CABLEtalk August/September 2018

August/September 2018 £4.50

Playing by the rules Our Technical experts outline what’s new in the 18th Edition

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MSP Monica Lennon: Why regulation is vital

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Revealed: SELECT Awards nominees

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CONTENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWS

COVER STORY

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Special report outlines the main changes in the new 18th Edition

NEWS

All the latest updates from SELECT and the wider industry, plus meet our latest Members

OPINION

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FROM THE MD Darrell Matthews explains why the road ahead is an exciting one

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Will we ever learn when it comes to pricing construction projects?

FEATURES

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MSP Monica Lennon gives us her view on the future of our industry

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We turn the spotlight on what’s now offered by SELECT training Technical updates continue with insulation resistance test advice

FOCUS

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Len Bunton and Angus Pearson reveal SEC Group seminar findings Help us to nail the nightmare of cash retentions once and for all Are your staff fully engaged? We reveal how to lead from the front

TRAINING

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Portuguese lads enjoy flavour of Scotland during exchange visit

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

48 SELECT AWARDS

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Tough decisions are made as judges choose 2018 finalists

SELECT AGM

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Sunny outlook on the agenda at this year’s get-together

Four new innovative solutions, plus an update from MacRoberts

DIARY

50 CABLEtalk

Meet EDA’s Margaret Fitzsimons and enter our prize wordsearch AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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COMMENT

Looking forward to an exciting future

I

have joined SELECT at a very successful time in its history.

Newell, as previous MD, the management team and staff have all worked hard over the years to successfully grow relationships, increase Membership and enhance our influence with government and decision makers.

My aim is to continue this progression and position SELECT as the voice of the electro-technical industry, and we can only achieve this through listening to Members.

I have been lucky enough to accompany some of our field-based people when they are doing technical visits or Member representative meetings, as well as Toolbox Talks and branch update events.

The knowledge that we pick up from these visits is invaluable and I thank all of the Members that I have met so far for their advice and hospitality – and coffee! I will continue to visit all corners of Scotland to ensure that we don’t focus solely on the needs of electricians in any one area, and that we take account of the challenges for all sizes of businesses too.

There is still a lot to do with government to convince them of the need for tighter requirements for someone to be able to call themselves an electrician and we continue to campaign for protection of title for electricians which will ensure that the industry is quite rightly recognised as a skilled,

“ We continue to campaign for protection of title for electricians which will ensure that the industry is quite rightly recognised as a skilled, qualified profession”

By Darrell Matthews Managing Director, SELECT

qualified profession that the public can trust to work safely in their homes and workplaces.

I am also keen to work with colleagues in the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group to see how we can help members in commercial work get paid on time. We will also continue to lobby the government on protecting retention sums and seek to reduce the level at which project bank accounts are introduced.

The way we communicate is changing rapidly, and we will help our members to respond accordingly.

More and more people live their lives and run their businesses via mobile phones and tablets, and SELECT needs to have the digital content available to service this demand.

Digitalisation will impact on the industry as some of our Members will work on projects that rely less and less on paper drawings – particularly on larger contracts where BIM is the design tool of choice. SELECT will be there to guide our Members through these changes, adapting a skilled workforce that can feel at home in this changing world.

I will carry on the good work done

by Newell and build on the successes, working with Kevin Griffin and the rest of our Presidential team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think there is something we can do better or differently. I am always happy to visit our Members for a coffee and a chat, wherever you are in Scotland!

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NEWS PAYMENTS & REGULATION

CABLEtalk MANAGING EDITOR Alan Wilson alan.wilson@select.org.uk PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Demi Armstrong demi.armstrong@select.org.uk EDITOR Iain Mason iain@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022 PUBLISHER Connect Publications DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk ADVERTISING David Hughes davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0022 Jane Deane jane@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0020 CABLEtalk is produced by Connect Publications on behalf of SELECT

Connect Publications Studio 2001, Mile End 12 Seedhill Road Paisley PA1 1JS Tel: 0141 561 0300

The Walled Garden Bush Estate Midlothian EH26 0SB Tel: 0131 445 5577 CABLEtalk is the official magazine of SELECT and is distributed free to qualifying readers.

ISSN 1365-3288 SELECT is the trading style of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland. The SELECT logo is a registered Collective Mark.

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Listen the Rad to progra io 4 bit.ly/Rmme at 4_prog

Industry issues get an airing on radio as new deal announced A recent BBC Radio 4 documentary on payment practices in the construction industry highlighted the abuses that apply on a day-to-day basis.

As well as showing the passion and commitment of those in the supply chain, File On 4: Construction In Crisis? also exposed some difficult home truths.

The programme – aired on 15 July – showed how some of the biggest construction companies often use the supply chain as a financial crutch, even structuring business models to this end.

The show was aired ten days after the launch of the Construction Sector Deal,

which has pledged to transform the industry.

The deal has been backed by the Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group, with CEO Rudi Klein saying it offers an opportunity to address the fault lines that have tarnished its image and damaged the prospects for thousands of SMEs. He said: “The Grenfell tragedy and the Carillion debacle have highlighted the dysfunctionalities in procurement and delivery, especially abusive business practices and the lowest price culture which have had such a detrimental impact on quality.”

NEW MEMBERS

14 firms have become SELECT Members since May 2018 Anderson Property Services (Scotland) Ltd - Hamilton Back To Earth Electrical Ltd Dunfermline

McKay Electrical - Rothesay ETS - Electrical and Technical Services Ltd - Bellshill

Barbour Electrical - Balmore

Phil Heath Electrical Services Broxburn

Callaghan Electrical Services Aberfeldy

Richard McCusker Electrical Ratho

Cassidecks Smart Electrical Solutions - Inverkip

O Mac Construction Limited Stornoway

Chris Parr Joiner & Electrical Contractors - Taynuilt Peak Electrical Solutions Glasgow Porteous Electrical Services Bishopsbriggs Strathspey Electrical Services Ltd Grantown On Spey

‘Construction tsar’ call to protect payments

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ELECT has called on the Scottish Government to learn from the collapse of Carillion by appointing a Chief Construction Advisor (CCA) to regulate aspects of the construction industry – most urgently on the pressing issue of late payment.

Darrell Matthews, SELECT’s new MD, said: “The collapse of Carillion sent shockwaves through the UK construction sector.

“While Scotland was perhaps in a better position than the rest of the UK, we believe that the Scottish

Government should treat this as a wake-up call and put protections in place.

“Our members believe that the appointment of a CCA, acting as a ‘construction tsar’ to enforce already existing legal protections by ensuring repeated late payers are identified, monitored and if necessary, punished, would be a clear signal of intent by the Scottish Government.”

The appointment of a regulator was recommended in the 2013 Review of Scottish Public Sector Procurement in Construction review, and SELECT’s calls have been echoed by a number of MSPs,

including Labour’s Monica Lennon.

Darrell added: “There needs to be full recognition that the construction sector is a key driver of Scottish growth and that given the sheer volume of public sector construction contracts, the Scottish Government needs to be certain that public money is going to responsible, well-managed SMEs.”

Labour MSP Monica Lennon gives her verdict on CCAs, protection of title and much, much more on pages 14&15

SECG discusses financial concerns with MSP James

Left to right: Rudi Klein (SECG CEO), Ken Lewandowski, James Kelly MSP, Eddie Myles (SECG Scotland chair) and Alan Wilson (SELECT) CABLEtalk

Representatives of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group (Scotland) met with James Kelly MSP, Labour’s Shadow Finance Minister, on Tuesday 31 July.

The group was represented

by Rudi Klein, Eddie Myles, Ken Lewandowski and Alan Wilson from SELECT, who is SECG (Scotland) secretary. The productive meeting touched on issues relating to late payments, retentions and project bank accounts.

Mr Kelly has now asked SECG for more details so he can consider how to offer the best support to SMEs. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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NEWS SELECT / INDUSTRY

Stepping out for a good cause It was best foot forward on the rugged Pentland Hills as SELECT got behind the President’s Walk to raise much-needed funds for the industry’s own charity.

More than 20 people – plus dogs – took part in the challenging six-mile hike from the Hillend Ski Slope over Caerketton and Allermuir Hills on 2 June.

Walkers all made donations to the Electrical Industries Charity, which provides

financial relief and practical support to people who have worked or are working in electrical-related industries. The day raised around £500.

Kevin Griffin, SELECT President, said: “It was a great day out, with some of the loveliest scenery in Scotland and refreshments afterwards in the SELECT offices.

“I’d like to thank everyone

who gave up their time to support the charity and its marvellous work.”

Marcella McArthur, Regional Business Development Manager for the EIC, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support for the President’s Walk which will raise some very welcome funds.”

The EIC helps all people working within the electrical,

UK lighting is worth £2.4bn

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new survey reveals the UK lighting market is now worth around £2.4 billion – a rise of 44 per cent since 2013.

The AMA Research report says the key driver is LEDs, which have gained a significant share in the non-domestic sector and also started to make inroads into the domestic market.

Retro-fitting of lamps has also been crucial to growth rates and is expected to continue, thanks to a wide range of replacement, higher value LED and low-energy halogen products.

The report says that luminaires dominate the market, accounting for 57% share in 2017, although their overall 8

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share is gradually declining in response to the high growth of other sectors.

This strong luminaire growth has been underpinned by investment in street lighting, rising levels of house completions, and improvements in construction output.

Controls also remain an important sector, with their high levels of growth reflecting a sustained focus on efficiency and cost savings.

AMA's Fiona Watts said: "There is potential for growth from the domestic sector as the take-up of LEDs offers increased scope for a reduction in energy use and improved controls.” l The Lighting and LED Market Report can be ordered at www.amaresearch. co.uk or by calling 01242 235 724.

electronics and energy community, as well as family members and retired colleagues, with programmes covering families, apprentices, pensioners and practical methods of support.

These programmes give the industry access to financial grants and a range of free, confidential services and are provided by company donors, sponsors, volunteer committee members and fundraisers.

Updated fire regulations The industry standard BS 5839-6 fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings is being updated.

The code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises is currently in the process of being amended and a draft for public comment (DPC) was issued on 4 July.

The DPC – available until 4 September – may be of particular interest to architects and other building professionals, enforcing authorities, installers and others implementing fire precautions in domestic premises.

If you want to know more about the proposed changes – or would like to have an input into the development of this important standard – you can access the draft online at bit.ly/BS_fire To be able to comment you will first need to register on the BSI website at www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/

Walkers gather in the Pentlands

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NEWS SELECT / INDUSTRY New boys Jack, Lewis and Aiden

Gordon becomes SNIPEF president

NES welcomes 3 new apprentices

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ward-winning SELECT Member company North Electrical Services (NES) has been praised for recruiting a new intake of apprentices for the sixth year in succession.

The company, which has bases in Inverness and Elgin, has recently started three apprentice electricians, taking its total number of current trainees to 14.

The latest intake includes Jack Gall, 18, from Inverness, Lewis Urquhart, 16, from Dingwall, and Aiden Stewart, also 16, from Elgin.

This means apprentices make up more than 23 per cent of NES's 60-strong workforce – a fact welcomed by Lady Cobham CBE, director general of The 5% Club, an employer-members group working to create skills training opportunities across the UK. Lady Cobham said: “NES’s record of recruiting apprentices in each of its six years of business is extremely impressive,

as is the proportion of apprentices which now makes up the company’s workforce.

“Providing training opportunities is vital to ensure our future generation has access to practical skills to equip them for the modern workplace, improve their confidence and help the wider economy.”

Since being set up in 2012, NES has recruited 18 apprentices and each year has seen young workers complete the four-year course and pass their Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) qualifications.

NES managing director Kenny Duncan said: “Since our inception, we’ve focused on apprentices and staff development which has proven to be very successful.

“It is important for us to not only develop the company, but also to provide opportunities for young people.”

Earlier this year, NES won the north section of the Business of the Year category for firms with under 100 staff in the Scottish SME Business Awards, then went on to take the national title.

TELL US YOUR NEWS! We want to share our Members’ good news – so please let us know what’s going on in your business 10

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The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) has announced that their incoming President for 2018/19 is Gordon Matheson.

His appointment was confirmed at SNIPEF’s Annual General Meeting on 1 June, when the following office bearers were elected: ●●President – Gordon Matheson ●●Vice President – Neil Hadden ●●Immediate Past President – Gerry Woods Gordon (pictured below) is the 96th President of SNIPEF and is from the Edinburgh and District Association. His firm, Matheson Plumbing Company Ltd is based in Falkirk.

Gordon said: “I am looking forward to my year as President of SNIPEF. Over the past two years as an office bearer, I've seen many changes in SNIPEF. This will continue so we can provide the service and representation that our members require.

"There are a number of things I'd like to see changed within our industry, primarily the outdated practice of retentions abolished.

"Retentions serve no purpose other than to provide free finance for those who apply them. Professional tradespeople will go back and rectify defects that arise from their work without the need for retentions – their reputation and future work depends on them providing a quality service."

Tell us about your: ●●New contracts ●●Special projects ●●Apprentice news ●●Awards

●●Promotions ●●New arrivals Email any news to iain@connectmedia.cc or call 0141 560 3022

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ELECT has welcomed the appointment of James Whiteford as Chair of Local Authority Building Standards Scotland (LABSS), the organisation that represents building standards verifiers in Scotland.

James, who is the Lead Building Standards Surveyor (West) for Scottish Borders Council, took the reins from Dave Aitken, Team Leader Building Standards Dundee City Council, at the organisation’s AGM and Conference at Discovery Quay in Dundee.

Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “SELECT has long campaigned for and supported approved certification and we stand firmly with James as he takes responsibility for this vitally important role of protecting and preserving the integrity of the built environment.

“LABSS has issued guidelines

James picks up the reins regarding certification services and parts I look forward to working with the team of the regime work very well. However, at the Bush Estate and other concerned SELECT feels that it would be advisable bodies to update awareness. to make the use of existing approved “I would like to record my certifier schemes mandatory, appreciation for the invaluable particularly for governmentwork carried out by my funded work.” predecessor in the Chair and James said: “SELECT is I would hope that, with the a strong campaigning body support of bodies such as that has been a consistent SELECT, we can introduce supporter of approved real change to the Scottish certifier schemes and building standards system.”

James Whiteford

MP Chloe with apprentices

MP makes SECTT visit The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) was delighted to welcome MP Chloe Smith to Edinburgh College, when she visited the Get into Electrical Installation programme on 20 June.

The Conservative politician, who was on Parliamentary business in Scotland, met a group of 11 Prince’s Trust apprentices who’d only started at the college two days previously.

Anne Galbraith, SECTT Chief Executive, said: “Although nervous, they spoke well with the minister and asked some good questions.

“I also introduced her to three apprentices in the third stage of the Electrical Installation MA, who started their careers on the original Get into Electrical Installation programme.

“Again, they spoke eloquently of the opportunities they have had and how much they are enjoying being apprentice electricians.”

You can read about another successful SECTT visit on pages 46&47 CABLEtalk

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COMMENT

Will we ever learn?

20%

70%

By Alan Wilson Head of Membership and Communications, SELECT

H

ands up who knows what the graphic above represents? Well done and a metaphorical prize to all those who said that it shows the breakdown of an average modern construction project.

Some 20% of total spend goes on construction, 70% on whole life cost and 10% on demolition. But we – and in particular I mean clients – have become obsessed with the 20% element.

The mantra seems to be ‘Let’s build a new [insert project here] at the cheapest possible price’. But what this really means is a knock-on effect all down the contractual chain. Main contractors squeeze sub-contractors who squeeze sub-sub-contractors and so it goes on.

What happens is a reduction in cost but at the same time a reduction in quality of design, construction and products.

In her recent report following the Grenfell tragedy – Building a Safer Future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety – Dame Judith Hackitt said: “The aim of the procurement process should be to obtain best value, rather than lowest

10% cost. Clients should be aiming to construct buildings that have a long life cycle. The best value is dependent on establishing a collaborative partnership between the client, the contractor and their supply chain – those responsible for the technical detail and those responsible for commercial negotiations need to work together effectively.”

She added: “The requirements within contracts can encourage poor behaviours in the relationships between the client, the contractor and the designer. For example, the low margin for larger contractors sometimes leads them to push technical and contractual risk down to their sub-contractors. This process both leads to risk being handled by people who are unable to mitigate those risks appropriately and drives inefficiency in building contracts.”

There are countless examples of construction projects of all sizes in Scotland being over budget or, even more disturbingly, being on budget but not built correctly. Clients must take a greater responsibility in the whole process; it’s not enough to effectively throw a contract in the air and then simply choose the cheapest option.

All this does is propagate all that’s wrong with the industry and its constant race to the bottom. We need clients to take the lead, become more accountable and take more responsibility. It’s simply not right that they abdicate their responsibility and push all risks down the contractual chain.

So how can clients help? They need to listen to and use the advice from industry experts such as Dame Judith.

Now is the time for clients to take a fresh look at their procurement activity and speak to designers and contractors before committing to build something at a ‘guesstimate’. They should not be rushing to offload risk, be it in design or in construction. All too often the risk is passed down the line in a contract like an unseemly game of pass-the-parcel, with the unfortunate ‘winner’ – usually those least able to deal with the risk – carrying the can for everything that happens on site.

It’s important to remember that when we build things, it’s for a purpose and life span. So clients, please change your mindset away from cheapest is best. History shows that almost every time it’s not!

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FEATURES THE BIG INTERVIEW

Building our future Central Scotland Labour MSP Monica Lennon discusses some of the major issues facing the industry – and how she sees it progressing

By Andrew Collier You’re Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Construction. What are its aims?

I’ve been a member since being elected in May 2016. It’s a well-established and respected forum for interested MSPs to come together with people from outside the Parliament who have expertise. The group has been established mainly to inform policymaking and to influence the political agenda. The CPG’s aim is for Scotland to have a world-class construction industry that delivers best value for its clients. There’s also a big focus on safety and on ensuring a good career path for people. We also want to make sure that construction is on the radar of the Government and ministers.

The group has suggested appointing a Chief Construction Adviser. What benefits would this bring the industry?

There was actually a review of the sector a few years ago and a recommendation for this post came out of that. The collapse of Carillion should be a game changer for the industry and we see it as an opportunity to improve current practices. The Chief Construction Adviser would have appropriate powers to be able to admonish any contractor.

We’ve suggested this to the Government and are now waiting for a response.

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Speaking of regulators, how important is it that the electrical industry is correctly regulated?

I was shocked to learn that anyone can call themselves an electrician. That does pose a real threat to public safety and it’s why I support the protection of title campaign. This is a safety-critical occupation and unregulated individuals shouldn’t be able to use the title of electrician when they haven’t demonstrated that they meet national or industry standards. It would also help consumers make informed choices.

After the Carillion collapse, what could the Scottish Government do to help protect SMEs? We do think project bank accounts (PBAs) would be a good idea. The impact of the Carillion collapse on SMEs could have been significantly reduced if these had been used. They reduce the risk associated with insolvency of the main contractor.

We know the Scottish Government has mandated PBAs for projects over £4 million issued by Government bodies, but it could go further – the Welsh Government has mandated for over £2 million. So there are potentially other models.

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We believe SMEs are the backbone of the economy and are really important in the construction sector. The Scottish Government could also look at procurement, and at packaging contracts into smaller lots. Then it would be easier for smaller firms to bid for those projects.

Simplifying the whole application process would encourage a more diverse range of suppliers – bidding can be quite onerous and time consuming and that can often put smaller companies off.

Monica Lennon MSP

Read a extend n ed ver this intsion of cableta erview at lkmaga com zine.

What are your views on getting more young women into construction?

Women are severely underrepresented. Only a very small percentage of the total number of apprentices are female – fewer than 1.5 per cent. Construction hasn’t even got 100 women. There’s a huge amount to be done. Scotland needs thousands more workers to meet demand for construction projects, but we’re narrowing the talent pool if we only recruit from half the population. We’re still wedded to traditional gender roles.

How do you think we could make this happen in Scotland?

There are different strategies in place, including a Scottish Government Equality Action Plan, but the pace of change is far too slow. In electrical installation, fewer than five women took apprenticeships last year. In honesty, that’s pitiful, and leaders in the various sectors should reflect on that. We still have a long, long way to go.

Are you confident about the future of the industry in Scotland?

How could SMEs be helped to get on to the procurement ladder in local authorities?

That relationship is really important.

If SMEs are doing well, it benefits local economies. So there does need to be better partnership working with local authorities. It might be that the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) help to ensure that local government has the correct support. There are definitely opportunities through vehicles such as the City Deal, and there is a big focus by the Scottish Government on inclusive growth. It would be good to see a more transparent audit to see how well SMEs do out of public procurement contracts.

“Project bank accounts would be a good idea... they reduce the risk associated with insolvency of a contractor”

I think the industry does undersell itself at times – it gets quite a bad image and could do a lot more to make people aware of the fantastic opportunities and different career paths available. There are so many roles. But we need to make sure that we have a champion in the Scottish Government and that’s why it’s important that we keep building up the profile of the CPG to ensure the issues that are important to us are important to ministers too.

And how vital is the ongoing work of SELECT?

It’s been great to learn what SELECT does. As part of the CPG it has flagged up important issues within construction that sometimes aren’t well known. It has also been really great at helping to guide me as the Convener. Every MSP should have an interest in construction because it impacts all our constituents. To help with that, group members can cascade our learning to colleagues. By having SELECT involved, the group will continue to be a strong voice for the sector.

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FEATURES SELECT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2018

Our st r names After a tough day of deliberation, the first round of judging is finally over – so here are the nominees for the SELECT Industry Awards 2018

T

he shortlist for the SELECT Industry Awards 2018 has been announced – and it’s packed with star names again.

A record number of entrants were received for the annual event, which will be held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on Friday 12 October.

And the judging panel had a

tough task whittling down the entries at The Walled Garden on Thursday 26 July.

Each judge had received copies of the entries beforehand and were duly invited to nominate their top choices for each of the seven categories. A lively debate then ensued before the final nominees’ list was drawn up.

A round of face-to-face judging with another

independent judge will now follow before the winners are announced in October.

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner, with more than 400 guests enjoying a dinner dance and top-class entertainment.

As well as the established categories – which include Apprentice of the Year and Lifetime Achievement – there are new awards for best Small,

Medium and Large Contractor. Chair of the judging panel, Stan Johnston, said: “Judging was extremely tough due to the high standard of all entries.

“Each nominee has demonstrated extremely high levels of dedication, commitment and skill. We look forward to speaking to them all and revealing the winners on 12 October.”

BEST DELIVERY OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

BEST VISUAL PROMOTION

BEST ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROJECT

The 2018 nominees

BEST USE OF TRAINING

Sponsored by Ross Electrical

Sponsor to be confirmed

Fife Council Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractor Lotus Electrical Services Stensons (Laurencekirk) Ltd

BEST SMALL CONTRACTOR

Sponsored by ECInsuarnce

ATD Electrical Contractors JK Electrical L&M Electrical Contractors Select Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd

ATD Electrical Contractors Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd Invincible Security L&M Electrical Contractors

BEST MEDIUM-SIZED CONTRACTOR

Sponsored by Whitecroft Lighting Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd KF Watson Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractor Moray Robertson Electrical Services

AWARDS SPONSORS 16

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Sponsored by Connect Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd Moray Robertson Electrical Services Select Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd Servest Arthur McKay

Sponsored by Electrical Safety First

ATD Electrical Contractors Select Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd

BEST LARGE CONTRACTOR

Sponsored by Megger Lotus Electrical Services Maclin Mpact Servest Arthur McKay

Look ou t for the special in the n awards ext edit of CABL ion E the win talk, when all ners an d ac from th e night w tion ill be revea led.

Iain Mason, Editor, CABLEtalk Alan Wilson, SELECT

Demi Armstrong, SELECT

Darrell Matthews, SELECT

The 2018 judging panel Not pictured: Wayne Mackay, Electrical Safety First

Dave Forrester, SELECT

Stan Johnston, Chairman

Ken Lewandowski, Former Clydesdale Bank Chairman

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO, Electrical Distributors’ Association

As well as our seven main categories, three other awards will also be made on the night:

BEST NEW PRODUCT Sponsored by CEF

The judges discussing and deliberating

●

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsored by the SJIB and Edmundson Electrical

●

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Sponsored by Schneider Electric

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FEATURES AGM & TECHNICAL UPDATE 2018

Sunny delight Dave Forrester delivers his presentation

Members heard from a range of speakers

“For the third year, we delivered awareness training, travelling to eight locations with BS 7671 and BS 5839 updates” 18

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From left: John McGhee, Kenny Duncan, Kenny Griffin, Darrell Matthews and Eric Rae enjoy the summer sunshine

Newell McGuiness and Darrell Matthews listen intently during the day

Members leaf through the Annual Report

Members enjoyed good weather and good news at this year’s AGM and Technical Update

A

nother year of successful awareness raising, outreach and training initiatives was celebrated at this year’s AGM and Technical Update.

Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh on 6 June, the event also saw Kevin Griffin and Kenny Duncan re-elected as President and Vice President respectively. It also welcomed Darrell Matthews as our new managing director and wished outgoing MD Newell McGuiness all the best for his retirement after 30 years at SELECT. Kevin said this year’s technical hot topic had been the 18th edition of BS 7671, on which hundreds of hours have been spent to ensure changes are practical and meet standards.

He said: “For the third year, we delivered awareness training to all local authority verifiers, travelling to eight locations around Scotland with BS 7671 and BS 5839 updates.

“These events help maintain our relationship with local authority building standards staff, which helps us represent Members’ interests around the Certification of Construction Scheme.”

The event also heard how 2017

was a strong year for our Toolbox Talks, with more than 650 Members attending the 12 events.

Training played another important role, with a 5% increase in demand for SELECT training courses. The meeting heard how, over the year, SELECT trained 2,871 delegates across 267 different courses. Some 2,044 delegates were from Member businesses, the rest from non-Member organisations.

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See more pictures of the AGM and Technical Update at cabletalkmagazine.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE 18th EDITION

IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition

A 12-page guide to BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations Eighteenth Edition)

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SPECIAL FEATURE 18th EDITION

Contents Introduction and overview of changes

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Significant changes

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Part 1: Scope, object and fundamental principles

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Part 2: Definitions

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Part 3: Assessment of general characteristics

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Part 4: Protection for safety 25 -- Chapter 41 Protection against electric shock -- Regulation 411.3.2 Automatic disconnection in case of a fault -- Regulation 411.3.3 Additional protection -- Regulation 411.3.4 -- Section 419 Provisions where automatic disconnection according to Regulation 411.3.2 is not feasible -- Chapter 42: Protection against thermal effects -- Section 421 Protection against fire caused by electrical equipment -- Section 422 Precautions where particular risk of fire exists / Regulation 422.2.1 -- Section 443 Protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching -- Chapter 46 Isolation and switching Part 5: Selection and erection of equipment -- Regulation 514.12.2 -- Chapter 52 Selection and erection of wiring systems / regulation 521.10.202 -- Regulation 522.8.5 -- Chapter 53 Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring -- Regulation 531.3.2 Unwanted tripping -- Regulation 531.3.3 Types of RCD

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-- Section 532 Devices for protection against fire -- Section 534 Devices for protection against overvoltage -- Section 536 Co-ordination of electrical equipment for protection, isolation, switching and control -- Regulation Group 536.4 Requirements for selectivity -- Regulation 536.4.203 Integration of devices and components Part 6: Inspection and testing -- Chapter 64 Initial verification -- Chapter 65 Periodic inspection and testing

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Part 7: Special installations or locations Section 704 Construction and demolition site installations -- Section 708 Electrical installations in caravan/ camping parks and similar locations -- Section 710 Medical locations -- Section 721 Electrical installations in caravans -- Section 722 Electric vehicle charging installation -- Section 730 Onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels -- Section 753 Heating cables and embedded heating systems

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Appendices

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Users of the standard

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Appendix 1 British Standards to which reference is made in this standard -- Appendix 6 Model forms for certification and reporting -- Appendix 14 Determination of prospective fault current -- Appendix 17 Energy efficiency

Introduction

The ongoing responsibility of the Joint BSI/IET technical committee JPEL/64 is to develop and maintain the electrical industry Code of Practice BS 7671 and requires them to periodically review this important standard to align its technical content to current CENELEC Harmonised Documents (HD 60364 series) and, where relevant, IEC documents. It also provides the committee with an opportunity to clarify regulations, where required, and to make any other corrections that might be deemed necessary.

The latest review has recently been completed and BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations – also referred to as the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition – was published by the IET on Monday 2 July 2018.

The new Edition is clearly identifiable by its distinctive blue cover and electrical installations can be designed using BS 7671:2018 from this date. However, be aware that it does not actually become a requirement for design purposes until after 31 December 2018. This provides a six-month period for everyone in the electrical industry to become familiar with the significant changes contained within it.

BS 7671:2018 Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition) was published on 2 July and comes into effect from 1 January 2019

So what’s changed?

Minor changes

There are numerous minor changes, including re-phrasing of regulations and change of wording and regulation numbers etc. Generally, these have little impact other than to hopefully make some regulations more concise or understandable.

However, there are a number of significant changes to be aware of and persons using BS 7671 should have a clear understanding of the effect that these will have on the design of an electrical installation.

With regard to the structure of BS 7671:2018, there are new Chapters and Sections including: ● A new Chapter 46 which contains requirements for Isolation and switching ● A rewrite of Chapter 53 Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring ● The re-structuring of Part 6 which sees regulations for inspection and

By Bob Cairney I Eng MIET Technical Standards Adviser, SELECT testing relocated into two new Chapters ● A new special installation or location introduced in Section 730 Onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels ● a new Appendix 17 which is introduced to provide specific guidance on Energy efficiency.

Other significant changes

The other significant changes in the 18th Edition include: ● Recommended additional protection against fire caused by electrical

equipment utilising arc fault detection devices (AFDD) in Section 421 Protection against fire caused by electrical equipment ● A change to the method of assessing whether protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin is required. This sees the introduction of a method to Calculate the Risk Level of a potential lightning strike in Section 443 Protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching ● New requirements in Chapter 53 which require recognition of the functions of devices provided for protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring with specific guidance provided in an informative Annex A53.

The information provided will help with selection of devices based on knowledge of their associated functions and also to achieve selectivity between the various types of device and their different combinations and configurations.

The above short summary broadly outlines the main changes. However, the remainder of this special CABLEtalk report provides a more detailed and in-depth look into these to help you examine the new edition Part by Part.

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art 1: Scope, object and P fundamental principles The Scope of the regulations in Regulation 110.1.1 now includes onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels.

P art 2: Definitions Part 2 contains a small number of amended and new definitions including: Departure. Deliberate decision to not comply fully with the requirements of this Standard, for which the designer must declare that the resultant degree of safety is not less than that achieved by full compliance.

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A Departure should be declared where the installation designer has chosen to specify equipment which is not in accordance with the appropriate British or Harmonised standard or chooses to use equipment outwith its scope and also where the use of new materials or inventions not recognised by BS 7671 is specified.

Regulation 120.3 requires that any intended departure from BS 7671 shall be recorded on the appropriate electrical certification by the relevant signatories, i.e. persons responsible for design, construction and inspection and testing. It should be clearly understood that where appropriately considered and declared the use of a Departure results in compliance with BS 7671:2018. Where there has

been no consideration given to achieving the required degree of safety or a departure is not declared then this is simply a non-compliance which is not really acceptable electrical installation practice. A deliberate non-compliance would make any certification of compliance to BS 7671 provided invalid.

P art 3: Assessment of General characteristics There are some minor changes to Part 3 but none that have an effect on the design of an electrical installation.

P art 4: Protection for Safety C hapter 41 Protection against electric shock Regulation 411.3.1.2 has been amended to recognise that some metal pipes entering into a building may not actually be extraneous-conductive-parts and therefore need not be connected to the protective equipotential bonding. An extraneous-conductive-part is defined in Part 2 of BS 7671 as a conductive part liable to introduce a potential, generally Earth potential, and not forming part of the electrical installation and includes water installation pipes and gas installation pipes etc.

Specifically in situations where an insulating section has been installed in pipework at the point of its entry to the building thereafter the section of associated pipework, located inside the building, would not be regarded as an extraneous-conductive-part. This however may require an assessment of the reliability of the insulating section to ensure that it provides an adequate and reliable level of insulation between the incoming pipe and the associated metal pipework. Industry guidance is that the insert should be not less than 100 mm in length and be located within 300 mm of the point of entry.

Regulation 411.3.2 Automatic disconnection in case of a fault In Regulation Group 411.3.2 the criteria for applying the maximum disconnection times given for final circuits in Table 41.1 of Regulation 411.3.2.2 has been amended and now applies to those with a rated current not exceeding: i. 63 A with one or more socketoutlets and ii. 32 A supplying only fixed connected current using equipment.

Previously the 0.4 second disconnection requirement for TN systems was only applicable to final circuits with a rated current not exceeding 32 A. The change provides for a faster disconnection during

Installation Certificate and a copy of the risk assessment attached to it.

fault conditions for socket-outlets installed under the general requirements but which do not have additional protection provided by an RCD! Regulation 411.3.3 Additional protection This regulation has been modified and now requires additional protection by means of an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA for socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 32 A. In the previous version of BS 7671 this regulation applied to socket-outlets with a rated current not exceeding 20 A. The permitted exception to omit the RCD protection for a specific labelled or otherwise suitably identified socket-outlet for connection to a particular item of equipment has also been removed.

An exception is still permitted for socket-outlets where, other than in a dwelling, a risk assessment determines that RCD protection is not necessary and guidance is provided in Appendix 2 for those carrying out such risk assessments. This recommends that where a risk assessment is to be carried out an appropriate skilled person (electrically) should be involved. If used this permitted exception also needs to be recorded on the Electrical

Regulation 411.3.4 There is a new requirement that RCD protection is provided with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA for AC final circuits supplying luminaires in domestic (household) premises. Although the regulation is new, additional protection by 30 mA RCD is already being provided for lighting circuits in new dwellings to meet specific requirements for circuits supplying the lighting installed in a bathroom or shower room as per Regulation 701.411.3.3 and also to meet requirements in Regulation group 522.6 where installing cables of lighting circuits at a depth of less than 50 mm from the surface of a wall or partition (unless provided with earthed metal protection or mechanical protection to satisfy Regulation 522.6.204). This new requirement will have implications for additions and alterations work where lighting circuits are being extended to supply additional luminaires if the existing circuit was installed to an earlier version of BS 7671 which did not require such additional protection.

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Section 419 Provisions where automatic disconnection according to Regulation 411.3.2 is not feasible This new Section provides for situations where: i. ADS is not feasible in installations with power electronic convertors with nominal voltage greater than 50 V AC or 120 V DC or ii. ADS cannot be achieved by a protective device in the time required for TN and TT systems.

In these situations for (i) ensure that the source is capable of reducing the output voltage from the power electronic convertor to 50 V AC or 120 V DC or less in the event of a fault between a live conductor and the protective conductor or earth in the required disconnection time and for (ii) provide supplementary protective equipotential bonding between simultaneously accessible exposedconductive-parts and/or extraneous-conductive-parts and ensure that the voltage during a fault does not exceed 50 V AC or 120 V DC. Section 421 Protection against fire caused by electrical equipment A new Regulation 421.7 recommends Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) as a means of providing additional protection against fire caused by arc faults in AC final circuits and if used these shall be placed at the origin of the circuit to be protected. An informative note provides examples of where AFDD could be installed and includes: ● Premises with sleeping accommodation such as dwellings and hotel rooms ● Locations with a risk of fire due to the nature of processed or stored materials such as barns, woodworking shops and stores of 26

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combustible materials ● Locations with combustible constructional material such as wooden buildings or sheds ● Fire propagating structures such as high rise buildings ● Locations with endangering irreplaceable goods such as museums and art galleries.

Why are AFDD recommended?

AFDD provide an additional level of protection on final circuits by monitoring the normal AC waveform for the symptomatic arcing patterns produced by serial and/or parallel arcing faults. If such a pattern is detected the AFDD will operate switching off the circuit it protects. Arcing can occur in a circuit if the conductors of fixed wiring or the flexible cables of appliances have been damaged by crushing or stretching and could also result from loose conductor connections at terminals of equipment. Existing protective devices which provide protection against overload and short circuits including earth faults such as fuses, circuit breakers and RCDs will not operate when initial arcing starts to occur due to the low level of fault current present. The recommendation to provide this type of protection on final circuits may be something that the installation designer should consider depending on the outcome from a suitable fire risk assessment. For example there may be specific difficulties in evacuating a building during emergency conditions due to the type of construction used or due to the persons that are likely to be present and who could be affected e.g. children, elderly, disabled etc.

The omission of these devices is something that should not be dismissed lightly.

Section 422 Precautions where particular risk of fire exists Regulation 422.2.1 These requirements are applicable to the conditions for evacuation in an emergency and have been re-drafted to clarify that cables in escape routes must meet the requirements of BS EN 60332-3 and achieve at least 60% light transmittance when tested in accordance with BS EN 61034-2.

Cables in escape routes are to be kept as short as practicable and not installed within arm’s reach (usually taken as 2.5 m) unless protected against damage likely to occur during evacuation.

Cable management systems used in the escape route should be non-flame propagating, which means that the material of construction, although liable to ignite if subjected to an applied flame, self-extinguishes within a specific time when the flame is removed. Such cable management systems could be PVC conduit or PVC trunking so it is important that the cables installed inside them do not produce significant smoke or fumes if the cable management system has been ignited as this could obscure the escape route or cause the fire to spread. A Note to this regulation now advises that cables also need to satisfy the construction products regulations (CPR) in respect of their reaction to fire.

CPR requires that manufacturers, importers and distributors of cables should not put cables on the market unless they are suitably classified and comply. This should be clearly identifiable by a specific CE mark label on the cable drum and the manufacturer should be able to provide a declaration of the cables performance.

Regulation 422.2.1 concludes by requiring that cables specifically supplying safety circuits shall have a resistance to fire rating of either the time authorised by building regulations or British Standards for the circuit (e.g.

BS 5839-1) or one hour in the absence of such regulation or standard.

It should be highlighted that BS 7671 however does not require a specific Euroclass of cable and specification of appropriate cables still remains the responsibility of the installation designer.

Section 443 Protection against transient overvoltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching This Section has been rewritten and where overvoltage is to be provided by surge protective devices these should be selected and erected in accordance with Section 534.

Regulation 443.4 requires that protection shall be provided against overvoltages where the consequences caused by overvoltage could: ● Result in serious injury or loss of life ● Result in interruption of public services or damage to cultural heritage ● Result in the interruption to industrial or commercial activities or ● Affect a large number of co-located individuals.

Other than the above a risk assessment shall be performed to determine if protection is required and a risk assessment method or calculated risk level (CRL) is given for this together with worked examples in new Regulation 443.5.

In single dwelling units where the total value of the installation and equipment within it does not justify this type of protection it can be omitted.

P art 5 Selection and erection of equipment Regulation 514.12.2 In an installation incorporating RCDs the notice that is required to advise the user to periodically press the test button is now to be fixed in a prominent position at or near the position of each RCD rather than at or near the origin. There is also a slight change to the wording of the notice which now recommends ‘to test six monthly by pressing the button marked T or test’ (rather than quarterly) in an attempt to encourage the user to check the effectiveness of the test facility provided.

C hapter 52 selection and erection of wiring systems Regulation 521.10.202 Regulation 521.10.202 is new and requires that wiring systems are supported in such a way that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of a fire. The previous version of BS 7671 had similar requirements but these only

applied to wiring systems located in escape routes. However it was decided to change this to a general requirement due to reported difficulties that some designers had trying to identify the actual escape route in certain types of premises.

The regulation is particularly relevant to surface mounted wiring systems and precludes the use of non-metallic cable clips or ties as the sole means of support. Cable clips or ties should be suitably spaced to prevent the cables from falling down during fire conditions as this may hinder escape and firefighting activities.

Regulation 522.8.5 Regulation 522.8.5 requires that every cable or conductor shall be supported in such a way that it is not exposed to undue mechanical strain and that there is no appreciable mechanical strain on the terminations of the conductors. An advisory note to the regulation now makes it clear that this also applies to consumer unit meter tails. This follows concerns raised in the industry after consumer meter tails had become loose due to pulling on the consumer’s meter tails when smart meter equipment was being installed.

C hapter 46 Isolation and switching Most of the requirements here have been taken from Section 537 of the previous version of BS 7671 so are not new. However the opportunity to redraft and to clarify some of these requirements has been taken e.g. there is now recognition that an electrical installation may now have more than one supply in Regulation 462.1.

Other requirements provided in the chapter are for isolation, functional switching (control), switching off for mechanical maintenance and for emergency switching off.

C hapter 53 Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring This Chapter is completely rewritten and contains new requirements for selection and erection of: ● Residual current devices (RCDs) ● Devices for protection against fire ● Devices for protection against overvoltage ● Selectivity Regulation Group 531.3 includes new requirements for residual current devices (RCDs).

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Regulation 531.3.2 Unwanted tripping RCDs are to be selected and erected to limit the risk of unwanted tripping and consideration to sub-division of circuits to limit any protective conductor and earth leakage currents will be required.

Circuits with individual associated RCDs are to be selected and the circuits sub-divided in such a way that any earth-leakage current likely to occur during normal operation of the connected load will not cause unwanted tripping. To avoid this limits are given for protective conductor and earth leakage currents and should not be more than 30% of the rated residual operating current of the device. From this it can be seen that equipment with leakage current in excess of 9 mA may not be suitable for connection to a circuit protected by a 30 mA RCD so the designer may have to restrict the type and amount of equipment that can be connected to a final circuit and careful assessment of protective conductor and or earth leakage currents is required. Where multiple RCDs are to be installed it may also be necessary to co-ordinate general type RCDs, selective type RCDs and time delayed RCDs to achieve the selectivity requirements that are given for this in Section 536.

suddenly applied or smoothly increasing up to 6 mA ● Type F which trip as for Type A and additionally composite residual currents whether suddenly applied or slowly rising up to 10 mA ● Type B which trip as for a Type F and in addition for different variations of AC or DC currents superimposed on smooth DC up to 0.4 times the rated residual current or 10 mA. In Part 7 of BS 7671:2018 there are specific requirements for considering different types of RCD e.g. in Section 722 Electric vehicle charging installations either a Type A or Type B RCD may be required and in Section 712 Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems Type AC or Type B may be required.

When considering the division of circuits for compliance with Regulation 531.3.2 make sure that if DC residual currents or high frequency AC currents exist that an appropriate RCD is selected otherwise where used Type AC or Type A RCDs could fail to operate due to magnetic parts of their trip coil becoming saturated, a condition known as RCD blinding. The designer should refer to the equipment manufacturer’s instructions if in doubt.

Regulation 531.3.3 Types of RCD Information on the different types of RCD that can be used depending on their behaviour in the presence of DC components and frequencies is provided and the appropriate RCD needs to be selected where these components and frequencies exist.

The different types of RCD available are: ● Type AC which trip on alternating sinusoidal residual current, suddenly applied or smoothly increasing. ● Type A which trip on alternating sinusoidal residual current and on residual pulsating direct current 28

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Section 532 Devices for protection against fire

This Section requires that where a particular risk of fire exists preventative protection measures against the risk of fire are required as per Chapter 42. However depending on a risk analysis, similar preventative measures can also be applied to other locations within an installation. The important thing here is that there should be a suitable evaluation of the risk and this should be undertaken by persons competent in fire risk assessments to identify any measures that may be necessary.

For example, Chapter 42 Protection against thermal effects requires that where a particular risk of fire exists within an installation, an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 300 mA may be installed at the origin of the circuit to be protected

to reduce the risk of fire due to an insulation fault occurring in the wiring system. This measure could be used in a location other than one with a particular risk of fire if considered necessary by the designer.

There are also new devices recognised in Section 532 which could be specified to reduce the impact of fire or explosion within an electrical installation due to an internal arc fault in a switchgear or controlgear assembly. An arc fault is basically an explosion caused by the high power discharge of electricity between two or more conductors and could be due to loose connections overheating within distribution equipment, accidental short circuits caused by inappropriately applied tools or materials, incorrect operation or insufficient or inappropriate maintenance of switchgear etc. The consequences of an uncontrolled arc fault could be catastrophic resulting in loss of life, complete destruction of equipment, loss of business continuity and all of the other associated costs.

A number of larger switchgear manufacturers are now promoting such systems which can detect and disconnect power to prevent such damage. These can be installed to minimise the risk of damage to main panel boards and switchboards and is especially relevant in large industrial and commercial premises.

Arc fault detection systems however should not be confused with AFDD which are also recognised in this Chapter in Regulation 532.6.

AFDD, where specified, can be installed to provide protection against arcing faults at the origin of AC single phase final circuits.

Section 534 Devices for protection

against overvoltage Despite the redraft of this Section there is not a lot of obvious change other than the following.

Regulation 534.4.1.7 requires the

presence of surge protective devices (SPDs) downstream of a distribution board (DB) to be permanently indicated at or near the DB by a label e.g. where socket-outlets incorporating surge protection are installed on a final circuit.

The method provided for calculation of the minimum required continuous operating voltage (Uc) of an SPD dependent on supply system configuration and as given Table 534.2 is changed. The maximum continuous operating voltage of an SPD is to be higher or equal to this calculated value and the calculation method now takes account of line to line voltages rather than the nominal voltage to earth previously used. Uc is the continuous voltage which can be applied to the SPD and above which the device becomes active and starts conducting to earth.

The new method of calculation provides a slightly increased threshold for this.

Where co-ordination of two or more SPDs is required as per Regulation 534.4.4.5 manufacturer’s data should be referred to.

Section 536 Co-ordination of electrical equipment for protection, isolation, switching and control This Section has been completely rewritten and requires coordination in the case of a fault and overload conditions with regard to: ● Overcurrent protective devices (OCPD) ● Control and protective switching devices ● Residual current devices ● Contactors and starters ● Switches and disconnectors.

Section 536 requires the selection of the correct combination of the electrical characteristics of these devices in order not to impair the safety of the installation with regard to damage that could be caused during a fault and/or with regard to the continuity of its service. A new Annex A53 provides guidance on the requirements for co-ordination including Table A53.1 which is provided to help clarify the functions provided by the devices that can be used to achieve a particular function

The devices are shown in the table together with their relevant product standard and each of the functions that the particular device provides is indicated i.e. overload, short circuit and residual current protection and switching only. It is important that knowledge of these functions is clearly understood to ensure that the necessary function and co-ordination between devices is achieved and will require consideration of the design and reference to manufacturer’s instructions. Inappropriate selection of a device with regard to the function it provides can result in inadequate protection being provided within the installation and consequential damage.

A simple example if we installed a 30 mA RCD (RCCB) to protect a final circuit supplying an electric shower and referred to Table A53.1 to assess the function provided by this type of device we can see it does not provide either overload protection or short circuit protection and only provides protection against residual currents.

To ensure that all necessary functions are provided we would either need to ensure that a circuit-breaker is provided together with the RCCB or alternatively install an RCBO which provides all of the required functions. The designer should ensure that this co-ordination of devices is achieved within the design by undertaking an appropriate desk study or using design software with reference to appropriate manufacturer’s data.

Regulation Group 536.4 Requirements for selectivity Selectivity is the co-ordination of the operating characteristics of two or more protective devices such that, on the incidence of an overcurrent or residual current within stated limits, the device intended to operate within these limits does while the others do not as defined in Part 2 of BS 7671.

Regulation Group 536.4 now provides a number of new requirements for this and requires that electrical devices (fuses, circuit-breakers, RCDs etc.) are selected taking account of the co-ordination characteristics of the manufacturer and will also require consideration of the design with regard to overload, short circuit and residual currents.

To verify selectivity the designer’s options are either to undertake a desk study, use appropriate software, carry out product tests or by manufacturer’s declaration. All of these options will require reference to manufacturer’s information found in manufacturer’s catalogues, instruction sheets etc. The documentation concerning the selection of devices associated with this verification process also now has to be added to the design documentation as required in Regulation 132.13.

There is also guidance given on achieving correct co-ordination between devices in Annex A53 which provides information on how selectivity between the various combinations of devices is verified i.e. between fuses, between circuit-breakers, and all of the various combinations e.g. upstream fuse and a downstream circuit-breaker etc.

Regulation 536.4.203 Integration of devices and components This is new and requires that where integration of mechanical and electrical devices and components such as circuitbreakers, control devices and busbars is to be made into an empty enclosure or existing low voltage assembly the relevant parts of BS EN 61439 series shall be applied. Basically this is a requirement to comply with the LV directive i.e. by the manufacturer carrying out relevant type tests, production Continued on page 30 CABLEtalk

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of associated documentation and CE marking to ensure the product is safe for use. Installers of equipment should be aware that where they install the manufacturer’s equipment, they become responsible for the assembly. However, should they modify it they then have to take on the role of manufacturer of the ‘customised unit’ and as such would need to verify the safety of the customised unit and its compliance with the LV directive.

This regulation also requires that for low voltage assemblies to BS EN 61439 series such as consumer units and distribution boards that only components and devices declared suitable by the assembly manufacturer’s instructions or literature shall be used. Installers and those carrying out maintenance and repair on such equipment must therefore ensure that when replacing a component, such as a circuit-breaker, that the replacement component is suitable and approved by the manufacturer. Devices and components from different manufacturers may appear similar however the technical performance, dimensions and terminations are not necessarily compatible.

Chapter 54 Earthing arrangements and protective conductors Regulation 542.2.2 now recognises that other metalwork installed in the foundations of a building can be used as an earth electrode while Regulation 542.2.3 requires that where foundation earth electrodes are installed they shall be suitably corrosion resistant and have adequate mechanical strength.

The IET are currently carrying out research into foundation earth electrodes for new build properties and this type of electrode could therefore feature more prominently in a future version of BS 7671.

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Part 6 Inspection and testing Chapter 64 Initial verification Regulations for initial verification have been relocated to a new Chapter 64 which also includes the requirements for certification applicable to new installations and additions and alterations.

There are a few other minor changes here, including in Regulation 643.6 that where relevant the polarity of the supply at the origin of the installation shall be verified before the installation is energized and that during a polarity test that the wiring has been correctly connected throughout the installation.

Regulation 644.1.1 clarifies that defects or omissions revealed during inspection and testing of new work should be corrected before Certification is issued.

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or omission that affect the safety of the addition or alteration being carried out need to be corrected and any other defect observed that may give rise to danger should be recorded on the relevant certificate.

Chapter 65 Periodic inspection and testing Regulations for Periodic Inspection and Testing have also been relocated to a new Chapter 65, which includes the requirements for reporting for periodic inspection and testing purposes.

Regulation 653.4 requires that a recommended time interval for future inspection and test to be indicated but this must now be supported by an explanation for the recommendation.

P art 7 Special installations or locations Some of the Sections have been slightly modified and a specific new Section introduced as summarised below.

Section 704 Construction and demolition site installations Changes include two new regulations 704.512.2 to assess the effect on equipment from external influences and 704.522.8 to assess mechanical stresses to cables i.e. consideration to the risk of damage to surface run and overhead cables and to the locations where such cables are to be located.

Section 708 Electrical installations in caravan/camping parks and similar locations The scope of this Section now includes residential park homes located in a caravan park and there are also new specific requirements for additional protection by a 30 mA RCD in Regulation 708.415.1 requiring that a final circuit supplying a mobile home or a residential park home shall be individually protected and that the RCD is accessible to the consumer.

facility is now only permitted if one of three methods provided is used. For a dwelling this would probably require the main earthing terminal to be connected to an installation earth electrode, the resistance of which is to be a very low value such that in the event of an open circuit fault in the PEN conductor that the maximum voltage to earth will not exceed 70 Volts.

Requirements for socket-outlets and connectors now includes that any BS 1363-2 type socket-outlet used has to be marked EV on its rear. BS 1363-2 now includes tests for cyclical loading and manufacturers will be producing such socket-outlets which are suitable for mode 1 charging. These should only be installed if connected to a dedicated circuit, be single socket-outlet type and unless there can be no confusion, with regard to its purpose, a suitable label should also be provided on or adjacent to it. Installing such socket-outlets on a ring final circuit does not comply with these requirements.

Section 710 Medical locations This Section contains a number of changes including new requirements for changes to the number of supplementary equipotential bonding connection points and that in Group 1 and 2 Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) are not required and in Group 0 their use shall be subject to a risk assessment.

Section 721 Electrical installations in caravans Cables passing through the compartment of a caravan where the gas cylinder is located must be installed at least 500 mm from the base of the cylinder and provided with protection against mechanical damage by installing them within suitable conduit or ducting.

Section 722 Electric vehicle charging installations

The opt-out which existed previously and allowed connection of an EV charging point to a PME earthing facility at a dwelling if none of the requirements of regulation 722.411.41 could be reasonably be applied has been removed. Connection to a PME earthing

New Section 730 Onshore units of electrical shore connections for inland navigation vessels Inland navigation vessels are used on UK inland waterways such as canals, lakes and rivers and also include sea estuaries and can be passenger or freight carrying vessels.

The onshore units provide the supply to the vessel when it is being used for commercial and administrative purposes such as when it is berthed in a port and requirements in this section are very similar to those provided in Continued on page 32 CABLEtalk

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Section 709 Marinas. The main difference is the supply requirement which is much larger and can be typically up to 125 A (TP & N) compared to the typical 16 A (SP & N) supplies normally available in a marina. If connected to a normal supply there would be a risk of electrolytic corrosion due to circulating galvanic currents in the protective conductor of the supply cable. This can cause corrosion to vital parts of the vessel and therefore requires the use of an isolating transformer to supply the vessel.

Section 753 Heating cables and embedded heating systems This section previously only provided requirements for floor and ceiling heating systems but the scope now includes electric heating systems for surface heating such as trace heating systems and buried heating systems for de-icing or frost prevention of sports fields.

A ppendices Appendix 1 British Standards to which reference is made in this standard This has been updated to take account of changes to referenced Standards.

Appendix 6 Model forms for certification and reporting There are some minor changes to the model Electrical Installation Certificate and Electrical Installation Condition Report.

However the model Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate has been amended.

There are also some changes to the Schedule of Inspection , Condition Report Inspection Schedule and the Schedule of Test Results.

Appendix 14 Determination of prospective fault current The information provided clarifies the requirements in Chapter 43 and Chapter 64 on how to determine prospective fault current.

Appendix 17 Energy efficiency This is new and may be developed into a new Part 8 in a future version of BS 7671. Recommendations are provided for the design and erection of electrical installations, including installations having local production and storage of energy, for optimising the overall efficient use of electrical energy. Guidance is also provided on design considerations including loading which would be the basis for this i.e. how much energy can be saved from the initial known or estimated kWh consumption by introduction of specific energy efficiency measures or load management. The IEC standard on which this Appendix is based is IEC 60364-8-1 which is currently under review however BSI recently published BS HD 60364-8-1:2015 Low-voltage electrical installations.

Energy efficiency as an interim measure for those who may have an interest in this subject.

Users of the standard This SELECT guide hopefully provides a good overview of BS 7671:2018 for all users of the standard. However, be aware that it is does not contain the full details of all the changes. It is the responsibility of the user to become familiar with the relevant content and to interpret and implement it as necessary. Where any ambiguities, inconsistencies or possible errors are noticed, these should be referred to the JPEL/64 committee for consideration.

This can be done in the first instance by contacting either of the SELECT JPEL/64 representatives, who can refer these to the committee on your behalf, by emailing details to bob.cairney@select.org.uk or dave.forrester@select.org.uk

For more information on the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition Please contact our Technical Services Administration team on 0131 445 5577 or admin@select.org.uk

www.select.org.uk Pictures courtesy of 32

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

The Regulations for cable supports are changing The Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institute have released the new IET Wiring Regulations BS7671 2018 18th Edition. Ian Arbuckle MIET, Managing Director of LINIAN, describes how this change will impact cable supports.

This regulation is not new; however, it previously only applied to cable supports for fire alarm cabling and cables in escape routes. Now any new cable installed in any building after 31 December 2018 must not rely solely on non-metallic clips or ties for support.

With an ever-increasing focus on safety, regulators want to ensure tragedies such as the one that occurred at Shirley Towers in Hampshire, where firefighter and civilian deaths occurred due to collapsed electrical cabling, never happen again.

It’s not recommended to use any plastic components within the substrate as a means of securing cables. The report by BRE entitled A series of experiments to assess the effect of fire on a selection of electrical cable supports and fixings by Ciara Holland, Martin Shipp

and David Crowder concludes that the method of retention within the substrate should be capable of withstanding temperatures greater than 300 degrees. Firefighters could still be mobile within the building at this stage. The report concludes that plastic fails at this temperature.

LINIAN Manufacture the only patented single component fire resistant metal fixing that uses no plastic components and is 3X faster to install than screw and plug methods.

In 2018, we are releasing products to support our current range: single or multiple round cables up to 25mm OD, conduits, trunking and later in 2018, Twin and Earth Cabling.

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To find out more, go to www.linianclip.co.uk email us on info@linianclip.co.uk or call us on 0141 465 4858.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

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FEATURES TRAINING BRIGHT A FUTURE BECKONS BS 7671:2018 – The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations has just been published and we‘ve started updating all our training course materials to include the changes to the regulations in time for the implementation date of 1 January 2019. We’ll also be running several CPD Seminars later in 2018 to provide members with information on the changes.

Safe management of contracts – Our industry is one where risk is at the forefront of our Members’ thoughts. In order to provide them with greater assurance that they’re dealing with risk appropriately, SELECT has developed a new two-day programme on the Safe Management of Contracts (CDM, Risk Management and Environmental Management).

This is designed to give delegates an understanding of, and practical advice on, how to manage the health, safety and environmental requirements embedded in contracts.

Electric vehicle charging – Government policy is driving the motor industry away from vehicles powered by diesel and petrol engines towards electric vehicles.

SELECT’s first installation and maintenance training course will take place in September.

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Training for success It’s been another successful year for the SELECT training team. Jenny Cryans highlights the wide range of courses now being offered – and how the numbers have stacked up

S

ELECT now offers more than 20 different courses for members covering topics such as BS 7671, health and safety, technical training, Scottish Building Standards and a whole host of management training.

The past year has witnessed a 5 per cent increase in demand for our training courses. During 2017-18, SELECT trained 2,871 delegates across 267 different courses. Some 2,044 delegates were from Member companies while the remaining 827 came from a whole host of nonMember organisations.

As our map shows, as well as using our own purposebuilt training centre at the Walled Garden, we also undertook training at a wide range of locations.

Safe Isolation of LV Systems and Electrical Safety Checks for Private Landlords was a subject of one of our 2016 Toolbox Talks and as a result, we saw an increase in the demand from members

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

for in-house training in Safe Isolation and Electrical Awareness.

We responded by delivering a number of Electrical Awareness and Safe Isolation courses for councils and housing

associations across Scotland.

We actively encourage delegates to provide feedback on our training courses and this has been very useful in helping us improve the way we deliver training.

For example, over the years we’ve introduced more interaction into our courses, such as course workbooks with discussion involved. Our trainers always get positive feedback and delegates like the in-depth detail and practical examples they use.

■ 2,044 delegates from Member companies ■ 827 delegates from nonMember organisations

2,871

267

delegates trained

courses held

Isle of Lewis

SELECT HEADS TO INFINITY & BEYOND

Tain

Inverness

Aberdeen

Dundee Perth

Paisley, Thornliebank, Glasgow, Cambuslang, East Kilbride & Bellshill

As part of our ongoing development programme for training courses, we’re continually looking at what training we have available to meet industry demand.

It’s important for us that we continue to expand the range of courses that we offer, particularly in light of changes to technology and standards.

Training across the industry continues to grow and we foresee further significant growth in the coming years.

Whether it’s the core activities of electrical installation, guidance on energy efficiency, electric heating and smart control systems or other more diverse subjects, SELECT will remain at the forefront of training development and delivery.

Livingston Bathgate

■ 78 SELECT offices (The Walled Garden) Ayr

■ 28 In-house ■ 124 Other venues ■ 37 External provider sites Dumfries

Where we carried out training last year and (right) how the venues broke down

Course

Number of courses held

Total number of delegates

Course

Number of courses held

Total number of delegates

BS 7671

109

1,152

Fire Alarm

6

54

Health & Safety

28

390

Asbestos Awareness

2

24

Scottish Building Standards

31

403

IPAF/PASMA

22

37

PAT Testing

11

104

SSSTS/SMSTS

9

22

Emergency Lighting

13

231

Site Supervisory

2

19

Electrical Awareness

15

199

Rick Assessment

1

6

Safe Isolation

16

209

Managing Health & Safety: An Introduction

1

13

Intruder Alarm

1

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35

FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE

Power is in your hands In the latest instalment of his technical updates, Bob Cairney takes a look at insulation resistance tests and polarity tests – the final power-off tests in the test sequence for a new installation Test 3: Insulation resistance testing

Insulation resistance testing is carried out to ensure that the insulation of conductors is adequate and not damaged and to ensure that there are no short circuits between conductors. This will prevent potentially dangerous leakage currents from appearing within the installation.

By Bob Cairney I Eng MIET Technical Standards Adviser, SELECT

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The Regulations

Regulation 612.3.1 requires the insulation resistance shall be measured between live conductors and between live conductors and the protective conductor connected to the earthing arrangement. Where appropriate during this measurement, line and neutral conductors may be connected together.

Before carrying out the tests, the inspector should therefore ensure that a satisfactory connection to earth exists between the item of equipment being tested,

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the main earthing terminal and the means of earthing.

The inspector should also consider the complexity of the installation to determine whether the installation can be tested in its entirety or whether sub-division of circuits may be necessary.

Testing an installation in its entirety is usually possible for small installations such as dwellings, but may not be possible on larger installations, such as commercial and industrial buildings, due to the number of parallel circuits, which reduce the overall insulation resistance value.

The type of electrical equipment connected to circuits should also be considered, specifically with regard to whether equipment could be damaged by the test voltage to be applied or to the effect that the equipment could have on measured insulation resistance values obtained. It may be necessary in some instances to

temporarily disconnect or remove equipment from a circuit prior to tests being carried out. Ideally, insulation resistance tests should be carried out before such equipment is connected.

However, this is not always possible and where it is not reasonably practicable to disconnect or remove such equipment prior to the test, it can be seen from the regulation that it is acceptable to connect line and neutral conductors together and carry out a test between live conductors to earth only.

Regulation 612.3.2 and Regulation 612.3.3 also contain similar requirements to overcome this type of problem.

Regulation 612.3.2 specifically states that where surge protective devices (SPDs) or other equipment are likely to influence the tests or be damaged, the equipment should be disconnected before carrying out the test. However, the test

Test voltage DC Circuit nominal voltage (V) (V)

Minimum insulation resistance (MΩ)

SELV and PELV

0.5

value of insulation resistance obtained should be significantly higher.

Conversely, if there is damage to the insulation of conductors, or worst case a short-circuit in the circuit wiring, this will be revealed during the tests as a low resistance reading.

1.0

The insulation resistance test procedure

Table 61 – minimum values of insulation resistance

250

Up to and including 500 V with the exception of the above systems*

500

Above 500 V

1000

1.0

* Includes circuits operating at nominal voltage 230 V and 400 V

voltage can alternatively be reduced to 250 V DC where it is not reasonable to disconnect, but the measured insulation resistance has to be at least 1 MΩ.

Regulation 612.3.3 states that where circuits include electronic devices that are likely to influence the results or be damaged, only a measurement between the live conductors connected together and the earthing arrangement shall be made.

It is noted, however, that additional precautions such as disconnection may be necessary.

Generally, however, Regulation 612.3.2 requires that the insulation resistance measured with the test voltage indicated in Table 61 (above) shall be considered satisfactory if the main switchboard and each distribution circuit tested separately, with all its final circuits connected but with current-using equipment disconnected, has an insulation resistance not less than the appropriate value given in Table 61 as shown above.

It can be seen from the table that circuits operating at nominal voltage of 230 V and 400 V should normally be tested at 500 V DC with a minimum insulation resistance of 1 MΩ acceptable. This may be satisfactory for compliance with BS 7671, however on new installations such low values should be of concern and there should be further investigation to ensure that this is not due to a latent defect in the conductors or to connected equipment.

On new installations, particularly small singlephase installations, the

To carry out the test we need to use a suitable insulation resistance test instrument or a multifunction test instrument switched to the insulation resistance setting with the correct test voltage selected. The two test leads are then applied in singlephase installations to test in turn between the live conductors (line to neutral) and between the live conductors and earth (line to earth and neutral to earth). For small-single phase installations such as in a dwelling (as mentioned earlier) it is possible to carry out the test for the entire installation at the main switch position of the consumer unit with the main switch off but with all switches within the circuits including circuit-breakers in the ON position.

Line to earth testing

Tips

A common mistake some apprentices and those new to inspection and testing make when carrying out such testing is to forget to switch circuit-breakers to ON. The result is that high readings are obtained, indicating a satisfactory test. However, the circuits have not actually been tested!

Remember that all switching devices within the circuits being tested should be switched to the ON position and also to test all parts of the circuits, e.g. pass wires associated with two-way and intermediate switching of lighting circuits.

Where a circuit to be tested supplies equipment which has an electrically operated switch, such as a contactor or relay (motor control), these will also need to be temporarily closed or bridged out to allow testing of all conductors of the circuit.

However, remember this will also require that the motor is temporarily disconnected for the duration of the test!

Where testing is carried out properly, but low resistance values are obtained, the source of the low values will need to be identified. A procedure to do this is to switch off all circuit-breakers and test each final circuit separately (this will require the temporary disconnection of each neutral conductor) until the circuit causing the low resistance value is identified.

Then carry out further investigation on the circuit to establish the reason for the low reading, take suitable remedial action to correct any fault discovered and repeat the test to obtain a satisfactory value.

Continued on page 38

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37

FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE Continued from page 37

The effect of RCDs

Testing an entire installation in the manner described previously for a dwelling may not be possible where residual current devices (RCDs) are present in a consumer unit.

This is due to the fact that an insulation resistance test with some types of RCD can indicate a low reading due to a functional earth connection associated with their operation or that contain electronic components which may be damaged by the tests.

Three-phase installation Three-phase installations should be tested as described above for a single-phase installation, but also require additional tests to be carried out between each live conductor (line to line and each line to neutral) and between live conductors to earth (each line to earth).

For three-phase installations it is not generally practicable to test these in their entirety from the main switch of the distribution board as could be done on small installations. Instead, the installation will normally require to be sub-divided, e.g. testing sub-main circuits individually.

Recording test results

When insulation resistance testing is complete, the lowest measured values obtained need to be recorded on the schedule of test results in the ‘Insulation resistance’ column.

There are only two columns provided for the test results: ●●L-L to record live to live 38

CABLEtalk

The schedule of test results with results recorded

(Line to neutral and also line to line test results in three phase installations), and ●●L–E to record live to earth (line to earth and neutral to earth).

To conclude, it should also be highlighted that BS 7671 contains requirements for testing insulation resistance where protection of a circuit relies on separated extra-low voltage (SELV), protective extra low voltage (PELV) and electrical separation. However, these are not common in most general types of installation.

The test voltage and required minimum values for these methods of protection are given in Table 61 on page 37.

Test 4: Polarity

The polarity of all circuits must be verified and there is a requirement for this in Regulation 612.6: ●●Every fuse and single pole control and protective device must be connected in the line conductor only. ●●Centre contact bayonet and Edison screw lampholders must have the outer or screwed contacts connected to the neutral conductor only in circuits having an earthed neutral conductor (except for E14 and E27 lamp holders to BS EN 60238), and

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●●It should be verified that wiring is correctly connected at socket-outlets and similar accessories.

The polarity test procedure

To verify polarity, a separate test is not really required and can be done during continuity tests, using Test Method 1 as per Test 1 or during Steps 2 and 3 of the ring final circuit continuity test procedures as per Test 2. Where polarity has been verified during these tests, there is no need repeat them again specifically for these purposes.

However, if for some reason a separate test is required on radial final circuits use Test Method 1. After the temporary connection has been made between line and earth at the consumer unit or distribution board, a continuity test is carried out between line and earth at each point in the circuit where polarity needs to be verified, such as on lighting circuits. By simply operating the switches in these circuits, the inspector can observe the measured continuity value change from low to high.

However, it may be easier to rely on the audible buzzer facility which most types of continuity test instruments now provide to indicate continuity and that correct

polarity has been achieved.

Remember to remove the temporary link after the testing has been completed.

For socket-outlets connected to a ring final circuit, use Steps 2 and 3 of the ring final circuit continuity test procedures.

Polarity verification also relies on the satisfactory outcome from the initial visual inspection with regard to the correct connection of conductors at accessories and equipment.

To record that polarity is correct and has been verified, an indication is made by inserting a tick in the column provided for this in the schedule of test results.

It is also recommended (but not a requirement in the current edition of BS 7671) that before the installation is energised that the correct polarity of the incoming supply is verified using suitable voltage test lamps at the terminals of the main switch, and also throughout the installation at the switch disconnectors of distribution equipment on larger installations. This will also verify that correct phase sequence has been maintained.

Both ‘Correct supply polarity confirmed’ and ‘Phase sequence confirmed’ should be indicated as satisfactory by inserting a tick in the boxes provided for this on the schedule of test results.

NEXT: The first power-on test in the test sequence.

This requires verification of the effectiveness of measures for fault protection by automatic disconnection of the supply and includes tests for earth fault loop impedance.

FOCUS PAYMENT PROBLEMS

By Len Bunton

FRICS FCIArb, HON FRIAS

SEC Group Scotland

S

EC Group recently ran some seminars for contractors and subcontractors, more of which later in the autumn.

We thought it was worth repeating the key messages in CABLEtalk to widen the knowledge of some of the commercial issues faced by our industry today.

Great credit goes to SEC Group Chief Executive Rudi Klein and Alan Wilson of SELECT for their ongoing campaign to get rid of retention and improve payment and cash flow in the industry. It is a battle – and it will continue to be a battle – and SELECT members need to collectively support the initiatives that are under way.

We start by saying that a lot of the industry problems are self-induced and contractors need to become much more commercially alert in relation to the way they operate the financial aspects of their business. So what are the issues you need to look out for? ●●Make sure you read contracts or sub-contracts you are about to enter into, and look out for amendments to standard forms, and in particular amendments to the payment provisions. You can then try to negotiate these out, or just walk away. ●●Look at the liquidated damages in the contract. If you’re a sub-contractor, are the liabilities of the contractor being passed down the line to you?

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Why it pays to think ahead

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

You could have a sub-contract value of £100,000 and a liability of liquidated damages of £10,000 per week for late completion. ●●Beware of a termination provision that says something like: “The contractor can terminate the sub-contract at any time.” ●●Look at what the contract says about retention – retention might not be released until after completion of the main contract. ●●Contractor design portions [CDP] are the source of many problems.

Discuss this with the design team and/ or the contractor so there is a clear understanding of who does what, and who is liable for the interface. We hear the expression, “This is design development and is your responsibility” so often these days.

Sort it out before you conclude the

sub-contract. A thorough ‘responsibility matrix’ can help with this – outline clearly who does what.

Naturally, you want to be paid on time, but we see countless scenarios where payments are being reduced or made on an irregular basis. There is only one answer and that’s to have a payment schedule in your contract, which shows when you put in your application for payment, what the due date is, what the final date is, and when a pay less notice has to be issued.

Assuming everyone sticks to the schedule, this brings certainty and you know when you’ll be paid, so you can then manage the same process down your supply chain. In our experience, this is one of the biggest failings in the industry and can be sorted by following what we suggest above.

getting this right. However, quite often in our experience, the issue of a notice of adjudication will bring the non-payer to the table and you can get your cash flow moving again.

The biggest issue with adjudication is that even if you get a favourable decision from the adjudicator, then the other party just might not pay you.

The adjudicator’s decision might have given the other party a major financial problem if they don’t have the funds to pay you. So you are then left having to bear the costs of running the adjudication – i.e. your external consultant and/or lawyers’ fees. You might also be liable for the whole of the adjudicator’s fees and expenses.

So before we advise clients to go down the adjudication route, we urge careful consideration.

What about cash flow?

Following the successful commercial seminars run by SEC Group earlier this year, two of the presenters – Len Bunton and Angus Pearson – set out their thoughts on payment and cash flow

What if I get money docked?

Another big issue is that you’ll get money docked off an application if you don’t submit fully detailed information with your application every month. That is one of the most common scenarios that adjudicators have to deal with. The solution? Provide all the information required – it’s as simple as that.

Let’s give you a quick example. You assess that first fix electrical work is 70 per cent complete, but along comes the contractor who says no, it’s only 45 per cent complete. That element is obviously now reduced – so you need to prove your figure is correct with detailed information. If you have a bunch of unsigned dayworks, then you won’t get these paid, so make a pest of yourself and get them signed, and if not measure and value the works, so there can be no argument. Try to agree as much as you

can during the course of the works, rather than have a growing gap in valuations which will likely be talked down at final account.

What if I don’t get paid?

Another issue we covered in the seminars was what to do if you don’t get paid. Our advice is as follows: ●●Arrange to meet whoever is not paying you and don’t negotiate by email ●●If you are being asked for more information, provide it ●●If all else fails, consider a dispute resolution route like adjudication.

You’ll need to consider this final option carefully. Before you issue a notice of adjudication, you’ll need to have all of your documentation ready first, so you need to spend time

The big question today is why does the construction industry in Scotland and the UK have continual problems about payment and cash flow, and what can be done about it?

There are currently strong moves afoot to overhaul the whole procurement process, but that is obviously going to take time.

The public sector needs to give greater consideration to value for money to get buildings properly designed and costed.

Despite what is said, we believe that price is still king in the eyes of the public sector procurers, and as long as the public sector goes for the lowest – and often craziest – bidder then we won’t climb out of the mire.

In the meantime, we urge you to join the SEC Group’s campaign to improve payment in the industry and to eliminate cash flow issues. You can read more about it in Rudi’s column on the following two pages.

In the next issue, Len will look at some of the many issues that SELECT Members have raised with him. If you wish to put any questions to Len, then please email them to alan.wilson@select.org.uk

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41

FOCUS RETENTIONS UPDATE

Help knock this peril on the head The Westminster retentions debate has been moved to October – so we need to up our game to help nail the abuse of payments once and for all

By Professor Rudi Klein SEC Group CEO and Barrister

I

t was never going to be easy to dislodge 180 years of retention abuse and malpractice, and the second reading of the Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill has now been moved again – this time to 26 October 2018.

The Bill – commonly known as the Aldous Bill after the MP who introduced it – will outlaw cash retentions unless they are deposited in a separate ring-fenced account or scheme.

The Bill was due its second reading

on 15 June but was also competing with many other Bills waiting to be debated.

However, moving it to October will mean that it continues to be a pressure point on the UK Government to act to curb the abuse.

So far, ministers have expressed sympathy for the Bill, but there is no sign of government actively supporting it, or even adopting it. Civil servants are relying on a perceived lack of consensus in the industry on the way forward.

STEP 1:

Go to the Parliament website search page at www.parliament.uk/mpslords-and-offices/mps/ 42

CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

TELL US YOUR HORROR STORIES Have you any retentions horror stories? What’s been your longest wait for release of cash? We’re building up a dossier, so please email alan.wilson@select.org.uk and tell us your story. You can also contact SELECT if you have any news or thoughts on what else we should be doing. There can be no let up. We must win this!

STEP 2:

One organisation, Build UK – whose membership includes some of the largest UK contractors – is arguing for legislation to ban cash retentions completely by 2023.

Nobody would disagree with this aim, but now that we have an opportunity to legislate to protect the monies, let’s ALL get on board.

As I’ve said many times in CABLEtalk, I believe that ringfencing the monies will mean that the demand for them will significantly reduce; if they can’t be used and abused what would be the point of deducting them?

Enter the postcode of where you live or where your business is located. The relevant MP’s name will appear.

SEND THIS EMAIL TO YOUR MP Dear [MP NAME]

Where to now?

Eradicating retentions abuse would be a fantastic prize but winning a victory of this nature requires hard work. So we must really up our game.

You’ll already know SELECT has been treating this issue as a priority, as has SEC Group Scotland. UKwide, SEC Group has also been working hard to promote the Bill throughout the UK. The result is that some 180 MPs out of 650 in the House of Commons now support it.

But trade associations can only do so much – which is why SELECT Members like you can help us get a majority by continuing to force the issue at every opportunity.

There are still Westminster MPs in Scotland who haven’t indicated their support for the Aldous Bill – yet. This is likely to be because they haven’t been approached by a constituent asking them to do so.

No matter how many briefings SEC Group and SELECT do, MPs

STEP 3:

Check the contact details. If there are email addresses for the MP’s Parliamentary Office and Constituency Office, use both.

OTHER THINGS THE SEC IS DOING ●●We will seek to instigate some research in Scotland on the deleterious impact of cash retentions on construction. ●●We will continue pressure on the Scottish Government to act rather than wait on any action from the UK Government. ●●We will approach Scottish Futures Trust to operate a no retentions policy (up and down the supply chain) on infrastructure works.

will always prioritise requests from their constituents, so it really is worth reaching out to them.

Our step-by-step guide below will show you how to get in touch.

So if you live or have a business in any of the constituencies, email your MP – and help us nail this tiresome problem once and for all.

I live (or have a business) in your constituency. The Construction (Retentions Deposit Schemes) Bill is extremely relevant to the business I’m involved in which is electrical engineering design, installation and maintenance.

In the construction industry, firms such as mine are required to offer a retention of 5 per cent. This is deducted from our due payments and is therefore, legally, ours.

The primary motive for deducting these monies is to bolster the cash flow of the company withholding them, rather than using them for the stated purpose of providing security in case of failure to rectify noncompliant work.

The amount of retentions lost in the wake of the Carillion collapse is likely to be astronomical; some commentators suggest it could be as much as three quarters of a BILLION pounds or even more. These monies would have come from small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Bill I mentioned is a Private Member’s Bill, which was introduced

by Peter Aldous MP on 9 January.

Its second reading is now due to take place on 26 October 2018.

The Bill will outlaw cash retentions unless they are ring-fenced in a separate account or scheme, similar to the existing statutory tenancy deposit schemes.

The purpose of contacting you is to ask whether you would be able to support the Bill. I look forward to hearing from you. For more information about retentions, see bit.ly/SEC_cashflow

STEP 4:

You can find a copy of this email at cabletalkmagazine.com – simply copy and paste it.

Send the message on the right to your MP. Once you’ve done so, forward it to alan.wilson@select.org.uk CABLEtalk

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

43

FOCUS EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Lead from the front How creating a culture of involvement in the workplace can motivate and inspire your teams to perform above and beyond

By Elaine Ellis Qualifications and Skills Development Manager, SELECT Question: What made you want to come into work today? Do any of the following sound familiar?

●●I need the money ●●I enjoy what I do ●●It’s easy and I don’t have to think too much ●●I feel I contribute and make a difference ●●I believe in what the company I work for does ●●It’s better than staring at the husband/wife/kids/dog/four walls all day.

This may seem a simple question and our answers may vary from day to day.

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But answering the question and looking at what motivates us at work, going beyond the obvious financial driver, can be a thought-provoking question and a mirror into organisational culture.

This question connects with the concept of employee engagement. This can seem a woolly HR topic, but it’s not something to be dismissed into the ‘nice to do’ pile. The cost of employee disengagement to the UK economy is substantial. One study estimated this cost to be in the region of £340billion, although an alternative study went for a more modest cost of ‘only’ £85billion.

Lack of employee engagement in your organisation may impact negatively on current profitability and could result in missed opportunities well into the future.

Research this topic and you will read research that elevates Employee Engagement to the lofty position of a ‘silver bullet’ that can cure all organisational ills and increase profitability. Other more cautious assessments don’t make such wildly optimistic claims, but do generally seem to agree that it’s a good thing and that the output will outweigh the effort.

Employee engagement should not be confused with factors around workforce satisfaction. A place can be judged as good to work, have high levels of employee retention and low absenteeism and a workforce that is generally happy but still suffer from a

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

lack of employee engagement. Factors that contribute to a happy workforce such as fair pay, a safe and clean working environment and good working terms and conditions are essential. If these fundamental needs aren’t met, employees are highly likely to be disengaged. But meeting these needs alone is not a guarantee of engagement.

So what is employee engagement?

There are many different definitions of employee engagement. One by Mercer describes it as “a state of mind in which employees feel a vested interest in the company’s success and are both willing and motivated to perform at levels that exceed the stated job requirements. It is the result of how employees feel about the work experience – the organisation, its leaders, the work and the work environment”.

Employee engagement starts at the top of an organisation, with top managers responsible for creating the culture that encourages it. Senior management must set a clear organisational strategy that people can

% of today’s 25 employees are actively engaged understand and buy into. Employees need to understand the goals of the organisation and their part in meeting them. They need organisational systems that encourage employees to have autonomy within their roles and also welcome input and ideas from all levels.

It’s not possible to have employee engagement without these qualities being embedded in the work culture.

Statistics on employee engagement vary but tend to follow the same broad pattern. Research suggests that only about 25% of employees are actively engaged. Actively disengaged employees – defined as those who actively work against your organisation – make up only a small portion of the UK workforce (about 15%). That leaves a silent majority of employees across the UK who are neither engaged nor

disengaged. For me this is an indication that many organisations are not fully utilising their greatest resource – their people.

An important factor that can impact on employee engagement is the influence of immediate line managers.

A line manager plays a key role in ensuring employees feel connected with the organisation, has the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s success and can lead in ensuring that their team members feel valued.

% of today’s 15 employees are actively disengaged

But a line manager alone is not solely responsible for the levels of employee engagement in their team; many of the factors that influence engagement are the responsibility of top management.

However, poor line management can destroy engagement regardless of what happens in the wider organisation.

Leading from the front

Approaches to build employee engagement link with the same skills that make a manager a great leader.

There is a need to focus less on task management and more on seeing the role of a manager as a facilitator, supporter and mentor. This is about

focusing on lifting the role of a manager to its higher purpose, which includes: ●●Ensuring the team understands its role in the bigger organisational picture ●●Create a working environment that encourages autonomy ●●Creating a culture that is blamefree and positive ●●Developing team talents and providing team members with opportunity ●●Ensure teams’ contributions are recognised, both privately and publicly ●●Ensuring each individual is challenged at the right level for them ●●Providing support to help teams overcome problems ●●Creating a culture that encourages change, ideas and innovation.

That is quite a list, and the saying that ‘managers are made not born’ rings true. Fortunately there are many ways managers can develop their skills.

Self-awareness is the first key step.

Likewise, back to the broader topic of engagement, much of the work that an organisation can do to cultivate and improve employee engagement takes conscious choice and focus.

It can be difficult to divert the attention needed away from the day-to-day running of an organisation to focus on subjective concepts such as employee engagement. But when the outcome has the potential to impact on profits and the ongoing success of the organisation, it may be time well spent.

i

SELECT offers a year-round Management Training Programme in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, which can fit around a full-time job. Contact SELECT Training for further information on 0131 445 5577.

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TRAINING SECTT UPDATE Perth

North Highlands

Paisley

Treble Scotch Three Portuguese electrical apprentices gained an insight into Scottish life during an exchange visit with Mears Group and New College Lanarkshire

A

trio of Portuguese apprentices enjoyed a taste of life in Scotland thanks to an exchange programme coorganised by SECTT. Rui Veiga, Diogo Figuerira and Ricardo Sousa spent 45 days living and working in Scotland to 46

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sample our culture and our standard of work, splitting their time between the Mears Group and New College Lanarkshire.

The visit was arranged in partnership with Erasmus+ and

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

Portugal’s Centro de Formação Profissional da Indústria da Construção Civil e Obras Públicas do Norte (CICCOPN).

The students were shadowed by their trainer Pedro Campos for the first 10 days, then left to work on their own.

Barrie McKay, SECTT Training and Development Manager, said: “I was on the last SJIB exchange programme to Denmark in 1990 and really see the benefit of letting apprentices

Inverness

Ayr

Trainees are kept safe with lockout kits The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) has again teamed up with Electrical Safety First (ESF) to provide all 3rd Stage apprentices and adult trainees with free lockout kits.

More than 600 apprentices and adult trainees have been given the free £30 kits, which could potentially save their lives.

The kits help ensure that the electricity is turned off – and stays off – until work is safely

completed. Known as safe isolation, it helps prevent a serious or fatal electric shock.

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive, SECTT, said: “I spend time in our approved centres meeting classes and I cannot stress enough the importance of working safely at all times, to protect the apprentices, colleagues, members of the public and property.

“The kits will be provided to

widen their understanding of other cultures and work life.

“This project did have its challenges, but with help from Mears Group, New College Lanarkshire (Motherwell Campus) and my Training Officer Bryan Murray, we managed to run a successful exchange. I believe they left with a bit of Scotland in their hearts.”

Carlos Miranda of CICCOPN added: “I wish to express my deepest thanks for all your efforts in making this mobility a success. I hope this will be the first of many projects.”

Gerard Malone, General Manager, Mears Group, said: “We pride ourselves in developing and training our future tradespeople, so we fully embraced this request to provide a solid background for the Portuguese apprentices.

“They were with Mears for six weeks and were fully engaged in all aspects of

apprentices and adult trainees from the Shetland Isles to the Borders, studying at 20 approved centres across Scotland. Apprentices and adult trainees should become familiar with these kits as they are the same ones used when sitting the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA).”

Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, added: “Adopting safe working practices

and procedures is essential.

Embedding this approach at the start of an electrician’s career is key, which is why we partner with SECTT in providing these free lockout kits to apprentice and adult trainee electricians.

“They not only provide crucial safety but also promote safe working as an ingrained habit.

At some point in their career, that could make the difference between life and death.”

work. They made great progress and all parties involved gained from the experience. We all agreed that we identified tangible benefits why the programme should continue.”

SECTT is now keen to build on these links and provide future projects for other apprentices.

Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive, SECTT, said: “Despite its challenges, this was a very worthwhile project for us to be involved in. The students were given a great experience by Mears Group and a good learning experience at the college.

“Barrie and Bryan also gave them a full taste of Scotland covering Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. The students told me that they had a great time and really loved Edinburgh. I would be happy to support these programmes going forward.”

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to the latest 1 AICO LAUNCHES THE FIRST COMBINED HEAT AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM Aico has launched its first combined Heat & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm. The new Ei3028 is a convenient and cost-effective solution to protect residents in the kitchen and garage.

The electrochemical CO sensor and thermistor heat sensor react to temperatures of 58ºC or over, but won’t alarm at cooking vapours. To distinguish between fire or CO, the alarm has a different sound for each, plus there are clear flashing fire and CO indicators on the unit itself. It comes with AudioLINK data extraction and SmartLINK whole system remote data monitoring capability.

The Ei3028 forms part of Aico’s new advanced 3000 Series, which includes a mains powered Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm and single sensor Optical, Heat & CO Alarms.

For more information, visit www.aico.co.uk/ 3000series

2 MARTINDALE’S LM195 LED LIGHT METER MEANS YOU WON’T BE LEFT IN THE DARK Martindale Electric has made it quick and easy to verify the performance of new LED installations with the LM195, a quality light meter with built-in correction factors for LED light sources.

The LM195 delivers fast, reliable readings for a wide range of LED, fluorescent and incandescent lighting – ideal for ensuring regulatory compliance and adequate performance of new and existing systems in industrial and commercial environments.

The LM195 provides accurate readings up to 200,000 lux with a maximum resolution of 0.1 lux in the 200 lux range. The sensor can be rotated to cater for oblique angles of lighting and detached completely for easy access to any source.

Suitable for both the commissioning of new installations and checking the performance of existing lighting, it can be used to ensure lighting levels meet the required levels for a safe and healthy environment.

Encased in a rugged housing, it can operate for around 80 hours on one set of batteries.

For more information about the LM195, go to www.martindaleelectric.co.uk or call 01923 441 717.

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SHOWCASE YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS HERE 48

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018

In association with

electrical solutions 3 ESP BOOSTS ITS CCTV RANGE WITH 4 NEW HIGH DEFINITION WI-FI SYSTEMS ESP has announced more additions to its megapixel range, with four new ESP HDView wi-fi CCTV kits. With improved clarity and 1080p picture, the systems offer easy set-up and remote monitoring via smart phone or tablet. The kits include a network video recorder, hard drive and 4MP HD day/night cameras. Options include two or four-camera kits, available in a black or white finish.

For further information, contact ESP on 01527 515150, email info@espuk.com or visit www.espuk.com

4 VENT-AXIA’S LO-CARBON SVARA UNITARY FAN IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR No electrician wants to be called back to a fan installation because it’s too noisy and not doing its job properly. Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Svara eliminates these worries and puts the customer in control.

With a five-year warranty and easy installation and set-up, the fan offers quiet operation, attractive design and low running costs.

Combining condensation control with improved indoor air quality, the fan can be controlled via smartphone, with functions including silent scheduling and automatic cycles.

“The Svara ensures a peaceful, healthy environment for households, with the option to install in a variety of rooms,” said Tom Wodcke, Product Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia.

Condensation control is core to Svara’s design, with the fan featuring a humidistat which reacts to sharp changes in humidity, e.g. when someone is taking a shower. This helps control damaging humidity levels that can lead to condensation and mould.

For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia, visit www.vent-axia.com or call their experts on 0844 856 0590.

David Hughes: 0131 561 0022 davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk

Construction contracts: The evolution of payment?

By Rebecca Barrass Solicitor, MacRoberts LLP As things stand, 2018 looks like it will be an annus horibilis for the construction industry. With the collapse of several large contractors, the industry has had issue after issue to contend with.

At the centre is payment, particularly the terms under which contractors and sub-contractors operate.

Sub-contractors have long accepted lengthy payment terms and onerous retention provisions in an effort to win contracts in a highly competitive market.

Protracted payment terms have serious consequences, with sub-contractors unable to settle invoices with suppliers on time, as well an inability to re-invest in their businesses.

We have witnessed first-hand the commercial impact of this practice, with the well-publicised financial hardship caused to many firms as a result of Carillion’s now infamous 126-day payment terms and its ultimate collapse.

We have also seen a gradual increase in the level of retention being applied by employers, with retention now usually making-up 3 to 5 per cent of the contract price. This puts more strain on cash flow, particularly as contractors won’t normally see retention until well after practical completion, if at all.

As discussed on pages 42&43, MP Peter Aldous has CABLEtalk

introduced a Private Member’s Bill which seeks to “make provision about protecting retention deposits in connection with construction contracts”. That protection is to be in the form of third party trust schemes.

Although still in the early stages, the introduction of such a Bill shows an awareness that change is required.

It appears that there are small signs of a shift in industry attitudes towards payment more generally.

Network Rail has recently announced plans to change its contracts by introducing terms which will commit its suppliers to pay subcontractors within 28 days and remove retentions on those payments. It also plans to introduce project bank accounts on some of its major works. It means payments will be more visible, allowing for greater transparency of payment.

It’s too early to tell whether these events will lead to legal intervention by the government, but it appears that industry players have a window of opportunity to learn from, and address, mistakes of the past. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be ignored.

l MacRoberts advises on construction law.

Email rebecca.barrass@ macroberts.com or call 0141 303 1100.

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DIARY PEOPLE / EVENTS / COMPETITION GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Q uickfire Questions

Margaret Fitzsimons

Cheese or chocolate?

CEO, Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA)

Dog or cat person?

Hello Margaret, how did you get started in the sector?

Back in 2001 the MD of Pirelli Cables, now Prysmian, persuaded me to set up Voltimum in the UK and that brought me into the electrical sector. Previously I’d spent my career in the world of building materials.

How have you seen the sector change?

There are two big changes: firstly, the disappearance of many brands and businesses as they are acquired by larger companies, and secondly the introduction of more connected, intelligent and energy-efficient products. One observation, though, is that while the world around us is becoming increasingly digitised, this sector seems to be moving a little bit more slowly.

What do you think the future holds?

The continued growth of e-commerce and digitisation of the sector. Also, increased concentration of business and brands. I think we’ll see more

SELECT EVENTS

collaboration by the supply chain partners, and by pulling together we’ll be better able to address the issues that are impacting on all of us. This will be boosted, of course, by the concentration of trade associations, including the EDA, now operating under one roof at Rotherwick House near London’s Tower Hill.

What’s the best thing about being an EDA member?

The business networking opportunities and access to training and apprenticeships.

Over the last few years the EDA has made two significant investments: the first to develop our new programme of 12 distance-learning Product Knowledge Modules which we’ve launched this year, and second the creation of a bespoke apprenticeship for the wholesaler, Trade Supplier Level 2 which was launched in April 2018 (but only in England I’m afraid). Not forgetting, of course, ETIM-UK and our work to digitise the sector. For more on ETIM-UK and our progress visit www.etim-uk.co.uk

Cheese.

Dogs. Although as a child I thought cats were girls and dogs were boys, and that they would get married.

First car owned?

Citroen BX.

Favourite film?

Cinema Paradiso.

Favourite TV show?

The Crown.

Favourite holiday spot?

Hard to choose between Corfu and Connemara.

Any nicknames?

Millions – Mags, Maggie, Mog, Margo, Margie.

Dream date?

Pierce Brosnan.

One thing people might not know about you...

I’m a very keen hockey player, but perhaps with more enthusiasm than skill.

How does the EDA measure success?

The EDA’s key performance indicator is the level of engagement of our members and affiliates, which we track every month and after every event. We have invested huge resource in improving our communications to help members and affiliates understand their benefits and opportunities and encouragingly we’re seeing increased engagement levels right across the membership but, like everything, there is always more we can do.

How much collaboration is there between SELECT and the EDA?

Collaboration is very positive I’m pleased to say. In 2017, together we launched the SELECT Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year Award for Scotland, and we’ve just completed the judging to find our 2018 winner.

All will be revealed at the SELECT Awards! And in March this year, the EDA led a visiting delegation to Frankfurt’s Light + Building expo. We had three SELECT representatives in the party – President Kevin Griffin, Vice President Kenny Duncan, and Head of Technical Services Dave Forrester.

Dumfries & Galloway Branch meeting

Dumfries & Galloway Branch Sportsman’s Dinner

Ayrshire Branch meeting

SELECT Central Board meeting

16 October

26 October

13 November

4 &5 September, Aberdeen

Edinburgh Branch meeting

Glasgow Branch meeting

Lanarkshire Branch meeting

23 October

1 November

20 November

SELECT Industry Awards 2018

Inverness Branch meeting

Aberdeen Branch meeting

Tayside Branch meeting

12 October, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

25 October

8 November

22 November

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COMPETITION CARS WORDSEARCH S K O D A H I M E R C E D E S D F G C E B

A J L N O P R Q A S B C A T E U O V L O V

B K M A B C D D E S A F E U A T R O E C A

C D W A L F A R O M E O R U T E S L A D U

D O Z F A F Y O D E F R S Y I W O K F G X

A D Z A M G Q L Z A W D A D F P S S T I H

E G V G B H R L E X U S H T F O F W S H A

J E E P O I E S L N C Y I K I P S A A B L

A W R K R H H R J M H J K I A T R G J B L

G R A N G E R O V E R M U A T R Q O L B A

U E X H H O J Y H V Y L Z G S J I N I M Z

A N U T I P H C N B S O U V K C Y X D W Y

R A I W N V L E D E L Y S U B A R U H B F

F U O C I T R E O N E P Q Y X D A G E A E

G L H I J K A R U T R V W C R I S U Z U R

H T O Y O T A S T L Q H A B D L V W X U R

I P G P N G U L M E E O F G E L R S T Q A

J O F N O P D D H Y U N D A I A N O P M R

K N N A S S I N Q Q Z D B C D C L J K I I

L M Q R S T U V W X Y A Z A B C D E F G H

C H E V R O L E T A A S T O N M A R T I N

WIN

£50 OF VOUCHERS

Last issue’s answers:

Last issue’s winner: Congratulations to Mark Cargill from H2O Plumbing & Heating Services, who won the countries wordsearch in our June/July issue.

Mark wins a £50 Amazon voucher, courtesy of sponsor, MacRoberts LLP.

ALFA ROMEO ASTON MARTIN AUDI BENTLEY BMW CADILLAC CHEVROLET CHRYSLER CITREON DODGE FERRARI FIAT FORD

HONDA HYUNDAI ISUZU JAGUAR JEEP KIA LAMBORGHINI LEXUS MASERATI MAZDA MERCEDES MINI NISSAN

RANGE ROVER RENAULT ROLLS ROYCE SAAB SEAT SKODA SUBARU SUZUKI TESLA TOYOTA VAUXHALL VOLKSWAGON VOLVO

In association with MacRoberts LLP, here’s the chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers with our cars wordsearch. Find the names listed above, take a pic of your finished grid and email it to memberservices@select.org.uk by 23 September 2018. Or cut it out and send it to: Wordsearch, SELECT, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB. Winner drawn at random. T&Cs are online.

8 17-1T OVCENTRY

G CO RIN INEE OW ENGSIGN SH DE

NATIONAL EVENTS Coventry ElexShow, Ricoh Arena. Try new products, enjoy special offers and get the lowdown on the latest regulations at the trade show for electrical contractors. 20 - 21 September

Birmingham

Coventry

What’s New in Electronics Live, NEC. The event formerly known as National Electronics Week. 25 - 26 September

Engineering Design Show, Ricoh Arena.

Showcase of new electronics and design. 17 - 18 October

Birmingham

Surrey

UK Construction Week, NEC. The UK’s largest built environment event, with nine separate shows. 9 - 11 October

ElexShow, Sandown Park. The dedicated trade show for the UK’s electrical contractors. 1 - 2 November

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