Professional Electricians Wholesaler July/August 2022

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PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

HEATING Improving efficiency with smart electric heating

JULY/AUGUST 2022

TIMERS & CONTROLS Why now is the time to broaden control options

EDA INSIGHT Test your Cables and Cable Management knowledge with the EDA quiz

Plus: News, industry comment, sales support, display solutions and more

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CONTENTS

This issue

PEW JULY/AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 5 NUMBER 5

14 EDA INSIGHT Test your knowledge of Cables & Cable Management in this month’s quiz

Regulars 5

VIEWPOINT

6

NEWS

10 WHOLESALER NEWS 12 MOVERS AND SHAKERS 15 CHARITY UPDATE 16 FACE TO FACE 34 PRODUCTS 37 PRODUCTS IN DEMAND 39 POINT OF SALE 40 SOAPBOX

Special Report 18 EVOLUTION OF EV Electric vehicle opportunities for wholesalers and installers 22 STATE OF EMERGENCY Frequently asked questions relating to emergency lighting

COMPETITION 20 WIN A VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAY Your chance to win an Azure Collection Virgin Experience Day courtesy of Marshall-Tufflex

HEATING

TIMERS & CONTROLS

32 HEAT OF THE MOMENT The rise of smart electric heating

24 THINK SMART Utilising smart controls to save energy 26 THE TIME IS RIGHT Now is the time to broaden timer and control offerings

FIRE & SAFETY 29 GROUP DECISION A look at the different categories of fire protection products

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VIEWPOINT

Editor Tracey Rushton-Thorpe tracey@pewholesaler.co.uk Advertising Manager Anthony Scott ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertising Manager Ian Turner Ianturner@hamerville.co.uk Designer Gemma Watson Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Claire Thwaites Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Managing Editor Terry Smith Professional Electricians Wholesaler is an essential business magazine for those with decision-making responsibilities within electrical wholesalers To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email: circulation@hamerville.co.uk Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd

Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2022

6,309 (Certificate of Average Distribution for the issues distributed between January and December 2021) Image References (Adobe Stock): Page 1 – Burning power button © zffoto Page 15 – Splash coloring © Ravie’s factory Page 22 – Green fire escape sign © Prot Page 22 – Hallway in apartment © jaboo_foto

WE’VE GOT THIS!

T

he first six months of the year are behind us…gone in a flash. Is it just me or do the months seem to be flying by? Back in the January issue the title for this column was ‘Stumbling into 2022 blindfolded’. I suggested that perhaps things were going to get better in 2022 and whilst we still had a long way to go it felt like we had turned a corner.

It turns out I may have been wrong – and that’s not something I admit very often! Whilst we have learned to live with Covid and the industry is largely back to normal it does rather feel as though we have been hit by a number of new challenges to face.

Looking back at the January issue I also mentioned the impending energy price rises – at the time the Chief Executive of Centrica was reported as saying that soaring energy prices could last up to two years and that households could see a rise of £600-£700 in energy bills.

In many respects he was wrong but not in a good way because six months later the predictions for the rise in energy price are so high that the Government has stepped in to help those most in need. But that seems to be just one of many challenges we are facing which include the effects of the war in Ukraine and soaring fuel prices.

When I started writing this I was determined to aim for a positive message – there is too much doom and gloom in the world and I don’t want to add to it….so it’s time to put on our ‘positive pants’. For those not familiar with ‘positive pants’ they are a very simple garment…..you put them on and they make you a super hero ready to tackle anything… think superman meets the world of electrical wholesaling!

We’ve got this. As an industry we are working hard to help reduce costs, we have electric vehicles (and chargers), energy efficient lighting, energy efficient heating – the list is endless. We are working hard to make sure that our industry is playing a part in meeting the needs of the future.

Say hello to 2022 – Chapter 2. We have challenges and quite frankly I’m not sure if anyone is fully in control of them at the moment – the Government don’t entirely seem to be ‘nailing it’ do they? But you are the ones who can make a difference.

The first six months have been a bit shaky but let’s turn the page and start Chapter 2 – I’m relying on you to make a difference.

See you next month

Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Tracey Rushton-Thorpe Editor

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NEWS & VIEWS ETIM CALLS FOR JOINED UP APPROACH TO PRODUCT DATA

ETIM UK ADVANCES THE PRODUCT DATA CONVERSATION ETIM UK continued to highlight its contribution to building safety during a panel discussion at Digital Construction Week 2022 recently. The expert panellists, representing both the building materials and electrotechnical sectors, discussed ‘The Golden Thread: the role of merchants, distributors and wholesalers’ and called for a more joined up approach to product data, possibly mandated by an overseeing commissioner, and its importance not only for building security but also for carbon reduction initiatives.

ETIM is the tried and tested data standard for technical product data adopted by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) since 2019 for building materials, HVAC and plumbing products, and the Electrical Distributors’

Ireland, Schneider Electric Ltd ● Phil Thompson, Procurement Data

Manager, NG Bailey ● Rob Barbour, Data and Insights

Director, Travis Perkins

Association (EDA) since 2017 for electrotechnical products. Chaired by Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director, Infrastructure and Construction at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the panellists were: ● Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO, EDA ● Edgar Aponte, CEO, Rexel UK Ltd ● David Williams, VP Marketing UK and

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA commented “ETIM is the standard of choice for the UK’s construction sector.

Manufacturers are responsible for supplying consistent and high quality product data which can be transferred from one construction phase to another, and through the EDA the UK’s electrotechnical sector businesses are making significant progress. There is a need for a more joined-up approach to the UK’s product data challenge, including the adoption of a unique identifier to enable data from multiple sources to be amalgamated.”

MARSHALL-TUFFLEX MARKS 80 YEAR MILESTONE Marshall-Tufflex is celebrating its 80th birthday this year. To mark this significant milestone, the company is undertaking a range of special activities, including a drive to increase the average recycled content in its PVC-U products to reach 80% by the end of the year.

Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director at Marshall-Tufflex said: “We started using recycled content in our manufacturing over 25 years ago and since then, we have refined our processes to produce superior products that retain their high quality while remaining competitively priced. We want to inspire the whole supply chain to think more sustainably

when it comes to any PVC-U specification.”

In addition to its recycling plans, Marshall-Tufflex is also focusing on a number of fundraising initiatives to support local and international causes, as well as hosting a series of giveaways and celebratory events to commemorate its 80th year.

NATIONAL VENTILATION SUPPLIES VENTILATION TO THE GOLDEN HINDE National Ventilation has designed and supplied a ventilation system for the Golden Hinde, a full-size reconstruction of the English galleon captained by Sir Francis Drake on his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577-1580. The ship is undergoing a major refit utilising traditional materials and methods, modern ventilation was installed to control humidity levels and provide a safe, healthy environment for the visiting public.

Ventilation design was crucial to this unique project and so National Ventilation’s design team worked closely with the Golden Hinde’s Lead Shipwright, Toby Millinder. Combining National Ventilation’s expertise in ventilation with Toby’s in-depth knowledge of the ship ensured an effective, practical ventilation system that would achieve a good level of ventilation.

National Ventilation’s design service included two site visits to the London landmark to make sure the design would

6 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

work in the space. The system was expertly specified to achieve the necessary air changes per hour to provide a safe environment for the public and physically work within the existing structure.

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ELECTRO-WIND BOOSTS MANUFACTURING Due to a sustained period of growth, Electro-Wind has expanded its manufacturing facilities.

Established in 1979, Electro-Wind has been designing and manufacturing single and three phase transformer products for customers in the UK, Europe and global markets over the past 40 years.

Electro-Wind’s existing 13,000ft2 manufacturing plant based in Tunstall, Staffordshire, was running at capacity and the company took the decision to expand its nearby Kidsgrove based site to create additional manufacturing floorspace.

Rachel Stanley-Cooper, Electro-Wind Director, commented: “Our investments in stock will not only ensure continuity of production but enable prices to be kept as consistent as possible. Our expanded manufacturing capabilities will help promote further company development.”

RECOLIGHT ANNOUNCES CIRCULAR LIGHTING EVENT Recolight has launched Circular Lighting Live, the UK’s first major in person event dedicated to sustainable lighting. It will take place on 22nd September at the Cavendish Centre, London.

Established by Ray Molony and Recolight, the lighting industry’s leading environmental compliance body, and supported by LightingEurope and Defra, the event is a vital step on the industry’s journey to a low carbon, circular economy.

To understand this new landscape, the conference brings together the leading experts, specifiers and policy makers to share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models.

Aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, the presentations will give delegates vital insights that will drive their businesses forward and ensure they stay at the forefront of the sustainable lighting revolution.

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ANSELL LIGHTING AND BRADFORD COLLEGE TO SUPPORT ELECTRICIANS OF THE FUTURE Ansell Lighting has joined forces with Bradford College to support the building of a house for electrical installation students to practice on.

The house, or Active Learning Area, has been built in the atrium of the leading West Yorkshire college and worked on

by City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 students from a range of building services and construction courses, including electrical installation, plumbing, bricklaying and joinery.

Ansell has sponsored the project, which has been named the Ansell Lighting Academy, and provided Prism Pro CCT Fire Rated Downlights for use in the kitchen and bathroom areas, as well as floodlighting, a mini floodbox and exterior wall lights.

Electrical students will be wiring the lighting and power while the plumbing students will be piping the services and radiators.

NIGLON CHANGES LIVES WITH £50,000 CHARITY DONATION A £50,000 donation is set to support the wide-ranging work of the electrical industry’s charity.

Niglon became the first ever corporate partner of the Electrical Industries Charity last June – and now, 12 months on, has handed over what is hoped will be the first of many donations. And Commercial Director Paul Dawson says working alongside the charity has opened his eyes to the breadth of services offered to current and former electrical workers – and their families.

As part of the partnership, Niglon has donated 10% of the profits plus VAT from every single sale of their Median wiring accessories range during the last year. The company also worked to highlight and spread awareness of the fantastic work of the charity among the industry through traditional media, their company marketing materials, and on social media.

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WHOLESALER NEWS

In association with Scolmore

BLUE ROCK SYSTEMS AQUIRED BY INTACT

INTACT ACQUIRES BLUE ROCK SYSTEMS Intact has acquired UK-based software house, Blue Rock Systems.

The Southampton business has been reselling, implementing and supporting Intact ERP systems (enterprise resource planning) for over 16 years.

Intact CEO, Justin Lawless, commented: “The acquisition of Blue Rock Systems is part of Intact’s strategy to become the leading provider of ERP and business software solutions in the merchant and distribution sector.

“This important development adds to our strong customer base and involves a team of highly skilled individuals, with deep software industry expertise, who will enhance customer service and support our growth plans.”

Blue Rock Systems’ full team has been retained as part of the acquisition deal, which will see Intact employee numbers increase from 200 to 243 staff across Ireland and the UK. Blue Rock Systems already implement and support Intact developed systems across a network of

UK trade customers and has successfully developed complementary products including e-commerce, POD scanning and online auctioning, to expand the solution on offer. The company specialises in the same target verticals as Intact, primarily merchants and distribution.

LCA PLAYS HOST TO INDUSTRY GOLF TOURNAMENT Lawrence Crawford Agencies (LCA), electrical commercial/manufacturers agents serving the electrical wholesale market in the north west of England, recently held its annual open golf tournament.

Representing leading brands such as Manrose Fans, Kosnic Lighting, Crompton Lamps, Wiska UK, Ansell Lighting, Doncaster Cables, Rolec and Stiebel Eltron, LCA offers sales and marketing services on behalf of these companies and many more, directly engaging with electrical wholesalers.

The annual golf tournament has been

running for 20 years and is held at different locations around the country dependant on who the acting Captain is for the year.

Mr Sean Taylor from Sean Taylor Agencies, based in Scotland, took first place at this year’s event, collecting the winner’s trophy from 2022 Captain Mr Iain Taggart from Cyrus Agencies, also based in Scotland, at the Dalmahoy Resort just outside Edinburgh.

Next year’s competition will be held in June at a midlands-based venue.

For more information contact 2023 Captain Mr Tony Howard – WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB001

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we detail who has gone where.

Tim Benstead & Toby Meadows SCOLMORE Scolmore has made two new appointments, with Tim Benstead joining as its new Technical Engagement Engineer and Toby Meadows as Area Sales Manager for the West Yorkshire region.

Tim is a Chartered Engineer and member of FSH12 and FSH12/1 (BSI committees for fire detection and alarm systems) and the Chairman of JPEL64/B responsible for thermal effects relating to BS 7671. He will be utilising his wealth of technical knowledge in his new position, where he will primarily be responsible for engaging with professional contractors and electricians to advise and educate them on the right solutions and products to meet the ever-changing regulations and technical requirements of the industry. Having graduated from University with an MSc in Business Leadership and Management, Toby secured his first position as a graduated trainee with a leading electrical wholesaler and soon worked his way up to become an external sales executive, a position he held for more than four years.

John Humphery MARSHALL-TUFFLEX Marshall-Tufflex has announced the appointment of John Humphery as Commercial Director. John will take full Board level responsibility for all UK commercial activity, including sales, customer services, technical services and marketing functions. John brings with him a wealth of industry experience, having held senior sales & marketing roles working for Hager UK, the LED Group and most recently Channel Safety Systems.

His appointment follows the promotion of Jon Chamberlain to Managing Director earlier this year.

John Humphery said: “I’m really excited to be joining a market leading company at the forefront of using recycled material in its manufacturing. There is great value in the company’s Reassuringly Recycled message and I am fully committed to Marshall-Tufflex’s crusade to educate the market on the importance of us all adopting greener manufacturing practices.”

Sarah Naunton OVIA Ovia is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Naunton to the position of Area Sales Manager for the South Midlands and East Anglia regions. Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in the electrical industry for 16 years and has held sales and new business development roles with a number of leading lighting manufacturers. In her role with Ovia, Sarah is responsible for developing new and existing customer relationships at an independent and national level, as well as engaging with contractors and specifiers to grow brand and product awareness and to assist where lighting design and specifications are needed.

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©AdobeStock_Stockyimages

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EDA INSIGHT An update from the Electrical Distributors’ Association

YOUR CONDUI T TO

BIGGER SALES

Professional know-how to drive sales Improving your team’s technical know-how through the EDA’s training could unlock additional revenue for your business. In this module you’ll cover: Wiring systems Telecommunications cables Optical fibre cables Special cables Substandard and counterfeit cables Cable fire performance Cable management systems Cable termination

Q1: Q2: Q3: Q4: Q5: Q6:

What is the connection between two pieces of cable normally called?

What does an IK rating provide?

What two types of fire-resistant cables are there?

What are high-temperature cable conductors made of?

What are ‘Arctic-grade cables’ How many dielectric layers and screens does a triaxial cable have?

ANSWERS:

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Have a go at the quiz sampled from the Cables and Cable Management training course, one of the suite of 12 in the EDA Product Knowledge Programme. Check your answers below and if think you need to boost your team’s cable know-how so you can boost your sales over the trade counter talk to the EDA today.

A joint A mechanical impact rating for electrical equipment and enclosures Mineral insulated copper clad (MICC) and FP200 Flexible nickel or silver-plated copper Cables for use at temperatures down to –25°C Two – one more than a coaxial cable

Cables and Cable Management is one of the 12 training courses in the programme but you choose only the modules your team needs – there is no obligation to study all 12. This module has just been refreshed so the training inside is right up to date. Training to improve product knowledge means your team can be one step ahead, looking for opportunities to be of greater service to your customers and secure additional sales into the bargain.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Q1: Q2: Q3: Q4: Q5: Q6:

EDA Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and upselling opportunities by building confidence.

City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations to create an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your team.

EDA Product Knowledge modules are also approved for Continuing Professional Development by The CPD Certification Service.

HOW DID YOU DO? Full marks: Fantastic, you really know your cable products.

3 - 5 out of 6: Not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge?

Less than 3: The EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

DOWNLOAD THE COURSE DIRECTORY THERE’S PLENTY OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.EDA.ORG.UK, INCLUDING A DOWNLOADABLE COURSE DIRECTORY, GIVING YOU A SUMMARY OF WHAT’S COVERED IN EACH OF THE 12 TRAINING MODULES. WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB002

If you’re a manager looking for a flexible and convenient way to train your team to drive sales, get in touch on: 020 3141 7350 or email: training@eda.org.uk

ELECTRICALDA

www.eda.org.uk

D

Electrical Distributors’ Association

@eda_uk

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CHARITY UPDATE

SEXUAL IDENTITY:

SUPPORT FROM THE EIC

T

he month of June marked Pride Month and the annual celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. This covers people of all genders and sexualities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allies. Events with the aim of raising awareness about the injustice and discrimination experienced by this community took place nationwide.

John was 13 when he realised he was attracted to both girls and boys, but never discussed it with friends or family. At 17, he started his apprenticeship working with a large Scottish contractor in the buildings industry. He enjoyed his work, got on well with his supervisor and colleagues, and been in a committed relationship with his girlfriend for two years. He had never disclosed his sexuality to either his colleagues or his girlfriend. However, through attending college as part of his apprenticeship, John started to mix with a different circle of friends and became more comfortable telling them his sexuality.

As he thought more about coming out to his family, older friends, girlfriend and work colleagues, John started to feel highly anxious. One day, whilst on site, he encountered an instance where a contractor said discriminatory things about a homosexual man who was working on the same site. He started to worry that someone would find out about his sexuality and that, when they did, he would lose everything: his job, his family and his girlfriend.

Despite the advances that our society has made in creating an inclusive workplace, many LGBTQIA+ people in the UK still choose not to disclose their sexuality at work. This is despite evidence to prove that companies that embrace LGBTQIA+ policies outperform their competitors. Diversity in the workforce helps draw the best talent, and people perform their jobs better when they can be themselves.

Diversity in the workforce “helps draw the best talent, and people perform their jobs better when they can be themselves.

”

John’s feelings of anxiety intensified until he saw only one way out and overdosed on pain medication. John was taken to hospital and survived, but his suicide attempt came as a shock to everyone that knew him.

After his release from hospital, John was put in contact with the EIC for mental health support. Who sourced a specialist therapist to work with John on his sexual identification transition and to support him with practical advice for having the necessary conversations with his loved ones. As a result, John was able to disclose his sexuality to his girlfriend and family in a supportive setting. Although John’s family and friends needed time to process this

information, it was an overwhelmingly positive experience for all involved.

If you work in the electrical industry, you or a loved one are entitled to support from the EIC, including mental health support, financial assistance, and CV advice.

The help John was able to access is due to the support of the EIC and the powerLottery. It means he got the support he needed to accept his own sexuality and come out to his friends, family and girlfriend.

Without powerLottery, the EIC would not be able to offer support to people like John.

That’s why we need you to become a powerLottery player to help EIC to continue supporting our industry members. powerLottery is the only lottery made for our industry by our industry. It gives players 40 chances to win cash prizes ranging from £50 to £1,000 every single month. A £10,000 bi-yearly draw offers a further opportunity to win big.

TO SIGN UP TO PLAY THE POWERLOTTERY TODAY, CLICK HERE: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB003

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FACE TO FACE

Marshall-Tufflex is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, PEW caught up with Jon Chamberlain, Managing Director, to find out more about the company’s heritage, his take on some key industry issues and what’s to come.

FACE TO FACE MARSHALL-TUFFLEX Marshall-Tufflex is celebrating its 80th anniversary – what significant milestones have been reached in that time?

Q

A. Since our wartime beginnings in 1942, we have been leading the way in plastic extrusion for 80 years and have built a reputation for producing quality, reliable and value for money cable management solutions that professionals can rely on across any job.

Marshall-Tufflex made its formal entry into the cable management market in 1970, when it started selling conduit. Just six years later, our Mini Trunking design was launched - which transformed the re-wiring and refurbishment procedures of the time.

Since then, we have continued to evolve and innovate in line with the demands of the market and have introduced several industry leading cable management solutions including Sterling, Sterling Curve, Odyssey and antimicrobial trunking - and earlier this year, the Tufflex Tile.

We are passionate about sustainability and have been ahead of the curve in our use of recycled material. We began using recycled material in our manufacturing process in 1994 and, as one of the only cable management manufacturers to offer such a vast range of sustainable solutions manufactured in this way, we are encouraging the industry to follow suit and do more to develop products that incorporate recycled content.

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Is there a specific cable management product or system that is proving to be particularly popular with wholesalers and installers right now?

Q

A. Sterling Curve is one of the most popular cable management ranges we offer. This sleek, curved perimeter dado and skirting is data compliant and offers three segregated compartments for housing all cable types. What’s more, it is easy and cost effective to use, contains an average of 66% recycled material and is suitable for a wide range of projects, making it a popular choice.

In addition, the new Tufflex Tile has also proven incredibly popular. Designed to take the hassle out of pattress installations, this product was developed in response to installer feedback as a ready to use solution that is suitable for all applications.

It makes work on ceiling systems easier across every sector and application, whether it be installing spotlights, smoke detectors, PIR sensors or speakers.

What cable management products can be used to minimise the risk of electrical fires?

Q

A. Cable management products manufactured from metals like aluminium and steel will offer a high melting point and, as such, will remain intact in the event of a fire.

Further to this, PVC-U cable management products can be used if the right cabling fixings are selected, as these will help to keep cables secure and avoid premature collapse - allowing time for building occupants to evacuate and the emergency services to enter without concerns over cabling becoming loose and causing an obstruction or trip hazard. In fact, our

The lack of consistent, “good quality, recycled PvC-u has been a huge challenge for the industry.

”

Firefly range has been thoroughly tested to confirm fire resistance above 1000°C for up to 120 minutes and is compliant with BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations.

Marshall-Tufflex also offers a wide range of cable management solutions manufactured from materials including aluminum, steel, GRP and polycarbonate, as well as PVC-U. As such, whatever the installation, professionals will always find a product to suit - whether they are working on a basic domestic installation or an industrial project in harsh conditions.

What percentage of MarshallTufflex PVC-U products now use recycled material?

Q

A. We have been using recycled material in our manufacturing process for over 25 years and to mark our 80th anniversary, we are aiming to reach a level of approximately 80% recycled content across our PVC-U manufacturing by the end of 2022.

Despite the wide range of benefits that they offer, the uptake for specifying sustainable PVC-U cable management products has been slow. At MarshallTufflex, we are working hard to drive up the specification and installation of PVC-U products manufactured using recycled material and believe every part of the supply chain can make a difference. Our aim is for all PVC-U products installed in buildings to be manufactured using a minimum of 50% recycled material by 2028.

Are supply chain issues in the electrical sector now easing and do you expect rising costs to impact on price and availability?

Q

A. The lack of consistent, good quality, recycled PVC-U has been a huge challenge for the industry – but one that has had minimal impact on MarshallTufflex and our customers. We have heavily invested in our production processes over recent years and this has put us in a strong position to be able to process post-industrial waste and postconsumer PVC-U waste material in house.

As such, we have been able to largely maintain our consistent supply of highquality PVC-U and stock levels with minimal disruption to customers.

In addition, we have worked to secure our supply chain via strong supplier relationships to ensure that production of our aluminium, steel and other non-PVCU ranges continues at a steady rate.

What do you think the future holds for the cable management sector and for Marshall-Tufflex?

Q

A. Until the day that electricity can be carried wirelessly, there will always be a need for cable management solutions.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting new product releases in the pipeline across our metal and PVC-U ranges that will further streamline installation processes and ensure tradespeople can access the products they need across any job.

TO WATCH A VIDEO ON THE MARSHALL-TUFFLEX RECYCLING INITIATIVE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB004

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SPECIAL REPORT

Simon Crangle at Sevadis discusses the evolving EV industry and how this presents ample opportunities for wholesalers and installers.

EVOLUTION OF EV

2

022 is shaping to be a momentous year for the electric vehicle industry with electric vehicles making up more than half of new vehicle registrations and now representing one in six new cars joining the UK roads. Despite the pulling of the plug-in vehicle grant, drivers are continuing to express their desire for making the switch for various reasons such as longterm cost savings, greater driving range, more modes to choose, the reduction of carbon footprint and more. As the demand for electric vehicles surges, so does the requirement for accessible EV charging points, whether that be public or private use. It goes without saying that for the EV revolution to continue its upward trend, a nationwide EV chargepoint roll-out is a necessity to cater for the number of cleaner and greener vehicles on UK roads.

We are only half way through the year and the industry is moving at a pace like never before, with key stakeholders committing to supporting the road to Net Zero, the future is indeed electric.

OZEV grant funding Last year the government announced eligibility criteria changes to the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme with an aim to focus on rental residents, landlords and social housing providers; areas which are

now benefiting from grant funding to alleviate the costs towards the installation and purchase of EV charging points.

Historically, apartment blocks were neglected and as a result, residents in multi-unit buildings were discouraged from adopting an electric vehicle. Now, apartment block owners can take advantage of up to £30,000 grant funding towards their chosen EV charging points and installation costs; a move undoubtedly welcomed by landlords. This particular level of grant funding presents installers with significant opportunities, allowing them to install multiple EV charging points per apartment block, therefore earning more revenue. Of course, wholesalers benefit from this too as installers will wish to purchase the EV charging points from their local dedicated supplier.

Alongside the shift in focus for the residential grant funding scheme, this year OZEV has diversified its grant funding

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incentive to include SMEs, small accommodation businesses, charities and commercially let properties, whilst also continuing its ever-popular Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). The WCS alone brought many opportunities for wholesalers and installers; the introduction of greater levels of grant funding for more businesses and organisations can only mean one thing - further growth.

Businesses and organisations across the UK are keener than ever before to install EV charging points across their premises and whilst the grant funding has a part to play in this notion, businesses and organisations are truly starting to believe in the future of electrified transport.

Smart charging regulations From 30th June 2022, all electric vehicle charging points sold and installed must comply to The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. The regulations are in place to ensure that electric vehicle charging points possess smart functionalities, enabling EVs to recharge when there is less demand on the grid, or when more renewable and cleaner electricity is available. To comply with the smart charging regulations, EV charging points must have the following: smart functionality to receive and send information; electricity supplier interoperability; off-peak

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SPECIAL REPORT

charging; randomised delayed charging; continued charging; safety provisions; a measuring system and must be consistent with the existing cyber security standard ETSI EN 303 645.

Naturally, there were concerns surrounding the implementation of the regulations as installers were finding that some of their customers were opting for offline EV charging points at their homes.

However, the introduction of these new regulations provide for greater opportunities as more and more prospective electric vehicle drivers are understanding the benefits of smart charging at home - not only does smart charging alleviate pressure on the grid, but it also provides EV drivers with long-term cost savings; the latter being a key reason why end users are opting for the installation of smart EV charging points at home.

Whilst the standardisation of EV charging points increases the competitive landscape for EV charge point providers, for installers and wholesalers, the new

regulations facilitate greater opportunities in the growing green industry, which moves us onto our next focus.

New builds It is now common knowledge that all new home builds from mid-June must be equipped with smart electric vehicle charging points. With the UK population only increasing, the requirement for new houses is pivotal, hence the proliferation of new housing developments across all areas of the UK. Each of these developments must ensure that EV charging points are installed in order to provide convenient and accessible charging for residents. This new legislation provides electrical wholesalers of all shapes and sizes with significant scope in the immediate, near and far future; with a nationwide focus on the roll-out of charging points, demand is set to increase with both installers and developers requiring charging solutions for their upcoming development projects.

The mandatory EV charge point law for new build developments also applies to workplaces, supermarkets, destinations and more; essentially, every new build development, whether it be domestic or commercial requires installation of EV charging points. Combining this with the OZEV grant funding available to businesses and organisations, the requirement for EV charging points at commercial and workplace locations creates a window of opportunities for installers and wholesalers.

There are numerous businesses and organisations in the UK that are reluctant to deploy EV charging infrastructure across their premises, however with the correct knowledge, product and support, decision makers are becoming comfortable and confident in the roll-out of charging facilities for both private and public requirements.

GET TO KNOW SEVADIS’ PORTFOLIO OF EV CHARGING PRODUCTS: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB005

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COMPETITION

W IN AN AZ UR E CO LL EC TI ON VI RG IN EX PE RIEN CE DA Y CO U R TE S Y OF M AR SH AL L- T UF FLEX To celebrate its 80th year, Marshall-Tufflex is giving one lucky Professional Electricians Wholesaler reader the chance to win an Azure Collection Virgin Experience Day for their team.

Since its wartime beginnings, Marshall-Tufflex has been at the forefront of plastic extrusion in the UK and has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, durable cable management solutions that tradespeople can rely on across any job. From the launch of its Mini Trunking in 1976, to the Odyssey Trunking in 2006, and ‘Tufflex Tile’ in 2021, the British based manufacturer has helped to transform re-wiring and refurbishment procedures for 80 years.

Marshall-Tufflex is focused on improving sustainability across the industry and is driving forward the use of recycled content in PVC-U trunking in an effort to alleviate the construction industry’s contribution to landfill. In fact, recent figures indicate the construction industry generates 120 million tonnes of waste per year, of which it’s estimated that 25 million tonnes end up in landfill sites.

In an effort to reduce these figures, Marshall-Tufflex has been using recycled

“MARSHALL-TUFFLEX HAS BEEN USING RECYCLED PVC-U IN ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR OVER 25 YEARS.”

20 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning an Azure Collection Virgin Experience Day, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices:

Q. In what year did Marshall-Tufflex launch its Odyssey Trunking?

1 I 1996 2 I 2006 3 I 2016

SIMPLY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB006 TO ENTER YOUR ANSWER Deadline for entries 31/08/22 Usual T&Cs apply

PVC-U in its manufacturing processes for over 25 years and continues to develop new ways to produce superior products that include recycled content, whilst retaining the high quality and durability that is synonymous with the brand.

To mark Marshall-Tufflex’s 80th year, the company is giving one Professional Electricians Wholesaler reader the chance to win an Azure Collection Virgin Experience Day for their team.

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SPECIAL REPORT

STATE OF

EMERGENCY S

o, you’re looking into emergency lighting. What do you need to know? The truth is, a lot – far too much to cover here. Emergency lighting is, understandably, covered by strict rules and regulations designed to keep building occupants safe in the event of a fire, emergency, or power-outage, and exactly what is needed in any premises depends on how the building is used, its layout, the people occupying it and other factors.

In the meantime, Red Arrow’s technical and design support team take questions on emergency lighting from installers every day, as they navigate the complicated requirements of compliant emergency lighting design and installation. Here, they share some answers-in-brief to a few of their most frequently asked questions.

Does my customer’s building project need emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting is needed in any building that can be accessed by the public or where people are employed. In shared premises – such as commercial buildings that house several businesses – exactly who is responsible for the emergency lighting in different areas can

Red arrow’s technical and design support team share some of their most frequently asked questions on emergency lighting design and installation.

Emergency lighting is not needed in private dwellings or privately occupied spaces, like flats, but it is needed in communal areas and escape routes.

vary, depending on the lease. Changes to the premises that have been made by the leaseholder (for instance, partition walls) can also affect who is responsible, so it is worth advising your customers that they double check their terms and the date of their last risk assessment to make sure they have the correct emergency lighting in place.

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Does emergency lighting need to be kept on all the time?

No, but it does need to be connected to a power source at all times. Non-maintained emergency lights – powered by a battery that is charged by mains power – stay switched off until a power failure occurs.

Switch maintained lights are used as part of the ‘normal’ lighting system and can be switched on and off along with other fittings, but will switch on via their backup battery if power is disrupted.

Fully maintained lighting is kept on all of the time, either as part of the lighting design or illuminated signage, but this is an option as opposed to a requirement.

The important thing is that exit points, escape routes and other key areas are illuminated when they need to be, e.g., in case of a power failure or emergency.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Slim-line surface mounted emergency lights are now “available that won’t look out of place in most premises. ” Is recessed better than surface mounted?

Not necessarily. Surface mounted emergency lights might make you think of ugly, obtrusive fittings with bulky power packs, but battery technology has changed in recent years and slim-line surface mounted emergency lights are now available that won’t look out of place in most premises. Surface-mounted can be convenient, cost-effective, reliable and easy-to-install, especially if you want to minimise disruption to the premises or you are installing in an awkward space, like a listed building.

How long do emergency lights need to stay on for?

This depends on the building’s purpose and how long it will take to evacuate safely.

In buildings where occupants may not be able to evacuate immediately, like hotels, it

must remain on for at least three hours. In buildings that can be evacuated quickly and won’t need to be reoccupied right away, it can be as little as one hour. A risk assessment will outline the requirements for the project: your role is ensuring that the fittings you install are up to the task.

Do I need to install emergency lighting in a small or medium sized office or space?

Not necessarily, but it depends on more than just the size of the space. Regulations state that small rooms (12m2 or under) or medium sized rooms (60m2 or less) don’t need dedicated emergency lighting, unless a risk has been identified such as equipment that needs to be powered down safely. However, this changes if the office is used as part of an emergency escape route from another occupied part of the building.

Can I be held liable for an emergency lighting design?

Every building will have a ‘Responsible Person’ who is ultimately liable for the emergency lighting. This could be an individual – such as a building owner or facilities manager – or a limited company.

This ‘person’ is then responsible for making sure competent persons have been employed to carry out risk assessments, lighting design and installation. That said, should an emergency lighting installation go wrong, the designer of the installation could also find themselves at risk of being prosecuted for non-compliance, so it is vital to make sure you are confident in your design and that the right products are installed.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RED ARROW’S FREE LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB007

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TIMERS & CONTROLS

THINK

SMART W

hen the new energy price cap announced by energy regulator Ofgem came into force on 1st April, average energy bills increased by £693 to £1,971 a year - a rise of 54%. Now Ofgem has warned that the price cap is expected to hit £2,800 in October, meaning households will pay 42% more than they currently do. With heating and hot water accounting for around 50% of the total energy consumed in a typical UK home, householders are facing stark choices when it comes to managing their budgets and there is a sharp focus on the measures that can be taken to help reduce energy consumption and combat rising bills.

There is no shortage of advice out there on simple things that can be done in the home to cut energy usage, and the Energy Savings Trust has published a table showing the typical yearly savings that occupiers of an average three-bedroom gas heated home in Great Britain could make. Among the measures suggested are turning off lighting, switching off standby, draught-proofing gaps in doors and windows, taking a four-minute shower, washing at 30 degrees and not overfilling the kettle. The experts at The Energy Saving Trust also dispel the myth that it is cheaper to have the heating on low all day.

They say having the heating on only when

you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.

Understanding how their heating system is performing and how they can make small changes to improve its efficiency is another consideration for householders. It may be that installing new heating controls – timers, and thermostats – or replacing older models with more efficient ones, can help them have more control over when the heating should be on and what temperature the rooms should be. Research shows that few people really understand their heating controls and many simply just don’t use them. This is where installers, supported by manufacturers and wholesalers, can play a part in advising and educating consumers on the best products for their circumstances and how to use them.

Energy efficient heating ESP is constantly looking at ways to improve both its product offer and its service to customers. Last year the company made the decision to revamp its Sangamo Choice Plus heating and timer controls range, with the main aim of introducing features that assist with efficiency and performance and that ultimately drive down energy usage and costs.

Heating controls can be broken down into four main product categories – timer

24 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Households are facing huge hikes in energy bills as a result of the new price cap recently announced. Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager with Scolmore International, looks at some of the measures households can take to help reduce the impact, and has advice for wholesalers on the products they can access.

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TIMERS & CONTROLS

is suitable for electric, gas or oil systems. It allows control and monitoring of room temperature and thermostat activity from anywhere in the world, through the free to download app.

controls, thermostats, programmable thermostats and programmers – and Sangamo has a total of 15 products making up the range. ● Timer controls - designed for simplistic

On/Off manual or scheduled control for heating and lighting applications. ● Thermostats - designed for controlling heating systems via an electronic sensor. ● Programmable thermostats - designed for controlling heating applications via an electronic sensor or programmed schedule. All Sangamo thermostat products have been upgraded and now offer TPI (Time Proportional and Integral) control for heating efficiency. In addition, the programable thermostats include an optimisation feature; Optimum Start/Delay Start and Optimum Stop, for extra efficiency. ● Programmers - designed for heating and hot water controlled independently across separate channels via a programmed schedule.

Smart choice The evolution of smart technology has a key role to play in energy efficiency. It provides homeowners with a real opportunity to make conscious decisions about how they heat their homes and what effect this can have on their energy bills. A smart thermostat is something that installers can easily add to their customers’ home heating, allowing householders to control and monitor the room temperature and thermostat activity from anywhere in the world, via an app on a smartphone or tablet.

Sangamo’s Wi-Fi thermostat offers energy efficient programming and remote access via the Sangamo choice app. It is straightforward to install and operate and

Colour options Having made a significant investment to revamp its Sangamo timers and heating controls range last year, ESP has now expanded the Sangamo range further to introduce two additional new colour options across all products offered.

The full range of Sangamo Timer Controllers, Thermostats, Programmable Thermostats and Programmers is now all available in a choice of three colours, with silver and black added to the original white finish – taking the full range up to 30 individual product lines.

THE FULL RANGE OF SANGAMO TIMERS AND CONTROLS CAN BE FOUND AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB008

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TIMERS & CONTROLS

THE

TIME IS RIGHT Andy Douglas of Timeguard makes the case for broadening time control offerings.

T

he energy price spike has put time controllers for domestic and lighter commercial applications front and centre.

At the mid to high end of the market, investment in latest componentry and good product engineering enables manufacturers to pack a lot of extra functionality into compact units and means that you can keep broadening your offer.

Ranging from more-sophisticated timing options with easier programming for users, Wi-Fi control, integrated fused spur

protection, or a boost function for timed extra heating or lighting with no risk of accidentally leaving appliances switched on, there are plenty of options from trusted manufacturers, who also give you the added reassurance of branded quality and support. You’ll already be choosing your suppliers based on performance, reliability, product specifications and high quality as after all, no one wants returns after the sale, so why not see what else your trusted partners have to offer?

Extra features Between them, the 13A and 16A devices cover the majority of applications where energy saving time control is important to users. What we have seen in recent years is that expectations in the 16A market have been raised. It’s no longer going to be acceptable to settle for basic workhorse functionality, or just replace an older model like for like just because the site is industrial/commercial.

Timeguard has already added better, intuitive electronic time control and userfriendly features like neon indicators to its range of surface or flush mount controls, making it even easier to see the status of the time switch without having to get up

26 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

close to read the display. For programming and adjustments, large screen displays are also included with back lighting to help where the unit is installed in a dark corner.

The voltage free contacts option of all these time controllers can be used for switching external equipment such pumps or a lighting circuit. These are also a standard feature the switches we offer as direct replacements for round pattern switches that are still commonly found, enabling them to be replaced with devices adding new functionality without any major rewiring – no small consideration when contractors are managing project costs.

DIN rail and smart timing DIN rail mounted switches still seem to rank fairly low in mainstream wholesaler catalogues, but we see opportunities ahead as specifiers look for ways to add functionality and boost performance. As

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TIMERS & CONTROLS

part of the Theben group, Timeguard offers one of the widest ranges of single and multi-channel DIN rail mounted time switches, with the most popular available from stock in the UK .

We all need to be mindful, too, of the relentless progress towards truly smart, integrated and energy-efficient building control. It is no longer just for big projects where contractors and manufacturers deal direct, it’s fast becoming mainstream and a wholesaler revenue stream.

As the potential for profitability and more enjoyable work encourages more general installers to upskill, demand for smarter controls among your traditional customer base will inevitably rise.

Smart tech is relatively expensive to buy and stock, and installers are more likely to collect – and pay for it just in time. So, you’ll want a partner who enables you to be able to offer the right products and call them off as needed, and one who supports you with a positive market pricing policy to

help you retain that all important margin.

There are plenty of vested (proprietary) interests in the smart tech market, but our money is increasingly on the manufacturerindependent open system approach.

Here manufacturers collaborate to produce compatible controls that all speak the same language (KNX). Time control, by programmed timing or presence/absence

detection is the foundation of any smart control system and these are areas where Theben is an international market leader.

The Group has been a champion of the KNX standard which opens this market up to more participants – including your customer base – and in our own, UK-based Paul Foulkes we have one of the most experienced advocates who is doing a sterling job of helping to grow the market for you. Is it time to put your toe in the water?

We cannot predict how long this energy crisis will last but, as we brace for more price hikes in the Autumn, we can be sure that everyone will be trying to find new ways of cutting consumption, and that will aways start with better time control – across the board.

THE FULL RANGE OF TIMEGUARD TIME CONTROLLERS CAN BE FOUND HERE: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB009

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FIRE & SAFETY

GROUP

DECISION

F

ire alarm systems are broadly divided into two main groupings – ‘conventional’ fire alarm systems and analogue addressable ‘intelligent’ systems - with each type best suited to different kinds of premises.

Neil Baldwin of ESP looks at the different types of fire protection solutions available and highlights how ESP’s support for wholesalers and contractors goes way behind the supply of a comprehensive product range.

Conventional systems Conventional, or four-wire fire alarm systems have been traditionally used in smaller properties such as shops and restaurants. They work by dividing the building into a number of detection zones, with the detectors and call points within each zone hardwired on dedicated twocore cable to the control panel. There may be multiple detectors on a single zone.

A separate two-core, fire-protected cable for the alarm’s sounders is required as they are wired on different circuits. If a

detector is activated, the control panel identifies the circuit that contains the triggered device and so indicates the zone from which the fire alarm has originated, but the area then has to be manually searched to pinpoint the individual device.

Because the majority of conventional detectors are simple, two state devices they can only be in either a normal or fire condition. Although modern components and quality system design can play a part in reducing potential problems, it is not uncommon for conventional systems to

generate unwanted alarms.

As such, conventional systems are not suitable in large buildings which could potentially have over 50 zones in order to correctly protect the property to the prevailing industry standards. A conventional system would prove a costly and time consuming exercise.

Intelligent systems Addressable or ‘intelligent’ fire alarm systems overcome these limitations and are designed for large commercial premises and more complex networked systems. They are more expensive and more complicated than conventional four-wire systems, having increased flexibility, intelligence, speed of identification and scope of control.

In addressable systems, different types of initiating devices are wired in one or more single loops around the premises, requiring less cabling than conventional systems, with each detector or call point having its own unique address. The fire control panel receives information and status reports from each device and indicates its exact location if there is a fault, contamination or activation via smoke or heat detection. As these control panels have become more sophisticated and more powerful, they are capable of handling an increasing number of loops per panel and it is possible to network numerous panels together to increase the capacity.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2022 29

“

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FIRE & SAFETY

Two-wire technology Two-wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology.

However, unlike standard conventional four-wired systems where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits, the new intelligent two-wire technology allows all devices to be wired on the same set of twocore zone cables back to the control panel - enabling it to use a single circuit per zone both for detection and to power the sounders. This advanced technology can reduce both installation and material cost.

A range of solutions ESP’s extensive fire protection product range is broadly divided into two categories. The MAGDUO two-wire fire alarm system is aimed at small to medium contractors, offering them a highly flexible and adaptable system that will save them time and money on the installation process.

The MAGfire range covers conventional, or four-wire, fire alarm systems which have been traditionally used in smaller properties such as shops and restaurants, as well as addressable systems which are suitable for large commercial premises and more complex networked systems.

Free design service A dedicated ESP design service allows contractors to access a free of charge design facility that will cover fire systems as well as CCTV systems.

Available to any size of business, from local electricians to national contracting companies, the aim is to provide expertise in choosing the right products and solutions to create a scheme that meets all the requirements and objectives of the project in question, and that is compliant with all the relevant regulations and standards.

From an initial enquiry to discuss the requirements, the next stage will be one of information and measurements gathering.

For larger and more complex design schemes, a visit to site will be carried out for a detailed survey. With all the relevant information gathered, including drawings and specifications, a suitable design proposal for a fire system will be created and supplied to the client along with a

“

The commissioning service offered by ESP adds another dimension to the company’s fire protection offer.

”

quotation. Two-way interaction between customer and the ESP design team throughout the process will be of paramount importance to ensure the design scheme meets all the necessary requirements.

Fire commissioning service The commissioning service offered by ESP adds another dimension to the company’s fire protection offer. It is designed to ensure that all installed ESP systems operate correctly and are fully compliant with the latest BS5839-1 regulations. A qualified engineer will confirm that the system has reached the relevant British Standard and will issue a certificate on completion of the project prior to system handover. Dedicated ESP commissioning engineers are located throughout the UK to provide access to this new service to a wide-reaching audience.

BAFE Accreditation for ESP At the end of 2021, ESP added another string to its credentials bow, with the announcement that the company had been awarded BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) accreditation for its fire design service. BAFE is the independent registration body for Third Party Certified

30 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

fire safety service providers across the UK, and ESP now appears on the National BAFE Fire Safety Register.

BAFE manages and maintains a Scheme called BAFE SP203-1, which covers Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. This Scheme exists to deliver quality, independent evidence that providers – like ESP – are competent to deliver fire system designs for its fire detection and alarm systems.

ESP is only permitted to become BAFE Registered and appear on the national BAFE Fire Safety Register once the company holds the appropriate/valid ThirdParty Certification. ESP continues to meet the criteria of the relevant BAFE Scheme.

This establishes robust evidence of competency requirements that demonstrates the provider’s commitment to quality. It also provides assurances to ESP’s customers that the company will deliver a fire system design that complies with all the relevant British Standards.

Complete package With these latest developments, contractors can now take advantage of a full fire systems package from ESP, which gives them access to a free design service, a vast choice of products including the latest twowire systems, the new commissioning service, plus technical support from a team of qualified and experienced operators.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT ESP ON 01527 515150, EMAIL INFO@ESPUK.COM OR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB010

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HEATING

HEAT OF THE MOMENT Smart electric radiators can now take advantage of IoT to improve energy efficiency.

Salvatore Cirasuolo of IntelliHeat explains.

T

he Internet of Things, or IoT, is now being utilised by smart interface units to totally transform the way we reduce energy costs.

Using an open protocol IoT technology, smart electric radiators are right now improving heating efficiency, reducing energy costs, carbon emissions and simplifying installation for commercial clients and end users.

Revolutionary advance in technology A new generation of advanced electronic electric radiators, iSense is the very first heating system to use its own integral Wi-Fi connectivity to a cloud dashboard and also utilise 5G NB-IoT for totally remote connectivity that can be used by just one radiator and up to one thousand smart radiators, providing a superior efficiency network management and optimisation system.

For every commercial organisation dealing with the inefficiencies of maintaining and managing many properties or buildings, or large many roomed public buildings

(housing association, hotel, hospital, factory, school, university, or offices) this means users now have access to a highly reliable, low cost, two-way communication management platform that can be accessed by maintenance staff, from any web device, from wherever they are.

This means no more maintenance crews needed onsite, they can work from home, or from a head office in any city, via the Internet, to monitor and maintain the electric heating systems of all buildings, hotel rooms, shops, or offices without running from room to room and driving building to building, turning switches, and pressing buttons. This on its own will save massive costs and carbon emissions in travelling from site to site on motorways, wasted travel time, and risks of tiredness, staff sickness and accidents.

32 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

The future Our future will soon rely on having efficient interconnected systems that can be controlled from a distance, remotely using a tablet, laptop, or smart phone.

Just imagine all the problems caused by COVID where staff were unable to enter premises to maintain or repair systems. A buildings maintenance team can now identify any fault, alter controls, and turn radiators on, off, up, or down, from their own office using the MySense remote management portal.

This enables installers and maintenance teams operators to monitor performance and update settings for the entire heating installation, in all company buildings across the UK, or across all housing stock, or every ward in a large hospital, or every office in a large local authority building, without leaving their desk.

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HEATING Connectivity is king As well as commercial properties, our family homes, appliances, and electronics are now becoming more and more connected. We all know that a smart fridge can send out an automatic food order as you use and remove basic items.

Smart electric radiators are now helping families to reduce their consumption and reduce their bills. The smart electric radiators with MySense inbuilt energysaving features can reduce monthly electric bills using these processes: remote programming, connectivity and real-time monitoring, individual radiator temperature controls, door open and room occupation identification with automatic switch off technology.

For commercial maintenance teams, this also enable operators to optimise sitewide performance, driving low-cost operation, proactive maintenance, improved efficiency and reliability, reduction of carbon and of course vastly

improved customer service at no extra cost.

Technical benefits For companies and large corporations with multi-site buildings, or large numbers of rooms such as hotels, housing associations, hospitals, schools, factories, offices, and public buildings, the benefits of using MySense remote cloud management portal include:

with remote control enabling optimum energy efficient performance and enabling varying heating system conditions and individual requirements. ● Wi-Fi built-in. No need for any installation of hubs, boxes, bridges, wall monitors, zone boxes, different floor controllers, signal boosters, or anything to connect and send information to. ● Total Eco-Design verification compliance during initial heat system tuning and validation. ● Fast identification of errors remotely, often before interruption to service.

● Quick and efficient set up, commission

and performance verification of IntelliHeat electric radiators with other tertiary connected systems using the open protocol. ● Complete system open protocol transparency enables installers and operators to identify common energy consumption issues (this means you can turn off not only the radiators, but also the lights). ● Fully remote monitoring of all settings

The future is here; smart electric heating technology can automatically adjust settings to reduce energy consumption and energy bills, helping installers and specifiers deliver greener, high efficiency, low cost heating systems – it’s time to embrace the change.

TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MYSENSE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB011

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PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

SIGNIFY WATERPROOF LUMINAIRES

KNIPEX

Signify has announced the launch of the latest generation of the Pacific LED gen5 waterproof luminaire, a solution designed for optimal performance in the most demanding environments.

The luminaires have a robust and compact product architecture, with high water and dust protection (IP66), combined with a high degree of mechanical protection (IK08). Designed for use in industry and parking areas, the luminaire can manage potential stresses like humidity, high temperatures, and chemical fumes to ensure industrial operations can be carried out in a safe manner.

Furthermore, with the option to integrate into the interact wireless connected lighting system, enabling light management solutions, the Pacific LED gen5 can provide even greater energy savings, enhance employee safety and productivity.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB012

WRENCHES Pliers wrenches from KNIPEX are ideally suited for the gentle gripping, holding, pressing and bending of workpieces, with each one replacing an entire set of wrenches. Now available as a set of three tools, the practical hard-wearing polyester fabric tool roll protects the set and the hook-and-loop fastener keeps them within easy reach when you are working out on site or in a van.

The KNIPEX Pliers Wrench set (00 19 55 S6) contains three pliers wrenches of different sizes with slim, plasticcoated handles. The Set contains the Mini Pliers Wrench (86 03 125), a mini tool ideal for tight spaces, which grips all widths up to 23 mm and replaces a set of spanners – metric and imperial – and can be adjusted quickly and directly on the component at the push of a button.

The set also features 86 03 180, which caters for all gripping widths up to 40mm and the 86 03 250 for handling all gripping widths up to 52mm. For the electrician, these tools are also perfect for cable glanding.

FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE SETS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB014

MARTINDALE ELECTRIC TESTERS Martindale Electric’s NC Series of non-contact testers enable electricians and maintenance teams to quickly and safely identify live wiring and detect magnetic fields in a range of applications.

All models feature a bright LED torch at the point of measurement, together with both audible and visual indication, making them ideal for all types of work area including locations that are poorly lit and have a limited line of sight. The extended clear probe tip makes it easier to identify the source of the live voltage or magnetic field through improved access and brighter indication.

Both the NC2 non-contact voltage detector and the NC4 dual sensitivity non-contact voltage detector make it simple to detect the presence of AC voltages in cabling, sockets and connectors. The sensitivity of the NC2 has been optimised for 230V single and 3 phase systems making it ideal for identifying and tracing live mains cables in trunking and connectors.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB013

34 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

TIMEGUARD IN-LINE CONTROLLER Now you can offer your customers full wi-fi control of exterior lighting and outdoor appliances, using Timeguard’s new IP66 weatherproof in-line controller.

Simply install the WF10 WiFi Outdoor Controller within range of the home router to extend app-based control to outdoor devices. All can then be controlled by a smartphone or tablet using the free, global TuyaSmart App, which also offers voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google. Setting daily, weekly or countdown timing is straightforward, as is manual override.

With 10A (2300W) switching, this neat device will provide an easy-install solution for touchscreen and voice control of most outdoor electrical installations. Installation is easy with large terminals and two PG11 cable glands are included.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB015

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PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

ANSELL LIGHTING COMMERCIAL LIGHTING Ideal for commercial spaces where visual comfort is key, Ansell Lighting has unveiled two new low-glare additions to its commercial range. Volo CCT Recessed Modular and Humber Suspended Linear have both been designed to deliver a UGR<19 rating when installed at typical heights and spacings, controlling the risk of glare and visual discomfort being caused to occupants of the building.

Suitable for spaces where both ambient and task lighting is required from one source, Volo is a high performance direct/indirect luminaire that delivers optimum output. An alternative solution to the classic panel fitting, the architectural LED emits direct light from a central micro-prism diffuser alongside indirect output from the side diffuser sections.

The latest addition to Ansell Lighting’s linear range, Humber is a design-led, modern suspension light featuring a slim, black powder coated, aluminium profile.

SANGAMO CONTROLS ESP made a significant investment in its Sangamo timers and heating controls last year to revamp the entire range and introduce key features that would help boost the products’ energy saving properties. Now Sangamo has expanded the range further to introduce two additional new colour options across all products offered, and in doing so becomes the first company to offer a choice of colours across its traditional timers and controls product range.

The full range of Sangamo Timer Controllers, Thermostats, Programmable Thermostats and Programmers is now all available in a choice of three colours, with silver and black added to the original white finish – taking the full range up to 30 individual product lines. ESP believes this will satisfy a fast-growing demand among end users and building owners for a departure from the usual white finish to add a more stylish look to an interior setting.

VIEW THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB018

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANSELL’S INDUSTRIAL RANGE, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB016

LEDVANCE UNICRIMP

LED LIGHTING

Unicrimp continues to expand its comprehensive range of cable accessories and has just added three new products – Nylon Meter Tail Glands, Saddle Bar Spacers and Catenary Kits. The new 32mm and 40mm White Nylon Meter Tail Glands with Plug have been added to Unicrimp’s Q-Crimp Nylon Glands offering. They are designed to house incoming cables on a metal consumer unit and provide the ideal solution to house incoming cables requiring entry through a 32mm or 40mm knockout.

20mm and 25mm white metal Saddle Bar Spacers have been added to the Q-Fire range. They are the perfect solution for providing support and spacing between conduits and mounting surface.

Having introduced Catenary Wire and accessories to its Q-Crimp portfolio last year, Unicrimp has now added Catenary Kits to the range – bringing all the essential items together in one handy kit form to aid installers.

LEDVANCE has extended its range of LED products for sophisticated industrial lighting solutions. The range of sensor luminaires, flex luminaires and compacts are designed with high IP ratings, easy installation fittings and long lifetimes for demanding applications where the quality of light is crucial not only for good production results but also for health and safety. They are suitable for damp environments and high ceilings of up to 12m, in areas including warehouses, supermarkets, logistics halls and underpasses.

The upgraded damp proof sensor luminaire allows for swift installation with simple five way wiring to establish a network of intelligent luminaires, based on the leaderfollower or leader-leader principle. Toggle switches provide quick configuration of sensor detection areas, hold times and daylight threshold. The luminaire has an impressive efficiency of 139lm/W and its IP65 protection makes it suitable for a range of environments including underpasses, garages and car parks.

VIEW THE FULL RANGE OF CABLE ACCESSORIES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB017

FOR FURTHER PRODUCT INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB019

CABLE ACCESSORIES

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PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

PEW takes a look at the most sought-after products from recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine to give you an insight into your key customers’ buying behaviour.

TIMEGUARD WI-FI CONTROLLED FUSED SPUR TIMER Timeguard has introduced a Wi-Fi controlled version of its popular energy saving fused spur timers.

This smart device is fitted with a 13A replaceable fuse, so it can be wired in as direct replacements for the basic fused spurs that are already installed alongside the big energy guzzlers in the home. They continue to provide essential fuse protection as well as offering full range of time control options. The FSTWiFiTU is operated using the global TuyaSmart App, as used across the Timeguard Wi-Fi range of smart home controls and half a million other devices from manufacturers all over the world.

As well as basic on/off programming, the Timeguard FSTWiFiTU offers countdown and boost functions, all at the touch of a button through the Tuya App.

BG ELECTRICAL EVOLVE WIRING ACCESSORIES Designed with a slim and screwless profile, the new Evolve range complements any modern interior with a sleek, stylish and minimalist appearance. Evolve is available in traditional and contemporary stocked finishes, including pearlescent white, brushed steel, matt black, matt grey, dark blue, black chrome, satin brass and copper, with a wide range of extended finishes also available. The range offers a complete portfolio of decorative wiring accessories, suitable for all domestic or commercial applications, including 30W Type C fast charge USBs, Wi-Fi extenders, new touch and push dimmers and wide rocker switches.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB020

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB022

CED ELECTRICAL

SCOLMORE

AIRMASTER A/C UNITS

WIRING ACCESSORIES CATALOGUE

Airmaster leads the way with its comprehensive offering of cooling products – from desk and floor fans to portable Aircon units – all BS certified, CE approved and Lot 20 compliant. The three-speed premium range of oscillating units includes 9, 12 and 16 inch table fans, 16 inch pedestal and tower fans plus wall mounted pull-cord and 18 inch high velocity floor standing options. Decorative designs are available with 16 inch pedestal or 12 inch desk fans in a chrome antique finish, whilst a two-speed 6 inch clip-on fan completes the range. Alongside this offering is a similar economy range of table and pedestal fans with the addition of remote controlled wall and pedestal units. Finally, Airmaster boasts three portable air-conditioning units, with 9000 BTU, 12000 BTU standard and compact options – all with cooling fan, dehumidifier and variable speed settings.

Scolmore has launched its biggest and most comprehensive wiring accessories catalogue to date.

Containing nearly 25% more content than the previous version, Issue 13 brings together all products in the extensive Click range, including the latest major new product addition – the Elucian by Click Consumer Units range - into one, easy to access reference guide. Available to download from the Scolmore website, the new 704-page catalogue provides wholesalers, contractors and specifiers with a valuable, indepth resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects. The catalogue is rich in product and technical information and features every product from each range that Click covers and incorporates all the latest additions that have been developed to meet the growing demand in the marketplace.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB021

BROWSE AND DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB023

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2022 37

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PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

ROBUS

M2 ELECTRICAL

ULTIMUM RANGE

RCD PROTECTED SOCKET OUTLETS

When installing downlights to recessed spaces, it’s necessary to use fire rated downlights to ensure your area is safe and secure.

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

WATCH A PROMOTIONAL VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB024

WISKA BRACEFITTING The demands placed on cable protection products are justifiably high. Along with protection against external conditions such as the temperature, dirt and impact, handling must remain simple and convenient. WISKA’s Brace system meets these demands with conduits and fittings – metallic and non-metallic. The Brace system protects against mechanical movement, vibration, water, electromagnetic radiation, hot and cold temperatures and acids, alkali and sand. A key part of the system, the WISKA BraceFITTING is a unique product that many engineers have been waiting for: a sophisticated closure system and IP68 as standard are just two of the benefits that installers will love. The product is available in three variations.

WATCH A PRODUCT DEMO VIDEO AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB025

38 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Three new RCD protected socket outlets are now available in the M2 Electrical range of wiring accessories. All three are 13A 2-gang Type A passive (do not need to be re-set following power outage) and incorporate double pole switches. The white moulded stylish flush fitting socket is designed to retrofit any standard 2-gang socket in installations where perhaps no RCD devices exist. When supplied in the weatherproof M2 Easy Seal enclosure the unit provides IP66 ingress protection and is ideal to offer more local protection on potentially hazardous equipment outdoors. Finally, there is the surface mount 2-gang socket with a durable steel face plate and box for use in garages and workshops.

BROWSE THE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB026

HELLERMANNTYTON PREMIUM CAST RESIN CABLE JOINTS HellermannTyton has launched a premium line of cast resin cable joints in its RELICON brand.

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

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB027

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A look at the latest display solutions to help you increase your in-store purchases.

A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

I

n 2021, LINIAN launched its first range of fast-moving wholesale stock profiles and point-of-sale slat wall displays. Since then, the company took on board feedback from its growing network of wholesale stockists and made some changes to the recommended profile and layout of

the display.

The new 2022 edition of the point-of-sale display has been reduced to 800mm x 1100mm size, while maintaining the essential information installers need, and fitting even more fastmoving LINIAN products on. With the introduction of this new packaging, LINIAN stockists will be able to fit a further 20% of the newly packaged products onto their in-store point of sale displays.

Want to join the LINIAN stockist community?

Contact the LINIAN sales team to get your free point of sale display with a fastmoving stock profile and avail of other great stockist benefits including a website stockist map listing, welcome pack, digital media pack and more.

Orders@linianclip.co.uk 0141 465 4858 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT LINIAN WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB028

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Steve Boggis, Trade Business Unit Director for FireAngel, discusses why electrical wholesalers should be stocking and recommending interlinked smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) systems, in line with the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard, to support professional installers in successfully future-proofing properties by achieving the highest possible standards of protection.

F

ollowing parliamentary approval of the government’s proposals to extend the requirements for domestic smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in response to the findings of its Domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarm consultation, the legislative updates aim to achieve greater consistency for all types of rental properties throughout England.

Whilst FireAngel agrees these regulatory changes are a much needed step forward in ensuring consistency throughout all type of English rental properties, we believe that if the recommendations of the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard were applied to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a significant number of lives would be saved.

We are therefore encouraging electrical wholesalers across the entire UK to stock and recommend systems that comply with these requirements.

Enforced in February 2022, the

living purposes, such as the living room.

A CO alarm must be installed in every room where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire or stove.

An additional smoke alarm must also be fitted in every circulation space on each storey, including hallways and landings, whilst a heat alarm should be installed in each kitchen. To comply with the latest regulations, all smoke and heat alarms should be ceiling mounted, long-life and interlinked. regulations affect all types of Scottish households, requiring them to have an interlinked fire and smoke alarm system.

This must be supported by adequate carbon monoxide (CO) protection if there is a flue-burning appliance or flue present within the property.

Any existing alarms must also be reviewed under the new guidance to ensure they meet the revised criteria. In order to achieve compliance, a property must have one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general

40 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Intelligent interlinking Under the new regulations, both mains-powered or 10 year sealed long-life lithium battery powered alarms are suitable, as long as they facilitate either hardwired or wireless interlinking.

The mains-powered smoke and heat alarms must comply with a Grade D1 Specification, whilst the battery powered smoke and heat alarms must meet the requirements of a Grade F1 Specification.

One of the most important aspects of the legislation is the interlinking of smoke, heat and CO alarms throughout key locations of a property. The interlinking of these devices plays a central role in achieving the earliest possible warning of a fire, as by meshing multiple devices together onto a private network, when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

This achieves the fastest possible alert of a potential fire or CO event, as every device on the network will mimic the chirp of the smoke or CO alarm, depending on the danger that has been identified. This level of protection can be cost-effectively accomplished through the installation of Smart RF compatible mains and

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battery-powered devices, as by fitting a Smart RF Radio Module into each device, either upon initial installation or at a later date, every alarm can be wirelessly interlinked together in an instant.

By choosing devices that feature connected technologies, the system can also be continuously extended and upgraded to include additional safety products, when required, to provide the highest possible levels of protection, particularly for vulnerable individuals who present the greater potential risk.

Connecting the dots The addition of Smart RF technology enables a Connected Gateway to be added to an existing network to provide remote real time monitoring of every alarm on the network. Device data can be accessed via a free app, which can send optional notifications regarding the system’s status to the homeowner, landlord or other nominated individual. This provides transparent and consistent clarity regarding the level of protection installed throughout a domestic property in relation to the risk level of the individual residing within it.

From a contractor’s perspective, this interconnectivity enables professionals to document the completion of each installation phase and validate the overall installation, as information can be instantly logged via the wireless network. By taking a photograph of each completed installation, the images can be wirelessly uploaded to a centralised platform to generate immediate sign off, which subsequently produces a certification of fire legislative compliance, in accordance with BS 5839-6.

This intelligent process of confirmation eradicates any requirement for paper-based data capture, ensuring each installation has been adequately assessed for competence and validated to ensure the maximum levels of detection have been achieved, completely revolutionising approaches to documentation and verification.

FireAngel is proactively supporting wholesalers in assisting installers in meeting the requirements of the updated Scottish Tolerable Standard, regardless of whether the property is in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland, through the supply of dedicated sales support and guidance for its Specification Range of smoke, heat and CO alarms. This includes bespoke point of sale and FSDUs, combined with specific sales and training collateral.

FOR INFORMATION ON FIREANGEL’S COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO OF SMOKE, HEAT AND CO SAFETY SOLUTIONS AND HOW THEY WIRELESSLY INTERLINK WITH FIREANGEL SPECIFICATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB029 OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SPECIFICATION MANAGER WWW.RDR.LINK/WAB030

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information Aico Ltd ........................................................................ (page 31) www.rdr.link/WAB100

Metrel UK ....................................................................... (page 7) www.rdr.link/WAB111

CED .............................................................................. (page 25) www.rdr.link/WAB101

Olson Electronics Ltd ................................................. (page 36) www.rdr.link/WAB112

Cee Norm UK .............................................................. (page 41) www.rdr.link/WAB102

Ovia Lighting ............................................................... (page 19) www.rdr.link/WAB113

C-TEC Ltd .................................................................... (page 33) www.rdr.link/WAB103

Pitacs Ltd. (Ultraheat) ................................................. (page 8) www.rdr.link/WAB114

Deligo Limited ............................................................... (page 3) www.rdr.link/WAB104

Schneider Electric Ind SA ..................................... (page 2,IFC) www.rdr.link/WAB115

Electro Wind Ltd ........................................................... (page 5) www.rdr.link/WAB105

Scolmore International Ltd .......................................... (page 4) www.rdr.link/WAB116

Elite Security Products Ltd ........................................ (page 27) www.rdr.link/WAB106

SEVADIS ........................................................................ (page 9) www.rdr.link/WAB117

FireAngel Safety Technology Ltd .............................. (page 11) www.rdr.link/WAB107

Stearn Electric Co.Ltd ................................................. (page 13) www.rdr.link/WAB118

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd ......................... (page 44, OBC) www.rdr.link/WAB108

Switchtec Ltd .............................................................. (page 39) www.rdr.link/WAB119

Illumino Ignis .............................................................. (page 28) www.rdr.link/WAB109

Unicrimp Ltd ............................................................... (page 23) www.rdr.link/WAB120

Intalite .......................................................................... (page 21) www.rdr.link/WAB110

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