For ALL Your Electrical Essentials 4000+ Stocked Items One Central Distribution Hub 2500+ Electrical Wholesale Outlets Fourth Generation Family Run Business 50+ Years Serving the Electrical Industry
PROTECTIONCIRCUITFEATURE:SPECIAL SWITCHGEAR& ACCESSORIESWIRINGFEATURE:SPECIALLIGHTINGFEATURE:SPECIAL VOLUME 42 NO. 09 • SEPTEMBER 2022 ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM 6950 uickwire The faster way to connectwww.quickwire.co.ukdownlights.
OVIA — A As it enters its fourth year of trading as an independent lighting company, Ovia is bigger, and its future is brighter than ever. The company was launched at the end of 2019, with industry expert Mike Collins at the helm and a small sales team hitting the phones and the roads. The aim was to bring to the professional electrical contract market an extensive range of high quality, competitively priced products that are quick and easy to install and would help save contractors time and money on a vast range of projects. Fast forward to 2022/23 and there are now 14 sales team members and Issue 4 of the Ovia catalogue has just been launched, showcasing more than 900 individual product lines. Turn to page 12 for the full story. 33 www.niglon.co.uk sales@niglon.co.uk
LEADING LIGHT IN THE INDUSTRY
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4 Editorial Wireless EV charging gains traction 6 Industry News Toolstation launches Everyday Great Value campaign to help customers save money; 99% of working electricians believe there are major risks with EV charging work; JTL launches first apprenticeship academy in partnership with Enerveo; and more 12 Cover Story Lighting up all options 16 Contract News J S Wright secures £4.7m-plus contract for Neptune Wharf; SPIE wins low voltage power distribution contract; Bringing the World Cup to light; and more 18 Company Profile ESP – providing security solutions for 30 years 20 Training New EVCP qualification to bridge skills gap and meet net zero targets 24 Key Issue The rise of the prosumer: what electricians need to know to stay ahead of the curve 26 Project Focus Flagship renewable heating upgrade project breaks ground in Essex 28 Interview Carly Wills speaks to Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex, about life at the company and its plans for the future 30 Advertisement Feature Choc-a-block with ESP CCTV solutions 32 Competition Win a £300 Amazon voucher, courtesy of Click Scolmore! 48 Advertisement Feature Ovia welcomed as a member of Relux 60 Advertisement Feature Knightsbridge goes full tilt with configurable LED downlights 78 Company Showcase Sponsored content from across the sector VOLUME 42 NO. 09 • SEPTEMBER 2022 CONTENTS CONTENTS… SPECIAL FEATURES: Regulars Circuit Protection & Switchgear 33 A brand new plan: how competitor brands could help your business 36 Northern Powergrid supports network decarbonisation with eco-efficient switchgear 38 Whose fault is it? 40 Amendment 2 support at the Luceco Academy 42 Why is it important to request type test certification? 46 Construction and demolition site distribution boards – hidden danger 50LightingEmergency lighting: five frequently asked questions 52 Ovia lands airport hangar lighting scheme 54 Circular economy? Net zero? How should the lighting sector respond to the climate crisis? 56 Luceco lighting controls at East Midlands Ambulance Service call centre 58 The next generation of BIM project planning 62 LED lighting is bringing new opportunities to electrical contractors 66 Enhancing the student experience 68 Michael Grubb Studio provides lighting design services for Meta Wiring Accessories 69 Ensuring every single product is of the highest quality 72 What’s new in Amendment 2? 74 Energy efficiency and electrical installations 76 New law sees thousands of dangerous electrical faults identified in privately rented homes September 2022 | 3@ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com
The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept
I hope
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
EDITORIAL
Carly Wills, Editor
for any errors in
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to the publication. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00. Copyright © 2022, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ. EDITOR: CARLY WILLS T: 01634 673163 E: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: BEATRICE LEE T: 01634 673163 E: beatrice@allthingsmedialtd.com GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com STUDIO: MARK WELLER T: 01634 673163 E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com ACCOUNTS T: 01634 673163 E: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com ECN charity of choice Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173 NEXT TIME… October Issue Editorial deadline: 22 September Advertising deadline: 29 September EV Charging electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine HVAC WIRELESS EV CHARGING GAINS TRACTION UPS, Power & Energy Special Supplement: Lighting
Hello and welcome to the September issue of ECN. Last month, Siemens and MAHLE announced their intention to collaborate in the field of wireless charging of electric vehicles. Wireless electric vehicle charging is emerging as a major market for the future, according to Stefan Perras, Head of Pre-Development and Innovation for Charging Infrastructure at Siemens. “In addition to making life considerably easier for drivers, who no longer have to fiddle with cables and connectors, it is a crucial requirement for the autonomous mobility of tomorrow. The transfer efficiency of wireless, inductive charging is comparable to plug-in systems,” he says. The cooperation will include coordinated standardisation efforts to ensure full interoperability between vehicles and the charging infrastructure. There are also plans for a close exchange of ideas to develop a complete inductive charging system for electric vehicles. MAHLE aims to contribute its experience as an automotive supplier, and Siemens will bring its expertise in the field of charging infrastructure. Both parties are also planning extensive interoperability and cross-testing between the charging equipment on the vehicle and the charging infrastructure to allow for technical improvements and validation of inductive charging systems for electric vehicles. Wireless charging technology is also currently being tested by Volvo Cars in Sweden, In this issue we bring you the latest from the Circuit Protection & Switchgear, Lighting, and Wiring Accessories sectors, along with all of our regular features: Industry News, Contract News, Training, Key issue, Project Focus, and this month’s Interview. And don’t forget to enter the Competition for the chance to win a massive £300 Amazon voucher, courtesy of Scolmore! you enjoy the issue – see you next month! responsibility the the prior
household
se.com/uk/easy9
Easy
Introducing the Easy9 Compact
Multirow consumer unit 9 Compact Multirow consumer units complement the existing premium Easy9+ range in order to meet the needs of every and electrician. It incorporates flexibility, simple installation and ample cable space to easily connect multiple devices and provide peace of mind when it comes to regulatory compliance. The latest addition to the Easy9 range provides electricians and homeowners with unmatched design flexibility, adaptability and safety
AICO TAKES ON THE SNOWDON SUNRISE TREK
UK Power Networks trained 78 employees in new skills to support the roll-out, enabling engineers with basic computer knowledge to replace equipment without specialist SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) engineering skills.
JTL has recently partnered with Enerveo to launch its first apprenticeship academy. The academy will see 20 JTL trainees undertake a six-week traineeship before beginning their apprenticeship with Enerveo. The goal of the traineeship is to equip learners with key skills that will form the foundation of their apprenticeship journeys, as well as educating them about the role. All 20 learners, who began their traineeship at the end of July, will begin their apprenticeships in September. The traineeship will cover sector-specific training alongside developing each learner’s English, maths and digital skills. Three weeks of the programme will also focus on practical work experience, during which Enerveo will assign each trainee with a colleague to shadow within a relevant department. These departments span across Enerveo’s multitude of services such as mechanical, electrical, high voltage, test and inspection services, EV charging and street lighting.
As the UK gears up to meet its electrical vehicle (EV) charging targets by 2030, and purchases of EVs soar, a lack of appropriate training and skills could be leading to thousands of unsafe installations of EV chargers in homes, streets and commercial locations – with potentially disastrous consequences.
The Movement Centre’s Fundraising and Marketing Officer, Curtis Langley says, “The response has been that great, not only from Aico, but other local businesses too, that we may have to put two events on in 2023 to keep up with demand, which will raise vital funds for The Movement Centre, and the families who attend.”
ELECTRICIANS BELIEVE
JTL LAUNCHES FIRST APPRENTICESHIP ACADEMY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ENERVEO
Aico, aico.co.uk
THERE ARE MAJOR RISKS WITH EV
DIGITAL FLEXIBLEUPGRADECOMMUNICATIONSSUPPORTSARELIABLE,POWERNETWORK
6 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine 99%INDUSTRYNEWSOFWORKING
That’s according to City & Guilds, the skills development organisation, which is calling on the industry to ensure all those working on EV charge point installations are equipped with the skills they need to install chargers in a way that’s safe for both themselves and consumers.
UK Power Networks has upgraded digital communications across 16,000 electricity substations to enhance network visibility and reliability, while preparing for a future with more smart connections and flexibility services. Engineers have rolled out new 4G mobile network routers, which enable remote communications and control of electricity substations across the South East and East of England to maintain reliable supplies for millions of homes and businesses. The new infrastructure maintains modern communications used by automatic power restoration systems and allows engineers to remotely control local network equipment. The routers send signals between network control systems and 11,000V secondary substations to restore customers’ power supplies quickly in the event of a fault. While its primary purpose is supporting electricity network resilience, the communications will also enable UK Power Networks to connect more smart flexibility services and electric vehicles in the future, supporting the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This new research is supported by findings from CENEX and OZEV, which reported that nearly a fifth (18%) of new at-home charge point installations installed as part of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) had dangerous or potentially dangerous issues, and only 32% were labelled as satisfactory. City & Guilds, cityandguilds.com
The Movement Centre helps children who have cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome or other diagnoses to achieve new skills through increased strength and control of their movement.
In a survey of 500 UK electricians, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of City & Guilds, 99% of respondents understood there to be major risks associated with electrical vehicle charging work. Despite the dangers, only 28% of respondents said they have so far undertaken specific electrical vehicle charge point training. With the vast majority (73%) of respondents likely to seek work in installing or repairing EV charge points in the next 12 months, this demonstrates a clear risk unless companies ensure their workforce have the necessary training, skills, knowledge and experience to undertake this work safely.
Aico is no stranger to fundraising challenges, and is already looking to 2023 when it will take on the Snowdon Sunrise Trek challenge in support of local charity, The Movement Centre.
On Wednesday 28 June 2023, over 50 Aico colleagues from Aico and HomeLINK will set off from its headquarters in Oswestry, travelling through the night and beginning their mountain ascent at 2am. The team will reach the summit of the largest mountain in Wales in time for the sun to rise, all to raise vital funds for one of its long-term local charity partners. The journey will be carried out in the complete darkness of night and will see the team travel nine miles and ascend 3,199ft.
UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk
SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT
CHARGING WORK
JTL, jtltraining.com TO CENTRE
Di-LOG Test Equipment Unit 28, Wheel Forge Way, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1EH | Email: sales@dilog.co.uk | dilog.co.ukNEW| EV Multifunction Tester Full EV Auto RCD Sequence Type AC, A, B & Selective RCDs 6mA RDC-DD for EV Testing Variable RCD Test Rmax and Zmax Feature Intelligent Auto Sensing High Current 2 & 3 Wire Loop Test New Colour Changing RGB Display Selectable 15/200mA Continuity Test Remote Test Probe Full UKAS Calibration Certificate EV £699.00 DL9130EV launch offer + VAT List price £1499.00 +VAT Made in the UK £325.00 DLEV1 launch offer + VAT List price £599.00 +VAT £999.00 DL9130EVKIT launch offer Universal to all MFTs CP state & PP state Type 1 & Type 2 Leads Included PE Pre-test CP Error “E” PE ProtectiveError Carry Case KitDLEV1DL9130EVcontents:
The latest EV sales data shows that 2022 has seen more electric cars bought in the first seven months of the year than in the whole of 2020. This data is from New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count (ECC) – the most up-to-date and comprehensive electric car sales data in the UK. It also shows that in the first full month since the government scrapped the plug-in car grant on 14 June, electric car sales dropped slightly, with year-on-year car registrations down 8% in July 2022 when compared to July 2021. That said, the data shows how the EV market is continuing to grow, with the top three manufacturers for EV registrations all newcomers in the industry. In July 2022, Genesis took the top spot with 68% of cars registered being EVs, DS came in at second place with EV registrations making up 36%, and Cupra saw 34%. Jaguar came in at fourth place with 32%. The number of diesel cars registered have remained at historic lows, accounting for around one in 10 new cars bought, whilst sales of petrol cars have not recovered since before the pandemic.
TOOLSTATION LAUNCHES EVERYDAY GREAT VALUE CAMPAIGN TO HELP CUSTOMERS SAVE MONEY Toolstation has launched its Everyday Great Value campaign on its app, in-store and online to help showcase the value it offers its core customers on the items they need the most every day. The new campaign, which launched on 1 August, was established to help customers save money on trade-quality products during a challenging period of rising costs. Every two weeks, Toolstation will highlight a selection of 10 to 15 products that are currently the best value on the market, to ensure customers are able to purchase everyday products for the best price possible. These products range across various trade types, from plumbing fittings, electrical accessories, painting and decorating products, construction gear and more, making sure no customer is left behind. The highlighted products will be replaced every two weeks with a new selection. These products will be accessible to customers via the Toolstation app, online and in-store, displayed using the campaign logo.
New Automotive, newautomotive.org
HIGHER THAN THE WHOLE OF 2020
This latest announcement follows a number of sustainable initiatives that MKM has introduced in recent months, from the trial of Compressed Natural Gas HGVs and the introduction of electric forklift trucks, to the installation of EV charging points across its branch network, which will take place over the next few years.
MKM Building Supplies, mkmbs.co.uk
Rachel Constable, Head of ESG for MKM, comments: “As a business, it’s very important that we are ‘doing the right thing’.
For us, this includes operating in the most environmentally-conscious way.
MKM TACKLING CARBON EMISSIONS WITH SOLAR PV TRIALS
8 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine INDUSTRYNEWS
2022 ELECTRIC CAR SALES ALREADY
The UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant is taking another step forward in its commitment to tackling carbon emissions after installing solar PV technology at both its Leeds and Newark branches.
“The trial of solar PV technology at MKM Leeds and MKM Newark marks another strategic step in our journey towards our sustainability goals. The pilot scheme, which runs for the next 12 months, aims to successfully generate enough energy to power the existing branch’s operational demand, accommodate future electric vehicle technologies and also sell electricity back to “Whilstgrid.it’s still early days, trial data suggests this is going to be a huge success and therefore has the potential to be rolled out at more of our existing MKM branches and in our new-build sites in the future.”
Matt Nourse, Commercial Director at Toolstation, comments. “Now, more than ever, we know how important it is for our customers to save money on products that they use frequently. That’s why we’re continually reviewing our prices to bring them great value within our range. With this new campaign, we hope to help our customers save money on trade-quality products by giving them easier access to great value everyday essentials.” Toolstation, toolstation.com
Tel 01924 227941 Email enquiries@yesss.co.uk Find your yesss.co.uk/mapbranch YOUR ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES, SERVICE & SOLUTIONS With our 24/7 TRADE WEBSITE, the INDUSTRIAL CATALOGUE, the YESSS BOOK, the EV & ENERGY BROCHURE and an industry leading CUSTOMER APP We’ve got all the tools for the job ONLINE or OFFLINE MUCH MORE THAN JUST AN ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER INDUSTRIAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT Complete Lighting Designs Complete Emergency Lighting Designs Lighting Surveys • Lighting Energy Calculations Return on Investment Reports Virtual Renderings of your Lighting Projects Working with all manufacturersleading FREE DESIGN SERVICE Electric EnergyChargingVehicleandSolutions YESSS, we have the UK’s widest choice of charge points and local installers. We can provide you FREE advice and full support from initial enquiry to installation of a variety of domestic and commercial EV charging solutions. CCTV, Intruder, Fire, Access Control and Nurse Call FREE Surveys and Designs available We can provide a range of services from product recommendations to a full site design for any job from small domestic systems to large commercial sites. Industrial Electronic Repairs • Motor & Rewinds Special Panel Builds • Industrial Calibrations Special Transformer Builds • Energy Saving Surveys
THE JOY OF FLEX – MYENERGI INVITES
Natalie Nichol joins as Marketing Manager in a move that will see her working alongside the senior management team to develop a new marketing and communications strategy.
MOVERS SHAKERS…& Scolmore has announced two new appointments to its sales team, with Jonathan Roberts and James Collins taking on key roles. Jonathan Roberts has been appointed Group Key Account and Specification Manager and will be responsible for developing new business opportunities across Scolmore’s group of companies. James Collins has been appointed Area Sales Manager for the Kent and Sussex regions. His responsibilities include developing new and existing relationships with customers and contractors to drive demand for the breadth of products available from Scolmore.
A lack of in-house skills is the most common challenge facing construction businesses when it comes to promoting their businesses online, reveals a new poll. Conducted by construction digital marketing agency Koozai, the new survey found that 44% of construction industry professionals believe that their businesses lack the skills needed to properly implement an effective digital marketingCarriedstrategy.outduring a digital marketing webinar for construction websites, the poll quizzed construction marketing and business professionals about the biggest challenges they face in digital marketing. It also found that a third (33%) of construction industry professionals believe that their businesses lack time to oversee digital marketing activity. 17% said that a lack of budget was the biggest obstacle to digital marketing success and just 6% said that there was a lack of buy-in in digital marketing from senior decision makers. The new poll comes as Google searches for construction goods and online sales of construction products and services continue to rise. According to the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures, online sales in construction have grown by £1.6 billion in the last 10 years. However, the ONS figures also suggest that most construction businesses are yet to fully embrace online marketplaces. Just 5.5% of construction businesses are making e-commerce sales, compared to 22.8% of manufacturing businesses, 24.3% of information and communication services businesses, 28.6% of UK businesses overall, 44.1% of wholesale businesses, and 48.3% of retail businesses. Koozai, koozai.com
myenergi is inviting owners of its iconic zappi electric vehicle (EV) charger to take part in one of the country’s largest ever energy flexibility trials. As the UK shifts towards an energy system that is more reliant on renewable generation, it will need more flexible capacity in order to respond to peaks and troughs in supply and demand, including when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing. This flexibility is delivered through technology that can essentially be turned on or off, or dialled up or down.
The beta trial is the next step in enabling myenergi to eventually offer demand-side response services directly to customers, following successful smaller scale technology demonstration trials by the company. myenergi, myenergi.com SELECT’S GROWING CAMPAIGN
Seaward Electronic has appointed a senior executive to oversee its brand development and marketing as it invests further in growth and international expansion.
EV drivers with zappi chargers are being invited to sign up for this major new trial, which aims to provide a greater understanding of how demand-side flexibility, through demand-side response services, will work in practice, including what the incentives for customers might be in the future.
10 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine INDUSTRYNEWS
TOOLBOX TALKS SEE ELECTRICIANS ADD NAMES TO
CUSTOMERS TO JOIN EV CHARGING TRIAL
Ellis Patents has appointed Chris Davies as its new Project Specification Manager. Chris, who has over 30-years’ experience in the cable management industry, including well over a decade with Legrand Electric, will be responsible for raising the profile of Ellis Patents during the design and specification stages of projects.
Drivers taking part will allow myenergi to remotely make small adjustments to how and when they charge, with the aim of reducing stress on the electricity grid and maximising the potential for renewable generation.
The growing campaign for regulation of the electrical industry has received a timely boost, after more than 180 electricians pledged their support for the crusade being spearheaded by SELECT. An unprecedented number of professionals rushed to add their names to the association’s Wall of Support at a series of Toolbox Talks held across Scotland in May and June. As well as attracting a record number of delegates, the roadshows also saw 184 electricians from a wide range of SELECT member firms giving their backing to the organisation’s long-running campaign for the protection of the title ‘professional electrician’. In a further sign of its accelerating momentum, the campaign has also been endorsed by Certsure, which offers certification services through the NICEIC brand, with Managing Director Richard Orton adding his name to the wall. The ‘drive for protection of title’ is currently under consideration in the Scottish Parliament, with SELECT now planning meetings with other MPs and MSPs in the coming months to add further names to the Wall of Support. SELECT, select.org.uk NEARLY HALF OF CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES
LACK DIGITAL MARKETING SKILLS
Inceptor Hi-Lite is a new range of IP65, CTA Switchable LED
InceptorHighbaysU-Lite will join the existing, highly successful U-Lite luminaire
Contractor engagement Engagement with contractors has been a key element in driving the new product development programme across the Scolmore Group of companies and Ovia is no exception. Regular interaction with contractors via social media, trade magazines and face to face at exhibitions and trade shows is how Ovia gains constructive insight into how contractors like to work, the issues they face and what they need to help them do their work in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way. It is this valuable feedback from contractors working on the job – and often in challenging environments – that helps to drive the new product development programme. The company wants to come up with lighting solutions that will help contractors to overcome issues and be able to carry out their work more quickly and efficiently.
Inceptor Duo is a sleek up and down dimmable linear luminaire. It offers installers and their clients a complete custom dual lighting solution and is perfect for accentuating design features both high and low. It is available in two lengths –1200mm and 1500mm – and two wattages – 42W and 56W. There are three colour options to cover all décor requirements –black, grey and white. The luminaire features a dual CTA switch – OFF, cool white, warm white and day light, and the up and down lights can be controlled separately. Inceptor Duo is dimmable and emergency versions are available.
All sectors are covered, including emergencyutility,commercial,domestic,industrial,amenity,lighting and floodlighting. The lighting offer is further enhanced with a full range of lighting control solutions that will optimise energy saving credentials.
The future is bright Mike Collins, Director of Operations with Ovia comments: “We are very excited to be in a position to launch our fourth Ovia catalogue. Everyone has been working extremely hard to help us achieve our aim to be a serious operator in the competitive lighting sector. Feedback consistently shows that the company’s objective to provide competitively priced products with the emphasis on multiple features and benefits has been embraced by contractors and installers. The focus now is to continue to grow the business while still meeting the demands of an evolving market with the latest lighting solutions.” Ovia, oviauk.com
More than 900 individual product lines now make up the total Ovia offer. Sitting within the overall collection is the premium range of products which comes under the well-known Inceptor brand, and Ovia says it is excited to take the wraps off the new products that have been added to this collection.
Inceptor Hi-Lite is a new range of IP65, CTA Switchable LED Highbays. They are all CTA switchable in the following temperature options: 4000K, 5000K and 6500K. They come in black as standard and there is a choice of wattages – 100W, 150W or 200W. They are available in Standard or with integrated Microwave Sensor. Stand out features of the Inceptor Hi-Lite Highbays is their compatibility with the 5W Three Hour Maintained IP65 Emergency Packs and the fact that they come pre-wired with 3m of Flex. This new range has been designed to enhance and expand the OVIA LED Highbay collection to now offer a CTA switchable version of one the company’s best specification/performing products. Inceptor U-Lite will join the existing, highly successful U-Lite luminaire and is designed to bring even more benefits to the installer. Inceptor U-Lite is a slimline, non-corrosive utility LED luminaire, designed to offer protection against the elements. With an integrated diffuser and gear tray anchored to the base, the Inceptor U-Lite ensures a hassle-free installation. Features that are new to this Inceptor model include switchable CCT, 4000K, 5000K and 6500K and improved assembly. The gear tray and diffuser assembly can be disconnected and removed for lighter/simple installation of the base, whilst multiple positions for the terminal block allows greater flexibility for retrofit installations. The luminaire offers emergency self-test as standard. Inceptor U-Lite comes in three different lengths – 1200mm, 1500mm, 1800mm – and each length is available in a single lamp and a twin lamp equivalent output. It is suitable for wall, ceiling or suspension mounting with adjustable fixing centres. Pre-fitted Anti Tamper clips allow the installer to screw the retaining clips so that others cannot open the luminaire without the use of a tool.
12 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine STORYCOVER
LIGHTING UP ALL OPTIONS
Spotlight on the premium range
With its extensive collection of luminaires, installers can have confidence that in the Ovia range they will find a lighting solution to fit every possible project they are working on.
call: 01827 300640 email: sales@oviaUK.com visit: oviaUK.com ALSO NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW CATALOGUEOVIA AMENITY COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL UTILITY CONTROL FLOODLIGHTING EMERGENCY www.oviaUK.com ISSUE 4 CATALOGUELIGHTING
Shop the range CEFINAVAILABLEALL390STORESNEWIN-STORERANGE
range in the NEW CEF Catalogue Choose from over 100 Milwaukee products – cef.co.uk/powertools
VOLTAGE POWER DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT
J S Wright will install an energy centre, incorporating a gas-fired combined heating and power (CHP) plant to distribute low temperature hot water (LTHW), and a boosted cold-water plantroom with distribution pipework to serve all six blocks and 10 mews houses on the development, which will range from three to 12 storeys including office space, a café, bike repair shop and parking space.
Developer Galliard Homes is driving the regeneration scheme, designed with contemporary features and a wide range of amenities.
SPIE UK has been appointed by CNG Services to design, supply and install all low voltage power distribution across a new biogas to grid site and anaerobic digestion plant owned by GWE in Driffield. During the eight-week project, SPIE UK will be responsible for the pre-commissioning of all LV power distribution, instrumentation and communication cabling and associated equipment across the new biogas to grid site and existing anaerobic digestion plant at GWE’s Sandhill Biogas Plant. The new biogas to grid plant will process and upgrade incoming biogas from existing anaerobic digestion facilities that utilise biodegradable waste through a desulphurisation unit and membrane filtration system. During this process, the bulk of the carbon dioxide within the biogas is separated, leaving a > 97% methane rich gas, known as biomethane. Biomethane will then be injected into the National Grid via the Northern Gas Network.
The design blends five shades of ‘perceived’ blue for the main weekday scene and, for the weekend, It Does Lighting has created a more dynamic aspect which changes slowly so as not to impact residents or become a visual distraction.
J S Wright, jswright.co.uk
SPIECONTRACTNEWSWINSLOW
Fittingly painted blue, the ‘Blue Boar’ shipping crane in Blue Boar Lane, Rochester, was originally one of a pair. Built in 1957, the crane boasts an impressive 10-tonne lift capacity and was used to unload aggregates for the nearby cement works. Ecology and the proximity of the new residents who will be living close by were the main priorities when considering the lighting, due to the crane’s location next to the river, so a suitably sympathetic design was needed. It Does Lighting was able to conduct several onsite trials, with the final one completed in July, before the grand unveiling – planned for October. The scheme consists of 11 Colour Kinetics luminaires with Pharos controls. It Does Lighting has chosen to dim most of the luminaires to ensure the right level of brightness without over-lighting, keeping the scheme sustainable and energy efficient. Due to the heritage status of the project, mounting positions were restricted. Therefore, specific luminaires are dimmed to a lower level, reducing flare onto the structure. It Does Lighting worked with Intellilight UK for the system and software programming with support from LITE for the installation.
The contract package for the apartments also includes installing domestic sprinklers and ventilation systems.
It Does Lighting recently completed the final lighting trial of the 170ft Blue Boar Wharf crane for mixed-tenure developer, Countryside. The crane provides a striking focal point and landmark for Countryside’s Rochester Riverside development, located next to the river Medway.
The company will fit out all 199 private and social ownership apartments with mechanical services and carry out the shell and core works for six commercial units at Neptune Wharf on Grinstead Road in Deptford.
J
It Does Lighting, itdoes.co.uk S WRIGHT SECURES £4.7M-PLUS CONTRACT FOR NEPTUNE WHARF
Steven Farmer, Divisional Managing Director at SPIE UK, says “We’ve developed a good working relationship with CNG Services Ltd over the last five years, with SPIE having designed and installed the electrical and instrumentation services for a number of these projects nationwide. It’s always a pleasure and we’re excited to undertake this project together.” SPIE UK, spieuk.com
IT DOES LIGHTING COMPLETES FINAL TRIAL BEFORE BLUE BOAR’S GRAND UNVEILING
J S Wright has secured a contract valued at more than £4.7 million for a new mixed-use development in the London Borough of Lewisham.
The company will also fit commercial fire sprinklers and capped services to all the commercial units, as well as provide automatic controls. It will fit out the one to four-bed apartments on the scheme with hot and cold-water services and a mix of radiator and underfloor heating supplied via heat interface units (HIUs), as well as sanitaryware, and soil and waste services.
16 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
BRINGING THE WORLD CUP TO LIGHT
Compliance is the number one factor in any emergency lighting deployment, and the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium was no exception. As all of Mackwell’s luminaires are carrying Kitemark approval from BSI, Mackwell delivered emergency lighting that wasn’t only capable of meeting Qatar Civil Defence’s requirements, but also able to provide the best possible performance within the space.
FinTrU recently embarked on its latest office fit-out, following projects completed at its Pakenham Street and Gasworks offices in Belfast.
A community centre in the West Midlands is benefiting from Burg-Wächter UK’s ‘Secure Communities Scheme’. The security specialist swung into action upon hearing about the need for Pelsall Community Centre to safeguard the people using it and stage equipment housed inside it, underlined by uninvited youngsters tripping fire alarms at the premises.
the scheme in recognition of the fact that people around the country who are doing their bit for their community should not have to worry about the security of their premises, equipment or storage areas. The company’s Secure Communities Scheme is its way of saying thank you to community leaders for supporting people in their area. Burg-Wächter, burg.biz
In the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has built nine new stadiums and renovated three, with the 12 venues divided among seven host cities. Located on the shores of the Gulf, looking across to Doha’s West Bay skyline, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is one of the 12 new stadiums, and will be used for matches up to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
Mackwell, mackwell.com
Burg-Wächter’s Secure Communities Scheme gives regional community leaders and volunteers the chance to win a security kit worth up to £200 for their organisation. Any regional initiative that is run by or supports the local community can Burg-Wächterapply.launched
Burg-Wächter donated one of its wired camera kits, and now the community centre’s committee is confident about the security of the property entrusted to itsCommitteecare. member and trustee, Arthur Roberts, comments: “We have served the local community since 1965, and over the years our security needs have become greater. We had in place external cameras covering our doors, outdoor space and car park, however, in today’s climate we needed to give our users greater security through the use of internal cameras.
Constructed using shipping containers, removable seats and other modular ‘building blocks’, not only does this innovative, 40,000-seat venue have a remarkable design, but it is also zero-carbon emitting and climate-controlled, and will be entirely dismantled and repurposed after the World Cup. When plans for the stadium began in 2020, Mackwell was involved right from the start alongside its partner, Archilum Lighting, Mackwell’s Dubai-based expert in lighting solutions.
Together, Archilum and Mackwell designed and created all emergency lighting layouts for the stadium as well as its emergency lighting product specification.
IDENTITY WITH LIGHT
Zumtobel’s MIREL and PANOS infinity luminaires were chosen for the latest FinTrU office refurbishment, keeping a consistent design signature throughout the company’s property portfolio. FinTrU specialises in the areas of KYC, compliance, legal, risk and controls, and operations, working with investment banks around the globe, designing technology-enabled solutions to help its clients meet their regulatory obligations.
KEEPING WEST MIDLANDS COMMUNITY CENTRE SAFE
“Burg-Wächter’s donation has helped us achieve this, and we’re very impressed that a commercial organisation would do such a thing free of charge.”
CREATING A CONSISTENT CORPORATE
The Zumtobel lighting design team worked with Colin Harvey Design and FinTrU to find the best solution for this latest office fit-out. Zumtobel’s MIREL evolution and PANOS infinity luminaires light the City Factory office. The winning combination delivers an excellent, highly efficient, and high-quality working environment for FinTrU employees and blends with their other office spaces for a consistent corporate identity. The City Factory office layout differed from the earlier sites, presenting challenges for the designers. Alternative mounting solutions had to be found to position the MIREL luminaires on exposed cable trays.
Zumtobel, z.lighting
September 2022 | 17@ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com NEWSCONTRACT
The key to the interior brief was to keep a consistent design, feel, and aesthetic across all FinTrU locations. With this in mind, Zumtobel was the natural choice of luminaire supplier on the project.
Archilum, with the guidance of Mackwell, completely designed the emergency lighting layout and wiring and placed the right luminaires for each of the different areas in line with all LUX calculations to ensure compliant installation, optimising the use of space throughout the building.
ESP — PROVIDING SECURITY SOLUTIONS FOR 30 YEARS
In recent years, ESP has been taking on an increasing number of larger, specification type projects and identified an opportunity to expand its product portfolio to offer a comprehensive disabled refuge range that meets the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved DocumentMarketedB. under the name Beacon, the new disabled refuge range was launched earlier this year and comprises of a variety of products that are specifically designed to assist emergency evacuation situations in a wide range of buildings and venues –with the aim of helping people with limited mobility to safely exit the building. The Beacon ‘Master Stations’ are the central point of the disabled refuge system, which combines fire telephone handsets, disabled refuge outstations and emergency alarms to form one fully integrated system. Installer support A commitment to offer an outstanding service is what ESP believes makes it stand out. Installers and wholesalers alike can take advantage of a raft of additional services and benefits to help them make the most of the products and solutions that the company offers.
Earlier this year, as part of the ongoing evolution of the company, ESP decided to overhaul its brand identity and a new logo was unveiled. The creative design team was tasked with a brief to create a new brand identity that would help the company maintain its market-leading presence and stand out in what is an increasingly competitive sector. The new visual identity needed to reflect the company’s current standing and its ambitious growth plans, and appeal to a new audience without going too far from the old identity that is recognised and trusted. It also needed to sit well within the overall Scolmore Group branding. ESP continues to invest in all aspects of the business – infrastructure, people, products and services – so that it remains fully equipped to meet the demands of an evolving electrical industry and maintain its leading position and reputation.
Hotting up
Established since 1921 and based in Glasgow, Sangamo has built up an excellent reputation and an extensive product range which was an ideal fit within the Scolmore Group portfolio, enabling the company to bring an even more comprehensive range of products and solutions to installers. As a leading player in the heating controls market with its Sangamo range, ESP is constantly looking at ways to improve both its product offering and its service to customers. Last year the company revamped its Sangamo Choice Plus and Powersaver Plus heating and timer controls range, with the main aim of introducing features that assist with efficiency and performance and that ultimately drive down energy usage and costs.
he company was founded in 1992 as Electronics Line UK, with a small team distributing wireless intruder alarm systems to wholesalers before expanding into the CCTV market.
As the parent company, Scolmore Group, continued to flourish and expand, the acquisition of Sangamo, the specialist supplier of time switches and heating controls, was completed, with the new range sitting under the ESP umbrella of products.
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Smart technology
A beacon of assistance
ESP, espuk.com
Elite supplier In 1996, the company was officially launched to the electrical wholesale market as ESP (Elite Security Products). Following a number of years of growth, the business was relocated in 2009 to a larger, purpose-designed head office and warehouse space in Redditch, Worcestershire. In 2011, ESP was acquired by Scolmore Group in what was seen as the coming together of two companies with a focus on innovative product development and excellent customer service. ESP continues to operate as an independent business within Scolmore Group, which also includes Click wiring accessories, Ovia lighting and Unicrimp cable accessories. Over the ensuing years, ESP continued to expand the business and develop its product portfolio, which included CCTV, fire protection, security floodlighting and access control. In 2014, a brand new product category was added to the ESP line up with the launch of the Duceri emergency lighting range. This brought to the professional electrical contractor a range of emergency exit signs and bulkheads, with a range of self-test fittings subsequently added.
18 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine COMPANYPROFILE
New brand identity
There are currently two separate training programmes that are offered free of charge – a one-day ESP Product Overview of the company’s core product categories and the ESP Addressable Fire System Programming, which is aimed at competent contractors that already have a good knowledge of installation and regulatory requirements, when it comes to fire system installation. Supplying a comprehensive range of products is just part of what ESP can offer. Across the CCTV and fire protection ranges, for example, the company also offers free design services. The aim is to provide installers with expertise in choosing the right products and solutions to create a scheme that meets the requirements of the project in question and is compliant with all the relevant regulations and standards. The addition of a fire commissioning service last year means that ESP now offers a full fire alarm system package, with access to a free design service, a vast choice of products including the latest two-wire systems, the commissioning service, plus technical support from a team of qualified and experienced engineers.
ESP is celebrating 30 years in business this year and 2022 looks set to end as another record year for the business, with major new product developments and expansion plans coming to fruition.
A commitment to offer an outstanding service is what ESP believes makes it stand out
At the same time as the company developed new and upgraded products for existing ranges, there was also a keen focus on expanding into other categories that complemented the portfolio. This led to the launch of Fort Smart Security in 2021 – a complete range of smart security products, including intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of HD 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, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform.
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 Instagram-FacebookTwitter-@MetrelUkLtd-@MetrelUkmetrelukltd 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. Does your EVSE kit help you test, or does it just test?
Brett Forster, Head of Training at NAPIT, says: “NAPIT welcomes the introduction of the new EV qualifications, which will not only help in the path to net zero, but also provide a refined and focused training programme on EV technology in the relevant locations.
he new qualification has been introduced following the UK’s aim to become net zero by 2050. The transport sector is one of the biggest emitters of CO2 and a major source of air pollution in cities. Decarbonising transport is therefore essential, and one of the primary drivers enabling this strategy is the adoption of EVs.
In addition to the government’s net zero ambition, consumers in owner-occupier flats and rented properties can access a 75% contribution to the cost of one chargepoint and its installation through an OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) authorised installer.
NAPIT’s Technical team has also produced a new EV ‘Top 10 Tips’ Guide to help those installing Electric Vehicle Chargepoints (EVCPs) avoid commonly overlooked errors. NAPIT, napit.org.uk
“We are pleased to have the new course added to our portfolio of training qualifications and encourage electricians to consider reskilling now to help drive positive change for EV installations and environmental goals.”
20 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine TRAINING
Earlier this year, City & Guilds hosted an industry roundtable which highlighted concerns about the current skills gap of limited numbers of trained electricians carrying out installation work and a growing number of poorly installed EV chargeThesepoints.results prompted City & Guilds to introduce a new suite of EV qualifications.
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The qualifications are aimed at practicing electricians wishing to reskill in order to safely install and maintain EV chargepoints. These qualifications are intended for three separate markets – namely the design and installation of domestic and small commercial EV charging installations, design and quality assurance of largescale EV charging installations and the installation and maintenance of largescale EV charging installations.
The two-day course will provide installers with the technology-specific knowledge that is required to install EV charging points with confidence. Upon successful completion, they will receive a City & Guilds 2921-31 Certificate of Competence.
In response to an industry push to bridge the skills gap for electric vehicle chargepoint (EVCP) installations and assist in meeting the government’s net zero ambitions, NAPIT Training has launched a new EVCP course, the Level 3 Award in the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations (City & Guilds 2921-31).
NAPIT Training supports these changes in the industry and now offers the domestic and small-commercial EV charging installations qualification at all three of its training centres, as well as pop-up centres across the UK.
NEW EVCP QUALIFICATION TO BRIDGE SKILLS GAP AND MEET NET ZERO TARGETS welcomes“NAPIT qualifications”ofintroductionthethenewEV
STAY CURRENT with the new Elucian range of consumer units Full range of RCBOs & AFDDs available Variable Sized & Rear Knockouts Bus Bar with pre-fitted cover AccessoriesPack MetalUnitsConsumer Mains Switch Tail Clamp
24 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine KEY ISSUE
2. Attracting talent: as one of the sectors at the centre of a building and infrastructure net zero carbon 2050, the demand for modern technology and techniques will help to drive recruitment.
The UK regularly generates more electrical energy from renewables. Renewables’ share of total generation was 42.8% at the end of 2021, up by 2.1% on 2020. This trend is set to increase. However, growing reliance on renewables raises issues such as consistency of energy supply. To ensure a sufficiently consistent UK energy supply, the ECA has actively lobbied government and industry stakeholders in three key areas: 1. Generation 2. Storage 3. Energy efficiency In reality, we need a combination of effective measures across these three areas. But even focusing on points two and three − improved storage and energy efficiency − could save the UK economy £30−£70 billion according to BEIS’s ‘Transitioning to a net zero energy system: Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan 2021’.
What is Accordingbuilding?prosumera to BS7671: Part 8 Chapter 82: The Prosumer,Energyit is “a building that is an active component of the energy network and that moves beyond a unidirectional flow of energy into the building to that of bi-directional flow.” This will have three important implications for the electrical and wider electrotechnical sector:
3. Trusted experts: the electrical services sector will become increasingly relevant to policy conversations about the UK’s energy direction and future, and to clients, making it a principal agent of positive change.
Prosumerism: why now?
Opportunity #1: more business
The ECA Guidance Note ‘Planning for a Green Pivot v 1.2’ identifies many opportunities for low carbon electrotechnical activity. Looking at three of these opportunities in more detail: Transport: building the domestic and commercial infrastructure Electric vehicles (EVs) have already entered an early exponential growth phase. In 2015, just over 1% of new vehicles registered also had a plug, compared with almost 19% in 2022 (according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders). Key factors such as current fuel prices and the not-too-distant 2030 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will reinforce this trend and increase the need for Electric Vehicle Charge Point (EVCP) installation and maintenance for both domestic and commercial use.
As the UK attempts to use less fossil fuel and move towards a net zero carbon 2050, significant new demands will be placed on our existing energy systems. Many more of us will become prosumers,
THE RISE OF THE PROSUMER: WHAT ELECTRICIANS NEED TO KNOW TO STAY AHEAD OF THE
Heating: making homes carbon efficient As part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a £450m government grant came into force in May 2022, providing £5,000 for households to install air source heat pumps (ASHP). Furthermore, with no VAT on heat pumps for the next five years, government support for this sector looks set to
writes Luke Osborne, Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, ECA CURVE
1. More business: prosumer activity is set to provide huge opportunities for retrofitting existing buildings and installation in new buildings.
KEY ISSUE
Renewables and storage: working together to improve efficiency On a domestic scale, solar PV is once again back in vogue. With high energy prices set to continue, this solution is growing in popularity for both retrofit and new build projects. The combination of the Green Homes Grant and Building Integrated PVs (BIPV) has boosted the appeal of solar PV installations for new buildsElectricalespecially.Energy Storage Systems (EESS) offer a whole new level of flexibility and convenience, allowing users to buy energy from the grid when usage and prices are low, and sell it back at peak times. As EVs become ubiquitous, Vehicle to Grid (V2G) charging will become an integrated feature of many homes, making use of the EV’s significant electric battery.
EESS, Electric Vehicle Charge Point (EVCP) and heat pump training and Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) are areas where technicians can expand their skillset right now. For installers looking to work within funded schemes, MCS certification is required. In some circumstances, they will need PAS 2030 when installing under a PAS 2035 Retrofit program. Learn more about this at mcscertified.com.
“To do the work needed to meet our net zerocarbontargets,electricianswillneedtoaddnewskillstotheirarsenal”
EV Charging UPS, Power &
to
The UK fromelectricalgeneratesregularlymoreenergyrenewables
ECA, eca.co.uk
EnergyNEXTISSUE
The features will include articles and information from major companies, providing a range of information about the latest issues and technological developments affecting the sectors. For electrical contractors, the features will prove to be a valuable reference point for all that is happening within this area. products ECN’s 20,000+ readers,
call Kelly Byne on 01634 673163 / kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com Special Supplement: Lighting HVAC
Opportunity #2: attracting talent
The recent addition of Chapter 82 to the Wiring Regulations highlights how the electrical systems within our buildings will need to interact with a smart and decarbonised energy grid. It introduces a couple of new terms: Energy Prosumer and Prosumer Electrical Installation (PEI). To understand fully connected systems such as PEIs, electricians will need to understand how the various elements − onsite generation, energy storage, heating systems, EV charge points, to name a few – fit together, both with each other and with other trades. Incorrect specification or installation could lead to expensive mistakes down the line, when a whole building doesn’t work as intended. The electrotechnical sector has a vital role to play in shaping the UK’s decarbonisation given our unique understanding of the technologies involved and the need for qualified and competent installers to deliver on the government’s objectives.
Opportunity #3: trusted experts
The terms Energy Prosumer, and Prosumers Electrical Installation are set to become more common as the industry gears up for net zero carbon 2050. As one of the industries at the forefront of sustainability and net zero, we are faced with a unique and unprecedented set of opportunities. When these sustainable technologies can be designed to work together, the effects can be ground-breaking. However, ongoing training and accreditation will be vital to ensure that installations are carried out in a timely manner (to satisfy government objectives), effectively (to satisfy consumer needs) and efficiently (to satisfy net zero carbon 2050 targets).
continue, so electrical contractors may decide to invest in training and certification on the basis of improved predictability. As the carbon intensity of grid electricity falls, for new or well-insulated houses, the direct electrification of heating – such as underfloor heating, infra-red heaters, or smart storage heaters – may become more and more worthwhile following forthcoming changes to the Building Regulations (which have historically penalised electric heating).
In addition to our regular range of news and viewpoints, the next issue of ECN will contain special features relating to EV charging, HVAC and UPS, power & energy, along with a special supplement dedicated to lighting.
Prepare for success
NEXT TIME… To make sure that you don’t miss this major opportunity to advertise your
To do the work needed to meet our net carbon zero targets, electricians will need to add new skills to their arsenal. This means training and certification will be incredibly important, both for businesses and qualified electricians looking to expand their capabilities. It will also be vital for the career progression of any new and prospective industry entrants.
FLAGSHIP RENEWABLE HEATING UPGRADE PROJECT BREAKS GROUND IN ESSEX
The scheme is also a timely demonstrator of the ability to deliver against the UK’s net zero targets in the wake of a recent report released by the Climate Change Committee which criticised the government for showing great ambition but lacking delivery.
The project is set to secure 40-50% savings on resident’s annual energy bills – a significant benefit considering over half of the recipients have been identified as currently at risk of experiencing fuel poverty.
Cllr Rob Gledhill, Leader of Thurrock Council, says: “This huge investment from the government has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to offer our residents’ an energy efficient heating system which utilises the natural heat in the ground. There is no doubt that this project will help residents in these homes, cutting their fuel bills by nearly £500 as well as help play our part to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel.”
A flagship renewable heating retrofit project in the government’s plans to decarbonise social housing is set to reduce fuel bills by over 50% for some Thurrock residents.
PROJECTFOCUS
Over 34% of all emissions in the UK are attributed to the provision of heat. The installation of the low carbon heating systems at Chadwell St Mary’s is expected to provide a 70%+ reduction in carbon emissions. Over the life cycle of this installation, the total emissions saving of the heat pumps is projected to be 7,080 tons of CO2. This is the equivalent of taking 1,540 cars off the road, significantly improving local air quality and reducing the carbon footprint of the residences.
Kensa is urging local authorities and housing providers to work with them early and start preparing their Wave 2 applications now to increase their chances of securing funding to decarbonise their stock and tackle fuel poverty. Kensa Contracting, kensacontracting.com
26 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
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273 storage heaters across three tower blocks in Chadwell St Mary’s, Thurrock will be replaced with Kensa ground source heat pumps inside each flat, which will deliver three times more energy efficiency for the Thurrockresidents.Council secured £3.2 million from Wave 1 of the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) to help finance the scheme. The SHDF, a £3.8 billion 2019 manifesto commitment, aims to support local authorities and social landlords to retrofit their housing stock at scale over a 10-year period.
He continues: “Ground source heat pumps on shared ground loops are proven to provide the lowest carbon, lowest running costs and lowest whole life cost solution, especially for heating high rise developments. These systems help housing providers lower their environmental impact and future-proof their assets, whilst protecting their tenants from fuel poverty.”
The project is set to secure 40-50% savings on resident’s annual energy bills
Dr Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director of Kensa Contracting, says: “Ambitious, large-scale projects like this one undertaken by Thurrock Council are key to meeting the government’s targets of 600,000 heat pump installs per year by 2028. More than 80% of UK homes will still be in use in 2050, so it is clear that existing buildings will have to undergo significant improvements/deep retrofitting to meet the challenge of decarbonisation.”
he project, delivered by Kensa Contracting and Thurrock Council, will demonstrate the potential of ground source heat pumps on shared ground loops to rapidly and affordably decarbonise multiple properties at scale.
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has confirmed that ground source heat pump systems, such as the one at Chadwell St Mary Towers, are eligible for funding. It is expected that Wave 2 of the SHDF will be open for applications around the start of September, with funding being made available to registered providers of social housing, including private and local authority providers, to improve the energy efficiency of social housing properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, or lower, to an EPC rating of C, and reduce carbon emissions.
Cllr Luke Spillman, Cabinet Member for Housing, says: “This funding has been specifically granted to deliver a trailblazing heating solution that is the first of its kind for Thurrock Council. The old storage radiators and hot water systems in each of the 273 flats will be replaced with a significantly better, cost-effective and greener solution.”
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JC: Upon leaving school I completed a five-year Commercial/Industrial Electrical Apprenticeship and then went on to take a position with an electrical distributor. I then successfully worked my way up through the ranks with a number of manufacturers and eventually settled at Marshall-Tufflex. And the rest, as they say, is history!
CW: Tell us about your current role – what are you responsible for and what does your normal working day consist of?
CW: What are the best things about your role? What are the most challenging?
CW: For those who may not know, can you give us an overview of the work that Marshall-Tufflex does?
JC: The best thing about my role is seeing our people develop, be happy at work and continue to progress within Marshall-Tufflex. I am a big advocate for training and giving people the tools they need to be the best at what they do – this, in turn, makes Marshall-Tufflex the best at what it does. I take hands on approach to work and value face-to-face contact with our customers, so I am often travelling around the country attending meetings and events, and this has certainly increased since becoming Managing Director. The challenge here is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is something that is really important to me, not only from a personal point of view and that of my family, but as a leader, it is my responsibility to set a positive example to the rest of the business and promote a supportive working culture.
CW: Tell us about yourself and how you got into the sector.
JC: Marshall-Tufflex manufactures and supplies cable management solutions for the commercial, industrial, healthcare, education and residential markets. For 80 years, we have established a reputation for being the vanguard of research, delivering high-quality, durable solutions that make installers work simpler and easier. Over 25 years ago, we changed our processes to start using recycled materials originating from PVC-U windows in manufacturing our PVC-U products, and we have continued to invest in research and development to refine this so we can offer quality PVC-U products that contain higher amounts of recycled material as part of our portfolio. This is something we are all really passionate about and we are proud to lead by example in this area. In fact, in 2020, we recorded an average of 74% recycled material across our PVC-U product range and we continue to try and improve on these figures. As a company, we are committed to community engagement and believe as Carly Wills speaks to Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex, about life at the company and its plans for the future.
Jon Chamberlain
TAKING THE HANDS-ON APPROACH
JC: I am Managing Director for Marshall-Tufflex, having previously been the Commercial Director for the past three years, and I am responsible for the business’ continued success. In my new role, I am keen to ensure that the business remains focused on its mission to drive the industry to use more recycled content in the manufacture of not just PVC-U cable management products, but any plastic products across the building industry. I’m also concentrating on finding new areas of business for the company, with continued investment in R&D. Our latest launch –the Tufflex Tile – is a great example of this and I would like to do more to broaden our portfolio and introduce more new products aimed at making the electrical contractor’s life easier.
28 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine INTERVIEW
CW: What are your interests away from work?
In productacrossrecycledaveragerecordedMarshall-Tufflex2020,anof74%materialitsPVC-Urange
CW: How has COVID-19 affected the industry?
CW: What’s next for you and for Marshall-Tufflex?
JC: I think, depending on the company, we each have a different story to tell. At the start of the pandemic everything in the construction industry shut down. This, in turn, affected the distribution of our products. As did many, we had to act with agility to adapt and navigate our business through this time. It has also meant that some product development and projects were impacted because of this, and some had to be put on hold due to the availability of tooling which was heightened by a steel supply issue. As we came out of the peak of COVID-19, the demand for our products, coupled with shortages of basic raw materials, put an enormous pressure on Marshall-Tufflex. We were not immune to supply chain issues and were impacted by a lack of virgin PVC-U material, as well as limited supplies of packaging and other materials. It’s been a challenge to manage our way through unchartered territory with the worldwide difficulties in order to service our customers the best we can. Thanks to the fantastic relationships we have with our suppliers, we were predominantly able to maintain a continual supply of our aluminium, steel and other non-PVC-U ranges. We prioritised orders for our UK market and, of course, we occasionally needed to extend lead times with agreement from customers, but generally customers planned ahead to allow for longer deliveries. The investments we have made into our manufacturing process and recycling capabilities really paid dividends. When access to virgin PVC-U was disrupted, we were able to minimise its impact on the business by using our compounding machinery to recycle post-consumer and post-industrial waste material – typically from plastic windows. This enabled us to maintain a regular supply of our PVC-U products for our customers.
CW: Aside from COVID-19, what have been the biggest changes across the industry in recent times? What will be the biggest changes in the future?
JC: Cabling methods will change, and technology will drive higher service demands, but through all this, we aim to keep ahead of the game and educate the market we are in. Therefore, product development must keep up, for example, with the demand for faster data, both via cabling and wireless technology. On this, we are working exclusively in partnership with Basor Electric to offer our customers in the UK a range of its metal and PVC cable tray and basket systems. Enabling the simple routing and support of power and data cables, the trays are ideal for commercial, industrial and public sector applications. From our own R&D, we’ve launched the Tufflex Tile in response to customer feedback to make ceiling installations easy. Using a Correx pattress instead of traditional plywood or MDF it has been designed to transform the way electrical installers work on suspended ceiling systems, when installing spotlights, smoke detectors, PIR sensors or speakers.
JC: We are not part of a multi-national corporation and therefore we can respond more quickly to our customers and the market – and we need to continue to take advantage of that. Moving forward, our focus will therefore continue to be on serving our customers and our market better than anyone else through increased innovation in all aspects of our business – material development, product development, service development, and our people.
“Cablingmethods will change, gameaimbuthighertechnologyandwilldriveservicedemands,throughallthis,wetokeepaheadoftheandeducatethemarketwearein”
CW: What do you think are the most exciting products or technologies coming to the market?
JC: At the moment, it is trying to have a happy and healthy work-life balance which, as mentioned, can at times can be challenging, but family is very important to me. I enjoy watching motor sports and playing golf but still need lots of practice –so my playing partners tell me! Marshall-Tufflex, marshall-tufflex.com
September 2022 | 29@ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com INTERVIEW
part of Corporate Social Responsibility we should ‘give back’. The Charlotte Marshall Charitable Trust has supported hundreds of charities over the years, for good causes locally, nationally, and internationally.
JC: Some of the biggest challenges we have faced at Marshall-Tufflex have been the same for everyone; a rise in energy costs and materials costs and the logistical issues of obtaining certain materials worldwide. Like many businesses, we have experienced delays on products due to supply chain logistics – and we have seen a shift towards our products that are manufactured in the UK. There have also been changes in building regulations, following on the back of the Grenfell fire inquiry. Looking to the future, there’s potentially going to be a seismic shift in the way some buildings are used, linked to the working from home revolution, so we are really analysing how modern buildings are likely to work – how they are constructed and how they are used, in terms of more flexible spaces, more hot-desking, multi-functional, home working, mobile working,Sustainabilityetc. in all areas of a building’s design and construction is also now a priority. We expect to see demand for products that help to reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact increase. For contractors, being able to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and environmental planning is a key component of the prequalification stage for contracts, so it is vital that installers understand how responsible cable management systems can benefit them and their projects.
There are two distinct IP ranges available from ESP – the HDView IP 5 Megapixel range used at Chocbox, which is aimed at larger applications with a wide choice of NVR and camera selection – and the REKOR IP 2 Megapixel range, which is tailored for the domestic market. All NVRs are packed with features, such as remote monitoring via the ESP View app, H265 compression, motion record activation and they are supplied with quality surveillance hard drives for peace of mind.
Commenting on the security installation, co-owner, Kay Wood, says: “The CCTV system at Chocbox has already been put to good use when a mobile phone belonging to a member of staff was stolen in the shop. The ease and speed of accessibility of the video footage and the quality of the images played a key role in helping to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.”
C hocbox brings to the small market town a huge selection of chocolates morethegoodieschocolate-relatedandfromaroundworld,includingthan100 different chocolate pick ‘n’ mix items and 100 different fine Belgian chocolates to choose from. As part of the five-month refurbishment project, the new business owners were keen to ensure that the new premises, staff and valuable contents were well protected, and they turned to ESP to provide the securityMartynsystem.Walley, Managing Director of Hide, the electrical contracting firm hired to undertake the security installation, looked to his experience from working with ESP security products to provide the best solution.
The CCTV system installed is part of ESP’s IP POE CCTV range which is designed to offer superior, reliable and straightforward installation solutions for a range of applications, from domestic through to larger and more complex commercial projects.
ESP’s HDView 5MP IP 8 channel CCTV system, along with eight cameras, was installed to provide full protection around the exterior of the premises, as well as inside the shop to cover all areas of stock and the tills.
ESP’s IP POE CCTV range is designed to offer superior, reliable installationstraightforwardandsolutions
30 | September 2022 ADVERTISEMENTFEATURE electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
Processing power, an abundance of features, versatility and high resolution IP CCTV all combine to make this the superior choice over traditional analogue systems.
ESP, espuk.com
The range features POE (Power-OverEthernet) which enables the camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100 metres without the need for additional power, which makes installation much more convenient. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the HD digital feed, with just one cable per camera and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected do.
One of the business owners already had previous experience of ESP’s 5MP IP CCTV system at a licensed business premises and was impressed with the quality of the system and images generated, which proved valuable throughout the pandemic limitations, helping to monitor trading and report on customer levels.
Having lain empty for more than a decade, a large, double-fronted property on Stone High Street in Staffordshire has been refurbished, repurposed and reopened as a chocolate shop.
CHOC-A-BLOCK WITH ESP CCTV SOLUTIONS
GET THE COLD CONTROLLED The Plus range of Heating and Timer Controls Now available in white, silver and black email: info@espuk.com visit: www.espuk.com call: 01527 515150
Personal Details CompanyName Name E-mail.....................................................................................................................................Tel................................................................................PostcodeAddressMobile The answers to September’s competition are: 2.1.3. To enter, please complete the form below and 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. Closing date All entries must be returned by 30 September 2022. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms. The name of the winner will be published in the November issue of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable. July Competition The winner of the July competition – a Makita Site Radio – was Christian Calvert. Contact Preferences YES, I would like to receive the ECN newsletter YES, I would like to subscribe to ECN magazine YES, I would like to share my data with Click Scolmore DatSignaturee 1. Which testing has the Mode range undergone? a) Influenza A (H1N1) b) Anti-bacterial c) Anti-viral d) All of the above 2. What is the name of Scolmore’s bestselling wiring accessories range? a) Click b) Mode c) Click Mode 3. When tested across all four types of the strains of bacteria, all products achieved what kill off rate? a) 97.99% b) 98.99% c) 99.99% For your chance to win a £300 Amazon voucher, simply answer the following questions correctly: To register to receive your copy of ECN each month, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/subscribe COMPETITION Scolmore supplies one of the most comprehensive wiring accessories collections currently available on the market – from the Essentials basic range through to the Deco Plus premium decorative metal collection. However, it is the Click Mode range of white wiring accessories that remains the company’s best-selling wiring accessories collection to date. The Mode range was conceived and developed as a high quality, flexible and modern solution for virtually any domestic wiring requirement. The smooth, contemporary lines of the Mode accessory plate will fit easily into traditional and contemporary designs alike, and the modular design allows installers unprecedented flexibility in creating dedicated wiring solutions to deal with specific wiring needs. Mode has recently undergone further independent testing –achieving a 99.98% kill off rate against Influenza A (H1N1) after a 24-hour period. This latest testing further boosts the range’s hygiene credentials. Independent testing previously undertaken has also shown the products to have anti-viral properties against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This anti-viral testing is in addition to the anti-bacterial testing already carried out. The Mode range is manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which has similar inherent properties to antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of infectious diseases. When independently tested, all products achieved a 99.99% kill-off rate across all four types of the strains of bacteria – MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella Pneumonia. Contractors also have the reassurance that all Scolmore BS1363 products – in particular socket outlets – are third party approved and bear the BSI Kitemark logo, a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the highest standards of quality and safety. CLICK MODE — QUALITY, WHITE ACCESSORIES YOU CAN RELY ON Win a £300 Amazon voucher, courtesy of Click Scolmore!
September 2022 | 33 Circuit Protection Connect with us on: For all your Electrical Essentials www.niglon.co.uk t 0121 711 1990 | f 0121 711 1344 | sales@niglon.co.uk FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR supported by @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com
34 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine Circuit www.niglon.co.ukProtection | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk
Businesses everywhere are navigating increased financial stresses, and those within the electrical industry are no different – with those running their own enterprises seeing the impact across their own personal finances, those of their team, and those of their customers. If you’re a business owner or sole trader within the electrical trade, you’ll have seen your own household bills rise in recent months – with everything from utilities to your food shopping seeming to soar the further into 2022 we get. In fact, the average household is now spending more than £600 extra per year on gas and electricity according to various media sources, and we’re also
BRANDS
seeing council tax, phone contracts, broadband, inflation, interest rates and the cost of renting all rising too. For those who employ staff, no doubt your team are reporting similar worries, with hardly anyone escaping the impact of the cost of livingNigloncrisis.says it is also seeing customers expecting even more value for money as they struggle to complete projects without going over budget – doing everything they can to avoid having to make the tough decision to abandon their plans.
f you’re loyal to the market leader for a particular product such as consumer units, is it because they have the best quality product out there, or because they’re affordable, or because they’re widely available? And does this market-leading brand tick all threeOrboxes?haveyou simply stuck with them because the name on the box is recognisable, trustworthy and shopping around for a product which does tick those three crucial boxes seems like too muchThiseffort?approach is entirely understandable, but in a world where budgets are tightening, costs are rising, and financial pressure is abundant, it’s never been more crucial to ‘shop around’ and find ways of reducing outgoings without compromising on those essential high standards of quality.
Businesses are also seeing a rise in their own outgoings, with half of all companies saying the goods or services they bought in June 2022 cost more than the same goods or services purchased the previous month. At least 60% of smaller enterprises have seen a general increase in prices, rising to at least 77% of those with 10 or more employees (according to the Business Insights and Impact on the UK Economy report published by the Office for National Statistics on 14 July). Travelling to and from installs has also become an increased hardship – although we’re thankfully starting to see fuel prices reduce from a high of £1.91 per litre of petrol and £1.99 per litre of diesel on average in July 2022 (according to the RAC Foundation). This compares to £1.34 and £1.36 for petrol and diesel respectively in July last year.
I
Niglon says it considers itself one of those competitor brands – and says it is also seeing an interesting trend during the cost of living crisis. More and more contractors are requesting that their stockists begin putting Niglon products on their shelves, or extending the number of Niglon ranges that they stock.
A COMPETITOR COULD HELP YOUR BUSINESS
BRAND NEW PLAN: HOW
Do you use the same brand for every install, and if so – why? A massive range of consumerdomesticunits are available in multiple configurations
Install carried out by ElectricalHGC
It’s easy to stick with the leading brand, especially as they tend to be associated with quality – and in times gone by it may have been possible to persuade a customer it was worth paying a little more for a name they’d heard of and knew they could trust. But, just as we’re seeing shoppers turn to budget supermarkets in a bid to cut down their food expenses, there should also be an increased willingness to switch to less expensive electrical products.
Niglon, niglon.co.uk
Niglon recently sent a consumer unit to HGC Electrical to try out, to see if the company could be tempted away from the brand they always used. Here’s what HGC Electrical had to say: “We’ve always been very sceptical about moving away from the current brand we install, due to being let down by other manufacturers in the past – but it was a really positive experience this time.
Don’t just take Niglon’s word for it
Quite handily, especially if you’ve been nodding along at the reasons given for shopping around, Niglon happens to be one of these competitor brands which is able to offer a range and breadth of products, enabling contractors to access all of the products they need via any one of the company’s stockists – found in every corner of the UK.
A massive range of domestic consumer units are available in multiple configurations, and Niglon is also an expert in everything else you need for circuit protection – from fuses and circuit breakers to TPN distribution boards and commercial units too – having specialised in these products for almost two decades. The company’s commitment to independent, comprehensive testing – such as having every batch manufactured of its new double pole RCBOs tested by Intertek – means you’re in safe hands (and so are your customers). Niglon has a history dating right back to the 1940s – meaning it really does know what it’s talking about!
It is possible to find suppliers who tick all of the boxes, and Niglon is already seeing contractors turning away from the most expensive brands and then wondering why they didn’t do it sooner. It’s logical on so many fronts: reducing outgoings and project costs, and benefitting the customer as well as your business.
Look no further than Niglon
September 2022 | 35 FEATURESPECIALCIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com
Niglon offers a range and breadth of products
“One of the things that really stands out which we’ve not seen before is the main switch can be positioned on the left or right hand side; on new installs this wouldn’t be a major benefit, but on board changes using existing tails this could be a real winner.
How can contractors respond?
“Another good design feature is the earth bar accepting 1 x 25mm cable, allowing 25mm SWAs to be installed without the use of a pin crimp!
In addition to circuit protection, you’ll also find thousands of products covering control and automation, fixings and tools, wiring accessories, industrial accessories, installation essentials, cable management, and lighting control. Niglon was also the first ever corporate partner of the Electrical Industries Charity – recently donating £50,000 to help it support industry colleagues impacted by the cost of living crisis or any other health, employment, relationship or financial issue.
About Niglon
Finding alternative suppliers who are able to offer quality products (which have been priced fairly) can make all the difference when pricing up or completing a project. Looking past the market leaders and exploring a range of suppliers doesn’t mean abandoning any notion of quality – quite the opposite in fact. The bigger brands have the ability to charge extra – not necessarily because their product is better, but simply because they’re household names, known and trusted by not only those within the industry, but by the end customers who own the homes and businesses where their products will be used.Asis often the case with designer clothing or flashy cars, you’re paying a premium for the name associated with that product. And for many of us, that’s simply not an option right now. If a product works as it’s meant to, is simple to install, and has been thoroughly and independently tested, then the brand becomes entirely irrelevant because the product (and the name on it) is likely not to ever be looked at until it’s time to maintain or replace it. Of course, it’s natural to be concerned about whether switching to a competitor brand might mean availability takes a hit, or you’ll end up needing to source products from multiple suppliers. But there are absolutely brands out there who are able to offer all three non-negotiables: quality, price and availability.
This may all seem like doom and gloom, but there is one crucial way contractors can look to reduce their outgoings: sourcing lower cost materials. As much as everyone is going to greater lengths to shop around and get the best deals on utilities, supermarket costs and insurances, this practice must transfer over into the electrical contracting world rather than a reliance on the status quo.
“The shell is as solid as any of the more expensive brands, and has rear knockouts and top and bottom 25mm knockouts.
Coming bottom entry for most cables and using the new double pole mini RCBOs, there was plenty of room to leave spare on the cables and dress them in.
“Overall, a really nice board to install and we would certainly look to move away from our current supplier in the future.”
Northern Powergrid has been using ABB switchgear solutions for more than 20 years. ABB’s latest eco-efficient range, including SafePlus AirPlus and SafePlus Air, has the same interface and footprint. This enables solutions to be quickly and cost-effectively deployed – a vital success factor for accelerating the network operator’s path to net zero.
ABB, global.abb
recently,“UntiltherehavebeenlimitedviablealternativestoSF6”
As part of ambitious plans to decarbonise its network by 2040, Northern Powergrid, which provides power to 3.9 million homes and businesses in northern England, is piloting ABB’s eco-efficient Medium Voltage (MV) switchgear.
Circuit www.niglon.co.ukProtection | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk 3 Phase DistributionTPN Boards
he innovative solution replaces harmful SF6 with impactzeroandinsulationalternativegases,AirPlusdryair,withalmostglobalwarming(GWP). Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is a potent greenhouse gas with an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years. Reducing SF6 leaks across Northern Powergrid’s electrical distribution network of over 63,000 substations and 60,000 miles of overhead power lines and underground cables, is central to the network operator’s commitment to achieve net zero within the next 20 years.
Joseph Helm, Policy and Standards Manager at Northern Powergrid, says: “Decarbonisation is the biggest and most important challenge that our planet faces. Until recently, there have been limited viable alternatives to SF6. This pilot underlines our commitment to exceeding business plan targets, embracing the latest innovations, and lowering emissions. Using new solutions like ABB’s eco-efficient switchgear represents a significant milestone in our drive towards decarbonisation. We have already reduced SF6 leaks by 23%, but still want to drive an extra 15% by 2028. Switching to ABB’s comprehensive range of eco-efficient switchgear will help us to push ahead with these ambitious carbon commitments.”
Stephen Gibbs, ABB’s Marketing and Sales Director for Electrification Distribution Solutions says: “ABB has delivered its proven AirPlus technology to installations around the world, with more than 5,000 eco-GIS solutions installed since 2015. With the UK committing to reducing emissions by 78% by 2035, the race is on to support these ambitious targets. Initiatives like Northern Powergrid’s pilot of our SF6-free switchgear will pave the way for further decarbonisation of its network and support the network operator as it aims to lower its environmental footprint.”
As the first installation of its kind on Northern Powergrid’s distribution networks, two variants of ABB’s SafePlus switchgear have been adopted at substations in County Durham. Both use alternatives to SF6 gas to reduce environmental impact. For versions rated up to 24 kV, SafePlus AirPlus switchgear contains ABB’s AirPlus gas, with a GWP of less than one, compared with 100 for carbon dioxide. SafePlus Air switchgear, rated at up to 12kV, contains dry air as insulation with a GWP of zero.
NORTHERN POWERGRID SUPPORTS NETWORK DECARBONISATION WITH ECO-EFFICIENT SWITCHGEAR
36 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
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LOCKED AND LOADED Safe electrical disconnection & isolation Industrial Plugs & Sockets Range Connect with us on: www.niglon.co.uk t 0121 711 1990 | f 0121 711 1344 | sales@niglon.co.ukConnect with us on: • High performance PC/ABS exterior • Reinforced housing • Tamper proof spring loaded cover • Secure plug interlocking mechanism • Available in three voltages with ratings from 16-63A • Pad lockable rotary switch • BS EN 60309-1-2 Features IP67 IP44
• Noise – HF noise in the high kHz to the MHz region. This ‘noise’ is generated by the movement of the arc roots at the cathode. Whilst there are other sources of ‘noise’ which are naturally generated by electrical equipment operating normally, these are of a different nature and the algorithm filters them out.
Causes of series arc faults vary but include damaged conductor cores and loose connections.
Conclusion It is well recognised that arcing can, and will, lead to fire. An AFDD provides additional protection against fire and is particularly beneficial when protecting final circuits supplying socket outlets.
Causes of arc Contact arcs can result from either direct or indirect contact between metal parts which are moving relative to one another or have little conductivity, such as a loose electrical connection or a break in a conductor. To generate an arc is a complicated process, but principally an arc fault is a function of the voltage and the distance between the two points of contact. Initially, an arc is composed of metallic vapours (for example, carbon) and current can flow through a damaged section (Fig 1). As the current flows through a material that is a relatively poor conductor, heat is built up due to the heating effect.
• Continuous – ‘noise’ must not be of a brief duration or very intermittent. It is only a continuous process that will lead to the creation of a fire risk and, therefore, where ‘noise’ is intermittent this will not lead to the operation of the AFDD.
Parallel arc In a parallel arc, insulation breaks down between two or more conductive parts that are normally separated: line to neutral, line to earth and neutral to earth. It is more likely that a parallel arc fault will operate a typical overcurrent protective device, such as a circuit-breaker or fuse than a series arc.
Whilst it is possible for a stable arc to be formed with low currents, say less than 2A, there is insufficient energy to ignite the cable and, hence, the probability of ignition is severely limited. Most arcing faults detected by an AFDD exist in currents ranging from 3A to 10A, and these values reflect normal operating currents in domestic installation circuits.
• Current variation – erratic variations in current and waveform distorting the typical sinusoidal waveform of the normal supply. A series arc will have an impact on the nature of the load current within a final circuit. At the point of arcing there will be an increase in heating with a corresponding variation in current. The AFDD algorithm will sense this changing current. Unless all three elements are present the AFDD will not operate as it is unlikely a true series or parallel arc will be present.
WHOSE FAULT IS IT?
Fig 1: The heat generated by arcing can rapidly increase and create a fire
Circuit www.niglon.co.ukProtection | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk Surge Protection Devices
Means of detection of arc faults
Electric arcs
in March of
2 to BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations).
The phenomena of electric arcing was first demonstrated to the Royal Society in London by the chemist and inventor, Sir Humphrey Davy in 1801. Other studies followed and an electric arc can be considered to be: ‘An electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged discharge between two means of conduction.’
Manufacturers differ in how they choose to conform to the requirements of the Standard, however. Scolmore applies three characteristics in complex algorithms which, when taken together, will cause their AFDD to trip. These are:
Parallel arcs may be formed by the tight bending radius of cables, twisting and bending of flex (perhaps by being trapped under a door), crushing, other mechanical damage and tracking.
38 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews
An arc fault detection device (AFDD) is a safety device which activates in the presence of series and parallel arc faults by monitoring the waveform (signature) of an arc. It does this by electronically analysing the waveform and ‘trips’ when the waveform falls outside of predetermined values.
Series arc
Scolmore, scolmore.com the publication Amendment Jake Green, Technical Engagement Manager with Scolmore, looks at the technologies associated with AFDDs.
AFDDs have been getting a lot of attention following
There are instances where arcing is a desired effect, such as when welding or plasma cutting. However, uncontrolled arcing due to a fault is undesirable.
The first Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) was patented in the US in 1980 and was described for use in the US National Electric Code (NEC) in 2008. In 2013 the Product Standard IEC 62606 was introduced and became a UK Standard that same year. BS EN 62606: 2013+A1: 2017 General requirements for arc fault detection devices states that the purpose of an AFDD is, ‘…to mitigate the risk of fire in final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effect of arc fault currents that pose a risk of fire ignition under certain conditions if the arcing persists’.
40 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
Technology is constantly changing and shaping the electrical industry, creating innovative solutions to help us rethink how we build infrastructure, design cities, and consume energy. However, keeping up with this industry-changing technology can be difficult as more innovations hit the market, writes Luceco
Luceco Group aims to help its contractors meet all the relevant standards and requirements. In anticipation of Amendment 2, released on 28 March and mandated from 28 September, the company has reviewed its product range to make sure contractors find it easy to comply.
Maintaining a competitive edge is more important and necessary than ever in today’s pressurised market. To counter these demands, the Luceco Academy has been specifically designed to improve the electrical contractor’s knowledge base and keep them up to date with the latest industry trends and regulations.
The first main change is around regulation 421.1.7, which results in Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) being mandated in specific installations and recommended in others, meaning their use will become more widespread.
Finally, the third major change impacts regulations 531.3.2 and 531.3.3, requiring the use of A Type RCDs/RCBOs devices in place of AC Type devices. This will lead to an increase in demand for RCBO devices in residential applications.
The second notable change falls under regulation 443.4, which sees Surge Protection devices more commonplace in most installations, especially in residential applications.
Support for Amendment 2 regulation changes
Following the widespread shift to the digital platform, the Luceco Academy was initiated and launched in late 2020 with the aim of helping to set the highest standards and achievements in the electrical industry.
The changes above are a snapshot of how the regulations will affect the demand for certain circuit protection products. Luceco offers educational resources to support contractors with these changes at the Luceco Academy. In partnership with eFIXX, the company has created an Amendment 2 CPD course that covers all the key changes to circuit protection, including:
Thousands of electrical contractors have already signed up and are taking advantage of the regular and varied content readily madeWithavailable.theworld moving more towards online-delivered training, the Luceco Academy recognises the appetite this type of content has amongst the electrical industry and, to meet growing demands, aims to increase its level of regular content throughout 2022.
Craig Walton, Marketing Manager at Luceco Group says, “The Luceco Academy is our way of giving something back to our customers – with free and easy access to our growing archive of high-quality educational content. Also, our Academy helps to take the burden off contractors trying to source accredited CPD training for themselves and their employees, keeping their professional development up to date. “As we all know, hands-on experience is the most effective way to learn, and unlike many other online resources, our courses have a strong focus on practical exercises replicating real life scenarios, providing the opportunity to learn quickly and effectively on the type of tasks encountered day-to-day.”
Luceco, luceco-academy.com
AMENDMENT 2 SUPPORT AT THE LUCECO ACADEMY
Circuit www.niglon.co.ukProtection | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk Domestic Consumer Units
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Luceco Academy training and CPD courses are provided free to everyone involved in the electrical industry. Whether you are a student, apprentice, electrical contractor, specifier, educator, or supplier, the Luceco Academy aims to provide a regular stream of educational content on key electrical and lighting categories that meet the needs of all those in the industry. All CPD courses are fully accredited, and each provides one credit towards annual CPD requirements. All the topics covered are driven by electrical contractors themselves via valued feedback and ideas.
o help the electrical contractor keep ahead of the plethora of fast-moving onlineLucecoregulationdevelopmentstechnologicalandchanges,theAcademy,antrainingplatform launched by the Luceco Group, was established to help electrical contractors develop and progress their career aspirations and businesses.
Luceco theindustrycontractorsresourceseducationalofferstosupportwithchangesatLucecoAcademy
• The easier route to deciding if SPDs are required • Exactly where AFDDs should be installed • Types of RCD that are acceptable This free CPD will allow contractors to check and update their knowledge on the impending regulation changes and gain CPD credits, keeping their professional development up to date. There is also a comprehensive overview of the Amendment 2 regulation changes and how they affect circuit protection products on the Luceco Academy website. This includes a range of articles, recorded webinars and an Ask the Expert FAQ with technical expert, Colin McAhren, who is available to answer any Amendment 2 circuit protection related questions.
sales@chint.co.uk technical@chint.co.uk Tel: 0161 762 9333 THE PROFESSIONALS’ CHOICE 18th Edition Amendment 2 Compliant Solutions www.chint.co.uk NX3-MS-SPDNX3-MS SerieS NB3Le-AFD NB4Le-AFD AFDD RCBO NU6-ii-G/F 3PNNU6-ii-G/F 1PN SPD NB3LeG-40 RCBO MAIN SWITCH & SPD CONSUMER UNITS
The test (Fig. 1) was performed according to BS EN 61439-3, Clause 10.2.3.2. The test specimen is conditioned for at least 24 hours at a temperature between 15ºC and 35ºC and a relative humidity between 45% and 75%. Once removed from the conditioning atmosphere, the test specimen is tested within 30 minutes. The wrapping tissue and the wooden board to be placed underneath the test specimen are specified in 5.3 of IEC 60695-2-10. They are conditioned for a minimum of 24 hours at a temperature between 15ºC and 35ºC and a relative humidity between 45% and 75%. The test specimen is considered to have withstood this test if there is no ignition, or if all the following situations apply:
Verification of resistance of insulating materials to abnormal heat and fire due to internal electric effects
The test (Fig. 2) was performed according to BS EN 61439-3, Clause 10.3. The verification of the degree of protection of the enclosure was conducted in accordance with particles,dangerous60529:1989+AMD1:1999+AMD2:2013IECstandard.Theprotectionagainstaccesstoareasandaccessofforeignaswellasingressofwater wasThirdverified.party type test certification is not a mandatory requirement, however, Contactum believes that when choosing Defender 2, you are guaranteed a quality, safe and reliable designed consumer unit which meets the stringent requirements of BS EN 61439-3. Contactum, contactum.co.uk
a) The longest sustained and continuous flames or glowing of the test specimen after removal of the glow-wire extinguish within 30 seconds b) The specimen is not totally consumed c) There is no ignition of the wrapping tissue
The temperatures are as follows: 960 ± 15ºC for insulating materials supporting live elements (terminal connectors); and 650 ± 10ºC for insulating materials not supporting live elements (cable support and isolating board). Degree of protection (IP code)
In this article, Contactum looks at some of the compliance requirements of BS EN 61439-3 and the responsibilities manufactures have to fulfil before certification is granted. The company shares excerpts taken directly from its Defender 2 test reports.
42 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine W ithin BS7671, the domestic“withinstates421.1.201RegulationRegulations,Wiringthat (household) premises, consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies must comply with BS EN 61439-3…” Certification to BSEN 61439-3 requires a variety of tests to be performed (listed below). Certification will only be granted on successful completion of each test. These tests are onerous and designed to prove that the unit is able to perform way past its normal expected operational design characteristics. • Resistance to corrosion • Verification of resistance of insulating materials to abnormal heat and fire due to internal electric effects • Verification of protection against mechanical impact (IK code) • Marking • Degree of protection (IP code) • Clearance and creepage distances • Effective earth continuity between the exposed conductive parts of the assembly and the protective circuit • Short-circuit withstand strength of the protective circuit. Conditional short-circuit test • Incorporation of switching devices and components • Internal electrical circuits and connections • Terminal for external conductors • Power frequency withstand voltage test • Impulse withstand voltage test • Temperature-rise tests • Short-time withstand current test • Short-circuit withstand strength test. 16kA test with fuse (Annex ZB) • Dielectric verification • Electromagnetic compatibility • Mechanical operation
Some of the tests are more critical than others, but all are mandatory for the unit to be certificated. Below, Contactum shares some of the more arduous tests carried out, directly from its reports.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REQUEST TYPE TEST CERTIFICATION? Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Circuit www.niglon.co.ukProtection | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk A Type RCBOs
Hager’sIntroducing new AFDD with GameThe Changing Save time and effort conducting fault finding with our new Arc Fault Detection Device with ProTools diagnostic software. With the ability to identity 8 statuses, the on-board diagnostics within the device save time and effort in fault nding. Access additional app-based diagnostic support and guidance when on site via your mobile device. Update software via Bluetooth connectivity as & when new electrical signatures are detected, eliminating the need to remove or replace the device. ProAFDD Tools DiagnosticsDiagnosticsOn-BoardSupport In SituUpgradesSoftware ScanDiscoverMe!Pro Tools
www.contactum.co.uk sales@contactum.co.uk 020 8208 7400 NEW GENERATION OF CONSUMER UNITS Compliant with BS EN 61439-3, including Annex ZB Type Test Certificate issued by third party Sur face and flush mount versions Up to 24 modules single row Up to 44 modules dual row 18th Edition compliance Up to 100A without derating Type A RCDs and eRCBOs Defender 2.0 Award ConsumerWinningUnits Supplied Through Contactum’s Preferred Distributor Network Consumer Units & Distribution Boards Designed & Independently Type Tested To BSEN 61439-3 & BS7671 18th Edition Amendment 2
www.contactum.co.uk sales@contactum.co.uk 020 8208 7400 Surface Defender 2.0 Consumer Units Flush Defender 2.0 Consumer Units 2.0
The law
Protection against electric shock
The general requirements of this regulation refer back to the main body of the regulations for automatic disconnection of the supply. Amendment 2, at the end of regulation 531.3.3 states; “RCD Type AC shall* only be used to serve fixed equipment, where it is known that the load current contains no DC components.”
The advice given in HSE guidance documents and BS7671 supports the requirements of UK Health & Safety Law. Correctly selected RCDs provide fault and additional protection – see risk assessment requirements: ‘HSE Guidance Work using electrically powered equipment’. The guidance (Indent 4 and 5) states that before connecting equipment, a ‘competent person’ must check the supply. This includes the suitability and functionality of all RCD protection devices mounted in line with the equipment.
Doepke, doepke.co.uk
For construction site sockets, select the appropriate Type of RCD on the basis of the behaviour in the presence of DC components and frequencies, i.e. the equipment connected to the RCD must not affect the level of protection provided by the AnyRCD.equipment moved to a new location or sent for refurbishment/repair would be subject to the latest safety requirements, i.e. it is a new installation and subject to the current requirements of the regulations.
The connectedequipmenttothe
Three phase loads containing inverters such as pumps, compressors, compactors, welders etc. can produce high frequency and smooth DC leakage currents, which affect the operation of standard RCDs. Regulation 531.3.3 (iv) requires the use of Type B RCDs to provide the required safe level of protection for these types of load.
Using maintainedpoorly or out of date toworkersenvironmentsinequipmentelectricaldangerousexposesandvisitorstheriskofelectric shock, which is particularly hazardous when in direct contact with the ground. Many existing distribution boards installed on UK construction sites contain Type AC TheseRCDs.RCDs are not suitable for use with the majority of modern electrical equipment and tools used on construction sites, with the exception of resistance based heating and lighting loads – see BS7671 Amendment 2.
Chaz Andrews, Technical Manager at Doepke, discusses the RCD requirements following the change to BS7671 Regulation 531.3.3 for site distribution boards.
must not affect the level of providedprotectionbytheRCD Circuit www.niglon.co.ukProtection | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk A Type RCBOs
HSE.Gov.UK Guidance for Electrical Safety on Construction Sites states: “The law says you must take precautions against the risk of death or injury from electricity. Electrical equipment must be safe, and properly maintained”.
* Legal definition: ‘Shall’ implies that a person has a duty or obligation to perform a certain action. Selection of the Type of RCD must take into account 531.3.3givenrecommendationsrequirementstheandinBS7671RCD
46 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION & SWITCHGEAR electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION SITE DISTRIBUTION BOARDS — HIDDEN DANGER
Electrical safety on construction sites
Conclusion Considering the harsh conditions found on construction sites and the elevated risk when using electrical equipment outside, the law is simple: equipment must be suitable for use, maintained in good condition and used safely. This includes correctly selecting the type of RCD and adequality protecting devices such as RCDs from the effects of the environment, maintaining them in good working order. Regularly checking and testing to verify that the RCD is providing the required level of protection and is suitable for the connected equipment. Before connecting new equipment to existing distribution boards HSE guidance requires the supply to be checked by a ‘competent person’ to ensure that it is safe for use with that equipment.
The HSE highlights the importance of The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and their supporting guidance to reduce/remove the risks posed by poorly and inappropriately designed equipment, incorrect use and maintenance. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Reg 4-(1) states, “All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger”.
The associated HSE Guidance (HSR25) clarifies the requirements relating to; construction (para. 62), foreseeable conditions and use (para. 63), the manufactures ratings, suitable electrical protective devices etc. (para. 64), and “The safety of a system depends upon the proper selection of all the electrical equipment in the system” (para. 65), i.e. an RCD provides protection, and therefore selection of the Type of RCD must take into account the requirements and recommendations given in BS 7671 531.3.3, based on the range of equipment connected downstream of the RCD.
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Ovia has become a member of Relux
• Maintenance factor calculation to CIE97 and ISO/CIE TS 22012:2019
Full photometric scans can take from as little as two minutes and, once ready, the data is sent securely via a dedicated cloud server to the LIA Laboratory for validation. The LIA Laboratory will then be able to issue third party reports, without the need for product samples, to be transported around the country or the world. As well as radically speeding up the testing process for Ovia’s lighting products, the ground-breaking scheme also offers reassurance when it comes to validating photometric measurements such as lumens per watt and related performance claims. It is the photometric data produced by Ovia’s in house Gonio that is supplied to Relux. Ovia, oviauk.com
Relux has specialised in the development of lighting planning and product LIAisthansoftwarepresentationformore20yearsandrecognisedbythe(LightingIndustry Association), which offers Relux lighting software courses. Relux provides its users – lighting consultants, designers and specifiers – with access to more than one million luminaires and sensors from leading manufacturers in order to guarantee the maximum possible quality in their lighting calculations. It enables designers to plan their projects with accurate and complete productReluxdata.applications are noted for their precise calculation values and compliance with standards, plus an intuitive user interface. Whether daylight or artificial light, interior or outdoor areas, street or tunnel lighting, or sensor planning, Relux supports users in their professional lighting planning and contributes to bringing projects to a successful conclusion.
Relux is a high-performance, intuitively operated application for simulating artificial light and daylight. It is a powerful visualisation tool that allows for simulation of lighting and sensors in real time for detailed renderings, and an extensive results section to provide a comprehensive report on lighting designs. It can calculate absolute values, national and international standards, and is compatible with CAD and BIM systems, plus a great deal more. Relux database plug-ins are electronic catalogues which enable the user to select and use a manufacturer’s luminaires within their designs. Leading international manufacturers make around one million product versions and items of measurement data available through Relux’s online platform, ReluxNet. The program also allows users to import luminaire data in the form of EuLumdat and IES data files from compatible sources. The software supports the following standards for indoor, outdoor and road lighting:
It is just over a year since Ovia invested in testing equipment and a cutting-edge photometry luminaire testing scheme, to bring the company’s light testing facility in house. The company purchased its own Goniophotometer device and signed up to the revolutionary Gonio photometry luminaire testing scheme, created by the LIA, together with its partner Acal BFi, to enable lighting manufacturers to offer efficient third party certified luminaire performance testing.
Ovia says it is delighted to announce that it has been welcomed as a new member of Relux – the worldwide leading software application for professional lighting planning.
Commenting on this latest achievement, Mike Collins, Director of Operations at Ovia, says: “It is down to the hard work and determination of our team of LIA qualified lighting designers here at Ovia that we have achieved Relux member status. It will open up access to our extensive range of lighting products to a vast audience of lighting designers, planners and specifiers. It will also prove highly valuable to a number of our customers who have their own internal lighting design departments and are already utilising the Relux software application. It means that they can now incorporate the Ovia range into the lighting schemes that they are developing for their contractor customers’ projects.”
• Road lighting – EN13201-2:2015
Becoming a Relux member is a huge achievement for Ovia, coming just three years after the company was first established as an independent lighting company within the Scolmore Group. It means that the extensive Ovia lighting directory of products and all its photometric data is now embedded in Relux and can be accessed free of charge. Relux currently has over 200,000 users worldwide.
• Indoor lighting – EN12464-1:2021, EN1838:2013 • Outdoor lighting – EN12464-2:2014, EN 12193:2018, GR to CIE 112 (1994)
In-house testing
48 | September 2022 ADVERTISEMENTFEATURE electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
OVIA WELCOMED AS A MEMBER OF RELUX
call: 01827 300640 email: sales@oviaUK.com visit: oviaUK.com SERVICEDESIGNLIGHTINGFREE As part of its commitment to deliver a first class service, Ovia offers a dedicated lighting design service, allowing customers to access free lighting design schemes for their commercial projects. COMMERCIAL UTILITY CONTROL AMENITYFLOODLIGHTING EMERGENCY INDUSTRIAL PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF
Do I need to install emergency lighting in a small or medium sized office or space? Not necessarily, but it depends on more than just the size of the space. Regulations state that small rooms (12m2 or under) or medium sized rooms (60m2 or less) don’t need dedicated emergency lighting, unless a risk has been identified such as equipment that needs to be powered down safely. However, this changes if the office is used as part of an emergency escape route from another occupied part of the building. Can I be held liable for an emergency lighting design?
EMERGENCY LIGHTING: FIVE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does my customer’s building project need emergency lighting? Emergency lighting is needed in any building that can be accessed by the public or where people are employed. In shared premises – such as commercial buildings that house several businesses – exactly who is responsible for the emergency lighting in different areas can vary, depending on the lease. Changes to the premises that have been made by the leaseholder (for instance, partition walls) can also affect who is responsible, so it is worth advising your customers that they double check their terms and the date of their last risk assessment to make sure they have the correct emergency lighting in place. Emergency lighting is not needed in private dwellings or privately occupied spaces, such as flats, but it is needed in communal areas and escape routes. Does emergency lighting need to be kept on all the time? No, but it does need to be connected to a power source at all times. Non-maintained emergency lights – powered by a battery that is charged by mains power – stay switched off until a power failure occurs. Switch maintained lights are used as part of the ‘normal’ lighting system and can be switched on and off along with other fittings, but will switch on via their backup battery if power is disrupted. Fully maintained lighting is kept on all of the time, either as part of the lighting design or illuminated signage, but this is an option as opposed to a requirement. The important thing is that exit points, escape routes and other key areas are illuminated when they need to be, e.g., in case of a power failure or emergency. Is recessed better than surface mounted? Not necessarily. Surface mounted emergency lights might make you think of ugly, obtrusive fittings with bulky power packs, but battery technology has changed in recent years and slim-line surface mounted emergency lights are now available that won’t look out of place in most premises. Surface-mounted can be convenient, cost-effective, reliable and easy to install, especially if you want to minimise disruption to the premises or you are installing in an awkward space, like a listed building. How long do emergency lights need to stay on for?
50 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
So, you’re looking to install needlighting.emergencyWhatdoyoutoknow?Thetruthis,alot– far too much to cover here. Emergency lighting is, understandably, covered by strict rules and regulations designed to keep building occupants safe in the event of a fire, emergency, or power-outage, and exactly what is needed in any premises depends on how the building is used, its layout, the people occupying it, and other factors. It’s covered in full in BS EN 1838. Red Arrow’s technical and design support team take questions on emergency lighting from installers every day, as they navigate the complicated requirements of compliant emergency lighting design and installation. Here, they share some answers in brief to a few of their most frequently asked questions.
This depends on the building’s purpose and how long it will take to evacuate safely. In buildings where occupants may not be able to evacuate immediately, like hotels, it must remain on for at least three hours. In buildings that can be evacuated quickly and won’t need to be reoccupied right away, it can be as little as one hour. A risk assessment will outline the requirements for the project: your role is ensuring that the fittings you install are up to the task.
Emergency lighting is not needed in private dwellings or andcommunalbutoccupiedprivatelyspaces,itisneededinareasescaperoutes
Every building will have a ‘responsible person’ who is ultimately liable for the emergency lighting. This could be an individual – such as a building owner or facilities manager – or a limited company. This ‘person’ is then responsible for making sure competent persons have been employed to carry out risk assessments, lighting design and installation. That said, should an emergency lighting installation go wrong, the designer of the installation could also find themselves at risk of being prosecuted for non-compliance, so it is vital to make sure you are confident in your design and that the right products are installed. Red Arrow, redarrowtrading.com
Red arrow’s technical and design support team share some of their most frequently asked questions on emergency lighting design and installation.
info@quickwire.co.uk www.quickwire.co.uk A Company+44 (0)1183 Quickwire840025TM have teamed up with to create a quality fire/I-Joist rated, colour switchable downlight with unrivalled connection speeds. Visit www.quickwire.co.uk or your wholesaler for info flex connectors The new market leading downlight - Fire rated, colour switchable and fitted with a QuickwireTM plug & socket uickwire Equipped with Quickwire T-Connector plug & socket. Switchable colour temperature 3000K/4000K. 30/60/90 min fire rated for solid and I-joist ceilings. Shallow 53mm depth with 70mmØ cut out. High ingress protection (IP65 front, IP54 back). Mains dimmable integrated driver. 6W delivering ~600 lumens. Chrome/Brushed Chrome/Black bezel options.
he company responsible for the electrical installation was Kent-based Prowired Electrical Contractors, which offers a wide range of electrical services throughout the South East region. Prowired undertook the project following the relocation of a specialist aviation company to the Southend Airport site. The aviation company in question carries out the repair, service and maintenance of aircraft, and the overall project involved a design consultation, full installation for the new hangar and associated workshop area, as well as the refurbishment of the offices.
London Southend Airport is the UK’s fastest-growing regional airport. A recent project to deliver a major refurbishment and new build of a hangar at the airport included a lighting scheme provision, and Ovia was the number one choice of the contractor leading the works.
The Building Regulations Approved Document B2 (buildings other than dwelling houses) places restrictions on the use of certain thermoplastic materials when they are used as lighting diffusers and form part of a ceiling. TP(a) rated materials may be used almost without restriction, but restrictions exist on the use of TP(b) rated materials. Inceptor Slate Backlit ceiling panels are TP(a) as standard. Inceptor Slate Backlit Panels are designed to fit standard 600mm x 600mm panel sizes, making them an ideal retro fit for existing, less efficient lighting options. They come with a pre-wired push-fit 3-Pole Flow connector, making for quick and easy installation.
A long-established relationship between the Ovia Regional Sales Manager for the area, Reg Oldrey, and Danny Edmonds, Director of Prowired, led to Ovia securing the lighting part of the project. After completing a detailed lighting design scheme, a range of Ovia lighting solutions were delivered to site for installation. Commenting on the collaboration with Ovia, Danny says: “There were very tight deadlines on this particular project and, with the restraints on materials availability continuing to be an issue, it was a challenging job to get over the line on time to suit the client’s relocation from their existing premises. We knew, however, that we could rely on the ability of Ovia to quickly come up with the right lighting design scheme for the job and to deliver the right products in the right quantities at just the right time. This meant we were able to hand the job over on time.”
A range of lighting solutions from Ovia’s extensive portfolio were selected, with the contractor citing the quality of the products as well as ease of installation as key criteria. In the hangar itself, a selection of highbays and emergency LED signs provided the lighting solution. The highbay fitting selected was the black Ovia Grus and a total of 17 of the 100W LED 1-10V dimmable highbays, along with six Emergency versions, have been fitted. The Grus highbays were fixed to the ceiling using the surface brackets, to provide the finished look required by the client. For the emergency lighting provision, two of the 4W Emergency LED Maintained Box Exit Signs in white with the Up legend were chosen. For the office area, Ovia specified the Inceptor Slate Low Glare LED Backlit Panels, with 35 of the fittings installed to meet the requirements. The Inceptor Slate Backlit Panel is a range of TP(a) rated backlit panel lights with a low, <19 UGR diffuser, making them suitable for a range of installations and working environments.
OVIA LANDS AIRPORT HANGAR LIGHTING SCHEME
52 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
T
In the staff room, two of the Jura 30W LED Panels, featuring cool white colour temperature, were chosen, along with four of the three-hour emergency conversion packs. Lighting requirements for the WC facility on the site were catered for with one of the 24W IP44 recessed AluPanel downlights in the 300m diameter option, as well as three EVO Slim 16W IP65 Bulkheads. With a depth of just 57mm, the EVO Slim is ideal where space is tight, or a subtle solution is sought. It benefits from a fast-fit twist and lock installation mechanism and features a tri-colour CCT switch integrated onto the LED Board, making it easy to switch from 3000k, 4000k and 6000k. Finally, to provide security lighting for the exterior of the hangar and surrounding area, seven of Ovia’s 50W IP44 LED Pathfinder Floodlights with PIR sensor have been installed. Danny continues: “The process from start to finish with Ovia was seamless as always. From the design to delivery, we had peace of mind that we could complete this job to the excellent standard that we strive to achieve.“I’veworked with Reg on many projects and trust his judgement when it comes to specifying the right products to deliver the solution needed. The highbays we fitted were exactly what the client required, providing the respectable amount of light the locations required. “As our relationship continues to grow with Ovia, we look forward to the many upcoming projects ahead in delivering high quality and reliable products to our clients.” Ovia, ovia.co.uk
lightingexisting,sizes,600mmdesigned“InceptorSlateBacklitPanelsaretofitstandard600mmxpanelmakingthemanidealretrofitforlessefficientoptions”
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• Is the company a member of a WEEE scheme, such as Recolight, which offers a reuse service to its members, and free of charge recycling where appropriate?
Contractors’ own operations
Summary The climate emergency is, unfortunately, going to get far worse over the coming decade. The changes we have already seen to our weather patterns, with longer and more intense heatwaves, and increasingly violent storms, are just the start. Whilst some of the most fundamental actions needed are by governments, businesses also have a large part to play. Putting in the necessary changes, and only dealing with companies that have done likewise, will help to drive the change we all need if our children are to inherit a liveable planet. Recolight, recolight.co.uk
• Has the company got clear sustainability plans that are signed off by, and driven from, the top of the organisation?
Contractors themselves should also have net zero policies and action plans in place. Those should cover most of the bulleted criteria listed above. An increasing number of end users request such details during tenders, so this will become not just a competitive advantage, but a requirement for doing business.
[2] Technical Memorandum 66 from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.
• Does the company have published policies that encourage travel to work, and business travel by public transport, and avoiding flying wherever possible?
CIRCULAR ECONOMY? NET ZERO? HOW SHOULD THE LIGHTING SECTOR RESPOND TO
54 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
CLIMATE CRISIS?
The impact of the climate emergency in the UK has been in sharp focus this summer. The hottest ever temperature recorded. The longest drought in over 50 years. The threat of highly destructive wildfires. Recolight reports. THE Wherever possible, waste should be backhauled to collectioncentralisedpoints
[1] Electricity produced using biomass is also problematic. The burning of biomass, particularly wood, generates CO2, and can drive deforestation.
Key to tackling the climate emergency is reducing carbon emissions. And that is the vital driver behind the push for net zero, and also an important element of the need to embrace a more circular economy. Electrical contractors managing and installing lighting products can play a vital role in the transformation that is necessary. Below are some of the strategies they can implement.
Repair don’t replace When a product fails, a repair will almost always produce a better environmental outcome than a replacement. A new product has a high embedded carbon footprint, and also requires far more raw materials. The exception is for new products that are energy efficient – most of the whole life carbon footprint of a lighting product occurs when it is used, rather than in its initial production.
It can be challenging to distinguish real action for the environment from greenwash. A few pointers include:
Buy lighting from companies that are genuinely sustainable
• Do they purchase any electricity they can’t generate using solar panels from sources that have been certified as sustainable? That is, they do not use oil, gas, or coal[1]?
Recycle Any waste lamps, fittings and batteries that cannot be reused should be properly recycled. Batteries and lamps should be removed from fittings at source, handled separately, and placed in appropriate recycling containers. Wherever possible, waste should be backhauled to centralised collection points – requiring waste to be collected from small locations inevitably makes the transport less efficient and increases the carbon footprint of the recycling operation.
An increasing number of lighting manufacturers now offer the option of upgrading products in service, for example by supplying LED replacements for fluorescent gear trays. That is far more resource-efficient than replacing a complete fitting.
• Is space and water heating of production facilities, offices, and warehouses powered using a clean technology such as a heat pump, rather than using gas?
• Are there solar panels on the roof of the manufacturing facilities?
• Have they published independently verified scores for TM66 for their lighting products to evidence their circularity?[2]
• Has the company calculated and published its own carbon footprint, and set targets to reduce it, and to achieve net zero? Does that carbon footprint cover Scope 3, not just Scopes 1 and 2?
• Are new products manufactured using recycled (rather than just recyclable) materials?
• Do they include net zero and sustainability requirements within their own procurement specifications?
• Do they have documented policies in place that prioritise the purchase of refurbished or reused equipment (e.g. IT), and do they avoid routine, scheduled replacement of equipment (e.g. IT and mobile phones), instead choosing to keep such equipment in service for as long as possible?
Upgrade don’t replace
• Whether they use their own transport fleet, or third party logistics companies, have they published plans to reduce use of diesel and petrol vehicles?
LIGHTINGDESIGNPRODUCT YOUR GUIDE SUSTAINABILITYTO REGULARSERIESLIVE RECYCLING & RE-USE There has been a noticeable shift in perceptions around sustainability within the lighting sector. No longer do we assume that sustainability is simply about energy e ciency and getting our waste recycled. Working with the lighting industry Recolight has launched key initiatives to provide information, practical guidance, and services to help companies transition to a circular economy. www. .co.uk Visit esManufactureDistributeUtcelloCelcyceR ResueRe-Manufacture Refurbish
EMAS emergencyprovides999 care and telephone clinical assessment services
Existing and new installations can be transformed into a flexible wireless controlled infrastructure. Platform sensors were used to provide occupancy and daylight dimming facilities with Platform switches pre-set with scenes for different lux levels depending on the time of day and staff shift arrangements.
LUCECO LIGHTING CONTROLS AT EAST MIDLANDS AMBULANCE SERVICE CALL CENTRE
Phase one of the project included the relighting of the Incoming Call Centre, a very busy environment operating 24/7 and a pivotal element of the services provided by EMAS. The open plan space required eight zones which could be separately controlled, providing various levels of illumination to assist with the activities of the call centre and to help promote wellbeing in a setting dealing with emergency situations.
Simple operation of the system provides various lighting control options, including dimming, scene setting, presence and daylight control - all helping to reduce energy consumption and operating costs, whilst creating a comfortable lit environment. Consultancy services were provided by Pick Everard, based in Nottingham, and the electrical installation was carried out by Brook & Mayo.
Luceco has recently lit facilities at Horizon Place for East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS).
The open plan space required eight zones which could be separately controlled
Recessed LuxPanel Extra luminaires were used throughout the installation, controlled by Luceco’s wireless lighting control system – Platform. Platform is an innovative controls solution, making the planning, configuration, and commissioning of wireless lighting controls accessible to many applications from large open plan commercial environments and warehouse spaces to conference rooms, corridors, and smaller office layouts.
56 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
EMAS provides emergency 999 care and telephone clinical assessment services, receiving a new 999 call every 40 seconds. In its last inspection, EMAS was rated good and outstanding throughout. Now the facilities at Horizon Place enjoy the energy saving efficiencies of LED lighting, a more pleasing lit environment, and a substantial return on their investment through use of modern lighting technology coupled with cost effective lighting controls.
Luceco Project Manager, Leigh Davey says, “With many organisations looking to become more environmentally friendly and reduce their energy and operating costs, lighting controls can help save around 60-70% on energy consumption and ensure spaces are lit appropriately to provide safety, security and comfort using scene setting, presence detection and daylight dimming controls. Platform offers high value return-of-investment on new or existing lighting installations, as well as extending the life of the luminaires due to reduced operating hours.”
Luceco, luceco.com
EMAS provides emergency medical services, urgent care, and patient transport services for 4.8 million people, Leicestershire,DerbyshireNottinghamshire,coveringRutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
For any lighting project, in any application, Tamlite has the luminaire range that allows you to get the job done! https://www.tamlite.co.uk/contact Contact us to get your free lighting design:
CW: At what point does it make sense to work with the help of the BIM process?
CW: B.E.G. has launched a tool that can be used to find suitable BIM data. What exactly do you mean by BIM?
PJ: The question of when the BIM method should be used cannot be answered in a general way. The larger and more complex the building, the more trades and materials or products have to be coordinated. The use of the BIM method makes sense: it is often understood as simple 3D planning to avoid confusion. However, it does much more, for example, it ensures an error-free process during the construction of a building, a profitability analysis even before construction has begun, and support in the preparation of tenders.
BIM is a process rather than a method that involves the exchange of information in planning, construction and operation.
CW: As a leading lighting controls manufacturer in the UK, what do you then make available to end users?
PJ: The abbreviation BIM stands for Building Information Modelling which is a process for agile and networked planning, execution and subsequent building management.
Product information is mapped in BIM models and can even be visualised and transferred to other trades. Each trade contributes its part to the so-called BIM model or digital twin, so that in the best case, a 1:1 image of the building with all product information is created.
CW: How can the trade sector participate in the process?
CW: What information does the data that customers load into their BIM programme contain?
PJ: The information in the product models is of the same quality as tender texts and provides electrical contractors, specifiers and lighting designers with important information such as voltage, detection areas for motion detection, article numbers, etc. The product data is always kept up to date and can be reloaded immediately in the respective planning tool.
PJ: We developed the B.E.G. BIM Suite to support end users in their product selection. It was important to us that customers who are not 100% familiar with B.E.G. products have a quick and, above all, clear way of selecting the correct occupancy detector. Customers can search for products in our programme either via the technical requirements or via the room types to be equipped.
PJ: A prerequisite for a reliable process flow is very good and detailed data. In order to reduce the computing times, one then uses the level of detail in the representation of the products. The level of detail can be changed directly with B.E.G. using integrated plug-ins. The level of detail can not only be increased, but can also be reduced again very easily. In this way, simple models (usually represented as a simple square) can be used for basic planning and, later, high resolution models for customer presentations. The important thing here is that the file size actually changes, so that less computing power has to be available when the models are reduced. For those who want to view our products in detail, they can be viewed from all sides in our BIM Suite via 3D viewer to get a first impression of the look.
PJ: At first glance, it sounds very simple: everyone feeds their information into the project. Unfortunately, experience shows that it is not quite that simple, because there are some questions to be answered. In general, it is the larger firms who have made the investment as they work on government projects which have made BIM mandatory, and can see the ROI. There needs to be a greater push to ensure a higher uptake for private projects.
58 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
CW: Will the volume of data in the process be too large if all trades feed in this wealth of information?
PJ: In my opinion, the BIM process is slowly becoming established in the UK, with the industry reporting figures as high as 73% are aware of BIM and are using it. But we still have a way to go to ensure it is a seamless process so that all the benefits can be fully utilised.
B.E.G., beg-luxomat.com
Carly Wills talks to Paul Jones, Sales Director UK & Ireland at B.E.G. about BIM in project planning.
THE OF BIM PROJECT PLANNING
NEXT GENERATION
B.E.G. provides the BIM data of its occupancy detectors in all exchangecommonformats
CW: What developments do you expect in the BIM sector in the future?
PJ: We provide the BIM data of our occupancy detectors in all common exchange formats. This means that our customers are free to choose a BIM tool. In order to provide reliable data, we have decided to adhere to international standards that are already standard in other European countries.
CW: How does the end user find the right product for their project in the product range?
DALIPD4N-DALI-LINKMultisensor Part no. 93377 DALI push-button PBM-DALI-LINK-4W-BLEmodule Part no. 92732 DALI Power PS-DALI-LINK-FCsupply Part no. 92846 B.E.G. LUXOMAT ® net DALI-LINK ■ Addressable multi-master Lighting Control System ■ Supports DALI and DALI-2 luminaires ■ Ideal for retrofitting ■ Super flat multisensor available ■ Simple, intuitive operation ■ Free Bluetooth app with 2 functions: - Scene control for end customer - Commissioning tool for installers 2 1 3 6.40824mmm 2.50m 1 på tværs 452m 2 frontalt 50m� 3 siddende 32m� walking across walking towards seated 0870 850 5412 info@beguk.co.uk beg-luxomat.com LARGE OFFICE SOLUTION Fergus Job Management Software. Electricians swear by it! Sign up now for your free trial at Makewww.fergus.comyourlifeeasier! Save hours on admin Get paid faster Make every job profitable STAR RATING 4.7 Fergus ad 159w x 224h ELECTRICIANS.indd 1 15/08/22 8:24 AM
Knightsbridge has taken the next step in its lighting evolution, with the inclusion of SpektroLED Tilt to the configurable Knightsbridge SpektroLED series. SpektroLED offers so many combinations of wattage, colour temperature and bezel choice that the product provides a genuine 40-in-1 fire-rated downlighting solution, now in both fixed and tilt versions.
01582mlaccessories.co.ukKnightsbridge,887760
The new SpektroLED Tilt variant increases the options again. Like the fixed model, SpektroLED Tilt offers a choice of two wattages – 5W and 8W – five colour temperatures (CCTs) and five bezel finishes, from white and matt black to chrome, polished chrome and brass; resulting in 40 different style and performance permutations. The wattages and CCTs are switch-selected on the rear of the downlight body. At 5W, SpektroLED delivers up to 465 lumens and up to 795 lumens at 8W. The four CCTs available are 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K, representing warm white through to daylight. The choice of five bezels then allows further customisation to complement or contrast with any interior décor or colourway. Installation, as with all Knightsbridge products, is straightforward. Both units feature simple first fix power connectors with loop in/loop out terminals that can be terminated and hidden away while other works are finished. The downlight can then be plugged in to complete the installation after decoration and lend themselves easily to maintenance and access to the innovative CCT and power properties. The downlights are fire rated for solid timber, web joist and I-joist installation for up to 90 minutes depending on materials and, in addition, are IC rated for retention of efficiency of mineral wool insulation in the ceiling void. SpektroLED Fixed has an IP65 rating from below, making it suitable for use in bathrooms and wet rooms, while SpektroLED Tilt is rated at IP20. Once installed, SpektroLED will give 50,000 hours of rated LED life and can be used with most leading and trailing-edge dimmers, though compatibility should be verified beforehand. A five-year warranty guarantees peace of mind.
WITH CONFIGURABLE LED DOWNLIGHTS
60 | September 2022 electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
With introductionthe of ofmanufacturersUK’s–KnightsbridgeSpektroLED,oneoftheleadingwiring accessories and lighting – has removed the limitations of traditional downlights, offering versatility, performance and style in one unique package, and allowing for customisation and personalisation of lighting design without resorting to multiple lamp types.
traditionallimitationshasKnightsbridgeremovedtheofdownlights
• In stock • • Standalone system • • 8 output and 10 output variants available • • Suitable for dimming and non-dimmable applications • • Presence or Absence detection •• • • 1 or 2 channel applications • • In stock • • Use with DALI Ballasts luminaires • • Graduated Dimming • • Future Proof • • Plug and play installation (requires programming) • • Simple on site configuration •• • • All lead configurations available • • In stock • • On / Off Occupancy / Absence detection • • Switching or DALI dimmable versions • • Intelligent photocell • • Manual override • • Commissioning via hand held programmer • • Low profile • • Surface mount option • • Pre leaded or stand alone •
• Choice is increasing. Many manufactures are now offering a wider choice of wattages and outputs in a single size of fitting. Performance(l.lm/c.W) End-user price (£)
Many landlords and facilities managers thought that the ‘lighting job’ was done.
4 x 18W CATII 45 N/A LED panel, 2015 90 80 NVC panel,STERLING2022 130 35
he landscape for workplace lighting has changed, and this is re-opening opportunities for contractors to install upgraded lighting that many people thought were closed.
Opportunities for contractors
LED 600 x 600 changes, 2015-2022
The payback that made the switch to LED attractive seven years ago is back, and it’s better than ever
The payback that made the switch to LED attractive seven years ago is back, and it’s better than ever. Now, with electricity at £0.30/kWh, that 2015-vintage 36W LED panel is costing £47 per year to run. At the same time, taking the latest data from NVC Lighting, performance has improved (+44%) and prices have fallen (-55%). If we take 3,250 luminaire lumens as the benchmark output, at an efficiency of 130l.lm/c.W that requires just 25W. That’s an annual running cost of £32.40 and an annual saving of £14.60 compared with the 2015-vintage panel. At an end-user price of c. £35 the payback is c. 2.5 years. The good times are back!
LIGHTING 62 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
For the contractor and the landlord, facilities manager or building owner, this looks like a simple opportunity. New lighting on a 1:1 basis is easy to cost-justify and install, and there are more benefits to an LED lighting replacement programme than just an electricity cost saving: • LED fittings are better than they used to be. Warranties are getting longer (five years is commonplace, but NVC offers seven) and the rated lifetime performances are improving too. L80 100,000 hours is available from NVC and some other manufacturers.
They switched to LED several years ago, so there is nothing more to do. Right?
LED LIGHTING IS BRINGING NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Wrong!
History is now repeating itself
Phil Brown, Director of Product & Marketing, NVC Lighting, explains.
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Electricity costs are soaring Consider the standard 600 x 600 panel. When people replaced their old 4 x 18W fluorescents a few years ago the economic argument was compelling. With electricity at £0.12/kWh and an efficiency of about 45 luminaire lumens per circuit watt (l.lm/c.W), the fluorescent fitting was costing about £37 per year to run (12 hours/day, 360 days/year) and delivering about 3,250 luminaire lumens. A new LED panel then (c. 2015) was rated at about 36W, delivered c. 90l.lm/c.W, cost just £19 per year to run and delivered the required 3,250 luminaire lumens. With a running-cost saving of £18 per year, no maintenance (re-lamping) and a budget cost per LED panel of £80 to the client, the payback was less than five years.
T: 0121 457 6340 E: sales@nvcuk.com E: technical@nvcuk.com W: www.nvcuk.com Extensive range of LED lighting for indoor and outdoor applications High specification, high performance products offering excellent value 7-year warranty on all contractor In-house,products standards compliant, lighting design service In-house manufacturing facilities producing bespoke products Proactive support from specification to installation Lithium batteries as standard on all contractor emergency lighting products Switching to NVC couldn't be easier Our products are available through our distribution partners across the UK & WhyIrelandswitch to NVC lighting? Our product data is on Luckins 7Theyearswitch All our NVC contractor products now carry a... Get ourcopyyourof NEW catalogue
More energy efficient lighting reduces emissionsthethat need to be offset
• LED efficiency drops as the fittings age. When new, an LED panel installed in 2015 might have delivered 90l.lm/c.W –but after five or more years of use, lumen depreciation will have taken its toll and that will almost certainly have fallen to 80l.lm/c.W or lower. A new LED panel will deliver c. 130l.lm/c.W, and will bring the light levels back up to where they should be.
• Carbon neutral. Many businesses are working towards being carbon neutral. This entails reducing emissions as far as possible and then paying to offset whatever remains, often investing in renewable energy projects or reforestation schemes. More energy efficient lighting reduces the emissions that need to be offset, so it is a double win for the organisation and the environment.
Bringing lighting controls back to centre stage Lighting controls fell out of favour with efficient LED light fittings and low electricity costs. Their cost was hard to justify. Now is the time to think again. Including a microwave sensor when installing new fittings in the toilets or including a sensor to control the lighting in each aisle of a warehouse can be both simple and cost effective.
• Long life – lithium batteries often have a design life of eight years, compared to only four for old NiCd technology. Some manufacturers even include the lithium batteries in their warranty – something that was unheard of with NiCd.
DON’T BE MISLED
Lumens per watt (lm/W) is the number of lumens of light a bare LED will emit under laboratory conditions, per watt of power consumed. Values in excess of 200 lumens/watt are achievable – but remember – this is under laboratory conditions and bears little relation to the performance of a complete light fitting. Luminaire lumens per circuit watt (l.lm/c.W) is the number of lumens emitted by a luminaire (after the light has passed through lenses, reflectors, diffusers etc.) per watt of power consumed both by the driver and the LEDs. This is always measured at 25°C and is a good guide to the performance of a light fitting under normal working conditions. So, if a lighting supplier quotes figures approaching or above 200 you should question closely what they mean. Is that the performance of the LEDs alone, or of the luminaire as a whole?
If you are talking to a potential client about a lighting upgrade, don’t forget to mention the emergency lighting. Just like LEDs, emergency lighting has gone through a technological change in recent years. The biggest single change has been the switch to lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are now the power source of choice for stand-alone emergency lighting. Their key advantages over older nickel-cadmium (NiCd) technology are:
• Light quality is improving too. The problem of flicker has been massively reduced and colour rendering (CRI) is improving.
Don’t forget the emergency lighting
64 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine LUMENS PER WATT VS LUMINAIRE LUMENS PER CIRCUIT WATT –
In summary – recent advances in the technology of LEDs and emergency lighting, coupled with the sudden increase in electricity costs, mean that attractive opportunities exist for electrical contractors to offer their clients relatively simple lighting upgrades that benefit everyone.
NVC Lighting, nvcuk.com
• Greater reliability – working more reliably, over longer periods and at a greater range of temperatures, lithium batteries are simply a better power source for guiding people to safety in an emergency.
• Energy efficiency – lithium loses about 3% of its charge every month, but NiCd lost typically 20%, so it had a higher parasitic load.
Emergency lighting has gone through a technological change in recent years
DANLERS Limited, DANLERS Business Centre, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6NQ, UK T: +44 (0)1249 443377 E: sales@danlers.co.uk www.danlers.co.uk New Smart ISI range ♦ PIR occupancy switches with built-in photocells ♦ Free-to-download DANLERS iOS and Android app ♦ Simple and easy-to-use ♦ Programmable setback light levels and fade rates ♦ Upgradeable for extra features such as group control and asset tracking DANLERS Lighting Controls This NEW DANLERS range of smart sensors is quick to set up, with DANLERS own easy-to-use APP (Android & iOS). Security options are available, to avoid unauthorised changes to settings. It has switching and dimming compatibilities for DALI and 0-10V. Upgradeable via over-the-air updates with additional licences and extra features. Ideal for energy-saving automatic lighting control. DANLERS Viewrangethe
Zumtobel, z.lighting
Paul Bussoopun, Key Account Manager – Central Specification, Zumtobel Group, explains, “This was a project with a long install programme extended longer by the COVID-19 pandemic. We first engaged with Highcross, the electrical contractor, in April 2018. The project involved the modernising of an existing building and took several project management hours to ensure the design that was developed on paper with the consultant, would work on site.
GuestJoss GuestJoss
he University of Leicester is committed to offering an enhanced student experience. The recent regeneration of its Percy Gee Building, located at the heart of its campus, has created multi-use areas all in one space. Additionally, a four-storey expansion features a dedicated informatics lab, a high-tech media centre, and a performance studio. Initially designed by T Shirley Worthington as the central hub, over 60 years later the Percy Gee Building now houses a new spacious food court, the Student Services Centre, and is home to the Student Union.
A scheme award-winningof products
The façade gives a light and spacious feeling to all four floors, however, the new glass curtain wall of the building’s main elevation presented a further challenge which was overcome in collaboration with the Group’s custom product department. The glass structure limited the mounting options for the façade lighting. A modified selection of Zumtobel’s colour changing luminaires were used to complete the stunning wow factor which greets visitors when approaching the site.
“We were faced with several co-ordination challenges – existing concrete ceilings, lack of ceiling voids, and changes of ceiling heights, all due to the constraints of working on a 60 year old building. We worked closely with the design team to ensure any design changes were made promptly so the lighting design and order could be amended in time to meet the delivery programme.”
The main challenge was introducing an energy efficient LED scheme with a lighting control system to meet the architect’s original concept to a tight deadline and withinWorkingbudget.from the lead architect, Shepheard Epstein Hunter’s lighting and conceptual design, the Group worked with White Young Green Consulting to develop a scheme that would create an excellent space to meet, work and relax.
The basement houses the kitchens and dance studios where a mixed scheme of Zumtobel’s VAERO and ECOOS and Thorn’s Duoproof and ForceLED are used, respectively. The building’s wow factor comes in the shape of the new eastern façade of the four-storey extension which fronts directly onto the recently completed Fielding Johnson Square.
ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The Percy Gee Building houses a new spacious food court, the Student Services Centre, and is home to the Student Union
The University of Leicester is committed to offering an enhanced student experience
The award-winning PANOS LED downlight series is ideal for the functional and architectural lighting tasks for education settings, delivering unrivalled lighting quality and energy efficiency. Similarly, the Thorn IQ Wave is an award-winning luminaire defined by simple and flowing lines that help to create a modern but simplistic aesthetic. Its innovative MV tech optic offers excellent uniformity and glare control, direct/indirect light for illuminance on faces and walls to encourage a comfortable, communicative working environment.
Emergency lighting is provided by Zumtobel’s RESCLITE PRO. With its innovative optics, this small powerhouse meets all the requirements of emergency lighting, combining minimalist design with the highest technical standards.
T
66 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
The Zumtobel Group’s lighting brands – Zumtobel and Thorn – have supplied an energy efficient lighting solution for the redevelopment of the University of Leicester’s award-winning Percy Gee Building. The result is a perfect space to meet, work and relax.
To further enhance energy conservation, the complete lighting solution, including the self-test emergency luminaire monitoring and colour changing of the exterior scheme, is controlled via Zumtobel’sLITECOMLITECOM.isaneasy to commission, app-based next-generation lighting management system for the entire building, achieving energy savings of up to 82%.
Various energy efficient Zumtobel and Thorn luminaires were selected for the workspaces and circulation areas. Including Zumtobel’s PANOS infinity, PANOS evo, TECTON, SLOTLIGHT infinity, VAERO, ECOOS, NIGHTSIGHT, ONDARIA, SCONFINE, COMSIGN and Thorn’s Omega LED, Chalice Pro, Chalice, and IQ Wave Suspended.
A chance to further exploit energy savings
01582 88 77 60 mlaccessories.co.uk sales@mlaccessories.co.uk SpektroLED® THE 40-IN-1 SOLUTION AVAILABLEINFIXEDANDTILT30mins*I-JOIST 30 mins WEB JOIST 30/60/90 mins TIMBER JOIST *Tested with Staircraft i-joists **SPEKFCWA only to date ***Bezels not included TESTED**ACOUSTICIP65FIXED IP20TILT ICRATED AvailableOptions 8W5WFIXEDTILT 6000K2700K3000K4000K 5 5WattageDual AdjustableCCT FinishesBezel WarrantyYear
“The choice of theandequipmentlightinglightsourcewascriticaltothesuccessofproject”
The lighting design scope included designs for private and communal roof terraces, the façades and the adjoining public realm spaces at ground floor level.
Michael Grubb Studio developed several key principles at the very early stages of the project. The external lighting is needed to create a cohesive lit environment after dark, enhance architectural character, create an identity, and assist with wayfinding. This needed to be balanced with consideration for, and protection of, the natural environment, as well as a sensitivity to neighbouring and adjacent developments. Finally, it was crucial that the scheme was a low-energy solution, easy to maintain and delivered within budget.
omprising 12 and 10 storeys, the two buildings, designed by Bennetts Associates, offer 48,400m2 of commercial space to the regenerated area. Both are mixed-use buildings bringing together office space, flexible retail spaces, and a Public Health Care Centre on the ground floor. The building’s façades have been carefully designed as a nod to the site’s heritage, noting the connection to the railway and industrial past.
The identity,character,architecturalafterlittolightingexternalisneededcreateacohesiveenvironmentdark,enhancecreateanandassist with wayfinding
MICHAEL GRUBB STUDIO PROVIDES LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICES FOR META
Michael Grubb Studio developed a range of lighting proposals in conjunction with the client and design team. These all met BREEAM criteria and followed the basic principles set out within Argent’s King’s Cross Central Lighting Vision & Technical Guidelines (2007). In addition, the external lighting strategy was designed in compliance with the ILP Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light, 2011, ‘Controlling Light Pollution and Reducing Lighting Energy Consumption’. The scheme also complies with the CIBSE SLL Lighting Guides for The Outdoor Environment. Looking specifically at the areas within the project, the lighting for the communal terraces needed to be warm, welcoming, and sophisticated. Michael Grubb Studio designed a scheme that uses layers of light, combining ambient and architectural lighting that work in harmony to add character, drama, and interest. The scheme illuminates key points and features along the route with low levels of lighting. Seating, trees, and soft landscaping edges were identified to achieve this. An additional Light-Art feature adds variety and creates a unique experience. There have also been opportunities created to embrace darkness, helping to provide a more effective viewing platform across the city after dark. It also helps to support and nurture surrounding habitats without compromising safety. When the roof terraces are being used for special events and private hire, a temporary lighting overlay can be used. This approach provides flexibility and prevents the need for additional clutter that is not required on a permanent basis. Additional exterior rated power supply points are strategically positioned throughout the communal roof terraces – discreetly hidden within structures, furniture, and soft planting areas. These points provide flexibility and allow for the temporary lighting installations to be installed as needed. The external lighting of the building façade is confined to the framework structure that wraps the building. This integral lighting reveals and enhances the materiality and configuration of the mesh panelling. Discreet LED modules are attached to the upper and underside of the structural support bars, evenly illuminating each section. The LED modules are approximately 25mm x 25mm and painted with a special RAL finish to match the structural bars. Each fitting contains precise narrow beam optical distribution. To achieve this, carefully selected lighting products were needed to perform specific functions. Several factors were taken into consideration when choosing the final specification. These included the need for a small appearance, as the design intent was to create a lighting effect, not display the lighting equipment. Optical performance was crucial, as was quality, as the solutions needed to offer superior longevity to comply with the building maintenance strategy. Once installed, lighting was carefully focused using either fixed or lockable luminaires, with the provision of louvers, cowls, snoots, and other accessories that ensured light was fully controlled without any glare or light trespass. The buildings were officially opened by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, with Meta’s 4,000 employees now at home in their new HQ. Michael Grubb michaelgrubbstudio.comStudio, Michael Grubb Studio was appointed by Argent to provide lighting design services for both the T2 and T3 buildings, which are situated in the commercial district of London’s Kings Cross development. The office space is occupied as the UK headquarters of Meta UK, known until 2021 as Facebook.
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68 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL LIGHTING electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
September 2022 | 69 • Ultima • Premium Edge S • Premium Edge • Median • Profile • Arctic Edge • Hurricane • Euro Media • Matrix20 • Metallic 10 RANGES Tel: 0121 711 1990 | Email: sales@niglon.co.uk | Web: www.niglon.co.uk Wiring Accessories IndependentlyTested&Certifiedby FEATURESPECIAL WIRING ACCESSORIES supported by @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com
ENSURING EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY
Niglon says it is proud to have more than 850 products across 10 ranges
W hile the look of Niglon’ssatisfaction,customertoisandsocketsswitchesessentialensure primary concern is always how the productThat’sperforms.whyallof the company’s ranges have undergone an extensive research and development process, independent testing, and improvement based on contractor feedback. Now Niglon says it is proud to have more than 850 products across 10 ranges, offering a huge choice of high-quality wiring accessories to wholesalers across the UK. This means they can source safe, reliable and certified switches and sockets from one reputable supplier – knowing that Niglon’s products are also fairly priced, meaning it can pass these competitive prices on to its customers.
Over the past few decades, Niglon has been busy perfecting not only the aesthetics of its wiring accessories ranges, but also ensuring the quality is just as good.
All of the company’s switches are tested and certified by Intertek to the British Standard BS EN 606691, while sockets are tested to BS1363-2, FCUs to BS1363-4, USB Sockets to BS EN 62368, and Cooker Units to BS4177. Testing to the appropriate standards by a recognised test body gives Niglon –and its customers – complete confidence that the product reaches the expected quality levels. It gives the company formal certification which it can share with wholesalers or contractors, and guarantees the performance of the product, not just in the short term but across its entire lifetime. The Intertek test reports are checked by the team at Niglon to evaluate product performance, which gives the assurances needed that product design is sound. Through this process, Niglon knows that its products meet or exceed the criteria set out in the relevant British and International standards.
Testing Niglon has long-since been a vocal advocate for comprehensive testing – pushing for higher standards within the industry and calling out occasions where poor (or a complete lack of) testing has taken place. To that end, it ensures all of its wiring accessories are rigorously tested, essentially simulating the life cycle of the product within the development process.
70 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL WIRING ACCESSORIES electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine DecorativeScrewless DecorativeAdvanced DecorativeSlimline MouldedSquareEdgeCurvedSoftEdge MouldedSlim
• Cross-sectional area and 63%+ copper ensures excellent conductivity.
• All products tested and certified to appropriate British Standards.
• Guarantees of up to 30 years.
Materials A key component to ensuring the quality of the products is the materials used – all of the plastic accessories are manufactured using a high grade, scratch resistant Urea which has excellent electrical insulation and heat resistant properties, and has been glow wire tested up to 850°C. High grade stainless steel is used to make the decorative ranges, which are then plated in a variety of contemporary finishes to suit a range of decors and tastes. If we look inside the products, internal brass components contain a least 62% copper and are designed with an appropriate cross-sectional area. This ensures excellent conductivity and reduces heat build-up when temperature rising testing is being undertaken.
• 15,000 cycle switch endurance test.
All products tested and certified to appropriate British Standards Niglon has been a vocal advocate for testingcomprehensive
• Batch inspections, end of line testing and final inspections all take place as standard.
The newest range is Median – a complete solution for all jobs with its clean, simple look and an understated appearance with white moulded soft curved edges designed to complement all interiors. Next is Profile, a modern range of ultra-slim, smooth-edged moulded wiring accessories with a gently contoured 4mm faceplate in bright white Urea with matching screw caps. Looking for a white, square-edged, moulded accessory? Then Arctic Edge could be the optimum choice – traditional design values for new or existing installations, in a robust Urea construction.
The Niglon ranges Ultima is the flagship range, manufactured with stainless steel faceplates with a brushed or polished chrome effect finish. Ultima accessories are used in a wide range of settings, from residential homes to hotels and commercial buildings.
Quality assurance During the manufacture of products, batch inspections of specific components are carried out to ensure the parts are within the correct tolerance compared to drawings laid out by the design team. End of line testing is also carried out before a final inspection occurs. This in-house final inspection is supported by Niglon’s own Quality Inspection manuals which must be fully complied with before goods are shipped to its wholesalers across the UK. This means the company can be confident that all stock has been subject to a high level of scrutiny through all stages, from production to packaging.
Plus, Niglon is so confident in the products that there’s a 10-year guarantee on the Hurricane range, 20 years on the majority of the other ranges, and an incredible 30 years on Median, Profile and Arctic products.
• Intertek test reports checked in-house to evaluate product performance.
Where a weatherproof product is needed, consumers turn to the Hurricane range, which is constructed from a high impact resistant material. They’re designed to withstand ingress from dust and water, and for use both indoors and outdoors.
About Niglon Niglon is a fourth-generation family-run and family-owned supplier which, alongside wiring accessories, also specialises in circuit protection, installation essentials, industrial accessories, cable management, lighting control, fixings and tools, and control and automation.
A good performance is ensured during the 15,000 cycle switch endurance test, which takes place for all sockets by using copper moving contacts with a riveted copper contact tipped with silver on-lay.
Premium Edge S is among the newest of Niglon’s ranges – and has proved extremely popular. A contemporary, low-profile design, it has a luxurious brushed chrome effect finish and a sophisticated look which enhances other room features. Premium Edge is the top choice for many installs – offering a modern, ultra-slim, decorate, metal-plated look finished in brushed and polished chrome with white or black inserts.
In the most demanding environments, there’s Metallic – Niglon’s comprehensive range of metal clad wiring accessories, manufactured from heavy-duty steel and finished in satin silver. And, last but not least, the Euro Media range of Euro sized modules, allowing integrated of television, data and USB charging points into the Ultima, Premium Edge S, Premium Edge and Profile faceplates.
• 10 ranges of wiring accessories – encompassing more than 850 products.
September 2022 | 71 FEATURESPECIALWIRING ACCESSORIES @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine electricalcontractingnews.com TV / Data & Power SystemGrid Weatherproof MetalClad www.niglon.co.uk | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk 10 RANGES OF WIRING ACCESSORIES Providing an offering for all budgets and applications
The Matrix20 Grid Systems is an extensive range of grid modules providing easy on-site configuration, and offering seamless integration into matching faceplates.
Niglon, niglon.co.uk Quality summary
• Plastic accessories made from high grade Urea and tested to 850°C.
Section 712 has undergone a complete re-write for Amendment 2 and has grown from five to 14 pages! With a lot more detail, new requirements and updated design criteria, this is a big change for designers and installers working with solar PV systems. Most of us will recall that there have long been seven Parts to BS 7671. Not anymore! Part 8 is here, and it deals with prosumer electrical installations. A prosumer is someone who both produces and consumes electrical energy. This is becoming more common now, and demand is only set to rise. Part 8 gives designers the tools they need to consider the future, now. A welcome update here for those who must complete electrical installation certificates. The schedule of inspections has reduced from several A4 pages’ worth of checks and boxes, to 14 simpler tick boxes. There is, of course, still a requirement to inspect, and the information is still held in BS 7671. But now there is no need to complete multiple forms to confirm whether each element has been inspected or is not applicable.
There have been major events and changes since the release of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. Since the ubiquitous ‘blue book’ was published in 2018, the electrical contracting industry has encountered Brexit, COVID-19 and material shortages, building safety legislation and various green technology and other opportunities. Some of these have shaped the way we look at and think about electrical installations today, writes Gary Parker, ECA Senior Technical Manager.
Amendment 2, Regulation 442.1 addresses this by defining a protected escape route as a route designed to be protected against fire for a specified period. During a fire, almost anything is an escape route. But a ‘protected’ escape route is designed by a suitably skilled fire engineer or architect to last longer than a standard corridor. For many years now, we have seen an increase in the use of surge protection devices (SPDs) in the UK. But some of this uptake was caused by confusion about when SPDs should be used. Regulation 443.4.1 is now much clearer and states that protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequences of an overvoltage could result in:
72 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL WIRING ACCESSORIES electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
• Serious injury or loss of human life
• Higher risk residential buildings (HRRBs)
ECA, eca.co.uk
Amendment 2 introduces a new phrase: ‘protected escape route’. Previous editions of BS 7671 referred to escape routes, although this led to confusion and the question, “what is an escape route?”
The existing Regulation 114.1 still remains and says that where a supply is given in accordance with the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR), it shall be deemed that the connection between earth and neutral is permeant. Readers may remember that previous drafts for public comment suggested requirements for more AFDDs. While Amendment 2 has increased the use of these products, it isn’t to the extent that we have seen in the drafts. AFDDs are now mandatory for circuits supplying socket outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32A in:
• Failure of a safety service (such as sprinklers or smoke alarms)
On 28 March 2022, the second Amendment to the 18th Edition was released. The new book (brown this time) is filled with important updates that electrical contractors need to knowHereabout.Gary looks at a few of the major changes in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (from now, referred to as Amendment 2). The last update to the Wiring Regulations (Amendment 1, updating the requirements around electric vehicle charging installations) will be withdrawn on 27 September 2022. Any new work from this date must conform to the new Amendment 2. Some of the wording has also been clarified. For example, some readers took the word ‘recommended’ to mean ‘mandatory’. This has been made clearer throughout, and should now be easier to understand.Theseupdated requirements relate to Regulation 411.3.3 - RCDs and socket outlets. Previous Editions allowed building owners to omit RCDs in some cases where a risk assessment had been done. This is still an option, but the requirements have been tightened up. Amendment 2 now insists that an RCD must be provided where children or disabled persons are present, regardless of whether a risk assessment has been Somedone.new wording has been added to Regulation recommending411.4.2,that an additional connection to earth, by means of an electrode, is provided to PME earthing systems. As mentioned earlier, the word ‘recommended’ is key here. This is just one option, and not mandatory.
A slight, but important, update has been made to Regulation 544.1.1, relating to bonding of outbuildings. Now, any outbuilding on a TN-S or TT earthing system can be bonded in accordance with the incoming cable protective conductor related to that building. Previous Editions required the designer to consider the bonding from the main building, which is still the case for TN-C-S systems. This update gives designers the flexibility to preserve materials, whilst also meeting the requirements of the Standard.
• Significant financial or data loss
• Homes in multiple occupation (HMOs)
• Purpose built student accommodation • Care homes This clarifies the specific locations where AFDDs are required. Of course, this does not restrict their uses in other locations. That is up to the designer, but it is worth noting that some limitations do remain regarding AFDDs. For instance, they are single-phase only and may require a minimum load to function correctly.
In other cases, protection shall be provided (there’s that word ‘shall’ again) unless the owner declares they are not required, and the risk is deemed tolerable by the installer.
WHAT’S NEW IN AMENDMENT 2? The Amendmentsecond to the 18th Edition was released on 28 March 2022 update“This meetingtodesignersgivestheflexibilitypreservematerials,whilstalsotherequirementsoftheStandard” www.niglon.co.uk | 0121 711 1990 | sales@niglon.co.uk 10 RANGES OF WIRING ACCESSORIES Providing an offering for all budgets and applications • Single screw fixing modular switches • Anti-Microbial • Screw covers offer a sleek appearance
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• The nature of the customer demand
Jake Green, Scolmore’s Technical Engagement Manager, provides insight into the integration of electricity generation, energy efficiency management systems and energy storage into a prosuming whole.
The introduction of Chapter 82 into Amendment 2 of BS 7671 has provided additional guidance for the integration of energy efficiency/energy management into the operation of electrical installations.
The design requirements detailed in clause 17.3 are:
This article briefly considers some of the guidance provided by Appendix 17 (Energy Efficiency) detailed in BS 7671 and the Harmonised Document published by BSI, Low-voltage electrical installations Part 8-1: Functional aspects – Energy efficiency (IEC 60364-8-1: 2019) and discusses some of the factors to consider when looking at energy efficiency and energy management.
The current prosuming technologies (PV, generators etc.) provide an opportunity to integrate electricity generation, energy efficiency management systems and energy storage into a prosuming whole, enabling a more varied means of supplying and using electricity.
Legislation In all parts of the UK there are specific requirements detailed in the associated building regulations for energy efficiency. In England, reference should be made to Part L and the associated guidance found in Approved Documents L1 and L2; in Scotland, reference should be made to the Building Regulations Technical Handbooks (Domestic and non-domestic).
Design considerations When considering the availability of electrical energy, the designer and user will have to consider, as a minimum, the following (clause 17.2):
• The intended use of the installation in providing an energy efficient design
A proposed Chapter 81 based on the current Harmonised Document (HD) would require the designer to factor into any calculation the efficient use of electrical energy. Clause 17.11 (Appendix 17) suggests that the design of an electrical installation should consider energy efficiency at every stage, including the impact of different load demands, usage etc. One implication of this is that distribution boards will need to enable the segregation of circuits supplying each zone or mesh as defined. It will be necessary for the user to be able to monitor the electrical installation (clause 17.12) and, therefore, the measurement of total consumption in kWh for every hour of each day should be logged and stored for a minimum of one year and be accessible to the user. However, a simplistic approach to energy efficiency might fail to consider, for example, embodied energy – that is the ‘unconsidered’ energy demands in the production of boards/cablesmore/larger and the like. The designer should not, therefore, simply increase cable sizes to limit voltage drop, or create meshes and zones thinking that these alone will necessarily reduce energy usage.
• Arrangement of circuits
A approachsimplisticto energy efficiency might fail to consider, for embodiedexample,energy
• Availability of local generation, such as PV, wind, generator and the like
he ever-rising cost of energy has become a significant factor in the drive to improve energy efficiency. Whilst data gathered by the government in England and Wales highlights that since 2005 there has been a downward trend in the usage of gas and electricity in all properties irrespective of their age, present price trends are on a rapid upward curve.
• Selection of energy efficient appliances
T
• The provision of a manual override facility enabling the user to take control from any automatic functions
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
For the design of any energy management system, the user specification is critical and to that end, prior consultations must be made to ensure that the energy efficiency management system (EEMS) is correctly set up. Furthermore, the user must have the final decision over whether or not to operate a service at optimal or nominal values, or not to operate for a period of time should the need arise; for example, when someone is ill and a room requires additional heating or when a company receives an urgent order that must be completed (clause 17.2 Note).
• Load energy profile
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Appendix 17 The purpose of Appendix 17 is to ‘…provide additional recommendations for the design and erection of electrical installations, including installations having local production and storage of energy, for optimising the overall efficient use of electricity.’ Whether human behaviour has a greater impact on energy usage than any energy management system, controls will play a significant role in any design considerations (clause 17.2). It is the case that little thought is given for ‘…optimising the overall efficient use of electricity’ when an electrical installation is being designed. For example, cable sizes are determined based upon the design current of the circuits, the rating of the protective device(s), and various rating factors. The selected cable is designed to limit the rise in temperature during current-carrying conditions to a safe level within the limitations of the cable. Currently there is no regulatory imperative for the designer to take account of any energy efficiency factors.
• Reduction of energy losses in the electrical installation
• Assignment of load priority for use as an input of the load optimisation process –including any load shedding
Conclusion It is clear that there is enormous scope for energy monitoring systems, data logging systems and training support for electrical designers as they begin to consider energy efficiency as part of the norm when designing electrical installations.
Scolmore, scolmore.com
74 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL WIRING ACCESSORIES electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
• The tariff structure
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ESF recommends only using a competent and qualified electrician who is adequately assessed to carry out periodic inspection and testing, such as one registered with a recognised competent person scheme, for example, NICEIC or NAPIT.
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“Such protections from electrical risk should also be afforded to those living in social housing. The millions of social renters in England deserve equal protection and it is time for five-yearly electrical safety checks to be extended to this housing sector. Politicians and landlords should do all they can to ensure everyone in social housing can sleep safe at night without fear of electrical danger.” Whilst the majority of landlords do maintain their properties in good condition, safety checks are uncovering shocking and dangerous electrical conditions in some homes. Whilst some social housing landlords already conduct electrical safety checks at intervals between five to 10 years, there is currently no legal time frame in which such safety checks must be routinely conducted, unlike within the private rental sector.
Faults identified were those that required immediate remedial work to ensure that the property and tenants are safe. The most severe hazards are classed as ‘C1 – Danger Present’, indicating that an immediate risk to the tenant’s safety is present. The second category of hazards, known as C2, indicate there is a ‘potential danger’. Hazards that would fit into these categories include exposed live wiring, badly damaged plug sockets and severe overheating of wiring that, if left undetected, would leave the occupiers at risk from electric shock or fire.
Under the law, landlords are obligated to submit a failed condition report ofsecondarywithevidenceremedialwork
76 | September 2022 FEATURESPECIAL WIRING ACCESSORIES electricalcontractingnews.com @ElecConNews /electricalcontractingnews @ecn_magazine
The charity believes a social housing safety vacuum has been created in England, which remains the only nation within Great Britain not to implement five-yearly electrical safety checks for the social housing sector. Such checks are already in place for both the private rented sector and social rented sector in Scotland, whilst Wales has confirmed checks will be legally necessary for both sectors this December.
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, comments: “Our findings demonstrate how essential electrical safety checks are in identifying faults and preventing harm. In their first year alone, they have protected thousands of tenants from faults that could have caused serious injury and fire, and helped maintain the condition and safety of landlord’s properties.
ESF is calling on the government to extend these five-yearly checks to the social housing sector to end the current tenure lottery on electrical safety once and for all. Electrical Safety First, electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
ESF analysed the data in the FOI responses provided by the local authorities, including the number of faults recorded and their hazard level. The charity found that a total of 6,863 electrical faults were recorded across 98 local authorities, giving an insight for the first time into the state of the electrics in England’s private rental housing stock. Until the introduction of safety laws, introduced in June 2020, there was no legal requirement for electrical installations to be regularly inspected and tested.
ESF believes the findings demonstrate the unquestionable success of the newly implemented electrical safety checks and their ability to identify and remedy electrical dangers that would otherwise have gone undetected, leaving occupiers at risk of serious electrical shock and fire. Under the law, landlords are obligated to submit a failed condition report with secondary evidence of remedial work. However, under the current laws in England, these checks do not cover the social housing sector, which accounts for around four million households.
Freedom of information (FOI) requests, submitted by Electrical Safety First (ESF) to local authorities in England, have revealed the extent of dangerous electrical faults that were found since new laws came into force mandating electrical safety checks in privately rented homes.
NEW LAW SEES THOUSANDS OF DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL FAULTS IDENTIFIED IN PRIVATELY RENTED HOMES
Current legislation gives local authorities the power to fine private landlords in England for not complying with safety laws. One incident in Liverpool saw the prosecution of a private landlord by Liverpool City Council following not only a lack of smoke alarms in the property, but also electrical plug sockets hanging from the walls, exposing wiring. Other local authorities taking action under the new laws to keep tenants safe include Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire which, since October 2021, has served five civil penalty notices against landlords found to be in breach of the regulation. The combined total of penalty fines given to these landlords for their failure to comply with the law was £25,000.
Of the 98 local authorities’ data analysed, the areas which identified the most faults and remedial work were Southampton, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Uttlesford, East Hertfordshire and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Faults across the whole of England could have been as high as 24,000, based on the granular data provided by 98 local authorities, which represents 27% of local authorities in England.
The charity submitted FOI requests to a total of 354 local authorities. Of those, 283 responded. When assessing the total number of faults by severity of the hazards identified, data was used from 98 of the local authorities. This is because some local authority data was not granular enough to draw comparisons.
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NEW LED STREET LIGHTING RANGE FROM OVIA
The range extension includes a number of C.K Tools’ most popular impact drill bits but now available in trade pack sizes, reducing the need for merchant trips in the middle of jobs. Developed in collaboration with trade professionals, the Blue Steel impact drill bits are manufactured from specially formulated V8 steel alloy for extreme toughness and extended working life. They also feature torsion control technology to withstand the stresses of high torque applications and are colour coded to aid with easy identification in any tool bag or work environment.
The range extension includes:
With twin adjustable heads providing wider coverage and performance, Zeker is the latest security light to be unveiled by Ansell Lighting Suitable for residential settings, the compact floodlight emits light at a 90-degree angle and is the ideal luminaire for illuminating doorways, patios and garden spaces. Available with and without the option of PIR technology, Zeker offers complete flexibility, providing either a constant source of light or, alternatively, illumination only when a presence is detected. Conveniently, the PIR version does also have an eight-hour manual override facility, giving users the best of both worlds when Constructedrequired.from a robust aluminium, the luminaire is IP65 rated and comes complete with a two-year warranty for added peace of mind. CCT selectable between 3000k, 4000k and 6000k, Zeker is non dimmable and has an LED lifetime of L70 54,000 hours. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “Utilising years of insight and expertise, our design team has strived to create a discreet yet effective security light for the residential market.”
78 | September 2022
New to Elucian is a range of 2 Pole (20A) or 4 Pole (25A, 40A and 63A) Modular Contactors in a variety of Normally Open or Normally Closed contact configurations compatible with the Elucian range of Consumer Units. A contactor is an electrically controlled switch similar to a relay –essentially a low voltage circuit component used for switching a higher-current electrical power circuit (more than 15A or a few kilowatts).
Ovia, oviauk.com C.K TOOLS’ NEW DRILL BITS LEAVE IMPACT
Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com
A LASTING
NEW MODULAR CONTACTORS ADDED TO ELUCIAN CONSUMER UNIT RANGE
Ovia continues to expand its floodlight range and the latest addition is the Gator range of LED street lighting with CTA Switch. With an IK10 housing and IP66 rated, Gator is ideal for lighting larger outdoor areas, such as car parks and walkways, and is designed to be quick and simple to install via toolless entry, with the toolless gear tray allowing for easyTheremaintenance.arethree size/wattage options to choose from – large (135W), medium (65-100W) and small (20-40W) – and they offer a 50,000 hour lifetime and 85° x 150° beam angle. They are available in a grey finish and come with a five-year warranty. The reversible mount option is an additional feature. The mount bracket can be rotated and pivoted to allow for vertical or horizontal fitment with no additional joints required. The Spigot size is 76mm and a wall bracket is available. The shorting cap can be replaced with a photocell sensor to assist with energy saving.
Scolmore continues to expand its Elucian consumer unit range to provide electricians with the broadest possible range of units and protective devices to cater for all installation requirements.
• Blue Steel PH2 25mm 15-piece pack (T4560 PH2D15)
• Blue Steel PH2 50mm 10-piece pack (T4560 PH2LD10)
The new Elucian 2 Pole 20A Modular Contactors are 18mm width and will take up one space/way inside a consumer unit. The Elucian 4 Pole 25A Modular Contactors are 36mm width and will take up two spaces/ways inside a consumer unit. The Elucian 4 Pole 40A and 63A Modular Contactors are 54mm width and will take up three spaces/ways inside a consumer unit. Scolmore, scolmore.com
C.K Tools has introduced several additions to its power tool accessories offering, with five new SKUs added to its Blue Steel impact drill bits range.
• Blue Steel PZ3 25mm 15-piece pack (T4560 PZ3D15)
• Blue Steel PZ3 50mm 10-piece pack (T4560 PZ3LD10) C.K Tools, ck-tools.com
Unicrimp , part of the Scolmore Group of companies, offers an extensive range of cable accessories. The company has just extended its Q-Crimp collection to include 20mm and 25mm white metal Saddle BarTheySpacers.arethe perfect solution for providing support and spacing between conduits and mounting surfaces, and their use will help installers to comply with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. Unicrimp, unicrimp.com
• Blue Steel TX30 25mm 15-piece pack (T4560 TX30D15)
SHINING A LIGHT ON RESIDENTIAL SECURITY
UNICRIMP INTRODUCES METAL SADDLE BAR SPACERS
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The downlight function provides comfortable lighting for patients throughout the day and night and makes examination and observational checks by healthcare professionals easier. The uplight ensures that patients, doctors, nurses, and other care staff can safely move around the ward or bedroom. An important feature is that Cavell has been designed with twin drivers to control the up and downlight separately. This dual control can be operated from a nursing station and the patient’s bedside switch. On and around the pillow area, the patient’s reading light should provide a minimum of 300 lux. Any patient who wishes to read or use a personal electronic device can use the bedhead’s downlight in its low-level, dimmed ‘reading mode’.
CED Electrical, cedelectrical.co.uk
Meridian Lighting by the CED Electrical Group has recently introduced a new range of elegant Swan Neck Sign Lights – traditionally a feature of pubs, but equally suitable for shops or other business units with outdoor display requirements. There are three products in the range, all manufactured with a steel body and finished in high quality brass. The swan neck has a 550mm adjustable projection and comes with a dome cover and BESA box mounting. Two of these sign lamps are IP23 rated and take A60/ E27 type lamps up to 150w equivalent power, with one fitting finished in brass and one in black. Top of the range, however, is an IP44 rated integrated fitting with built-in LEDs –again equal to 150w, but this time complete with Colour Change Technology, offering 3000k warm, 4000k, cool and 5000k daylight options. They are made to BSEN60598-pt2 standards and quality assured with CE/UKCA approvals.
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September 2022 | 79
Aries is a robust LED choiceavailableinisinModernaluminium.fromfabricatedbollarddie-castandedgyitsdesign,Ariesrectangularshapeandisinaoftextured finishes, including black, graphite andSuitablerust. for commercial applications, Aries is IP65 and IK08 rated; it stands at 900mm high and delivers a multi-directional, 360-degree beam of light. A choice of two different colour temperature models are available – 4000k Cool White and 3000K Warm White. Supplied with c/w mounting kit for easy installation, the 20W luminaire also has a 50,000-hour lifetime and comes with a five-year warranty for added peace of mind. Ansell Lighting, anselluk.com
ESP ADDS NEW 2K WI-FI DOORBELL TO ACCESS CONTROL RANGE
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CAVELL – THE HEALTHCARE BEDHEAD FOR OPTIMAL PATIENT REST AND OBSERVATION
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Observation light mode at and around the bedhead position allows caregivers to continuously monitor a patient’s progress during crucial periods, including post-operative care and critical illness. Thorn Lighting, thornlighting.com
Utilising fibre optic transmission, this extender provides high resistance to EMI and RFI, perfect for use in ‘noisy’ areas such as hospitals, large retail installations or industrial buildings.
The Fibre Optic USB 3.2 Type C Extender is supplied with a USB Type A to Micro-B cable which can be attached to a second USB port or to a USB power supply (not included) should additional power be required. With a two-year warranty, this easy to install solution is available from the Lindy website. Lindy, lindy.co.uk
Intended for installation above medical beds in hospitals, care homes, and hospices, Cavell is Thorn’s easy to use and custom-designed bedhead luminaire.
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 smart phone. 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. A notification to the user’s smartphone will be activated when the doorbell has been pressed. If the user misses the notification, the event that triggered the notification can be recalled, as the doorbell has internal storage that will capture all activity, subscription free. ESP, espuk.com
ANSELL LIGHTING HAS UNVEILED THE LATEST ADDITION TO ITS OUTDOOR RANGE
TRADITIONAL SWAN LIGHTS BY MERIDIAN LIGHTING
100 METRE USB-C (43312)
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Fibre Optic USB extenders allow USB signals to be connected far beyond the limits of traditional copper cable solutions. The Lindy 100m Fibre Optic USB 3.2 Type C Extender supports SuperSpeed transfer rates of up to 10Gbps. This Extender is a complete and compact two-part hardware solution comprising of a transmitter that connects directly to the user’s computer and receiver that connects to the USB peripheral, using ‘off the shelf’ LC duplex fibre cabling. The extender is ideal for long distance use with remote desktop links, industrial control systems, surveillance control rooms and external storage applications. This device is fully compatible with, and can be used to extend signals from, 4K USB webcams and video conferencing systems.
