Professional Electrician & Installer December 2022

Editor

RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville co uk

Digital Manager

REBECCA MCGEOCH email: rmcgeoch@hamerville co uk

Digital Assistant ADAM ROBERTS email: aroberts@hamerville co uk

Advertisement Manager

ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville co uk

Assistant Advertisement Manager

IAN TURNER email: ianturner@hamerville co uk

Design

ADEEL QADRI

Production Assistant KERRI SMITH

Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT

Distribution Manager

KARL CLARK

Managing Editor TERRY SMITH

Printed by: WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH

Published by:

HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP

Regal House, Regal Way, Watford Herts WD24 4YF Tel: 01923 237799 Fax: 01923 246901 Email: pe@hamerville co uk

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN is the business journal for the electrical contracting industry It is available to the trade at leading electrical wholesalers throughout the UK © 2022

Editor’s Viewpoint

We c o u l d a l l l e n d a n e a r t o s o m e o n e n e a r

When we consider the roller coaster of the 12 months that have just passed, is it any wonder that mental health experts are clamouring to remind us all of the help and support that is available at this time of year?

As we enter the end of a year that, at best, could be described as ‘turbulent’ it's fair to say that there is a lot of concern in the air for what the future might hold.

Nonetheless the Christmas period provides many of us with the chance to be around those we cherish and love the most and to at least put any worries that lie ahead to the back of our minds for a few days at least

It should also be remembered that there are many individuals out there who might not be so lucky. For a growing number of those employed in construction this time of year is often shrouded in darkness and bleak thoughts from which there appears no respite or escape

Money worries, family issues, feelings of isolation and loneliness are just some of the issues that can all be heightened. Tragically, around 4,500 people take their own lives in England, and suicide is now firmly established as the leading cause of death for men under the age of 42

Right now, one in six workers in the UK is suffering from the effects of debilitating depression, anxiety or stress, but such is the stigma attached to this illness, that rather than actively seek help, some are choosing to take their own lives.

Within our own sector, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has done a

tremendous job at raising awareness and offering support, while many selfless electrical professionals continue to fund raise and offer a supportive ear to those who most need it.

Clearly it's been another difficult year for everyone, but this period has also helped many to reflect upon the things in their lives that are most valuable namely family, friends and loved ones

For those that aren't fortunate enough to have such pillars of stability available to them in what is likely to be an extremely testing time, please keep an eye out for them and make sure they seek help if you suspect they're suffering.

We’re looking to provide a bit of Christmas cheer in this month’s issue as we’ve got an absolute sack full of prizes to be won in our Xmas Giveaways section (starts on page 21), plus we take the time to crown the annual winners of PE's Top Product Awards (starts on page 47).

Enjoy the issue, have a decent Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you all again in 2023!

Richard B o wler

“For those that aren’t fortunate enough to have such pillars of stability available to them in what is likely to be an extremely testing time, please keep an eye out for them...”

City & Guilds acquires Trade Skills 4U

City & Guilds has announced the acquisition of Trade Skills 4U from private equity firm Palatine

Established in 2005, Trade Skills 4U delivers a wide range of training and assessment in the electrical sector including Skills Bootcamps, Apprenticeships and City & Guilds accredited qualifications Courses are delivered via training centres across the country, including Gatwick, Leeds, Coventry and Warrington, and also via a range of online programmes

Trade Skills 4U strengthens City & Guilds’ offer across engineering, construction, and transport, following the acquisition of rail training company Intertrain in November 2019. It also supports City & Guilds’ responsible business agenda, with Trade Skills 4U already delivering a suite of green skills training to support individuals in living and working more sustainably

With significant skills gaps across the country, City & Guilds’ Great Jobs research published earlier this year revealed there will be 3 1 million essential job openings in industries, including construction, engineering and transport in the next five years There is substantial demand for skills development in these key industries to meet this demand. By combining the strengths of both City & Guilds and Trade Skills 4U, they will deliver electrical training that supports the workforce to ensure efficient and safe

The Electrical Safety Roundtable Above and Beyond Awards (ABA) are now open for entries

The ABA, created by the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) in the Workplace group, aim to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond their legal duty and strive to enhance and improve electrical safety within the workplace.

The awards are open to all individuals and organisations with a notable interest in electrical safety and will be judged on evidence from the past 24 months. The ABA provide a great opportunity to share best practice and promote electrical safety, gain recognition, and provide clients and customers with confidence in products and services. Entry categories include:

l Product of the year

l Electrical Safety Initiative of the year

l Changemaker of the year

l Derek Thompson Industry Service Award

Paul Meenan, Chair of the ESR in the Workplace group, said: “Enhancing electrical safety is the ESR’s key mission and these awards will provide a great chance to showcase organisations and individuals’ efforts to enhance electrical safety and

K i r s t i e D o n n e l l y M B E , C h i e f E xe c u t i v e o f C i t y & G

i l

a i d : " Tr a d e S k i l l s 4 U i s j o i n i n g t h e C i t y & G u i l d s c o m m u n i t y a t a c r i t i c a l t i m e a s t h e U K g r a p p l e s w i t h s e v e r e s k i l l s s h o r t a g e s Tr a d e S k i l l s 4 U p r i d e s i t s e l f o n i n c l u s i v i t y a n d r e m o v i n g b a r r i e r s t o w o r k , e n s u r i n g i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m a l l w a l k s o f l i f e c a n a c c e s s h i g h q u a l i t y s k i l l s t r a i n i n g t h a t l e a d s t o m e a n i n g f u l c a r e e r s . T h i s p e r f e c t l y a l i g n s t o o u r C i t y & G u i l d s p u r p o s e o f h e l p i n g p e o p l e i n t o j o b s a n d , b y c h a m p i o n i n g t h i s t o g e t h e r, w e c a n e n s u r e t h a t w e a r e f u r t h e r p r o v i d i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d t h e s k i l l s n e e d e d t o s u c c e e d ”

hopefully inspire others

“These Awards are an opportunity to share lessons learned, to work collectively to improve safety and ultimately ensure that when a loved one leaves home for work, they then return safe and sound to their family at the end of their working day or night ”

The Above and Beyond Awards are open for entries now and close on the 13th January 2023 Winners will then be announced in February

practice in homes, places of work and societies

u

d s , s

BT has announced Checkatrade as one the latest businesses to join its partnership network, aimed at helping the UK’s smallest and fledgling firms grow.

Specifically designed for micro businesses with up to five employees, BT’s partnership network delivers perks to customers across broadband, mobile, connected devices, and digital marketing, plus other forms of support aimed at helping businesses grow The Checkatrade partnership focuses on business mobile plans, tailored to help businesses operate on the move. While the offers will change regularly, initially they include:

l Checkatrade members can get discounts on mobile business plans, complete with uncapped speeds across all mobile business plans, plus benefits such as roaming abroad and easy to claim VAT through invoicing direct to your business.

l Checkatrade members will have access to EE’s range of exclusive Smart Benefits to boost their business. EE’s Roam Abroad Smart Benefit lets members use their EE plan in

Europe and more destinations like the US and Australia with no extra charges.

l Other benefits include Apple Music, Video Data Pass, BT Sport Ultimate, Microsoft 365 Personal or 500 international minutes to call Europe and Business Zone countries from the UK

In addition to the offers that have been recently announced, Barclaycard business customers can also claim cashback when they use their card to pay for BT and EE products, as part of a joint commitment to give the UK’s smallest firms the benefits and boosts they need to grow

JTL has recently opened five new training centres.

All five of the new JTL centres are now actively recruiting apprentices at locations in Hull, Worthing, Eastbourne, Norwich and Telford All sites deliver JTL apprenticeships in electrical engineering with the sites in Hull and Norwich also offering apprenticeships in plumbing and heating

JTL works with employers to provide the training to support their apprentices with off the job learning and the knowledge elements of their apprenticeship programme, including both classroom and practical workshop learning, as well as monitoring and assessing apprentices in the workplace

The organisation also supports the apprenticeship process in matching learners with a local employer, providing a dedicated training officer and supplying each learner with a free toolkit and study books

Employers that take on JTL apprentices receive assistance with the hiring process, guidance on the financial support available to them, and the management of the apprentice’s continued performance via the dedicated training officer

@proelectrician professionalelectrician pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

A project fighting social isolation in Walton on Thames, Surrey has been revealed as the winner of the Ansell Lighting Shine A Light campaign.

Elmbridge Community Eco Hub, which provides a multi functional safe space and range of community minded activities, secured a huge 40% of the public vote and will now receive a lighting installation prize worth up to £5k from Ansell

The campaign, which aimed to recognise and reward the work of community organisations that provide vital support and services, received nominations from across the country and attracted more than 3,000 votes for the shortlisted projects

The Elmbridge Community Eco Hub is a not for profit, volunteer led organisation started by Mick Tumilty, who originally came up with idea of having a Library of Things, where people could borrow tools and equipment they didn’t own themselves. But he also wanted to foster a greater community spirit, reduce social isolation and try to reduce waste

Since the Hub opened in a 200 year old former stable block just eight months ago it has had 6,000 visitors pass through the door and is run by a dedicated team of 60 volunteers The initiatives now include a very successful community fridge; regular repair café; seed bank; book, boardgame and jigsaw swaps; skill share and litter picking sessions, plus a huge community garden

But the lighting in the Hub is old and ineffective consisting of just one tube light and Mick is also keen to introduce lighting in the community garden so it can be used for longer and more safely

Mick said: “The Hub has been a huge success so far and we have great ambitions to continue to develop our offering But the

inadequate lighting means currently we have to close at 4pm and the garden can only be used or worked on in daylight hours

“Winning Shine A Light will transform what we can offer and when, and really support our future plans As an Eco organisation, having green, energy efficient lighting will be amazing and we are so grateful to everyone who supported us and voted for us ”

Elmbridge, which beat off competition from Spark Community Space, in Southsea, Portsmouth, Cleethorpes Band in North East Lincolnshire and From Tiny Seeds Community Interest Company in Holmfirth, Huddersfield, will now receive a lighting consultation and design from Ansell’s team of experts, Ansell products and a contribution of up to £2,000 towards installation by an approved electrician

KNIPEX has launched its famous Christmas promotion (87 00 100 XMAS) for 2022, featuring the incredible Cobra XS inside a festive ornament!

White stars on a red background adorn the festive decorative packaging and hidden inside is a mini version of the popular water pump pliers, measuring just 100 mm! The perfect gift for the KNIPEX tool enthusiast in your life, the Limited Edition set contains the popular 100 mm (4”) KNIPEX Cobra XS Water Pump Pliers (87 00 100) in a custom KNIPEX metal ornament The tool features 11 adjustment positions, 24 mm (1”) jaw capacity and one handed quick adjustment Its slim profile means it is perfect for use in tight spaces, while a pinch guard prevents operators’ fingers being injured The high quality, metal decorative bauble has a diameter of 120 mm and is delivered in an equally festive gift box.

You will need to act quickly if you want to get your hands on

@proelectrician professionalelectrician pe@hamerville.co.uk Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24

ESR and TrustMark Reporting Tool continues to prove a success

(C1) hazard A C1 hazard poses an immediate threat to life Pleasingly, in all but one case where a C1 hazard was discovered, it was immediately reported to the occupier or landlord Responders also submitted photographs of the unsafe work unearthed in addition to the forms which illustrate some truly shocking situations

Simon Ayers, CEO of TrustMark, commented on the tool's success: “The ongoing data collected continues to underline the need for improving the quality and standards of electrical installation work in homes across the UK, along with enhanced consumer protection Having a simple tool to enable homeowners, householders, and electricians alike to report unsafe electrical work means that these issues can be highlighted to help tackle key areas of skills, knowledge, and training ”

The Electrical Safety Roundtable and TrustMark Reporting Tool for unsafe electrical work is still continuing to make a difference almost a year after its launch.

Following a unique collaboration between the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) and TrustMark, a tool for reporting unsafe and non compliant electrical work was launched in January of this year. It allows electricians and homeowners/householders to report unsafe and non compliant electrical work via a simple online form Individuals from across Great Britain have used the form to help fill a data gap on the quality of electrical installations in homes

According to data collected over the past nine months, 68% of instances of unsafe electrical work reported were found in owner occupied dwellings, while 28% were found in privately rented dwellings This statistic illustrates a high level of risk in an area which currently has no legislation requiring electrical safety checks at specified times. The reporting tool results add weight to the wider campaigning within the industry in relation to enhancing electrical safety standards in the owner occupier sector.

Worryingly, 27% of all faults identified by electricians were classified as a Category 1

Chris Pack, Chair of the ESR in the Home group, said: “The reporting form is an excellent addition to our arsenal for improving electrical safety standards in homes across the UK. Gathering data to quantify the need for change is critical to enacting reform This easily accessible reporting tool allows for simple reporting of unsafe or non compliant electrical work, and we encourage anyone who uncovers unsafe or non compliant electrical work in their homes to use it.”

The tool's accompanying campaign has received positive feedback from the industry, with over 6,600 views to date, and is supported by key industry players such as NAPIT, BEAMA, and LABC The results will continue to be monitored and analysed to help achieve the goal of improving electrical safety standards and consumer safety

The ESR is encouraging all electricians, homeowners, and tenants to continue to use this tool to report instances of unsafe electrical installation work they come across, to help build a better picture of the current level of electrical safety within homes throughout Great Britain

@proelectrician professionalelectrician pe@hamerville co uk Professional Electrician, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24

TURBULENT TIMES” “WE CAN TACKLE THESE

During the pandemic, the word ‘unprecedented’ was deployed regularly to describe the events and challenges before us This autumn/winter, it seems that ‘turbulence’ has been getting similar billing

Back on 23 September, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng delivered his fiscal statement the now infamous ‘mini budget’.

Of course, we now know that not only was it Kwasi Kwarteng’s first but remarkably, also his last fiscal statement When the mini budget was announced, some economists called it the ‘biggest political roll of the dice in decades ’ Rather abruptly we were reminded, lest anyone had forgotten, that the key markets are highly averse to big, unfunded surprises

As we moved through October we saw the installation of a new Chancellor, U turns on virtually every signature mini budget proposal that wasn’t already going through Parliament, and a PM’s resignation There is still, of course, the prospect of further important changes in the weeks and months ahead, under new PM, Rishi Sunak

Budgetary interventions

It’s worth noting that while ECA generally welcomed the business related interventions in September’s mini budget, we were critical of the initial proposal to reverse the recent IR35 reforms This was because many Member businesses tell us that they really do not need see sawing business policies, and even less so when they have invested in the policy change already Astonishingly, by

mid October we all learned that the IR35 reforms will stay after all.

Elsewhere in what else remains of the mini budget at least for now ECA supports bringing onshore wind consents and planning ‘in line with other infrastructure to allow easier deployment in England’ Even so, recent government smoke signals about making it harder to deploy solar on hitherto PV suitable farmland were not encouraging for those advocating clean energy.

Remarkably, PV installers found an unexpected ally in former Business Secretary, Jacob Rees Mogg, who apparently rejected telling farmers what they can and cannot do with their land But continual political, policy and economic turbulence is only the backdrop to the day to day reality of conducting an

Rob Driscoll, ECA Director of Legal and Business, looks at the ways in which the electrical industry will need to plot a course to overcome the difficulties that we’re currently facing.

engineering services business, of whatever size

But as we know, our industry is also faced with persistent and underlying business and supply chain challenges ECA Members tell us they are very concerned about the long term outlook, as businesses struggle with rising costs, and with recruiting skilled labour.

Ongoing inflationary pressure

Over the past 12 months inflation in the engineering services marketplace was caused mainly by demand exceeding pre pandemic levels The sector worked hard to recover from the impact of the pandemic and to meet customer needs However, global pressures are now firmly behind UK and international inflation.

While the pound moves around in periods of financial uncertainty, a sustained depreciation would further increase many material prices in a sector that has already experienced well over 20% price inflation

Directly, the price of imported construction products (such as steel, copper, aluminium, and anything using semi conductors) would undergo further price increases In addition, attempts to switch to UK product sourcing, though laudable, may be ineffective if these products rely on overseas materials and components which may in turn be expensive or in short supply

On a global level, fuel and energy is often priced in USD and a depreciating

pound would add further to already sky high operational energy prices that are affecting everyone

Higher interest rates

Sharp rises in interest rates affect lending costs and mortgages when, due to inflation, real household income is falling. The market is said to expect interest rates to rise to around 6% The result is rising finance costs and inflation, reducing demand in the housing market (both prices and transactions), and house building (the largest construction sector) Various published forecasts predict that national house prices may fall by 8% or so in 2023

A fall in demand for housebuilding may be extremely hard and sharp. As household incomes struggle to cope with rising energy bills and stagnated real income due to double digit inflation, the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement sector (the 2nd largest market in construction) will struggle Output has been falling since March and noting output in the sector in July was still 15 5 per cent higher than pre pandemic, it may have a long way further to fall.

Commercial (offices, retail, leisure the 4th largest construction sector) is reliant on large, upfront investment (often from international investors) for a long term rate of return that is now under threat Investors have become risk averse to major investment in commercial towers when costs are also spiralling

So, we can reasonably expect that

various projects will be paused (for repricing), pushed back, or cancelled Theoretically, infrastructure should be the least affected as the key finance (central government/local authorities and regulated sector firms) is more stable

However, sharp cost rises mean that, with constraints in November 2021’s three year Spending Review and five year spending plans for regulated sectors, we should expect expenditure but a fall in volume In the medium term, we might see projects pushed back into the next spending round, due to lack of finance. Meanwhile, local authorities, already financially constrained, may well see cutting new projects as a way to divert finances towards rising operational, repair and maintenance costs

Growth concerns

None of this will help to realise the current UK mantra of achieving growth Nor does it bode well for the pipeline of work for the construction and maintenance sectors. Much of what happens next will be driven by global factors in addition to the government’s latest fiscal strategy but the actions of government, including government as client, will still be highly significant for our sector

ECA continues its representational efforts with government and our key industry stakeholders on behalf of our sector. In addition, we provide all ECA Members with access to free, experienced and highly relevant operational information and advice

“While the pound moves around in periods of financial uncertainty, a sustained depreciation would further increase many material prices in a sector that has already experienced well over 20% price inflation.”

Th e r e v o l u t i o n a r y a n d a w a r d w i n n i n g i C a n 7 5 f i r e r a t e d G U 1 0 d o w n l i g h t b y A l l L E D h a s r e m a i n e d a t t h e f o r e f r o n t o f t h e l i g h t i n g i n d u s t r y s i n c e i t s l a u n c h T h e o r i g i n a l a n d u n i q u e i n n o v a t i o n w a s d e s i g n e d i n t h e U K a n d t o o k o v e r t w o y e a r s t o d e v e l o p f r o m o r i g i n a l s ke t c h t o f i n a l p r o d u c t .

The innovative twist and lock body allows all 12 bezels (fixed, adjustable and IP65) to be installed on the same fire rated body This not only optimises stock for the electrical wholesaler, but also saves time and worry for the installer giving full flexibility to change the units’ desired look without any difficulty Yes, that’s right, one hole saw for the entire lot, one round of

first fix the bodies are all the same and are fully universal

Keeping a low profile

The iCan75 is also shallow void compliant and an insulation coverable cap accessory is available where required The iCan75 boasts one of the lowest profile and slimmest range of bezels with four elegant colours to choose from, all expertly finished to offer stunning aesthetics even for those really high end jobs

Colours to choose from are Polar White and Carbon Black (powder coated), Polished Chrome and Satin Nickel Oh, and one more thing the Polar White bezels are also paintable to match any surrounding ceiling colour!

One of the main things that users will

notice is the superb finishing on all the iCan75 products The Polar White is absolutely stunning and has really revolutionised the gloss off white blue paint that we are all so familiar with

The Carbon black similarly is unique in that it is not just a standard black, it’s a very powerful black that makes the downlight aesthetically pleasing The Chrome and Satin Nickel finishes are both extremely clean and free from any blemishes or scratches Given all of that, it’s no wonder All LED really stands behind the product by offering a lifetime guarantee on the entire iCan75 range!

As anyone who has had to install lights on a job will know, it can be particularly challenging to get an end customer to specify what downlights are to be fixed, adjustable and IP65 and getting that wrong can be a real pain

The issue that the iCan75 solves is that the multiple different cut outs for different fixed, adjustable or IP65 downlights that are available from some other lighting

companies can cause issues further down the line for the installer and end user

Usually once downlights have been installed, it can become difficult to change their function to meet the customer’s needs without a variation in cut out and/or replacing the entire fixture too

With the iCan75, All LED has found the simple solution to all of these problems an all in one fitting with interchangeable and easy to use accessories In fact, the iCan75 is claimed to be the only fire rated downlight that exists in the market that allows you to select its functionality, features and looks after it has been installed

The entire iCan range is 30, 60, 90 minute timber joist fire rated, as well as 30 minute StairCraft i Joist fire rated It is also Wolf Systems Metal Web Joist rated too And isn’t it great when there is so much confidence in a product that it comes with a lifetime guarantee!

Flexible and convenient

As the name suggests, the iCan75 fits into the most common cut out 75mm but even if you have a larger hole to work with, there is an accessory to fix this iCan75 Slimline Converter Plates These can fit a cut out of 76mm to 125mm and match the chosen bezel colour of the original fitting, making the whole aesthetic appear seamless.

Other accessories that offer a range of extra functions to the iCan75 range include a selection of trimless plaster in kits in both Carbon Black and Polar White, and the iCan75 Multiples range which offers several options to allow lighting clusters in formations of one (square plate), two, three and four downlights whilst at the same time retaining their fire rating

In addition the iCan75 range has now expanded to include a new additional premium fitting the iCan75 Platinum. This extension to the range has a newly designed can, with new bezels and baffles to match The new bezels come in both fixed and adjustable options, again using the same twist and lock mechanism to change bezels and baffles after installation of the fixture

Both the bezels and baffles come in Carbon Black and Polar White allowing for a range of differing styles, and the bezels also include optional additions of IP Glass, allowing the fixture to have an improved IP rating (IP65 for fixed and IP54 for adjustable) and a Honeycomb accessory to change the pattern of the distributed light

Dimmer’s world

The entire range of iCan75 fittings can also be installed with All LED’s own selection of GU10 retrofittable dimmable lamps including the 5.5W Morgan, the 7W Jaguar and the brand new 4.7W Caterham with OptiDim advanced dimming technology, allowing it to be dimmed to zero, compatible with 99 1% of available dimmers

The iCan range also has its smaller sister product, the iCan65, which is designed to fit a smaller cut out of 65mm and comes with a selection of fixed and IP65 bezels in the same range of colours as the iCan75. This fixture also has accessories including an insulation cover and Polar White trimless plaster in kit

C.K TOOLS

C.K TOOLS CHRISTMAS BUNDLE

to suit all manner of environments The ultimate C.K Tools Christmas bundle is packed with that many goodies that it’s definitely not fitting down any chimneys It includes all of the following:

HAMILTON LITESTAT

HARTLAND G2 45W (3A) USB-A&C SWITCHED SOCKETS IN MATT BLACK

With an increased desire to stay connected, capture photos of the turkey dinner and test out new electronic

devices, at Christmas the demand for charge can be intense So, Hamilton’s NEW 45W combined USB 45W (3A) Type C and 18W (3A) Type A double switched sockets could be the perfect gift!

Awesomely amplified

An amplified rating of a 45W (3A) enables charging of USB devices at full capacity within the quickest time, via a standard 13A double switched socket And with the charger auto detecting the optimum charging capacity of any device plugged into the charging port and adjusting the current delivered accordingly, makes it the smartest gift

Super fast charge

The increased charging power means that new Xmas iPhones can achieve 50% charge in just 30 minutes or 100% in 1hr 55 minutes when plugged into the Type C outlet making them ready to use, sooner

Your chance to win!

The new dual 45W (3A) combined USB A&C double switched sockets are exclusive to bespoke orders and just six of Hamilton’s standard collections in 15 optional plate finishes

ollow the link below for your chance to win one of five switched socket plates from the Hartland G2 collection in stylish Matt Black.

ROBUS PULSE CONNECT 5M DIGITAL STRIP KIT

The ROBUS PULSE CONNECT 5M Digital strip kit contains everything you need to transform your desired space from the ordinary to the extraordinary In this kit you will receive everything you need to easily install this strip including a 5m LED flexi strip, a compatible driver and a WiFi controller to allow you to wirelessly control your PULSE strip Suited for residential settings, restaurants, bars, clubs and more, you will be able to create the perfect atmosphere at the touch of a button Featuring a built in microphone which reacts to sounds and mu i the system also comes with animation settin and various light sequences to provide endles options.

E N T E R T H E P R I Z E D R AW AT: W W W. R D R . L I N K / E A M 0 1 3

HYDRA EVC 7KW OR 22KW EV CHARGEPOINT

The sleek and stylish HYDRA ZODIAC has been designed specifically for the UK home charging market with IP65 weatherproofing to prevent dust and water ingress as well as UV protection but it also has a 22kW commercial sibling which can take advantage of a three phase power grid to deliver faster charging It can be wall or pedestal mounted quickly and easily and Hydra EV offers an optional dynamic load balancing module for installations at a household with a lower overall amperage or solar PV installations The 7KW HYDRA ZODIAC can communicate with the HYDRA HOME App to commence and monitor EV charging with times optimised to take full advantage of low cost energy tariffs The 22KW HYDRA ZODIAC can utilise a three phase power grid more commonly found in commercial and industrial premises to charge at the higher rate of up to 22kW. The highest possible standard of safety features are built in to every Hydra EV charger: the Zodiac benefits from over/under voltage protection, overload protection, leakage protection, over current protection and built in PEN detection.

For this special Christmas giveaway one lucky winner can choose between the 7kW (RRP £539 99) or 22kW (RRP £659 99) unit in white (socket only), complete with a five year warranty.

E N T E R T H E P R I Z E D R AW AT: W W W. R D R . L I N K / E A M 0 1 2

ROBUS SNICKERS WEAR BUNDLE

UNICRIMP Q-FIRE PRODUCT BUNDLE

ALL LED iCAN75 FIRE RATED DOWNLIGHTS

This is your chance to win 20 of All LED’s iCan75 Fire Rated Downlight range, including the original award winning iCan75 fitting, the premium iCan75 Platinum, fixed white bezels and a selection of GU10 lamps.

The revolutionary and award winning iCan75 fire rated GU10 downlight by All LED has remained at the forefront of the lighting industry since its launch. The original innovation was designed in the UK and took over two years to develop from original sketch to final product The innovative twist and lock body allows all 12 bezels (fixed, adjustable and IP65) to be installed on the same fire rated body. This not only optimises stock for the electrical wholesaler, but also saves time and worry for the installer giving full flexibility to change the units’ desired look without any difficulty

TRITON SHOWERS TRITON AMORE DUELEC ELECTRIC SHOWER

Triton Showers’ latest answer to consumer demand for cost effective and stylish bathroom solutions comes in the form of the Amore DuElec 9 5kw electric shower

Users can have peace of mind and shower with a cleaner conscience as the Amore DuElec boasts an Energy Efficiency A Rating The use of the electric shower can save a household 48,000 litres of water per year and reduce its carbon footprint by 70% The addition of Triton’s newest DuElec diverter accessory kit to the ever popular Amore offers users the choice to divert water between a five spray handheld shower head and a fixed overhanging rainfall option, typically found in hotels and spas

Available in gloss black or in white and chrome finishes, the Amore DuElec creates a superb focal point for any bathroom and features a crisp white digital temperature display, simple soft touch on/off button, and a 1 5m anti twist hose for a seamless and stylish look. With a two year parts and labour guarantee and easy installation, it is the ideal solution for customers wanting contemporary and a quick bathroom upgrade

ESP FORT SMART SECURITY KIT

Fort, from ESP, is a comprehensive range of smart security products which includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras.

They all operate under a single App the ‘Click Smart+’ App which is completely subscription free, with no additional fees incurred With the Fort and Click Smart ranges available on the tried and tested Click Smart+ App from Scolmore, users have control of a raft of

V-TAC STRING LIGHTS BUNDLES

These plug and play string lights work well with vintage style amber filament LED lamps to create a lovely ambience in backyards, patios, walkways, and other similar environments

The lights are linkable (up to 50 units; maximum of 1,200W) to provide ample lighting in almost any location of any size IP65 weatherproof rating each socket is tested for dust and moisture protection, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor festivities, rain or shine, all year round The string is also made of rubber for durability safe from gusts of wind or any form of vandalism

Easy to install no need to worry about wiring, with the built in standard UK (Type G) plug, just add the lamps of your choice, plug to power it up, and enjoy your new lighting. It can also work with any lamp of your choice multi coloured, frosted, clear and features a E27 screw cap.

We have two string light prize bundles to be won this month

connected home and security products all from one secure easy to access platform

At the heart of the Fort range is the smart intruder alarm, which supports up to 32 RF devices and provides remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ App The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor made system There are six different kits in the range.

SEVADIS

MAXICHARGER 7.4KW AC EV CHARGING POINT

The MaxiCharger is a feature packed electric vehicle charging point, providing ease of installation and ease of charging for the EV driver Awarded with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, the MaxiCharger is an aesthetically pleasing EV charging point that provides optimal functionality. Complete with built in PME fault detection; OCPP compliant (allowing for smart back office integration); optional dynamic load balancing; mobile App and RFID operation as well as over the air software updates The MaxiCharger 7.4kW AC EV Charging Point for commercial applications is the ideal solution for workplaces seeking to begin their electrification and EV charging plans

OVIA INCEPTOR OMNI V2 DOWNLIGHTS

Ovia updated the Inceptor Omni last year to offer enhanced features. Omni V2 now boasts a recess depth of just 53mm, thanks to the Flow integrated driver, which means there is no need for an insulation bracket.

It is supplied with push fit Flow connectors which feature push in, low maintenance terminals to offer another time saving benefit for installers. With the driver now incorporated into the Flow connector, this means that insulation can be laid over the fitting

Omni V2 also features a CTA switch (colour temperature adjustable) a built in, three position switch which allows for instant change of the colour temperature It offers a lumen output of 600lm and a 60⁰ beam angle with all colour temperature selections. We have four Inceptor Omni V2 6W Dimmable IP65 LED

give away this month

E N T E R T H E P R I Z E D R AW AT: W W W. R D R . L I N K / E A M 0 2 0

THE R OAD TO NET ZER O

Imagine being an electrician in the early 20th century and having a customer ask for the very latest in modern conveniences Back then your options were extremely limited Maybe you’d install some of the early electrical household appliances But automation? Or advanced lighting options? That would have required monumental effort

Luckily, smart home technology has come a long way Today, you can offer connectivity, monitoring, and remote control of individual devices And, as the technology has evolved so have customer expectations. ‘Smart’ isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s becoming an expectation What’s driving the trend? Generational shifts and maturing technology, but there’s more to it, including the following:

1. The pandemic has changed the way we look at our homes Long months stuck at home during the COVID 19 pandemic prompted many to rethink their living situations when there’s no escaping home, home improvement becomes a top of mind issue Achieving net zero is indeed a leap for most homes, but every step forward in energy efficiency makes a difference Here is a clear opportunity for electricians to show value by offering new energy management technology to customers Wiser from Drayton by Schneider Electric allows homeowners to monitor the entire power system and see real time consumption information and equipment status directly on the smartphone

2 Homeowner s are increasingly familiar with the technology

Nowadays, as many as 90%* of consumers are familiar with smart home technology, and about half (53%)* own at least one smart home device Homeowners are increasingly looking for comprehensive smart home solutions that integrate lighting, heating, and shutter control with entertainment and home security functionalities This is where Wiser connected home solutions fit in perfectly by allowing electricians to provide an intuitive and modular system with little fuss

Volatile energy prices and inflation, not to mention growing concern over climate reports, has prompted homeowners to look for new ways to cut energy bills and reduce carbon footprints ideally at the same time. Wiser allows homeowners to monitor their power systems and see, in real time, how much energy is being used at the device, circuit, or home level, which makes it much easier to optimise overall consumption It also lets homeowners set high consuming appliances, such as boilers and e bike chargers, to run during lower tariff periods

4 We’re creatures of comfor t

Comfort and convenience are fundamental to the idea of a smart home and it’s important for consumers For example, around 37%* of respondents say that smart home technology makes their lives easier, with another 37%* claiming it makes their homes more comfortable With Wiser, homeowners don’t have to choose one over the other Along with energy management features, Wiser provides the ability to tailor comfort at home and manage it

5 Our homes are our for tresses

For many homeowners, privacy and security are big concerns Some 64%** see advanced security as an important aspect when renovating Homeowners going on holiday? Wiser automatically manages lighting and shutters to simulate presence at home Smoke, water leakage, or motion detected while nobody’s home? Wiser sends an instant alert to the homeowners so they can act accordingly

3 Customers want what’s best for the planet and their budgets

THE CODEBREAKERS

Unfor tunately, a lack of understanding of basic installation techniques and disregard for safety often produces this k ind of work. There are five issues to look at here, and I’ll work through them in no par ticular order:

Firstly, and possibly most impor tant, the cpc has been cut and not terminated appropriately This is also leading to a failure to supply a cpc throughout the length of the circuit and to each termination point I t is ver y likely that there is only a cpc at the first downlight position, and then it ’s unlikely to be terminated correctly.

Secondly, there is too much of the sheath of the twin and ear th cable stripped back, leaving an excessive amount of single insulation exposed

Thirdly, there is no cable clamp used to suppor t the cables, albeit there is one of the screws for it This leaves the cable unsuppor ted and can cause the internal terminations to become loose if there is any strain on them

Even if the cable clamp was in place, it would most likely damage the exposed single insulation, as it is not designed to be subjected to those k inds of forces.

Four th, it ’s ver y unlikely that the manufacturer ’s instructions have been taken into account for the terminations or the ceiling penetration, as I’m confident this isn’t in line with the example fitting displayed in their fitting instructions

Fifth, and more of a concern possibly, is that there may be more like this in the installation, so any EICR sampling may need to be expanded, or a code to highlight the fur ther investigation of similar fittings may be prudent As we k now from the inspector ’s correspondence, there were 34 downlights, all in a similar condition

As you can imagine, there is only one way I’ll be going with the coding here

CHRIS ELLIOT T: THIS RANKS AS ONE OF THE WORST INSPEC TIONS I’ VE EVER CARRIED OUT!

Well, aside from the issues with the lighting circuit being supplied from a socket outlet circuit, which could likely involve undersized cables etc, I’ll deal with what I can see, as we don’t have enough information on the socket outlet MCB to code, other than to give an FI

So, I’ll concentrate on the exposed live conductors instead We see this so often, and it is incredibly dangerous. Just because it is under a floorboard doesn’t mean it can be left in a dangerous state, covered up and forgotten about There are numerous occasions where this can come into contact with either an engineer doing any one of a number of different tasks in a proper ty, or a DIYer mak ing any number of repairs or upgrades, which they are entitled to do

Not only do we have access to live par ts from the terminals of the connector block, but they are also unsuppor ted As the building naturally flexes and foot traffic over the floorboards continues, the cables can and will flex, which is likely to lead to strain on terminations These terminations can then become loose, and this can present a ver y real danger from arcing and a potential source of fire.

All connections and terminations made under floorboards must be adequate, and unless they are Maintenance Free (MF), conforming to

BS 5733 and marked as such, they must be accessible for periodic inspection and testing

Leaving unsuppor ted and inadequately contained terminations that have the potential to come into contact with anybody, regardless of their level of training or understanding, is dangerous and can lead to much more sinister outcomes if left unchecked and uncorrected

GPI: I CAME ACROSS THIS FIND AFTER A CUSTOMER TOLD ME THAT THEIR UPSTAIRS LIGHTS WENT OFF WHEN THEY TURNED THEIR DOWNSTAIRS SOCKETS OFF AT THE MCB MCB? REALLY?

EXPORTING A PME SUPPLY TO AN OUTBUILDING USING AN SWA CABLE

Many domestic premises have one or more detached outbuildings such as a garage or home office/studio, which may require an electrical supply from the main installation for lighting and power. This article considers the use of the PME earthing facility in such detached buildings where supplied via a steel wire armoured (SWA) cable.

concerns are often raised when needing to run a supply to an outbuilding where the main premises utilises a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) earthing facility

In general, BS 7671 permits the use of a PME earthing facility to such an outbuilding Where there are no extraneous conductive parts present, there is no requirement for main protective bonding to be provided in the outbuilding However, where there are extraneous conductive parts such as metallic services or metallic structural parts, main protective bonding must be provided for these parts (411 3 1 2)

BS 7671 p e r m i t s t h e f u n c t i o n s o f a c i r c u i t p r o t e c t i v e c o n d u c t o r a n d a p r o t e c t i v e b o n d i n g c o n d u c t o r t o b e c o m b i n e d i n a s i n g l e c o n d u c t o r w h e r e t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r b o t h u s e s a r e m e t ( 5 4 2 1 1 ) T h e m i n i m u m s i z i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s w h e r e P M E c o n d i t i o n s a p p l y a r e s i g n i f i c a n t l y m o r e o n e r o u s t h a n w h e r e t h e y d o n o t a p p l y, a s t h e s i z i n g i s b a s e d o n t h e c r o s s s e c t i o n a l a r e a ( c s a ) o f t h e P r o t e c t i v e E a r t h N e u t r a l ( P E N ) c o n d u c t o r o f t h e i n c o m i n g s u p p l y ( 5 4 4 1 1 )

In such cases, a designer may choose to adopt a TT system earthing arrangement and the installation of earthing electrodes as an alternative

option to the PME earthing facility for all or part of an installation However, this is not without its own issues

Other than for a number of other special installations, there is no general stipulation within BS 7671 that disallows the exporting of PME earthing to another building.

The risks associated with a PME supply I n a P M E e a r t h i n g a r r a n g e m e n t t h e s u p p l y n e u t r a l c o n d u c t o r i s c o n n e c t e d t o e a r t h a t t h e s o u r c e, a n d a t r e g u l a r i n t e r v a l s a l o n g i t s r o u t e v i a m u l t i p l e e a r t h e l e c t r o d e s . T h e r e f o r e, t h e f a u l t r e t u r n p a t h f o r b o t h l i n e e a r t h a n d l i n e n e u t r a l f a u l t s i s v i a t h e c o m b i n e d c o n d u c t o r T h i s m e t h o d p r o v i d e s a l o w i m p e d a n c e r e t u r n p a t h a l o n g t h e P E N c o n d u c t o r a l l o w i n g f o r r a p i d d i s c o n n e c t i o n o f o v e r c u r r e n t p r o t e c t i v e d e v i c e s u n d e r f a u l t c o n d i t i o n s .

In general, PME provides a reliable earthing facility for consumers and, as a result, it should be employed within an installation where provided wherever this is permitted and practicable However, use of a PME arrangement can pose a risk in certain circumstances.

Example:

Supplies to an outbuilding via steel wire armoured cable

An outbuilding supplied from the origin in the main building via a 6 mm2 two core

steel wire armoured (SWA) cable having copper conductors and 90°C thermosetting insulation, clipped direct The cable is protected by a 32 A Type B circuit breaker The conductor size was chosen to address any potential voltage drop issues.

Adequacy of armour to serve as the circuit protective conductor

If the armour of the SWA is to be used as a circuit protective conductor (cpc), its csa should satisfy the requirements for a protective conductor using either the adiabatic equation given in Regulation 543 1 3 or be selected using Table 54 7 of BS 7671

By calculation

From Fig 3A4 of BS 7671, the current (I) causing disconnection within 0.1 to 5 seconds is 160 A, and the operating time (t) for this distribution circuit is 5 seconds

From Table 54 4, the factor (k) for steel armouring of a cable employing 70°C thermoplastic insulation1 is 51

So, using the equation given in Regulation 543.1.3:

By selection

From Table 54 2, the factor (k1) for line conductors having 70°C insulation is 143

From Table 54 4, the factor (k2) for steel armouring of a cable employing 70°C thermosetting insulation is 51.

Using the formula from column 3 of Table 54 7:

structural parts, main protective bonding must be provided for these parts (411 3 1 2)

The sizing of this protective bonding conductor must be based on the PEN conductor of the supply, using Table 54.8 of BS 7671 (544 1 1)

required This is an unrealistic proposition for the application

Possible solutions where the armour is of insufficient csa for use as the main protective bonding conductor The three most likely solutions in this example include:

i) install a three core 10 mm² SWA cable and use one of the cores as the protective conductor;

From Table G2 of BS 5467: 2016 Thermosetting insulated, armoured cables (of rated voltages 600/900 V for fixed installations), the csa of the armouring for two core 6 mm² cable is 22 mm²

Therefore, the armouring is suitable for use as a cpc whether using calculation or selection

Adequacy of armour to serve as the main protective bonding conductor where there are no extraneous conductive parts present

If the outbuilding does not contain any extraneous conductive parts, there is no requirement for main protective bonding to be provided (see Fig 1)

For the purposes of this example, the incoming PEN conductor has a copper csa equivalent to 35 mm²

From Table 54.8 of BS 7671, for a 35 mm² PEN conductor, the copper equivalent csa of the main protective bonding conductor must be not less than 10 mm²

From BS EN 13602: 2013, the resistivity (p) for copper is 17 24 mΩ/m

From BS EN 10257 1: 2011, the resistivity (p) for steel is 138 mΩ/m

The csa of the steel wire armouring is calculated using:

ii) install a separate protective conductor having a csa of 10 mm² alongside the SWA; or iii) choose to not employ the PME earthing facility at the outbuilding and to install electrodes to provide a TT system earthing arrangement.

The first two options become progressively less attractive as the distance between the main premises and the outbuilding increases The practicality of employing the latter option is dependent on soil/ground conditions in the locality and the risks associated with the driving in of electrodes

Summary

The PME earthing system is the most commonly used earthing facility within the UK and has the advantage of providing a low resistance earth loop path for fault current, but conversely could cause the touch voltage on connected metalwork to rise to a dangerous level if a break occurs in the supply PEN conductor

As stated earlier, from Table G2 of BS 5467: 2016, the csa of the armouring for two core 6 mm² cable is 22 mm²

22 < 80.046

Adequacy of armour to serve as the main protective bonding conductor where there are extraneous conductive parts present

If the outbuilding contains extraneous conductive parts such as metallic services (see Fig 2) or metallic

As such, it can be seen that the armouring of this cable is not sufficient to act as a main protective bonding conductor

Referring again to Table G2, for the armouring to be adequate, a two core cable having 50 mm² circular conductors and armour csa of 86 mm² would be

Where the main part of the premises has a PME earthing arrangement, this may also be used for the installation in an outbuilding in most cases In general, there may be no extraneous conductive parts and hence no requirement to carry out protective bonding

Typically, the distribution circuit to an outbuilding is provided via a steel wire armoured cable. Where the armouring is to be used as a combined cpc and main protective bonding conductor, it must meet the requirements of both (544 1 1) and (543 1 1) of BS 7671

As an approximation, a steel conductor should have a csa eight times larger than that of a copper conductor to provide equivalence.

Fig 1 Typical arrangement for a supply to an outbuilding having no extraneous conductive parts

Fig 2 Armouring of supply cable used as both cpc and protective bonding conductor

THE HEAT IS ON

Understanding the workings of heat pumps (HP) can be challenging for any electrical contractor unfamiliar with renewable heating systems. Even if you’re only contracted to carry out the electrical installation work associated with the HP installation, knowledge of this type of technology will be helpful

Since heat pumps are electrical appliances, it is increasingly likely that consumers will seek to install solar PV systems to reduce the operating costs, so you may become involved in contracts that include PV systems and associated inverters and battery storage systems

HPs are unique because they don’t generate heat like most home heating systems, which either burn fuel or convert electricity directly into heat They work by moving heat energy refrigerators and car air conditioner units are HPs that you will almost certainly already have For heating systems, the movement of heat is from the outside into your home. Critically, they deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume (by a factor of up to three or four), making them more efficient

Heat pump types

Broadly speaking, there are three common types of HP:

1 Ground Source HP (GSHP): As its name suggests, it uses the ground as the heat source; basically, the ground acts like a giant battery that stores solar energy Providing no more heat is extracted than can be replenished, the ground can be considered a sustainable renewable energy source

2. Air Source HP (ASHP): Again, self explanatory, using the air as the heat source and providing the outside air temperature remains above the minimum threshold of the ASHP, it can be considered

a sustainable source of renewable energy

3. Water Source HP (WSHP): Some properties with access to a lake, or similar, are able to use this type of HP to provide a sustainable source of renewable energy

HP design can be very complex, especially for GSHPs, which involve collectors being installed in the ground either horizontally (in trenches) or vertically (in boreholes)

Typically, a sealed pipe is used as the collector containing a water/antifreeze solution which is circulated through the HP heat exchanger This extracts the heat and passes it to the HP refrigerant, see Fig 1

ASHPs are more widely spread as they do not require a collector; instead, a fan is used to deliver the ambient temperature to the refrigerant, see Fig 2

The performance of ASHPs is less stable than that of GSHPs due to the outdoor ambient temperature variance throughout the day and year, and this also applies to WSHPs due to the seasonal variations in the water temperature

The following steps show the basic operation of an ASHP, illustrated in Fig 3:

1. The liquid, which is a refrigerant, warms and turns to gas as the outside air blows over the refrigerant tubes

2. The gas is then pressurised as it passes through a compressor, adding more heat ( just like a bicycle pump warms in operation)

3. Next, the compressed hot gas passes into

the heat exchanger, surrounded by cool air or water, which warms and circulates around the home

4. Finally, as the heat is extracted from the refrigerant, it condenses back into a cool liquid, ready to start the cycle again

Fig 1: A sealed pipe inside a trench which is circulated through the HP heat exchanger

Fig 2: Air Source Heat Pumps use outside air to generate indoor heat

Fig 3: Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) operation

Paul Chaffers, Technical Events Manager at NAPIT, examines the various considerations surrounding heat pump electrical supplies.

Electrical supply considerations

The electrical supply needs to be addressed in the same manner as any other installation in terms of the design current and spare capacity within the existing installation However, it’s likely that an MCS registered installer will carry out the HP installation, and you should be aware that MCS standards need to be adhered to

For example, HP design standard MIS 3005 D clause 5 7 1 requires that the MCS contractor ensures the electricity supply is adequate for the size of the HP specified

One common misunderstanding relates to the kW rating of the HP when sizing conductors, because HPs are sold with a kW rating that reflects the heating capacity of the unit Kilowatt hour is the unit used by gas and electrical companies to measure the energy we use; this term also applies to the amount of energy we generate, and appliances also use kW for their power rating

Do not confuse the kW rating of the HP with the nominal current rating when carrying out cable calculations

The HP manufacturer will specify the nominal current rating, including types and ratings of suitable protective devices for their equipment within their technical specifications For example, there may be a requirement for a circuit breaker to have a Type C or Type D time/current curve to allow for start up currents Remember, BS 7671 requires electrical equipment to be selected and erected, taking account of the manufacturers’ instructions (Regulation 510 3)

Regulation 132 16 provides the requirements for making additions and alterations The following is a summary of what will need to be assessed before any work can commence:

l Is the rating of existing equipment adequate for the new addition?

l Is the rating of the distributor’s equipment adequate for the new addition?

l Are the earthing and bonding arrangements adequate (where necessary for the protective measure used)?

Maximum demand

In order to address the first two points listed above, an assessment of maximum demand will be required. Regulation 311.1 permits

diversity to be taken into account when determining the maximum demand of an installation

For domestic and similar installations, a simple method of assessing maximum demand using diversity could be to take 100% of the highest rated circuit breaker and 40% of all other circuits (see worked example, below)

Worked example

Determine the maximum demand using the diversity of an installation which has an 8 way consumer unit with the main switch rated at 100 A. It has two spare ways and supplies six existing circuits The intention is to add a 20 A HP supply to one of the spare ways:

l One 40 A cooker circuit

l Two 32 A ring final circuits

l One 16 A immersion heater

l Two 6 A lighting circuits

l One 20 A heat pump

Answer

40 + (0 4 x (32 + 32 + 16 + 6 + 6 + 20)) = 84.8 A

Providing the maximum demand does not exceed the service cut out rating or the rating of the CU main switch, then the loading is deemed acceptable

However, in order to determine the adequacy of the distributor’s equipment, further checks may be required with the Distribution Network Operators (DNO)

DNOs are responsible for delivering the power from transmission networks to the nation’s homes, businesses, and industries There are seven DNOs across 14 different districts that handle the distribution of power across the country These are shown in Fig 4

Energy Networks Association (ENA)

The ENA represents all the DNOs and manages the infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas.

It supports the DNOs by managing, creating and maintaining a vast array of electricity codes, standards and regulations that support the day to day operation of the energy networks

There is often a need to contact them to ascertain the suitability of connecting low carbon technologies Even if the service cut out rating is known, the ratings and utilisation of all local distribution network assets require consideration

The ENA maps the increased network load associated with the roll out of such technologies allowing accurate modelling of the network to prevent unintended stress on assets and ineffective and uneconomic asset replacement programmes

The process for notifying HP installations to the ENA is similar to that required for the EV charging infrastructure; in fact, the same forms are used The ENA has produced a combined installation process flowchart, which can be found on their website: www.energynetworks.org

The flowchart delivers two outcomes, which are ‘Connect & Notify’ (within 28 days), or ‘Apply to Connect’

The application form is the same whether the installation is a ‘Connect & Notify’ or an ‘Apply to Connect’ and the form can be downloaded in the further information box below

Basically, where the new maximum demand exceeds 60 A (13 8 kVA) per phase or where there are any deficiencies with the DNO’s equipment, an application to connect will be required prior to the HP installation

Earthing and bonding

The last consideration of Regulation 132 16 regarding the adequacy of earthing and bonding arrangements must not be overlooked The Regulation refers to earthing and bonding being adequate, if necessary, for the protective measure applied for the safety of the addition or alteration

It’s likely that the protective measure used for protection against electric shock will be automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) and, therefore, the earthing and bonding must be fully compliant with the latest requirements of BS 7671

Building Regulations notification

Additional to the ENA notification, in England and Wales notifiable work under the Building Regulations must also be notified within 21 days of completion Examples of notifiable work associated with HP installations are shown in Table 1 with the level of membership scope required

Conclusion W h e t h e

y o

b u s i n e s s , c e r t i f i c a t e d f o r m u l t i p l e s c o p e s o f m e m b e r s h i p, o r a s u b c o n t r a c t o r c a r r y i n g o u t o n e a s p e c t o f t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n , h o p e f u l l y t h i s a r t i c l e h a s r e i n f o r c e d t h e n e e d t o c o m m u n i c a t e a n d e n s u r e t h a t t h e c o r r e c t p r o c e d u r e s a r e f o l l o w e d M C S c o n t r a c t o r s h a v e t o i s s u e a c o m p r e h e n s i v e h a n d o v e r p a c k a f t e r c o m m i s s i o n i n g , i n c l u d i n g d e t a i l s o f a l l n o t i f i c a t i o n s a n d c e r t i f i c a t e s

Lastly, the installation must be registered on the MCS Installation Database (MID) no later than 10 working days after commissioning and an MCS Certificate generated

A SURGE IN DEMAND

The experts at Phoenix Contact look at how the latest amendment to the Wiring Regulations is affecting the use and installation of surge protection.

in April of this year, Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition of BS7671 was published BS7671 is technically not a legal document, but it does provide valuable guidance and information for anyone working on an electrical installation.

Such installations need to be designed and installed to the latest regulations to ensure the protection of persons, livestock and property, and it is this that is the main reason surge protection has become more important (and guidelines less vague) since the 18th Edition went live in January 2019 The two most important changes are:

• The removal of any requirement to carry out a risk assessment, effectively meaning the installation of SPDs can no longer be decided via a calculation

• The removal of any exemption for single dwellings They now also need to be considered along with all other electrical installations

Chapter 443 deals with Protection against transient over voltages of atmospheric origin or due to switching, and within this regulation 443 4 1 covers the different circumstances where protection against transient over voltages is required

In short, Amendment 2 now lists three shall be’s when considering if surge protection is required It is stated: ‘Protection against transient

over voltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by over voltage could result in:

i. Serious injury to, or loss of, human life, ii. Failure of a safety service, as defined in Part 2, iii. Significant financial or data loss.’

It is arguably the second point listed, relating to the protection of a safety service, that is the most significant change BS7671 defines a safety service as:

‘An electrical system for electrical equipment provided to protect or warn persons in the event of a hazard, or essential for their evacuation from a location.’

Quite clearly this would affect all public buildings or installations where there is a safety system installed to protect people That would include fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, gas detection systems, fire rescue service lifts, CCTV, public address (PA) or tannoy systems used in the event of an emergency

evacuation The kind of system is commonplace in hotels, airports, public transport, museums, libraries, schools and colleges, to name just a few Such safety services have not been explicitly mentioned in the Wiring Regulations up until now, however.

Another important change can be found in Part 7 of BS7671 which deals with special installations or locations covering such installations as swimming pools, caravans, marinas, and solar PV It is the last of these that is now included by Amendment 2

Regulation 712 443 103 Protection against transient overvoltage, states:

‘Where protection against transient overvoltage is required by section 443, such protection shall also be applied to the DC side of the PV installation ’

In plain English, if the entire installation requires surge to be installed to comply with section 443 then it will be a requirement that SPDs are installed on the DC side of a PV array to protect the inverter and the PV panels

Surge protection devices designed to be used to protect the DC side of a PV system are designed to a different standard to those that are for use in a low voltage installation and typically have nominal voltage ratings of 1,000 or 1,500 VDC

As the tumultuous 2022 draws to a close, GTEC’s Griff Thomas explains why UK electricians have an important role to play in a low carbon future, regardless of what happens with heat and power.

“ELECTRICITY IS THE ANSWER!”

2022 has been a significant year We’ve (largely) moved on from the disruption caused by COVID, there’s been three Prime Ministers, the Queen sadly died, Russia’s war in Ukraine has shocked Europe and contributed to the next big shake up dramatic hikes in energy prices

Theses hikes, plus the race to Net Zero and general economic uncertainty have pushed the green agenda higher up in our consciousness and it looks like there is no going back. We have to find low carbon (and more cost effective) ways to heat and power our lives

What does a low carbon future look like?

Heat pumps are clearly a big part of the picture, something that affects electricians and heating and plumbing installers alike If you have a foot in the ‘other side’ of building services, then talks of ‘gas boiler bans’ earlier in the year may have put the wind up you. With 85% of UK homes heated by gas, the traditional boiler is here to stay, at least until existing systems need replacing newly installed boilers are likely to last for 20 years+, so the decline of this stalwart of British heating will be gradual

Apart from heat pumps, a seemingly big contender to replace the gas boiler is hydrogen In fact, in October, Jacob

Rees Mogg, said that hydrogen was a “silver bullet” for heating people’s homes. The truth is there is no silver bullet. In reality, this alternative to natural gas will make up a very small proportion of future heating demand Recent studies show hydrogen to be expensive and largely unworkable

A report issued by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Charitable Foundation in September said while hydrogen does have a role to play in hard to abate sectors, such as long distance transport and heavy industry, using 100% hydrogen would increase the cost of home heating by 70% by 2050 compared to natural gas

While it is more likely that the UK will adopt a hydrogen blend, at the moment 95% of hydrogen production relies on natural gas reforming And, according to the Hydrogen Science Coalition, a heat pump with assumed COP of 3.0 powered by 100kWh of renewable electricity delivers 600% more heat than a green hydrogen boiler using the same electricity

All avenues

lead to electric

Put simply, electricity is the answer; as long as we can create enough of it! More and more of the power generated by the national grid comes from renewable

sources, and spurred on by ever rising fuel bills, demand for home solar PV is quite literally ‘through the roof ’ Back in August, Solar Energy UK reported a three fold increase in PV installations compared with 2020, a trend that will continue into 2023 and beyond

Combine solar PV with battery storage, a heat pump and electric vehicle and you’ve got a self sufficient home, something that appeals to more people than ever before As an electrician, you’re in the perfect position to capitalise on a green future

GTEC delivers a range of renewable courses designed for experienced electricians, including solar PV installation, electric vehicle charging and battery storage

“VEHICLETO-GRID TECHNOLOGY IS A REALITY”

SEEN SOME CHANGES RECENTLY AROUND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND GRANTS FOR EV INSTALLATIONS. COULD YOU GIVE US A ROUND-UP OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

There’s a lot to cover, but let's give it a go Starting with electric vehicles, the government has removed the plug in car grants available to consumers looking to purchase a new electric car Introduced in 2011, the package was designed to stimulate demand, and initially offered £5,000 off the list price of an eligible vehicle This figure came down over time, dropping to £1,500, before it was scrapped in June

The scheme has helped boost the sale of EVs and plug in hybrids from fewer than 1,000 in 2011 to more than 100,000 in the first half of 2022, and the government has taken the view that the market is now established and no longer needs financial incentives to kick start things

The good news, however, is that funding for the plug in van grant is still in place The value of the plug in van grant

depends on the size of the van, but could see buyers benefitting from up to 35% off new vans This is great news for any contractors considering the switch

Moving onto the EV charging infrastructure Up until April of this year, OZEV grants to help with the cost of installing electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) focused on homeowners of single unit properties (detached and semi detached houses, and bungalows) Under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), qualifying homeowners could claim up to 75% towards the cost of installing a home charger

In April, the EVHS scheme was replaced by the EV Chargepoint Grant (EVCG), which redirected the financial support to tenants, landlords, flat owner occupiers and social housing providers Offering up to £350 towards the cost of installing an EVCP, the scheme is set to broaden the opportunity and demand for those skilled in EVCP installations

As an example, let’s look at social housing Up until now, cost has been one of the biggest roadblocks when it comes

to installing infrastructure However, providers can now claim £350 towards the cost of an installation and can make up to 200 applications per year

Furthermore, the scope for eligible businesses has also broadened Previously only registered companies could benefit from the support package, which allowed for up to 40 applications per year Now the rules have been expanded to include all business types, such as B&Bs (including Airbnb), charities and commercially let properties All of this is designed to build market confidence and help businesses make the switch

QMOVING ON TO POLICY UPDATES, WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN THIS AREA?

The grants and incentives are beginning to be underpinned by regulation The most prominent example was, of course, the mandate that by 2030 the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles would end

Another significant step was also seen with the introduction of Part S into the

QWE’VE

There have been some important updates to EV charging in recent times. We sit down with NICEIC's Head of Technical Services, Paul Collins, to learn more.

Building Regulations in England

Enforceable from June of this year, Part S made it mandatory for all new build properties in England to have EVCP infrastructure built in The rule is also extended to properties undergoing significant renovations The infrastructure in some settings needs to include a physical charging point, whereas in others, it just requires the infrastructure, such as wiring to support a charger should it be needed in the future

Moves like these really do create a step change in the pace at which the demand for EVCP installation is set to grow

You have a pivotal role to play here, and the opportunities are vast and growing for those with the right skills Your customers will increasingly be looking to you for advice and help to install EVCPs, especially as sales of second hand EVs come into play

For those who have already undertaken training, you will greatly benefit from your time investment If you are yet to take the step, we would encourage you to consider it

QFINALLY, WHAT’S NEXT WHEN IT COMES TO EV CHARGING IN THE BROADER SENSE?

Consumers are transitioning towards becoming ‘prosumers’ (producers and consumers of electricity), lessening their reliance on the National Grid.

Set against the backdrop of soaring energy prices, generating, storing and using your own green energy not only makes sense for the planet, but it also makes long term financial sense It will also provide some resilience should there be energy shortages in the future

As part of this, integrating the car not only as a means of transport but also as a powerful battery storage unit that can hold and transfer energy back to the home and/or the grid will become more commonplace Vehicle to grid technology is a reality and will continue to be rolled out by car manufacturers

Yes, Amendment 2 included a number of changes, such as introducing requirements for prosumers It also included updates to Section 722 which discusses Electric Vehicle Charging Installations NICEIC certified contractors looking for more information on this should check out the recent episode of THE WIRE which covered the topic in detail www.niceic.com/events

To some extent, the crystal ball thinking is already playing out. Electric vehicles are increasing in number and do have the potential to become part of an integrated energy system within the home Battery technology is also improving and already we are seeing 800 V systems (most of the vehicles on the road today operate on 400 V technology) Moving forward, this will present new opportunities

Again, I’d like to emphasise the role of the certified electrical contractor in this transition By educating yourself and your team about prosumers and the associated technologies you’ll be better positioned to help your customers prepare for the future now

QFROM A TECHNICAL STANDPOINT, WAS THERE ANYTHING RELATING TO EVCPS IN THE LATEST UPDATE TO BS 7671:2018?

QIT SOUNDS LIKE THINGS ARE STARTING TO PICK UP PACE WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS?

back at those products that turned electricians’ heads this year

ALL LED

iQ Intelligent Lighting Control – Smart-E Smart Junction Box

At the cutting edge of lighting control, the iQ innovative lighting control system allows users to retain control of everything smart at their fingertips whilst remaining fully retrofit Quite literally, this system allows you to keep all existing light switches, while making all your lighting smart The Smart E Smart Junction Box is one of the most useful and innovative products Designed in the UK to replace the standard junction box, the Smart E contains push terminals and a hand operated cable clamp with ample room for wiring The innovative, clean and crisp design which contains technology patented by All LED also fits through a 55mm spotlight hole It is a fully retrofit solution which works with all existing wiring and provides hop and mesh technology There’s no need to lose your light switches the iQ system works with everything already in place, allowing users to manually override the system without killing power to the module Additionally, iQ is incredibly user friendly where it can be programmed from the light switch, or simply by asking a smart home hub system like Alexa to do the hard work for you

GET MORE

TOUGHBUILT

ClipTech System

ToughBuilt’s ClipTech system seeks to help professionals to organise their tools faster and easier allowing them to carry what they need, when they need A heavy duty range of tool bags, pouches, totes, belts and accessories are all compatible with the ClipTech system and can be connected by one clever little innovation Central to this system is the humble ClipTech Hub This patented attachment point can be easily connected to any tool belt (whether that’s one of the four offered by ToughBuilt or one from other manufacturers) as well as to the manufacturer’s range of Hard Body Massive Mouth bags, totes, a ClipTech Wall Organiser, or even screwed directly to a wall or joist The hub is part of over 50 products in the range

BROWSE THE RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAM031

NAPIT

Top 10 EV Tips Guide

Earlier this year NAPIT created a Top 10 Tips leaflet to provide valuable advice to installers of EVCPs The guide outlines some key areas of focus for installers of EVCPs, with areas of focus including how to approach existing electrical installation checks, ensuring the correct earthing of chargepoints, adequacy of supply, how to alert the DNO and labelling and certification requirements

DOWNLOAD THE FULL GUIDE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAM032

NICEIC

Pocket Guide App

METREL

R i n g C o n t i n u i t y A d a p t e r

Metrel’s ring continuity adapter (A2214) simplifies the process of Ring final circuit testing R1, R2 and RN are measured and displayed simultaneously, without all the clipping and unclipping normally required For R1+ R2 and R1 + RN measurement, the adapter remains at the distribution board, clipped to the incoming conductor The tester and BS 1363 plug test lead are then used to measure the sockets around the ring Both measurements are performed at the same time, and the highest readings are moved into the memory so you don’t have to go round twice Nor do you have to undertake any of the bundling connections that you normally would

Free to download and available to all NICEIC certified businesses, the NICEIC Pocket Guide App houses a bank of 35 technical reference guides, all updated to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 where relevant Also included are handy calculators for checking Zs values, Adiabatic Equations, Conductor Resistance and Length and Design Current Fully searchable and clearly displayed, these engaging guides are optimised for handheld devices and operate seamlessly across both Android and iOS systems Initially loaded with 35 guides, covering topics such as Application of RCDs and Risk Assessment in The Workplace, the NICEIC App will grow with additional content being added as required FIND OUT HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE APP AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EAM034

HAGER

AFDD Range w/ ProTools

Hager has this year ‘changed the game ’ with the launch of its new AFDD In addition to being available in MCB and RCBO format, every Hager AFDD comes with advanced ProTools, setting the benchmark in performance and support ProTools is the manufacturer’s pioneering diagnostic software that offers two unique elements to guarantee that the installer has the right tools at their disposal to ensure that AFDD installations perform in all scenarios Equipped with built in advanced diagnostics software, every Hager AFDD device benefits from the technology, ensuring that unwanted or operational trips are quickly detected and easily identified Once the Hager RCBO/AFDD or MCB/AFDD device has tripped, installers can quickly identify the cause for the disconnected circuit at the push of a button on the front of the device The multicoloured LED display will flash in a different sequence of colours to identify the fault With the ability to identify eight statuses, the device will instantly detect if a Series Arc, Parallel Arc, Overvoltage, Residual Current Fault, Overload, Short Circuit, AFDD failure or manual trip has occurred, saving time and improving diagnostic ability

C.K TOOLS Dextro VDE Screwdrivers

These quality screwdrivers from the C K Tools stable are ergonomically shaped and feature a dual component handle for increased comfort, control and safety Tip type marking is utilised for easy identification and the long fine neck increases precise fingertip control Ridges along the head give extra grip in that last ¼ turn while the handle is injection moulded directly to the blade, giving the ultimate bond for increased reliability and durability VDE approved, the screwdrivers are individually tested to 10,000V for safe live working up to 1,000V The premium quality Chrome Vanadium steel blade provides exceptional strength and durability

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Easy9 Compact Multirow Consumer Unit

The Easy9 Compact Multirow Consumer Unit incorporates flexibility, simple installation and ample cable space to easily connect multiple devices and provide peace of mind when it comes to regulatory compliance The fully compliant BS 7671 unit offers flexibility in device configurations, is suitable for AFDD installations, and has additional module capacity for larger installations too It provides electricians with the ability to tailor the fit to the specifications of any new build or retrofit project, while also leaving capacity to meet the energy consumption demands of the homes of the future A low profile cover allows homeowners and electricians to situate the solution wherever necessary, without having to compromise on functionality and scalability due to lack of space The curved profile lid, white finish and minimalistic markings ensure the unit blends into its environment seamlessly and meets any aesthetic needs

ESP Fort Smart Security Range

Fort is a comprehensive range of smart security products, which includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras They all operate under a single App the ‘Click Smart+’ App which is subscription free, with no additional fees incurred By bringing the operation of the new Fort range under the tried and tested Click Smart+ App, users can control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform The Fort Smart Security range has at its core accessibility and simplicity for both the installer and end user and has been designed to bring simple, smart solutions together for a safer and more comfortable home It features contemporary styling and has been designed to be simple to install, maintain and use as well as providing a hassle free security solution

Se r v i c i n g a l l y o u r e l e c t r i c a l n e e d s , PE 's s u p p o r t i n g w e b s i t e i s p a c ke d w i t h u p t o t h e m i n u t e, r e l e v a n t i n f o r m a t i o n f o r o u r r e a d e r s A s a l w a y s , o u r

Te c h n i c a l a r c h i v e c o n t i n u e s t o p r o v e i n c r e d i b l y p o p u l a r, s o t o c e l e b r a t e 2 0 2 2 c o m i n g t o a c l o s e h e r e's o u r r u n d o w n o f t h e t e c h n i c a l t i p s t h a t p r o v e d m o s t p o p u l a r w i t h v i s i t o r s t h i s y e a r : 32,878

HITS

1. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS IN THE GARDEN

Electrical installations in a garden, including luminaires and their associated cables, should be securely fixed and protected against accidental damage by rodents Best practice is therefore extremely important, especially as many home owners are choosing to upgrade their properties with garden installations This article aims to provide electrical professionals with all of the key information they need to know

2. DETERMINING EARTH FAULT LOOP IMPEDANCE

T h i s a r t i c l e e x p l a i n s w h y i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o d e t e r m i n e t h e v a l u e s o f e a r t h f a u l t l o o p i m p e d a n c e ( Z s ) f o r n e w i n s t a l l a t i o n s a n d f o r t h o s e i n s e r v i c e t h a t a r e b e i n g i n s p e c t e d a n d t e s t e d t o e s t a b l i s h t h e i r c o n d i t i o n T h e a r t i c l e a l s o d i s c u s s e s t h e u s e o f c a l c u l a t i o n a s a n a l t e r n a t i v e t o l o o p i m p e d a n c e m e a s u r e m e n t , a s p e r m i t t e d b y B S 7 6 7 1

BUSINESS MATTERS

In this regular column, Emerson Patton, founder of Bright Business Advice, creator of the ‘Bright 7-Sector Orbit’ business model and author of Bright Business Transformation for Contractors, shares his advice for building a better business.

IF YOU DON’T MANAGE YOUR PEOPLE YOU CAN’T DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS!

The HR sector of the Bright 7 sector model focuses on how to manage, motivate and inspire your workforce to higher performance It is split into five different levels, from basic (Level 1) to advanced (Level 5) We use the acronym H U M A N to define each level

In this month’s article we will focus on Levels 1 2 Level 3 Multiply, 4 Achievement and 5 Ninja will all be covered in later articles.

LEVEL 1 ‘H’ FOR HR FRAMEWORK

Job Description, Contracts, Basic Policies and Handbook

How can individuals know what you expect them to do in their job if they don’t get a clear job description? They

need to know how to be successful in their job

Appraisals

A great way to grow and develop your team is through appraisals. Give them feedback and make the whole process a positive experience Carrying out in depth documented, one hour appraisals once every six months, as well as quick, 15 minute ‘check ins’ every quarter can make sure your employees are going in the right direction

Performance management –managing ‘up’ or managing ‘out’ Appraisals show which employees are right for your company, helping to progress your business so you can move them up the career ladder Equally, they can also help you identify which individuals might need moving on Using the right HR polices can help

you deal with those who require help It’s then a case of either stepping up or stepping out of the business

Recruitment and induction funnel

The last section of your HR framework is your recruitment funnel. You should map out a clear recruitment process to make onboarding new members of staff a much simpler process It’s like marketing you need to attract the right people to the right roles, and also position your business to be more attractive to potential recruits Tips to help you identify the right people include:

1. Telephone interviews to narrow down your search before you spend time with individuals in person

2 Group interview (if appropriate) to talk about the company and find out more about potential recruits without the need to schedule dozens of individual meetings

3. Standardise the application form to compare different recruits more quickly

4. 1 2 1 interviews with the best candidates this should include taking them on site to evaluate their interactions with the existing team and demonstrate candidates skills

5. Reference check to ensure the recruit is who they say they are

Induction process

Don’t just hand them keys to a van and a job card This is a three month probation process where you check throughout the three month period to ensure the new team member is fitting in well and meeting your standards

LEVEL 2 – ‘U’ FOR UNITY

Build a strong team culture and you’ll attract and keep the best team players Level 2 of our HUMAN model is Unity and involves uniting your team and making sure everyone understands the ethos of your business I find picking a word to use as an acronym to remember the values as a memory hook works well

It’s hugely important to get people behind your values and to pull together towards collective goals Having just one person who isn’t committed to the culture creates an anchor that holds the business back The culture is the glue that unites your team

Remember to always take advice from a qualified HR person when it comes to this side of the business We work with a select few HR partners at Bright Business Advice so I see these best practices implemented into our clients all the time.

To find out more about Bright’s 7 sector model and how it can help you develop your business, why not download our free business toolkit which is full of useful ideas for freeing up your time, making more money and building a stronger team

LIGHTING THE WAY TO SAVINGS

Businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce operational costs in the face of the on going energy crisis. Colin Lawson, Head of Sales & Marketing at Tamlite Lighting, says small changes can make a big difference with electrical contractors set to play a pivotal role.

If recent reports are to be believed, businesses are set to experience the impact of the volatile energy market for at least the next two years. For those responsible for the management and operation of buildings, it is causing a huge headache

The government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme was introduced at the beginning of October, but a Treasury led review will explore a new approach from April 2023 The emphasis will be on incentivising businesses to become more energy efficient This sends a clear message that organisations need to identify and implement energy efficiency measures, to protect themselves against soaring operational costs

Fortunately, there are some relatively straightforward steps that can be taken to achieve this and reviewing core building services should be at the top of the priority list Lighting is fundamental to any

business Whether it is an office building, retail premises or industrial warehouse, having the correct lighting will make a big difference to reducing energy demand and operational costs.

From an electrical contractor’s perspective, there is a clear opportunity to talk to customers about making the move from traditional lighting types to highly efficient LED based systems

Making the case for LED

Sadly, not all businesses are yet aware of the benefits of LED lighting For those working with the as yet unconverted, it doesn’t take long to construct a compelling case for them to review their lighting The good news is that such upgrades are easy to do and can be achieved in return for relatively small investments

By replacing outdated lighting with modern LED systems, coupled with intelligent control systems, buildings can be made more efficient, generating savings anywhere between 60 and 80%. LED luminaires also have a life expectancy that is 20 times longer than traditional bulbs or tubes, and can function for over 50,000 hours before having to be replaced With less maintenance this also offers significant savings

Installing lighting control systems will add a level of flexibility that is also beneficial for businesses For example,

PIR sensors ensure that lights aren’t used when the room is unoccupied by dimming or switching off the fittings Equally, daylight dimming reduces the output of the luminaires when natural light levels increase. As well as providing a more organic lighting design that is beneficial for building occupants, it also ensures that energy isn’t wasted

Beyond that, installing controls and sensors allows businesses to make informed decisions about how their buildings are being used, and make changes to lighting schedules and settings. This can dramatically reduce energy consumption as the lights are only on when needed

No business can afford to pay the price of inaction when it comes to energy, and lighting is the perfect place to make positive changes Whilst retrofitting buildings with modern, efficient lighting could be seen by many as a complex and time consuming affair, this isn’t the case

Re thinking how we talk about light to our customers is key, and if you need help, we’re here to provide guidance to a lighting solution that reduces energy demand, and saves money, all within budget

SEE THE LIGHTS THIS CHRISTMAS

Outdoor displays are the first sign that Christmas is coming, but it would be a shame if the cost of living worries were to dampen the collective ‘holiday spirit’ too much.

So, why not help people keep the magic alive with timed, energy saving control from the comfort of indoors?

With Timeguard’s weatherproof WF10 Wi Fi Outdoor Controller connected in line and within range of the home router, App based control is extended to outdoor devices

They can then be controlled by a smartphone or tablet using the free, global TuyaSmart App, which also offers voice control via Amazon Alexa or Hey Google.

Setting daily, weekly or countdown timing is straightforward, as is the manual override With 10A (2300W) switching, this neat device is an easy install solution with its large terminals and two PG11 cable glands included

Not just for Christmas, this is an all year round solution that can help control outdoor power

WWW.RDR.LINK/EAM046

Just as we strive for inno constantly push for imp to our products, so we when innovative electri products to create new ways of undertaking tas

A recent example came fro Stears of SOTA Electrical in F when he took up a client’s ch ‘make the EV charger cable d

I f i t s o u n d e d m o r e s u i t e d m a g i c i a n t h a n a n e l e c t r i c i a n c h a n n e l i n g t h e w a l l w a s i m p A d a m s t i l l u n d e r s t o o d t h e c l r e s e r v a t i o n o f o t h e r w i s e h a v a r m o u r e d c a b l e l o o k i n g c o n a n d ‘ i n d u s t r i a l ’ o n t h e r e n d e m a g n o l i a f i n i s h h o u s e f r o n t

Disappearing act

With some smart thinking outside the box, the EV charge cable was made ‘invisible’

We learn more about how D-Line’s products came to the rescue when an electrical firm was faced with the challenge of making a client’s EV-cable ‘disappear

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

The cold weather will put a lot of additional stress on your vehicle and could result in a breakdown that could cost you thousands in repairs and lost business As such, here are a few tips to help you beat the winter blues:

Inspect the antifreeze

Antifreeze is vital for the health of your van’s engine It prevents the water from freezing and also raises the coolant’s boiling temperature, which prevents the engine from overheating

Replacement intervals for antifreeze range from three to four years, but your owner’s manual will confirm this as it very much depends on the model of the van and the size of its engine If you are unsure when your coolant was last changed, ask your local garage to test the strength of the fluid as the properties of the antifreeze will deteriorate over time.

Check the battery

The 12V battery in your van has a lifespan of five to six years Some batteries will last much longer than this, but their ability to generate and hold a charge will diminish over time and this increases the risk of a breakdown over the winter months (with

the cold weather putting additional strain on the battery).

If your van is struggling to start in the mornings or the battery warning symbol is illuminated on the dashboard then the 12V battery may need to be replaced Poor headlight strength is another sign of a worn out battery

Clean the windscreen and wipers regularly

It’s important for van drivers to see and be seen during the dark, winter months. Get into the habit of cleaning your van’s headlights and taillights with a damp cloth every two weeks as road dirt and salt will obscure the light housings and make your vehicle more difficult to see at night

Clean the windscreen wipers every two weeks, too, as dirt and road salt will quickly build up And clean the interior of the windscreen with a good quality glass cleaner and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth –a clean screen will demist quicker than one covered in dirt and dusty finger marks

Check your lights

If you've ever been driving along at night and found yourself with a light out, then you'll know how important lights are both to see and be seen by other road

users. Make sure your lights work on all settings (parking, dipped and main beam). You can also point your van at a garage door when it's dark and check that the beams are not too high or low, and that they are correctly aligned

Check the taillights operate as they should and test the brake lights by reversing against a wall or garage door and checking the reflections Finally, test your van’s fog lights and indicators

Inspect the tyres

As a general rule, you should check your van’s tyres every two weeks and before a long journey And these inspections are even more important in the winter months, with poorly inflated or heavily worn tyres making driving extremely hazardous in wet or icy conditions

The correct tyre pressures will be listed in the owner’s manual and/or on a plate inside the driver’s door frame. Check the sidewalls for signs of damage (bulges or tears) and inspect the tread depth By law, you must have 1 6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre

CONTACTLESS IS MORE

The UK government announced its aims for the national EV charging infrastructure earlier this year In addition to its goal to increase the number of publicly available chargepoints tenfold (from the current 30,000 chargers to 300,000) by the end of the decade, it also mandated that the transaction process must be simplified for the consumer Chief amongst its requirements was the adoption of contactless payment facilities to end the current ‘App overload’ confusion experienced by many EV drivers, whereby they have to download and register multiple smartphone Apps to be able to access the various charging facilities

Consumer concerns

Which?, also revealed the results from a consumer survey where it stated that a staggering 61% of EV drivers had experienced some kind of problem with paying for a charging session 18% of respondents who had given up using public chargepoints cited payment options as the main reason why and 84% more than 8 in 10 of users stated that they would prefer to use contactless payments or chip’n’pin terminals to pay for

charging rather than an App.

It’s easy to see why some of the national CPOs (charge point operators) such as Shell and BP would prefer customers to use App technology, as this can help track their usage and attempt to lock them in by offering deals and incentives to only use their networks

However the massive growth required in public chargepoints will not be facilitated by a handful of larger CPOs and local authorities alone. It will require investment and adoption by numerous smaller operators, independent businesses and housing associations The public will need to be presented with a seamless transaction process to aid wide scale adoption of EVs

EV chargepoint distributor, Hydra EVC, based in Rayleigh, Essex has partnered with Nayax, the global cashless solutions provider to build its contactless payment terminals into its products

For the EV driver it means they simply swipe their payment card (it also works with Apple Pay and Google Pay) plug in their EV and press start The company operating the EV chargepoint can set the prices charged, monitor usage and maintain the chargepoint remotely via Hydra’s

cloud based management systems.

For companies looking to generate additional revenue from their investment into workplace EV chargepoints, free access to charging can still be granted to staff by the use of RFID cards or a smartphone App All the payment terminal does is offer an additional payment method and potential additional revenue

Easy installation

The Nayax terminals can be added to both AC and DC chargers and for the installer, commissioning them is no more complex than a standard chargepoint Instructions are presented on screen and all the installer has to do (apart from connecting the power) is to make sure the chosen communication method is activated

Both the Nayax payment terminal and the Hydra EV charger can use WiFi, wired RJ45 ethernet or a 4G data SIM for remote communications, depending on the available networks on site The rest of the configuration, maintenance and management, is handled remotely

The team at Hydra EV discuss why contactless payment is the way forward for EV chargepoints.

SUIT UP FOR WINTER WORK

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s time for you to make sure you suit up with properly designed, sustainable working clothes that have got what it takes to keep you warm and dry whatever you’re doing on site inside or out

This winter, workwear choices will be as much influenced by sustainability as they are for comfort, practicality and protection Many tradesmen and women are buying better quality garments that will last longer because they incorporate recycled fibres in the fabric technology which reduces environmental waste

In fact, it’s becoming more widely recognised that cheap, throwaway working clothes are contributing to our environmental concerns while garments made from sustainable ‘preferred fibres’ deliver high levels of durability and comfort They’re good value, hard wearing

products with a long product lifetime, which is key to reducing waste

Dressing for the weather – and the environment

If you’re freezing cold, you’re not going to be working as efficiently and comfortably as you could That’s why wearing layers is the best way to regulate your body temperature when you’re working in unpredictable or generally inclement weather conditions

That’s why a 3 layer workwear system base layers, mid layers and outer layers will keep you warm and comfortable by transporting moisture away from your skin, insulating your body, and protecting you from cold, wet and windy weather.

Layering from head to toe

Whether it’s hot or cold, the solution to effective layering is making sure you stay dry, even when you’re working up a sweat The best way to do just that is through the layer that’s closest to your skin the base layer

Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, looks at the benefits of suiting up with the correct work clothing this winter.

Base layers

These first layer undergarments, including socks, are vital for staying dry and ventilated and the types you wear should ‘wick’ (transport) moisture away from your skin. The range of base layer clothes from Snickers Workwear have seamless comfort and a great ergonomic fit, but different garments’ fabrics, such as those with ‘37 5 technology’, provide different levels of ventilation and warmth depending on how active you are while working and the weather conditions you’re working in

For instance, during the colder months of the year, Merino wool is a natural and durable base layer choice. While it can absorb around 5% of its own weight in moisture, this type of wool has the added benefit of being naturally odour resistant and it’s environmentally friendly too

Mid layers

If your job involves moving back and forth, indoors and outside, or you find yourself constantly switching back and forth

Peter

between physical and stationary tasks in colder conditions, then it’s worth paying particular attention to your choice of mid layer clothing.

Your second (middle) layer is designed for warmth and insulation and to compliment your base layers If it’s ergonomically designed for a body mapping fit, it should trap your body heat in a pocket of warm air around you That means your mid layer needs to fit well, without being too tight or loose Ideally, it will be made from knitted, quilted, fleece, or microfleece materials that provide an airy yet comfortable enclosure.

However, if your work is physically demanding, ventilating your body is vital and this is where garment functionality is absolutely vital You’ll need ‘hybrid’ garments that provide insulation combined with ventilation and multiple functionality features like Snickers Workwear’s fleeces, gilets and lightweight jackets which are made from more environmentally friendly fabrics such as recycled polyester.

Outer layers

If you have to work outside in cold, wet, or windy weather for long periods, work will get even harder That’s when you’ll definitely want to protect yourself from the elements with your own protective shell the third weatherproof outer layer

Your third layer needs to deliver effective wind and water protection to keep you warm, dry and to ensure the effectiveness of the two inner layers. And as with both base and mid layers, you’ll want to avoid getting too warm so insultation combined with ventilation features in your outer garments are vital

That means that you need jackets designed to be durable and weatherproof which complement the garments’ overall technical functionality Snickers Workwear’s work jackets are built to be weatherproof enough to keep the elements at bay, and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of a hard day’s work but still delivering the level of breathability and ventilation you need for a comfortable and effective day at work

The new clothing in the winter workwear system includes windproof, waterproof and high vis garments for both men and women to keep them warm, dry and visible all day, every day. So, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, make Snickers Workwear your first and only sustainable choice for tackling the toughest of jobs and the worst of weather

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIND OF WEATHERPROOFED WORKWEAR

“How wet are you likely to get on site?” asks Peter “Your answer will help you choose the right type of rainwear to wear What does the weather forecast say? Is there a risk of heavy rain, showers or drizzle? Will your work be low intensity or more active?

“Finally, how long will you be exposed to the wet weather minutes or hours? Hence, longer shifts will put more demands on your working clothes and the waterproof technology used in the garments That’s why you need to consider whether you should be wearing waterproof or water repellent clothing

“So, for longer exposure or, if you need 100% protection on site in the rain, look for our GORE TEX jackets These highly technical garments are extremely durable with a membrane that has over 1.4 billion pores per square cm. They’re waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable all day long.

“For quick and reliable protection when it’s raining or if your work is less active, choose our PU garments which, along with our other rainwear clothing, have EN 343 certification for Protection against Foul Weather This accreditation validates the garment’s performance in the rain through independent testing

“Also, don’t forget about ventilation! Your clothes’ breathability is as crucial for your comfort as the outer layer protection against water, especially when you’re working really hard Look for clothes with good climate control that transports sweat away from the skin

“So, make a habit of checking the breathability features of the garments you buy Breathability comes in two ways Either the breathability of the fabric itself, such as our 37 5 technology sports fabric, or built in ventilation functionality such as zippers or meshed fabric areas at the sides and back of the garments.”

A Stirling effort from Aico

Stirling Council is set to deploy portfolio wide connected home technology as part of a huge rollout aimed at boosting resident health, safety, and wellbeing

Following the Council’s IoT working trial with Aico, a wider rollout (which includes environmental sensors to collect information around tenants’ homes) will be implemented Collected data will include temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas levels, along with smoke detection sensors and will dramatically improve the health, safety and wellbeing of residents Tenants will be able to take actionable measures from insights via a mobile App

This is the first full rollout of a multi technology and sensors connected home solution across an entire housing portfolio and currently the largest UK social housing sector rollout, with 50,000 IoT devices being installed over the next 8 10 years in homes managed by Stirling Council Housing Service

Early warnings and energy monitoring

Environmental sensors around the properties will alert the council in real time and provide early warning of damp, mould, ventilation and any other potential issues, while helping the tenant to understand energy consumption levels with heating their home. In a time of fuel poverty, connected devices more often seen in private dwellings are emerging as a powerful tool for ensuring social homes are healthy to live in and used in an energy efficient manner Homes will also benefit from a significant fire safety upgrade and be equipped with connected smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

Having the ability to identify the least thermally efficient homes means that Stirling Council, as a landlord, can take intelligence led decisions to target capital investment programmes at those properties. The Fuel Poverty Act (Scotland), also seeks to protect residents of all households but particularly those in rural, highland and island communities from facing fuel poverty Stirling council have around 20% of its housing portfolio in rural areas

Stirling Council is just one local authority that is working to implement environmental sensors into social housing properties across the UK. Residents gain access to information on their home’s condition and hadvice on the measures they can take to improve the quality of their home via a dedicated App

The long term and methodical intended rollout follows a successful pilot project and sees Stirling Council at the forefront

to providing tenants with a comprehensive view of the internal air quality environment in their homes. The initial pilot was part of a Scottish government funded programme called CivTech, which aimed to drive innovation in collaborative and cost effective technology across the public sector

Aico and HomeLINK state that across the UK more than 150,000 IoT devices are connected in tenants’ homes and in use by social landlords Based on current demand this number is expected to hit 1 million devices by the end of 2024, bringing about a paradigm shift in landlords’ efforts to comply with regulations and also in offering tenants a better understanding of their home’s environment.

Several private sector landlords are already using connected IoT devices to pre empt issues. By connecting all of its housing stock, Stirling Council will continue to make intelligence led and data based decisions when maintenance teams now conduct regular safety checks, planning staff can identify trends and improvements, plan budgets and make property investment decisions. It will also trigger preventative maintenance measures by alerting staff to early causes of deterioration in a property’s environment

Residents using the free App gain a view of the safety and health of their indoor environment The App also provides advice and guidance on how to improve living conditions, and live a healthier and safer life whilst reducing carbon footprint and bills

ISM EUROPA

Albatros Dynamic Line Safety Shoes

The safety shoes in the Albatros Dynamic line offer uncompromising safety, unrestricted wearing comfort and dynamic design At the start of the year, ISM launched the attractive new Albatros Dynamic Line range of safety shoes that includes three safety class S3 models and four S1P models The shoes are based on a wear resistant, impact cushioning DUO PU sole that impresses with its exceptional flexibility and non slip properties The sole profile features wide flex grooves and profile elements of various designs that provide for outstanding grip on a range of different surfaces especially industrial floors A soft PU midsole optimally cushions the high forces experienced when taking steps and is thus a perfect combination of stability and flexibility. All models in the range feature FAP puncture protection made from non metallic materials. The FAP midsole offers the wearer more comfort, flexibility, insulation, moisture absorption and impact cushioning. To ensure the safety shoes adapt optimally to the wearer’s feet, Dynamic Line shoes feature an anatomically shaped footbed made of soft EVA The shock absorbing properties of this material help protect joints, muscles and bones All models are metal free and feature a roomy fiberglass toe cap with a low weight

NIGLON Control and Automation Catalogue

More than 150 new product lines have been added to Niglon’s specific Control and Automation catalogue Not only does the latest version of the catalogue boast more than 500 products, each also has a QR code which links directly to the technical information about that product meaning this vital data can be accessed on the go In addition to the extensive range offered, Niglon also provides a bespoke service for its Control and Automation products whether a customer is seeking a non standard size enclosure, wants the position of a switch changed, specific parts pre installed into a board, or a higher rated amperage than listed. And, following suit with the main Niglon catalogue which was released at the start of October, the catalogue has also been resized and the layout updated to make it easier than ever to access.

CED ELECTRICAL Airmaster Bathroom

Downflow Heater

Already one of the broadest ranges of space heating on the market, Airmaster now features a 2kw bathroom downflow heater, providing a more powerful option to the current Quartz 1.5kw fitting. As for the rest of the range, virtually all elements were upgraded for last winter Starting with panel heaters, whilst the standard and slim ranges were enhanced with remote control versions, the exciting additions were ‘smart’ free standing Wi Fi enabled heaters, including a glass panel option New improved ranges of infrared wall, pedestal and tower products were also introduced, whilst Airmaster’s traditional strengths in 2kw fan and convector heaters as well as the wide range of oil filled radiators from 0 5 to 2 5kw remain unchanged. Specialist frost watch, air curtains and tubular heaters complete the range

G E T M O R E D E TA I L S A B O U T T H E R A N G E AT: W W W. R D R . L I N K / E A M 0 5 3

Measure low resistance with complete confidence

Even when high levels of electrical noise are present, Megger s new DLRO2X digital low resistance ohmmeter can be relied upon to deliver dependable results

This versatile handheld instrument also offers users four test modes normal, fast/long lead, inductive resistance and a new innovative noise rejection test mode and has facilities for saving test results internally for downloading later via a USB memory stick. A further innovative feature is an integral ‘difference meter’ function which allows rapid comparisons to be made between measurements.

The DLRO2X is suitable for an exceptionally wide range of applications, including checking the integrity of weld joints, measuring the resistance of lightning protection systems in wind turbines, measuring continuity in PV farms, testing high current track connections in railway and tram systems, verifying cable resistance, checking battery connections in electric vehicles, and many more

“Our customers told us that they needed a low resistance ohmmeter that was compact, reliable and suitable for use everywhere even in difficult environments,” said Paul Swinerd, Product Manager, General Electrical Test at Megger

“The DLR02X is our response Not only is it physically rugged and well protected against electrical abuse such as being accidentally connected to a live circuit, it also gives accurate

results in electrically noisy environments, thanks to our patented Confidence Meter technology And, with its four operating modes, the DLRO2X is a low resistance measurement toolkit all in one instrument ”

In normal mode, users of the DLRO2X can set a maximum test current up to 2 A and select either unidirectional or bidirectional testing. This mode provides maximum flexibility and the measuring range is 1 µΩ to 2000 Ω. In fast/long lead mode the maximum test current is 1 A, and measurements displayed only in mΩ. Settings are automatically optimised to deliver fast results and, where necessary, to allow the use of long test leads. Results are displayed in milliohms.

In inductive resistance mode, the test current is fixed at 1 A maximum and, to save time, the test terminates automatically when the current stabilises In the new noise rejection range the maximum test current is 1 A, and is applied continuously to allow a stream of measurements to be fed into the Confidence Meter This unique feature even allows the instrument to provide accurate measurements while subjected to high levels of random noise

ESP Beacon Disabled Refuge Range Expansion

Earlier this year ESP launched a new category of products with its Beacon Disabled Refuge range Meeting the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved Document B, the Beacon range comprises a variety of products that are specifically designed to assist emergency evacuation situations in a wide range of buildings and venues with the aim of assisting people with limited mobility to safely exit the building The Beacon ‘Master Stations’ are the central point of the system, which combines disabled refuge outstations, fire telephone handsets and emergency alarms to form one fully integrated system ESP has now expanded the range with a new green disabled refuge outstation that will be offered in addition to the existing stainless steel version, offering an appealing product for those projects and installations where budgets may be limited

HELLERMANNTYTON 2022/2023 Catalogue

HellermannTyton’s latest product catalogue for 2022/2023 showcases the brand’s entire portfolio of product ranges including Fastening and Fixings, Identification, Application Tooling, Electrical Installation and Insulation & Protection, all of which feature tailor made technologies designed to meet the unique demands of the various industries that HellermannTyton serves The catalogue also provides insight into HellermannTyton’s latest product launches This includes the Soft Grip Series which provides flexible fastening options for fluid management, the all new HelaCon Plus Resealable Connectors for electrical installations, and the EVO KR manual tensioning tool which works as an application tool to offer high vibration resistance ideal for the rail and automotive industries, to name just a few The comprehensive catalogue features a digital upgrade on its predecessors with QR codes and URLs at the bottom of each product page enabling customers to visit a product’s dedicated page on the HellermannTyton website

OVIA LIGHTING

Inceptor Duo Luminaire

SNICKERS WORKWEAR

Autumn/Winter Mid-layer Range

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g p r e m i u m l i g h t i n g p o r t f o l i o i s I n c e p t o r D u o –a s l e e k u p a n d d o w n d i m m a b l e l i n e a r l u m i n a i r e T h e p r o d u c t o f f e r s i n s t a l l e r s a n d t h e i r c l i e n t s a c o m p l e t e c u s t o m d u a l l i g h t i n g s o l u t i o n a n d i s p e r f e c t f o r a c c e n t u a t i n g d e s i g n f e a t u r e s b o t h h i g h a n d l o w I t i s a v a i l a b l e i n t w o l e n g t h s 1 , 2 0 0 m m a n d 1 , 5 0 0 m m a n d t w o w a t t a g e s 4 2 W a n d 5 6 W T h e r e a r e t h r e e c o l o u r o p t i o n s t o c o v e r a l l d é c o r r e q u i r e m e n t s b l a c k , g r e y a n d w h i t e T h e l u m i n a i r e f e a t u r e s a d u a l C TA s w i t c h O F F, c o o l w h i t e, w a r m w h i t e a n d d a y l i g h t a n d t h e u p a n d d o w n l i g h t s c a n b e c o n t r o l l e d s e p a r a t e l y I n c e p t o r D u o i s d i m m a b l e a n d e m e r g e n c y v e r s i o n s a r e a l s o a v a i l a b l e

Snickers Workwear’s innovative and sustainable mid layer clothing has excellent breathability for efficient body temperature management when you’re working hard The body mapping designs and sustainable fabrics keep you ventilated as the heat from your body is regulated to give you winter warmth and cooling comfort when you need it The new autumn winter styles include the FlexiWork high vis hoodie which is stretchy, versatile and made from a two layer mesh fabric and recycled polyester fibres This Class 1 hoodie comes with glow in the dark flashes and plenty of features to deliver comfort and functionality You can use the FlexiWork jacket underneath for an outer layer on cold days or on its own in milder conditions It’s made from a functional fabric with a high content of recycled polyester fibres and an ergonomic design for plenty of freedom of movement For comfort and freedom of movement on chilly workdays, the FlexiWork fleece hoodie is ideal The

offers great insulation while long cuffs with thumb grip provide extra protection against cold air

fleece

Stay warm this winter with Makita

Makita has released its latest heated jacket, helping to protect wearers against the elements

Powered by the reliable 18V LXT battery, this new warm and stylish jacket is a must have for cold, harsh jobsite environments, or for outdoor leisure in the cold winter months

The latest DCJ205 heated jacket is here to offer maximum comfort and durability Thanks to the five heating zones, users benefit from continuous warmth in the chest and back areas whilst also having control over the three heat level settings

The powerful 18V LXT battery offers even longer continuous runtimes, with a fully charged battery lasting seven hours on the highest setting, 11 hours on medium, and 29 hours on low (when powered by the BL1850B 5 0Ah battery) Customers can use existing batteries or purchase one with the DCJ205 as a kit

The jacket’s olive coloured, polyester outer lining makes it waterproof and windproof, whilst the inner fleece lining helps keep the user warm and comfortable, even with the power off Additionally, it is fully washable and dryable, so cleaning is easy and hassle free without damaging its heating capabilities

It is also equipped with a two way zip, offering more flexibility when wearing a tool belt, as well as six pockets And last but not least, this lightweight product is available in a range of sizes, catering to sizes M to 2XL

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, said: “We are very excited to be releasing our new LXT heated jacket We understand the harsh conditions that our customers are

faced with during the colder months, and have designed this product with comfort, durability and style in mind Even without the aid of our LXT battery, this jacket is an excellent product that will prove invaluable both on site and also in other outdoors environments ”

B R OW S E M A K I TA’ S R A N G E O F L X T H E AT E D

K E TS AT: W W W. R D R . L I N K / E A M 0 6

SIGNIFY Ultra Efficient Range

Signify has launched its Ultra Efficient product line up featuring its most energy efficient LED lighting solutions to date The products launched include a range of A class MASTER LEDbulbs and MASTER LEDtubes The Ultra Efficient product line up is top of the class in relation to the stricter energy labelling under the Ecodesign Regulation, and the Energy Labelling Regulation, which have recently come into play Thanks to this technological breakthrough, the new products are the first in a range of new Philips lighting, meeting the highest level in the new energy labelling legislation Also, with energy savings of up to 60% compared with standard LED lamps and up to 3.5 x longer lifetime, the Ultra Efficiency range is the perfect choice to help customers tackle the mounting pressure to lower their carbon footprint in the global energy crisis

TIMEGUARD

Flat Lens PIR Detectors

New flatter lenses make these new PIR occupancy detectors as attractive to interior designers as they are to contractors With Timeguard’s trusted brand assurance, these stylish, energy saving devices are easy to install, can be relied on to perform to specification, and will give many years of trouble free service Motion is detected over a 10m field with more sensitive presence detection over a 3m diameter Adjusting time

ON, sensitivity and lux level is straightforward, and the new flat lens design is available for flush or ceiling mounting

They will switch up to 600W LED lighting or a 250W fan and can be wired in parallel to tailor coverage for individual spaces.

HAMILTON LITESTAT

Combined USB Double Switched Sockets

Hamilton Litestat is meeting consumer demand for faster, more convenient charging of electronic devices, with the launch of its new Combined USB 45W (3A) Type C and 18W (3A) Type A double switched sockets An amplified rating of a 45W (3A) Type C and 18W (3A) Type A enables charging of USB devices at full capacity within the quickest time, via a standard 13A double switched socket. And the really smart thing about the charger is the way it auto detects the optimum charging capacity of any device plugged into the charging port and adjusts the current delivered, accordingly making smart use of the power available An increase of 0 6A between the standard 2 4A and Hamilton’s new dual 3A combined USB A&C sockets sees devices such as iPhones now achieving 50% charge in just 30 minutes or 100% in 1hr 55 minutes Similarly, a MacBook Pro is able to achieve 50% charge in 58 minutes or 100% in 2hrs 20 minutes, when plugged into the Type C outlet on a 2 gang switched socket

C.K TOOLS

Quick-Change Hole Saw Arbor Set

Designed for those who regularly change between hole saws, the Quick Change Hole Saw Arbor Set from C K Tools enables up to 50% reduction in change times versus a standard Arbor, helping to improve productivity The set is multi faceted and comes with an 8mm black oxide coated Hex Shank with a 135˚ split point HSS G Pilot bit, as well as a 1/2” 20 UNF adaptor for 14 30mm hole saws, and a 5/8” 18 UNF adaptor for 32 210mm hole saws To provide additional flexibility the Quick Change Hole Saw Arbor Set uses universal fitments so will work with all leading brands of hole saw Moreover, C K Tools is also offering the two adaptors in packs of three enabling trade professionals to convert their full range into quick change hole saws, ready for any job

Setting the standard for safe voltage testing

Voltage testers are used to detect live electricity and can be an important piece of safety kit for electricians or for any trades who need to work with or around electricity

Models in the Martindale range come with useful features For example, the Martindale VT12 Two Pole Voltage and Continuity Tester features an LED voltage indicator, measures 12V to 690V and provides a continuity test. It also includes probe caps for GS38 compliance.

Other models in the range are crammed with more advanced features which are just as easy to use The VT25 and VT28 pole testers, for example, auto detect and measure AC/DC voltages from 12V to 690V and include continuity testing with audible and visual indication plus phase rotation measurement capability

Both the VT25 and VT28 use LED indicators for voltage steps and have a white light torch function making it easy to work in low light environments The VT28 also includes a high contrast LCD display for digital readings

The testers’ design meets the latest requirements of BS EN61243 3, is supplied with removable probe caps for GS38 compliance and is rated at CAT IV 600V, CAT III 690V for enhanced safety In addition, the cable is double insulated with a black outer and contrasting inner core to give a visual warning of any potential damage An IP64 rating provides added protection and reliability

Ergonomically designed and of durable construction, the new testers can easily be operated when wearing safety gloves and are suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications

The VT12, VT25 and VT28 testers are also available in kits, which include Martindale proving units and combination carry cases. All Martindale Electric voltage testing equipment is fully compliant with international standards and manufactured in compliance with IEC61243.

Other Martindale Voltage Testers, designed primarily for making proving dead fool proof, are the industry standard VI13800 and VI150000 and the Drummond range of Test Lamps

Test equipment specialists Martindale Electric has a wide range of voltage testers, which combine enhanced safety and functionality with ease of use

OVIA LIGHTING Issue 4 Catalogue

The new Issue 4 Ovia catalogue showcases the entire product range and includes a number of new additions, as well as the Click Flow connectors range which has recently been brought under the Ovia umbrella At 236 pages, the catalogue brings to designers, contractors and specifiers a comprehensive product guide covering the entire range on offer With its extensive collection of luminaires, installers can have confidence that they will find a lighting solution to fit every possible project they are working on All sectors are covered including domestic, commercial, industrial, utility, amenity, emergency lighting and floodlighting The lighting offer is further enhanced with a full range of lighting control solutions that will optimise energy saving credentials The new Ovia Issue 4 catalogue can be downloaded on the Ovia website or accessed via the Scolmore Group App.

POWER QUALITY EXPERT

Sonel Fault Loop Impedance Meter

The Sonel MZC 306 fault loop impedance meter has been approved by Network Rail for use in their Signalling Power feeders to test the fault current (Ik) and loop impedance (Zs) measurements The product is fully PADS approved under the Network Rail Certificate of Acceptance PA05/07453 The meter was selected by engineers at Network Rail as being suitable for making measurements on their electrification systems as it is capable of being used on systems up to 750V. This functionality makes it ideal for working on the Network Rail 650V electrical network As well as calculating the fault current at a resolution of 0 01 ohms, the meter will also give measurements of the resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xs) components of the system under test The meter also has an extended test voltage range making it suitable for testing on many alternative system voltages which includes 110/190V, 115/200V, 127/220V, 220/380V, 230/400V, 240/415V, 290/500V and 400/690V This wide variety of electrical systems the meter can test not only makes it ideal for the 650V railway network, but also for use in a wide variety of LV electrical installations such as solar PV renewables, commercial properties, public facilities, workshops and factories

FIRST MATS

ESD Deck-Mat

When working with sensitive electrical equipment, it’s essential to reduce the chances of it being critically damaged by a sudden electrostatic discharge (ESD) A great way to do this is with an Anti Static Floor Mat, and a new model is now available from First Mats The primary job of an Anti Static Mat is to protect workers and equipment by safely dissipating static electricity, preventing it from building up and discharging, which can damage circuit boards and other sensitive equipment However, the new ESD Deck Mat also makes for a great Anti Fatigue Mat. Workers who spend most of their working day on their feet will be all too familiar with the aches and pains caused by long periods of being stationary, but Anti Fatigue Mats can make their work significantly more comfortable, leading to better well being and productivity. The new Deck Mat features a soft, foam based centre that helps relieve discomfort from standing, whilst a conductive vinyl top surface provides durability and protection for operatives and components from static discharges It’s also resilient against many industrial chemicals and has a diamond pattern on the surface to boost grip underfoot The ESD Deck Mat is available in full 18.3m long rolls in widths of 90cm or 120cm or in custom lengths, which are cut from the roll and professionally finished with ramped edges and a 10mm male stud for earth wire connection

Products that meet the Surge in demand for EV

In a typical domestic installation, the EV charger supply is taken from the domestic supply and can be up to 22 kW. Surge protection should therefore be installed as detailed in the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations

In public areas, fast chargers with > 22 kW, mostly DC Charging up to typically 350kW, are fed from the grid If the charging stations are installed outside in the form of charging columns, AC and/or DC surge protection would be required.

With these types of EV chargers attention must also be paid to the protection of the communication interface This extremely important interface should be protected as it represents the link between the vehicle, the charging infrastructure, and the energy system Protection modules tailored to the application ensure the reliable, safe and continued operation of the EV charging systems

Switchtec can supply the Citel Surge Protectors in Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3, for use with AC, DC voltages and are suitable for use on all earthing systems including TN, TT/TN, TNS and TN C S The SPDs are available in Single Pole, Single Phase, 3 Phase and 3 Phase & Neutral. Citel produce a range of DIN rail mounted surge protectors which are easy to install in any standardised distribution panel or control cabinets and also PCB mounted Surge Protectors for OEM applications.

Citel has designed its Surge Protectors to meet the most extreme constraints, beyond that asked by the IEC/EN standards In order to ensure total safety, the DAC/DDC series are designed to provide a safe disconnection, high resistance to fire and short circuit and built with a high mechanical robustness Key

performance features of the DAC/DDC range include an improved ergonomic design, which incorporates a quick release retaining clip for the replaceable SPD modules

Further benefits include, improved plastic materials used to increase the product strength and rigidity, whilst also taking into account environmental concerns with the use of Halogen free plastics A larger disconnection indicator allows the operator to easily and quickly identify if the SPD has come to end of life. A green indicator displays a fully functioning SPD whilst a red indicator indicates immediate replacement required This indicator is in conjunction with the built in remote signal output, a volt free contact, suitable for connection to an external signalling device

C AM E RA CAUGHT ON

ANSLOW ELECTRICAL: Today’s rewire pulled from a socket chase, and cupboards above It had been like this for years!

AC ELECTRICS: The tenant was complaining that the oven wasn’t working A quick check showed the oven cpc not loose in the ‘choc a blocs’ and both the fuse and fan heating element burnt out!

LEE: Check out this DIY outside socket I came across Tut, tut!

DEMPS: This was a brand new install by a well known site electrical company There was a tamper proof sticker on the board is that to stop people from looking at the horrendous work?

KEVIN SMITH: Another DIY special, buried in plaster boarding A socket had been removed and legs extended in the opposite direction to two more sockets

BARRY MAY: The customer complained that the bathroom lights were flickering when the extractor fan was on. We removed the fan and this mess fell out!

DARREN OVEREND: Is this what they mean when they say 'adaptable box'?

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electrician. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

ALL LED Ltd ..................................................................inside front cover www.rdr.link/EAM100

Atlantic ...........................................................................inside back cover www.rdr.link/EAM101

Aurora Ltd ......................................................................................page 68 www.rdr.link/EAM102

Carlisle Brass Ltd ..........................................................................page 64 www.rdr.link/EAM103

CED ...................................................................................................page 67 www.rdr.link/EAM104

CHAUVIN ARNOUX UK Ltd......................................................page 58 www.rdr.link/EAM105

Chint Europe (UK) Ltd ................................................................page 35 www.rdr.link/EAM106

C-TEC Ltd .......................................................................................page 59 www.rdr.link/EAM107

C-TEC Ltd ........................................................................................page 64 www.rdr.link/EAM108

Electrorad U.K. Ltd .........................................................................page 9 www.rdr.link/EAM109

ELEX .................................................................................................page 79 www.rdr.link/EAM110

Elite Security Products Ltd ........................................................page 61 www.rdr.link/EAM111

Forum Lighting Solutions ..........................................................page 70 www.rdr.link/EAM112

GARO Electric Ltd ........................................................................page 25 www.rdr.link/EAM113

Ideal Heating .................................................................................page 26 www.rdr.link/EAM114

ISM Heinrich Krämer GmbH & Co. KG ...................................page 14 www.rdr.link/EAM115

JCC Lighting Products Ltd ........................................................page 43 www.rdr.link/EAM116

LED Group ......................................................................................page 30 www.rdr.link/EAM117

LINIAN Supply Co. Ltd ...............................................................page 62 www.rdr.link/EAM118

Linkcharging Technology Company Ltd ..............................page 62 www.rdr.link/EAM119

Live Electrical Distribution UK Ltd ..........................................page 10 www.rdr.link/EAM120

Megger Ltd.....................................................................................page 20 www.rdr.link/EAM121

Metrel UK Ltd ................................................................................page 36 www.rdr.link/EAM122

ML Accessories Ltd .....................................................................page 33 www.rdr.link/EAM123

Orcomm Ltd ...............................................................outside back cover www.rdr.link/EAM124

Ovia Lighting .................................................................................page 58 www.rdr.link/EAM125

Prefect Controls Ltd .....................................................................page 61 www.rdr.link/EAM126

Robert Bosch Ltd ............................................................................page 4 www.rdr.link/EAM127

Rolec Services Ltd .......................................................................page 57 www.rdr.link/EAM128

Schneider Electric ..........................................................................page 6 www.rdr.link/EAM129

Schneider Electric ........................................................................page 53 www.rdr.link/EAM130

Scolmore International Ltd .......................................................page 70 www.rdr.link/EAM131

S.E.C Solutions Ltd .......................................................................page 71 www.rdr.link/EAM132

Sevadis ............................................................................................page 39 www.rdr.link/EAM133

Tesco Mobile Ltd ...........................................................................page 17 www.rdr.link/EAM134

The Electrical Academy ..............................................................page 61 www.rdr.link/EAM135

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) .......page 51 www.rdr.link/EAM136

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ......page 67 www.rdr.link/EAM137

Timeguard Ltd ...............................................................................page 40 www.rdr.link/EAM138

UNICRIMP Ltd ...............................................................................page 68 www.rdr.link/EAM139

WernerCo .........................................................................................page 13 www.rdr.link/EAM140

Wise Controls .................................................................................page 71 www.rdr.link/EAM141

XS Training Ltd .............................................................................page 55 www.rdr.link/EAM142

Zzeus Training Ltd .......................................................................page 44 www.rdr.link/EAM143