Professional Electrician & Installer November 2021

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TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2021

THE NEED FOR SPEED TECHNICAL & TRAINING

WE GET THE LOWDOWN ON MK'S LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCH

HOW TO SAFELY ISOLATE CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS THIS WINTER

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: PRODUCT REVIEWS ● CAUGHT ON CAMERA ● PRIZE DRAWS ● INDUSTRY NEWS AND MORE

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Total Average Net Distribution: 68,683 Certification period 1 January 2020 - 31 December 2020

November 2021 Volume 37 No.10

Regulars

14

7 VIEWPOINT 11 NEWS 34 THE DRIVE TO NET ZERO NEW 36 CODEBREAKERS 41 ASK OVIA 42 MADE 2 MEASURE 90 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE 110 CAPTAIN C-TEC 112 CAUGHT ON CAMERA

News & Views Could the Ring Professional Programme prove a smart choice for your business?

22 The importance of keeping traditional trade skills alive 24 Why competency and skills will be high on the agenda as we enter a changing climate for training net zero installers

44 Safely isolating central heating systems which may have more than one source of electrical supply

Products & Business Solutions

47 A detailed look at harmonics and the problems they can create

68 How Seaward has helped to cook up an electrical test for one of the world's largest kitchen appliance manufacturers

66 The heat is on with Sangamo's new range of timing controls

Special Reports

50 Circuit identification details: why information is key

27 Learning more about a firm that offers specialist business support to electrical contractors

52 How to identify if you're using the right test equipment for the job at hand

31 The key facts you need to consider if you're planning to sell your business

54 Where should you look to invest time and money on improving your skills?

Technical & Training

56 Ensuring the electric vehicle charging cable products chosen for your projects are fit for purpose

39 Discussing the effectiveness of BS 5266-1 and if the standard is effective in meeting its objective

61 The basics you need to know when it comes to passive fire protection

Do you need some business support?

70 Why garments that have sustainability and climate control features at their core can help to create a better on-site experience 72 Advice when deciding on the right type of PIR for your application 75 Exploring the latest developments in the gate automation market 76 Why it was all about the Base for one electrical professional 79 A look at the latest smart technology trends 83 Gary Fisher tries the C.K Magma Wheeled Rucksack Plus for size

Seaward’s tester cooks up a storm

87 We take the Ford Transit Custom for a spin 94 Rounding-up the latest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work

Competitions & Giveaways

27

68

18 WIN! Five C.K inspection light sets to be won

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN November 2021 3

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Meet the team Editor RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville.co.uk Editorial Assistant PATRICK SWAN email: pswan@hamerville.co.uk Digital Manager REBECCA MCGEOCH email: rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertisement Manager IAN TURNER 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. © 2021

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available. Please contact us for rates.

Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 22 Staff shopping © Adragan Pg 24 Solar farm © Framestock Pg 31 Passing keys © XVeron90X Pg 32 Signed contract © Michail Petrov Pg 34 Home efficiency © Rido Pg 39 Exit light © GudellaPhoto Pg 40 Check list © Auremar Pg 50 Writing tools © Kurhan Pg 51 Inspection © F Pg 52 Test equipment © Suprakit Pg 56 EV concept © PhotoOpus Pg 61 Smoke corridor © Ambrosino

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Editor’s Viewpoint

Adding even more fuel to the fire If we were all under the impression that we'd seen the worst of the 'panic buying' pandemic, as toilet rolls and family sized bags of pasta disappeared from the shelves early last year, we were sadly wrong.

As I pen this month's column, the fuel shortage that is affecting large parts of the country has once again sent the normal layman into a state of frenzy, with images of rain-battered individuals striding along dual carriageways armed with their trusty 5-litre Jerry Can and queues of cars waiting patiently at service stations to snare the last few drops from the well. It's the sort of scene that you'd imagine when a drought-affected nation suddenly springs a brand new oasis – in everyone piles until the tap is dry. Find the next one, and off we all go again...

There's been a lot of commentary and criticism labelled at the general public for their 'selfish' actions and the lemming-like behaviour that has occured since it was originally reported that one of the leading fuelling station brands was facing a temporary delay on deliveries due to a shortage of HGV drivers.

But are the people really to blame?

In some cases, yes. I've seen at least three 'vox pop' interviews for local TV stations where an individual patiently waiting in a mammoth line of vehicles has justified their need to refuel by stating: "well, everyone else is".

Invoking memories of those occasions where the teacher, upon learning you’ve followed the unlawful behaviour of a more popular classmate, would respond with: "if he/she were to jump off a cliff now, would you follow suit?", surely those offering their local newshound such gold must have taken a moment to ponder what they’d just said after making those statements.

That said, is this behaviour not simply rational? When you're seeing those around you panicing and being told at the same time that all the fuel will be bought up if you don't act, surely it would be a more irrational reaction to do nothing. Facing the prospect of being unable to travel to work (as many of our

readers will no doubt testify), complete the school run as normal, or make that journey to the holiday destination you've postponed countless times over the last 12 months, it is understandable that a 'me first' attitude will prevail on occasions, but then it should never have really come to this in the first place.

So, who is to blame? Our government most certainly needs to take it's share of the heat on that one. Did it need to become public knowledge that a temporary delay was on the horizon, and did Boris really need to state that everything was fine before performing his latest u-turn by revealing that the issues could continue up until Christmas and beyond? If, indeed, we're facing a shortage of HGV drivers in this country then why was an emergency plan not devised from the very beginning?

My profession also has a lot to answer for.

The mainstream media, and it's rabid reporting of the issue, has proved once again what influence it can have on controlling the minds and actions of the otherwise sane.

I could have put my fist through the television when our national news stations first started to report the subject, knowing fullwell the hysteria it had the potential to cause, particularly in light of the panic buying behaviours we saw at the beginning of the pandemic.

Lazy journalism and poor decision making, driven of course by greed and the need for a 'big' story, continues to drive the national news agenda, but where does it stop, and who is held accountable for the irresponsible nature of it all?

It's such an easy position to simply blame 'the people', which both government and the media seem happy to let us all do. The reality, however, is that 'the people' – as has been the case on petrol forecourt slip roads up and down the country – are at the back of that particular queue.

Have a good month,

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN November 2021 7

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news @proelectrician

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

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

JTL to get worldclass skills boost JTL is set to receive a major skills boost after being selected to join an elite training programme.

The organisation is one of 12 leading institutions (colleges and independent training providers) to have been selected to join the skills revolution by becoming part of WorldSkills UK’s Centre of Excellence.

The Centre of Excellence – partnered and funded by educational charity and awarding body NCFE – will see more than 40,000 young students and apprentices, from all socio-economic groups across the UK armed with world-class skills.

The Centre aims to supercharge the quality and delivery of technical and vocational training by transferring world-class expertise and knowledge to help develop educators and learners.

JTL is one of 12 institutions entering the Centre this year to join the first wave of 20 colleges selected last September, when the three-year pilot project was launched.

Educators at the colleges and training providers will receive exclusive ‘train the trainer’ sessions and 60 hours of intensive continual professional development.

In its recent Skills for Jobs white paper for England, the government cited the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, in partnership with NCFE, as a prime example of how it wanted organisations with the relevant expertise to provide high-quality training and development for teaching staff.

Buy a Fluke, get a free Fluke

Installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair engineers can continue to ‘Buy a Fluke, get a free Fluke’ this winter with a broad range Fluke tools, network testers and calibration equipment available until 15th December.

Customers who purchase Fluke tools through authorised Fluke distributors can use their original invoice to claim their free product through Fluke’s website. The ‘Buy a Fluke, get a free Fluke’ offer is divided into six levels depending on the value of the qualifying purchase.

The minimum purchase for customers to claim a free product is £100. A qualifying purchase includes Fluke’s electrical and industrial test tools, Fluke Networks and Fluke Calibration products. Customers can then choose a second product from a selection of free tools available, including clamp meters, digital multimeters, advanced testers, and accessories such as equipment cases.

V-TAC turns up the Volts V-TAC has announced a new rewards platform aimed at electricians and contractors.

V-TAC Volts is an upcoming initiative that will engage with V-TAC's most loyal consumers by offering features such as: Loyalty Points, Project Builder, Trade Prices, LED Strip Calculator and Product Samples. You can also win an iPhone 12 Pro Max and many more exciting prizes.

TO PARTICIPATE, FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA001

Get snapping and win with Elkay Elkay has launched a new competition where installers can win an Apple Airpod.

All entrants have to do is share a picture of a an Elkay product they have installed recently (on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), tag @elkayenergy and include details of where they purchased the product. There are no limitations to how many times you can enter, so post your Elkay Energy Saving Switches and Controls installs every time you fit them for more chances to win. The competition will be closed and drawn on 15th December.

GET MORE COMPETITION ENTRY DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA002 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN November 2021 11

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news

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

“Game changing” payment platform for UK trades arrives A new online platform that protects tradespeople from late and non-payments has launched nationwide.

The brainchild of founders Harvey Croft and Owain Hughes, Pay The Trades is a revolutionary Escrow service that acts as an intermediary between tradespeople and their customers.

The sole aim of Pay The Trades is to protect both the customer and the tradesperson and hopes to be a positive shot in the arm for the industry.

It will ensure customers receive the quality of work they pay for and protects tradespeople from late and non-payments in the process.

Offering tradespeople and customers a safe, easy and worry-free means of exchanging goods and services, Pay The Trades’ payment process provides a unique and much-needed form of income protection for self-employed

tradespeople.

Rather than paying the tradesperson directly, customers pay via the Pay The Trades Escrow Service. Once the project has been completed, a 14-day holding period follows to ensure the customer is satisfied with the quality of the work and the tradesperson is paid without the hassle of chasing invoices.

In the scenario where a customer is unhappy with the service they’ve received, Pay The Trades will settle any disputes by providing a review process,

checking the work and offering a refund where appropriate.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT PAY THE TRADES BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA003

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pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Hamilton set to show latest solutions at ELEX Hamilton Litestat will be exhibiting at both ELEX Sandown (4-5 November, Esher, Surrey) and Exeter (9-10 December, Westpoint Arena, Devon).

The electrical wiring accessories provider will debut new on-trend finishes for its Hartland range and demonstrate its USB charging solutions that feature both USB-A and USB-C charging ports, as well as showcase a range of plate designs and finishes, all developed and manufactured with quality and ease of installation in mind.

And that's not all. Alongside its new and recently launched products, Hamilton will show its popular solutions that make it an installer-favourite brand. All 19 of its designer wiring ranges will be displayed at the ELEX events, including its Hartland G2 screwless, push-to-fit collection. Also being demonstrated is its IP66-rated outdoor power and control solutions. The Elemento weatherproof wiring

accessories provide a robust solution for getting power outside, while the Hamilton Air wireless switching solution ensures all circuits are kept under control.

Visit the Hamilton team on Stand C26 at ELEX Sandown and Stand H90 at ELEX Exeter.

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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

Make a smart choice with the Ring Professional Programme

Ring is this month urging electrical contractors and installers to join its Professional Programme.

The smart home market is growing. A recent survey of 2,000 people by OnePoll showed that 57% of households now have at least one smart device. This survey also found that a third of respondents had installed a smart doorbell, while 33% had smart security cameras placed on their properties. This trend has continued into 2021. According to a survey conducted by Statista of 2,080 respondents, 73% of households had at least one smart device installed for entertainment purposes, such as smart TVs, and at least 31% have smart speakers with an integrated virtual assistant (Statista 2021).

As the survey results show, there is a clear upward trend in demand for smart technology in the UK. This creates an opportunity for professional installers; while many consumers may know about the ‘smart home’, some still seek the comfort and reassurance of having their local electrician or security installation company handle the set-up of a full smart home or security system. Offering quality advice and services to customers leads to an increased level of positive referrals by word of mouth.

With that in mind, Ring is working with professional installers, to help their customers to feel safe in their homes. Ring Professional Programme has been developed specifically for expert installers across the UK and Ireland. The programme is specially designed to help educate professional installers on Ring's

range of whole-home security products, how to install them, and the benefits for their customers. The goal of the programme is to help installers confidently seek new leads and clients looking for smart home installations.

The programme is free to join, offering exclusive updates, training videos and installation materials, a certificate for completing the training, and access to the team at Ring 24/7 to ensure the delivery of trusted, informed advice and excellent customer service when installing and setting up Ring security products.

Signing up to Ring Professional Programme is simple. Just scan the QR code (pictured, right) using the camera function on your smartphone. Once the QR code has been scanned, the Ring Professional Programme sign-up form pops

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up – fill in all the relevant details and press 'submit'. As a smart bonus, everyone that signs up for the programme will receive a welcome pack, which includes a 40% off voucher to use with Ring (see reverse of voucher for T&Cs).

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news

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Rhino celebrates #1YearOfPro! The PipeTube Pro from Rhino Products is celebrating its first anniversary since launch.

With a range that includes roof racks, bars, ladder transportation systems, rear steps, pipe tubes and rear door ladders, Rhino supplies quality products for professional van users around the world.

In September 2020 the company released the new PipeTube Pro, the first complete redesign of the popular PipeTube since 2005. The PipeTube Pro revamp included some impressive new additions, as well as retaining all of the features that cemented it as the pipe-carrying accessory of choice for professional van users.

Fitted with a new rubber O-ring seal, the PipeTube Pro prevents water ingress, through a tight seal when the nose cone is closed. Alongside this, a PVC lining helps to prevent a galvanic reaction occurring, which can lead to discoloration of items stored inside.

The PipeTube Pro’s nose cone and connecting sleeve were also redesigned, so that the lock is housed within the tube, aiding a more seamless look and feel.

Since the launch of the PipeTube Pro, fleets and tradespeople from around Europe have tried and tested the product, with incredible feedback still incoming one year later.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RHINO PRODUCT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA004

EIC invites companies to become a Wellbeing Champion The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has launched its new Wellbeing Champions Programme, an initiative which is aimed at supporting you and your industry colleagues.

The programme focuses on the EIC's six core values and how the charity can grow its presence and better its support in the industry. It is open to anyone who is working or has worked within the electrical and energy sector, along with all companies large and small within the industries.

If any of the below questions apply to your company, the Champions programme could be just what you need: ● Do you want to get your staff more involved with well-being initiatives that matter to our industry? ● As a business, have you focused on ‘safety’ much more than health? ● Do you have staff who have expressed interest in volunteering, but you don’t know where best to direct their attention? ● As a business, do you have structured well-being programmes that your staff know about and use?

● Have you rolled out the Charity’s Industry EAP programme to your staff?

As an EIC Champion, you'll be asked to commit to taking part in three core EIC charity initiatives: 1. Stand down hour 2. EIC Day 3. Workplace lottery By joining the programme, not only are you supporting your industry Charity to be sustainable for future generations, but you are also gaining a partner who is leading industry change.

Additionally, you'll have access to all standard EIC services, and the charity will exclusively offer you a number of member benefits.

16 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

TO BECOME A EIC WELLBEING CHAMPION CONTACT: JESS.VAILIMA@ELECTRICAL CHARITY.ORG

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

Celebrity sparky chooses ESP for CCTV protection When Billy Byrne, resident sparky on DIY SOS, moved house recently, installing a CCTV system to protect his new premises was top of his to do list.

Having partnered with Scolmore Group on a number of collaborations over the years, Billy has a great insight into the products and services that are available across the group and researched his options from ESP’s comprehensive CCTV range.

Following consultation with the ESP technical team to establish the right system for his needs, the RekorHD 2MP 4 camera kit was recommended. The installation was carried out by electrical contractor Matt Francis of M-Tech Electrical, a family-run electrical contracting firm covering the south west region. Matt and Billy have worked together a number of times over the years on some of Billy’s TV projects and Matt was only too happy to lend a helping hand with the install.

The RekorHD 2MP CCTV range used for Billy’s installation has been the subject of a revamp this year. The kits (4 and 8 channel options available) provide all the components required to get a system up and running in one box – the only additional item required is a monitor to access the menu and system display. The systems have been designed with ease of set-up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smartphone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed ESP View App. The range includes new and improved cameras, which feature contemporary styling and robust metal housings. The infrared capture has been increased from 20 to 30 metres and the range now includes intelligent function, with perimeter intrusion detection and line crossing detection offering improved functionality compared with the traditional motion detection feature.

The kits include a stylish 4-or 8-channel DVR, pre-installed premium surveillance hard drive, cameras, camera cables, system power supply, mouse and HDMI cable. The menu is designed to be very user-friendly and is navigated via mouse control.

There are a number of kit options available, including 2 or 4 camera kits, with the cameras offered in either a bullet or dome style and available in a white or grey finish. Four cameras were used to provide cover for Billy’s property, with two positioned at the front and two at the rear. He opted for the dark grey housing.

Commenting on the install project, Matt Francis said: “What I love about the RekorHD CCTV system is how easy it is to install and set-up, and the quality of images from the cameras is excellent. Billy did much of the ground work, running all the cabling and providing much needed refreshments along the way.

“Having remote access to the system was a key consideration for Billy, who wanted to be able to access and view the system while away from home, and he is very impressed with the overall result. It was pleasure to be able to give Billy a hand on this project. He does so much good work for so many communities and it was great to be able to give a little back to him.”

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ESP'S CCTV RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA005

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PRIZE DRAW

W IN

LIGHT THE WAY AND WIN WITH C.K! We have five C.K inspection light sets to be won in this month’s fantastic prize draw.

C.K’s lighting range includes a fantastic selection of innovative lighting products, with a range of great features and benefits, including the very latest in LED lighting technology.

The new range of high performance C.K inspection lights are no exception, offering powerful lighting solutions for a multitude of low light working conditions.

T9423USB – C.K COB Mini Inspection Light 240 – Rechargeable Ideal for illuminating smaller low-lit spaces, this high performance 240 lumen COB-LED mini inspection light is fully rechargeable with up to 2.5 hrs battery life, and two lighting modes – high or dimmed.

Other features include a handy

integrated pocket clip and magnetic base, plus a type C USB charger cable.

T9424USB – C.K COB Inspection Light 240 – Rechargeable This is a powerful 240 lumen COB-LED rechargeable inspection light, with additional torch light and four lighting modes – standard, red, torch and tip.

Standard/red modes offer up to 2.5hrs working life, the torch up to 4hrs, and the tip up to 14hrs, plus an integrated rechargeable 3.7 V 1200mAh Li-Ion battery.

The product is also supplied with a type C USB charger cable. An integrated magnet, clamp and hanging hook is also perfect for hands-free working.

Perfect for those who regularly work

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in low light environments, the new C.K inspection lights combine versatility with the quality and reliability that electricians have come to expect of the brand.

Five lucky winners will each receive a C.K mini inspection light and C.K COB inspection light in this month's prize draw.

HOW TO ENTER TO ENTER YOUR NAME INTO THE FREE PRIZE DRAW, SIMPLY FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA006 Deadline for entries: 10/12/2021.

Usual T&Cs apply.

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COMMENT

Peter Jones, Managing Director at recruitment specialists Foyne Jones, discusses the importance of keeping traditional trade skills alive.

DON'T HESITATE, REJUVINATE!

a

s businesses up and down the land weigh up their short, medium and long term plans in the wake of Covid and Brexit, managing and retaining talent is just as important as recruitment. I therefore urge employers to devote time and energy to optimising their existing workforce.

With this in mind, make sure you fully communicate all the opportunities available in the future to your staff and do not short-change your business with hasty, knee-jerk decisions.

Building back better As the government begins to lay out plans to ‘build back better’, we all have a part to play in making traditional trades an attractive career path for school leavers and career changers.

The construction industry contributes 7% of the UK’s GDP, which might not sound much in comparison with our services industry which brings in 80%, but we should be proud that the install market underpins every structure in this country.

The customer journey is everything in trade and retail, but I invite you to consider the journey that your employees

can go on with you. When I speak to job hunters, a key reason why they want a new role, outside of a recession, is that they felt they had to move on to pursue their career goals.

It’s true that recruiting is a big investment, which is why we're always keen to assist with hiring decisions so that you have the best pool of candidates to choose from, but you also need to actively nurture your own talent and encourage progression to grow your profits as well as your people.

Supporting the 'sandwich generation' Looking to the future, the UK has a falling birth rate, so we need to support an ageing population as fewer people come into the workforce and people will tend to work longer. The average age of the UK worker is 42 with retirement age now 66.

It makes sense to look to the needs of the ‘sandwich generation’ who are often mid-lifers supporting their parents and other older relatives as well as caring for their own children, who may well end up living with them for longer in a multi-generational household.

Mindset, passion and strong leadership is everything when it comes to dealing

22 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

with change and new opportunities in the workplace, so I would take a positive team-based approach for maximum employee buy-in.

Brexit is likely to be a huge learning curve for us all, especially within the new parameters of the pandemic.

Consumers will expect you to be well-informed and upfront about stock levels and lead times so make sure you have a communications plan in place so you are regularly speaking with your suppliers and manufacturers and ensuring the relevant information goes to your team.

I always encourage people to look at how they can use change to their advantage – as teams and businesses evolve all the time.

If you do what you’ve always done, you get what you always get so I would invite you to take a long, hard look at your current systems and processes and see where you can upgrade and make efficiencies to boost your business for your customers and make it a great place to work for your team.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES ON OFFER FROM FOYNE JONES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA007

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COMMENT

does net zero require TECHNOLOGYSPECIFIC TRAINING? Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Employment and Skills, looks at why competency and skills will be high on the agenda as we enter a changing climate for training net zero installers.

W

ithout a doubt, the future is electric. With low carbon and digital technologies finally coming to the fore, opportunities for electrotechnical professionals seem boundless.

But, the qualifying conditions for claiming your share of the future are also getting tougher. If you can’t show you make the grade, the smart move is to start doing something about it right now.

Competency questions Competence, and what makes someone competent, have been argued about for years. Discussions take place in industry forums, parliamentary select committees, and on social media. But there are signs we are, at last, edging towards a consensus.

If you're going to install solar PV, storage batteries, EV charging units or

heat-pumps, you need technology-specific training, and preferably a relevant OFQUAL regulated qualification.

But you also need broader underlying electrotechnical skills, knowledge and experience. These help to create the engineering judgment which is necessary to incorporate new technologies efficiently and safely into the electrotechnical systems of a building.

The traditional importance of learning a trade and ‘serving your time’ are ideas starting to win new friends. Crucially, these converts include powerful players who, until recently, have looked indifferent – for example, clients, main contractors and government.

There seems a dawning realisation that low trade entry requirements aren’t a great recipe for maintaining high standards of installation quality, efficiency and safety. This is especially so in the case of a technically demanding discipline like electrotechnical.

24 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Raising the bar New, tougher EAS qualification requirements for qualified supervisors, announced last year, are now already beginning to bite.

Next year is likely to see work begin on a new electrotechnical sector-specific competence framework for individuals.

Being developed as part of the new, post-Grenfell building safety regime, this framework will almost certainly raise the bar still further.

It will encompass underlying trade qualifications, relevant upskilling, and ongoing CPD. The scope and impact of this competence framework is likely to reach well beyond so-called ‘higher-risk’ buildings.

Low carbon certification schemes, including MCS and OZEV, are also coming under pressure to give more weight to installers’ broader electrotechnical competence, including underlying trade qualifications. This key recommendation arose from ECA’s Skills 4 Climate report

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last year, and we've been making the case for a more robust approach ever since.

Experienced Worker Assessment If you have at least five years’ relevant experience but never completed an apprenticeship or equivalent qualification, the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership’s (TESP) Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) could be your route to industry recognition.

The first step in your EWA journey is to complete a simple Skills Scan. This will give you a good indication of how close to the industry recognised competence standard you already are, and where any significant gaps in your knowledge, experience or skills might lie.

Next, select a training provider who can support you though the rest of the EWA process, including any top-up

training and taking the ‘AM2E’ end-assessment. So far over 3,000 experienced individuals have achieved industry recognition and qualified electrician status in this way.

The bigger picture Getting the industry ready to support the efficient and safe installation of new technologies shouldn’t just be down to individuals.

We need closer cooperation between trade bodies, certification schemes, awarding organisations and training providers. This will improve the range, quality, and cost-effectiveness of new technology training and qualifications.

Above all, entry level requirements for this training need to be clearly defined and consistently enforced.

For new entrants, we must ensure

apprenticeships incorporate more new technology content. ECA’s Luke Osborne is using his place on the government’s Green Apprenticeships Advisory Panel to help make this happen.

Finally, we need stronger commitments from industry and government to achieve a huge uplift in the number of apprentices.

Compared to other trades, electrotechnical does well to secure around 6,000 new apprentice starts most years. This is just a fraction of the numbers hired in Germany.

TESP labour market research confirms that current recruitment rates fall well short of the expected upturn in demand from new technologies.

In a sector where 93% of all businesses employ just nine people or less, success in persuading more SME employers to recruit and train an apprentice will be essential.

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SPECIAL REPORT

IS IT TIME YOU HIRED RE-WIRED?

We put the questions to Dan McAdam, founder of Re-Wired, a firm that offers specialist support to electrical contractors to help free them from the burden of daily administration and business tasks.

Where did the idea for Re-Wired come from?

Sitting in a pub (of course) about six years ago I was having a drink with a friend of mine, Ross, who is an electrician.

He explained how difficult everything had become in terms of trying to keep up with the day-to-day paperwork as well as spending each day working on the tools.

He had a young family and was finding it incredibly stressful (“almost impossible”) trying to juggle his private life and business/administration responsibilities at the same time.

I remember saying to him: “surely there must be a way of alleviating this stress and helping you out” to which his reply was: “if you can make it work, you’ll save my marriage Dan”.

That is when I started giving the concept some serious thought and appreciated just how much of a requirement there is for a service such as the one we provide.

Ross was my very first customer and he is still with us to this day!

Q

Q

As the founder, what is your own professional background?

I previously ran a lighting company that specialised in converting commercial premises to LED and offering finance for each project. During this time I gained a great understanding of the lighting industry.

I was then offered a business consultancy role at a large electrical contractors who were interested in setting up a domestic division. Here I was able to gain the additional knowledge required (such as the difference between an RCBO and MCB) to fully support our domestic electricians working on the road.

Unbeknown to me, but the experience also helped me secure the knowledge I'd need to launch Re-Wired.

and then offer the appropriate service to help with said issue.

I like to look at the main two benefits as being: a) we can help the electrician to develop and grow their business, and b) we can aid with improving their overall work/life balance.

Its always great to see a company expand and succeed but the most rewarding part of it all is receiving a text message from a partner thanking me because “the kids have got their Dad back!”

I think the service is quite unique, as all my staff have a background in the electrical industry and we're more than capable of discussing the colour temperature of an LED GU10 or helping with other tasks.

How does Re-Wired work as a concept and how is it useful to electrical businesses?

The concept works very much as a consultancy. I like to find out exactly what a potential customer is having issues with

Q

Q

What outsourced services does Re-Wired offer?

We offer assistance with many different tasks, including quoting, call handling, scheduling the diary, invoicing, emails, marketing and general business advice.

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SPECIAL REPORT

How important is it that an electrical business owner who may be more ‘hands on’ is free from the shackles of managing the different elements of the business?

I think its unbelievably important for so many reasons, the most important being the sanity of the business owner.

I've taken on clients that have been working on their own for 10 years, with them experiencing some good years and also some bad years. Once they successfully outsource the administration we've often doubled (and sometimes tripled) their turnover in a 2-3 year period.

I don’t think the problem is that electrical business owners don’t appreciate the burden of the ‘paperwork’ it’s just very difficult to know who to give it to if you aren’t in a position to take on a full time member of office staff.

Due to our understanding of the industry, terminology, materials, requirements, and best practice we can

Q

hopefully be that safe pair of hands an individual has been looking for.

What sort of costs or subscription fees are involved?

There are a number of services and options tailored to the clients’ requirements which all vary in price.

We offer simple call handling all the way up to a full back-office support. Prices vary across the offerings, so a chat is always the best place to start.

Q

How is the business progressing so far?

Business is great, however I feel we haven’t really scratched the surface of what’s possible.

We've grown to a team of seven quite quickly with two more recruits on the horizon. I literally have the most incredible team working with me, bonded by our shared desire to make a difference and the fact that life is

Q

unfortunately too short, so we should probably have a laugh along the way.

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to James Dewane a couple of years ago. James is a business improvement specialist and runs The Toolbox community to help electricians grow and develop their businesses locally. As a result, I've had a captive audience for the last couple of years with many of his clients becoming customers of mine as well. I'm eternally grateful for the support he has shown me but would now like to spread the word a little further.

We're currently working with approximately 40 electricians up and down the country and all have enjoyed a great deal of success. I like to think we're the missing piece of the jigsaw. Our clients can concentrate on being a great spark and we’ll take care of the rest.

What would you say to those electrical businesses who may be sceptical about using a third-party service like this?

Give it a go, you’ve got nothing to lose.

There's no sign up or legal contract so the worst case scenario is that it doesn’t work and you're back to where you are.

The best case scenario, however, is that you earn more and do less!

Q

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT RE-WIRED AND ITS SERVICES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA008

28 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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SPECIAL REPORT

“THE SALES PROCESS IS COMPLEX AND ENSURING EVERYTHING RUNS SMOOTHLY IS VITAL TO PROTECTING THE ‘LEGACY’ OF THE BUSINESS AND THE INTERESTS OF BOTH PARTIES.”

A SELLER’S MARKET Whether it's a result of the panedmic or the fall-out from Brexit, the opportunities for business owners looking to sell up are plentiful. Robert Lee of Wright Hassall looks at the considerations that proprietors need to take into account before doing so.

T

here are many proprietors looking to diversify in the post-pandemic world, whilst a growing number of overseas investors are also looking to capitalise on the UK’s departure from the European Union.

No matter what the reason is for wanting to move on, the process of selling your business is a lot more complex than it may seem, and there are many serious legal and financial considerations to make before a deal can be finalised.

To ensure the entire process runs smoothly, it is important for business owners to understand each step in detail, so they are prepared for what lies ahead.

Valuing the business Arriving at a comprehensive valuation is vital, as this will help you attract the right purchaser, who is happy to pay the asking price for your business.

To achieve this, it is important to seek expert advice from an experienced financial adviser, whilst utilising some of the other methods available to you.

These include an asset valuation (appropriate if the business owns assets such as plant and machinery or a property), price-earnings ratio (P/E ratio), discounted cashflow, and the cost to the buyer to enter the market.

Documentation To progress a sale, several documents need to be prepared and agreed.

Primer A 'teaser' for prospective buyers that includes basic details about the business, USPs, customer base, existing key contracts, potential for future growth, turnover, gross profit and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Confidentiality should be maintained in the early stages of a sale to protect the interests of employees, suppliers and customers, so potential buyers must be asked to sign an NDA before entering into more detailed negotiations.

Heads of Terms Once the price and deal have been agreed in principle, the parties need to confirm everything in writing by signing Heads of Terms.

Although not legally binding, these set out what has been agreed and become the roadmap for the deal to move forward to due diligence, the sale agreement and completion.

It is sensible for a seller to ask the buyer to confirm it has the funds available for the purchase price at this stage before both parties spend a significant amount of their own time and professional fees

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SPECIAL REPORT

moving to the next stages.

full possession of the facts.

Due diligence The buyer will want to perform detailed due diligence on the business and investigate the legal, financial and commercial aspects of the business by raising questions of the seller.

The results of due diligence often form the basis of any warranties inserted into the final sales agreement and may result in the price being renegotiated if any issues arise.

Sales and Purchase Agreement The SPA is negotiated by lawyers and covers the most minute details of the deal, stipulating all additional documentation, what needs to be delivered (hard copy or online confirmation) and by whom.

It will also outline the exact amount the buyer has agreed to pay for the business, whether a fixed amount plus often a sum based on the future revenue or profit (an “earnout”), and how and when payment(s) will be made.

An agreement setting out the involvement the seller may have with the business after completion may also be negotiated.

The document will also include any employment contract changes to retain staff post-sale, whilst the SPA will include a restrictive covenant to stop the seller setting up in direct competition after completion.

One of the most crucial parts of the SPA are the warranties which offer a contractual, binding assurance as to the state of the business at completion. These

Disclosure letter A disclosure letter enables the seller to protect itself against a claim for breach of the warranties set out in the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).

The disclosure letter is the seller's chance to inform the buyer of any aspect of the business which may not be entirely consistent with the warranties being given.

The legal protection offered by the contents of the disclosure letter (and simultaneously the SPA) ensures the buyer is entering into the transaction in

32 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

cover everything posing a potential risk to the business, such as staffing, the accounts, litigation, tax, compliance matters, and IT systems.

Completion With documents agreed and the completion monies in place, the lawyers from both parties will oversee completion by exchanging the necessary signed documents and transferring the funds as required.

Remember, the sales process is complex, and ensuring everything runs smoothly is vital to protecting the ‘legacy’ of the business and the interests of both parties.

The sensible approach is to take legal and accountancy advice at the beginning of the process and gradually ramp up the professional input as the final sale draws nearer to ensure a smoother transaction and successful sale.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WRIGHT HASSALL'S LEGAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA009

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THE DRIVE TO NET ZERO Schneider Electric’s Tom Gillam identifies some of the ways that electricians can help to create future-facing homes.

Designing net zero homes of the future

A

s a society, how we view and act on social and environmental issues is changing, with our homes becoming more important than ever. They've never been under more scrutiny, due to our reliance on and increasing interest in their energy use.

Today, the key to positive environmental change starts at home – with every action, every choice, and every purchase. It is vital that we now focus less on short-term design trends and more on long-term values and opportunities to achieve net zero homes.

In the past, when discussing sustainable design for the home, the focus has always been on how we could lower a home’s impact on the environment through the reduction of its carbon footprint. But now, the deep impact that the human aspect plays in motivating sustainable behaviours and the resulting benefits to occupant health and well-being are being recognised.

To create future-facing homes, we need to combine these two design approaches. The benefits of this combined carbon- and human-centred approach to sustainable design are threefold — a reduced impact on the environment, enhancing physical and mental well-being, and improving quality of life and activity within the home.

Simplifying energy resilience design and renovation Whilst much of the technology already exists to help on this journey, it isn’t yet in use in every home. There is a sense that resilient energy renovations aren’t yet accessible for all, either financially or because they seem too complicated. This is where architects and designers can help to clearly communicate the benefits and options to their clients; the only way uptake will increase is by making energy resilient design and renovation simpler, with net zero at its heart.

A holistic approach to energy system design, installation and use from start to finish is needed – one that looks at a home’s current energy use and how well it supports the household’s physical and psychological well-being, as well as opportunities for improvements. Creating a clear and simple plan for changes – what, when and how – is crucial. This requires thinking about the home as a system and joining all the elements in a network so that they work together.

Net zero homes: the future Net zero homes are about more than just renewable energy sources; they are airtight, well insulated, and energy efficient to the point that they generate as much energy as they consume in a year, leaving the inhabitants with a net zero energy bill and a carbon-free household.

The secret to a successful sustainable green home is proper planning.

Homebuilders must be committed to sustainable construction, creating homes that value the natural environment in which they are built, with a strong emphasis on architecture and design.

Apart from energy efficiency and lowering the carbon footprint, improving life quality is at the heart of building a sustainable home. Buyers should receive a well-designed new home with all of the requisite functions and no need for renovation.

Sustainable homes for healthy living At a time when the home is playing an increasingly important role in our lives, its impact on occupant well-being needs to be the focus.

Architects and designers face the challenge of incorporating all these needs and interests in their designs. The introduction of smart technologies which offer better sustainability and well-being will be key in making this a reality.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHNEIDER'S DRIVE TO NET ZERO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA010

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THE

CODEBREAKERS TOM ROBINSON: WE FOUND THIS WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE IN A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AT A WELL-KNOWN HOTEL CHAIN. MAINTENANCE AT ITS BEST! BS 7671 requires that connections are accessible for periodic testing and maintenance purposes. That said, connections and enclosures must be installed correctly and take account of external influences.

Cables entering enclosures must also do so, taking into account the manufacturer’s instructions and good working practices so as not to introduce a potential danger.

Firstly, the connector box above isn’t adequately supported, which may cause damage to the solid cored twin and earth cable connected to it. It may also not be appropriate for the external influences; it only has a push-fit closure system, which may prove unsatisfactory if subjected to mechanical impacts, given the public nature of this install.

Regulation 412.2.2.3 also requires that where conductive parts are accessible, if the lid of the enclosure is open and not accessible with a tool or key, barriers must be in place to prevent accidental

access. We can clearly see the connector strip through the enclosure lid, which is only a push-fit (so no need for tools or keys), so there may be an access infringement here.

Secondly, and possibly more important, is that the cable entry/exit points both have basic insulation exposed, where cables have not been installed correctly. The cable connected to the exit side of the enclosure is also not supported adequately and may be subject to loading influences which could lead to a potentially dangerous failure or may hinder evacuation and firefighting activities if not correctly supported against premature collapse in the event of fire.

Given this is a public area where a tailgate can be opened and may come close to this connector, I would see this as a serious issue with a high potential for injury. Coding this finding is only going to produce a series of C2s.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: C2

Access to basic insulation, due to cables not taken inside the enclosure

134.1.1, 526.8

Cables not terminated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions

134.1.1, 134.1.4

FI C2

Enclosure not adequately supported

134.1.1, 522.8.1, 522.8.5

C2

The enclosure does not have internal barriers; in a push-fit enclosure

412.2.2.3

Source and supply cables not adequately supported

134.1.1, 522.8.5, 521.10.202

The enclosure may not be fit for purpose, given the external influences of the area

512.2, 522

Potential external influence from public access during car parking operation

512.2

GET THE BOOK AND CRACK THOSE CODES!

FI C2

C2

FI C2

C2

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.

36 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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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

TALSIN LTD: EARTH BONDING TO GAS – NO CLAMP REQUIRED HERE, JUST SOME TAPE! A couple of the fundamental requirements in BS 7671 are the need to install electrical systems using good workmanship, taking account of manufacturer's instructions (Regulation 134.1.1), and the need to ensure that any connection or termination in a conductor is electrically (conductance) and mechanically sound, and of a proper construction (Regulation 134.1.4).

Protective Earthing is a conductor, albeit designed to reduce the potential difference between extraneous services and the installation’s Earthing system by connecting them together. Without this connection, there is a risk that a potential difference of a voltage exceeding touch voltage may appear in the installation, which could cause a serious injury.

Using tape to connect a protective Earthing conductor to an extraneous service is dangerous and shows a lack of basic understanding. Insulating tape is not designed to be used as a compressive joining medium; by definition, it is an insulator. The insulating tape will break down over time and relax its pressure almost straight away, leaving little or no connection between the conductor and the extraneous service.

The only way to adequately connect a protective Earthing

conductor in this instance is to use a BS 951 clamp or similar rated connection system. An appropriate durable label stating: “Safety Electrical Connection, Do Not Remove”, should also be clearly visible at or near the connection, in accordance with Regulation 514.13.1.

It's unfortunate that we see this kind of poor practice as often as we do, and using skilled electricians carrying out quality EICRs is the only defence from serious injury that a householder has.

The Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be: The Protective Earthing conductor is not adequately connected to the extraneous incoming service

134.1.1, 134.1.4, 526.1

C2

No “Safety Electrical Connection, Do Not Remove” label, at or near the connection point

514.13.1

C3

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/EAA011

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

EMERGENCY LIGHTING: IS BS 5266-1 EFFECTIVE ENOUGH? Christopher Carvell MIET MIFSM PCQI, MD and Principal Consultant at Carvell Group, discusses the effectiveness of BS 5266-1 and if the standard is effective in meeting its objective.

A

lthough British Standards are not legislation, it is accepted that within the built environment they do form the basis to what we work to as a minimum.

Building Regulations (which is legislation) states that emergency lighting systems must conform to BS 5266-1 – the code of practice for emergency lighting of premises. Furthermore, with many organisations referring to compliance with BS 5266-1, is it in practice achievable to comply with the standard?

Furthermore, who is checking that the work we do in the design, installation and maintenance of these important life safety systems is compliant, and do we need to adopt technical assessment in this area to protect the consumer?

The leading electrical third-party certification bodies provide schemes which assess an electrical contractor’s competence to deliver work activities in compliance with BS 7671. So, when premises management or Building Control receives a certificate bearing the logo of a leading certification body with a signed

declaration of compliance with BS 5266-1, one can understand that they would assume that there is a technical assessment supporting this certificate.

Surprisingly, there is not!

There is a third-party certification scheme which assesses competence of emergency lighting professionals which is modular in its format covering design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

This scheme is operated by British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) and titled scheme reference SP203-4. The scheme was launched in October 2018 and to date has gained little traction with a total of 81 certificated organisations who have been technically assessed and certificated for one or more modules of work activity.

So why do we only have such a low number that put value on third-party certification for this important life safety system in comparison to the 50,000+ organisations that value their NICEIC and or NAPIT certification for compliance with BS 7671? One suggestion is that not

enough work has been done to promote the benefits of the scheme to the consumer so that third-party certification becomes specified.

Design As we know, the basis of any compliant installation is a compliant design. For any design to be carried out the designer needs to understand what is needed.

When embarking on an emergency lighting system design the designer needs to have a huge amount of information available to them, such as the following: ● Details of all escape routes ● Details of toilet facilities and changing rooms ● Details of motor generator control and plant rooms ● Details of covered car parks ● Details of moving stairways and walkways ● Details of evacuation lifts ● Details of all open areas which exceed 60m2 ● Details of all high-risk task areas

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

● The locations of all safety equipment, including fire safety equipment, safety signs and any other aspects identified by risk assessment ● Details of the normal lighting and control systems ● Locations of all points of emphasis which require illuminance by the siting of an emergency luminaire within 2m of the following: ● Emergency exit doors ● Stairs ● Changes of level ● Escape route signs, escape route direction signs and other safety signs ● Changes of direction ● Corridor intersections ● Each final exit and route once outside the building to the fire safety assembly point locations ● First aid posts ● Fire fighting equipment, such as extinguishers and blankets and fire alarm manual call points ● Escape equipment for disabled people, such as evacuation chairs ● Disabled refuges and call points, including two-way communication systems and disabled toilet alarm call positions ● Access control manual release buttons.

One would agree that in a building that is already occupied and in use, obtaining this information is achievable, however, to do so would involve a comprehensive survey of the building.

To design from plan introduces a whole different set of challenges, as obtaining some of the information such as intended locations of first aid points, safety signage and high risk task areas are only introduced on building occupation after the electrician has completed and handed over the installation.

Due to the need to know where fire alarm call points and control and indicating equipment, disabled refuge outstations, access control manual release buttons etc., are to be sited, means that in practicality the design can only be done after these other systems have been designed and subsequently with a level of drawing co-ordination being required.

So, to comply with the requirements of BS 5266-1 it has to be asked whether it is practical to achieve at the point system design is undertaken?

Installation and verification (commissioning) These activities are those that are always the responsibility of the

40 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

electrician. The installation obviously forms part of the broader lighting installation and the verification. For some reason BS 5266-1 uses differing terminology for commissioning when compared to comparable standards and refers to this activity as verification.

The installer and verifier of the emergency lighting system is presented with many sets of criteria to comply with BS 5266-1. The main areas where compliance is not achieved are: ● Correct labelling of the mains power supply at the consumer unit ● Correct labelling of test key operating devices ● Integrating emergency lighting into local lighting circuits ● Correct siting of luminaires with their correct orientation as per the design calculations ● Fire stopping and fire sealing around cable penetrations ● Issuing compliant certification and user information, including logbook ● Identifying and recording deviations and/or defects, such as the introduction of points of emphasis that were not known to the designer.

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ASK OVIA

®

Maintenance Here lies the gap in the standard. Unlike BS 5839-1 for fire detection and fire alarm systems, the periodic maintenance routine for emergency lighting does not prescribe the need to visually inspect the premises to see if there have been any changes or introduction of factors that result in the need to install additional equipment.

With BS 5266-1 prescribing an emergency luminaire is sited within 2m of each point of emphasis and the building occupier introducing and relocating points of emphasis on an ongoing basis, one can see how an emergency lighting system very quickly becomes non-compliant without it being brought to the attention of premises management for action.

Verification of existing systems This is where the standard provides a vehicle to assess the system against its use and the points of emphasis so that deviations can be reported to the premises management. The issue is verification does not fall within routine maintenance and as such is not instructed by the premises management, nor is it budgeted for. In practice, unless premises management are technically aware or the need for the verification is brought to their attention, this module of work within BS 5266-1 is not utilised.

Could BS 5266-1 compromise the safety of building occupants?

Has BS 5266-1 (in previous and current format) resulted in numerous buildings that have emergency lighting systems installed not being compliant with its own recommendations, resulting in building occupants being at risk due to their means of escape and important signs and equipment not being illuminated so that they can evacuate the building safely?

Additionally, is it the case that the maintenance requirements currently check that what’s in is functional but overlook updating the system to meet the changing needs of the building?

What is the solution?

1. Adoption of the BAFE SP203-4 scheme by the leading electrical certification bodies.

2. Education of Building Control on how to check specific compliance requirements of emergency lighting systems so they can protect the consumer.

3. Raise awareness with premises management on the benefits of the specification on the use of third-party scheme certificated designers and electrical contractors for installation and maintenance.

4. Raise awareness with premises management and fire risk assessors that it is highly likely that existing buildings will need a verification of the system to ensure that building occupants are not at risk.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT CARVELL GROUP AND ITS SUPPORT SERVICES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA012

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

Q. I’VE BEEN TO MANY HOUSES WHERE THE DOWNLIGHTS ARE NOT USED AT ALL, EXCEPT FOR DOING THE CLEANING. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU HAVE FOR BETTER USE OF THEM IN DOMESTIC PROPERTIES? Domestic lighting is very subjective as individual taste, style and expectations can vary considerably. As lighting designers, we’re always working towards adherence to the relevant lighting guides, recommendations and standards.

With domestic lighting we’ll use a general guide and then put more emphasis on the communication with customers and managing expectations. Uniformity of illumination is something that we would consider to be very important. The more uniform the light distribution the better the illuminance and less likelihood that there will be pools of lighting.

The first stage would be to establish the level of illumination required for the application being considered. This is based on the room type and function, for example a kitchen or dining room. Once we have this, we’d suggest a downlight with a generous beam angle of 40˚ as a minimum. The Inceptor Omni V2 comes in either 40, 50 or 65˚ variants. The key to avoiding pools of light is to place the correct number of downlights to meet the target level of illumination in a symmetrical manner.

The Scolmore App is a great tool. It features a lighting number calculator that is simple to use and extremely effective.

Ovia also offers a free lighting design service to provide expertise on choosing the right products and solutions for a range of projects.

Thanks to Neil Edgerley at WNE Services, for this month’s question. As is the case with every question we publish, a special edition Ovia travel mug is on its way to him!

PUT YOUR QUESTION TO THE ASK OVIA TEAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA013 VISIT THE ASK OVIA MICROSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA014

5

YR

5 YEAR WARRANTY

a

JOIST FIRE RATED

b

01827 300 640 www.oviaUK.com

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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: I’M LOOKING FOR A NEW CLAMP METER. IT MUST BE VERSATILE, AND I’D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO CONNECT IT TO MY SMARTPHONE SO THAT I CAN MONITOR AND DOWNLOAD THE RESULTS. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

Megger says: There are currently two models in the Megger range to choose from: the Megger DPM1000 power clamp or the Megger DCM1500S solar clamp. The DPM1000 is great for general applications and it’s very versatile. It measures up to 1,000 V and 1,000 A AC and DC, and it’s got lots of other functions, including power, harmonics, resistance and frequency measurement. If you also work on solar PV installations, the DCM1500S will be a far better option. It has a similar range of functions to the DPM1000 but it measures up to 2,000 V DC, 1,500 V AC and 1,500 A AC and DC. These higher voltage and current capabilities were introduced specifically for solar array applications. In addition, both instruments connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone (or tablet) using the new Megger Link App, which is available for both iOS and Android. The App displays live measurement values and also shows graphs of values over time. It also works as a datalogger to allow you to store or send results to your computer via email – or share them using a messenger App – for later analysis or reporting.

GET MORE DETAILS ON MEGGER'S FULL CLAMP METER RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA015

42 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

SAFE ISOLATION OF CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS

In this article the experts at NICEIC & ELECSA look at the particular problem of safely isolating central heating systems, which may have more than one source of electrical supply to the various component parts within the system.

A

nybody working on a central heating system must be able to safely isolate it from all sources of supply prior to carrying out any work on it (Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR).

Isolation and switching The purpose of isolation is to make the electrical installation (or parts thereof) ‘dead’ and in the context of undertaking work, to permit an electrically skilled person to work safely on, or near, parts of the electrical installation which are normally live.

The particular risk that exists on certain central heating systems is that the boiler might be supplied from one point whilst other parts of the system are supplied from another.

Such an arrangement can lead to a situation where the person intending to work on the system believes they have safely isolated the system by cutting off

the supply to, say, the boiler but they are unaware that the system or parts thereof are still energised.

The heating system may employ two or more separate and independent points of isolation. Any device selected to provide isolation must be appropriate to their application and meet all requirements of BS 7671 and, in particular those of Chapter 46 and Section 537.

For example, where installed in an installation forming part of a TT system, Chapter 46 requires disconnection of all live conductors, including the neutral, whereas in an installation forming part of a TN system it requires disconnection of the line conductors only (Regulations 461.2 & 462.2).

A typical situation may occur, for example, where it is desirable to work separately on the control system. This is permissible provided that: a. there is no electrical connection between the parts of the system which are separately isolated, and b. isolation of one point cannot be overridden by activation of the

44 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Fig 1. Heating system having two sources of supply

non-isolated parts of the system, and c. the means of isolation are designed and/or installed so as to prevent unintentional or inadvertent closure (Regulation 462.3), and d. each device used for isolation is clearly identified by position or durable marking to indicate the installation or circuit it isolates (Regulation 537.2.7).

However, where an installation or an item of equipment or enclosure contains live parts connected to more than one supply, Regulation 514.11.1 requires a durable

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Fig 2. Isolation pocket guide

warning notice to be placed in such a position that any person, before gaining access to live parts, will be warned of the need to isolate those parts from the various supplies.

It is recognised that there will be many instances where such warning notices have not been provided and the person carrying out safe isolation will need to apply due caution and carefully consider whether the assumed means of isolation is the only means of isolation. The person carrying out isolation must ensure that all sources of supply have been isolated.

Switching off for mechanical maintenance It may also be necessary to switch off the electricity supply in order for work to be carried out on the non-electrical parts of the central heating system (switching off for mechanical maintenance; Regulation 464.1).

For safety, such a switch should be under the installer's immediate control unless suitable means have been provided to prevent inadvertent or unintentional reactivation of the equipment. The measures prescribed for this function in the case of isolation would also be appropriate in this case.

Summary Great care must be taken when planning to work on heating systems that may contain two sources of supply. Before carrying out any work, ensure that all parts of the system that are to be worked on are safely isolated.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT NICEIC REGISTRATION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA016

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CAN YOU AFFORD TO IGNORE HARMONICS?

A

s explained in my previous article, harmonics are currents in the supply system at whole-number multiples of the supply frequency.

Individual harmonics such as the 2nd occur at 100 Hz (assuming a 50 Hz supply), the 3rd at 150 Hz, the 4th at 200 Hz and so on. In practice, the 3rd harmonic, and other harmonics that occur at odd multiples of

In our September issue Julian Grant of Chauvin Arnoux introduced the topic of harmonics, explaining what they are, where they come from and why they matter.

Here he provides more detail about harmonics and the problems they create, as well as their relationship with the Wiring Regs. the 3rd (for example, the 9th, 15th, 21st and so on) are among the most troublesome. These are often called “triplen” or zero sequence harmonics.

The problem is that in a four-wire, three-phase installation (which most three-phase installations are), triplen harmonic currents add, rather than cancel, in the neutral conductor.

Unfortunately, neutral conductors in three-phase cables and equipment are

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often smaller than the other phase conductors because, in a reasonably well-balanced system with low harmonics, they carry very little current.

If triplen harmonics are present, however, there will be significant current in the neutral and, unless this is properly taken into account, it can lead to excessive heating. Something to definitely look out for!

Total harmonic distortion While it’s sometimes useful to look at individual harmonics, particularly when working out what may be producing them, at other times it’s more helpful to have a measure of the combined level of harmonics in the supply. This measure is called total harmonic distortion or THD. As electrical professionals, we’re mostly interested in harmonic currents, so we’ll want to look at total harmonic current distortion or THDi. There’s no need to calculate THDi, as any decent instrument capable of measuring harmonics will do that automatically.

One of the many reasons that THDi is an important measure is that harmonics also affect power factor. Often, we consider power factor as depending only on the phase difference between the voltage and current in the load. That

is actually what is known as Displacement Power Factor. The true power factor also involves calculating the Distortion Power Factor, and for that you first need to measure THDi. As an example, if the power factor based on the phase relationship alone is 0.90 but the THDi is 35%, the true power factor would actually be 0.85. That may sound like a small difference, but over time it can add up to a lot of money wasted on unnecessarily high energy bills.

If you’re still not totally convinced about the importance of harmonics, consider this: the current edition of the IET Wiring Regs mentions the word “harmonic” no fewer than 81 times.

Regulation 132.2, for example, covers the number and type of circuits required and states that this shall be determined taking into account factors that include “any special conditions, such as harmonics”. So even at the most basic stage of deciding on how many circuits are needed in an installation, harmonics must be considered.

Regulation 523.6.201 states that “The tabulated current-carrying capacities in Appendix 4 are based on fundamental frequency only and do not take into account the effect of harmonics.” That’s important, because the tables in Appendix

4 are those normally used as the basis for designing and testing installations, and the regulation just quoted means that these tables are not necessarily valid when harmonics are present!

To show just how big an issue this can be, it’s worth restating the example we gave in our first article. Using a “standard” clampmeter from a well-known manufacturer we measured the current in a circuit supplying compact fluorescent (CFL) luminaires.

The reading was 2.9 A. When we repeated the measurement with a clampmeter that handles harmonics correctly, we found the true current to be 6.0 A. That’s a very big difference!

Risking overloaded circuits Since the tables in the Regs don’t take harmonics into account, it’s down to you to do so, otherwise you risk having severely overloaded circuits. And you can only take harmonics into account if your equipment measures them correctly.

Hopefully we’ve convinced you that you definitely need to check that this is the case for your existing instruments and for any new kit you may be thinking of buying. If you’re looking for suggestions about which new instruments to buy, we recommend that you consider the F407 and F607 clampmeters from Chauvin Arnoux, which measure currents up to and including the 25th harmonic (1250 Hz), and also feature true RMS measurement.

As an electrician, complying with the Wiring Regulations is something that you almost certainly aim to do every day of your working life. But you can only be sure of succeeding if you’ve got the right kit. In today’s world, that includes instruments which give dependable readings, even when harmonics are present.

GET MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON HARMONICS AND OTHER POWER QUALITY ISSUES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA017

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When carrying out new installation works and alterations to an existing commercial premises, it is often found that the circuit identification details on the Switchboard and Distribution Board circuit charts do not provide sufficient details to locate the circuits. The experts at NAPIT offer advice on the correct procedure to follow.

INFORMATION IS KEY

W

henever electrical work is performed, there should never be such little information provided that those following cannot safely proceed with the work.

Electrical safety within any type of premises – either commercial, industrial, or domestic – requires clear and concise information for the safe operation of the electrical installation. Failure to provide this information can result in serious injury, lack of business resilience or unintentional faults.

Too often circuit identification is barely legible, or if it is legible, it is frequently vague. For example, it may read “Office Sockets” or “Lights”. It would be helpful if this information was more detailed such as, “sockets in office area east” or “lights in workshop row 1”

provided along with additional requirements in four bullet points.

The first bullet covers type and composition of each circuit: ● ● ●

Type of wiring Number and size of conductors Points of utilisation

With the example in Fig 1, we can see the details have been included for the circuit:

Clear identification of circuits Within BS 7671 Regulation 514.9.1 it states that a legible diagram, chart, table or equivalent information should be

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1. 1/Ll the circuit no. and phase designation 2. Details of what and where it is located 3. Wiring type 4. Installation reference method 5. No. of points 6. Conductor size 7. Maximum disconnection time 8. Protective device type and rating

When we are looking at this part it should also include information about the

Fig 1: Composition details of a circuit

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Switchboard or Distribution Board (as shown in Fig 2), such as: a) Location of the DB b) The DB identification c) Details of the number of ways within the DB d) Number of phases e) Polarity and phase sequence f) Source of supply and its location g) Details of the source protective device The second bullet covers the requirement from Regulation 410.3.2 for protective measures covering basic protection and

an independent fault protection, or a combination of both.

The third bullet covers the identification of each device in relation to the function for protection, isolation and switching, including the location of each of the devices.

The fourth and final bullet is information regarding any circuit or connected equipment that may be vulnerable to, or affect, the electrical tests, as required by Part 6 of BS 7671 on inspection and testing, such SPDs, electronic equipment or USB socket-outlets.

Regulation 514.9.1 also states, for simple installations the information included in the four bullet points can be included in a schedule, normally a circuit chart.

Where larger installations are involved, this normally would include schematic and floor plan drawings and operating and maintenance manuals.

An important part of electrical safety in any property is the clear identification of circuits. This is especially important in premises which are operated by ordinary persons who should be able to identify circuits so that they can take immediate action if they need to, such as turning a circuit-breaker to the off position.

The presence of residual current devices (RCDs) can be recorded on the circuit chart and can give details of the circuits they protect.

Conclusion On completion of any work within an electrical installation, documentation should be provided to the building owner so they can operate, maintain and have the information to enable periodic inspection and testing to be carried out to ensure the continued safety of the electrical installation.

Fig 2: Details for the DB and source of supply

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAPIT SCHEME REGISTRATION, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA018

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ARE YOU TESTING SAFELY?

d

o you sometimes struggle to fully understand product specifications? Do you often worry that people are telling you what they think you want to hear?

Even if you're the kind of person who regularly turns to BS EN61010 when you can’t lay your hands on any Nytol (other soporifics are available) it can be tricky to fully understand the meaning of measurement categories ratings for testing equipment, and where the boundaries lie within an electrical installation.

In fact, so many professional electricians are having to go back to equipment providers to check exactly which test equipment is appropriate for which job, that the industry has got together to develop some short, easy to read and understand guidance to help you know which instrument you should be using and when.

The guidance, titled The GAMBICA Guide to Overvoltage Categories and Measurement Categories, isn't product specific. It has been produced by the UK Trade Association for the Test and Measurement industry, GAMBICA, in

There’s lots of information out there that goes into great depth on what you should be testing and how you should go about it. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to understand. Here Jacqueline Balian of GAMBICA offers advice on making sure you’ve got the right kit for the job.

conjunction with all of the main UK based equipment providers.

You may not have heard of GAMBICA until now but the organisation has been in operation for over 40 years, providing advice and data for members and their customers, and is a key player in the development of British and European Standards for test equipment.

The guidance explains clearly and simply the meaning and significance of the different measurement and overvoltage categories specified in the relevant British Standards and the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance GS38.

Get the right category equipment for the job Whatever measurements you're making on a system, whether it’s continuity, resistance, or loop impedance, you will be using equipment which is rated for use at certain locations within the installation.

This safety rating is a requirement of BS EN61010 – the safety standard for test and measurement equipment, which says that test and measurement terminals must be marked with the value of the rated voltage to earth and the applicable measurement

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category, often abbreviated to “CAT.” So, if you’ve bought equipment that conforms to the relevant safety standards, it will be either clearly marked with the measurement category and rated voltage or with a mark to let you know the relevant information can be found in the equipment documentation.

The category rating is normally next to the test terminals, as shown in the example picture below.

Measurement categories classify the terminals of test and measurement equipment according to the type of mains circuit to which they can be safely connected. The category takes into account overvoltage categories, short-circuit current levels, the location where the test is to be made, and some

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forms of protection included in the building installation.

It is hugely important that an instrument with an appropriate measurement category and voltage rating is used.

Measurement terminals can be safely connected to a measurement category lower than the marking on the terminals, but the measurement terminals must never be connected to a circuit that exceeds the rated voltage or measurement category.

Understanding measurement categories Measurement categories go from Cat II to Cat IV and the diagram (pictured above), taken from the new GAMBICA guidance, gives you an idea of where they can be used.

The guidance also explains the transient overvoltages which can occur within electrical distribution systems. They can be caused by atmospheric issues such as a lightning strike or be generated by equipment within an installation.

Power electronic modules in particular, generate temporary voltage peaks in conjunction with inductive loads, which can be significantly higher than the nominal mains voltage.

Overvoltage categories and measurement categories are used to classify equipment according to its ability to withstand transient overvoltages.

ACCESS A FREE COPY OF THE GAMBICA GUIDANCE DOC AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA019

THANK THE LANDLORD

D

espite the difficult 18 months that we've all faced, Brendan Beaver, Manager at Metrel UK, believes that electrical installers and contractors have some good news coming their way now that the requirements for electrical safety checks in the private rental sector have been tightened.

He says: “Since the beginning of April the market for electrical inspection has expanded significantly. Landlords are now obliged to have their properties inspected for electrical safety every five years or between tenancies, whichever is the sooner.

“This provides a great opportunity for electricians to earn some extra money by dusting off their old instruments, updating the firmware, checking the calibration and introducing themselves to some letting agents so that they can produce Landlord Electrical Safety Reports.”

Brendan continues: “If you are lucky enough to own a Metrel multi-function tester you can now update your tester’s firmware all by yourself.

“Whether it be a MI3125, MI3102BT, MI3100S or MI3100SE, e-mail me at info@metrel.co.uk asking for the latest firmware and I will have a link and instructions sent to you.

“Your tester will be a good as when it was new... with no cost to you whatsoever.”

VIEW THE METREL UK BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA020

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THE OPEN DOOR TO A SMARTER FUTURE

We all know that we need to keep our skills up-to-date but when you’re running a business day-to-day you need to invest your time and money wisely. So, what are your best options?

The experts at KNX UK advise.

L

ooking at the market trends, it is clear that smart building control is the way ahead – but which way should you turn without sticking to low-margin installation jobs or tying yourself to one manufacturer?

An interoperable future Increasingly, the new generation of professionals are looking to designing and integrating systems that will be future-proof and flexible and create long-term customer relationships with opportunities for seamless upgrades and maintenance.

That’s why KNX is gaining so much traction in the UK with over 1,000 trained and qualified professionals, a number that grows every week thanks to the well-established UK training academies.

Kit Holmes of Newcastle-based MyKNXStore explains: “KNX is an established, global building control platform providing holistic control of all building functions, including lighting,

blinds, HVAC, scenes, door entry and so much more under one user-friendly system. You can integrate as much or as little as you like – its wonderfully scalable “Rather than a single brand, KNX is an open protocol supported by over 500 certified manufacturers, producing every control device you will need with all of them guaranteed to be interoperable. That’s going to be true now and, in the future, because backwards compatibility is a condition of certification for new devices.”

He adds: “A KNX system is never out of date – you can always add to it or swap devices in and out as customer requirements change over the years.”

KNX caters for all project sizes, budgets and design preferences. With wired, RF and IP installation methods it is well suited for both new build and retrofit markets.

So, if you're going to spend money on boosting your own skills and opening up new opportunities, KNX is looking like a sensible choice. It will control the homes,

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offices and factories you work on, but it won’t control you! You will remain free to develop your skills and your business as you see fit.

Where to start Most KNX professionals start with a KNX Taster course – these are typically free and you can enrol online at this current moment in time.

The next step is usually a hands-on KNX Partner Certification course to learn how to use the software tool used to integrate control devices into a KNX installation, usually taking 4 or 5 days.

The various KNX training academies in the UK also offer follow up courses specific to, for example, HVAC. In addition, there are also troubleshooting and skills-honing sessions that will help to keep you ahead of the game.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KNX TRAINING AND YOUR LOCAL ACADEMY AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA021

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EV CHARGING: THE KEY CABLE CONSIDERATIONS The team at BASEC advises on how to ensure the electric vehicle (EV) charging cable products chosen for your projects are fit for purpose, to withstand continued use over several years.

T

he UK is predicted to have approximately 36 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by the year 2040. As a result, the increased dependence on electric powered transport such as cars, buses and lorries requires widespread accessibility of charging infrastructure that provides rapid power facilities.

A major challenge impacting the adoption of EVs is the lack of charging amenities currently in place. A significant investment into the charging infrastructure is required to ensure that the facilities are readily available in key locations such as residential areas, public car parks and streets, places of work and at service stations along major roads.

As part of the UK government’s “Road to Zero” strategy, EV charge points will become a common feature within homes across the UK as part of the transition to the integration of smarter, more efficient energy sources.

Impacting factors on electricity supply The power network will need to accommodate more renewable energy sources, generated both nationally and locally, over the coming decades in order to decarbonise the system.

A challenge with integrating renewable sources is that the supply is largely intermittent and continuous energy generation cannot be relied upon, therefore back-up supply in storage or on standby is required to ensure a stable power source.

Cable products are a vital connecter in the power transmission and distribution infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of electricity between components.

Robust cabling that can operate within complex systems is a must to respond to demands for applications such as electric vehicle charging.

The weather is an additional factor that can impact how much energy an electric vehicle consumes and tends to perform better during warmer temperatures. This

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therefore puts greater pressure on electricity demand during the winter months when the range is smaller, meaning larger amounts of electricity are required.

Additionally, there are environmental stressors that impact cable performance, such as temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet.

Third party cable testing provides an indication of how the cable materials will react in prolonged or extreme conditions to determine that it complies with existing EV standards.

Electric vehicle charging regulations The BS7671:2018 standard refers to EV charging installations, of which an amendment 1:2020 was made impacting all installations from 31st July 2020.

Meeting compliance criteria within this developing standard is integral to the successful implementation of EV charging systems, or charge points, thus enabling the charging function to stand the test of time and demonstrate continued

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performance and durability.

Testing and certification services delivered by BASEC for EV charging cable products are in line with BS7671:2018 +A1:2020 EV Charging Amendment 1, additionally supporting compliance to other recognised EV standards such as the IEC 62893 series or EN 50620.

Using EV charging cables that have gained independent approval, to recognised standards, ensures cable reliability via a complete cable assessment.

Many infrastructures, once installed, may require instrumentation, remote control or require the need for data

telecommunications cables to enable the flow of data back to a control centre. EV cables certified to IEC 62893 or EN 50620 standards will enable intelligent charging by simultaneously allowing power supply and data communication.

Smart cable connections allow electric vehicles and charging devices to communicate with each other and the wider charging station systems. This will help to optimise the power distribution and consumption and ensure that the network is not overloaded during peak times.

Ongoing surveillance audits and

sample testing are an essential part of the certification and assurance processes, verifying that cables continue to meet the required levels of quality. Assessments are conducted several times a year, over a three year product certification period.

The technical cable experts at BASEC undertake continuous, independent market surveillance throughout the supply chain, including the assessment of cable stockists, wholesalers and distributors as part of the Registered Stockist scheme.

Stockists undergo a thorough audit of their facilities and procurement, handling and all other processes. In addition, cable samples are selected for testing. Testing at the point of prior to sale helps to ensure that cable quality has been maintained since leaving the manufacturing source.

Always sourcing certified cable products from a BASEC approved Registered Stockist gives you the peace of mind that the products you buy are fit for purpose.

Key takeaways EV cables certified to IEC 62893 or EN 50620 standards will enable intelligent charging by simultaneously allowing power supply and data communication.

This will help the power networks to optimise the power distribution and consumption and ensure that the network is not overloaded during peak times.

Efficient and reliable cable products are imperative to support the future of power distribution networks. Providing smooth transmission of electricity to facilitate the operations of new technologies and systems.

Third party testing ensures that the cables have been stringently tested against key characteristics to determine that the products perform in line with the requirements set in the relevant standards.

When quality matters, we recommend specifying BASEC approved cables to support the success of your projects and safeguard those charging applications for years to come.

ACCESS THE FREE BASEC EV TESTING GUIDE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA022

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REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSIVE FIRE STOPPING Gary Parker, ECA Technical Manager, reminds contractors of the basics they need to know when it comes to passive fire protection.

P

assive fire stopping is an essential requirement in the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018). It can also be integral to meeting the requirements of key legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, Electricity at Work Regulations and Construction Design and Management Regulations.

Yet many electrical contractors fall short in this aspect of electrical installation and design.

Complex considerations Knowing the basics of passive fire stopping may sound easy, but it can be a complex topic that demands careful consideration and effective on-site communication.

Fire-stopping, or passive fire protection to use the proper term, is one of the most important aspects of any building services installation – whether it involves components such as cables or cable trays,

or potentially sizeable elements such as pipes and ductwork. A building with incorrect fire stopping can be as dangerous as a building with no fire stopping at all.

Put simply, various aspects of electrical installation in buildings involves locating, sharing and in many cases making or enlarging, holes in walls or other partitions.

These partitions are there for a reason, one of which is likely to be to stop the spread of fire and smoke. Whenever building services work penetrate walls, floors, or ceilings, it is therefore vital to maintain and, if needs be, reinstate the integrity, and fire rating, of the construction.

This requirement also applies to cable containment systems, such as trunking, where the containment passes through a barrier, the insides of the trunking may also require passive fire protection components too.

What is passive fire stopping?

For electrotechnical professionals,

knowledge of fire compartmentation is vitally important. This is the principle of subdividing a building using materials with a specific resistance to fire, to help to manage and contain fires. Usually these subdivisions are made from walls, floors, and ceilings.

Ultimately, provided building elements such as walls, floors, and ceilings can halt or even slow the spread of fire and smoke, then people have a much greater chance of safely evacuating a building in case of a fire.

Any breaches in the building fabric reduce its ability to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Therefore, where a hole is made in what is essentially a fire barrier or compartment, ‘fire stopping’ – passive fire protection – will also be required.

Creating a gateway for fire Openings for cabling or other services in a building’s compartments can create a gateway for fire if not properly sealed.

Regulations 527.2.1 – 527.2.4 of BS 7671

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A lack of adequate fire stopping measures can lead to a ‘chimney effect’ which aids the spread of a fire

Rapid Fire Spread

Restricted Fire Spread

Cladding system contributes to flame spread resulting in risk ofmultiple simultaneous secondary fires

Cladding system does not contributes to frame spread.

Risk of secondary fire limited

Secondary Fire

If the external cladding contributes to the flame spread there is a risk of secondary fire spread to all levels

Secondary Fire

Secondary Fire

Secondary Fire

Secondary Fire

Secondary Fire

Flames break out and attack adjacent windows

Do ● Avoid making unnecessary or unplanned holes, gaps, or voids in compartmentation areas ● Follow the correct methods for fire stopping required by manufacturers ● Use materials that will sufficiently withstand fire and heat ● If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of compartmentation, raise these to your supervisor or line manager ● If requirements for fire stopping are not clear, the client or building owner should be notified immediately.

Initial fire is allowed to develop and flashes over

External fire accident

require that sealing of penetrations should match the fire rating of the building.

However, it is important to note that some products such as expanding foam, silicone, or caulk may appear to fill the gaps, but they have no fire stopping properties.

To achieve effective fire stopping, selecting the correct sealant or product is paramount. Ideally the products used should be selected in conjunction with the manufacturer, to ensure that the installation as a whole meets all the passive fire protection requirements.

If a secondary fire is allowed to develop then the process is repeated

Flames break out and attack adjacent windows Secondary external fires arising from falling burning debris

Key considerations Some key questions to consider when carrying out passive fire stopping work around compartment breaches may include: ● How long should the fire stopping material delay a fire – 30, 60, 120 mins? ● Does the material need to bear weight, e.g. if it forms part of a floor? ● Does any electrical containment require fire stopping on the inside and the outside? ● Will any services need to pass through the barrier in the future?

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Don’t ● Create any unnecessary breaches or holes in fire compartmentation ● Leave any penetrations with no fire stopping (e.g. during installation of cabling) ● Deviate from the required fire stopping specifications for the task in hand ● Use makeshift filling methods or materials to block holes or gaps in compartmentation.

If in doubt, leave it to the specialists Specifications for fire stopping often go into considerable detail, accommodating concepts such as the inherent natural expansion and contraction of materials in different conditions.

Substrates need to be robust enough to accommodate the methods of fixing but may also need to perform under extremes of temperature and humidity.

It is for these reasons that fire-stopping, in all but the simplest of cases, should be regarded as a specialist activity – best assigned to specialist service providers.

Ideally, a specialist subcontractor should be involved – at the design, specification, installation, and verification stages of construction.

Ultimately, we all have responsibility when it comes to fire safety, and it should never be left to chance.

GET MORE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE FROM THE ECA AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA023

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THE HEAT IS ON!

ESP is a leading supplier of heating control products through the electrical wholesale channel, with its Sangamo range of timers and heating controls. Here, we look at how the company’s recently revamped Sangamo range aims to reduce energy usage and costs.

T

he 15th edition of the ‘Residential Central Heating Market Report UK 2021-2025 Analysis’ recently published by AMA Research cites the UK residential central heating market as substantial, with an estimated value of around £1.2 billion at manufacturers’ prices in 2020.

With energy efficiency remaining top of the agenda for the economy, businesses and householders, Sangamo took steps earlier this year to revamp its timers and heating control range with the key aim of introducing features that will assist with efficiency and performance and ultimately drive down energy usage and costs.

The Sangamo Choice Plus collections

offer a wide range of heating and timer controls for domestic, commercial, and industrial use. ESP believes this new comprehensive offer will make it easier for contractors to select the right solutions for the project in hand and will provide wholesalers with a greater choice of products that will encourage upselling.

With energy efficiency top of the agenda for the economy, businesses and householders, a key aim of the revamp is to introduce features that will assist with efficiency and performance and that will ultimately drive down energy usage and costs.

The new-look Sangamo offer can be broken down into three main product

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categories, with a total of 15 products making up the comprehensive range: 1. Choice+ thermostats 2. Choice+ programmers 3. Powersaver+ controllers

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Choice+ Thermostats The Choice+ thermostats range of products – designed for controlling heating systems via an electronic sensor – now totals seven products.

The thermostat regulates and maintains a desirable temperature throughout the home by calling for heat as the temperature varies through the day. For example, if the temperature drops below the set temperature the thermostat will call for heat from the boiler, heating the radiators until the set point is reached.

Choice+ thermostats include a TPI (Time Proportional and Integral) control feature to ensure a maintained temperature by analysis of the heating and cooling periods. In addition, the units include Optimum Start and Delayed Stop for additional efficiency, heating and cooling for the time programmed. These features combine to offer the best in heating comfort and energy efficiency.

For installer convenience, Choice+ wireless thermostats are an option if a hardwired connection is not available in the intended location.

The Choice+ thermostats range comprises: electronic room thermostat, tamper-proof electronic room thermostat, electronic frost thermostat, electronic room thermostat with digital display, wireless electronic room thermostat with digital display, 7 day programmable room thermostat, and wireless programmable thermostat with digital display.

Choice+ programmers The Choice+ programmers are designed for heating and hot water controlled independently across separate channels via a programmed schedule. For certain properties, thermostats are not required and a simple programmer to activate the heating or hot water is all that is needed. A Choice+ programmer allows the occupant to specify when a call for heat is made in order to match their lifestyle requirements and ensure energy efficiency.

There's a choice of 1 to 3 channel programmers in order to suit the system application – from single channel control suitable for combi boilers, to double control for independent heating and hot water and finally a 3 channel option for when two heating zones are required.

In addition, each programmer has a selectable Service Interval function, which assists with compliance to the Gas Safety Regulations requiring landlords to carry out annual gas safety checks on appliances in rental properties.

To ensure a user and installer friendly experience, the programmers incorporate a large display screen with clear graphics and pre-set schedule for convenience.

The Choice+ programmers range comprises: 1 channel programmer with digital display and service interval function, 2 channel programmer with digital display and service interval function, and 3 channel programmer with digital display and service interval function.

Powersaver+ controllers The Powersaver+ controllers are primarily used to control immersion heaters. In a typical UK household nearly 20% of a home’s energy cost is spent on heating hot water. Leaving an immersion heater on all the time can be a significant waste of energy that can drive this figure up to 25%, or even higher. The automatic control of a Powersaver+ controller can therefore save on fuel expenditure and energy wastage.

Amongst a wide range of applications, the Powersaver+ controller models are also suitable for combi boilers, panel heaters, lighting – including LEDs – and towel rails. The range includes a double pole switched fused option to incorporate an extra isolation feature which separates the live and neutral wires, adding additional safety for high loads.

The Powersaver+ controllers range comprises: 2 hour electronic boost timer, 2 hour electronic boost timer and fused spur, 7 day time switch with boost, 24 hour fused spur time switch with boost, and 7 day fused spur time switch with boost.

Housing and packaging As part of the relaunch, the entire collection of products has undergone a complete housing redesign to produce a range that is consistent in look and features a bold, contemporary appearance to appeal to the end user.

Brand new packaging has also been designed to create a uniform look with striking blue and white colours that will stand out on the wholesaler’s shelves and will make it easy to identify products within the range.

Brochure and video A dedicated brochure has been produced to provide full details of the entire range and will act as a valuable resource for wholesalers and installers alike. This can be downloaded from the ESP website and is also available on the Scolmore Group App within the catalogues section.

WATCH THE SANGAMO HEATING CONTROLS RANGE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA024

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We discover more about how Seaward has helped to cook up an electrical test for one of the world's largest kitchen appliance manufacturers.

NOW WE'RE COOKING!

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ga Rangemaster made the world’s first range cooker in 1830 and continues to be one of the most prestigious and trusted names in kitchen appliances. With the introduction of new product innovations and technical advances, the company has recently introduced bespoke and integrated ‘end of line’ electrical test bays at its Telford manufacturing site.

Automatic test sequences Utilising specialist Seaward HAL 104 multifunction electrical safety testers and comprehensive Safety e-Base software, the new test approach combines ease of use for operators with the versatility to meet the technical test needs of over 30 different Aga and Rayburn cooker types.

All cooker products manufactured at the Telford factory must undergo a combination of electrical safety and functional tests before being approved for despatch to customers. As well as electrical cookers, the range includes gas and oil powered products, each with their own specific features and often complex test needs.

Products ready for testing are moved into the test cells with failsafe interlocks to ensure the safety of the test operative. Once located in the cage, a bar code scanner

identifies the serial number and type of product under test so that the required test sequence is automatically identified.

Finding the specific fault Following on-screen instructions throughout, the operator activates the testing and the HAL 104 automatically runs through multiple test sequences according to the type and specification of the cooker. Earth bond tests are carried out on all appliance touch points, followed by hipot and power/leakage tests.

For high power products, the test range and capabilities of the HAL is extended by the use of a specialist Powersmart unit.

Any failures at any stage in the test process cause the process to be automatically aborted, enabling the specific fault to be identified and rectified before the product is re-tested. Only those products that successfully pass all testing then go on to an inspection and photography stage, before being packed for shipment.

All testing of products in the Aga and Rayburn cooker ranges is undertaken to confirm product compliance with EN60335 and the specific test data is stored against individual serial numbers to provide a comprehensive product record in the company’s database.

In developing the new integrated and bespoke test process, Seaward’s

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technical support team worked closely with Aga Rangemaster production engineers to ensure the system met all the company’s needs.

William Fletcher, Production Engineer at Aga Rangemaster, said: “The new approach takes our test capabilities to the next level and not only ensures the electrical safety of all of our products, but also helps us to maintain rigorous product performance and quality control standards.

“The combination of automatic sequencing of testing and step-by-step instructions has reduced the technical training required by operatives. In addition, when any subsequent product issues have arisen, the database availability of automatically recorded test data results has assisted in satisfying any warranty issues.”

He concludes: “Throughout the installation and commissioning of the test stations, Seaward’s technical guidance, hands-on support and troubleshooting has been invaluable in ensuring that we have a system that meets our needs and is making a significant contribution to the efficiency and success of the business.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEAWARD'S MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION LINE HIPOT TESTERS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA025

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Peter Dumigan, MD of the Hultafors Group UK, looks at why garments that have sustainability and climate control features at their core can help to create a better on-site experience.

WORKING TOGETHER

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ith firms and individuals increasingly focused on environmentally responsible business activities, Snickers Workwear’s eco-friendly range of garment solutions could prove to be the right ‘sustainable choice’ for you and your business.

As government legislation comes closer to the horizon, employing garments that are made from recycled polyester, organic cotton and muelsing-free fabrics can help deliver peace of mind and compliance in an increasingly demanding world.

This socially responsible approach to kitting out professional tradesmen and women is complimented by the brands’ well-established hallmarks of comfort and functionality.

They’re delivered through the use of climate control and stretch fabrics which ensures that whatever the size of your workforce, there’s a product to fit each individual.

Tested in real conditions Snickers Workwear climate-control clothing is tested for real from the arctic circle to the southern Mediterranean, in cold, heat, wind and rain. But not only are these working clothes tested for performance, they’re also tested with regard to ‘Environmental Sustainability’.

Design and development has always been driven by continual research into user needs and experiences in a variety of working environments and weather conditions, but nowadays recyclability and carbon footprint impact is a key part of that evaluation.

So, it’s not just the physical demands on the body when working hard on-site or in sports and leisure activities that’s researched, it’s the physical demands that product manufacturing and disposal place on the world around us that matters too.

If it’s performance you need, check out the upgraded lightweight and breathable 37.5 fabric technology in Snicker’s Workwear’s LITEWork and FLEXIWork mid-

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and base-layer clothes. With superb cooling technology, they’re great for demanding tasks on-site as well as high intensity gym work, circuit training, jogging, hill walking and mountain-biking.

The new styles are made from highly functional waffle- structured 37.5 fabric for optimal ventilation, cooling and moisture transport to keep you feeling fresh for longer.

Doing your bit for the planet If you want to be more than just cool and comfortable at work this winter – and do your bit for saving the planet – the ‘Verifiable Sustainability’ in Snickers Workwear’s new fleeces, undergarments and jackets will suit you down to the ground.

These new products are made of 100% recycled polyester with a bio-based, anti-odour finish plus a smooth texture and efficient moisture transport for great working comfort.

If your focus is on being kind to animals, the sustainable Merino wool midand base-layer clothes are mulesing-free which will help you stay warm or cool because of the nature of its 100% all-natural Merino Wool fabric that delivers optimal comfort for all kinds of working environments.

Designed by nature for excellent ventilation and insulation, Merino wool is extremely soft, and naturally odour-preventive for an all-day fresh feel.

It’s also temperature-regulating and repels water and dirt particles. It’s anti-static and Snickers Workwear ensures that the wool it uses is produced in kind-to-animals, ‘mulesing-free’ environments.

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If recyclability is your focus then the AllroundWork fleeces and bodywarmers could be your ‘Sustainable Choice’. Made from 100% recycled polyester, the POLARTEC garments are comfortable and lightweight with great freedom of movement.

If you want to ensure 100% ‘Circularity’ in what you’re wearing, a product that’s completely made from a combination of recycled materials and materials that are recyclable is EMMA, sustainably responsible safety footwear.

EMMA is totally committed to sustainability and reducing waste. Every shoe, trainer or boot in its range is safe for the environment with a ‘100% ‘Circular’ manufacturing, usage-mapping and recycling process.

While style, comfort and functionality have been key drivers in Snickers Workwear clothing development over the years, fabric performance and sustainability is now central to the technical design of the garments and footwear, just as it is in performance sports and leisurewear.

The result is environmentally-friendly, ergonomically designed dual-purpose working clothes and footwear that are designed to meet the physical demands that tradesmen and women face at work in the winter months. They'll help to reduce your carbon footprint too!

VIEW THE SNICKERS DIGITAL CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA026

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MAKE YOUR PRESENCE FELT Andy Douglas, Managing Director at Timeguard, offers his advice when deciding on the right type of PIR to suit the application you’re working on.

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hen did you last install lighting in a commercial setting that didn’t present an opportunity to add PIR detection with automatic switching for safety, convenience and energy saving?

PIRs are devices typically installed high up as surface mounted, or flush into ceiling apertures, so you want reliability that you can fit and forget. Furthermore, ease of set-up and reconfiguration should rank high on your list too.

In addition, be sure to check the ratings and that the PIR is tested and rated for the right LED load, as you may want it to switch multiple lights.

Next in your checklist might be the way the product looks. People spend a lot on interior decor and won’t appreciate you wiring in ugly accessories!

Last but not least is functionality.

Presence detection was once prohibitively

expensive compared to motion detection.

Now, sensitivity should never be an issue thanks to technical advances.

Any decent PIR supplier will offer highly sensitive presence detection at the core of their detection fields so you can ensure even the most sedentary desk workers remain safely lit at all times.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder The next challenge for the market is meeting a growing awareness of – and demand for – absence detection in the mass market.

The main difference between presence and absence detection is that presence detection is fully automated and involves devices detecting someone entering an area, switching on the lights, and then turning them off again at a pre-set time after the area is clear.

Absence detection is where people switch the light on manually then, as with

presence detection, the lights turn off when the area is empty of people.

Presence detection is most commonly used in areas that are likely to have regular and/or high traffic and where there is never much natural light, such as WCs, corridors, stairwells, and store cupboards.

Absence detection may be preferred for the likes of classrooms, meeting rooms and break areas, where you want to avoid nuisance switching as people pass by.

Both options in one package The good news is that both sorts of detection can now be catered for by a single device, where you can change their functionality from one form of occupancy detection to the other.

The new Timeguard presence and absence detectors can switch up to 600W of LEDs while an optional remote control is also available to make them easy to set-up and adjust when used singly or in parallel.

These detectors are available in single channel and dual channel models, and enable you to align systems like heating or air conditioning with presence/absence for that extra energy saving economy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIMEGUARD'S RANGE OF PRESENCE DETECTORS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA027

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GATE WAY TO SUCCESS

Matthew Batson, Director at Bft Automation, explores the latest developments in the gate automation market.

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emand for automated gates remains strong, as property owners want more control over access – whether that’s in residential, public or commercial settings.

As an installer, there’s much to consider when helping your clients make the right choice of gates for their property and keeping on top of the latest developments in the market can help you to find the right solution to fit their needs.

Faster motors One of the biggest developments is the availability of faster motors for sliding gates, which allow people and goods in and out of a property at a quicker pace.

Not only does this reduce the risk of unauthorised entry while waiting for a gate to close, but it also means waiting times are reduced. This is particularly beneficial for properties in busy areas where a vehicle could risk blocking traffic while waiting to gain access.

Beyond these practical considerations, people aren’t as used to having to wait for things – and this applies to the time it takes to get in and out of their property. Faster motors are therefore likely to be more appealing for clients who have sliding gates fitted to their domestic property and who prioritise convenience.

The choice of which faster motor to use will be impacted by a number of factors, including the weight of the gates. And, as always, it’s important to make sure that any installation complies with current safety regulations.

Protection from the elements A further development in access control technology includes intelligent torque management systems, which update the level of torque required to perform the gate’s operation, allowing it to work at the optimum level regardless of weather conditions, temperature or the degree of wear and tear on the device.

Depending on the typical weather conditions experienced at the site and the anticipated frequency of use, it’s worth looking at options that take these factors into account.

Smaller spaces Installers often face the challenge of fitting gate motors in confined spaces, potentially making for a time-consuming and technically demanding task.

When you only have a small space to work with, simple details can go a long way to helping you. By putting the fastening screws on the front of a motor’s casing, for example, installation and maintenance are easier and more convenient – even in particularly compact areas.

Taking control There are a range of options available for controlling automated gates – from intercom systems to remote controls.

There’s even the possibility of using vehicle detection loops that are installed discreetly under tarmac, allowing the presence of vehicles to open the gates and prevent closing while obstructed.

When advising on the type of lock and access control available to your clients, remember that in some scenarios it’s important for particular individuals to have security rights. In which case, there are motors available that come with personalised keys, which are unique, providing an additional level of security.

As the access control market continues to grow, working with suppliers that offer more than just a manual means you’ll have access to advice and support on what new products have to offer and what you need to consider before advising on an installation.

VIEW THE BFT GATE AUTOMATION BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA028

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A STRONG CASE FOR THE BASE MK Electric recently worked with Nick Bundy, owner of Nick Bundy Electrical, to review its newly launched MK Base range. Here he gives his thoughts on the product and offers tips for managing tighter client budgets without compromising quality.

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hen I first came into the industry MK was everywhere, from sockets to switches and terminal boxes. It's a brand that I'd never really fitted until now, mainly because I often find myself working to a client budget and the price of the sockets and switches compared to other brands was just too much.

That has all changed now the MK Base range has arrived, offering a product at a competitive price but with the quality associated with MK Electric and a 20-year guarantee.

I installed the product as part of a recent house rewire video for my YouTube channel and I was impressed. On the back of the dual USB socket, for instance, it’s not too

thick. Sometimes you can find they're way too deep, and you have to fit a pattress. We use 35mm backplates and it fitted nicely.

The nice big screw points mean I can get some get pressure on it to tighten it up too.

5 TOP TIPS WHEN WORKING TO A TIGHT BUDGET Knowing where and how to save both time and money on a job is vital, so here's a few tips to make sure both stay under control: 1. Choose time-saving products On jobs with tight budgets, it’s tempting to use low-quality parts to reduce the costs.

But this can be a false economy if they take more time to install.

One feature that stood out to me on the MK Base switches was that they have good sized pins and you have big enough terminal points to use a decent-sized screwdriver. We've fitted other budget ranges and found that they're so small you end up using a tiny 2.5 flat head to tighten them up. We were able to use a 4mm across the install in this case.

2. Identify risks before/during a job When you’re on a job, it’s important to keep to the scope of work so that the project stays within budget. Many readers will have been on jobs where instead of

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taking up three or four floorboards as (wrongly) anticipated, it ended up being far more time-consuming!

That’s why it’s important to identify any risks that may affect the cost of the project and warn the customer beforehand. There are often tasks that have the potential to be more awkward than we initially thought, but we won’t know for sure until we can take a proper look. We tend to build these risks into our budgeting so that we can manage customer expectations.

Once we’re on the job, it’s good to continue to think ahead and look out for any upcoming issues that could risk going over budget. This way, if something unexpected comes up we can discuss it with the customer in good time and give them the option to requote the job and change the plan, if required.

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3. Look at alternative installation methods The most expensive part of a job is our time, so if it can be done without impacting on safety or performance, this would reduce the cost for the client. For example, if a customer wanted additional sockets installed, instead of sinking the cables, you could surface mount them and use trunking to hide the cables as a cheaper option. This could work for

back-of-house areas that aren’t as visible to customers or occupants.

sure that they're happy for you to carry out the extra work.

4. Quote for extra work (if requested) Another way that a job can start to creep outside of budget is when customers want extra tasks done without realising that these would add to the price they'd been quoted. By providing additional quotes to the customer for these jobs, you can make

5. Ensure the customer has choice On bigger jobs, it’s nice for the customer to have options, even if the budget is small. You can easily do this by offering different finishes for the same product.

Some manufacturers have ranges with modules and front plates that can be mixed and matched, so you can combine premium-looking switches with a less expensive front plate or vice versa – MK Base being a prime example.

It’s a simple way to take your offering up a notch and open up opportunities to upsell without straying too far from the original budget.

WATCH NICK'S MK BASE REWIRE VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA029 GET MORE DETAILS ON THE MK BASE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA030

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ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A SMART MOVE? David Cleaver, Product Director at BG Electrical and Simon Shenton, Head of LED Product Development at Luceco Lighting, explore the trends and opportunities for contractors around smart technology and electrical and lighting devices for the home.

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mart technology has become increasingly popular within the home. Not only is this driven by the increased reliance on smartphones, tablets, voice assistants and small laptop devices, many consumers are becoming further dependent on their devices as a way to stay in touch, work and spend their leisure time.

With so much of our lives now run through our devices, helped by the accessibility of free WiFi and the channelling of interaction through Apps, the shift towards smart technology in the home was almost inevitable. This can be seen through the increasing popularity of everything ‘smart’, from speakers to doorbells.

Opportunities aplenty for the contractor There is also a shift towards the acceptance and in some situations, reliance, of controlling more aspects of our lives through smart technology. This has, in many cases, been fuelled by the rise in changing working patterns,

including flexible and mobile working. In addition, as more people work from home, there is a greater expectation placed on residential spaces to provide more technology, which has contributed too.

Statistics from market and consumer data specialists Statista completely support this. Data shows that in the smart home market, the number of active households embracing the sector in the UK is expected to rise to 25.5m users by 2025. In 2021, household penetration is set to reach 41.6% by the end of 2021, with a projected rise to 85.7% by 2025.

As residential consumers become increasingly willing to spend more money to upgrade their homes, smart technology will be at the forefront of this change. For the contractor, it is a great opportunity to work alongside their customers to help them embrace smart technology, whilst opening up additional revenue streams for their business.

Taking all of this into account, there is now a clear demand across the market for contractors to specify and install new smart

home systems and solutions, particularly for early smart technology adopters. This may mean contractors need to upskill to access these revenue streams.

To assist with this process and to ensure easy installation and set-up, BG Electrical and Luceco Lighting have created a dedicated smart microsite with technical support and product guides, to help the contractor and user set up their smart installations.

Looking to the future of smart devices To make the most of these opportunities, contractors will need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in smart technologies.

With this in mind, BG Electrical and Luceco Lighting have now entered the market with an affordable smart home system that allows users to take control of their connected devices from anywhere.

Looking for solutions that are quick, simple to install and set-up is also very important. When selecting a smart home system, one which is easy to expand and

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requires no home hub is an attractive proposition for consumers.

No hub required Many smart products on the market require the initial (and sometimes costly) investment of a home hub, to create the smart ecosystem. The BG & Luceco Smart ranges connect directly to WiFi without the need for a home hub, which is much more efficient, simple and cost-effective.

It also allows consumers to try individual smart products first and easily build up their smart system, without a costly upfront investment Furthermore, smart systems that communicate away from the home via an App offer users greater control over their devices, compared to systems that can only be controlled via Bluetooth.

BG & Luceco Smart ranges are conveniently powered by one App – the BG Home App, via the cloud, by voice, touch or mobile App commands. Both ranges can also be controlled by common smart protocols, such as Alexa, Google, Siri and IFTTT. The intelligent choice Contractors should also look for smart systems that are truly intelligent, to provide a great user experience for their customers. The Luceco Smart range offers true, intelligent smart meshing which links and optimises communication between lighting devices. This prevents home routers being overloaded and disruption to the internet connection.

Both ranges function through a reliable master/slave functionality. The self-managed system chooses which device(s) acts as the system master and connects to the router, whilst slave devices auto assign and communicate through the master. This prevents WiFi network overload and also acts as an extension to the WiFi signal throughout the home. The system is self-healing, so if the master goes down, one of the slaves is automatically promoted to the master, ensuring uninterrupted WiFi connection.

A complete range Finally, it is useful to understand the many different elements of a smart home

system. BG & Luceco Smart ranges include a wide range of electrical and lighting products for both interior and exterior home spaces. These include the smart FType Compact LED downlights, lamps, Castra LED floodlights, a 3-socket extension lead and a weatherproof socket, which join the existing BG smart socket and adaptor.

With manufacturers responding to the changing needs of consumers, there are now affordable, introductory smart home systems that benefit both contractors and users alike, particularly those taking their first steps into the smart world. When backed up with guidance and educational resources, contractors can capitalise on these opportunities to create additional revenue streams, whilst also developing a reputation as a smart home specialist.

GET MORE DETAILS ON THE BG & LUCECO SMART RANGES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA031

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IT'S THE WHEEL DEAL! Gary Fisher of Lougar Electrical gives his back a rest this month as he tries out the C.K Magma Wheeled Rucksack Plus.

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ow about this for a new and innovative idea from the folk at C.K Magma – not just a tool rucksack (which on its own is pretty decent) but one with wheels, allowing you to carry all your tools about in a very convenient way.

As with all C.K Magma equipment I've been able to try out, the product is recognisable by its striking grey, red and black colour scheme, as well as the excellent durability that is a hallmark of all C.K products.

In use, it's basically a bag on wheels.

Instead of carrying tools and putting all that strain on your arms and back, you simply pull the tools along as you would do a suitcase or bag on holiday.

The product itself is made of a hard wearing material which is extraordinarily strong and durable. The unit as a whole is very tough indeed, but also feels completely lightweight when it's not loaded.

The wheels are made for the toughest terrains allowing you to pull the rucksack on any kind of ground surface, with the handle offering telescopic function as well.

The outer bottom area of the unit (where the rucksack rests) is also made of a polymer crack-proof material and is 100% waterproof for good measure.

If you fancy a bit of a work-out or find yourself in a situation where you can't pull the unit, you have the option of using it as a standard rucksack. There is more then enough padding to support it around your back and shoulders, but obviously you'd have to consider the fact that the load will need to be lighter.

To protect your clothing from the threat of dirty wheels, there are covers you can wrap around, saving any embarrassing situations.

Inside the rucksack there are 36 pockets and holders, capable of holding all sorts of tools. Their vertical upright position helps when withdrawing and replacing each item, plus larger tools at the bottom of the bag.

Let us not forget that we don't always just carry tools but also our books (the 18th Edition regs for a start) so a front storage area for the odd A4 book or pad is a handy addition.

I believe that this product is ideal for the site worker who doesn't always turn up to site in a vehicle, or has to use public transport, but is required to take their

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tools home every evening or for the electrician who might go around doing testing for a company, where they can have a small hand kit with the tester laying in the bottom part. It's perfect for the travelling worker, even if they're not working in the construction industry I took this out on a few jobs with me, and even into London on the train, and had no trouble wheeling it about or placing on my shoulders when required. I could go as far as to say it was the ideal companion for my journey.

When I was on sites I had it full of my tools and was even able to fit a battery drill into it. It didn't topple over at any stage when it was open, which proves it is very well balanced, Sometimes it is not always about the tools you have but rather how you transport those tools. The C.K Magma Wheeled Rucksack Plus aids this process and is a really good all-in-one piece of kit.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AND FEATURES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA032

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CUSTOM MADE!

Unlike all those befuddled holiday makers desperately trying to return to these shores earlier this summer, PE is never happier than spending as much time as possible hanging around ‘Customs.’

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o green channel approach for us here, because every time we climb on board our long-term Ford Transit Custom, we find something new to declare. Over the years we've certainly paid our duties in LCV driving terms, travelling to the four corners of the world to seek out new models, but there’s no place like home when it comes to the iconic Transit.

A glowing reputation Now, well into its seventh decade of unparalleled popularity, it is only outdone in favourite Ford vehicle destinations by the Fiesta and Focus.

And lockdown, it seems, has only helped to enhance its glowing reputation, with huge numbers being deployed to keep the nation supplied with home deliveries and, of course, carry out vital repairs and maintenance to over-worked homes.

Under the general Transit umbrella, Ford has literally thousands of options to choose from, but it is the mid-sized van offering in the appealing shape of the Custom that dominates this particular domain. It’s been around a decade now but a full face-lift in 2018, and a constant round of updates and revisions, make it the 'go to' vehicle for a vast array of multi-tasking small businesses.

It’s only when you're out on the road that you appreciate just how many similarly inclined drivers there are out there going about the daily task of earning the corn. And you can certainly accommodate some sizeable bales of it in the back with payloads ranging between 6.0m3 and 6.8m3 for the mid-size van, and an impressive 8.3m3 for the largest long wheelbase, high roof version.

The bulkhead on the regular panel van has a very useful load through facility for longer items under the passenger seat, enabling pipes etc. up to 3m long to be carried safely and away from prying eyes.

A sturdy hard rubber floor liner with tie down rings set in the floor and lower walls, are useful in preventing materials from flying around in the back, whilst a number of features, including extra bright LED load area lights and an integrated roof rack capable of carrying up to 350kg are optional extras.

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

We have all had a tendency to put on a few extra pounds during lockdown, of course, so it’s reassuring to know there’s plenty of space in a very accommodating and comfortable three-seater cab with the passenger seats flipping up to reveal hidden compartments that can accommodate a laptop or small toolbox. And, with all those valuables, you’ll want a reliable alarm, with two options as standard on the Limited versions and above.

Manfully employed Power is provided from a fuel saving Eco Blue 2.0 litre diesel engine which offers four different levels of horsepower and six speed manual or power shift automatic transmission. There’s also a petrol/electric set up with the Transit Custom PHEV, and an all-electric version due for launch in 2023.

One thing we've discovered over the years is that you are never short of friends

when there is a long-term vehicle loan on the PE books and these strange times saw our Custom manfully employed in several house moves, numerous garden clearances, multiple trips to the wholesalers for essential materials and even very pleasant staycations in Cornwall and the lake district involving Kayaks, bikes and tents.

And it’s that all round versatility and adaptability – plus, of course, legendary

reliability – that makes the Transit the envy of its competitors and helps maintain its own customary position as first in the queue for a passport to future prosperity and success for so many British businesses.

VIEW A BROCHURE AND PRICE LIST AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA033

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PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

ELEX2021

Sponsored by

The Electricians’ Exhibition

R FO S K ES AC IN B US B

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS

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SANDOWN PARK, SURREY – 4TH & 5TH NOVEMBER 2021 WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER – 9TH & 10TH DECEMBER 2021

Register for free at www.elexshow.info

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Products IN PRACTICE

Dog charity puts its Trust in Luceco The Dogs Trust has recently opened a brand new rehoming centre located just a couple of miles from Cardiff Bay. The charity’s 22nd rehoming centre has been devised with man’s best friend’s welfare at the forefront of its design, including LED lighting solutions supplied

by Luceco. The £13.5m project has created a canine oasis with three buildings and landscaped outside space for up to 210 dogs.

The new extensive facilities include kennels, veterinary suite, grooming rooms, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy units, training and exercising halls as well as offices and amenity space for visitors to the centre. 78 light and airy “sleep & run” kennels with underfloor heating were lit with Platinum Mini Downlighters, a recessed luminaire offering an efficacy up to 117 Llm/cW, with a unique swing tab design for quick and easy installation.

Platinum was also used for visitor spaces such as the meet & greet area, waiting room and internal play areas as well as Platinum Surface pendants in the main building. Providing the opportunity for creative lighting design using the same high specification luminaire where a recessed ceiling void isn't available, Platinum Surface Mount can be used as a pendant with suspension wires or directly mounted onto a solid surface.

Many of the circulation areas were lit with linear recessed arrays of the Contour luminaire. The LED lighting system consists of connectable modules that can be surface mounted, suspended or recessed forming contemporary, decorative, and highly effective illumination. Contour offers over 100,000 hours operational life, making the luminaire ideal for environments with high working hours.

The outside space is designed to provide plenty of room for exercising and training the dogs as well as parking and amenity space for visitors to the centre.

Guardian Pro floodlights were used for the exercise paddocks and runs and IP65 rated Atlas bulkheads were installed around the exterior of the building with

Deco Bollards lighting landscaped gardens and pathways. The perimeter roads and parking facilities were lit with Viva City Pro, a modular, slimline, performance LED street lantern offering a choice of optics and an operational working life of 100,000 hours.

GET MORE DETAILS ON LUCECO'S FULL PRODUCT RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA034

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sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

Network Rail timetables savings with NVC luminaires Network Rail owns, operates, and develops Britain’s rail infrastructure which comprises 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts, thousands of signals and level crossings. The company also manages 20 of the UK’s largest stations.

One of these is Birmingham New Street, which is used by more than 140,000 passengers every day, making it the busiest station outside London.

Network Rail recently moved the administrative teams to new facilities within the station.

This required appropriate lighting for the offices, reception, meeting areas and toilets that would provide adequate illumination, energy efficiency and also help Network Rail to meet regulatory requirements.

Network rail approached the local branch of electrical distributor who proposed a solution based on NVC’s products including Sterling side-lit panels

with micro-prismatic controllers and Westport IP40 low-glare recessed LED circular luminaires.

To adhere to fire safety regulations for emergency lighting, Preston IP54 rated LED halo effect circular bulkheads and Seneca IP40 rated, recessed LED emergency luminaires were adapted for self-testing.

This not only saves time and cost when undertaking the required testing of emergency lighting, it also delivers the added benefit of providing automatic reporting of results, removing the inevitable mistakes that can happen when they are done manually. NVC also supplied LED emergency wall-mounted exit boxes and PIR systems.

All the products were installed by Network Rail’s in-house maintenance team.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA035

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Products IN PRACTICE

Hamilton supplies electrical solutions for luxury development Hamilton’s Hartland G2 collection has provided electrical wiring solutions to Kings House in Hove, a Grade II listed Victorian building that has been meticulously restored to its former residential grandeur by developer Mortar Nova Grand Avenue.

Portsmouth-based electrical contractor MR Electrical selected Hamilton for the electrical wiring accessories throughout the building’s 69 luxurious apartments and penthouses, which maintain opulent Victorian architectural features, combined with the conveniences expected of modern living.

Hamilton’s contemporary Hartland G2 screwless design was chosen for its quality, while the highly engineered ‘push-to-fit’ design makes it easy to install and competitively priced.

Available in a wide range of configurations – including Grid and EuroFix – Hartland G2 2-Gang Double Pole Switched Sockets were used

throughout in Antique Brass with black inserts, complementing the property’s brass fixtures and fittings.

In the higher specification apartments, dual switched sockets were upgraded to incorporate 2.4A USB Ultra charging outlets, while lighting is controlled throughout with a mixture of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Gang Rocker Switch Plates.

In the kitchens, installed within antique-styled mirrored splashbacks are two double switched sockets and a 2-Gang 2-Way Grid Plate that controls the integrated strip LED lighting.

The apartments with larger kitchens feature 3- and 4-Gang Grid Plates to control fans, pelmet lights, downlights and island pendants.

In the Residents’ Lounge – a striking focal point of the development – private lounges and bedrooms, EuroFix media plates include a TV+FM/DAB+SAT1+SAT2 Quadplexer and a RJ45 CAT6 outlet for internet access.

ACCESS HAMILTON'S INTUITIVE PRODUCT CONFIGURATOR AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA036

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sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

C-TEC MANN+HUMMEL ESP FOOTBALL PAVILION The recent completion of a project to create a brand new sports pavilion at the football ground has given Middlezoy Rovers FC in Bridgwater cause for celebration.

The contractor responsible for specifying and installing the security products at the site was Matt Francis of M-Tech Electrical, a family-run electrical contracting firm. He recommended ESP’s HDview 5MP IP POE CCTV system. The IP POE CCTV range is designed to offer superior, reliable and straightforward installation solutions and is particularly suitable for larger applications with its wide choice of NVRs and camera selection.

Commenting on the install project, Matt said: “From the initial contact with ESP for the design of a suitable CCTV system for the project, it was a very straightforward process. I was impressed with the ease of installation and set-up of the system and the quality of images from the cameras is excellent.”

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA037

A world leading manufacturer of filtration solutions has selected C-TEC’s innovative new CAST ZFP addressable fire system for one of its UK sites.

In 2014 MANN+HUMMEL acquired Vokes Air manufacturing plant in Burnley to increase its presence in the booming filtration and air purification market. Last year, the company identified the need for a powerful new fire alarm system to protect the site.

Further to consultations with Lancashire-based specialist installation company, ADJ Fire and Security, the decision was taken to install one of C-TEC’s new CAST addressable fire systems comprising a network of ZFP 1-loop touchscreen-controlled panels connected to over 250 CAST devices, including heat detectors embedded with C-TEC’s unique ‘HEART’ (HEat Analysis and Response Technology) algorithms to ensure each one remains in a high state of readiness for a potential fire alarm situation.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA038

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Products round up

Beautiful light made simple

Lutron Electronics has announced the launch of the Athena architectural solution to global applications.

Athena is a simple, flexible, all-in-one solution that elevates everyday experiences with the magic of light. The system marries best-in-class control, unparalleled flexibility, and simple App-based set-up in a lighting control solution that is optimal for both new construction and retrofits and is ideally suited to handle the evolving needs of commercial spaces.

As commercial spaces are rethinking occupancy patterns and ease of use, Athena is built to meet today’s uncharted design challenges while delivering flexibility for the future.

Key features include: ● Universal fixture control – control all load types from a single product with no minimum load requirements. ● A right-sized processor accommodates design and budget in both small and large spaces with no limit to the number

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of DALI zones – ideal for intimate restaurants, art galleries and museums and hotel public areas.

Designed for seamless integration of lights and blinds to deliver a beautiful lighting environment.

Simple-to-use, mobile iOS application for real-time programming and personalisation including features such as fade times adjustable to up to four hours.

Seamless API integration to building management systems for centralised monitoring and control.

Designed to deliver quality light, natural light, a connection to the outdoors, and control options that are focused on enhancing the human experience.

“Across the globe, building design and customer expectations are changing to reflect a more human centric lighting experience. As designers and business owners navigate new challenges, Athena offers a solution that supports the human

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experience and celebrates nuances in design and culture. For today’s lighting designs, flexibility and simplicity are paramount. Athena is built with this in mind,” said Olivier Perrigueur, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business at Lutron.

GET THE ATHENA EXPERIENCE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA039

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UNICRIMP OB1 Sealant & Adhesive Unicrimp has acquired the rights to exclusively distribute the original, multi-surface sealant and adhesive brand, OB1 through the UK electrical wholesale channel. OB1 is a leading, high-spec hybrid construction sealant and adhesive that has a tried and tested formulation which has been used by the trade for over 15 years. What makes OB1 stand out is its versatility, flexibility and its 24-hour full curing time. It provides an alternative to mastics, wood and PU adhesives, silicones, acrylics and butyl rubber sealants. This one product is capable of bonding and sealing an extensive range of materials including aluminium, wood and MDF, plastic, metal, steel, mirror, lead, concrete, glass, tile, polycarbon, PVC and felt. OB1 also works in damp conditions and even under water. It contains no solvents so it will never crack or shrink, can be applied on wet surfaces, painted or moulded and it has a very high bond strength with resistance to fungal and bacterial growth.

WATCH A SUPPORTING PRODUCT VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA040

CED ELECTRICAL Meridian Anti-Corrosive Fittings A new anti-corrosive range of fittings has strengthened the Meridian LED lighting portfolio. 2ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft fittings with fully integrated SMD LEDs are available in single and twin formats, with Emergency options available on all twin versions except the 2ft.

Manufactured with polycarbonate bodies and opal diffusers, these slim design anti-corrosives are IP65 rated and come with fast fix connectors for easy installation. Fittings deliver a 4000k cool white colour with a beam angle of 120˚ and a lifespan of 30,000 hours. Wattage and lumens delivered vary from the 2ft single with 9W delivering 1080 lumens, up to the 6ft twin with 70W delivering 8400 lumens. Backed with a three-year warranty, quality is assured with CE/UKCA approvals.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA041

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Products round up

Tackle your next job with a new Defender Engineered for professionals, Contactum's Defender 2.0 is the latest generation of consumer unit.

Manufactured by Contactum's parent company, alfanar, this new consumer unit design guarantees quality, safety and protection with features that include: ●

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Tested by a reputed third party in accordance with BS EN 61439-3:2012 including Annex ZB Compliance to the 18th Edition Regulation BS7671:2018 Up-to 100A (InA) rating without derating Type A RCDs and eRCBOs as standard Icw 10KA 0.1 sec Icc 6KA or 10KA (outgoings) in accordance with BS EN 60898-1 Surface and flush mounted versions available Unique lid design which can be latched Spirit level and cables clamp included Up-to 24 modules single row 44 modules dual rows Designed by Micieli GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW GENERATION DEFENDER 2.0 CONSUMER UNIT FROM CONTACTUM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA042

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KNIGHTSBRIDGE 2022 Catalogue GIRA Motion Detector Cube The Gira Motion Detector Cube is designed to be a modern source of automated exterior lighting, and as demand grows for reliable devices which enhance home security, this new solution is sure to boost outdoor living. It can be used as part of a KNX system or through conventional installation, all thanks to its flexible mounting system that supports exterior and interior application on both walls and ceilings. Brimming with contemporary appeal, the new Gira Motion Detector Cube is a new favourite of the style conscious and is available in two classic colours – Pure White and Anthracite. It offers the ability to detect and respond to changes in ambient light and thermal motion so that it switches on automatically when a passer-by is detected without being distracted by falling leaves, wind or heavy rain. It is dustproof and splashproof thanks to its protection class IP54.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA043

The Knightsbridge 2022 catalogue is out now; jam-packed with over 600 new products and full of great ideas, innovations and inspiration. For the latest, smartest and best solutions in wiring accessories and lighting, you won’t find a more comprehensive and informative read. The handy A5-sized publication is divided into easy-to-reference sections and provides full product details along with high quality lifestyle photography and detailed product images. Helpful information about industry and product certification is also included in this edition, to aid installers in making informed choices. The digital version also includes interactive links to relevant product webpages on the website, where further technical details are readily available to view and download when required.

VIEW THE DIGITAL CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA044

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Products round up

FS CABLES Belden Data Cable Alternatives With over 120 different types to choose from you’re sure to find what you’re looking for from one of the largest ranges of alternative to Belden data cables stocked in Europe. You can choose from the most popular types in PVC, LSF, PE or LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free), with additional duct grade or armoured (SWA) versions offered on many. Alternative to Belden cables are not only cost-effective but high quality and great value for money.

They have been manufactured to match the performance of genuine Belden cables as closely as possible so you can be confident of fast, reliable data transmission. The majority of the range has been independently tested and is CPR compliant.

Cables are delivered next working-day as standard to most of mainland UK and are stocked in 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pack sizes or cut-to-length.

VIEW THE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA045

ESP New Catalogue ESP has released the latest update to its comprehensive product catalogue, bringing together all products from its extensive portfolio in one, easy to access reference guide. Available to download from the ESP website, the new 111-page catalogue provides contractors and specifiers with a valuable resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects. It features every product from each range that ESP offers and incorporates all the latest additions that have been developed to meet growing demand. The latest investment has been in the CCTV category with an expansion of the Rekor HD 2MP CCTV range to offer a comprehensive analogue CCTV range suitable for larger, more complex commercial applications.

DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA046

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NIGLON New Catalogue

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Desk Furniture Schneider Electric offers a range of desk and tower cable management solutions which use Mita SELECT custom modules for video, audio and network connections. In-desk units bring flexibility to the desktop in conference and training rooms. The range facilitates unrestricted individual access to power, media and data right on the table or desktop. Minimal depth also means no restriction on leg movement under the desk or table, even where the units are fitted near the edge. Likewise, on-desk and flush desk units provide accessible electricity to workstations, and finally under desk units are available with a plastic profile. It is possible to connect multiple power strips together to form a modular system. Aside from desks, pop-up towers fit perfectly in any working environment and are ideal for integrating power and data connections in tiny spaces.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA047

A family brand with decades of experience in the electrical industry is set to release its latest catalogue. Niglon customers will be able to access printed and digital versions of the new document from this month to see up-to-date information and pricing on more than 4,500 products. The Midlands-based firm, which supplies wholesalers the length and breadth of the UK, specialises in seven core product categories: cable management, control and automation, circuit protection, wiring accessories, industrial accessories, fixings and tools, and general lighting.

Among its most popular products are its switches and sockets – including the Median range from which 10% of the profits go to the Electrical Industries Charity to help support those in need.

VIEW THE CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA048

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Products round up

LEDVANCE Streetlight Flex Range LEDVANCE has extended its range of LED luminaires, advanced LED lamps, intelligent Smart Home and Smart Building solutions, introducing a complete package for road and parking lighting.

Available with two beam angles, three light colours and seven LED configurations, the Streetlight Flex range from LEDVANCE offers a matching solution across a wide variety of applications.

These include parking areas and motorised traffic areas (M class), conflict areas (C class) and pedestrian and low speed areas (P class), according to the European road lighting standards (DIN) EN 13201. Delivering 1650lm to 24450lm, the LED lamps are available in colour temperatures of 27000K, 3000K and 4000K with efficiency ratings up to 155lm/W. The Streetlight Flex family provides energy-saving solutions across a wide variety of applications where uniform light distribution is crucial, whether for streets, car parks or outdoor urban areas.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA049

HULTAFORS TOOLS HDC Chisels This newly extended range of HDC Chisels now has a superior ergonomic design and 11 different blade widths up to 40mm. HDC Chisels are designed for jobs on-site that need strength and precision for accurate chiselling work. All the blades are forged using a unique steel formula into a one-piece I-beam construction for strength and rigidity with a robust profile for extreme breaking strength and a design that maximises power transmission downwards through the tool. Additional features include an ergonomic Santoprene handle with an impact resistant nylon striker that can be replaced when worn down. The entire blade, including the handle, can be placed flat against the surface which allows you to cut parallel to a flat surface. All the chisels are supplied with holsters that protect the cutting edge to prevent damage or the possible injury when handling in toolboxes.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA050

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OVIA Improved Inceptor Omni Downlight Ovia has made a number of improvements to its popular Inceptor Omni fire-rated, tri-colour, dimmable downlight. The new Omni V2 now boasts a recess depth of just 53mm, thanks to the Flow integrated driver, which means there is no need for an insulation bracket. Omni V2 is supplied with push-fit Flow connectors which feature push-in, low maintenance terminals to offer another time-saving benefit for installers. With the driver now incorporated into the Flow connector, this means that insulation can be laid over the fitting.

Among other key features is a CTA switch (colour temperature adjustable) – a built-in, three position switch which allows for instant change of the colour temperature. The lumen output has been increased, up from 500lm on the original version, to 600lm for Omni V2 and it now offers an improved 60˚ beam angle with all colour temperature selections.

WATCH A SUPPORTING VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA051

MANROSE Quiet Fan X5 This latest bathroom fan from Manrose promises ultra-low sound levels, as well as being IPX5 compliant so offering simple and flexible installation.

Boasting reliability, while providing effective and efficient ventilation, the Quiet Fan X5 combines performance and good looks, with an attractive new tile-like façade. Offering an ideal upsell for electricians, the range boasts an impressively high extraction rate of 90m³/hr, while maintaining an incredibly quiet running volume as low as just 25dB(A). With all models offering ultra-low sound levels, the unit will allow households to relax in comfort, free from noise-related stress. Add to that the fan’s IPX5 rating that means it can be safely installed within Zone 1 without the need for a low voltage transformer, and it’s the ideal choice for a small bathroom, shower room or toilet, where space is at a premium.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA052

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Products round up

Proven surface safety with Sollysta With consumers and companies mindful of the need to prevent germ spread and control infection, Hager has announced its entire range of White Moulded and Part M Sollysta wiring accessories have been independently tested and certified to offer strong antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Manufactured from a high-quality grade of Urea Formaldehyde, the Sollysta wiring accessories, which include switches and sockets, have undergone stringent independent laboratory testing and are now certified for ISO 22196: 2011.

ISO 22196: 2011 is the international standard for measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The certification, which tested for strains of E-coli, S. Aureus, Listeria, MRSA, Salmonella, and Pneumonia, confirmed a reduction in bacteria of >99.99 per cent after 24 hours.

And to provide further peace of mind, the Sollysta White Moulded and Part M range has also been certified to ISO 21702 for human Coronavirus.

Urea Formaldehyde, used in the Hager White Moulded and Part M range, offers unique properties to ensure that surface 102 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

cleaning of the product face is extremely effective. While the inherent antibacterial and antiviral properties ensures that a high level of protection for both installers and end users can be achieved.

Jane Yorke, Residential Market Manager for Hager, comments: “Whilst our Sollysta White Moulded and Part M range has always featured antimicrobial properties, gaining both ISO 22196 and ISO 21702 certification is fantastic recognition and helps to provide added safety and security reassurance for installers, specifiers and end users. This important verification can even provide electrical contractors with an added sales benefit when discussing product specification with clients on both commercial and residential projects.”

The full Sollysta range is available in White Moulded, Decorative, Grid, IP66, and Metal-clad options.

GET MORE DETAILS ON THE HAGER SOLLYSTA RANGE

BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA053

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Products round up

Tool-less switchsockets offer a Rapid Fix MK Electric is adding tool-less, spring-loaded cable clamp termination to its new line of switchsockets, designed to cut install time by nearly half.

The MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix double switchsocket, a first-of-its-kind wiring device, cuts installation time by up to 45% whilst providing a safe, secure connection that won’t degrade over time.

The spring-loaded clamps of the MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix can accommodate all cable types for small power circuits, including up to 4mm stranded cable. Individual cable entry and incorporated colour-coded terminals help make installation more efficient without compromising on product performance. The product is well suited for any job and helps making challenging installs in difficult void spaces, corners and under cupboards easier.

Colin Marshall, Chief Technology Officer at MK Electric, comments: “For more than 100 years, MK Electric has created innovative electrical products, oftentimes setting the standard for the industry. The new MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix will help revolutionise the installation of power outlets and save electricians valuable time, allowing them to complete jobs more efficiently while confidently providing users with the safety and trust known of the MK brand.”

Designed with the installer in mind, the MK Electric Logic Plus Rapid Fix features upward facing access points that allow the insertion of test probes into the socket outlet. This replicates the approach usually taken when using a standard screwed terminal socket, and ensures access posed by the new screwless terminal arrangement is not constrained.

In addition to the installation benefits, the MK Logic Plus Rapid

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Fix wiring range also offers the end-user safety features that make Logic Plus a popular choice, including a 3-Pin operated ‘Child Resistant Shutter System’ and double pole switching.

The switchsockets are made from urea formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties inherent in the compound of the product. Tested in accordance with ISO 22196: 2011, it has outstanding kill rates of over 99.9% against Listeria, Staphylococcus Aureus 6538p (which is known to be resistant to antibiotics), MRSA, E. coli and the Phi-X174 virus.

GET MORE DETAILS ON THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA054

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A complete range of smoke, heat and CO alarms Cavius has been at the forefront of the fire alarm industry since 2004.

Internationally recognised for manufacturing the world’s smallest alarms, Cavius now offers a complete range of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms that are proven to protect homes and save lives. Smoke and heat alarms all communicate wirelessly, bringing an unrivalled system communication between wireless battery-operated alarms and mains powered alarms.

The Cavius alarm design has revolutionised the smoke alarm industry, bringing not only an extremely well-functioning alarm, but a compact one too. Cavius alarms use the highest quality components to ensure quality, reliability, stability and a 10-year warranty in which the products will be completely operational throughout. The software in the Cavius smoke alarms includes a fire detection algorithm with features similar to that found in expensive analogue detection systems.

James Cavan, UK Sales Director, has spent his whole working career within the electrical industry, originally in wholesale, before moving to focus on fire detection products for the domestic market. For the last 25 years, James has specialised in alarm specification, working with social housing providers, contractors and distributors across the UK. James says: “I’m delighted to be bringing Cavius to the UK. When I first saw the alarms I knew that offering customers simple, unobtrusive designed products that are fully compliant with UK Building Standards, and are 100% tested and proven to work, will have a big impact on the domestic alarm supply chain in the UK. “They offer amazingly simple wireless interconnective technology and a unique one man test. Sales have already taken off well with distributors and contractors recognising the unique benefits and quality of the products and I can’t wait to get more demonstrations lined up.”

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE CAVIUS RANGE OF SMOKE, HEAT AND CO ALARMS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA055

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Products round up

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ComPacT Moulded-case Circuit Breakers

SNICKERS WORKWEAR Climate Control Garments

Schneider Electric has launched a new generation of its ComPacT moulded-case circuit breakers. Featuring a refreshed design that retains the footprint of previous models, the new breakers are tailored for operational excellence and major simplification of maintenance activities. The ComPacT range now comes connectivity-ready, and modular “plug-and-play” accessories expand the capacity for advanced monitoring capabilities. By keeping the new units the same shape and size as their predecessors, electrical professionals can easily retrofit breakers already in use. This also amplifies the opportunity to expand the capabilities of ComPacT breakers trans-generationally to unleash digital intelligence. A major design improvement is the introduction of a semi-transparent front faceplate. This innovation makes it easy to see at a glance which auxiliaries are at work in the breaker, and that they are correctly positioned.

Not only will you stay warm with Snickers Workwear’s 37.5 Technology clothing, you’ll look and feel cool too. With styles for both professional tradesmen and women, they excel at ventilation to keep you cool and moisture transportation to stop you getting cold. They work together to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on-site. The 37.5 Technology fabric is a very quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour – like your sweat – for superior coolness and dry working comfort. It’s integrated into selected Snickers Workwear base- mid- and top-layer garments to keep you working at your best, whatever the weather. To make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Climate Control garments from Snickers Workwear that work together to suit your workday.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA056

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA057

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WISKA Product Catalogue

MEGAMAN GEO 2 High Bay

Containing over 4,000 products and boasting 128 pages, the brand new WISKA 2021/2022 Product Catalogue is free and available now in both digital and hard copy versions.

Megaman has expanded its impressive product portfolio with the launch of GEO 2, a new and innovative integrated LED high bay lighting system. The system, which can be controlled remotely for ultimate ease of use, provides a durable and energy efficient lighting solution, ideal for all indoor commercial high ceiling areas. The latest adaptable fixture from Megaman, the new GEO 2 has been designed with a passive cooling structure and lightweight housing. This ensures it cannot overheat from continual use and increases the product’s energy efficiency. This also impacts on the working life of the product. In fact, GEO 2 has an impressive L70B50 50,000hrs usage at Ta40ºC. Longevity is further ensured by its strength and high vandal resistance, with a rating of IK08, plus it is IP65 rated for dust and water resistance. The cost-effective unit has a high luminous efficacy of 165 lm/W, allowing for significant energy savings in comparison with traditional high bays. Flicker-free, the product maintains a consistent output. GEO 2 is also available with a motion sensor remote control, affording customers the versatility and flexIbility to gain instant control over their lighting and energy use. Other optional accessories include a 1-10V dimming module, IP65 rated dimming wire and a motion sensor kit.

VIEW THE DIGITAL CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA058

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA059

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Products round up

Clean up with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner WD-40 Specialist Electrical Fast Drying Contact Cleaner does exactly what it says on the tin.

Found within the company’s Specialist range, the product is a non-conductive cleaner developed to be used on all kinds of electrical equipment and scenarios found by electrical contractors and installers.

One great way to make use of the Electrical Fast Drying Contact Cleaner can be found when cleaning cables and tools, in particular those sensitive contact areas found in electrical power tools and battery terminals.

Another classic application involves he humble house socket, which can easily get clogged with debris. The product's unique formula dries very quickly without leaving a sticky residue, enabling users to clean dirt, general grime, flux residue and even oil from electronics and general electrical equipment. Because of the perils of dealing with electrics (especially when dirt and water are put in the mix), Fast Drying Contact Cleaner is a must for an electrician's tool bag.

As with every product within the WD-40 Specialist range, Fast Drying Contact Cleaner cans are equipped with a ‘smart’ straw; flipping the straw up ensures a powerful and yet totally accurate precise amount of solution without any overspray. Flipping the straw down ensures a wide spray that will cover larger surface areas.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE WD-40 SPECIALIST RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA060

108 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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XCITE SPIKE & DECO Outdoor Luminaires

VORTICE Updated Hair Dryer Range With many people now choosing to bring their own hair dryers into hotel rooms, VORTICE has updated its longstanding Vort Dry hair dryer with some clever tweaks. The unit offers built-in two-speed thermal protector, for the best balance between drying speed and comfort of use and has an extremely powerful airflow thanks to the axial impeller. The Vort Dry unit itself has a modern and ergonomic design with an extendable nozzle of up to 130cm which is both non yellowing and designed to ensure no heat build-up.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA061

These new outdoor luminaires from xcite LED Lighting are simple to install, decorative exterior lighting solutions, designed for illuminating garden areas. With the SPIKE light, you choose which part of the garden to place it, push into the ground, and connect. DECO WL is ideal for installation onto the outside of a house or fence, available in a one-way or two-way up/down model. Electricians will be able to provide customers with flexible options, as both come available as an integrated LED model or a GU10 (max 20W) model (lamp not included).

The integrated LED models are supplied in 5W and at a 3000k colour temperature. Both options are housed in die-cast aluminium for durability, with stainless steel or black finishes. As has come to be expected from xcite’s high quality, reliable LED range, the SPIKE and DECO WL are IP65 and IP54 rated respectively, to offer the user both ingress and water protection.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA062

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GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT C-TEC’S PRODUCTS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAA063

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CAUGHT ON

C A M E R A SOCIAL SNAPS!

ALAN WHITE: I'm a 30-year veteran maintenance technician and this is probably the worst panel I've ever seen. It's also left unlocked so operators can press resets!

ANDREW33080654: Do you think it might be time for a lighting upgrade?

DANNY MCNICHOLL: Dodgy wiring perhaps? Now why didn't I think of that?

IAN LLOYD: Apparently the heating isn't working. Any idea why?

AC ELECTRICS: The shower isolator had started to smell, but the customer continued to use the shower regardless!

112 November 2021 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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KAREN BOOM? Anything goes, right?

CERTON: Nail in the woodwork from 20 years ago. It's still working today!

STEFAN SHELTON: I met a DIY appliance repairer on a recent job and he told me about how he constructed this death trap to save money on heating his bath water. It's made with an empty ice-cream tub and a kettle element, along with no RCD protection whatsoever!

And one to be proud of from PETE ARROW OF ARROW & SON...

CHRIS CLARKE: I attended a call-out to a property with smoke detectors not working. It didn't take long to figure out why!

Get your regular fix of CAUGHT ON CAMERA! PE’s website includes weekly Caught on Camera ‘Exclusives’, featuring the best (and worst) of the shocking snaps that readers have posted to our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Don’t forget to tag us in on your posts, or DM us your pictures and caption directly and you may just see your pictures featured on these pages or our website.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN November 2021 113

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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.

Aurora Ltd....................................................................................... Page 43 www.rdr.link/EAA100 Back Box Repair Clip ................................................................ Page 105 www.rdr.link/EAA101 BIG RED FIRE Ltd ....................................................................... Page 100 www.rdr.link/EAA102 Bird Home Automation Group................................................. Page 45 www.rdr.link/EAA103 Carl Kammerling International Ltd......................................... Page 99 www.rdr.link/EAA104 Castline Systems .......................................................................... Page 111 www.rdr.link/EAA105 CAVIUS Ltd .................................................................................... Page 77 www.rdr.link/EAA106 CEENorm U.K. Ltd........................................................................ Page 93 www.rdr.link/EAA107 CHAUVIN ARNOUX UK Ltd...................................................... Page 78 www.rdr.link/EAA108 Consort Equipment Products Ltd............................................ Page 111 www.rdr.link/EAA109 Contactum Ltd..................................................................... Pages 64, 65 www.rdr.link/EAA110 C-TEC Ltd ....................................................................................... Page 86 www.rdr.link/EAA111 CTEK Sweden AB....................................................................... Page 103 www.rdr.link/EAA112 Cudis Ltd......................................................................................... Page 82 www.rdr.link/EAA113 DANLERS Ltd............................................................................... Page 109 www.rdr.link/EAA114 DETA Electrical Company Ltd................................................... Page 19 www.rdr.link/EAA115 DETA Electrical Company Ltd ................................................. Page 25 www.rdr.link/EAA116 Di-LOG Test Equipment ............................................................. Page 35 www.rdr.link/EAA117 Electrorad U.K. Ltd ....................................................................... Page 15 www.rdr.link/EAA118 ELEX ................................................................................................. Page 89 www.rdr.link/EAA119 Elite Security Products Ltd ....................................................... Page 82 www.rdr.link/EAA120 Elkay ................................................................................................. Page 97 www.rdr.link/EAA121 Ford Motor Co Ltd ....................................................................... Page 30 www.rdr.link/EAA122 Forum Lighting Solutions....................................... Inside Front Cover www.rdr.link/EAA123 GreenBrook Electrical plc ......................................................... Page 49 www.rdr.link/EAA124 Heatstore........................................................................................ Page 85 www.rdr.link/EAA125 Hudson Lighting Ltd.................................................................... Page 111 www.rdr.link/EAA126 Hultafors Group UK Ltd................................................................ Page 6 www.rdr.link/EAA127 IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA ........................................................ Page 26 www.rdr.link/EAA128 LEDVANCE Ltd .............................................................................. Page 91 www.rdr.link/EAA129 Live Electrical Distribution UK Ltd .......................................... Page 10 www.rdr.link/EAA130 Luceco plc....................................................................................... Page 73 www.rdr.link/EAA131

Lutron Electronics .............................................................. Pages 58, 59 www.rdr.link/EAA132 Makita (UK) Ltd.............................................................................. Page 19 www.rdr.link/EAA133 Megaman (UK) Ltd ...................................................................... Page 55 www.rdr.link/EAA134 Megger Ltd .................................................................. Inside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAA135 Metrel UK Ltd ................................................................................ Page 38 www.rdr.link/EAA136 NAPIT............................................................................................... Page 33 www.rdr.link/EAA137 NET LED Ltd................................................................................... Page 74 www.rdr.link/EAA138 NICEIC & ELECSA....................................................................... Page 103 www.rdr.link/EAA139 Niglon Ltd................................................................................ Pages 12, 13 www.rdr.link/EAA140 Ovia Lighting ................................................................................. Page 46 www.rdr.link/EAA141 Prefect Controls Ltd .................................................................. Page 105 www.rdr.link/EAA142 Project Better Energy............................................................. Pages 8, 9 www.rdr.link/EAA143 rdr.link .............................................................................................. page 111 www.rdr.link/EAA144 Rhino Products Ltd...................................................................... Page 98 www.rdr.link/EAA145 Ring .................................................................................................. Page 86 www.rdr.link/EAA146 Robert Bosch Ltd........................................................................... Page 71 www.rdr.link/EAA147 Schneider Electric.................................................................... Pages 4, 5 www.rdr.link/EAA148 Scolmore International Ltd ....................................................... Page 84 www.rdr.link/EAA149 Selectric .......................................................................................... Page 29 www.rdr.link/EAA150 Tamlite Lighting ........................................................................... Page 63 www.rdr.link/EAA151 Tesco Mobile Ltd.......................................................................... Page 23 www.rdr.link/EAA152 Test Instrument Solutions Ltd ................................................. Page 69 www.rdr.link/EAA153 The Electric Heating Company Ltd........................................ Page 95 www.rdr.link/EAA154 The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) .... Page 106 www.rdr.link/EAA155 Toolbank Marketing .................................................................. Page 107 www.rdr.link/EAA156 TRADE-DOCS ............................................................................... Page 101 www.rdr.link/EAA157 UNICRIMP Ltd............................................................................... Page 88 www.rdr.link/EAA158 V-TAC UK Ltd.......................................................... Outside Back Cover www.rdr.link/EAA159 WD-40 Company Ltd ................................................................... Page 81 www.rdr.link/EAA160 Wera Tools (UK) Ltd ........................................................... Pages 20, 21 www.rdr.link/EAA161 Wise Controls ................................................................................ Page 111 www.rdr.link/EAA162 Zzeus Training Ltd....................................................................... Page 60 www.rdr.link/EAA163

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,000 collect er 6 ion v O po

We’ve added more locations to our Click & Collect network, which means getting your order is now even more convenient.

Simply order online, select Click & Collect when you checkout

he UK oss t acr ts in

More delivery options YOUR WAY and collect your order within 5 miles of your home or worksite, when it suits you.

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