate lovers for nearly 200 years – a truly sweet success!
Ovia’s free lighting design service is available to electrical contracting companies, and anyone involved in the specification and design of lighting and lighting control equipment. The aim is to provide expertise in choosing the right products and solutions for a proposed scheme, ensuring full compliance with the relevant regulations and standards. With all the information gathered, including drawings and specifications, a Lighting Design Proposal will be prepared. A schedule of lighting and lighting controls will be shared with the Ovia internal sales team who will prepare a quotation. The Lighting Design Proposal and prepared quotation will be sent back to the Ovia sales team member, and the quote will then either go through the wholesaler of choice, or the enquiry will be directed through one of Ovia’s supporting Elite stockists. A dedicated lighting design page is now available on the Ovia website. This includes an easy to access lighting design files section, where lighting designers can download individual product files. Ovia, oviauk.com
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SMART SECURITY PRODUCTS Every device can be controlled from anywhere using the Click Smart+ app. www.espuk.com November Strip ads - Fort.indd 56 ECN | November 2021
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ESP LAUNCHES COMPLETE SMART SECURITY RANGE
COMPANY SHOWCASE
UNICRIMP INTRODUCES CATENARY WIRE AND JACK CHAIN RANGES
ESP has launched a comprehensive new smart security range. Marketed under the brand name Fort, the complete range of smart security products includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single app – the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the Click Smart+ app from Scolmore, users have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform. At the heart of the Fort smart security range is the smart intruder alarm, which will support up to 32 RF devices and provide remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ app. The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor-made system. ESP has produced a glossy A4 brochure which can be downloaded at espuk.com and a video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/3vy3N1unvHI.
Unicrimp continues to expand its cable accessories portfolio and the latest development sees the addition of Catenary Wire, Jack Chains and associated accessory products to the growing range. Catenary wire is used to create an overhead catenary to support pipes, banners, cables and lighting, for example. The range comprises two lengths of 3mm galvanised steel wire rope (50m and 30m). This is a flexible cable which has a 650kg breaking load. Included in the Catenary accessories range are 3mm zinc electroplated steel wire rope grips; 3mm wire rope eyelets; M8 zinc plated strainer adjustable rigging screws; zinc electroplated steel wire hook wall plates and zinc electroplated steel wire ring plates. Jack Chain is a flexible general-purpose chain used for a variety of applications, including suspending luminaires and signage. Unicrimp’s bright galvanised steel Jack Chain is supplied in 10m lengths and the range also includes 25mm hook plates, for use with conduit and capable of holding up to 5kg load, and single ceiling hook plates – suitable for hanging ceiling pendant lights and able to take a weight load of 5kg. Unicrimp, unicrimp.com
ESP, espuk.com
WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU FOR CLIMATE CONTROL Not only will you stay warm with Snickers Workwear’s 37.5 Technology clothing, you’ll look and feel cool too. With styles for both professional tradesmen and women, they excel at ventilation to keep you cool and moisture transportation to stop you getting cold. They work together to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site. The 37.5 Technology fabric is a very quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour – like your sweat – for superior coolness and dry working comfort. It’s integrated into selected Snickers Workwear base- mid- and top-layer garments to keep you working at your best whatever the weather. After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool and in great shape, it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety. So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Climate Control garments from Snickers Workwear that work together to suit your workday. Snickers Workwear, snickersworkwear.co.uk
NEW ELUCIAN CONSUMER UNIT BROCHURE AND CATALOGUE NOW AVAILABLE Scolmore completed its offer in the wiring accessories category earlier this year with the launch of a comprehensive Consumer Unit and Circuit Protection range – ‘Elucian by Click’. The company has now updated the original Elucian brochure and product catalogue to include a raft of new accessories that has recently been added to the extensive range. The glossy A4 Elucian brochure and the handy A5 Elucian product catalogue are designed to provide designers, installers and specifiers with a comprehensive guide to the full Elucian range. They both include detailed information on how the range is designed to ensure compliance with BS 7671 and the product catalogue includes a dedicated technical section which provides all the technical information and mounting dimensions needed for the consumer unit and protective devices products. The new accessories that have been added to the range include terminal bars and support clips and screws; busbars, busbar clips and din rails; SPD cartridges, SPD tail packs, neutral link cables and combined live link cables; grommet strips, mains clamp and screw, mains clamp plate and adhesive labels. Scolmore, scolmore.com
UPGRADE YOUR
Protect everything that matters with the Fort range of Smart Security products, featuring alarm kits, cameras, sensors & more www.espuk.com
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SAFE BET www.greenbrook.co.uk www.greenbrook.co.uk
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