Professional Electrician & Installer June 2022

001_PE_JUNE22 13/05/2022 15:42 Page 1

TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER

JUNE 2022

‘MULTI’ TALENTED

HEAD FOR ‘EASY’ STREET WITH SCHNEIDER’S LATEST CONSUMER UNIT LAUNCH

INDUSTRY UPDATES

THE FULL FACTS ABOUT THE NEW DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: AMENDMENT 2 GUIDANCE ● TECHNICAL ADVICE ● PRIZE DRAWS ● AND MORE…

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:57 Page 1

003_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:45 Page 3

Total Average Net Distribution: 76,995 Certification period: 1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021

June 2022 Volume 38 No.6

Regulars 5 9 24 29 37 38 43 44 82 95 96

VIEWPOINT NEWS CODEBREAKERS ASK OVIA DR ZZEUS MADE 2 MEASURE THE TRAINING GROUND THE DRIVE TO NET ZERO PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE CAPTAIN C-TEC CAUGHT ON CAMERA

47

News & Views 17

What will changes to the Electotechnical Assessment Specification mean for electrical businesses?

21 Why manufacturing offers a very worthwhile pathway into the electrical industry

Technical & Training 27 Considering the effect of ambient conditions and installation methods when determining minimum live conductor sizes 31 Understanding why proper earth resistance testing takes the guesswork out of installing earth electrodes 34 What are the requirements for testing and inspection under Amendment 2?

41 We get the full facts about the new Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship standard

41

What equipment do you require to test EV chargepoints?

EV Charging & Renewables

Products & Business Solutions

47 What equipment do you require to test EV chargepoints?

74 Why you shouldn’t judge a socket by its cover

50 A look at the surge protection requirements for EV chargers in the wake of Amendment 2

77 We learn more about the latest addition to the ESP fire safety family

52 How will the smart charging regulations affect EV equipment and installations in the future?

80 Why it is important for installers to understand how responsible, sustainable solutions can benefit themselves and their project

55 We learn more about the motivation behind Luceco Group’s latest product offering 58 How OZEV grants can provide installers with more opportunities 61 What is O-PEN technology and how does it work?

62 Why the big charging infrastructure is placing a spotlight on the electrical trade 65 What is the business potential from solar rooftop installs?

66 Comprehensive guidance for electrical inspection and testing of solar PV installations 68 How electrical professionals can help homeowners to cut the cost of their energy bills 70 An overview of the latest industry stories as the ‘Green revolution’ gathers pace

Learning more about the domestic route

85 Rounding-up the latest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work

Prize Draws 14 WIN! Get your hands on an amazing garden bundle – worth over £1,500 22 WIN! Fantastic freebies and goodies to be bagged 29 WIN! Bag yourself an Elite Conduit Bending Machine 81 WIN! Tune in and win a Makita DMR107 Site Radio 87 WIN! An awesome ToughBuilt ClipTech bundle could be yours 97 WIN! Get your hands on a Martindale HPAT600KIT1 PAT Tester PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 3

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 26/03/2022 09:24 Page 1

005_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:46 Page 5

@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

Digital Manager REBECCA MCGEOCH email: rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant ADAM ROBERTS email: aroberts@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertisement Manager IAN TURNER email: ianturner@hamerville.co.uk Design ADEEL QADRI Production Assistant KERRI SMITH Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Distribution Manager KARL CLARK Managing Editor TERRY SMITH Printed by: WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH Published by: HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF Tel: 01923 237799 Fax: 01923 246901 Email: pe@hamerville.co.uk PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN is the business journal for the electrical contracting industry. It is available to the trade at leading electrical wholesalers throughout the UK. © 2022 Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available. Please contact us for rates.

Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 17 Electrical Check © Lightfield Studios Pg 41 Teaching Class © Monkey Business Pg 42 Mentor/Apprentice © Auremar Pg 50 Domestic EV © Herr Loeffler Pg 52 Smart Charging © Blue Planet Studio Pg 66 Solar Panels © Andrii Pg 74 Quality Check © Paradee

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

Editor’s Viewpoint

Meet the team Editor RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville.co.uk

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?

i

t’s no secret that, as Brits, our ongoing love affair with the humble brew is something that defines us culturally – both throughout history and today.

Indeed, a cup of tea is held in such regard that it is often the first solution to life’s problems. Had a bad day? Here’s a cup of tea.

Need a gossip? Let’s have one over a brew.

Want to come up with a plan? Go and stick the kettle on.

Interestingly, being offered a cup of tea can have many social connotations, and can speak more loudly than any words. Offering a cup of tea to an individual can make them feel that you want them around and enjoy their company, it can be a method of comforting someone or a simple way to express gratitude.

If you’re a prolific tea guzzler then you’re in the right industry, as the results of a new Checkatrade survey on ‘tea etiquette’ illustrate.

The study of 2,000 British homeowners found that electricians (72%) and plumbers (72%) are the most likely to be offered a cup of tea, followed by builders (70%) and painter/decorators (69%). Meanwhile, those cleaning windows (28%) or connecting broadband (27%) have the driest throats with fewer Brits offering them a hot drink.

When it comes to tradespeople conducting work in and around the home, people will offer a hot drink on average, every 2 hours 50 minutes.

Those from the North East are the most attentive (which comes as little surprise), pouring a cuppa on average, every 2 hours and 20 minutes whilst, people aged 18-34 were least likely to offer a tradesperson a cup of tea

at all – a sure sign that the younger generation still have some catching up to do.

The start of a brew-tea-ful friendship?

Personally, my favourite takeaway from the survey was the number of individuals who employ ‘tea tactics’ (that strategy has definitely been employed by yours truly before), and will make a cup of tea for their tradesperson so they can build a good rapport to ensure a job well done and set the foundations for a future business relationship.

Some customers are also a very trusting bunch, with one in ten (12%) happy for a tradesperson to make their own tea before they get started. The biggest reason for this is so trades can make a hot drink to their personal preference (44%) and so people don’t have to feel awkward by asking a tradesperson what they would like (39%).

At the other end of the scale, some prefer to keep things strictly professional and won’t offer a cup of tea so as to avoid blurring the employer/employee relationship (22%), with a further 21% believing tradespeople should bring their own drinks to a job. A miserable bunch, some could argue, but at least they’re in the minority.

Despite there being many reasons to offer someone a cuppa, we believe the most satisfying brew is the one that is offered as a ‘thank you’ for a job well done. When it comes to happy customers, it seems that electricians have that one in the (tea) bag!

Have a good month and we hope you enjoy the issue,

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 5

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 09:27 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 09:27 Page 2

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 09:37 Page 1

009_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:55 Page 9

news @proelectrician

For the latest electrical news visit www.professional-electrician.com

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

More power to employers in new ‘Skills Bill’ A new law that was recently passed through government means that employers are now embedded at the heart of the skills system.

The Skills and Post-16 Education Act in England has introduced a number of measures to improve the skills and training landscape, empower employers to drive up the quality of apprenticeships and prioritise green skills.

In addition, schools will now be required to make sure all children get to meet training providers that offer technical education routes such as apprenticeships, T Levels or traineeships – opening their eyes to a wider range of careers and not just traditional academic options.

TESP has welcomed the launch of the Skills Bill and the positive impact it will have on its work to continually improve electrotechnical skills development, training and careers promotion.

“With employers firmly at the heart of the system, this will allow our industry to develop coherent training pathways and ensure that only high quality technical qualifications, valued by employers and industry, will have a place in this new landscape,” said Ruth Devine, Chair of TESP and Managing Director of SJD Electrical.

“TESP will continue to work in the industry’s best interests with employers at the helm.”

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TESP’S WORK AND INITIATIVES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH001

Power up with Makita Makita UK is offering end users the chance to get their hands on a FREE MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio, a MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMax Worklight with the purchase and registration of selected XGT 40VMax machines.

Makita’s XGT 40VMax range has been designed to offer tradespeople the high output, durability and fast charge times needed for regular professional use.

Running until 30th September 2022, end users have the chance to expand their XGT collection with this online redemption offer.

The redemption deal is available to those who purchase from a wide selection of XGT 40VMax machines (supplied with two batteries and a charger – body only models aren’t included), spanning across construction and outdoor power equipment.

Qualifying products include twin kits, demolition hammers, rotary

Scottish electrical business puts safety first In line with new Scottish government legislation, Milne’s Property Services are installing smoke alarm systems to vulnerable and disabled households in Scotland free of charge.

Explaining more about the initiative, Ryan Milne, who runs the firm with his father Steve, says: “As a small family-run business, we’ve seen the impact that new legislation has on our customers. Although we agree that improved safety is always to be applauded, the financial cost is often overwhelming, so we wanted to try and ease the burden on the most challenged and deserving of households.

“With the cost of the alarms being covered by our kind sponsors – including Cavius, Beat the Banks and our local electrical wholesaler in Dundee – we’re supporting this by installing the alarms free of charge.”

Ryan adds: “As part of the selection process, we asked our customers and social media followers to nominate deserving households as we felt this would help us to reach out to as many people as possible. As we continue to install alarms we’re also engaging with new sponsors with the hope that we can carry this campaign on to protect as many households as possible.”

hammers, combi drills, circular saws, mitre saws, angle grinders, vacuum cleaners and dust extractors. When purchasing a qualifying XGT machine, users can simply register it online to redeem their reward.

GET FULL DETAILS ABOUT THE PROMOTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH002

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 9

009_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:55 Page 10

news @proelectrician

For the latest electrical news visit www.professional-electrician.com

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

18th Edition support is by the e-book Schneider Electric has launched a new 18th Edition e-book that includes vital information as well as the latest products to help installers comply with new changes to regulations.

The e-book provides information on the key amends and how these might affect electrical businesses. These include: ●

●

Changes to special location installations including solar and EV systems, which is an indicator that this area of technology is going to grow.

Prosumer low voltage electrical installations and the need for systems that can both produce and store energy. This is a clear sign that future energy systems will need to work differently and have greater capacity.

●

●

●

Installation requirements for fire risk buildings including escape routes and cabling.

Removal of the CRL calculation and the increased need for surge protection.

Requirement for new labelling in some circumstances, including the colour of functional earthing changing from cream to pink.

Schneider Electric is committed to equipping electricians with the latest technology, tools, and advice to ensure the electrical industry continues to flourish. They offer solutions for the 18th Edition amendments, including the Easy9

range of residential consumer units, which addresses the need for increased capacity to support homes of the future.

GET MORE DETAILS ON SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S AMENDMENT 2 E-BOOK AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH003

Vent-Axia launches CPD for new builds Vent-Axia has launched a certified CPD 'Domestic Legislation for Ventilation’ on the revised Building Regulations, following the company’s successful webinars on the topic.

Certified by The CPD Certification Service, the CPD is aimed at housebuilders, M&E contractors, consultants and architects, and will inform delegates of the recent changes to the legislation, focusing on Approved Document F (for Ventilation) and Approved Document L (for Conversation of Fuel and Power) and will explain how they will affect ventilation in New Build homes.

The CPD runs through the vital revisions to the Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations, with a particularly detailed examination of Part F. Other topics covered include: an explanation of the ventilation solutions available for new build homes; understanding alternate means of ventilation; design considerations; as well as installation and commissioning best practice.

Vent-Axia can now offer the CPD either offline with a representative coming to your company or online to be undertaken at your own speed.

BROWSE THE CPD SCHEDULE AND SIGN-UP AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH004

Electrium releases Amendment 2 updates Now that Amendment 2 of the 18th Edition has arrived, Electrium has launched a series of updates to help professionals understand the changes and how they affect the next installation or project.

As part of the updates, you’ll find details about why AFDDs have been mandated, where you now need to install transient over-voltage protection, how the changes affect RCDs and RCBOs, and much more.

10 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Alongside these core components, Electrium offers a variety of product solutions that can help make compliance with Amendment 2 easy.

You can learn about the key things you need to know for residential installations, how surge protection devices from Electrium are now easier to fit for Amendment 2, your questions answered on AFDDs and much more.

ACCESS ELECTRIUM’S AMENDMENT 2 UPDATES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH005

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 30/04/2019 11:39 Page 1

009_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:56 Page 12

news

For the latest electrical news visit www.professional-electrician.com

E-numbers add up as Ford continues transformation Ford has taken another major step in its electrification transformation after revealing the first details of the all-new, all-electric, E-Transit Custom.

Following hot on the heels of the all-electric E-Transit that began production in March this year – and the first of four further all-electric commercial vehicles Ford Pro will introduce by 2024 – the E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment and help businesses across the region to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles.

The all-electric successor to Europe’s best-selling van is designed from the ground-up to fit seamlessly into the Ford Pro ecosystem of productivity-enhancing, value-adding solutions. E Transit Custom will be supported by Ford Pro software, charging, service and financing solutions via one

comprehensive platform to help increase uptime and reduce overall operating costs.

The newest addition to Ford Pro’s electrified line-up will be a key component in Ford’s bold commitment to

reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by 2035.

WATCH A PROMO VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH006

009_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:56 Page 13

@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF

Hubb acquisition further strengthens Rhino portfolio

Rhino Products, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle accessories, has acquired competitor company, Hubb Systems.

The acquisition supports Rhino Products in the continued diversification of

its product range for customers, alongside opening an even larger share of the market for its commercial vehicle accessories. For existing Hubb Systems customers this acquisition means they will benefit from the Rhino Products Group’s commitment to product quality, innovation and leading service levels.

With a team of nine in-house graduate design engineers on hand, Rhino Products will gradually be introducing a select number of Hubb Systems products into its own catalogue, with a series of

improvements and design upgrades already underway to bring these new products in line with Rhino’s high quality and rigorous testing standards.

Currently entering a new phase of ambitious growth plans, the Rhino Products Group has taken on a wealth of new challenges for 2022, continuing to drive the business forward.

After recently launching a dedicated delivery service for customers – Rhino Express – which provides next day first-class service, alongside development of new products to the market in the coming months, the acquisition of Hubb Systems adds to Rhino’s exciting roster of announcements this year.

BROWSE THE FULL RHINO PRODUCTS RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH007

014_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 15/05/2022 23:58 Page 14

PRIZE DRAW

W IN

WIN AN AMAZING GARDEN BUNDLE – WORTH OVER £1,500 You could get your hands on the great outdoors with Knightsbridge’s garden giveaway!

w

ith summer finally here, Knightsbridge is giving you the chance to win a van stock’s bundle of outdoor lighting and electrical products, valued at over £1,500. The prize includes a variety of items that you might require 'on the go' when working on outdoor projects.

Weatherproof connectors, outdoor enclosures, IP66 sockets and switches, sensors, spike lights, security lights, decorative outdoor lights and even some outdoor heaters are included in this spectacular 150-piece bundle.

Knightsbridge’s comprehensive

14 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

weatherproof ranges include accessories – from sockets and fused spurs to switches and switch boxes (including remote controlled devices and a smart Wi-Fi socket); plus ancillaries such as enclosures and connectors.

There’s a huge selection of lighting too – from floodlights and exterior decorative fittings through to spike and groundlights for gardens and decking.

Installers and designers can offer homeowners both power and light in the garden thanks to Knightsbridge's quality, hard-wearing IP-rated weatherproof ranges, which combine safety, great performance, and excellent value.

To discover the full Knightsbridge garden and outdoor collection, be sure to download the new e-brochure at: https://issuu.com/mlaccessorieslimited.

HOW TO ENTER TO ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN KNIGHTSBRIDGE’S GREAT GARDEN BUNDLE, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH008 Deadline for entries: 10/07/2022.

Usual T&Cs apply.

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 07/05/2022 19:00 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 09:48 Page 1

017_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:04 Page 17

SPECIAL REPORT

THE NEW EAS: EMBRACE THE CHANGE Gary Parker, Senior Technical Manager at ECA and Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, discuss changes to the Electotechnical Assessment Specification and what this will mean for electrical businesses, and the wider industry, moving forwards.

T

he Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) sets out the minimum requirements for a business to be recognised as technically competent by a Certification or Registration Body (such as the NICEIC). The latest version of the EAS came into effect in October 2021, and the changes within it affect all businesses registered with a certification or registration body.

So, what’s changed?

As the electrical industry evolves, the criteria for competence evolve as well. EAS no longer accepts short courses, auditable evidence, or certificates of competence as forms of recognised training and education.

This change effectively closes ‘short course’ entry routes for new Qualified Supervisor applicants.

Electrical work is skilled, and must be undertaken by qualified, competent businesses. The EAS document underpins how we as an industry assess this, and the update reflects our continued focus on improvement.

ECA, NICEIC and other Certification

and Registration Bodies are committed to implementing change to drive improvement across the industry.

developed a free tool for members called eCOMS to assist with logging CPD, training records and supervision.

What do installers need to do?

Documentation: Businesses now need to keep all documents required for the assessment for a minimum period of six years. This includes specifications, certificates, reports, complaints, health and safety information, on-going accuracy of test instruments and so on.

Organisations also need to have access to GS 38 (a HSE guidance note related to electrical test equipment), as well as access to the current Edition of BS 7671 (the Requirements for Electrical Installations). Paper or electronic versions of these documents are acceptable for assessment purposes.

Insurance: In addition to having £2 million public liability insurance, businesses that undertake periodic inspection and issue EICRs must have at least £250,000 professional indemnity insurance.

Supervision: One of the most important changes is the new requirement associated with competence and adequate supervision of all employed persons undertaking electrotechnical work. That means full and part-time staff, as well as subcontractors. ECA has

Safe isolation: Another key change is the need to demonstrate the ability to undertake safe isolation practices. Most people are taught about safe isolation in the first year of their apprenticeship or training. We all know about it, yet it often gets forgotten. About seven people per year die from simply not undertaking safe isolation. That’s seven too many.

CPD: Businesses also need to maintain appropriate records of qualifications, training (including Continuing Professional Development) and experience. This could be demonstrated through personnel records, training matrices, contractor records and assessment procedures or other

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 17

017_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:04 Page 18

SPECIAL REPORT

documented records as appropriate for the Enterprise.

Qualifications of key personnel Key personnel typically include the Principal Duty Holder (PDH) and Qualified Supervisor (QS). Businesses should have a sufficient number of QSs for the work being carried out, although they’re not required to be on-site at all times.

QSs are responsible for the quality and safety of the work being performed, and should a QS change, the PDH has 30 days to inform the certification body. A new QS must be in place within 120 days.

Existing QSs are required to hold an 18th Edition Wiring Regulation qualification; they can no longer simply demonstrate an understanding of it. We strongly suggest upskilling for those looking to expand their knowledge, and diversifying into areas such as solar panels, heat pumps, electric vehicles or other green technologies.

For those new to the position of QS, the qualification requirements have changed. To meet these new requirements, new QSs (and QS applicants) will be required to hold the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and relevant inspection and testing qualifications as well as other qualifications available through apprenticeships or experienced worker assessment routes and CPD. The assessment experience Now the new EAS is in place, assessments will no longer be the same. As there are additional things for assessors to check, we recommend compiling a checklist.

Contractors should make sure as many elements as possible have been covered before the assessment. Competence will be one of the key things the assessor will review, so it's vital to have suitable documentation in place, for example training and CPD records.

We appreciate these changes may require some adjustment, but it is important to remember that, in safety-critical professions like ours, continually raising standards is crucial. Embrace the change and use this opportunity to focus on updating your knowledge and skills and improving your business.

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/05/2022 08:55 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 30/03/2022 15:37 Page 1

021_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:11 Page 21

Special Report

SHATTERING THOSE MANUFACTURING MYTHS

With a plethora of career opportunities and pathways available to those working in the electrical sector, we talk to the team at CMD to find out why manufacturing offers a very viable route.

I

ncreasing the UK’s manufacturing capabilities and capacity is a key element of the government’s strategy for ‘building back better’ across both traditional and emerging industries. For UK-based electrical manufacturer, CMD, which produces power distribution and workstation power products at its Rotherham factory, that’s a welcome commitment.

The company understands, however, that reducing the UK’s reliance on imported goods involves delivering lean and efficient manufacturing operations, alongside recruitment and training of talented, career-focused individuals.

Jon Holding, General Manager of CMD, explains: “Manufacturing has changed significantly over the past few decades, with equipment, lean management strategies and automation all playing a role in helping scale-up throughput and increase capacity.

“But those have not been the only

changes. We’ve also moved from a culture where manufacturing was seen as an aspirational career path to one where it is rarely a first choice for young people leaving school.

“We need to change that by demonstrating the opportunities the manufacturing sector offers for training, promotion, flexible lifestyles and job satisfaction in order to attract a more diverse workforce of people who see it as a long-term career, rather than just a job.”

Career path With a diverse range of roles, a clear pay structure and plenty of opportunities for progression, CMD makes a compelling case for working in the company’s Rotherham factory. One of the business’ factory floor team, Carly Glynn, highlights the potential for manufacturing roles to appeal to a wider demographic.

Aged 25 when she joined the company, Carly had previously worked in an office environment as an HR

supervisor. Her father and two of her uncles already worked in CMD’s factory and she was keen to follow in their footsteps in a hands-on role.

“At school I’d wanted to go into mechanical engineering,” Carly explains, “but I’d been discouraged because I was a girl, and I ended up taking a very conventional route into an office job. I didn’t mind the role but it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do something more hands-on, so I applied for a job in the factory.”

Carly’s first role at CMD was in the production department making floor boxes for electrical installations. In addition to a formal induction and training, Carly worked alongside an experienced colleague for her first four weeks to ensure she had the opportunity to ask any questions and seek reassurance about the work she was doing.

“From the outset I felt supported to succeed in the factory,” she continues, “which is a great motivator. Within three

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 21

021_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:12 Page 22

SPECIAL REPORT

S Y A W ] A E V I G [ ARMEG

months, I was also given an opportunity for promotion, with responsibility for testing products. Because CMD’s factory is ISO 9001 certified, quality assurance checks are integral to every process and it felt great to be given such responsibility so early on.”

Promotion Carly stayed in the same role for around a year and, when COVID-19 arrived, she trained in other disciplines in line with CMD’s strategy for maintaining production levels, despite the challenges of staff absences due to the pandemic. She was given opportunities to work on several other production lines and then was promoted to work in the metal shop.

Carly’s new role has coincided with CMD’s investment in a new TRUMPF metal punching machine, and she has been trained by the machine manufacturer to programme and operate the equipment.

“People assume that the work is very physically demanding,” Carly explains, “but that’s not really the case. In fact, I would say it’s more mentally challenging because I have to ensure the machine is correctly programmed and that we’re producing the right output for the production schedule.”

Ambition So what does the future hold for Carly and others like her? For CMD, there is a clear strategy in place to recruit and train people that want to build a long-term career with the company in manufacturing roles.

Carly’s strategy is equally clear: “I’ve already told my line manager that I want her job in five years’ time. I know that if I continue to work hard and learn, I can keep rising up through the ranks.”

20 X 100mm ROOFING BOLT DRIVERS TO WIN! Last year Armeg revolutionised the market with the launch of the Roofing Bolt Driver.

Designed by an electrician, for electricians, the problem solving nut driver was an instant hit. Now Armeg is back with a new 100mm extended length version, manufactured at the company’s Sheffield based HQ. The longer length version has the same TO WIN! great features as the original 50mm length driver. It has a unique and patented cruciform head design which is made specifically to fit the cross head structure of roofing bolts. This helps prevent camming out and dramatically reduces bolt head damage caused by traditional screwdriver slippage. The driver makes the process of fastening roofing bolts faster and more efficient, plus the magnetic connection holds the bolts securely – so no more dropped fixings!

At twice the length of the original 50mm version, the 100mm driver is perfect for greater reach and accessibility in those hard to get to areas. The driver head is 14mm diameter which fits most 6mm thread roofing bolts. Plus, it has a ¼” Twister rated shank which is ideal for use in impact drivers.

The new 100mm Roofing Bolt Driver (Part No: TWGBDX100) is available now at electrical wholesalers throughout the UK.

20

ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH010

3

SNICKERS WORKWEAR

3 X LOGO HOODIES TO WIN! One of the most TO WIN! popular Snickers Workwear garments you’ll ever see, this fantastic hoodie is great for working on-site or for use as leisurewear. It’s a quality garment with a 3D- printed Snickers Workwear logo on the front, a raised collar and double-thickness hood with drawstrings for comfort and warmth when it’s a bit chilly.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT CMD’S RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH009

22 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH011

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 09:52 Page 1

024_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:13 Page 24

THE

CODEBREAKERS SNOWY: ON THE FACE OF IT, THIS LOOKED LIKE THE CONDITIONS FOR SELV WERE MET. THAT WAS UNTIL WE OPENED THE TRANSFORMER AND FOUND IT HAD BEEN JOINED THROUGH TO RUN A 240 V FAN IN ZONE 2!

Although we hear this numerous times, BS 7671 actually allows 230 V AC extractor fans to be in Zone 2, of special location 701: Locations containing a bath or shower; providing the manufacturer has stated they meet the minimum IP rating required.

That said, there aren’t many extractor fans that wouldn’t meet the required IP rating for use in Zone 2 of special location 701. Given the design of most flush fit wall mount type extractor fans, it’s very likely that they will be IP rated for use in Zone 2, regardless of their operational voltage.

As we look at this, the only issue, which isn’t strictly an issue, is the SELV supply being used as a junction box. It’s very likely the original SELV extractor fan has stopped working and has been replaced with a 230 V variant. The incoming supply has been joined to the new 230 V extractor supply cables, with insulated through terminals. A simple fix would be to replace the SELV enclosure with a similar joint box (a plastic surface mount pattress box with a blanking plate cover would likely suffice).

Looking at things from a safety perspective, is it potentially dangerous? No, the connections seem sound and adequately made in an enclosure designed for this purpose.

Does it merit any coding on an EICR? Probably not, at the most you could argue a C3 to remove the old SELV equipment, but you’d struggle to find an acceptable Regulation to justify that. There may be a label or markings on the cover of that enclosure identifying it as SELV, which would need to be changed, but again it’s hard to Code more than a C3 with any kind of meaningful Regulation.

There’s an argument that as it’s marked as SELV, anyone carrying out maintenance could access the fan and receive a shock, as it is 230 V and not SELV. That’s a non-argument, though, because you should always exercise safe isolation and check for dead before doing any

work, at which point it would be obvious that this fan was now 230 V. That said, it’s about the only viable option for coding, albeit a C3, to label the SELV enclosure as 230 V unless the junction box was changed, and then there would be no issue at all.

The best approach is to recommend that the enclosure would benefit from being changed or relabelled.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: SELV enclosure used as junction box possibly requires relabelling or replacing

GET THE BOOK AND CRACK THOSE CODES!

514.10.1

C3

Updated for BS 7671:2018, NAPIT’s EICR Codebreakers publication is purpose-written to aid contractors, inspectors and clients, and now includes updates to align with the 18th Edition of the wiring regulations. A 2018 Professional Electrician & Installer ‘Top Product’ award winner, the book is the perfect technical aid for electrical professionals and their customers.

24 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

024_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:14 Page 25

Need help with cracking those all-important EICR codes? Every month the technical team at NAPIT will be studying your latest ‘Caught on Camera’ photos and offering advice on the next steps, should you find a similar installation. If you want the team at NAPIT to help crack your codes then send your pictures through to us at: pe@hamerville.co.uk

STEVE MEARS: I HOPE THAT THIS ISN’T THIS PARTICULAR COMPANY’S BEST INSTALLATION… Although it is seen on EICRs, this is not a common occurrence. There are issues with accessibility from the roller shutter door blocking access etc., but that taken into account, I’m only looking at the CU orientation in this instance.

When manufacturers conduct type testing on their distribution equipment, the thermal efficiency and heat dissipation are tested. These tests, however, are carried out in the orientation that that particular equipment is designed to work in.

Where consumer units are designed to be in a horizontal orientation and are then fitted in a vertical orientation, it’s possible that their thermal properties can be altered.

As heat rises, the build-up of any heat can affect the operation of devices by reducing the time the bi-metal strip used for overload protection takes to operate, leading to unwanted tripping.

As well as the bi-metal strip, the often-complex electronics in many RCDs and RCBOs and MCBs etc., can be damaged by excessive heat and will fail to operate as they are designed to.

Many manufacturers have stated that their consumer units cannot be installed in a vertical orientation, but individual manufacturers’ advice should be sought in each case. Where manufacturers have stated their equipment can be compromised if not fitted in the correct orientation, there is a potential for danger, which can only be coded one way.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: Manufacturers’ instructions may not allow CU to be installed in a vertical orientation

134.1.1, 134.1.5

The 18th Edition Codebreakers publication is priced at £17.99* (members) or £19.99* (non-members). Hard copies and digital issues are available. * Prices exclude VAT, postage and packaging

ORDER YOUR COPY OF NAPIT CODEBREAKERS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH012

FI C2

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 11/05/2022 08:47 Page 1

027_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:15 Page 27

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

FACTORS AFFECTING THE CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY OF LIVE CONDUCTORS The experts at NICEIC consider the effect of ambient conditions and installation methods when determining minimum live conductor sizes.

BS 7671 often specifies a minimum cross-sectional area for live conductors and for the purposes of resistance to mechanical damage likely in a particular application or environment.

In most cases, the limiting factor is current-carrying capacity. However, any quoted minimum size will not have taken into account any external factors which may reduce this.

Whilst the specified minimum size might be adequate in some cases, often it will be necessary to take into account a range of other influences that could affect current-carrying capacity such as: ●

●

ambient conditions in relation to external influences as detailed in Section 522 of BS 7671 installation methods, conductor arrangements, presence of insulation materials and the like covered in Section 523.

Voltage drop as described in Section 525 can also be the limiting factor when determining minimum conductor size, but is not considered in this article.

Correcting the current-carrying capacity of a cable for ambient conditions The cross-sectional area (csa) of live conductors must not be less than the minimum sizes stated in the relevant part of BS 7671, such as Table 52.3 (general), Table 55.2 (auxiliary circuits) and, where

applicable, in various sections in Part 7 covering special installations/locations (524.1).

The current to be carried by a conductor for sustained periods during normal operation shouldn’t result in the appropriate temperature limit specified in Table 52.1 of BS 7671 being exceeded (523.1).

cable reduces as the ambient temperature surrounding the cable increases.

The current-carrying capacities tabulated in Appendix 4 are based on the following ambient temperatures:

Installation method Table 4A2 of Appendix 4 lists the different installation methods and their related reference method codes recognised by BS 7671.

The installation method affects the rate of heat dissipation and hence the current-carrying capacity of a cable. For example, the current-carrying capacity of a cable clipped direct to a surface is generally higher than that of the same cable enclosed in conduit or trunking.

The current-carrying capacity of a cable given in Appendix 4 normally relates to the maximum temperature at which the conductor can operate continuously without causing damage to the cable insulation or sheath, terminations, connected equipment and surroundings such as building materials.

●

Ambient temperature For the purposes of BS 7671, ambient temperature is the temperature of the medium surrounding a non-sheathed or sheathed cable when it is not loaded (523.4). The current-carrying capacity of a

●

30 °C – Non-sheathed and sheathed cables in air, irrespective of the installation method.

20 °C – Buried cables, either directly in soil or in ducts in the ground.

Where ambient temperature differs from these values, the appropriate rating factor (Ca) given in Tables 4B1 (for cables in air) and 4B2 (for buried cables) should be applied to the tabulated current-carrying capacities set out in Tables 4D1A to 4J4A. Groups of more than one circuit Where cables are grouped in close proximity, their current-carrying capacity is reduced. The grouping factor (Cg) outlined in Tables 4C1 to 4C6 of Appendix 4 applicable to a range of cable types and installation methods should be applied.

Group reduction factors are applicable to groups of non-sheathed or sheathed cables having the same maximum operating temperature.

For groups containing non-sheathed or sheathed cables having different maximum operating temperatures, the current-carrying capacity of all the cables in the group should be based on the lowest maximum operating temperature of

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 27

027_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:16 Page 28

TECHNICAL & TRAINING Fig 1. No grouping factor is required where cables are spaced 2 diameters apart

any cable in the group together with any appropriate group reduction factor.

It should be noted that where the external distance between adjacent cables exceeds twice their overall diameter, as illustrated in Fig 1, it is not necessary to apply a correction factor for grouping.

Number of loaded conductors When calculating current-carrying capacity, only those conductors carrying load current should be considered.

Neutral conductors of balanced polyphase circuits do not need to be taken into consideration.

A neutral conductor should be considered as a loaded conductor where the third harmonic, or multiple of third harmonic, presents a total harmonic distortion greater than 15 % of the fundamental line current (523.6.1).

Where the neutral conductor in a multicore cable carries current, due to an imbalance in line currents, the temperature rise due to the neutral current is offset by the reduction in the heat generated by one or more of the line conductors. In this case the conductor size should be chosen based of the highest line current. In all cases the neutral conductor should have an adequate cross-sectional area to ensure that the conductor temperature limit is not exceeded (523.6.2).

Cables in thermal insulation Wherever possible, cables should be placed so that they are not covered by insulation. Where this is not possible, the cross-sectional area of the cable should be selected taking into account the tabulated current-carrying capacities given in Appendix 4, for cables installed in a wall or above a ceiling. It should be noted that where these tabulated values

28 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Fig 2. Installation methods to be applied to flat-twin & earth type cables in thermal insulation

are used, it is not necessary to apply a rating factor (Ci) for thermal insulation.

Where a single cable is totally surrounded by thermal insulation over a length of 0.5 m or more, the current-carrying capacity must be taken as 0.5 times the current carrying capacity for that cable clipped direct to a surface and open (Ci = 0.5) (523.9).

Where a cable of up to 10 mm2 is installed totally surrounded in thermal insulation for less than 0.5 m, the appropriate derating factor given in Section 2.6 of Appendix 4 should be applied to determine its current-carrying capacity.

Neutral conductors Regulation 524.2.1 states that the neutral conductor of a circuit should have a cross-sectional area not less than that of the associated line conductor(s) in: ●

●

●

Single-phase, 2-wire circuits in all cases, and Polyphase and single-phase three-wire circuits where the cross-sectional area of the associated line conductors is less than or equal to: ■ 16 mm² for copper conductors, or ■ 25 mm² for aluminium conductors Situations, such as where there is significant harmonic current in a three-phase circuit, where the neutral conductor carries current without a corresponding reduction in current in the associated live conductors (523.6.3).

The cross-sectional area of the neutral conductor may be smaller than the associated live conductors where all of the following criteria in Regulation 524.2.3 are met:

i.) the maximum current in the neutral conductor in normal service, including any harmonic current component, does not exceed the current-carrying capacity of the reduced cross-sectional area neutral conductor, and ii.) the neutral conductor is protected against overcurrent in accordance with Regulation 431.2; that is, overcurrent detection appropriate to the neutral conductor’s cross-sectional area is provided, arranged to disconnect the live conductors, but not necessary the neutral conductor, and iii.) in any case, the cross-sectional area of the neutral conductor should be at least: ● 16 mm² for copper conductors, or ● 25 mm² for aluminium conductors.

Summary A number of factors must be taken into account when determining the minimum cross-sectional area of live conductors.

Although BS 7671 often states a minimum conductor size based on mechanical strength and durability, in many cases this minimum size will be insufficient when needing to consider the ambient conditions for the installed conductors which must be corrected in accordance with Section 2 of Appendix 4.

Additionally, when determining the corrected current-carrying capacity of a conductor, any and all relevant factors affecting this should be taken into consideration.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT NICEIC REGISTRATION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH013

029_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 11:26 Page 29

PRIZE DRAW

ASK ASK OVIA OVIA

®

The column where you get to put your questions to the Head of the Ovia Lighting business, Mike Collins, and his team of experts.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TO INSTALL OVIA PRODUCTS OVER ANOTHER BRAND? WHAT CAN YOU PROVIDE THAT OTHERS CAN'T? When you choose Ovia products for your installation you’re assured not just of the broadest range and highest quality products but also that you’ll always be able to get hold of the stock that you need. This is down to ongoing investment in our facilities and processes to maintain extensive UK stock holdings.

With such an extensive range of products in the Ovia collection we cover a huge spectrum of applications. The products are excellent quality, easy to install and offer a range of features and benefits to help contractors meet the requirements of their projects on time and within budget.

One of the products that is proving extremely popular with installers is the multi-function LED driver, which offers three dimming options in 1 driver – Dali, Switch and 1–10V Dimmable. It was introduced to enhance our LED Panel offering and means that all Ovia LED panels, plus the Sprite, E-Sprite and AluPanel downlights now have a multi-function driver as an option. Installers love it for the plug and play aspect, and it makes it easy to select the appropriate dimming option.

We also offer a free lighting design service, which gives contractors access to free lighting design schemes for their commercial projects. The aim is to provide the expertise in choosing the right products to create a scheme that meets all the requirements of the project you’re working on, and one that is compliant with all the relevant regulations and standards.

Q

W IN

WIN A TOP QUALITY CONDUIT BENDING MACHINE We’ve teamed up with Benditnow to offer one reader the chance to bag a UK manufactured Elite Conduit Bending Machine – worth almost £400!

B

enditnow is the only British manufacturer of this quality range of products, made to exacting tolerances and computer machined to ensure greater accuracy for ease of operation. Each machine includes Benditnow’s unique vice plate design.

With a proven track record in producing this type of equipment, Benditnow’s philosophy is to offer quality products along with service and value for money, ensuring the units will last for many years.

The full range of equipment, spares and accessories are compatible with many other brands and Benditnow may be able to offer a small discount to any interested parties who want to get in touch directly.

Please email: info@benditnow.co.uk, quoting ‘PE’ in the subject line, or you can check the website out at: www.benditnow.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

PUT YOUR QUESTION TO THE ASK OVIA TEAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH062 VISIT THE ASK OVIA MICROSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH063

3I

DRIVN 1 ER

TO ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A FANTASTIC ELITE CONDUIT BENDING MACHINE, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH061 Deadline for entries: 10/07/2022. Usual T&Cs apply.

01827 300 640 ww w.oviaUK.com www.oviaUK.com

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:02 Page 1

031_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:19 Page 31

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

Julian Grant, Managing Director of Chauvin Arnoux, looks at why proper earth resistance testing takes the guesswork out of installing earth electrodes.

TAKING A DOWN TO EARTH APPROACH

N

ever have earth electrodes been more relied upon than they are now in the latest Amendment 2 of BS 7671. In addition to their main use in TT systems, they’re now recommended in TN systems as an additional earth connection (Reg. 411.4.2).

Many special locations such as swimming pools, generating sets, EV charging points and even cow sheds may rely on a good connection with the general mass of earth via a suitable earth electrode for their safety. So, modern electrical contractors are increasingly likely to be designing, installing and testing earth electrode systems.

When constructing a new installation or when carrying out additions or alterations to an existing installation, it is now essential that the same consideration is given to the design of the earthing system as would be given to the design of the final circuits. Proper design of the earthing system will ensure a safe, quick and cost-effective installation.

Once the requirement for earthing is established, it is necessary to choose a suitable means of earthing and its location.

Using an earth resistance tester, like the Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6472, you can perform a simple soil resistivity test. This test is often overlooked by those installing earth electrodes, but can clearly show the best place to install your earth electrode.

Two methods of testing resistivity There are two standard methods of resistivity testing – the Wenner and Schlumberger methods. Both methods allow you to map resistivity for a single location at varying depths or across a whole survey grid.

Soil resistivity data can also be used to aid your choice of electrode type. By siting your electrode based on resistivity survey data, you remove the costly trial and error that can experienced when siting by guesswork alone.

You should consider performing soil resistivity testing as early as possible in the planning and design process. This critical information can affect key decisions, such as the location of services

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 31

031_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:19 Page 32

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

“Two further readings are taken. If the three readings are similar, then the average of the three readings can be taken to be the measured earth electrode resistance RA” or even the location of buildings themselves. In many cases the choice of locations for an earth electrode may be limited or even predefined by others, so some quick resistivity testing can hopefully confirm the suitability of the chosen location in advance and any potential problems can be addressed early.

Where a new earth electrode has been installed, and as part of our initial verification of the installation, we are required by BS 7671 to measure the resistance to earth (Reg. 643.7.2). There are many ways to perform earth resistance testing and this largely depends on the type of installation being tested.

In the case of initial verification of a newly installed earth electrode, it could be argued that performing a ‘live’ external earth fault loop impedance test, which is currently common practice by many electricians, poses a safety risk by applying mains voltage to an, as yet, unproven earth path.

Also, the electricity at work regulations limit such ‘live’ working to situations where it is ‘unreasonable’ for it to be ‘dead’. The IET follow this logic with their note on regulation 643.7.2 stating that a measurement of external earth fault loop impedance may only be used if an earth resistance measurement is ‘not practicable’.

Standard earth resistance testing – a better option?

So, we can see that while a loop impedance test can be used in specific circumstances, a better and safer option for initial verification would be to perform a standard earth resistance test using a suitable 3-pole or 4-pole tester such as the Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6424 or C.A 6460. Many modern MFTs (like the

32 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6117) also have the facility to perform these tests.

Earth electrode resistance testing is carried out using the Fall of Potential (FoP) method. In addition to the electrode under test (E), two shorter test electrodes – the current electrode (H) and the potential electrode (S) – are inserted into the ground. The current electrode (H) should be sufficiently far away from the electrode under test (E) to avoid overlap of their individual ‘zones of influence’ – this distance varies for each installation but 30m would be a typical example.

The potential electrode (S) is placed at a point 62% of the distance between the initial two electrodes and a measurement is then taken. To confirm there is sufficient separation between E and H, S is moved 10% in each direction, i.e. 52% and 72%.

Two further readings are taken. If the three readings are similar, then the average of the three readings can be taken to be the measured earth electrode resistance RA. However, if there is a significant variation in the three readings, there may

not be sufficient separation between E and H for the test to be valid and it should be repeated with H located further from E. This process may seem complex at first, but in real life it takes very little time to perform and is simple to achieve in a majority of locations.

For more complex installations with multiple electrodes, earth resistance clamps, like the Chauvin Arnoux C.A 6417, offer an alternative to the FoP method with no need for additional test electrodes.

In summary Following the launch of Amendment 2, it is inevitable that consumer earth electrodes will be used more widely in UK installations. It is therefore important that all electricians have the ability to perform the necessary tests to work safely and cut out the costly guesswork.

GET MORE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT FROM CHAUVIN ARNOUX AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH014

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 11/05/2022 08:51 Page 1

034_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:21 Page 34

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

COMPLETING THE WORK Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer at NAPIT, explains new inspection and testing requirements under Amendment 2.

A

s part of any electrical installation, there is a requirement to undertake inspection and testing of the work prior, during and on completion. In light of the introduction of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Amendment 2, we need to review the changes and incorporate them into our inspection and testing procedures.

Within the regulations, this varies between revision of existing, brand new and the deletion of some of the old favourites. The model forms listed in Appendix 6 have also been revised, which will result in changes in the current versions of certificates and reports.

This article provides a brief overview of the new amendment and how it will

impact those carrying out the inspection and testing of electrical installations.

Requirements In looking at requirements for inspection and testing, the first step is to open Part 6 and read Chapters 64 & 65, which cover initial verification and periodic inspection and testing.

To begin, let us take a look at the introduction of the amendment, which includes a summary of the changes, a foreword by the Health and Safety Executive, and the Notes on the plan of the 18th.

Introduction to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 The following summary highlights the main revisions from the existing BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 version in brief. One

Fig 1: Schedule of Inspections

34 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

of the first points is the explanation of when Amendment 2 became effective – 28th March 2022 (it can be used immediately after this date), and when the previous edition will be withdrawn – 27th September 2022.

Additionally, there is clear information regarding the fact existing installations carried out to an earlier edition may not comply with the current version, but this does not mean that the installations are unsafe or require upgrading.

In addition, there is a provision of contractual duties and the Note 1, which states parties subject to a contract may install to a withdrawn standard. This includes the type of work that involves a long-term project, which can start prior to the introduction of the new version and extend after the standard has been withdrawn.

034_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:21 Page 35

Fig 2: Schedule of circuit details Initial Verification The Standard applies to all new electrical installations and each part of BS 7671 that is relevant to a particular installation must meet the requirements of the Wiring Regulations. Although Part 6 covers inspection and testing, it includes an inspection to ensure the installation meets the Wiring Regulations.

One of the main changes in the testing regulations, 643.3, refers to insulation resistance, where the 500 V IR test will be carried out prior to the connection of any equipment that is likely to be influenced or damaged by the IR test. There would then be an additional test at 250 V following the connection of the equipment. This

Fig 3: Schedule of test results

change is made to ensure that the cables are fully tested after erection to ensure that they have not been damaged.

RCD testing has been revised to include a test of only IΔn which is the rated residual operating current of the RCD. Appendix 6 Model Forms The forms have undergone many revisions and there are some welcome changes in the extensive schedule of inspections for the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), a cumbersome list of inspections. As a result, there will be a reduction in the number of pages for the EIC, where the new schedule of inspections now consists of 14 items, as shown in Fig 1.

Though the previous schedule of inspections is no longer to be attached to the EIC, it still includes an example checklist of the items that must be inspected during the initial verification.

This example has been included as an aid memoir to assist in the completion of the 14 new items on the schedule of inspections.

There are some minor changes to the Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) and the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with the inclusion of Arc Fault Detection Devices and Surge Protective Devices.

There is a major change to the schedule of test results, which has now

been replaced by a schedule of circuit details and a schedule of test results due to the increased number of columns, as shown in Fig 2 & Fig 3.

Conclusion A significant amount of attention will need to be given to the changes introduced within the inspection and testing parts, chapters and appendices, in order to ensure the correct initial verification and periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations.

You can maintain your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through several options, including NAPIT EXPO events, three different NAPIT training options, NAPIT webinars, and The Competent Person magazine.

You can find information about inspection and testing procedures in NAPIT’s publications that have been updated to Amendment 2 on the NAPIT Direct website. Additionally, you can access CPD opportunities through NAPIT Training and NAPIT events.

VIEW NAPIT’S UPDATED AMENDMENT 2 PUBLICATIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH015 GET MORE DETAILS ON NAPIT TRAINING AND EVENTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH016

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 35

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:04 Page 1

037_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:26 Page 37

Dr. Zzeus

IN THIS REGULAR COLUMN, ‘DR. ZZEUS’ TOM BROOKES, md of zzeus training and CHAIRMAN OF THE FSA, WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS RELATED TO FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE. I’ve been told there’s a new fire alarm standard evacuation in blocks of flats like Grenfell. Is this a legal requirement?

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, many things had to change in the construction and management of high-rise residential buildings. BS 8629:2019 is the new standard that sets out recommendations for Evacuation Alert Systems (EAS), to be used by the Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) in the event of emergencies in apartment blocks. The standard covers the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by the Fire & Rescue Service in buildings containing flats.

What is an evacuation alert system?

An evacuation alert system is an alert warning system operated by a control panel inside the entrance of an apartment block for use by the FRS when they attend an emergency.

Every flat hallway or the room onto which the flat entrance door opens must be fitted with an alarm sounder and visual or tactile devices should be fitted to the system for alerting the deaf or hard of hearing. An evacuation alert

must be clearly distinguishable from any other alarm signal and give a clear warning of the need to evacuate. The alert sound pressure level must be at least 85dB(A) at bedroom doors and 60dB(A) in the principal habitable room.

Is it a legal requirement?

In Scotland, the Domestic Technical Handbook Clause 2.14.8 states that “For blocks of flats with a storey located at a height of more than 18 m above ground level, an evacuation alert system should be provided to allow the FRS to initiate an evacuation signal within each flat”.

This requirement is also stated in specific building regulations. While it isn’t a legal requirement in the UK yet, the Grenfell Phase 1 report recommends that such systems be installed in all new and existing blocks of flats.

BS 8629 allows the use of radio or wired technology. It is predicted that radio systems would be more suitable for retrofitting into existing buildings and that wired systems would be more viable over the life of the building.

Why is BS 8629: 2019 necessary?

As the tragedy at Grenfell proved, managing an evacuation in blocks of flats is a complex process. The ‘stay put’ policy recommended previously considered that in the event of a fire, tower block inhabitants were safer staying in their flats while the fire was attacked and contained.

This would control the risk of chaos caused by a mass, uncontrolled

evacuation. It was thought firefighters were better deployed tackling the blaze than individually knocking on the doors of flats to organise a safe exit from the building.

‘Stay put’ is no longer the best advice in many blocks, though where flats are properly fire-rated this containment policy is sensible. In the case of Grenfell, this advice has been cited as a contributing aspect to the tragedy as previous renovations had compromised the capability of flats to remain protected from the spread of fire. In this case, the evacuation alert system gives the FRS an option to fully or partially evacuate a tower block, without potentially wasting valuable time knocking on the doors of flats.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED? EMAIL YOUR QUERIES TO: TOM@ZZEUS.ORG.UK GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ZZEUS TRAINING AND THE RANGE OF COURSES ON OFFER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH017

Thanks to Jenni Broad of Advanced Electronics – www.advancedco.com – for use of their graphics and images.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 37

038_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:27 Page 38

Working on your own? Need some technical advice? Don’t know where to turn? Ask Megger. What it doesn’t know about installing and testing electrical systems isn’t worth knowing. Every question will be answered by the Megger Technical Team, and the best will be published in Professional Electrician. So, take advantage of the ‘every question answered’ guarantee today. email your questions to: meggermeasures@hamerville.co.uk

You ask: DO MEGGER CERTSUITE CERTIFICATES COMPLY WITH THE LATEST AMENDMENT TO THE BRITISH STANDARD FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, BS7671: 2018: AMENDMENT 2, RELEASED AT THE END OF MARCH?

Megger says: YES. Amendment 2 includes changes to certificates issued for new electrical work (EIC, MEW), and to condition reports for existing installations (EICR). These changes are now included in CertSuite. CertSuite lets you choose whether to continue using Amendment 1 or switch straight away to Amendment 2. You make this choice in the ‘Job Details’ screen for each job. If you choose ‘BS 7671: 2018 (Amendment 2: 2022)’ from the ‘Compliance to BS Code of Practice’ drop-down list, CertSuite will use the new Schedules of Inspection. All of the existing example departures have been mapped to the new Schedule Items and, where necessary, new departures have been added. The changes to the layout of the EICR are not that major, but the EIC has changed significantly. The EIC now has a greatly simplified schedule of inspections, though some new sections have been added, and this is shown as a brief summary table in the certificate itself instead of two separate pages following it. Until now, CertSuite has given you the choice of a simple MEW or an extended version for any electricians who wanted to record more information about the job. Amendment 2 is very similar to our old ‘Extended MEW’, so we’ve adjusted it to match. For the next few months, CertSuite will let you choose between the basic ‘Amendment 1’ MEW, or use the new, more detailed MEW aligned to Amendment 2.

VIEW A TECHNICAL DATA SHEET FOR MEGGER’S CERTSUITE SOFTWARE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH018

38 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 09:57 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:06 Page 1

041_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:29 Page 41

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

DOMESTIC ELECTRICIAN APPRENTICESHIP – THE FACTS!

Since the launch of the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard in March there has been much debate and speculation over what it offers and what it holds for the industry. Here the team at TESP helps to clear up some of the early misconceptions around the standard.

t

he quality and structure of domestic electrical training and qualifications have been criticised and complained about for many years. Now, with the introduction of the regulated apprenticeship, we have a clear identity and industry standard for domestic electrical work, which has been developed by electrical contracting employers who recruit apprentices and work in residential premises.

TESP has not been involved in the development of the apprenticeship, but is helping the employer group to promote the standard and inform the industry about what it entails.

Comprehensive training programme Three years in duration, the apprenticeship standard provides a comprehensive Level 3 training programme that will cover all facets of planning, installing, testing and maintaining electrical services within a domestic setting.

It also includes training and assessment in domestic EV charging point installation, and will provide a strong platform of foundation skills to equip learners to undertake further training in the installation of new and low carbon technologies.

Domestic Electrician (DE) apprentices will gain a new Level 3 Electrotechnical in

“Now we have a clear identity and industry standard for domestic electrical work, which has been developed by electrical contracting employers who recruit apprentices and work in residential premises.”

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 41

041_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:29 Page 42

TECHNICAL & TRAINING

Dwellings technical qualification and will have to carry out an in-depth, 25-hour End Point Assessment that is a modified version of the existing industry assessment of competence, the AM2.

The apprenticeship is now approved and full details of the content are available on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website. Since its launch there has been industry chatter, opinions and often misunderstandings about how the apprenticeship will be delivered and why it was developed.

Here are some of the key misconceptions and questions which we’re happy to set the record straight: This is going to be boiled down into a fast track, sub-standard route It’s impossible for this to be the case and it helps to understand how a formal apprenticeship works. An apprenticeship standard is government-regulated and a training provider can’t deliver it without being approved by government agencies and listed on a register.

Like any apprenticeship there is a maximum funding pot which goes to an approved training provider, chosen by the employer, who is in complete control over who delivers their training.

In terms of time length, all apprenticeship standards, including this one, have a minimum duration of 12 months if the apprentice has approved

42 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

prior learning in the form of specified technical qualifications, and so it will not be possible for it to be boiled down into some form of fast track course.

This has been developed purely for commercial gain An application for a new apprenticeship standard can only be made by groups of employers. This employer group has led the demand for and development of the DE apprenticeship.

There has been a clearly defined need to have a separate apprenticeship for the many businesses who want to recruit apprentices, but do not operate in the commercial sector. Until now, the only electrical apprenticeship choice was the Installation Electrician standard and it is widely recognised that many apprentices, if they are employed by contractors whose work is primarily residential, struggle to get the full range of experience needed to complete the training programme, and ultimately the AM2S. Apprenticeships are funded by public money and any apprenticeship training provider is regulated and audited by government bodies. There is no additional pot of surplus funds raked off in other directions for commercial gain.

In fact, the apprenticeship will help to put a stop to the unrecognised short courses that those working domestically often take.

It’s not needed – what’s wrong with an alternative path on the current apprenticeship?

The government funding means that if the domestic apprenticeship was a pathway within the existing apprenticeship, the overall funding for the Installation Electrician apprenticeship would have been reduced due to funding being based on the shorter pathway.

What’s to stop domestic electricians working on commercial sites? It’s a risk to health and safety.

Unfortunately this has always happened; it’s the responsibility of the main contractor, employer and client to monitor who accesses a site and what checks are in place. The ECS gold card gained by a DE apprentice will clearly state ‘Domestic Electrician’, demarking it clearly from Installation or Maintenance Electrician, and so could in fact help with policing of who enters a site.

As the Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship and its End Point Assessment become available, more information will be available on the TESP and NET websites. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact TESP directly and we will happily answer any queries you may have.

VISIT THE TESP WEBSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH019

043_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:34 Page 43

THE TRAINING GROUND AM2 – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Q. I’ve been told by my training provider that my apprentice has to wait several months before they can take their AM2S, as our local NET centre is full – what can be done about this? It’s not acceptable to have such a wait when the apprentice is ready for the assessment.

We agree that you should not be waiting months for an AM2 appointment – it’s completely unnecessary as there is plenty of availability across the country!

What we find is a college or training provider will often only look to the NET centre closest to them, or the one with which they have an existing relationship. In fact, there are currently 55 NET licensed centres and you can choose any of them. If your training provider’s usual NET centre is fully booked and you are happy to travel further afield, ask them to look for an alternative centre with availability.

On a regular basis we ask centres to advise us on what space they have and we list these details on the NET website. Take a look at this page to get a feel of availability or, if a centre near you isn’t listed. Feel free to contact us at info@netservices.org.uk and we’ll help to explore who might be able to take your booking.

As the apprentice’s employer you are in the driving seat – if there’s an unreasonable delay for your booking, if you aren’t happy with your training provider opting for the nearest centre, or the one they use frequently, you are within your rights to ask them to find another centre in order to get your candidate assessed sooner.

There is some administration required on the training provider’s behalf, but there is no reason why you can’t use an alternative centre.

So take control and don’t settle for delays! Contact us if you need more help with finding an available assessment slot.

CHECK THE FULL LIST OF NET CENTRES AND THEIR AVAILABILITY AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH020

044_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:36 Page 44

THE ROAD TO NET ZERO

By Tom Gillam, Electrician Programme Manager at Schneider Electric

Energy efficiency starts at home: embracing smart technology

C

onsumers, enterprises, and governments have all joined efforts to tackle climate change or at least, limit our impact on the environment. But the reality is that we’re limited in our capabilities and understanding of the challenge ahead. We won’t be able to make significant progress without smart data-driven tech to support us. That’s why digital retrofits of homes should become a standard measure alongside more traditional approaches such as insulation.

Buildings and construction account for over 35% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Additionally, by 2050, electricity use in homes is set to more than double, outstripping industry, as well as commercial and transport use combined. For too long, households and consumer activity have been put on the backburner in the fight against climate change. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, our individual homes must become net-zero.

It’s not about consuming less, it’s about consuming better ‘Energy efficiency’ resonates better with consumers than ‘sustainability’.

Two-thirds of consumers feel home energy efficiency is important. Meanwhile, only half feel carbon emissions are a threat and that reducing their own carbon footprint is important.

Yet, good intentions are there: 55% of Brits say that it’s important for their home to reach net-zero emissions within their lifetime. It’s clear that zero carbon homes are vital to slashing emissions and solving climate change challenges, and homes need sustainable features to achieve this. By generating clean, renewable electricity, homeowners will be able to tackle this problem.

We know that the most effective strategy is not the one that limits our consumption. It’s the one where we understand how much energy we are using, and if there is a better way of making a long-lasting change without ‘relapsing’ into bad habits. The role of technology in our homes should be to contextualise and analyse our energy efficiency efforts to come up with a target goal that is achievable and healthy for us. We need an equivalent of a Fitbit for our homes to keep us on track.

Let’s bring smart energy home According to our research, the top benefits of smart home technology are perceived as security, reducing energy consumption, and lowering energy costs. In general, consumers are driven to purchase smart home devices because of ease of use and installation, as well as the benefits they provide in cost and energy savings.

Yet what we are seeing is that despite most consumers owning a piece of smart technology, it isn’t revolutionising the way we live and how we save energy. In fact, it may potentially even be adding to our environmental footprint.

What consumers need is technology that enables unprecedented visibility over energy habits at home, which provides objectives that consumers can easily understand and adjust their energy usage to meet. The importance of integrated solutions that connect and analyse data from a wide variety of smart products in the home can’t be overstated.

The goal of net-zero homes will be achieved, but only in attainable steps rather than ambitious moon shots that don’t come to fruition. Once our homes have become truly intelligent, a realistic path to net-zero will be revealed.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHNEIDER’S DRIVE TO NET ZERO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH021

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 10/05/2022 08:49 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 10:00 Page 1

047_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:37 Page 47

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

MAKE TESTING ‘EV PEASY’

David Sweetman, Group Marketing & Business Development Director at Di-LOG, takes a look at the current and future landscape for EV adoption and why the company’s latest test equipment introductions will help installers to keep up with the demand.

T

he continued growth of electric vehicles is at a record level. At the same time this is adding immense pressure to the UK population to meet the growing demand for increased EV charging infrastructure.

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

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

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

These figures do not include the many chargepoints installed at home or at workplace locations, which are estimated to be more than 400,000.

Some of these chargepoints are available to the public in some form via community or visitor charging. (Information source: www.zap-map.com)

The next generation of testers As one of the leading UK manufacturers of multifunctional electrical installation test

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 47

047_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:37 Page 48

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES equipment, Di-LOG continuously monitors new electrical safety equipment that enters the UK and worldwide market, analysing new safety features and developing crucial new testing techniques to keep our industry at the forefront of electrical safety.

With the demand for EV installation about to expand tenfold over the coming years, we felt that this sector should be key to our next generation of multifunctional testers. The new DL9100 Series MFT incorporates the DL9120 and DL9130EV. Based on the current 18th Edition installation multifunction tester range, the DL9100 series MFT has a brand-new hardware and firmware platform to pave the way for some exciting features, incorporating a new user interface and continuing to maintain our simplistic and easy to use operational design.

A new test A major addition to the range is the introduction of a Type B (Pure DC) RCD test which has paved the way for a host of tests specific to the EV and PV sectors, a fully auto-sensing intelligent high current Loop/PSCC test that will automatically detect if the user is conducting either a 2 wire or 3 wire test without the need to select. It incorporates a new RGB screen with colour changing screen alarms when specific triggers or warning are required, variable RCD test and a full secondary display for recording the result.

The flagship DL9130EV has been designed specifically for service engineers that currently offer, or are looking to add, EV installation as part of their electrical installation portfolio. The DL9130EV has many new and exciting features in addition to the DL9120, crucial to the safe verification of EVSE charge station installation including a 6mA pure DC test

“The Rmax concept will automatically capture the R1+R2 & R2 continuity test reading, registering the result on the secondary display for recording once the circuit continuity testing is complete.”

48 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

for RDC-DD verification. The unit will follow a pre-defined sequence comprising a full EV testing sequence for verifying the DC protection provided by the EV charger, combined with the testing required for AC protection of the sub-distribution board with Type A RCD protection.

All results are then recorded with the RGB colour changing screen indicating pre-set pass/fail parameters. With a press of one of the function buttons, you can switch between standard Auto RCD and Auto EV Test. No complex menu systems, or illogical sequences – just press and go!

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

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

Many European spec RCDs are

appearing on the UK market, and from time-to-time you may be in a situation where you need to program in bespoke RCD values to complete the manufacturer’s required test. The new variable RDC test feature enables the user to customise bespoke RCD mA values to complete the tests required.

The DLEV1 is a universal EVSE Charge Station Adaptor Kit that will simulate the Proximity Pilot (PP) States and Control Pilot (CP) States required to energise a free-standing or wall-mounted EV charger.

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

The unit has a 13A socket for MFT mains lead or can be used for inline load connection. There are also 4mm input terminals for single or 3-phase connections.

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

VISIT DI-LOG’S SPECIALLY DESIGNED EV RANGE INFORMATION PAGE, CONTAINING VIDEOS AND FULL PRODUCT SPECS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH022

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 11/05/2022 08:55 Page 1

050_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:40 Page 50

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

SURGE PROTECTION FOR EV CHARGERS Kirsty Johnson of Surge Protection Devices looks at the surge protection requirements for EV chargers in the wake of Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition.

W

e’re already aware of the effects and challenges of installing EV chargers regarding RCD requirements and earthing, but how much consideration is given to the surge protection requirements of these installations?

Although surge protection is not mentioned specifically in Section 722 of the wiring regulations, Section 700 states that the absence of reference to the exclusion of a part, a chapter, a section or a regulation means that the corresponding general regulations are applicable. This means that in terms of surge protection, Section 443 applies.

To meet the requirements of Section 443 in the second amendment of the BS

50 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

7671:2018 wiring regulations, such protection must be installed, where overvoltage could: i. Result in serious injury to, or loss of human life, or ii. Result in failure of a safety service, as defined in part 2, or iii. Result in significant financial loss or data loss.

Breaking these requirements down, indent #1 can apply to EV charger installations in some circumstances. It is common practice now to see EV chargers contacting loss of neutral safety devices, which are used to disconnect the car charger from the PME supply in the event of a loss of neutral to the installation.

These devices are used because of the

worst-case scenario of a loss of neutral, which could lead to the car itself becoming a live conductor, possibly causing injury or death.

Loss of neutral detection devices are there to notice the rise in voltage which follows a loss of neutral and subsequently disconnect the supply. Unlike a surge device, however, they detect long duration overvoltage over a period of seconds, ensuring they’ll not be activated by a surge.

Although the short duration overvoltage won’t cause nuisance tripping of the device, it can instead degrade the device and cause damage. This could lead to the loss of neutral device failing to disconnect the car in the event of a fault, leading to a potential risk to life.

Therefore, if an EV charger is being installed where this technology is utilised,

050_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:40 Page 51

“By installing an SPD, you’ll be protecting the installation from any overvoltage that could be transmitted from the EV charger, as well as protecting the charger itself.” an SPD should be installed.

I don’t see any implications that indent #2 would apply to the installation of EV chargers, but indent #3 certainly can apply in more commercial EV charging installations, where the sensitive components within the EV charger itself can be damaged by overvoltage and cause a significant financial loss to the owner of the chargers.

“For all other cases SPDs shall be fitted to protect against transient overvoltages, unless the owner of the installation declines such protection and wishes to accept the risk of damage to both wiring and equipment as tolerable.”

By their very nature, EV chargers are both sensitive (limited impulse withstand capacity) and exposed to overvoltage. In fact, quite a few EV charger manufacturers will specify that an SPD should be installable or mention surge protection in the warranty details.

With the current trend of installing EV chargers, without considering the cost of the car that is connected to them, the installation of a surge protection device to provide additional protection would be a sensible idea in any installation.

We’ll also have to give consideration to the installation that the EV charger is fed from. We have to remember that any cable that enters an installation can bring with it the risk of overvoltage, the effects of nearby lightning strikes and switching surges that can cause damage to the installation along with the EV charger unit.

So, by installing an SPD on your EV charger distribution board, you will also be protecting the installation from any overvoltage that could be transmitted from the EV charger, as well as protecting the EV charger itself.

External lightning protection I couldn’t finish this article without also giving a mention to installations with external lightning protection systems. EV installations are leading to cables being exported from distribution boards to external circuits.

When a building has an external lightning protection system, we have to consider lightning protection zones. Any cable that crosses from lightning protection zone 0 (outside) to lightning protection zone 1 (inside) requires a type 1 SPD, as that cable can allow lightning to enter the structure.

This mean that if you’re installing an EV charger on a building with a lightning protection system, when a cable is taken from a distribution board to supply the charger, a type 1 SPD will be required on the distribution board to meet the requirements of BS EN 62305.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FUTURE FREE CPD SESSIONS FROM SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH023

052_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:44 Page 52

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

A SMART MOVE?

The team at Test Instrument Solutions give us the lowdown on smart charging points and how they will affect EV chargepoint usage in the future.

S

mart charging is set to change the face of the EV market and provide the foundation for the mass switch to EV motoring expected over the next decade. This has been cemented by the introduction of new regulations monitoring the use of smart charging stations which become effective later this month.

Widespread concern about how the national grid will cope with the required increase in electricity demand to accommodate EV driving is something of a misconception.

It is believed the 10% extra demand for electricity if everybody switched to EVs today has already been offset in recent years by the increased use of energy efficient appliances and solar panels in homes, which has seen a 16% reduction in electricity demand on the national grid since the turn of the Millennium.

Smart charging is a means of controlling this demand when it occurs, however, and the new Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 are intended to ensure EV chargepoints sold or installed in the UK have smart charging functionality, and set out minimum standards for home and

52 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

workplace chargepoints in England, Scotland and Wales.

What is smart charging?

A smart charger distributes available power in an efficient and flexible manner, which avoids unnecessary cost for the user and manages demand on the national grid. At the moment, the new regulations only apply to home charging and not public charging, as home charging is still the means most EV drivers use to charge their vehicles.

A smart chargepoint must have a data connection in order to measure, record and transmit usage data, and to delay or slow down charging when the grid demands are at their highest. A chargepoint will also have a user interface, in the form of a smartphone App, through which the user will configure the parameters of how the chargepoint operates and how the EV is charged.

What are the benefits of smart charging?

Fundamentally, smart charging reduces the need for a costly infrastructure upgrade to provide more peak capacity for the national grid. In addition, smart charging will help EV drivers utilise cheaper, overnight energy tariffs, and the introduction of smart technology will

standardise chargepoint functionality so that it is the same, regardless of the chargepoint manufacturer.

Smart charging will enable users to manage when and how they charge their EV. Off-peak charging will be cheaper for the user, so the smart home charger can be pre-configured to avoid charging during peak hours (usually 8-11am and 4-10pm).

However, users can override this function if they need to charge ASAP, and the user can also set a schedule for charging overnight.

It is believed that 10pm is the most popular ‘charging start time’ and a smart charger can react to surging demand on the grid and stagger its start time by 10 minutes so that it doesn’t contribute to this demand.

This can be extended to 30 minutes if peak capacity is still being affected, but again, the user can override this.

What is a DNO? A DNO is an EV user’s distribution network operator, the organisation that is licensed to distribute electricity in different regions of the UK, and owns and operates the power lines and infrastructure which connects the electricity network to a property. The home owner must contact them to inform them of the date on which they intend to have a home charging point

052_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:45 Page 53

“EV CHARGERS NEED TO SUPPORT A FUTURE SMART ENERGY ECOSYSTEM”

installed.

In this sense, it is important to distinguish between a DNO and an electricity supplier. The national grid doesn’t connect directly to a home, the voltage would be too high for this. The national grid is connected to homes through the DNO network of power lines and underground cables. An energy supplier is an organisation that sets the tariff for the price that we pay for our electricity.

So the DNO is the ‘middle man’ between the national grid and the energy supplier. But because the DNO is responsible for the distribution of electricity, rather than its cost, the DNO needs to know about the user’s home charging status and the likely maximum demand, to ensure the electricity supply is adequate.

When do the new regulations become effective?

The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 were signed into law on December 15th 2021, but don’t become effective until later this month (June 30th). There will also be some additional regulations that become effective from the end of 2022, related to the security issues associated with usage and personal data sent and received by smart chargepoints.

BROWSE THE FULL TIS EV TEST KIT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH024

C

ommenting on the upcoming regulation changes, Indra Founder and CTO, Mike Schooling, says: “As a leading manufacturer of smart EV chargers and smart charging technology, Indra welcomes the new regulations that are set to be released later this month.

“Our Smart PRO product is now compliant thanks to the advanced capability and functionality that was already built into the device, as well as some additional tweaks that we have made in response to the upcoming legislation. We have also updated our installation manuals so our installer partners are fully equipped to compliantly install from June.”

He continues: “Adding to that, we want to highlight that our optional Demand Response Service feature continues to be available on Indra Smart PRO. This gives energy providers control to throttle the level of power it serves to homes.

“For those installing Indra chargers, this is valuable information to relay to customers, as this assistance will balance their total energy resources and the demands on the grid, whilst still ensuring that the car or van is charged when needed. This is part of our overall drive to ensure our chargers support a future smart energy ecosystem.”

BROWSE THE INDRA SMART PRO PRODUCT BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH025

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 53

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 31/03/2021 08:59 Page 1

055_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:47 Page 55

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

GETTING IN ‘SYNC’

Following the recent acquisition of Sync EV, Ben Coombes, EVCP Installation Director at Luceco Group and one of the founders of the smart charging point specialists, discusses how Sync EV started, the acquisition by Luceco Group, and what future plans might hold for the brand.

s

ync EV’s roots date back to 2016, when founders, Ben Coombes and Paul Delahey were installing EV chargers as part of a government scheme, supporting homeowners in installing electric vehicle chargepoints in their homes. This scheme allowed installers to claim a £1,000 grant for each installation, with Sync EV being the 247th company to register for the scheme. The list has since grown to over 8,000 installers.

Detailed understanding of EV chargers Even with a reduction in this government grant, the demand for these systems continued to grow. Through the many installations of common brands available at the time, the small team at Sync EV was able to develop a detailed understanding of EV chargers. It soon became apparent that there was room for improvement with the existing solutions available on the market.

Equipped with his extensive knowledge and engagement with key stakeholders in the EV charging industry, Paul began to design and build a new EV charger. The aim was to create a solution designed by installers, for installers, ensuring the installation process and technical support were the best in class.

After a number of prototypes and several design changes, the company’s EV charging system was launched to market in December 2019. The product was one of the smallest EV chargers available and included smart capability through a mobile App. Furthermore, it was backed up with technical support for both the installer and end-user. Bringing all these factors together undoubtedly contributed to the strong demand for EV charging solutions.

Acquisition by Luceco Group Sync EV’s potential was clear to see, leading to the acquisition of the company

by Luceco Group in March of this year.

Luceco Group’s Chief Executive, John Hornby, explained the rationale, stating: "Sync EV is a small but rapidly growing business with a strong brand and a management team with an excellent understanding of the residential EV charging product category and the professional installer.

"We’re excited by the potential of combining these strengths with Luceco Groups' product development, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities.”

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 55

055_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:47 Page 56

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

heavily involved in the business and future product development.

Sync EV will be positioned under the BG Electrical brand and will complement key electrical products within the BG Electrical family. For the contractor, the acquisition will enable them to choose even more solutions from a brand they know, trust and are confident in installing.

Luceco Group has a large market share of UK residential electrical products.

Replicating this share within the rapidly growing residential EV charging category, as well as the opportunity to explore new sales channels in both the UK and overseas, will provide huge growth potential for the group.

The Sync EV business will be integrated into Luceco Group’s sales and distribution operations based in Telford, with the management team remaining

The product range The Sync EV by BG Electrical range of 7.4kw residential and commercial EV chargers will be launched to the market this month.

The comprehensive range includes five models in total – three socketed and two tethered – available in a combination of WiFi, WiFi/GSM, and WiFi/GSM and RFID options. These all offer their own benefits; the WiFi/GSM option allows installation anywhere, while the RFID provides the facility to set up contactless payment options in commercial environments. The range will charge any electric or hybrid vehicle.

The new models retain the smart functionality Sync EV is known for and are controlled through the Sync EV BG App. In addition, the charger includes a load management kit to allow for dynamic charging, ensuring the home electrical system is not overloaded, and car charging is reduced until other devices are turned off. These are excellent selling points for the contractor to secure business with.

Features and benefits galore Other key benefits to the installer include the solution’s integrated open PEN conductor protection. This removes the need to install earth rods, which in turn reduces the complexity of the installation, saving time. Integrated RCD and PEN protection is included in the unit to ensure safe installation and use. Overall, the design and easy installation features mean fitting the charger typically takes just two hours.

Adding extra peace of mind, the chargers are all backed up by UK-based technical and sales support and products are supplied with a three-year warranty and are DEKRA certified.

With the joining of these two leading companies, the future for EV charging looks brighter than ever. Bringing together Sync EV’s product and technical expertise, with the backing of a large manufacturer in the electrical market, will provide a quality offering and additional choice for EV installers.

GET MORE DETAILS ON THE SYNC EV RANGE BY BG ELECTRICAL AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH026

56 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 10:10 Page 1

058_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:49 Page 58

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

Craig Slater, MD at Sevadis, discusses the OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) grant funding available for the installation of EV charging points and why the funding will provide installers with greater opportunities.

TIME TO GET YOUR ‘FILL’

OF THE ‘GRANTS’?

W

ith a goal of reaching ‘Net Zero’ by 2050, the UK government continues to invest into the nation’s EV charging infrastructure to encourage EV ownership, whilst also generating confidence in the overall charging network.

The introduction of new OZEV grant funding models comes as the government commits £1.6bn towards public/destination electric vehicle charging alone.

As the UK steers towards a cleaner and greener future, the inclusion of grant funding towards the deployment of EV charging infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the future of electrified transport.

Grants for homes Historically, OZEV grant funding for domestic properties was only applicable to home-owners of single-unit properties (detached, semi-detached, bungalows etc.) via the EVHS (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme), which was introduced to provide EV drivers with affordable and attainable home charging solutions for convenient charging.

Since April, the grant funding stopped serving the home-owners and instead,

58 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

now allows rental residents to claim £350 towards the purchase and installation of their chosen charging points.

Similarly, landlords and social housing providers are also eligible for OZEV grant funding towards the purchase and installation of charging points. With the ability to claim £350 per charging socket and a maximum of 200 applications per year, this particular grant funding scheme adds an interesting dimension to the world of residential charging.

With the lack of funding available to rental residents to alleviate the costs towards purchase and installation of charging points, there may have (naturally) been a reluctance to electrify.

Now with OZEV grant funding focusing on rental residents who reside in flats, apartments and houses, confidence is growing for the future of accessible charging infrastructure. For electrical contractors, the diversification of the grant funding provides ample opportunity for both domestic installations and installations for landlords and social housing providers.

Social housing providers particularly have held back on the deployment of charging infrastructure across their

portfolio of properties due to financial constraints; the introduction of a scheme that specifically targets them can only present EV chargepoint installers with scope for sizable chargepoint installation projects this year and beyond.

Grants for businesses Whilst registered businesses continue to remain eligible for up to £14,000 OZEV grant funding (£350 per charging socket, a maximum 40 charging points applicable) towards the purchase and installation of EV charging points, the grant funding has now expanded to include a diverse range of businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Small accommodation businesses such as B&Bs and holiday-lets are among the business types to now benefit from OZEV grant funding. Such businesses can take advantage of up to £14,000 (£350 per charging socket, a maximum of 40 charging points applicable), however they must have less than 250 employees and private parking to gain access to the grant.

The focus on small accommodation businesses has come at the ideal time as more Brits seek to experience ‘staycations’ in the UK; adding EV charging facilities to their offering, small

058_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:50 Page 59

“With the ability to claim £350 per charging socket and a max of 200 applications per year, this particular grant scheme adds an interesting dimension to residential charging.” accommodation business owners can attract footfall from EV driving customers whilst placing their destination on chargepoint locator maps.

Registered charities are also eligible for OZEV grant funding of up to £14,000 (£350 per charging socket, a maximum of 40 charging points applicable) towards the purchase and installation of their chosen EV charging points.

Benefiting from the grant will enable charities to offer EV charging to their EV driving employees, as well as their EV driving visitors. Like businesses, charities are striving towards greener and cleaner operations, therefore the implementation of OZEV grant funding within this sector is welcomed by charities and NGOs. As organisations work towards sustainable operations, the OZEV grant funding for EV charging points also extends to landlords of commercially let properties.

Commercially let property landlords are eligible for £350 per charging socket and can apply for up to 100 grant funding applications and if/when applying, they must have dedicated parking spaces for staff and fleet drivers.

Allowing commercially let property landlords to benefit from OZEV grant funding not only provides them with cost

savings, but also encourages landlords to deploy charging infrastructure to satisfy their current commercial tenants' requirements, whilst potentially attracting future tenants, particularly those working towards a net-zero agenda.

With plans to include additional OZEV grant funding to support SMEs with the deployment of EV charging infrastructure in the near future, the prospects for EV installers are looking nothing but bright when it comes to commercial installations.

The modification of the OZEV grant funding for businesses and organisations poses significant opportunities for the UK’s electrical installer network, enabling them to capitalise on a revolution that is set to experience new heights in the immediate, near and far future.

The future is electric, the future is you Whether your current clients are in the domestic or commercial sphere, EV charging will soon become a subject line in your inbox (if it isn’t already).

These new additions to the OZEV grant funding schemes will undoubtedly be

appealing to your customers, particularly for those who have “brushed-off” EV charging due to the initial upfront costs.

As the requirement and desire for electric vehicle charging infrastructures increases due to the accessibility of OZEV grant funding among different properties, sectors and businesses, so does the requirement for EV chargepoint installers.

For those of you who’ve already joined the EV revolution, the time is now to increase your profile as a specialist in the installation of charging points. For those of you who are yet to join, now is your chance to extend your offering to provide EV chargepoint installation services to your customers.

Sevadis: simplifying EV charging for all At Sevadis, we believe in providing electric vehicle drivers and businesses with a simple, straightforward and seamless charging experience with our comprehensive range of AC fast and DC rapid charging solutions.

We also place installers at the heart of everything that we do; that’s why our MaxiCharger offers an easy installation process with its built-in PME fault detection system and its simple to operate configuration App, allowing you to complete your installations efficiently, ready for you to move on to your next EV chargepoint installation.

Alongside the MaxiCharger, our entire AC fast chargepoint range is eligible for OZEV grant funding, allowing residents and businesses to benefit from when making the decision to deploy charging infrastructure across their premises.

BROWSE SEVADIS’ OZEV GRANT FUNDED RANGE OF CHARGING SOLUTIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH027

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 59

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 12/05/2022 08:18 Page 1

061_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:53 Page 65

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

O-PEN SEASON

Richard Winter, Director at matt:e, discusses why the company’s patented O-PEN device offers the safest form of PEN fault protection for three-phase infrastructures.

T

he installation of EV charging equipment is a complex matter and requires specialist knowledge, particularly of earthing systems that are covered in section 722 of BS 7671.

TN-C-S (PME) is the most common form of earthing provided at new installs, and utilises a single conductor for the neutral and earthing functions (PEN) with an earth terminal derived from the neutral cable.

The danger arises if there is an open PEN conductor within the network; this can lead to an electric shock if any metallic parts, including the EV or charging equipment, are touched by a person in simultaneous contact with general mass of Earth.

Because of this risk BS 7671 doesn’t permit the use of a PME earthing system for the protective conductor contact of a charging point located outdoors or that might reasonably be expected to be used to charge a vehicle located outdoors. It shouldn’t be used or connected into EV

chargepoint equipment unless some specific methods are followed, which are covered in section 722.

The patented O-PEN system from matt:e is able to detect open PEN faults on three-phase PME infrastructures, facilitating compliance with BS 7671: 2018 Amendment 2: 2022 Regulation 722.411.4.1 (iii), whereby a star point is derived from the three-phase supply creating a ‘zero’ reference point used to measure against the supply neutral. If 70 volts between these two points is measured, all line conductors (including CPC) are disconnected to isolate the load.

Use an O-PEN device for three phases As single-phase devices aren’t 100% reliable and because of the risk that they may not detect all faults on the supply network, matt:e always recommends the use of the O-PEN device when the three-phases of the supply are available.

One benefit of using a matt:e EV connection centre compared to using traditional earth rods is that it isn’t seasonal – earth rod resistance can and does change depending on the season, so an EV install may be compliant in the winter but non-compliant in the summer.

A further benefit in using the matt:e EV connection centres is that they negate the need for difficult to achieve separation distances between an earth rod and any services connected to the TN-C-S earthing system.

Isolation of the EV is extremely important in single and three-phase installations, after all it is pointless

“Isolation of the EV is extremely important in single and three-phase installations... it is pointless detecting the fault if you don’t provide safe isolation.” detecting the fault if you don’t provide safe isolation. Compliant isolation is covered by BS 7671 Regulation 543.3.3.101 (ii) and states a ‘multipole, linked switching device’.

Therefore a 3-pole device is used in a single-phase installation and 5-pole in a three-phase installation and these must be suitable for isolating ‘onload’. Suitable devices are listed in BS 7671 table 537.4 and with the onload isolation symbol shown in NOTE 1.

Centres of excellence The UK manufactured matt:e range of EV connection centres with O-PEN technology offer real time measurement (so no guess work or second events to trip), and all units provide onload isolation in accordance with BS 7671 Regulation 543.3.3.101 (ii) and table 537.

Use of the connection centres helps to standardise installations, ensuring there’s no more scanning for buried services and that civil works are minimised. A safer earth connection is provided (as the unit is connected directly to the PME supply) and users can guarantee that the earth resistance values are met and maintained all year round.

WATCH A DEMONSTRATION VIDEO OF THE O-PEN DEVICE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH028

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 61

062_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 00:54 Page 62

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

ELECTRIC AVENUES Brinley Buckley-Roberts, Product Marketing Executive at C.K Tools, looks at how the big charging infrastructure question is placing a spotlight on the electrical trade.

T

he rise of the electric vehicle is well and truly upon us, and we are currently witnessing a proliferation of more affordable vehicles hitting the market; it feels very much like 2022 is going to be game-changer for the automotive sector – but also the electrical trade.

Indeed, the electrical sector will be under one of the biggest spotlights it has ever experienced with designers, specifiers and installers all having roles to play.

On the installer front, the electrical sector has got on the front foot in partnership with education and training partners across the country, with qualifications now available for practicing electricians interested in understanding how to install the equipment and systems available in public, private and commercial locations.

A long road ahead There’s a long road ahead for the UK’s charging infrastructure; the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has suggested that the UK needs to increase on its 25,000 charging stations ten-fold by 2030 to meet demand. This means there is set to be no shortage of demand for installers, with a great opportunity to either switch career focus or supplement the existing workload.

But what do installers need to do their job? What tools and accessories are required? How does it differ from a

62 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

standard electricians or electrical contractor’s kit?

The IET has launched its own code of practice to provide a clear directive on the considerations and mandatories for every type of EV charger equipment installation, in line with the very latest amendment to BS 7671. While a tight code of practice (as you would expect), there is no specific requirement for new tools or accessories that aren’t readily available to the everyday electrician, more a requirement of specific tools and accessories to use.

Tools for the trade As with most of our product research and development, we spent some time with our panel of electricians and installers to develop tools and kits specific for this job, to ensure clarity, comfort, control and efficiency on every job.

As a result, we’ve assembled two high quality EV specific kits for both existing and newly qualified installers – the EV Hand Tool Kit and the EV Power Tools Accessories (PTA) Kit. Combined they provide an easy one-stop-shop for any installer.

The C.K EV Hand Tool Kit (T5984) is a collection of premium hand tools that provide everything needed to get the job done efficiently and professionally. It includes a state-of-the-art C.K Magma Technician’s Wheeled Case packed full of 25 premium hand tools designed to complete the stages of: inspection and quotation; routing the cable from MCB to

charger; mounting the charge point; fitting the cable to the charger point; terminating to MCB; fitting an earthing rod; and re-assembling the charge point.

The C.K PTA Kit (T5985) – which can be purchased separately – provides a great range of power tool accessories including quality drill bits, driver bits and holesaws to help complete the installation of EV chargers with the minimum of fuss.

As the landscape changes over the next decade and the way of powering our vehicles becomes more connected than ever before, the impact on the skills, capabilities, qualifications and accompanying tool kits of the EV charge equipment installer may also change.

As a business that has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing for more than 100 years, we’ll continue to ensure our support.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE C.K EV SPECIFIC KITS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH029

063_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 01:03 Page 63

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

“CHECK, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!”

“

”There was an interesting paper released recently by Chris Horner, a technical expert from Zappi, one of the UK’s top selling manufacturers of EV chargers,” says Brendan Beaver, Manager of Metrel UK, the provider of innovative electrical test equipment and solutions.

“Chris’ paper suggests that when testing EVSEs the key element in the trip current of the d.c. protection is the rate at which the d.c. current ramp rises. The rate of increase is defined by IEC 62955 and should be around 30 seconds.

“So what you might say is that the answer is the difference between a pass and a fail of the installation, and wasting time searching for a non-existent problem.“ Brendan adds: “Our recommendation is that before you pay good money to buy a multi-function tester to check EVSE installations, you confirm that it definitely tests to IEC 62955!”

Adaptor and overcome Metrel’s A1532 EVSE Adaptor effectively allows an MFT to simulate the effect of a vehicle plugged into a charging point.

The adaptor can simulate many different charging states with cooled or uncooled charging as well as testing progressive RCDs or B-type RCDs. Meanwhile, the Metrel MFT will automatically do all of the electrical safety tests, allowing you to record and store the end results. This means you can issue the certificate with little hassle, helping you to move onto the next job without delay.

READ THE ARTICLE IN FULL AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH030

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 27/02/2022 15:17 Page 1

065_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 01:06 Page 65

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

CHARGE UP YOUR SKILLS Rooftop solar is growing rapidly year-on-year as homeowners look for ways to protect themselves against the rising cost of living. Griff Thomas, from GTEC, explores the business potential of this trend for those with electrical skills.

L

ast year, there were nearly 67,000 domestic solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal installations – far more than heat pumps and an increase of 36% compared to the previous year.

After nearly a decade of subsidies during the Feed-in-Tariff years, solar PV has seen significant technological developments and a reduction in capital costs, enabling it to become financially viable for the first time.

So, let’s take a look at what is fuelling the uptake of solar PV: Rising energy costs We’ve just seen the price cap rise by a whopping 54% and there is very little certainty about prices as we head into the winter. Faced with such a tangible increase in basic living costs, many homeowners will be looking for ways to increase their energy efficiency and bring down bills.

Reduction in upfront costs The recent decision to simplify the VAT process for solar PV and other energy saving technologies – including domestic batteries – will help to push the low carbon sector forward, streamlining sales and making renewable solutions more accessible by reducing upfront costs,

something that has been a major barrier in the past.

Part L uplift Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations this month will require new builds to reduce carbon emissions by 31%.

Improvements to the building fabric will only go so far and if gas heating is retained, solar PV will also be required to meet new standards. Solar Energy UK predicts that solar PV could feature on almost all new build homes under the new regulations.

The business opportunity The UK needs suitably trained, qualified and Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installers to meet demand for alternative heating systems as consumer interest grows and energy efficiency standards develop.

Solar PV and associated technologies, including electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and EV charging equipment, are an upskill for practicing electricians, electrical technicians and engineers – anyone with experience of electrical installations, and associated inspection and testing who is looking to expand their service offering and take advantage of increasing demand for domestic renewables. Training is relatively

quick because it is designed to build on existing qualifications, so you won’t be starting from scratch.

Battery storage is seen as one of the key technologies that will support the roll-out of renewables, both domestically and at grid level. In domestic settings, they increase the ‘self-consumption’ of buildings fitted with solar PV systems, so a qualification in the design, installation and commissioning of EESS sits nicely alongside solar PV capabilities.

Renewables are the future Renewable energy benefits everyone – by providing a cheap alternative to fossil fuels, it helps to bring down the cost of wholesale energy. The more households that generate, store and use their own electricity the better – for consumers’ pockets, installation businesses and for the challenge of decarbonising this hard-to-abate sector.

GTEC delivers specialist renewables training from its centre in Hawes, North Yorkshire, as well as others locations throughout the UK. BROWSE GTEC’S RANGE OF TRAINING COURSES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH031

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 65

066_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:43 Page 66

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

TESTING SOLAR INSTALLATIONS

Darren Bakewell, Applications Engineer at Seaward, provides guidance for electrical inspection and testing of solar PV installations to ensure system safety and performance..

T

he safe operation of solar PV installations under both normal and fault conditions is an essential consideration at the system design stage to ensure that proper energy outputs and safety levels are achieved. And once in operation, it is important to ensure that the long-term performance of the system is not compromised by sub-standard installation or poor maintenance.

In this respect, there are some key solar PV system features that rely on adequate and appropriate electrical testing and inspection being undertaken on a regular basis.

Compliance with IEC 62446 and BS7671 IEC 62446 recommends that periodic verification of an existing installation shall be performed. The standard defines the minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests and inspection for PV systems. Where appropriate, the results and recommendations of previous periodic verifications shall be taken into account. A report on the condition of the installation shall be provided.

We must maintain our solar PV installations in a safe condition. BS7671 covers electrical design, installation and

66 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

testing of electrical installations and includes a section on solar PV that may need to be considered differently to other installations. This section makes note of BS EN 62446 for the inspection and testing of the systems.

Ground faults PV systems, in particular large-scale systems, have many metres of cabling, much of which is buried underground. Poor levels of insulation will allow energy generated by the PV system to leak to earth. This can be particularly problematic during damp or wet conditions where the insulation monitoring or residual current monitoring function within an inverter prevents the inverter from starting up which in turn can significantly reduce the operational efficiency of the PV installation.

Environmental degradation PV systems by their very nature are exposed to the elements. Damage or corrosion to cabling and connectors caused by moisture ingress can result in degradation in performance or increased risk of fire. Regular inspections and electrical testing will enable system performance to be monitored and any necessary repairs or remedial actions to be taken.

Surface contamination and physical damage PV modules can become dirty or contaminated over time and this can reduce the operational efficiency and system performance. Similarly, exposure to the elements can result in physical damage to the component parts of a PV installation.

Objects dropped by birds can result in physical damage to PV modules which may result in reduced output performance.

Periodic inspection and electrical testing as part of regular maintenance will enable any problems to be identified and diagnosed.

Damage to wiring The most obvious example of bad wiring is when wires hang below the panels and touch the roof or underlying vegetation.

Eventually the wire coating will wear or be damaged by rodents and potentially expose the copper wires, presenting a shock and fire hazard. Any deterioration of cable connections and wiring can be identified by applying regular electrical testing to identify potential faults.

Verification of system performance The verification of system performance and energy output from the panels is particularly important. In many cases simple electrical faults or wiring failures

066_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:43 Page 67

can cause a serious inefficiency in the ability of the system to produce power.

Although proper metering will give an indication of system performance, periodic electrical inspection and testing is vital to verify ongoing functional performance over extended periods.

Warranty fulfilment Periodic electrical inspection and testing of solar PV systems to identify and confirm continued safe operation and maximum energy output performance can be required as part of product warranties and PV system component guarantees.

Avoiding fire risks As the number of rooftop solar installation systems have grown over the years, so have the number of reported incidents of fires. Household fires started by electrical faults in rooftop solar PV systems have been reported in a number of countries, so the periodic inspection and testing of the electrical wiring and components

associated with solar PV systems will ensure the safe operation of the system and reduce the potential fire risk associated with any electrical faults.

Customer documentation All solar PV installations require the provision of various documentation and forms to the customer. System documentation usually includes system data, installer details, electrical diagrams, operation and maintenance instructions and other information that may be

required by certain standards or regulatory bodies.

Copies of all test and commissioning data should also be provided and as a minimum this should include the results from the electrical safety and verification tests undertaken as part of the system installation procedures.

BROWSE SEAWARD’S RANGE OF SOLAR PV TESTING EQUIPMENT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH032

068_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:22 Page 68

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

We discover more about how electrical professionals can help homeowners to cut the cost of their energy bills with Marlec’s Solar iBoost+ system.

GIVE CUSTOMERS A BOOST

D

ue to the recent utility price rises and the increased awareness of global climate change, the UK has seen an increase of renewable energy adoption in the past couple of years at a rate which hasn’t been seen since the early days of the rewarding FiT (Feed-in-Tariff) schemes. For homeowners, a domestic solar PV system is the obvious choice of technology due to the reasonable return on investment figures, especially if you’re able to consume more of the energy you generate.

Free hot water Since its release in 2015 and with over 85,000 units installed in the UK alone, Marlec’s Solar iBoost+ has become an essential product for homeowners who

have PV and a hot water cylinder or thermal store. The innovative product enables homeowners to automatically consume excess energy generated by their solar panels and divert the energy to their immersion heater.

This simple system works automatically and heats the water throughout the day, reducing the need to heat water via traditional methods such as grid electricity, gas or oil.

Electricians and PV installers choose the Solar iBoost+ due to its simple and intuitive design making it simple to fit, generally in under 30 minutes. Offering a Solar iBoost+ either with a new PV installation or as a retrofit at a later date provides the homeowner with an intelligent money saving product that could pay for itself within a year.

What makes Solar iBoost+ different?

Solar iBoost+ is manufactured by Marlec, the UK’s longest established renewable energy company with nearly 45 years’ experience within the industry. It is supplied with everything the installer needs to complete the job and operates independently of the PV inverter and solar panels – it simply measures the exported energy and activates the immersion heater.

68 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

It can also be programmed to heat the water cylinder using grid energy at desired times or using economy energy tariffs.

The unit is now compatible with other energy storage technologies such as domestic battery storage and EV chargers to maximise renewable energy self-consumption. A simple menu option enables the installer or homeowner to vary the cut-in threshold, which allows these other devices to take priority and use the excess energy first. This makes it ideal for homes with large PV arrays and further increases independence from the grid.

Solar iBoost+ is available as a trade-only product through many national electrical wholesalers and PV equipment stockists.

BROWSE THE SOLAR IBOOST+ PRODUCT BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH033

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 06/05/2022 10:46 Page 1

070_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:24 Page 70

EV CHARGING & RENEWABLES

IN WITH THE NEWS

We round up the latest news stories as the ‘Green Revolution’ continues to gather pace.

LINCHR range is Series about EV savings The LINCHR H-Series EV chargers are specially designed for the domestic and commercial charging requirements of the UK and European markets, providing turnkey charging solutions for homes, workplaces and public areas.

Distributed in more than 17 countries, LINCHR has achieved over 800,000 installations and built a solid reputation for producing high quality EV chargers.

Boasting an all-black design that is compact, modern and functional, the LINCHR H-Series features and benefits include: Safety. With built-in Type B DC6mA+30mA RCD protection, if leakage occurs and reaches the threshold during the charging process, the process will be stopped immediately, and the leakage fault will be reported.

Load Balancing. This function automatically adjusts the current of the EV charger according to the household load

70 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

current to ensure safe electrical consumption and to avoid tripping.

Smarter. The charging current can be controlled through the LINCHR smart App. The H-Series communicates with the charging back-end through the OCPP1.6J communication protocol, making remote management more intelligent and convenient.

Aico expands PV system in push for Net Zero target

Savings. H-Series features a solar energy adaptation function, which saves electricity while protecting the environment. Off-peak charging can be set up through the LINCHR smart App, charging when the electricity price is low, and helping to reduce bills. Additionally, a built-in O-PEN protection system saves on the cost of earthing rods and reduced installation costs.

BROWSE THE FULL LINCHR H-SERIES RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH034

As part of its Zero Carbon pledge, Aico has increased the number of solar panels on the roof of its headquarters in Oswestry as well as installing more EV charging points.

The solar panel system has been increased from 32 to over 200 units to a 160kw system, which will enable the company to reduce its carbon emissions significantly. Aico has also begun a project to increase the number of EV charging bays from four to ten to accommodate for more colleagues and visitors who own emission-free vehicles.

Lee Duffy, Aico’s Operations and Learning & Development Manager has overseen the project and is delighted with the progress, stating: “We’ve made a commitment to be Net Zero by 2030. The measures we’re taking are just the start of our journey towards this goal.”

070_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:24 Page 71

D-Line launches EV Cable Fixing Kits

Roundtable plots course for EV charging future

In response to demand from installers of EV chargepoint units, D-Line has evolved its Adjustable Wrap & Lock fixings to include an offering for installing cables with a diameter between 10mm > 17mm.

This CAB10B/KIT fixing gives ‘quick install, look great!’ solutions to secure, for example, Doncaster EV Ultra 4mm 3c & 6mm 3c cables. These ‘EV-Cable Fixing Kits’ include screws and SDS drill bit and supply is in packs of 20 pcs or boxes of 100 pcs, via all leading wholesalers.

A recent roundtable on electric vehicles – hosted by Electrical Safety First and the Electrical Contractors Association – included the first-ever mapping of the UK’s EV charging landscape with a spotlight on safety.

The event was the latest in a series of roundtables arising from the charity’s Future Homes report, which reviewed the key technologies and themes relating to the net zero home of the future, and how they create an interconnected web of safety challenges.

It was fitting that the EV roundtable attracted a wide range of representatives, from car manufacturers to housing associations, as well as trade and industry bodies, including Distribution Network Operators, in addition to consumer organisations. This collaborative event included independent research from the ECA, which helped form part of the safe-charging map for EVs. Discussions raised a number of other significant issues, including potential safety issues and the strain on the distribution network operators (DNO), as approximately a third of home EV chargepoint installations are not notified with the DNO. Representatives

BROWSE THE LATEST D-LINE TRADE BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH035

stressed the importance of further education for, and engagement with, the industry – as well as the consumer.

There was also broad agreement that a joined-up, national and local government infrastructure strategy was essential. However, discussions also highlighted how the views of residents must be consulted in establishing local needs.

Electrical Safety First is keen to collaborate with a range of relevant bodies to help establish such an approach. It will also be using the information gathered from the EV roundtable to inform the development of its strategic priorities and recommendations for national and local government.

EV launch is Schneider’s missing ‘link’ Schneider Electric has announced the launch of EVlink Pro AC for residential buildings.

The latest addition to the Schneider Electric range is a connected EV charging station that is designed specifically for buildings and makes installation simpler while offering flexibility and reliability for residents living in multi-family homes.

The easy to use product has the right technology to help fight against climate change and also answers a need to make installing multi-dwelling charging facilities less complex and expensive for building owners. Key features include: ●

Advanced interoperability which connects to EcoStruxure EV Charging Expert, Schneider’s load-management

system, helping to ensure reliable power availability while minimising costs for electrical network upgrades. ●

Simple installation through the eSetup App for easy commissioning, operation, and maintenance. Embedded protection inside the unit also simplifies installation while ensuring maximum safety for the installer and EV driver.

●

Compliant to the latest EV ready standard, an embedded RCD Type B-EV reduces nuisance tripping, while an under-voltage tripping auxiliary cuts power in case of contactor damage.

WATCH THE EVLINK PRO AC INSTALLATION GUIDANCE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH036

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 71

072_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 12:39 Page 34

Introducing the Easy9 Compact Multirow consumer unit The la latest test addition to the Easy9 rrange ange pro provides vides electricians and homeo homeowners wners with unma unmatched tched design fle flexibility, xibility bility y, ada adaptability ptability and saf safety ety Easy9 Compact Multiro Multirow w consumer units complement the e existing xisting premium Easy9+ range in order to meet the needs of e ver y range every household and electrician. It incor porates incorporates

se.com/uk/easy9 se.com/uk/easy9

flexibility y, simple insta llation and ample ca ble flexibility, installation cable vices space to easil y connect multiple de easily devices provide peace of mind when it comes to and provide regula tor y compliance regulatory compliance..

072_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 12:39 Page 35

range’s smartt Easy9 Compact Multirow maintains the rang e’s simplistic and smar cover homeowners electricians design. A low-profile co ver allows homeowner s and e lectricians y, without ha situate wherever necessary, having to situa te the solution w herever necessar ving to lackk of space.

The space. T he compromise on functionality and scalability due to lac hite finish and minimalistic mar kings curved profile lid, white markings ensure the cur ved w any aesthetical blends environment seamlesslyy and meets any unit b lends into its en vironment seamlessl needs.. needs ution a hneider Van Merwe,, VP of Home and Distrib Distribution att Sc Schneider Nico V an Der Merwe Electric,, said “T “The Electric he Easy9 Compact Multirow consumer unit brings xibility y, saf liability to e ver y homeowner in the unmatched flexibility, safety reliability every unma tched fle ety and re have peace of mind knowing that that this unit fits the needs They UK. T hey have ut also has capacity to meet e volving energy now,, b but evolving of their home now consumption demands in the future .” future.” lectricians, this ne xt g eneration consumer unit off ers c lear “For electricians, next generation offers clear “F or e erent configura tions, has le ffor or diff benefits.. It is easy to install, adaptab adaptable different configurations, benefits ample cab le space and m ultiple cable cable entries. entries. It provides provides them with cable multiple an easy c hoice w hen looking ffor or a re liable and fle xible solution in the choice when reliable flexible an Der Merwe contin ued. mar ket,” V market,” Van continued.

New Ne w Easy9 AFDD e of protection de vices is b T The he Easy9 rang range devices built uilt on a legacy legacy of market market The la leading circuit protection systems systems.. The latest test edition to the famil familyy aids compliance with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022. T The he m multifunction ultifunction Arc Fault Fault Detection De vice (AFDD) pro vides increased saf ety b y incor porating Device provides safety by incorporating the ffollowing ollowing functions in one single de device: vice: •

Overload Overload

•

Short-circuit Shor t-circuit (B and C Cur Curves) ves)

•

th leakag e (T Tyype A (SI)) Earth Ear leakage (Type

•

vice) Overvoltage Ov er voltage (to protect the de device)

•

Se lf-diagnostic (de heck) vice health c Self-diagnostic (device check)

•

Arc fault detection (disconnect in the e vent of dang erous arcs) event dangerous

In an era w here e lectricity is becoming the onl help combat combat global where electricity onlyy power source to help w ar ming and driv e tow ards Net Zero tant tha warming drive towards Zero,, it is impor important thatt connected systems and equipment are adequa tely protected as well well as those using them. adequately

To T o lear learn n more about about the Easy9 range, range, visit se se.com/uk/easy9. .com/uk/easy9.

074_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:36 Page 74

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Kevin Beech, Group Sales Director at Scolmore Group, highlights the importance for contractors and wholesalers to be on their guard against false claims and to always scrutinise the quality and provenance of the products they’re purchasing.

DON’T JUDGE A SOCKET BY ITS COVER

W

hen you’re an innovator in your own field, as we are at Scolmore, some will always seek the ‘easy’ option of copying you.

Alternatively, others may make claims that the products they supply are like-for-like with some of yours, only cheaper. So, what’s the catch?

When faced with a choice of products that ‘look’ the same, we recommend that you consider some key things:

BSI Kitemark The BSI Kitemark is a symbol of quality, safety and trust. The highly recognised quality mark confirms that a product or service has been thoroughly tested and checked, time and again, and proven to meet a recognised industry standard or need. BSI Kitemark certification gives a product or service immediate status – hard earned through rigorous tests at a BSI centre of excellence, or through numerous assessments.

All Click Scolmore BS1363 socket outlets bear the BSI Kitemark and the company has held this certification for over 25 years – a clear demonstration of the commitment to adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety of the products it supplies to the professional electrical market.

Product quality and materials used Our Click Mode switch plate is a good example as to why you should check for product quality and the origin of materials used. If a similar product is being offered that is cheaper, it usually means critical materials have been replaced with inferior and inadequate alternatives. For example, instead of brass components, copper may have been used instead. In the case where brass has been used, it may be thinner and therefore of inferior quality.

At Scolmore we pride ourselves on many things when it comes to our products – innovative designs, quality materials and rigorous testing. As a business we believe honesty, transparency and integrity are

among the key values that drive our relationship with our customers.

That’s why we would never make claims about our products – or where they’re manufactured – if these claims weren’t true.

We’ve been working closely with, and have invested in, a small number of select overseas

74 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

factories for many years now and have built up a mutually respectful relationship with them.

All our products are designed in-house in Tamworth by our specialist teams and our partner factories liaise closely with the designers to work the designs up to samples and then finished products, ready for market. We make regular trips to the premises and have regulated systems and procedures in place to ensure they operate safely and to our exacting standards.

These factories operate on an exclusive basis with Scolmore, only producing products for our group of companies. Anyone who claims that their products are made in the same factory as ours, makes the implication that their products are of the same quality and have been subject to the same rigorous testing and approvals processes, when in fact they may not be. As such, wholesalers and contractors need to have the assurance and proof of the origin of the products that are being supplied to them.

Managing misinformation Nobody wants to be taken in by potentially false or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive. People want to do business with companies that are trustworthy, deliver on what they say, provide innovative thinking, and are both genuine and responsible in all their interactions. Scolmore prides itself on adhering to these principles.

BROWSE THE SCOLMORE PRODUCT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH037

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 04/05/2022 09:36 Page 75

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 06/05/2022 15:39 Page 76

077_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:44 Page 77

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

A BEACON OF ASSISTANCE

We learn more about why the latest addition to the ESP portfolio is further helping electricians to comply with fire safety regulations.

A

ccording to current Building Regulations, it is a requirement that all new, non-domestic buildings with more than one level, provide ‘refuge’ areas – relatively safe places where people who cannot easily use fire escapes and evacuation lifts can congregate and summon assistance.

Disabled refuge systems are called for in BS 9999: 2017 – code of practice for fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings – as well as Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Volume 2: Buildings other than dwelling houses.

Shining the Beacon ESP has been taking on an increasing number

of larger, specification type projects and has identified an opportunity to expand its product portfolio to offer a comprehensive disabled refuge range that meets the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved Document B. Marketed under the name Beacon, the new range comprises a variety of products that are specifically designed to assist emergency evacuation situations in a wide range of buildings and venues – with the aim of assisting people with limited mobility to safely exit the building.

If a risk assessment requires the provision of a disabled refuge system on a project, ESP can offer the reassurance of a range of products and systems that meet with all the

077_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:44 Page 78

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

includes status and fault monitoring. In emergency use the unit identifies the location of the Outstation that has been activated, with clear duplex audio to assist an evacuation process.

The Master Station is complete with back-up battery function (battery to be supplied separately) that offers 24hr standby in event of mains power failure, plus 3hrs of voice communication supply in the event of an emergency situation.

relevant standards.

At the core of the range is the Emergency Voice Communications System (EVCS) – this is the term used to describe a fixed, monitored and maintained, bidirectional, full duplex voice communication system to assist the orderly evacuation of disabled or mobility impaired people and enhance firefighters’ communication during emergencies.

The Beacon ‘Master Stations’ are the central point of the system, which combines fire telephone handsets, disabled refuge outstations and emergency alarms to form one fully integrated system.

Master Station There are two Master Station options available – a push button version with 2-8 lines, and a touchscreen version with capacity for up to 512 lines to support a wide range of communication devices.

Both Master Stations are complete with large handset, simple user interface and

“Disabled refuge systems are called for in BS 9999:2017 – code of practice for fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings...”

78 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Disabled Refuge Outstations Disabled Refuge Outstations, known as ‘Type B’, provide a fixed point of communication in a building for users who require evacuation or assistance. Situated in refuge areas usually found in protected stairwells, the Outstation provides duplex audio to the Master Station, which is located in the building’s control room, or at the access points for the fire service.

The Beacon stainless steel ‘Type B’ Outstation offers hands-free operation, a compact design suitable for mounting on a double gang box and features clear LED status visibility. An ingress protected version is also available for external use.

Fire Telephone Handsets Fire Telephone Handsets, known as ‘Type A’ Outstations, are for use by the fire and rescue service during an evacuation, allowing the officer at the fire control centre to communicate with other officers to control the evacuation. The ‘Type A’ Outstation activates a call to the Master Station to assist the fire and rescue service.

They provide a central point of communication in the event of an emergency and provide backup to the firefighter’s radio systems which can fail to operate during a fire in many tall buildings due to the large amounts of steel found in them. An ingress protected version is also available for external use.

Assist Call Range The Beacon Assist Call Range comprises a number of expandable 3-part Assist Call Kits and accessory products which interface with the Master Station, identifying the location of the alarm upon activation. These include a toilet kit and a bedroom kit suitable for hotels, residential

and student accommodation.

A number of IP-rated modules are also available as part of the Assist Call accessories range, suitable for wet rooms and for areas of high moisture and humidity. The options include call button, call plate and cancel plate.

4-Zone Controller For applications that require the Assist Call Kit but have no need for a disabled refuge or fire telephone integration, a 4-zone controller will be made available for use with both the toilet kit and bedroom kit.

The 4-zone controller removes the need for a Master Station, supporting up to 4 separate Assist Call Kits. The controller provides clear zone identification and acknowledgement feature.

Standalone Assistance Alarm Kits ESP’s existing assistance alarm kit will be rebranded to Beacon. The 3-piece kit operates fully independently with no master station or controller required.

The new Beacon disabled refuge and assistance alarm range will be supported by a dedicated, UK-based technical team, and will offer contractors and specifiers access to a free design service, compliant with the latest BS5839-9:2021 regulations.

ESP has produced a comprehensive brochure covering the whole of the Beacon range, along with examples of how the components of the system integrate.

DOWNLOAD THE NEW ESP BEACON BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH038

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 11/05/2022 09:14 Page 79

080_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:46 Page 80

PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

TRIM THAT WASTE LINE Sustainability is now a priority across all areas of a building’s design. That’s why it is important for installers to understand how responsible cable management systems can benefit them and their project, according to Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director (Designate) at Marshall-Tufflex.

W

ith the government’s target to meet net zero by 2050, sustainability is a key consideration in all areas of a building’s design, and it is becoming an important element at the prequalification stage of any major tender.

However, figures show that the construction industry generates a staggering 120million tonnes of waste each year, of which an estimated 25million tonnes end up in landfill sites. It’s clear that more still needs to be done to reduce the amount of waste produced.

As a key influencer on any scheme, the role that professional installers play in making a difference to these figures shouldn’t be underestimated. As such, when selecting cable management products, consider how the materials and products used for each project can contribute to lowering carbon emissions and diverting waste from landfill.

Benefits of PVC-U trunking PVC-U cable management systems offer a range of benefits including corrosion and combustion resistance – and they’re lightweight, easy to cut and transport around site meaning installation is quick and easy.

Furthermore, there are PVC-U cable management products available on the market that are manufactured using recycled materials, which offer a real

80 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

opportunity for environmentally conscious professionals to help reduce landfill waste.

Like any product specification, quality and performance can vary so it’s important to choose products from reputable manufacturers with proven credentials in the use of recycled content.

In 2020, Marshall-Tufflex recorded an average of 74% recycled content in its PVC-U cable management products, preventing thousands of tonnes of waste from going to landfill. To achieve this, the company uses reclaimed PVC-U from post-industrial waste (off-cuts from PVC-U window production) and post-consumer waste (from PVC-U windows removed from buildings at the end of their lives) in its manufacturing processes.

Durable and reliable Due to its original application, this type of PVC-U is designed to withstand the elements and these same performance benefits are transferred to its conduit and trunking products – resulting in an incredibly durable and reliable solution, which is a huge benefit to both the customer and environment.

Marshall-Tufflex also has rigorous quality control measures in place to check for colour consistency and surface finish to ensure a glossy white appearance is always achieved. To ensure that there is no waste, if a product doesn’t meet the company’s high standards it’s then recycled back into chips and re-entered

into the production process.

It’s also important to recognise that the cost of these products is usually comparable with others of the same quality, so there are no additional budget considerations to take into account.

Compliance You should ensure any product specified complies with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) standards that looks at the use of chemical substances and the potential impact on the environment and human health. Also check for compliance with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Accreditation as this demonstrates that the manufacturer has taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment throughout its business.

When selecting a PVC-U cable management system, serious consideration should be given to the sustainability credentials of the products selected. Always ask your local electrical wholesaler whether the products you’re purchasing are manufactured using recycled content – we recommend opting for solutions that have a minimum of 50% recycled material content, to drive up efficiency as much as possible.

BROWSE MARSHALL TUFFLEX’S CABLE MANAGEMENT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH039

081_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:52 Page 81

PRIZE DRAW

W IN

TUNE IN AND WIN WITH MARSHALL-TUFFLEX! To celebrate its 80th birthday this year, MarshallTufflex is giving one winner the chance to get their hands on a Makita DMR107 Site Radio while four runners-up will receive a prize bundle comprising of a travel mug, beanie hat, t-shirt, pen and keyring.

Established back in 1942, Marshall-Tufflex started out with just 12 employees producing plastic cane, belting and piping.

Now, the company is considered a UK leader in plastic extrusion, with recognition of its wide range of quality cable management products that professionals can rely on across any project.

Marshall-Tufflex invests heavily in product research, development and innovation and has most recently launched the innovative ‘Tufflex Tile’ – a ready to use pattress that has been designed to take the hassle out of suspended ceiling installations.

In addition, the company is renowned for its dedication to offering a range of sustainable trunking and conduit products – thanks to the use of recycled content in its PVC-U production processes.

Recent figures indicate the construction industry generates 120 million tonnes of waste per year, of which it’s estimated that 25 million tonnes end up in landfill sites (see the article on page 80). In an effort to combat this, Marshall-Tufflex uses recycled PVC-U content originating from window frames in the manufacture of its products.

What’s more, it aims to reach a level of 80% recycled material usage across its PVC-U trunking and conduit systems by the end of the year in celebration of its 80th birthday!

HOW TO ENTER ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A MAKITA SITE RADIO AND MARSHALL-TUFFLEX SPECIAL PRIZE BUNDLES BY FILLING OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH040 Deadline for entries: 10/07/2022. Usual T&Cs apply.

082_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:53 Page 82

Products IN PRACTICE

Signify and Philips set the Stage for Sheffield tramline Signify has worked closely with Sheffield Stagecoach to upgrade the lighting for all platforms on the Sheffield Supertram, one of the UK’s busiest tramlines.

The upgrade is a move from energy-intensive SON-T lamps to the new Philips TrueForce Core LED Road 40W lamps, which promise improved white light quality in customer-facing areas for increased safety and enhanced colour rendering for better visibility. In addition, with this replacement, it is estimated over 800,000 kWh energy will be saved each year by using the Trueforce LED lamps, as the lighting uses 80% less energy.

After several months of extensive research into the right lighting solutions, Sheffield Stagecoach found the Philips TrueForce Core LED Road LED lamp 40W to be the perfect fit that meets all necessary specifications and objectives for upgrading the lighting. This replacement to the new SON lighting dramatically reduces the maintenance costs of lamps and the ageing electromagnetic gear system by reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance visits.

The Philips TrueForce Core LED Road brings all the energy-efficiency and long-lifetime benefits of LED to HID replacement while providing instant saving with low initial investment, removing the need to replace existing fixtures.

The lamps are a tubular glass envelope LED retro-fit similar to that of SON-T lamps. They will fit in the existing luminaires and importantly work truly with the luminaire’s optic, making sure that light is photometrically positioned.

82 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Mark Tomkins, Infrastructure Electrical Co-ordinator at Stagecoach Supertram, said: “For a long time now, we’ve been looking for the best replacement that physically fits into the existing luminaires, taking away the need to replace them. We also needed to ensure the new lightbulbs meet all our objectives of enhanced safety, better visibility and being environmentally friendly.

“The Philips LED lighting solutions offer several benefits including better colour rendering, enhanced CCTV visibility, increased traveller and staff safety, and improved visibility at the tram stops. In addition, the energy savings on offer are impressive when compared with conventional light sources and long-lasting products. With instant restrike of the new LED lamps, this takes away the waiting period of HID cooldown in the case of power outages. We’re sure we’ll reap several benefits for a long time to come.’’

Simon Greenwood, Sales Director Trade & Specification at Signify UK&I, added: ‘’Our LED solution for the Sheffield tramline will encourage travellers to use the line worry-free due to the improved visibility and safety. To add to this, the

positive impact on the environment is another huge benefit as the upgrade to LED lighting helps reduce the tramline’s environmental impact.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIGNIFY’S RANGE OF LIGHTING AND SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONALS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH041

082_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 09:54 Page 83

sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

HUMANITAS touch helps Halesowen College students Halesowen College has recently completed a retrofit using the ROBUS HUMANITAS range.

One of the college’s key aims is to provide functional learning environments that make a difference, so it wanted to build a cyber security lab that would enable students to learn to do everything from ethical hacking to cyber defence.

As an institute that looks for innovative solutions, Halesowen College required a lighting system that would enable a more optimised learning space in order to get the best from students.

Partnering with ROBUS and with the aid of ROBUS Area Sales Manager, Jonathan Bowker, Halesowen College agreed to use the cyber security lab as a test site for the ROBUS HUMANITAS range and see what impact it had on students.

Human Centric Lighting (HCL) Human centric lighting is an innovative centric lighting technology that puts the user in control. The system mimics the natural daylight cycle to entrain the human circadian rhythm, providing the end user with the right light at the right time of day.

Users of human centric lighting can also benefit from low glare, flicker reduction and illuminance boosting. It is a lighting concept that takes into consideration how lighting affects occupant wellbeing, productivity, and comfort in the built environment.

For Halesowen College, installing the ROBUS HUMANITAS range was an essential upgrade to help boost productivity, mood and deliver other health benefits within the classroom.

23 x 600x600 ROBUS SPACE HUMANITAS panels were installed into the lab. The panels are installed in the same way as a standard LED panel which ensured no extra hassle for the contractor.

The SPACE HUMANITAS panels are controlled wirelessly through the ROBUS

MODEM HUMANITAS. This gives the lecturers and students at Halesowen College full automatic or manual control over the illuminance levels and also the colour correct temperature (CCT).

With different settings available on the MODEM HUMANITAS including activate, focus, neutral and calm, the lecturers at Halesowen College will have full control over how they choose to use their SPACE HUMANITAS panels.

The four scene sets are optimal for different conditions: Activate: Increases blue light to help occupants become more alert. It has the highest lumen output and CCT. Focus: This is designed to give a light output that increases concentration and comprehension.

Neutral: This setting gives a 50/50 mix of warm white and cool white light levels.

This is typically used as standard educational lighting.

Calm: This has little to no blue light and allows for occupants to settle down into relaxation.

This HUMANITAS HCL solution helps lecturers to provide students with the right light at the right time of the day. In addition, set cycles can be used. The cycles developed for this system operate on a 24-hour constantly updated cycle.

The HCL cycle initiates a 24-hour human circadian rhythm cycle that simulates the light output at the autumnal equinox.

During this cycle, the light is constantly

on but varies the blue light content throughout the day. The HCL+ cycle is the same as the HCL cycle but delivers boosts of illuminance throughout the day when it is needed.

Finally, the teachers and students at Halesowen can utilise the custom mode.

This enables them to make fully configurable light cycles to match their timetables.

For Halesowen College, installing ROBUS HUMANITAS has been a huge success. Not only have tangible benefits like reduced energy costs been achieved, but the impact of the human centric lighting system has had a positive impact on students and teachers alike.

BROWSE THE FULL ROBUS HUMANITAS RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH042

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 83

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 12/05/2022 15:58 Page 84

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:27 Page 85

Products round up

HELLERMANNTYTON Premium Cast Resin Cable Joints

IDEAL INDUSTRIES Push In Connectors Looking to reduce installation time by up to 50%? The In-Sure Push In wire connectors from IDEAL INDUSTRIES achieve just that when compared to more traditional connection methods such as terminal blocks. They are the perfect replacement for crimped splices with the most popular 2, 3 & 4 port models rated to 32 A. BROWSE THE LATEST IDEAL PRODUCT BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH043

EUROLITE USB Sockets With a 3.1A simultaneous charging capacity, Eurolite offers one of the most powerful USB chargers on the market, with its range of USB sockets available in 1 and 2 gang switched versions. Ideal for charging mobile phones, cameras, tablets and games consoles, without losing the use of a wall socket, integrated USB sockets are a great way to streamline device charging by getting rid of the adapters, saving money and leaving the 3 pin power sockets free for other purposes. USB sockets are available in all Eurolite ranges including, enhance, concealed, stainless steel and utility. The USB sockets are available in several finishes, including classics such as white plastic, stainless steel, polished chrome, black nickel and satin nickel.

BROWSE THE EUROLITE DIGITAL PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH044

HellermannTyton has launched a premium line of cast resin cable joints in its RELICON brand. The new line RELICON i-A Line premium SF armoured with PUR 33 Cast Resin (PUR33), is suitable for jointing a wide range of cables and has a variety of applications including industrial buildings, power supplies in the ground, outdoors and underwater, in cable ducts and on public and private networks. The premium line features RELICON’s ‘Safe Filling’ technology. The transparent double-chamber resin mixing pouch and cable joints guarantee that the installer has constant visual control of the mixing and filling steps whilst avoiding contact with the cast resin. The PUR33 resin offers a patented colour change that ensures the mixing process is completed correctly so the joints can then be submerged immediately after casting. As well as the mixing pouch, the cable joints come with cable connectors, constant force springs with straight ends to ensure easy installation and include all of the necessary earth continuity parts.

Cast resin joints are applied wherever cable and wiring connections are submerged or buried underground. As cast resin joints are exposed to high stress, the cured two-component cast resin delivers reliable long-term mechanical protection against external stressors as they are resistant to all environmental influences and are ecologically safe and suitable for long term applications.

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH045

HYLEC Debox 11 Junction Box Hylec-APL has launched Debox 11, a versatile and robust IP66/IP67-rated surface-mounted junction box, specifically designed for interior or exterior use on projects such as exterior lighting and outbuildings.

Debox 11 features ten cable entry points – two on each side and a further two in the base of the box. All have soft membrane covers, giving a quick puncture-entry self-sealing system rated to IP66. The eight side-entry points also have a M20 size threaded entry for cable glands, with no requirement for an internal locknut, giving a higher protection rating of IP67. Wires are easily and quickly connected into the five x 3-lever screwless connectors which are supplied with Debox 11. Minimum cable diameter is 3mm, maximum 12mm, while the voltage maximum is 400V, 32A. Internally the five connectors are held securely by moulded mountings. Should the application require a PCB, Debox 11 has four PCB fixing posts in the base to take a PCB mounting plate. After inserting the wires, the Debox 11 lid is securely fastened with two included captive lid screws.

WATCH A DEMO VIDEO OF THE PRODUCT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH046

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 85

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:28 Page 86

Products round up

OLSON Lighting Distribution Units Olson’s new range of Lighting Distribution Units are designed and manufactured in the UK. Constructed from Zintec steel and powder coated in white RAL9010, the range is available in 4, 6 and 8 ways as standard, fitted with 3 and 4 pin 6A sockets. Designed to be mounted in several positions to provide flexibility for the installer, the range can also be custom-made in the standard 4, 6 and 8 way units to match your specifications. This could be a custom RAL colour to match the interior style within an installation, a bespoke size or shape unit to accommodate space restrictions within an installation, or it could be as simple as a different configuration of sockets.

GET MORE DETAILS ON THE LDU RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH047

MEGGER Fault Sniffer 2 The new Fault Sniffer 2 from Megger provides a simple yet effective way of locating faults on underground low voltage cable networks without the need for complex and costly cable test equipment. With the Fault Sniffer 2, fault location can be carried out while the network is live and, in most cases without digging or drilling, which means that costs, disruption and inconvenience are minimised.

Most cable faults result in burning of the cable sheath and insulation so the Fault Sniffer 2 detects the gases produced by this burning. A vacuum system sucks the gases into the instrument via a sensor rod, where they’re analysed in real time and the results displayed as a graphical representation of combustion gas concentration. Dual sensor technology is used which allows the instrument to distinguish between combustion gases and other natural gases that may be present in the environment.

BROWSE THE TECHNICAL DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH048

087_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:15 Page 87

W IN

PRIZE DRAW

WIN A SUPERB CLIPTECH PACK!

Four lucky readers will get their hands on this great ToughBuilt prize bundle.

T

oughBuilt’s ClipTech range offers electricians an unprecedented choice in jobsite productivity. The range of storage solutions allows professionals to keep their tools organised faster and easier, carrying what you need, when you need it.

ToughBuilt’s ClipTech range is made with high-quality rugged materials and heavy-duty rivet reinforcement to keep up with the most rigorous demands. So much so, ToughBuilt is confident enough to offer a 25 year guarantee across the entire range.

Find out more about the ToughBuilt ClipTech range at: https://toughbuilt.com/cliptech

WHAT CAN YOU WIN? This month, ToughBuilt is giving four entrants the chance to get their hands on a quality ClipTech starter kit, consisting of the following: 1. Van Wall Organiser 2. Master Electrician’s Pouch 3. 20cm Tote + Pouch 4. Pro Padded Belt

HOW TO ENTER TO ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN THIS AWESOME PRIZE, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH049 Deadline for entries: 10/07/2022. Usual T&Cs apply.

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:29 Page 88

Products round up

ROBUS ULTIMUM Range When installing downlights to recessed spaces, it’s necessary to use fire rated downlights to ensure your area is safe and secure. ROBUS has developed high performance and reliable fire rated downlights in the ROBUS ULTIMUM range.

The ROBUS ULTIMUM fire rated downlight range boasts an impressive line-up with dual wattage, CCT3 and smart options available. Customers can choose from the ULTIMUM, ULTIMUM dual wattage, ULTIMUM+, ULTIMUM Tilt+, and ULTIMUM CONNECT options. The extensive range of ULTIMUMs is slim and compact. They have a shallow depth of 60mm and 70mm in the ULTIMUM TILT+ making these ideal for shallow ceilings. Despite their slim build they contain a range of features desirable for fire rated downlights. They use a ROBUS 3 pole connector with two push-in spring terminals to ensure ease of installation. With an ingress protection rating of 65, this allows for installation in most environments including damp and dusty areas. In addition, they’re fire, moisture, and acoustic rated as well as tested for use with solid timber I-joists and metal web joist ceiling constructions.

WATCH A PROMOTIONAL VIDEO OF THE ROBUS ULTIMUM RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH050

SNICKERS WORKWEAR LiteWork 37.5 Work Shorts Lightweight work shorts that are designed to deliver superior comfort and freedom of movement, these garments have a street-smart fit with a cool working comfort in warm conditions. They’re made of quick-drying 37.5 technology fabric that delivers efficient moisture transport, ventilation and UPF40 sun protection in sunny weather. They have a functional design and come with or without extra robust holster pockets. There’s also a 4-way stretch panel at the crotch and reinforcement at critical areas for extra durability. They’re packed with comfort and functionality and specially designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and always delivering top class work on-site.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH051

ADGRIDS_PE_ADGRIDS.PMM_May06 06/05/2022 16:22 Page 89

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:29 Page 90

Products round up

MEGAMAN Performa & Essentials LED Fixtures

KNIPEX Forged Wire Stripper (American Style)

MEGAMAN has launched two distinct LED fixture ranges: Performa and Essentials.

Integrating existing solutions with some of its latest product launches, the two ranges have been designed to provide a flexible lighting portfolio for various indoor and outdoor applications. For adaptable, high-performance fixture solutions, Performa combines quality materials with added value features. With motion sensors, emergency compatibility, dual beam technology (DBT) and colour change technology (CCT), performance is paramount for all products in the Performa range. Providing reliability over innovation, Essentials solutions deliver in terms of cost and results for both retrofit and new-build installations.

The two ranges feature integrated LED downlights, battens, high bays and bulkheads, as well as floodlights and panels. TEMPUS emergency lighting systems are also available in both ranges – with self-testing, high performance products available from Performa – providing a complete lighting solution for every application.

KNIPEX has launched the Forged Wire Stripper Multifunctional Electrician Pliers (American style) for stripping and cutting both solid and stranded wire. The Forged Wire Stripper (13 72 8 and 13 72 8) is meticulously designed to improve upon all facets of the wire stripping experience, making every worker’s job easier and faster. The screw cutting holes do not have threads on them, so a screw can be inserted and cut, making it faster and easier. Additional features include: locating ridges between the stripping holes for easily finding the correct stripping holes without looking, wide knurled gripping jaws for twisting wires and induction-hardened shear cutting blades that offer 50% higher cutting capacity than other wire strippers on the market.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PERFORMA AND ESSENTIALS RANGES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH052

WATCH A PRODUCT DEMO VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH053

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:30 Page 91

TIMEGUARD Wi-Fi Controlled Fused Spur Timer

AURORA RSeries Range w/ FastRFix Connector Aurora's RSeries, which enables installers more flexibility than ever before through its colour temperature and wattage switchable options, now offers a much faster installation using the new FastRFix connector.

The R6, R6CS and R6CWS all benefit from having a FastRFix connector, which provides loop in, loop out push terminals and screwless cable strain relief for fast installations and electrical testing.

Developed with the contractor in mind, this range enables the choice of single colour, colour switchable and wattage switchable options.

Colour switchable options are 3000K, 4000K or 5700K. Wattage and colour switchable options are 4W or 6W and 3000K, 4000K or 5700K, offering a total of 24 combinations. The range comes with a detachable driver option, a 50,000hr lifetime and five-year warranty.

WATCH A DEMO VIDEO OF THE FASTRFIX CONNECTOR AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH054

Timeguard has introduced a Wi-Fi controlled version of its popular energy saving fused spur timers.

This smart device is fitted with a 13A replaceable fuse, so it can be wired in as direct replacements for the basic fused spurs that are already installed alongside the big energy guzzlers in the home. They continue to provide essential fuse protection as well as offering full range of time control options. The FSTWiFiTU is operated using the global TuyaSmart App, as used across the Timeguard Wi-Fi range of smart home controls and half a million other devices from manufacturers all over the world. As well as basic on/off programming, the Timeguard FSTWiFiTU offers countdown and boost functions, all at the touch of a button through the Tuya App. GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH055

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 11:51 Page 92

Products round up

CED ELECTRICAL Airmaster A/C Units Airmaster leads the way with its comprehensive offering of cooling products – from desk and floor fans to portable Aircon units – all BS certified, CE approved and Lot 20 compliant. The three-speed premium range of oscillating units includes 9”, 12” and 16” table fans, 16” pedestal and tower fans plus wall mounted pull-cord and 18” high velocity floor standing options. Decorative designs are available with 16” pedestal or 12” desk fans in a chrome antique finish, whilst a two-speed 6” clip-on fan completes the range. Alongside this offering is a similar economy range of table and pedestal fans with the addition of remote controlled wall and pedestal units.

Finally, Airmaster boasts three portable air-conditioning units, with 9000 BTU, 12000 BTU standard and compact options – all with cooling fan, dehumidifier and variable speed settings.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH056

RF SOLUTIONS RIoT Receiver RIoT – or Radio to Internet of Things – allows end users the ability to add wireless switching control to any application, such as garden lights or other outdoor features. It also allows installers to set up control from a smartphone App. The RIoT Receiver is a 4 channel switching receiver that means installers can add control to any wired input. Once outdoor features are wired into the receiver, pair the customer’s smartphone directly to the receiver, set this up on Wi-Fi, then pair any additional smartphones needed.

Using the free RIoT Control Apps, installers can then create and edit customer’s own custom buttons to operate the outdoor features direct from Wi-Fi. The receiver is also compatible with any of the RF Solutions 868MHz transmitters range.

BROWSE THE RF SOLUTIONS RIOT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH057

085_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:31 Page 93

AFDDs launch completes Elucian CU range Scolmore has added a comprehensive range of AFDDs to its Elucian by Click consumer unit and protective devices portfolio.

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

Other key features and benefits of the Elucian AFDDs with integral RCBOs include: ●

●

● ● ●

●

Arc fault detection – providing a form of protection that pre-existing devices that are mandatory as part of the 18th Edition wiring regulations cannot provide.

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

Self-Test – inbuilt self-test function to ensure the device is fully operational.

Green LED Indication – for a clear, visual representation of the flashing sequence to determine fault condition.

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

18 mm Single Width Size – to harmonise with the existing range of Elucian RCBOs and circuit-breakers, only taking up a single din rail space to fit seamlessly into the Elucian range or any existing Elucian installation.

BROWSE THE ELUCIAN PRODUCT BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH058

NEW STYLE ELEX MAG AD 285 PE_Layout 1 27/04/2022 10:35 Page 1

ELEXSHOW

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Sponsored by

The Electricians’ Exhibition

Leading brands, live demos, tech talks, show specials – all under one roof!

FORTHCOMING SHOWS: CBS ARENA, COVENTRY 14TH/15TH SEPTEMBER 2022 WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER 20TH & 21ST OCTOBER 2022 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY 3RD & 4TH NOVEMBER 2022

Register for free at www.elexshow.info

076_PE_OCT21_Layout 1 02/09/2021 21:31 Page 104

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT C-TEC’S PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH059

096_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:38 Page 96

CAUGHT ON

C A M E R A KEIRON TOOLE: This was found on a new install. The customer called me out as they’d experienced a shock off an open-ended live cable in the attic!

JOHN MELLOR: This was a nice little find on an EICR. Don’t worry though, the peg is plastic!

SOCIAL SNAPS! SAM BURGESS: I went to test a DB that the client had claimed he could do himself! It cost him an arm and a leg to fully rectify…

ALASTAIR KELDAY: When the plumber is tasked with fitting the containment for the central heating control wiring…

STEVEN BATES: I was asked to check over a finished job recently and couldn’t believe a spark had done the work. No earth at metal switches – unbelievable!

96 June 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

097_PE_JUNE22_Layout 1 16/05/2022 10:41 Page 97

PRIZE DRAW

WIN A MARTINDALE HPAT600 TESTER!

W IN

PE and Martindale Electric have teamed up to give you the chance to win an HPAT600KIT1 PAT Tester.

A

ccording to the Health and Safety Executive, 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances.

From these figures, it is clear that a large number of incidents and injuries could be prevented with proper electrical checks, inspections and safety tests.

Designed to perform safety checks in accordance with the IET Code of Practice, the lightweight HPAT Series of rechargeable handheld testers are designed for ease of use, with one button automatic testing and clear connection details shown on the tester.

The HPAT600’s small lightweight design and one button operation make it ideal for testing in all locations, be it under a desk or

behind a monitor. The bright backlit display provides a clear pass/fail indication and the tester also has the ability to store the test results for later recall on-screen. The user can select either the standard 500V insulation test or a 250V option and the tester allows for automatic and manual testing with adjustable limits.

To keep running costs down and to ensure that no time is lost due to flat batteries, this battery powered rechargeable PAT tester can also operate from a mains power supply, or in-car.

This month’s awesome prize includes: ●

●

● ● ● ●

● ● ●

● ● ● ●

HPAT600 Advanced rechargeable PAT tester CP501 Check Plug for mains socket testing NC2 Non-contact voltage tester 500 Pass labels (LAB1) 100 Fail labels (FAIL1) PAT Register book for record keeping (PATREG) Rechargeable batteries 230V Extension lead adaptor (EX332) Earth bond probe and crocodile clip (TL67) Mains charger (PSUHPAT230) In-car charger (PSUHPAT12) Null pin on key fob (TL178) Padded soft carry case and strap (TC88)

Martindale has also recently launched a dedicated ‘Essential Guide to PAT Testing’ area of its website crammed with useful information, hints, tips and an overview of its popular HPAT series of PAT Testers.

To access the guide visit: https://martindale-electric.co.uk/pat-testing/

HOW TO ENTER TO ENTER YOUR NAME INTO THE FREE PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A MARTINDALE HPAT600KIT1 TESTER, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAH060 Deadline for entries: 10/07/2022.

Usual T&Cs apply.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN June 2022 97

098 PE JUNE 2022 INDEX_Layout 1 12/05/2022 08:52 Page 98

ADVERTISER INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electrician.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

Aico Ltd ............................................................................................ Page 36 www.rdr.link/EAH100 Benditnow Ltd................................................................................ Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH101 BG Electrical Ltd............................................................................ Page 26 www.rdr.link/EAH102 Bird Home Automation Group .................................................. Page 87 www.rdr.link/EAH103 Bright Business Advice ............................................................... Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH104 CED.................................................................................................... Page 90 www.rdr.link/EAH105 CHAUVIN ARNOUX UK Ltd ....................................................... Page 76 www.rdr.link/EAH106 Chint Europe (UK) Ltd ................................................................. Page 20 www.rdr.link/EAH107 C-TEC Ltd......................................................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAH108 DANLERS Ltd.................................................................................. Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH109 DETA Electrical Company Ltd.................................................... Page 15 www.rdr.link/EAH110 Di-LOG Test Equipment .............................................................. Page 57 www.rdr.link/EAH111 D-Line (Europe) Ltd....................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAH112 Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) .............................. Page 33 www.rdr.link/EAH113 Electrium Sales Ltd ......................................................................... Page 4 www.rdr.link/EAH114 Electrorad U.K. Ltd.......................................................................... Page 11 www.rdr.link/EAH115 ELEX .................................................................................................. Page 94 www.rdr.link/EAH116 Elite Security Products Ltd......................................................... Page 88 www.rdr.link/EAH117 Forum Lighting Solutions ........................................................... Page 75 www.rdr.link/EAH118 GAP Lighting .................................................................................. Page 92 www.rdr.link/EAH119 Hager Ltd ......................................................................................... Page 75 www.rdr.link/EAH120 Hamilton Litestat ........................................................................... Page 43 www.rdr.link/EAH121 HellermannTyton Ltd .................................................................... Page 91 www.rdr.link/EAH122 HIKVISION UK & Ireland.............................................................. Page 77 www.rdr.link/EAH123 Hylec-APL Ltd................................................................................. Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH124 IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA .......................................................... Page 16 www.rdr.link/EAH125 LED Group ....................................................................................... Page 40 www.rdr.link/EAH126 Live Electrical Distribution UK Ltd ....................... Inside Front Cover www.rdr.link/EAH127

Luceco plc ....................................................................................... Page 60 www.rdr.link/EAH128 Marlec Engineering Co Ltd ........................................................ Page 67 www.rdr.link/EAH129 Matt:e Ltd.......................................................................................... Page 51 www.rdr.link/EAH130 Megger Ltd ...................................................................................... Page 64 www.rdr.link/EAH131 Metrel UK Ltd ................................................................................. Page 54 www.rdr.link/EAH132 ML Accessories Ltd....................................................................... Page 45 www.rdr.link/EAH133 ML Accessories Ltd........................................................................ Page 81 www.rdr.link/EAH134 NAPIT ................................................................................................ Page 39 www.rdr.link/EAH135 Niglon Ltd ................................................................................. Pages 12, 13 www.rdr.link/EAH136 Orcomm Ltd .............................................................. Outside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAH137 Ovia Lighting................................................................................... Page 79 www.rdr.link/EAH138 Prefect Controls Ltd ..................................................................... Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH139 Pro Certs Software ....................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAH140 Proteus Switchgear ...................................................................... Page 46 www.rdr.link/EAH141 Rhino Products Ltd ....................................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAH142 Robert Bosch Ltd ............................................................................. Page 8 www.rdr.link/EAH143 Schneider Electric ..................................................................... Pages 6, 7 www.rdr.link/EAH144 Schneider Electric ...................................................... Inside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAH145 Scolmore International Ltd ........................................................ Page 86 www.rdr.link/EAH146 Selectric............................................................................................. Page 18 www.rdr.link/EAH147 Sevadis ............................................................................................. Page 49 www.rdr.link/EAH148 Tesco Mobile Ltd............................................................................ Page 19 www.rdr.link/EAH149 Test Instrument Solutions Ltd .................................................. Page 69 www.rdr.link/EAH150 The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ....... Page 79 www.rdr.link/EAH151 Timeguard Ltd................................................................................ Page 30 www.rdr.link/EAH152 UNICRIMP Ltd ................................................................................ Page 76 www.rdr.link/EAH153 WernerCo. ........................................................................................Page 23 www.rdr.link/EAH154 Wise Controls ................................................................................. Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH155

098 PE JUNE 2022 INDEX_Layout 1 12/05/2022 08:52 Page 98

ADVERTISER INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electrician.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

Aico Ltd ............................................................................................ Page 36 www.rdr.link/EAH100 Benditnow Ltd................................................................................ Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH101 BG Electrical Ltd............................................................................ Page 26 www.rdr.link/EAH102 Bird Home Automation Group .................................................. Page 87 www.rdr.link/EAH103 Bright Business Advice ............................................................... Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH104 CED.................................................................................................... Page 90 www.rdr.link/EAH105 CHAUVIN ARNOUX UK Ltd ....................................................... Page 76 www.rdr.link/EAH106 Chint Europe (UK) Ltd ................................................................. Page 20 www.rdr.link/EAH107 C-TEC Ltd......................................................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAH108 DANLERS Ltd.................................................................................. Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH109 DETA Electrical Company Ltd.................................................... Page 15 www.rdr.link/EAH110 Di-LOG Test Equipment .............................................................. Page 57 www.rdr.link/EAH111 D-Line (Europe) Ltd....................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAH112 Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) .............................. Page 33 www.rdr.link/EAH113 Electrium Sales Ltd ......................................................................... Page 4 www.rdr.link/EAH114 Electrorad U.K. Ltd.......................................................................... Page 11 www.rdr.link/EAH115 ELEX .................................................................................................. Page 94 www.rdr.link/EAH116 Elite Security Products Ltd......................................................... Page 88 www.rdr.link/EAH117 Forum Lighting Solutions ........................................................... Page 75 www.rdr.link/EAH118 GAP Lighting .................................................................................. Page 92 www.rdr.link/EAH119 Hager Ltd ......................................................................................... Page 75 www.rdr.link/EAH120 Hamilton Litestat ........................................................................... Page 43 www.rdr.link/EAH121 HellermannTyton Ltd .................................................................... Page 91 www.rdr.link/EAH122 HIKVISION UK & Ireland.............................................................. Page 77 www.rdr.link/EAH123 Hylec-APL Ltd................................................................................. Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH124 IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA .......................................................... Page 16 www.rdr.link/EAH125 LED Group ....................................................................................... Page 40 www.rdr.link/EAH126 Live Electrical Distribution UK Ltd ....................... Inside Front Cover www.rdr.link/EAH127

Luceco plc ....................................................................................... Page 60 www.rdr.link/EAH128 Marlec Engineering Co Ltd ........................................................ Page 67 www.rdr.link/EAH129 Matt:e Ltd.......................................................................................... Page 51 www.rdr.link/EAH130 Megger Ltd ...................................................................................... Page 64 www.rdr.link/EAH131 Metrel UK Ltd ................................................................................. Page 54 www.rdr.link/EAH132 ML Accessories Ltd....................................................................... Page 45 www.rdr.link/EAH133 ML Accessories Ltd........................................................................ Page 81 www.rdr.link/EAH134 NAPIT ................................................................................................ Page 39 www.rdr.link/EAH135 Niglon Ltd ................................................................................. Pages 12, 13 www.rdr.link/EAH136 Orcomm Ltd .............................................................. Outside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAH137 Ovia Lighting................................................................................... Page 79 www.rdr.link/EAH138 Prefect Controls Ltd ..................................................................... Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH139 Pro Certs Software ....................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAH140 Proteus Switchgear ...................................................................... Page 46 www.rdr.link/EAH141 Rhino Products Ltd ....................................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAH142 Robert Bosch Ltd ............................................................................. Page 8 www.rdr.link/EAH143 Schneider Electric ..................................................................... Pages 6, 7 www.rdr.link/EAH144 Schneider Electric ...................................................... Inside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAH145 Scolmore International Ltd ........................................................ Page 86 www.rdr.link/EAH146 Selectric............................................................................................. Page 18 www.rdr.link/EAH147 Sevadis ............................................................................................. Page 49 www.rdr.link/EAH148 Tesco Mobile Ltd............................................................................ Page 19 www.rdr.link/EAH149 Test Instrument Solutions Ltd .................................................. Page 69 www.rdr.link/EAH150 The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ....... Page 79 www.rdr.link/EAH151 Timeguard Ltd................................................................................ Page 30 www.rdr.link/EAH152 UNICRIMP Ltd ................................................................................ Page 76 www.rdr.link/EAH153 WernerCo. ........................................................................................Page 23 www.rdr.link/EAH154 Wise Controls ................................................................................. Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH155

098 PE JUNE 2022 INDEX_Layout 1 12/05/2022 08:52 Page 98

ADVERTISER INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electrician.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

Aico Ltd ............................................................................................ Page 36 www.rdr.link/EAH100 Benditnow Ltd................................................................................ Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH101 BG Electrical Ltd............................................................................ Page 26 www.rdr.link/EAH102 Bird Home Automation Group .................................................. Page 87 www.rdr.link/EAH103 Bright Business Advice ............................................................... Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH104 CED.................................................................................................... Page 90 www.rdr.link/EAH105 CHAUVIN ARNOUX UK Ltd ....................................................... Page 76 www.rdr.link/EAH106 Chint Europe (UK) Ltd ................................................................. Page 20 www.rdr.link/EAH107 C-TEC Ltd......................................................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAH108 DANLERS Ltd.................................................................................. Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH109 DETA Electrical Company Ltd.................................................... Page 15 www.rdr.link/EAH110 Di-LOG Test Equipment .............................................................. Page 57 www.rdr.link/EAH111 D-Line (Europe) Ltd....................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAH112 Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) .............................. Page 33 www.rdr.link/EAH113 Electrium Sales Ltd ......................................................................... Page 4 www.rdr.link/EAH114 Electrorad U.K. Ltd.......................................................................... Page 11 www.rdr.link/EAH115 ELEX .................................................................................................. Page 94 www.rdr.link/EAH116 Elite Security Products Ltd......................................................... Page 88 www.rdr.link/EAH117 Forum Lighting Solutions ........................................................... Page 75 www.rdr.link/EAH118 GAP Lighting .................................................................................. Page 92 www.rdr.link/EAH119 Hager Ltd ......................................................................................... Page 75 www.rdr.link/EAH120 Hamilton Litestat ........................................................................... Page 43 www.rdr.link/EAH121 HellermannTyton Ltd .................................................................... Page 91 www.rdr.link/EAH122 HIKVISION UK & Ireland.............................................................. Page 77 www.rdr.link/EAH123 Hylec-APL Ltd................................................................................. Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH124 IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA .......................................................... Page 16 www.rdr.link/EAH125 LED Group ....................................................................................... Page 40 www.rdr.link/EAH126 Live Electrical Distribution UK Ltd ....................... Inside Front Cover www.rdr.link/EAH127

Luceco plc ....................................................................................... Page 60 www.rdr.link/EAH128 Marlec Engineering Co Ltd ........................................................ Page 67 www.rdr.link/EAH129 Matt:e Ltd.......................................................................................... Page 51 www.rdr.link/EAH130 Megger Ltd ...................................................................................... Page 64 www.rdr.link/EAH131 Metrel UK Ltd ................................................................................. Page 54 www.rdr.link/EAH132 ML Accessories Ltd....................................................................... Page 45 www.rdr.link/EAH133 ML Accessories Ltd........................................................................ Page 81 www.rdr.link/EAH134 NAPIT ................................................................................................ Page 39 www.rdr.link/EAH135 Niglon Ltd ................................................................................. Pages 12, 13 www.rdr.link/EAH136 Orcomm Ltd .............................................................. Outside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAH137 Ovia Lighting................................................................................... Page 79 www.rdr.link/EAH138 Prefect Controls Ltd ..................................................................... Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAH139 Pro Certs Software ....................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAH140 Proteus Switchgear ...................................................................... Page 46 www.rdr.link/EAH141 Rhino Products Ltd ....................................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAH142 Robert Bosch Ltd ............................................................................. Page 8 www.rdr.link/EAH143 Schneider Electric ..................................................................... Pages 6, 7 www.rdr.link/EAH144 Schneider Electric ...................................................... Inside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAH145 Scolmore International Ltd ........................................................ Page 86 www.rdr.link/EAH146 Selectric............................................................................................. Page 18 www.rdr.link/EAH147 Sevadis ............................................................................................. Page 49 www.rdr.link/EAH148 Tesco Mobile Ltd............................................................................ Page 19 www.rdr.link/EAH149 Test Instrument Solutions Ltd .................................................. Page 69 www.rdr.link/EAH150 The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ....... Page 79 www.rdr.link/EAH151 Timeguard Ltd................................................................................ Page 30 www.rdr.link/EAH152 UNICRIMP Ltd ................................................................................ Page 76 www.rdr.link/EAH153 WernerCo. ........................................................................................Page 23 www.rdr.link/EAH154 Wise Controls ................................................................................. Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAH155

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 04/05/2022 09:07 Page 1

PE Page Grid_Layout 1 10/01/2022 09:46 Page 1