Professional Electrician & Installer October 2020

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TO EE FR DE RA ET TH

PROFESSIONAL

ELECTRICIAN THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRADE

& INSTALLER OCTOBER 2020

SPECIAL REPORTS

TECHNICAL ADVICE

WE CATCH UP WITH THE MAN BEHIND APPRENTICE 121 AND THE TEAM AT BSA ELECTRICAL

WHY YOU NEED CONSISTENT DATA TERMINATIONS IN 'SMART' BUILDINGS

12 STEPS TO SAFE ISOLATION A CUT OUT AND KEEP GUIDE FOR READERS TO UTILISE

PLUS: INDUSTRY NEWS ● CAUGHT ON CAMERA ● COMPETITIONS ● NEW PRODUCTS AND MORE

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Total Average Net Distribution: 71,632 Certification period 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2018

October 2020 Volume 36 No.9

Regulars 5

VIEWPOINT

7

NEWS

20

26 CODEBREAKERS 33 ASK OVIA NEW 34 MADE 2 MEASURE 46 MK ELECTRIC INSIGHTS 63 PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE 78 CAPTAIN C-TEC 80 CAUGHT ON CAMERA

News & Views 12 The ESR releases a 12-step safe isolation infographic for industry professionals 15 Are we about to see the evolution of the electrician?

How Apprentice 121 is providing a helping hand to future electrical professionals

Special Reports 19 How one electrical business has made it back from the brink 20 We talk to the inspiration behind the Apprentice 121 initiative 23 A new start-up firm describes the trials and tribulations caused by the global pandemic

Technical & Training

31 Are thermal insulated cables getting you hot under the collar?

37 How to achieve consistent and compliant data network terminations in smart buildings 40 Learning more about NICEIC & ELECSA's new virtual classroom

Fire safety: the benefits of remote control

43 We look at the latest training courses and remote learning opportunities

Products & Business Solutions 49 Why fire safety can benefit from remote control post-lockdown

49

40

29 Power over ethernet – what are the benefits?

Virtual training becomes a reality

56 Hamilton's Specification range gets a very special appointment 59 Steve Hewish gets his hands on the latest thermal imaging tool from Bosch 65 Rounding-up the latest products, tools and equipment to help you in your work

52 Will burglaries be back on the rise this winter?

Competitions & Giveaways

55 PIRs: why choosing right means you'll only choose once

16 WIN C.K multitool bit sets and Hultafors screwdrivers to be won this month

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 3

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@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

Meet the team Editor RICHARD BOWLER email: pe@hamerville.co.uk Editorial Assistant PATRICK SWAN email: pswan@hamerville.co.uk Digital Manager REBECCA MCGEOCH email: rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager ANTHONY SCOTT email: ascott@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Advertisement Manager IAN TURNER Design ADEEL QADRI Production Assistant KERRI SMITH Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Distribution Manager KARL CLARK Managing Editor TERRY SMITH Publisher BRYAN SHANNON 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. © 2020

Subscriptions to PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN are available.

Image References (Adobe Stock): Pg 7 Tool Thief © Bearok Pg 15 Step Into 2021 © Jirsak Pg 16 Home Working © Len44IK Pg 20 Helping Hand © Mango Pg 31 Electric Appliances © Andriy Popov Pg 32 Inspection © Mortortion Pg 40 Virtual Reality © Sergey Nivens Pg 52 Burglar © 1001Color

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Editor’s Viewpoint

A stark reminder of the need for ‘safety first’ There are many vocations where it can be virtually guaranteed that a loved one you waved off in the morning will return safely and in time for their dinner that same day. The electrical industry, by its nature, is not one that is afforded this kind of luxury.

This fact has once again been brought sharply into light by recent news of two incidents within UK DNOs where electricity workers have tragically lost their lives.

The incidents, which happened within a week of one another, are both understood to have been caused by contact with electricity – the first involving an operator carrying out low voltage joining, while the second victim was working at an EHV substation when they were involved in a fatal accident at height when seeking to apply portable primary earths. The victims were 32 and 33 years old respectively.

Louise Taggart, a now familar name in the electrical industry, can talk from first-hand experience of how it must feel to learn that someone you love and cherish will not be returning home from (what should have been) a normal day at work.

Her brother Michael Adamson, an experienced electrician, died at the age of 26 as the result of an electrical incident at work.

It’s been 15 years since that awful day, but Louise’s commitment to educating the sector on the vital need for correct safety procedures on-site – including the safe isolation of electrical circuits – remains as strong as ever.

Although Michael’s employer was found guilty of health and safety offences and fined £300,000, what price can anyone possibly put on his life? The same can be said of the two aforementioned fatalities, though it has not been concluded that there was any negligence on behalf of their respective employers at this time.

Regardless, it’s once again another example of a life lost at work, and a family that has to deal with the consequences. It should also serve as a reminder to every electrical professional, and their employers, that every

provision should be made to ensure preventable workplace incidents are avoided.

A great starting point for our electrical industry would be for every company and employee to make a commitment that safe isolation of electrical circuits is undertaken wherever it is required as a safety measure.

Cutting corners just to save a few minutes or some hassle, is simply not acceptable when the price to pay could be an individual’s life.

Within our industry we’re tremendously lucky to have individuals who work towards the greater good and safety of everyone, and the ESR (Electrical Safety Roundtable) is one such initiative. The group has recently issued a reminder of the need electricians to remember the ‘6th item of PPE’ – the lockout/tagout kit – whenever they’re working on-site.

Furthermore, they’ve produced a brilliant guide for electricians and contractors to use as a reminder on a daily basis. You can find a cut out and keep version to use in your own business on pages 12 & 13.

A special mention this month also needs to go to Mark Allison, who has done a fantastic thing for the industry by launching Apprentice 121 – an initiative designed to re-connect and place apprentices who may have lost employment during the pandemic with willing employers. Find out more about the initiative and how you can help on pages 20 & 21.

We’ve also got some really inspiring stories of electrical businesses that have bounced back from the rigours of the pandemic, as Able Electrical (page 19) and BSA Electrical (pages 23 & 24) prove that a bit of old fashioned fighting spirit can take you a long way.

If you’ve got an interesting story to share or want to get something off your chest, contact us at pe@hamerville.co.uk or send us a direct message through our social channels.

Have a good month and stay safe!

Richard B owler PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 5

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news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Tradesperson's turmoil as tools are stolen every 20 minutes Tools are stolen from a tradesperson’s vehicle every 20 minutes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, according to new research from Direct Line - Business.

Last year, there were an alarming 28,681 cases of tool theft from vehicles, equating to 78 incidences every day.

Based on an analysis of data from police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the findings highlight that theft of tools from vehicles is a frequent problem for tradespeople.

Of the 28,681 incidences of tool theft, nearly a third (30%) were reported in London with the North West (27%) and Yorkshire and Humberside (12%) closely following.

When considering population density, the North West had the most accounts of tool theft per resident, with Lancashire Constabulary reporting the highest levels of thefts in the region – an alarming 4,440 in one year.

Nandita Borkakoti, Product Manager at Direct Line - Business, said: “This new research reveals the shocking frequency of tool theft from vehicles. Tool theft is hugely disruptive and often results in tradespeople missing out on jobs. It’s vital they do all they can to protect themselves.

“This includes making sure their vehicles are secured, they’re diligent with locking away tools when unsupervised and that they

have the appropriate insurance in place.

“Our tools cover is invaluable to tradespeople, giving them peace of mind and helping them to get back to work quickly should they fall victim to tool theft. When it comes to protecting tradespeople across the UK, we’re on it.”

FOR TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR VAN AND TOOLS SAFE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET001

Aico becomes an EIC Champion

NAPIT EXPO returns in 2021 NAPIT has made the decision to postpone all 2020 NAPIT EXPO roadshow dates due to restrictions with the COVID-19 pandemic.

All planned 2020 dates have now been rearranged to 2021 with some extra locations added and dates to be confirmed. There will also be a new and updated seminar schedule announced soon.

Revised dates and locations are as follows: Dartford – 9th Feb 2021 Norwich – 10th Feb 2021 Preston – 17th March 2021 Newcastle – 18th March 2021 Barking (replacing Havering) – April TBC 2021 Brighton – April TBC 2021 Birmingham – 26th May 2021

Hull – 27th May 2021 Cornwall (NEW) – Sep TBC 2021 Exeter (NEW) – Sep TBC 2021 Swansea – 5th Oct 2021 Bracknell – 6th Oct 2021 Milton Keynes – 24th Nov 2021 Chesterfield – 25th Nov 2021

YOU CAN REGISTER FOR FREE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET002

Aico is proud to announce that it is now recognised as an Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) Champion.

As an EIC Champion, Aico is helping to support a charity which is specifically for people working within the electrical industry and their families. The company will also have exclusive access to health presentations created by EIC, which explore the different topics that affect the electrical industry, such as mental health, brain injury, financial wellbeing, and self-identity issues.

An Aico colleague will be nominated as the internal EIC Champion representative. They'll have the opportunity to discuss these health topics with a qualified member of the charity welfare team before delivering presentations to their Aico colleagues.

Aico Managing Director, Neal Hooper, said “The EIC is more important than ever, especially with mental health support during this crisis. Becoming an EIC Champion means we can help in every way we can, such as facilitating mental health awareness training.”

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 7

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news @proelectrician

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

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

Brookvent says ‘Okay’ to Elkay agreement Brookvent, a leading supplier of energy saving ventilation systems throughout the UK and the rest of the world, has announced that it has acquired the rights to supply and distribute the Elkay range of energy saving switches and controls.

Founded in 1984 by an entrepreneurial engineer, who set a benchmark in the industry with an innovative ‘concealed trickle’ window vent, the Brookvent ethos has been to invest heavily in R&D in order to continually produce innovative energy saving systems. The addition of the Elkay range to the portfolio further strengthens this offering.

Having originally been acquired by ABB back in 2012, the Elkay brand is known the world over. Brookvent, based in Belfast, will continue to supply all products from the range in the same way as ABB, and has bolstered its ranks with the appointment of Paul Onyett as General Manager of Elkay.

Paul boasts over a decade's worth of experience with the Elkay business, and his knowledge of customer requirements will be a huge asset to ensuring that the adoption of Elkay into the Brookvent portfolio takes place with as little disruption as possible to both customers and suppliers alike.

He said: “I'm excited at the prospect of taking on the day-to-day activities of the Elkay offering for Brookvent and we plan to be as innovative and creative with the brand as we are with our existing range of products. I have a strong team behind me, which will help us to deliver the consistent levels of support that customers expect.

“We'll be maintaining the full list of products in the Elkay stable and will continue to provide energy saving solutions and personalised products for all of our customers in the future.”

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE ELKAY RANGE OF PRODUCTS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET003

Scolmore launches new podcast series Scolmore is making content from its dedicated YouTube channel, SGTV, available through a brand new series of weekly podcasts.

It’s now over a year since SGTV was launched, and the mix of interviews, news and tutorials that are hosted has generated regular engagement and great reviews from electricians. Understanding the time pressures that electricians face as they get back to working after the rigours of lockdown, the new podcast series will enable listeners to tune in at a time that suits.

Well-known electricians sharing their views and experiences have included David Savery, Nick Bundy and Karen Boom, plus some of the best industry personalitities, such as Billy Byrne, Tony Cable, Tim Shaw and Thomas Nagy, are also making regular appearances.

8 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

During lockdown SGTV featured a number of electricians talking about their experiences and how they’ve managed to keep going through the pandemic.

Now, the release of material via the SGTV weekly podcast will give electricians more choice about the way they consume the content they're interested in.

There’s a lot more exciting content in the pipeline and Scolmore welcomes any suggestions for topics that electricians would like to hear about or interviewees they would like to listen to.

THE PODCASTS CAN BE ACCESSED ACROSS ALL STREAMING DEVICES BY SEARCHING 'SGTV'

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news

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

Schneider announces Digital Buildings Podcast The Digital Buildings Podcast, newly launched by Schneider Electric, brings together specialists from across the sector to discuss the current challenges and solutions in the world of smart and connected buildings.

The series will help to keep building managers abreast of the latest industry developments, while improving their knowledge and skills.

Covering a range of topics and subject areas, upcoming podcasts will be focusing on: What's your take… on employee experience in the ‘new normal’?

Panellists discuss what the 'new normal' could look like, particularly in terms of occupant wellbeing, comfort and safety.

What’s your take … on connected and sustainable buildings post crisis?

Panellists explore the experiences of recent times and how

smart technology can play a part in the acceleration of a more sustainable and connected future for our buildings.

In addition, further episodes in the coming months will look to cover off the hotel, healthcare and education sectors.

LISTEN TO THE DIGITAL BUILDINGS PODCAST AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET004

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@proelectrician

professionalelectrician

pe@hamerville.co.uk

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

ESR unveils safe isolation infographic The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) has put together a brand new infographic to better help electrical operators to understand the principles and best practice around safe isolation.

Worrying statistics show that 1 in 5 installers still don't carry a lock-out kit in their van or tool bag, and 25% of electricians rarely or never use a lock-out kit to isolate the electrical supply they're working on.

The safe isolation infographic was created with the assistance of Louise Taggart, who sadly lost her brother Michael in 2005 as a result of an electrical incident at work.

This should and could have been prevented if safe isolation measures were used.

Paul Meenan, Chair of the ESR’s In The Workplace group, said: “It's been an honour to work with everyone to create the 12 steps to safe isolation infographic. Many accidents are due to the lack of awareness around safe isolation procedures, or the process not being carried out correctly.

“33% of electricians who don’t use a voltage tester think they're experienced enough not to make a mistake; it's imperative that we change this outlook going forward.”

YOU CAN FIND A COPY OF THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY ROUNDTABLE ‘12 STEPS TO SAFE ISOLATION’ INFOGRAPHIC FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO CUT OUT AND KEEP ON PAGES 12 & 13

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DANGER

Lock-Off Kit The Electrical Safety Roundtable feels that the essential sixth item of PPE for all electrical workers should be a lock-off kit, to avoid the extreme risk of electrocution.

3 High Visibility Clothing

4 Eye Protection

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5

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6

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Lock-Off Kit

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12 Easy steps to safe isolation 1

8 Dutyholder/Authorised person to confirm it is acceptable to isolate circuit/equipment for work to commence.

2

9 Carry out isolation process for equipment by: • Switching off - Double-Pole/threephase Isolator - Circuit-Breakers - Withdrawing fuse

Person carrying out works to retain key. Fit warning label for isolation and identified work.

10

7 &DUU\ RXW 5$06 DQG ZKHUH UHTXLUHG D 3HUPLW WR ZRUN

Fit appropriate lock off devices including multi-hasps.

Identify suitable means of isolation.

Verify the circuit/equipment is isolated. Use the approved voltage indicator device to verify circuit is dead. Test between all conductors: Line-Line, Line-Neutral, Line-Earth, Neutral-Earth.

Perm it to Work

3 Phase = 10 tests 1 Phase = 3 tests

PROVING UNIT

G NO

YES NO

3

Identify the type of supply system:

6

YES

SATISFACTORY

Verify the circuit/equipment is functional.

11

If the circuit is not operational, dead testing may be required to verify the circuit.

TN-S – linked main switch TN-C-S – linked main switch

SATISFACTORY

Re-check the approved voltage indicator device is still functional • On the same proving system as Step 5.

PROVING UNIT

PROVING UNIT

G

TT – all pole Isolation: All circuits and equipment

NO

SATISFACTORY YES

12

5 Locate and identify the circuit/ equipment to be isolated including any alternative sources.

Confirm correct operation on a proving unit.

PROVING UNIT

Circuit/equipment should be safe to carry out the work.

Always remain vigilant and recheck with voltage indicator and proving device when moving away and returning to the circuit/equipment.

PROVIN

Process for re-energising the circuit/system Step 1: After completing the work inspect and test in accordance with Part 6 BS 7671 (dead tests).

Step 2: Cancel permits (if issued), remove locking off devices, locks and labels and restore electrical supply.

Step 3: Complete testing (live tests). Commission circuit equipment.

Step 4: Complete and issue appropriate test certificates/reports.

G UNIT

(65 /2. Y

4

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COMMENT

In uncertain times, it pays to know what's coming over the horizon. Here, Lesley Rudd, CEO of leading UK charity, Electrical Safety First, considers the post-pandemic landscape – and its potential to expand opportunities for electrical contractors.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE ELECTRICIAN

D

uring this emergence from lockdown, its still unclear what the ‘new normal’ might be. But I hope one change arising from the pandemic remains: the recognised importance of groups of key workers as essential to our lives and economy.

As you know, electrical contractors comprise one of these groups. And, unlike some business sectors, they're wellpositioned to further increase their relevance in a post-pandemic landscape.

Here, I want to offer a few ideas around what I see as major opportunities for (what you might call) ‘the evolution of the electrician’.

Climate changes Firstly, there is the critical issue of climate change and the need to reduce our carbon emissions. Lockdown has heightened public awareness of the problem with (for

example), a visible improvement in air quality, caused by dramatically reduced travel and traffic. Decarbonising heat (reducing and eliminating the greenhouse gases it produces) is essential to tackling our climate emergency.

The UK’s Committee on Climate Change estimates at least 14% of our total carbon emission comes from the energy we use just to heat our homes – and recommended that new homes shouldn't be connected to the gas grid from 2025.

Consequently, the government’s Future Homes Standard will require all new homes, from 2025, to be future-proofed and provide low carbon heating. So electricity – now increasingly produced from renewable sources – is set to play a key role in new builds.

The need for retro-fitting low carbon heating in existing homes will be a greater challenge – but also a greater opportunity – as we transition from fossil

fuels to renewables. Currently, the UK has around 27 million homes, with most (around 85%) heated by gas.

Electric avenues Secondly, the climate emergency has also highlighted the government focus on new low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles. Wherever possible, people prefer to have a dedicated EV home charging point installed, as it offers rapid charging and built-in safety features.

The demand for such charging points will increase, particularly as the emerging second-hand market in EVs matures. Revised infrastructure and planning measures will be needed to address this growth – and the installation issues for apartments and areas of high-density housing.

Such ideas, however, can’t be translated into a reality that is both safe and effective without appropriately qualified and competent electricians.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 15

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COMMENT

S Y A W ] A E V I G [ HULTAFORS TOOLS

Home comforts Thirdly, the shift to homeworking has been put on fast-forward

by COVID-19. But while it offers some conveniences, it does create safety concerns. Around half of all UK domestic fires arise from electricity, with most caused by electrical products.

Homeworking usually requires a number of such items, includng laptops, printers and mobiles.

At the beginning of lockdown we decided to do some research around this issue. We discovered that 40% of new homeworkers have more appliances plugged into extension leads than usual – often unaware that overloading sockets is a fire risk – and 44% of them are daisy-chaining the leads (an additional fire risk).

We used these research findings to develop a consumer awareness campaign around electrical safety while homeworking, and offered a range of online tools to help. We also stressed the importance of using registered electricians rather than attempting DIY electrical work.

Its true that many home workers don't (currently) require particularly sophisticated technology to do their jobs. But the development of a home office may well encourage the mainstreaming of the smart home and whole-house integration of the internet of things (IoT) – another clear opportunity for the evolution of the ‘traditional’ electrician.

Growing up in the North East of England, there was an emphasis on getting a ‘proper job’ – i.e. one requiring training in a practical skill to gain a trade. Electrical apprentices were at the top of this trade ‘hierarchy’.

Other sought-after apprenticeships that were important during that time, such as shipbuilding and mining, have now disappeared. Electricians, however, have maintained their position as ‘key workers’, still critical to our lives and our society. In a post-COVID-19 world, there is the opportunity for this position to be strengthened further still.

Electrical Safety First is dedicated to reducing fires, deaths and injuries from electricity. Its product safety conference – A Sustainable Future – will be available free, online, in November.

TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE AND GET MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET005

16 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

5 x SCREWDRIVER SETS TO BE WON Hultafors Tools has launched a new range of screwdrivers for professional craftsmen and women. With VDE screwdrivers specially designed for electricians – including tested and certified SL/PZ and voltage tester models – there are over 80 other slotted, Philips, Pozidriv, Torx Stubby screwdrivers, plus hex drivers and bit holders that can be purchased individually, in sets, or by size to suit the jobs you have in hand.

The long rubber-coated handles ensure grip for to win precision and maximal transmission of power. The handle is made from durable PPC plastic with a coating of age-resistant and easy-to-grip rubber. Blades are manufactured from high-quality hardened steel for long life.

5

ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET006

C.K TOOLS

8

8 x MULTITOOL BLADE SETS UP FOR GRABS Three new multitool blade sets have been introduced by C.K. All featuring bi-metal blades, the range includes: the C.K multitool blade 5-piece set (T0870) (available to win in this to win competition), and two 2-piece sets (2 x 34mm x 40mm wood/metal bi-metal blades T0875 and 2 x 28.5mm x 57mm wood/metal bi-metal blades T0876). All the sets were derived from field research, which showed electricians often need to cut through wood and plaster – sometimes nail embedded – and therefore need touch blades to complete the task effectively.

With that in mind, the C.K multitool blade 5-piece set contains two high carbon steel blades and three bi-metal blades.

ENTER THE FREE PRIZE DRAW AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET007

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SPECIAL REPORT

BACK FROM THE BRINK After battling through a franchise split and the global pandemic, Able Electrical is now stronger than ever. We find out why a bit of old-fashioned fighting spirit has aided the company’s revival.

B

y his own admission, stalwart businessman Jeff Longley from Tamworth works better ‘with his back against the wall’ – which is just as well considering the huge challenges he's faced recently.

At the twilight of his career, just as he was preparing to retire, 66-year-old Jeff was hit with his biggest crises in half a century of business – both of which threatened to jeopardise the family legacy and retirement income he'd worked so hard for.

However, thanks to lots of forward-planning, some financial help from the government and sheer determination, Jeff and his family electrical business have come back in a stronger position than ever.

Dark clouds It all started when a 12-year partnership with a national electrical franchise business soured and came to an abrupt end. Jeff’s franchise was incredibly successful but the sudden parting of ways led to all work being lost overnight. This threw Jeff’s retirement plans into disarray, so he stepped back in to help his sons Dominic and Luke, who are preparing to take over the business completely.

Jeff explains: “I was supposed to retire last October, and was getting ready to take more of a back seat, when we suddenly had to part ways with the franchise. We then set up a new company – Able Electrical – and fought hard to

come back. Despite the split costing us around £100,000 in rebranding and lost work, we managed to keep all of our staff and were just starting to turn things around when the pandemic arrived.

“We had to effectively close down for around 5-6 weeks. I furloughed all of the staff and then, instead of retiring or going on furlough myself, I stayed in the business and spent my days undertaking marketing, learning Zoom, teaching myself video editing, networking and creating web pages. I set myself the target of creating 100 new web pages per week.”

As well as taking advantage of the government furlough scheme, Jeff also successfully applied for a £10,000 Small Business Grant, which helped cover some of the bills. Slowly but surely, as restrictions eased, the work started to return.

New opportunities Jeff is also reaping the rewards of two business opportunities he's been preparing for several years. Recognising that electric vehicles are the future, he's

invested time and energy into ensuring his business is in a prime position to offer EV charging point installations at homes and commercial premises.

Jeff has also reacted to the introduction of mandatory electrical checks in the private rental sector by learning the art of search engine optimisation (SEO) and working with various partners, such as marketing companies and content writers, to establish himself as a leader in the field.

Able Electrical has recently won large contracts with housing associations, letting agents and landlords for EICR testing, resulting in more than 400 jobs scheduled, another 2,000 to book in and around a further 3,000 in the pipeline. EV charging work is also picking up again nicely.

Jeff concludes: “We’re actually busier and stronger than ever, so we're recruiting more staff to cope with the demand.

There's no doubt that it's been very challenging these last few months but the income from this business is my retirement fund, so I have no choice but to fight for it.”

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 19

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SPECIAL REPORT

“I BELIEVE IN GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED” PE's Patrick Swan discovers more about a grassroots initiative that is offering a lifeline to electrical apprentices.

T

he global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a loss of life on a mass scale and enormous disruption to the global economy, the likes of which haven’t been seen in living memory.

And while governments, businesses and individuals begin to come to terms with a 'new' normal in their everyday lives, it's easy to forget those links in the chain that are simply cut loose at a time of such uncertainty in the world.

Although the electrical industry and its members have been affected at every level during the pandemic, there's one position that deserves special consideration by the sector: the electrical apprentice.

This is the opinion, at least, of Mark Allison, an experienced electrical contractor, father of four and the founder of Apprentice 121, a grassroots initiative launched to provide electrical apprentices with the support they so badly need at this present time.

20 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

Humble beginnings Mark began his career in Ministry of Defence environments, working on UK and USAFE air bases across the world. He was even involved with a security project for Her Majesty the Queen!

In 2006 he took the plunge and started his own electrical contracting business, based in East Yorkshire. In keeping with his passion for apprenticeships, one of Mark’s sons is employed in the business as an apprenticeship-trained electrician, another reason that compelled him to create Apprentice 121.

“I believe in giving young people the tools to succeed.” Mark says. “There are many apprentices that have missed out on the opportunity to be present on work sites for site-based experience and training. That is one of the hidden effects of the pandemic.”

He continues: “The idea for the Apprentice 121 platform came from the fact I'd received a number of enquiries through my own business from apprentices who had lost their jobs during the pandemic. It made me realise that this was probably a big issue nationwide, so Apprentice 121 is

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designed to get those apprentices back into employment and allow them access to training resources and other support aids that might prove useful.

“We only launched recently, but once the word started to spread we've noticed a big upturn in enquiries and interest.”

A little help from my friends Indeed, what started as an initiative by Mark 'to help a few people find some work' has turned into something that is growing far more quickly than he can ever have expected.

“This is in no small part due to the helping hand of some friends within the industry, including the lads from the EGTE podcast who picked up on the initiative very early and continue to support me massively with administrative tasks,” says Mark.

“NAPIT have also been fundamental in directing people to Apprentice 121 every day. Without this continued support, as well as the help we've received from others who've contributed and pitched in so far, Apprentice 121 wouldn’t be where it is today.”

How can apprentices use the platform?

At present, apprentices are getting in touch with Mark via Instagram, LinkedIn and directly through the Apprentice 121 website. Mark will then put candidates in touch with the small but growing network of employers listed on the site that are interested in taking on an apprentice.

Mark explains: “It's rudimentary, but it works. Many of them just want to finish their NVQs and need access to work sites to be able to do that.

“Because we know there is still some 'downtime' for those that may be without

INTERESTED IN EMPLOYING AN APPRENTICE? To continue to grow, Apprentice 121 is reliant on new employers joining the initiative. This results in more workplace opportunities for apprentices and the chance for them to finish their NVQs and gain valuable experience on sites.

Please get in touch if you are an employer that is interested in taking part in the Apprentice 121 initiative.

employment, the Apprentice 121 website also offers training content by contributors such as Craig O’Neill, who has put together some great material for users to explore and learn from.

“There are also free webinars on surge protection devices, put together by Kirsty Johnson of Surge Protection Devices.”

The proof is in the pudding Having put around 70 apprentices into employment so far, and with a further 10-15 apprentices getting in touch daily, there's no denying that Apprentice 121 has come at a time where a solution was desperately needed.

Although COVID-19 has ultimately proved the trigger for such an initiative, Mark feels that the concept is something that's been required for a long time in the electrical industry.

“I truly believe in the apprentice route and investing in youth”, he says. “A great number of electrical contractors and industry professionals were given their start in that way and I believe that this pathway should be given more attention by our industry as a whole.”

Can electrical professionals contribute?

The beauty of the Apprentice 121 concept is that anyone can contribute – be it offering a short-term work placement for apprentices to demonstrate work on portfolios, training content, resources such as notepads, pads etc., hand tools or any other consumables apprentices may find useful.

Mark also stresses the importance of industry stories; tales of apprentices successfully navigating the route, and the

results/rewards that completing an electrical apprenticeship has given them.

An uncertain and exciting future It's worth remembering that behind every voluntary initiative like Apprentice 121, there's usually an individual who has put hours of their own time, money and energy into making things a success.

Mark sees no financial gain from Apprentice 121 and has managed to keep up with the growth in interest, despite holding down a day job of his own, which is even more admirable.

So, what's next for Mark and Apprentice 121? “At the moment I'm just trying to help day-to-day as best I can. I didn't come into this as a business proposition, so I don’t have a plan or agenda,” Mark says.

“It's obvious that the space for Apprentice 121 to grow into is significant and with the support that we've received already from industry professionals and companies (both big and small), there's no telling what the future might hold.”

If you'd like to contribute to Apprentice 121 in any way or if you are an apprentice and would like to utilise the platform, get in touch with Mark via the Apprentice 121 website.

VIST THE APPRENTICE 121 WEBSITE AT: HTTPS://APPRENTICE121.CO.UK/ VIEW CRAIG O'NEILL'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT: WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CHANNEL/U CXD2ICTCL_8IEWS6D-W-E6G

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 21

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Special Report

We talk to the team at BSA Electrical to find out more about how the start-up business has managed to achieve success against all the odds.

THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM!

o

perating a business is a difficult challenge to navigate at the best of times; the success of a company is almost always determined by factors like work ethic, determination, skill and resilience of the business owner(s) and employees.

Success is very rarely an accident in any walk of life, though it does help to have a bit of luck and a fair wind behind you.

Starting up a new company will often prove to be a 'make or break' challenge, for many reasons. The initial capital required, the meticulous planning and organisation, market research, insurance

and miles of red tape are just some of the considerations required when deciding to take the plunge.

Consider further still the additional challenges that any business would face having launched during the global pandemic and the thought is enough to make the steeliest of characters shudder just a touch.

Gluttons for punishment no doubt, company Directors Luke Boston, Ken Stephenson and Macaulay Acton (along with apprentice Kyle Galloway) can certainly talk from experience after deciding to launch their North Yorkshire-based electrical contracting

business, BSA Electrical, earlier this year.

A story of success in the face of adversity, the boys at BSA Electrical stand as living proof that despite all the doom and gloom, positive things can still happen. So, how did it all begin?

“Having previously worked together at another local firm, the four of us met and all got on very well from day one,” Luke explains. “Although both Ken and Macaulay followed the traditional electrical apprenticeship route straight out of school, my career path wasn’t always so clear.”

After completing his A-levels, Luke 'fell' into an electrical apprenticeship through a

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Special Report

family friend at a local firm. He recalls: “I'll admit that being an electrician was never on my radar as a youngster, but I'm so glad to have been given the apprenticeship opportunity that came my way. I love the variety of work and the daily challenges – as well as communicating with customers and building good relationships with people.”

With a shared love for the trade, coupled with all three Directors’ eye for the commercial and business side of the industry, the formation of BSA Electrical seemed the next logical step for them.

Shared values If there’s one thing that all members of the BSA Electrical team have in common, it’s a belief in the virtues of hard work and a strong work ethic. “All of us will muck in together because we're all pulling in the same direction,” says Luke.

“We're willing to work 50-60 hours every week to make this a success, and all equally want to get our heads down and work hard so that we can reap the benefits in the future. We want to build a commercially-driven company, that offers a professional and approachable service to our customers.”

It’s exactly this focus and drive which has allowed BSA Electrical to get off the ground as a business, in spite of the hugely challenging time the world is facing at this moment.

“It's certainly taken some self-belief and determination to overcome the obstacles presented by the pandemic,” Luke explains.

“We began trading on April 1st (to coincide with the new tax year), which happened to be just after the first lockdown measures had been enforced.

This had some serious implications for the business because we were unable to have any kind of appointment with a business bank manager and couldn't set up a business current account until the middle of July.”

Practically this meant a complete lack of revenue flowing into the business, meaning a reliance on the savings pot to keep the company afloat in its first few months.

Thankfully, however, the initial costs were relatively low and a small amount of capital was required to get things moving.

Luke, Ken and Macaulay already owned a van each, so this was one outlay that was

gratefully avoided.

There was then the question of customers – another already difficult task, made worse by the pandemic. With virtually no one working in their usual office environments, getting in touch with potential clients was a headache. As a result, cold-emailing/calling was one of the few options available to spread the word and attempt to drum up some business.

This approach is now paying dividends, with larger companies and firms returning to their office spaces and making contact with BSA Electrical with regards maintenance and electrical works.

Light at the end of the tunnel With society slowly returning to normal and lockdown restrictions easing nationwide, things are looking up for the team at BSA Electrical.

The boys have had some work throughout lockdown, mainly from previous clients they'd fostered relationships with, and with their business and QuickBooks accounts all set up, cash is beginning to flow into the company.

In the future the team hopes to secure some contracts from local councils and to keep building the business gradually and organically.

The story of BSA Electrical truly serves as a reminder that even through the darkest and most uncertain of times, if you dedicate yourself, work hard as a team and are determined to succeed, anything is possible.

FOLLOW BSA ELECTRICAL'S FACEBOOK PAGE AT: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ BSAELECTRICAL/

24 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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THE

CODEBREAKERS DAN MCNULTY: THIS WAS FOUND ON A RECENT EICR. I'M NOT SURE THE ELECTRICIAN QUITE UNDERSTOOD THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RCBOS AND STANDALONE RCDS! Unfortunately, the failure to understand the basics of RCD protection is all too common in our industry. By doing this, the installer has shown that he/she has no real understanding of RCDs, their selectivity, and the issues associated with unwanted tripping.

If this is a domestic installation, and I’ll assume it is, the mistake made isn’t likely to cause an immediate injury and, provided each RCD operates within its parameters, there's no potential for danger. If there's no immediate or potential for danger, there is no C1 or C2 issue(s).

What we do need to be aware of, however, is the need to have adequate division of circuits within an installation, which we do here, as it’s a split load board.

What we are lacking on each side of the split sections is selectivity. As each of the RCBOs are < 30 mA (BS EN 61009), and the RCCBs are < 30 mA (BS EN 61008), there’s no guarantee that a fault on a circuit protected by an RCBO will cause the RCBO to trip; the RCCB supplying the bank of RCBOs may trip.

If this happens, a fault on one circuit could lead to all of the RCBO protected circuits in that bank being disconnected, which could be a problem if sensitive equipment or loss of data is an issue in a home office, for example.

Regulation 531.3.2 requires that we take account of unwanted tripping, through correct selectivity of RCDs; in a domestic scenario, it isn’t likely, in most cases, to be an issue, but not all installations are the same. If there are no life safety services that could be detrimentally affected by unwanted tripping we wouldn’t adversely Code it.

Where RCD selectivity is a requirement, Regulation 536.4.1.4 should be followed. If selectivity is a requirement for safety reasons and isn’t achieved, it

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

Possible unwanted tripping from incorrectly configured CU, with no life safety issues

531.3.2

C3

Where DC leakage current is confirmed to be present or be produced by equipment, and a Type AC RCCB/RCBO is the protective device, or the DC leakage current exceeds the rating of the installed RCD, the RCD giving protection may not operate

531.3.3

FI C2

GET THE BOOK AND CRACK THOSE CODES!

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

26 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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

could mean there is a potential for danger, which would attract a Code C2.

The simplest fix here is to remove the two RCCBs, and source a new busbar, to reconfigure the CU as a dedicated RCBO board, to alleviate any selectivity issues.

Possibly the most important issue is that these devices are all Type AC RCDs, which means if any equipment installed in the installation has the potential to introduce DC leakage currents, the RCDs may not operate under fault conditions. We call this 'DC masking' and it is a result of DC saturation of the detection coils within the RCD. It is difficult to inspect and test for this, as installed equipment is invariably powered down to perform the tests. This means any possible DC leakage current isn’t present, and the test result could therefore be inaccurate.

If the inspector finds equipment that can cause DC leakage current, or it is known that the manufacturer of equipment states that a minimum RCD of Type A, or more, is used then the Type AC RCD must be coded as potentially dangerous, as it may not provide the additional protection it was designed for.

Well assume in the scenario above, that these conditions have been investigated and the AC devices are acceptable for continued use. For the purposes of this column I have, however, given wordings, Regulations, and possible Codes if an installation is suspected/confirmed to have DC leakage currents present.

If in doubt, Figure 3.19 from our On-site Solutions guide (which is also covered in the Codebreakers book) gives types of RCDs, their associated sensitivities and recommended connection points to combat DC leakage current masking.

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

ORDER YOUR COPY OF NAPIT CODEBREAKERS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET008

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

Shahid Khan, ECA Technical Manager, explains why contractors should take advantage of the considerable benefits of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.

POWER OVER ETHERNET – WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

T

he rapid digitisation of industry, smart buildings, data centres, and energy grids offers businesses huge potential to turn data into a business opportunity.

By the end of 2018, there were an estimated 22 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices in use around the world, while Industrial IoT (connected devices in factories, warehouses etc.) is expected to add an astonishing £10.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

Two in one For the electrotechnical sector, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology offers a number of benefits. PoE means passing electrical power through an Ethernet cable alongside data. Devices which are PoE capable can therefore be connected to both a power source and a network through a single cable.

With IoT networks predicted to grow exponentially, power and data infrastructures will become increasingly complex. Clients will very soon need a solution that converges both power and data, which is why PoE will most likely shape the network ecosystem of tomorrow.

To thrive in this new environment, electrical designers and installers will need to have a solid grasp of the frameworks, lexicons, protocols and regulations surrounding PoE and IoT networks.

Poised to do more Although PoE has been around for some time, until recently the technology was only capable of powering small devices with a low power demand of 15.4 to 30W, such as keypads, telephones, or alarm systems.

However, the last few years have seen PoE technology develop to such an extent that one cable can provide up to 100W of power as well as high-speed data exchange, extending the reach of PoE to computers, televisions, high-power wireless networks, LED lighting, and more.

Eventually, PoE is set not only to underpin the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), but it may go on to encompass the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors.

Progress with PoE is continual.

Manufacturers are now producing PoE systems that minimise power losses across the length of the power chain, from conversion at the PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) output, through to delivery to the powered device (PD), and conversion back to the various required voltages.

Furthermore, significant efficiency (and cost) savings are possible when PoE is used on IoT networks in Building Energy Management Systems – a key consideration for building managers and electricians alike.

More (DC) power to you The electrotechnical JPEL/64 BSI Committee continues to work for the inclusion of DC power over IT cables for Part 7 of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). ECA is closely involved in this work, and we will update members as we make progress in this increasingly important arena.

To make the most of this emerging market, however, contractors should ensure they're in a position to advise clients on how to effectively utilise PoE in their buildings.

THE BENEFITS OF POE ●

● ●

●

● ●

●

Intrinsically safe as it utilises (Safety) Extra Low Voltage Run one cable instead of two Avoid the cost of installing additional power sockets – save CAPEX and OPEX Use existing network cable as a power supply Quick, safe and easy to install Environmental benefit – more efficient use of materials and power Possibility of adding power usage analytics

GET MORE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE FROM THE ECA AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET009

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 29

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

THERMAL INSULATED CABLES: ARE YOU GETTING HOT UNDER THE COLLAR? NAPIT Technical Development Engineer, Richard Townsend, discusses some of the issues the electrical installation industry seems to be facing when it comes to cables covered by thermal insulation.

G

iven the constant drive to save energy, reduce energy bills and limit heat loss from a domestic dwelling, the use of government-backed and funded schemes to upgrade existing properties is widespread. The most common of these is to install large amounts of thermal insulation in the loft of older dwellings, as well as new build properties.

On paper, this works very well, but there are some issues that the electrical installation industry seems to be encountering.

It's always been known that cables buried in thermal insulating material will reduce their ability to dissipate heat,

meaning they'll reach their optimum operating temperature with less load applied. The amount of load needed to require a reduction in the current-carrying capacity of a cable, before it reaches its operating temperature, is dependent on a few factors: 1. The U value of the insulation, 2. The depth or amount of any insulation, 3. The duration of loads expected, 4. The general expectation of constant loads.

U value and insulation depth correlation Basically, the U value is the rate of loss of heat through a building material or component, which is usually given as the

amount of Watts per square metre, per degree of temperature (Kelvin).

U = W/m2K The lower the U rating, the less energy loss, the more efficient the insulation.

The higher the U rating, the higher the energy loss, the less efficient the insulation.

The depth of the insulation is also important, as this will affect the U rating because not all insulation is the same.

The U rating has been lowered over the years, and insulation has suited to match the lower requirements; therefore, some older thermal insulation may well be higher than more modern equivalents, and some modern thermal insulation

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

Thermal Insulation is generally advertised with values of thermal conductivity and/or resistance, which appear similar to a U value and are given as W/m K. This isn't to be confused with the U value, which is a factor of the entire building and given in W/m2K.

Cables buried in thermal insulating material may reduce their ability to dissipate heat types can vary wildly.

BS 7671 Reference Methods 100 and 101 mentions U values of 0.1 W/m2K, this is a very low figure and refers to the building or section of a building as a whole, which is taken from the requirements of Building Regulations, which take account of all of the thermal barriers. Even some of the most efficient thermal insulation placed between joists can only manage 0.335 W/m2K with 150 mm depth coverage.

We must understand that the 100 mm figure given in these two reference methods, also refers to an equivalent overall building value of 0.1 W/m2K for 100 mm. This is very misleading as it leads people to believe that 100 mm of insulation can meet the 0.1 value, which is impossible, as nothing that efficient currently exists within the market place.

This means that older thermal insulation may need to have well in excess of 100 mm to meet the same equivalent of 0.1 W/m2K for 100 mm.

Load duration The duration of any expected loads also has an impact. Short duration loads may not generate the heat build-up required to damage the insulation of conductors in a cable, such as an electric shower. Constant loads are likely to be more of an issue, as these can increase the cable temperature over time and cause cable insulation breakdown.

The most affected circuits tend to be 2.5 mm2 ring final circuits (RFCs), shower radials, and heating circuits (including immersion heaters). Lighting circuits and similar are generally wired in 1.0/1.5 mm2 cables and protected by 6-10 A overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs).

These types of circuits can happily run at their design capacity in thermal insulation, due to their inherent spare current carrying capacity afforded by the cable and the low rating on the OCPDs. That said, we need to also evaluate the load requirements for the modern domestic property, the RFC was first derived after the

32 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

WWII, and space heating appliances in properties were common; central heating as we know it today, wasn’t available.

The expectation of constant or high loads The modern property doesn’t require its RFC to carry large loads; indeed, most standard properties will struggle to consume more than 25 A in total, with all appliances switched on (an electric shower isn't used in this measurement).

All the electrical equipment we use today is energy efficient. TVs, washing machines, ovens using smart heating programs, tumble dryers, vacuum cleaners, LED lighting, etc. are all far more efficient than could have ever been dreamed of when the RFC was introduced, and they're still improving and using less energy.

Its for these reasons a 2.5 mm2 RFC in thermal insulation is unlikely to reach a point that will cause it to overheat or be damaged, and we simply don’t put that amount of demand on them in a modern environment.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) If during an EICR, an inspector needs to evaluate the insulation, where it is not part of an agreed limitation with the client, they must find out what type and U rating equivalent the thermal insulation is. This can be difficult and may not be practicable.

For RFCs, it’s unlikely this will be a problem.

In a privately-owned property, inspections tend to be at low frequencies, or at their sale, after which the installation is unlikely to be inspected again for some time, if ever. In these cases, the inspector

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ASK OVIA O VIA A

®

should code cautiously as, over time, the life expectancy of short-duration high loads, electric showers, etc, may shorten the lifecycle of the cable.

The inspector may choose to code this a C2 or increase the frequency of recommended inspections to check the cable condition and give a C3. If there are any signs of thermal damage, or the cable insulation is showing signs of heat damage (drying or becoming brittle) then a C2 should be used.

If an inspector is carrying out EICRs in social housing or private rented sector properties, the frequencies of inspections are likely to be high; certainly no more than five years, and maybe less if there is a change of tenant. For this reason its unlikely that either RFCs or shower circuits in thermal insulation will cause a problem, as they can be effectively monitored before the cable life expectancy is reduced. A C3 is acceptable in these cases.

If a housing authority requires further monitoring, they have the option of taking a percentage of their stock (10%, for example) and monitoring the energy usage (load). This will also help to identify the likelihood of cable damage. This information can be used to evaluate all stock and make changes if/when they're needed. Electronic software can also be used to track EICR findings and highlight suspected cable damage and lifetime reductions before they cause an issue.

When we talk about cable life expectancy, we refer to a manufacturer’s effective lifecycle of its cable; different manufacturers have different views, but generally 35 years + isn't likely to be a problem. When cables are subjected to overload, heat, or other external influences, their life expectancy, or useful shelf life, may be reduced.

The reduction varies with the level of overheating etc. and may only be a few years less than its expected usefulness. The only way to monitor this is through regular inspections. The social housing sector generally does this adequately and need only instruct their inspectors to check for signs of thermal damage, in order to monitor the need for any remedial actions.

Conclusion To recap, with frequent monitoring for signs of degradation, where cables are covered by thermal insulation, efficient enough to impede BS 7671 Reference Method 101, a C3 is considered to be adequate.

Where frequencies are low or non-existent, cables impeded by thermal insulation may be given a C2 or C3 if a future frequency is reduced (generally for the private rented or homeowner sector).

Where the thermal insulation value, and how it affects the whole building insulation, is not known, and therefore an infringement of Reference Method 101 can't be confirmed, an FI code could be considered, but realistically, without evidence of any thermal damage, a C3 would be more appropriate.

Where thermal damage or degradation of the cable insulation is evident, a C2 should always be given.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NAPIT SCHEME REGISTRATION, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET010

THE COLUMN WHERE YOU GET TO PUT YOUR LIGHTING QUESTIONS TO THE HEAD OF THE OVIA LIGHTING BUSINESS, MIKE COLLINS, AND HIS TEAM OF TECHNICAL EXPERTS.

We’re getting some great questions from readers and our thanks to all who have taken the time to get in touch.

This month we've selected the following question from Steve Hewish of Turrell Electrical Contractors. An Ovia travel mug is on its way to him.

Q: Does Ovia offer any panels with switch dimming rather than Dali dimming? Which panels are proving most popular and why?

A: Great timing for this question as a brand new multi-function driver has been added to the Ovia commercial lighting range. It offers three dimming options in one driver – Dali, switch and 1–10V dimmable.

The new driver is compatible with Ovia’s Inceptor Slate and Jura LED panels, so electricians now have digital dimming options available across premium and economical LED panels, providing them with products to suit projects such as hospitals, hotels and offices.

The multi-function drivers are available in 29-48W and 38-69W variants to maximise their potential across a range of applications. The Inceptor Slate and Jura panels have proved very popular with electricians since they were launched.

Keep your questions coming, there’s an Ovia

travel mug up for grabs for each one we feature!

PUT YOUR QUESTION TO THE ASK OVIA TEAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET051 VISIT THE ASK OVIA MICROSITE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET052

NE

3 INW 1

DRIV ER

01827 300 640 www.oviaUK.com www.oviaUK.com

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

You asked: I’VE JUST BOUGHT A NEW MEGGER MFT1741 MULTIFUNCTION INSTALLATION TESTER AND IT’S SAVING ME A LOT OF TIME AND TROUBLE, BUT THERE’S ONE THING THAT PUZZLES ME: WHY DOES IT HAVE A 100V INSULATION TEST RANGE? WHEN WOULD I EVER NEED TO TEST INSULATION AT SUCH A LOW VOLTAGE?

Megger says: There are several instances where the 100V insulation test is useful. It's good for pre-testing a circuit when you’re unsure about its condition or when you aren’t certain that all vulnerable equipment has been disconnected. In these circumstances, the low voltage test minimises the risk of causing damage and, if it shows everything is in order, you can be much more confident about going on to test at a higher voltage. The 100V test is also the right choice when you’re working with equipment or cables that have a normal working voltage between 24V and 50V. These shouldn’t be tested at a higher voltage unless the manufacturer specifically states that it’s OK to do so. Then there are some items of equipment where the manufacturer specifies that the insulation test voltage must not exceed 100V. Finally the 100V test is frequently needed when you’re working on data and telecomms cables and equipment. So, as you can see, that 100V insulation test is actually a very useful option to have available!

DOWNLOAD A MFT1741 DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET011

34 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

SMART BUILDINGS:

WHY DO YOU NEED CONSISTENT DATA TERMINATIONS?

Brett Smyth, General Manager of Ideal Industries EMEA, discusses the need for consistent and compliant data network terminations in smart buildings, and how they can be achieved.

I

ntroducing smart technology tailored to meet a building’s occupancy patterns and the tenant’s commercial requirements is a proven strategy for reducing energy consumption and avoiding energy waste.

We’ve come a long way since the days of basic timers and PIR sensor lighting control systems, with smart building networks that are both flexible and programmable to ensure they can be adapted to changing needs.

With increasingly sophisticated smart building systems, however, comes a requirement for complex data networks,

and installing those networks requires a large number of terminations.

Each termination requires attention to detail to ensure a robust and compliant connection. In a multi-storey office block, any smart building installation or retrofit project is likely to involve multiple operatives carrying out the terminations and consistency can be compromised by individuals working with varying standards of quality.

Time pressures can also jeopardise quality and consistency, with tight programmes causing terminations to be rushed, reducing consistency as a consequence.

When consistency and compliance are compromised, identifying the terminations on the system that need to be rectified can be an onerous and time-consuming task. The answer, therefore, is to ensure terminations are carried out in a way that guarantees best practice and consistency, regardless of the number of operatives and time pressures on-site.

Installation issues Data networks require field-termination of CAT5e, CAT6 of CAT6A cables using RJ45 modular plugs. The more complex the network, the greater the number of RJ45

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TECHNICAL & TRAINING

assemblies and terminations required.

Conventional installation methods require conductors to be trimmed to an exact length before the plug is placed onto the cable. If the conductors are too short, circuits will remain open, but this won't be evident until the system is tested. Finding the issues on the network at this point can be a needle-in-a-haystack exercise.

If the conductors are too long, meanwhile, there is a risk that the pairs could be left exposed outside of the plug body or cable jacket. This not only looks sloppy, but could also hinder performance on the network. In this scenario, the conductors can also move out of place; an issue that is likely to remain unnoticed until the cables are tested.

To overcome both of these potential data network termination issues, contractors need to adopt a technique that will offer complete consistency for every termination, regardless of the number of installation operatives involved, without increasing the time needed to complete the work.

It was these requirements that led to the development of IDEAL Industries’ FT-45 Feed-Thru modular plugs and crimp tool.

Speed, simplicity and consistency Designed to completely re-think the traditional RJ45 assembly and crimping process, IDEAL Industries’ FT-45 solution allows installers of smart networks to speed up and simplify the termination of RJ45 plugs by eliminating the need to trim conductors to a precise length before inserting the cable into the plug.

The Feed-Thru Modular Plugs are single-piece connectors, so there's no need for installers to assemble a three-piece connector, even when working with CAT6 cable. This makes terminations faster, simpler and more consistent, whether using CAT5e, CAT6 of CAT6A cables.

Conductor wires don't need to be accurately trimmed to a specific length; instead, installers simply need to remove an appropriate section of jacket, remove

the centre spline (if present), untwist the pairs into the right order, and trim the ends flat. The cable can then be slid into the connector until seated.

The unit has been designed with open ends that allow conductors to be completely fed through the connector before crimping. The cable can be pushed into the connector to ensure the twisted pairs are as close to the pin contacts as possible, and that the jacket is seated beyond the primary strain relief for a secure connection.

Thanks to the clear connector design, the installer can then visually inspect and verify the correct wiring order, ensuring greater accuracy and fewer errors during the installation process.

Once the wires have been fed through, the installer can pull the cable into the plug, allowing the twists to be pulled to the front of the connector. This provides better radio-frequency performance and minimal untwisting.

The versatile FT-45 Crimp Tool, designed to be used with the IDEAL Industries FT-45 Modular Plugs, further enhances the right-first-time consistency of this approach.

With a single crimp cavity for RJ-45/8-position connectors, it is capable

38 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

of crimping Ideal Feed-Thru standard, shielded, and unshielded connectors for CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6A cables. The installer simply squeezes the handle to the closed position to cleanly shear the excess conductor wires and leave a smooth, flat finish – crimping and cutting the cable in a single action.

Progressive approach To make it easier for installers to switch from conventional RJ45 connections to the FT-45 system, IDEAL Industries has introduced two new FT-45 kits. The kits include the FT-45 modular crimp tool, the IDEAL PrepPro cable stripper and the IDEAL Data T-cutter, along with a choice of either 50 unshielded connectors or 25 unshielded and 25 shielded connectors.

The speed, simplicity and consistency the system offers makes FT-45 a popular choice for installers, linking a progressive approach to installation with the smart technology that is helping to reduce energy consumption in our built environment.

DOWNLOAD THE FT-45 PRODUCT FLYER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET012

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“WE HAD TO CREATE A COMPROMISE-FREE EXPERIENCE” We put the questions to Neil Vincent, NICEIC & ELECSA Head of Training, as he tells us more about NICEIC/ELECSA's new Virtual Classroom Suite.

Q

Why has NICEIC/ELECSA introduced 'virtual' training, and which courses is it currently applicable for?

We're always on the look-out for ways to improve and diversify our products and services. Long before the terms 'COVID-19' and 'social distancing' darkened our doors, we'd begun developing a remote platform to serve our customers.

Designed to offer choice and convenience, our objective was clear: we had to create a compromise-free interactive experience that mirrored the learning and outcomes of our face-to-face alternatives.

With this in mind, the virtual classroom suite, which was launched back in May, currently focuses on four of our most popular courses: Electric Vehicle Charging; 18th Edition Update; Emergency Lighting Fundamentals; and Fire Detection/Alarm Fundamentals.

Q

What benefits will delegates gain from having the material delivered in this 'virtual' environment?

Quality is key. The sessions are delivered live by our expert tutors, who thanks to the fully interactive platform, can communicate directly with delegates answering questions throughout.

Utilising carefully selected graphics, the tutors bring the topic to life by applying technical theory to real-life scenarios.

With polls included throughout to check understanding, attendees will also benefit from detailed downloadable course

40 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

materials and aids which can be saved and stored for future reference.

The platform offers seamless, intuitive operation across PC, laptop, tablet, and smartphone devices, meaning delegates really can train anywhere.

Q

What has the feedback been from delegates so far?

To date, we've run 70 courses and welcomed over 500 delegates. The feedback, I'm delighted to say, has been fantastic. Of those surveyed, 97% rated courses as 'excellent' with verbatim comments praising the knowledgeable tutors, easy to use system and the useful course materials which are being stored and used as reference tools.

Q

The concept of Virtual Reality is something that may terrify those who have grown up with more 'traditional' training formats – what would you say to those who may feel that understanding such technology is beyond them?

It really isn't. I understand your reservations, but I'd encourage you to put these to one side and give it a go. The

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team is on hand to walk you through getting set up, and the instructions are straight forward. I'm confident, should you try it, that you'll have a good experience.

We've also found that working with contractors ‘virtually’ in other parts of the business has been very successful for both the contractor and ourselves.

Q

Do you believe that the pandemic has accelerated the process of digitisation in the training world, and do you expect this to overtake face-to-face training (in terms of popularity) in the future?

This is a great question. Without doubt, the pandemic has accelerated the world's acceptance of digital platforms; a fact which isn't limited to training.

Almost overnight, the population has switched to communicating via screens of all shapes and sizes. Tools such as WhatsApp and Facetime are no longer reserved for the young and tech savvy, as we witness all generations relying upon them to connect with the outside world.

The face of business has also changed.

Meetings that were once conducted around desks are now taking place on desktops as colleagues connect via online platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Relating this back to training, the pandemic most definitely refocused our efforts in this area, pushing us to prioritise the introduction of the Virtual Classroom Suite, which thankfully was pretty much ready to go as the pandemic struck.

Looking to the future, our virtual platform will play an essential role in our growing training portfolio. While there will always be a need for face-to-face training, which will fully resume as soon as it's safe to do so, we do anticipate the demand for virtual training will increase.

Q

Finally, do you have any other insights/advice to offer our readership on training as a whole.

Keep your eye on the future. It's important to remember that when the COVID-19 crisis passes, we'll continue to live in a

world grappling with the challenge of reducing greenhouse gasses and introducing low carbon solutions.

This shift towards a greener future will present some truly exciting opportunities for those skilled in our industry. To successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape, however, you must be on the front foot in terms of your technical knowledge and competence.

WATCH A SUPPORTING VIDEO FOR NICEIC'S VR TRAINING AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET013

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SCHNEIDER'S TELFORD CENTRE REOPENS ITS DOORS

S

chneider Electric has reopened its dedicated electrical safety training centre in Telford following the recent easing of lockdown measures.

Due to the growing complexity of power systems in operation today, electrical outages are a greater risk than ever. If mismanaged or not effectively maintained, they can lead to a loss in revenue, or in a worst-case scenario, serious injury.

Training staff to work safely, therefore, should be a top priority.

Schneider Electric’s Telford training centre offers a flexible range of practical and theoretical training courses to develop the necessary judgement and skills of delegates; the ultimate aim of which is to create safe workplaces for those in the electrical industry.

Training courses on offer include: High voltage authorised person The training will cover safe operating procedures relating to the operation and maintenance of a variety of manufacturers' HV equipment.

Authorised Person NHS estates in accordance with HTM 0603 This is a UK National Health Service course for the appointment of persons working to the HTM 0603 Electrical Safety Code for

Low Voltage/High Voltage systems.

Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness The overall aim of the course is to provide delegates with an overview of health, safety and the environment within the working landscape.

Substation access The training aims to enable personnel to enter substations and switch rooms for specific duties and to recognise the dangers associated with High Voltage equipment.

The centre also offers customised safety training. This provides the option to train your electrical staff using information

concerning an individual company's Safe System of Work and other factors relating to an organisation’s safety practices and procedures.

“Safety must be the priority for every company or institution. There’s nothing more important than ensuring everyone works in a safe environment,” says David Pownall, VP of Services at Schneider Electric.

“The correct training and qualifications is the first step to developing a safer workplace and industry. We’re delighted to see the Telford centre reopening its doors and look forward to welcoming new trainees in the near future.”

GET MORE TRAINING DATES, INFORMATION AND SIGN-UP DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET014

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EMPLOYERS URGED TO CONSIDER WORK AT HEIGHT TRAINING

F

ollowing the recent Health & Safety Executive (HSE) ‘Workplace Fatal Injuries in Great Britain 2020' Annual Statistics, which reported a reduction in the number of fatalities, WernerCo is urging people to carry out its Ladder Association accredited training to ensure the safety of professionals working on-site.

The report from HSE revealed that whilst there has been a 24% reduction in the number of fatal accidents in 2019/20, the construction sector still accounts for the significant proportion of these.

Additionally, falls from height still remain the main cause of fatal accidents, despite a 27% reduction in those reported.

WernerCo is urging ladder users to take caution when working at height, and ensure they have the relevant training required to work safely and correctly.

Steve Lock, Director of Product Engineering at WernerCo, comments:

“Whilst the latest HSE report highlights that positive steps are being taken and fatal accidents are reducing, there’s still a long way to go to ensure the safety of tradesmen.

“In order to overcome this, it’s crucial that people know what they’re doing when using and inspecting access equipment, as this knowledge could make all the difference to safety on-site.”

He adds: “The Work at Height Regulations specify that competence is a requirement for working at height. So, simply put, if someone isn't competent, they shouldn't be using a ladder at work. It is vital that anyone working regularly with ladders receives sufficient training in order to maximise the safety of themselves and those around them.”

The Ladder Association offers comprehensive training sessions for both ladder users and inspectors, and as a response to COVID-19 has recently launched its new online training platform.

Covering both the Ladders & Step Ladders for Users and the Ladders & Step Ladders Inspection courses, the online training sessions ensure that delegates can continue to gain the relevant understanding of working at height whilst face-to-face training is temporarily suspended.

Two-stage process The online course covers the theory element of the traditional training sessions through a series of videos, after which delegates must attend a half-day session once training centres re-open in order to complete the written assessment and practical element.

Alternatively, WernerCo’s Ladder Association approved training sessions have now resumed having been adapted to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Suitable for users and inspectors, both courses comprise practical and theory assessments, covering when/how to use, handle and store a ladder, as well as how to highlight potential hazards. Equipment inspectors can learn how to assess and determine when it’s appropriate to inspect a ladder/stepladder, and how to recommend the correct action if faults are found.

Those who complete either form of training will be issued with a Ladder Association certificate and a LadderCard, which remains valid for five years, allowing them to prove their competence and gain trust among their trade peers and potential employers.

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT BOOKING A PLACE ON WERNERCO'S TRAINING COURSE, EMAIL: UK.CUSTOMERCARE@ WERNERCO.COM

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GIRA LAUNCHES ONLINE SEMINARS

G

ira has released a series of new online seminars, now available through the Gira Academy.

During each online seminar, all participants will be connected live to a specialist Gira Trainer in a virtual classroom. Once the seminar is in session, you'll be able to see the lecturer's applications, product simulations and slides and get the opportunity to talk to one another directly.

All you need is a computer, headset and internet connection, plus sign-up is completely free. The seminar topics include the following areas: Gira X1, KNX Secure, Gira G1, Gira S1, Gira Homeserver Speaking about the introduction of the online seminars, Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK, says: “As we all learn to adapt to the ‘new normal’, we want to make sure we're providing our customers with the right tools to remain competitive in the market and to grow.”

GET MORE INFORMATION ON GIRA ONLINE SEMINAR DATES AND TRAINING COURSES AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET015

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NSIGHTS MK INSIGHTS: DIMMERS Emma Segelov, EMEA Marketing Operations Manager at MK Electric, discusses the key considerations when specifying LED dimmer switches.

1. Trailing or leading edge?

When a residential, hospitality or light commercial environment requires mains LED dimming, there are two key types available – trailing edge or leading edge.

Dimmer switches using leading edge technology – commonly referred to as TRIAC dimmers – cut off the front edge of the half cycle of each AC wave, whereas trailing edge dimmers cut off the second half of each half cycle. Due to the components used, leading edge dimmers can cause unwanted buzzing and noise.

Conversely, trailing edge dimming offers a number of key benefits that can improve the overall user experience, such as flicker-free, silent dimming, thanks to the latest digital technology used in MK’s new range of trailing edge LED dimmers.

Many LED lamps today are designed to operate with trailing edge dimmers, although some can operate on both options. Not all LED lamps are dimmable, so check with the lamp or fitting manufacturer as to what is the most suitable technology.

mkelectric.co.uk

2. Lamp limit Some dimmers have a lamp limit due to LEDs having a higher start up (in rush) current that can cause the internal overload to operate.

MK’s trailing edge dimmers don’t have this and can control any number of lamps up to their rated wattage. In fact, they can use the full 120W output without de-rating due to inrush current – 2 x 120W for double dimmer switches.

3. Start-up power Some LED lamp types have issues with switching ON at very low dim values, as their drivers struggle with low start up power. In these cases, MK’s dimmers offer an adjustable start level that will power up on a higher value and then dim down to the last set level.

What’s more, they're easily adjustable with min/max setting for a smooth and linear dimming range over 270° rotation of the dimmer knob.

Some lamps use much more power than their nominal rating, so check with your lamp manufacturer and

include the power drawn by the lamp power supply when calculating the total load.

4. Product guarantees By taking the aformentioned factors into account, you can ensure that users can enjoy full and proper control of their lighting levels and achieve the desired ambience they require in the room.

You’ll also be offering ease of installation and minimising the risk of call backs, meaning installers can get straight onto the next job.

MK’s trailing edge dimmers come with a manufacturer’s guarantee of 10 years. With a broad range of styles and finishes available to suit all interiors, including Grid Plus modules for increased flexibility, there’s a solution for every project.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE MK LED DIMMER SWITCH CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET016

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FIRE SAFETY IN A PANDEMIC: DO WE NEED REMOTE CONTROL?

Nick Rutter, Chief Product Officer at FireAngel, explores how connected ďŹ re safety solutions can not only overcome the issues posed by a lack of physical access to a property, but also provide a future-proofed approach to asset and risk management across an entire housing portfolio.

A

s electrical engineers continue to recommence essential works following months of disruption, the social housing sector is faced with the challenge of understanding the level of risk each resident/property now poses, particularly with regard to fire safety.

The ability for contractors to gain access to a property to conduct necessary maintenance checks and repairs has significantly reduced over the last number of months, as many vulnerable and elderly residents have shielded from the virus and refused other individuals from entering their home.

As professionals now work to overcome the backlog of repairs and complete a

build-up of necessary maintenance checks, concerns are focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both themselves and residents to mitigate any potential spread of the virus.

This is combined with the ever present threat of the rate of infection rising, which

would once again place an immediate and substantial halt on essential maintenance due to the inability for engineers to gain physical access to a property, potentially increasing the fire risk level for some residents.

So, how can the industry think ahead to

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overcome access and maintenance issues, successfully future-proof installations and gain understanding of the levels of fire risk within a social housing portfolio?

In short, remote real time monitoring provides the answer.

Risk and overhead reduction Remote monitoring capabilities are not only offering a wide range of benefits for existing social housing portfolios, they're also transforming the future of fire safety and paving the way for a new generation of social housing digital developments that place IoT at the core of their construction.

The activation of a connected cloud-based gateway allows instant remote real time monitoring of smart RF smoke, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, enabling social housing providers to achieve full traceability, audit and compliance management across an entire housing portfolio by simplifying the monitoring of alarm networks across every property.

Through a connected system that features a solution like FireAngel Predict technology, providers can further futureproof and enhance their fire and CO protection by receiving an overview of fire risk across the entire property portfolio to help pinpoint increasing risk levels and enhance overall efficiency. This

subsequently supports a long-term reduction in overheads as assets are applied in the most efficient way.

Through the use of a connected gateway, instant access to vital information, including alarm diagnostics for every alarm across the network, can also be activated, ensuring 24/7 legislative compliance, whilst the patented Predict technology automatically provides the ability to pinpoint and manage risk remotely.

Properties are also future-proofed against potential regulatory changes as the system offers the ability to be adapted at a later date to meet a change in resident risk, which may require enhanced safety systems.

The ability to view the performance of each alarm in real time also aids proactive asset maintenance as social landlords can adopt a targeted approach to the application of resources, subsequently simplifying fire risk management. Providers have instant access to vital information from every alarm across each property, including current status, alarm history, replacement dates and network health.

The system also delivers complete freedom to accommodate a hybrid network, which supports the specification of mains and battery powered alarms in the same property.

This optimises utilisation of existing

wiring for mains alarms while the ease of installation of battery powered alarms offers cost and resource savings by reducing the amount of time a contractor spends inside the property.

As connected technology continues to pave the way for fire safety, social housing providers can benefit from IoT and connected fire safety technologies such as Predict, which uses AI to bridge the gap in communication between a property and its residents.

Social skills Latest research by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that over 100,000 affordable homes will need to be constructed each year as part of the national recovery from the virus, and the ‘new generation’ of social housing aims to provide residents with affordable, high quality homes that are fit for purpose.

The social housing sector has the opportunity to take an alternative approach to the fire safety installed within future properties by procuring intelligent connected solutions that offer the ability to be cost-effectively upgraded and adapted at a later date to meet the individual needs of each resident. This can be achieved by utilising a Connected fire safety system that features patented Predict technology.

This AI driven approach can provide automatic stratification of risk across an entire housing stock, saving providers valuable time and money, whilst also ensuring compliance with current and future legislation to deliver residents with the highest levels of fire and CO protection.

As the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the social housing sector, not only nationally but globally, electrical engineers can aid their clients in taking an alternative approach to the provision of fire safety solutions to successfully streamline their asset management through the facilitation of remote real time monitoring.

WATCH A CASE STUDY VIDEO OF TYNE & WEAR FIRE & RESCUE'S EXPERIENCE OF USING FIREANGEL CONNECT AND PREDICT AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET017

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VENTILATION VITAL IN GYMS

F

ollowing a further easing of lockdown restrictions, gyms and sports facilities are now open, but must ensure they follow correct ventilation guidance.

Now's a good time to check the ventilation to ensure there is enough airflow to dilute the virus in the air and improve indoor air quality. Ventilating for longer and opting for ventilation with higher airflow volumes will also help reduce the risk.

CIBSE’s document ‘CIBSE COVID-19 Ventilation Guidance’ gives further detailed guidance for building managers/operators to minimise the risks of airborne transmission of COVID-19.

Here the overarching advice is to increase the air supply and exhaust ventilation, supplying as much outside air as is reasonably possible to dilute and remove the virus.

More detailed advice includes: extending

the operation times of supply and extract mechanical ventilation systems; start ventilation at nominal speed at least two hours before the building usage time and switch to lower speed two hours after the building usage time; in demand-controlled ventilation systems lowering the CO2 setpoint to 400ppm to maintain operation; and to keep ventilation on 24/7 with lower ventilation rates when people are absent.

CIBSE also directs readers to refer to manufacturer’s guidance for help.

Vent-Axia is committed to improving indoor air quality and public health and has helped in the national response against

COVID-19. There are a number of ventilation options for businesses keen to improve their ventilation and indoor air quality. The company has a vast amount of experience supplying ventilation to gyms and sports facilities with its T-Series extract fan particularly popular, ACM inline fans, and its Sentinel Totus² Demand Energy Recovery Ventilation system (D-ERV).

GET MORE PRODUCT GUIDANCE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET018

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY RELIANT ON THE SAFE OUTDOORS

n

ow that businesses with licences for outdoor seating have reopened, bars and restaurants have been looking at ways to maximise their square footage in order to comply with social distancing rules. This means preparing outdoor spaces for some big changes.

Installing efficient and effective outdoor heating to make areas both comfortable and inviting as well as being affordable for businesses is one of the ways they can do this, say infrared heating experts Tansun.

The company's infrared heaters are developed to completely heat an outdoor area and encourage diners to eat outside, whatever the weather, enabling outdoor areas to become an extension of an indoor area. This also provides extra revenue for the bar or restaurant,

something that's so important in the current climate.

Outdoor seating at bars, restaurants and cafes will likely become a much more normal occurance and offers a way for people to enjoy themselves in the way they did before lockdown. Spaced out seating will be just like any other outdoor activity, with sitting apart just a small price to pay for claiming back a piece of normality.

All of Tansun’s products are made in the UK and are designed using premium components. The company has a huge range of commercial, industrial and

domestic infrared heaters, providing maintenance-free, safe and healthy shortwave heaters for many different types of heating applications.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE OUTDOOR HEATING RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET019

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THE RETURN OF THE BURGLAR? With lockdown restrictions easing as we head into the winter, ESP is recommending that installers educate their customers on the need for home security solutions.

Here we find out why.

A

ccording to the police, crime fell by 28% when Britain went into lockdown to battle the coronavirus at the height of the pandemic. While many have been spending more time at home in lockdown, burglaries have been significantly reduced – but this could all change as restrictions are lifted.

Now with the easing of lockdown and people returning to work and going out more, experts are warning of the return of the burglars taking advantage of empty homes.

Among the top tips that are recommended to keep homes and gardens safe is good security and this is where smart technology can come into play. ESP is advising installers to talk to their customers about the need to be

vigilant during this vulnerable period which will extend through to the dark evenings of winter, when historically most burglaries tend to take place.

Being able to advise their customers about a range of security solutions that are available to protect their homes puts installers in a position of trust. It will allow them to make recommendations based on the householder’s requirements, whether for a whole new system approach or the upgrade of tired and worn out equipment.

Many householders are already adopting technology to enhance various aspects of life and will be keen to embrace smart security as a measure to protect their premises. Smart doorbells are an increasingly popular security option, allowing users to see who is at the door before answering it. A Wi-Fi door station connects directly to a smart phone, offering instant front door security and convenience to users.

ESP’s latest Aperta Wi-Fi Door Stations cater for a wide range of applications and offer a host of features and benefits to make them an ideal choice for providing superior protection. They come in a kit form,

52 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

containing everything required for the installer to quickly and simply get the system up and running.

For a quick and straight forward installation with primary functions, there is a rechargeable battery version available.

For installs which require lock release, a low voltage wired version is available. As well as Wi-Fi function, the wired version also provides an alternative Ethernet connection if Wi-Fi is unavailable. 1080p live view, visitor recording, automatic motion detection, and clear two-way audio are some of the key features available via the subscription-free ESP Smart App. Both the wired and battery powered models feature expandable storage capacity – up to 128GB (8GB supplied).

The battery powered model now includes a system hub which sits between the door station and the router and facilitates power demanding features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, video record and remote door chime function. This means that the door station’s battery is dedicated to activations only, thus improving battery performance and efficiency.

The new models are offered in two colours – black and silver – and are complete with internal RF door chimes.

WATCH A PROMOTIONAL VIDEO BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET020

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PIR TECHNOLOGY:

The team at Timeguard look at the latest developments in PIR detection and advise on the key considerations you should take when making a decision on your choice of product.

CHOOSE RIGHT, CHOOSE ONCE

P

IRs are the swiss army knife of lighting and HVAC control. What could be more obvious than switching according to occupancy? These are devices that should be quick and easy to install if you make the right choices.

Some golden rules The first rule is to choose good quality products, backed by trusted brand guarantees. Once installed in a ceiling these aren’t products you want to be climbing around to replace. Buying from a professional wholesaler is a good start.

Another tip when drawing up your shortlist is to check how the detector is going to be set up and adjusted. Typically, you'll need to control lux level (so you can avoid nuisance daytime tripping for lights) and time on.

Some also offer range adjustment. Of course, with the best will in the world, later readjustments might be needed, so you may as well be prepared. Are the

There are two other key factors to getting it right first time:

controls going to be easy to get at? Are they clearly labelled? Are they smooth and accurate to operate?

If you want to control HVAC as well as lighting from one PIR detector, you’ll almost certainly want different settings to give the customer the economy they're looking for. In this circumstance you should look into two-channel PIRs.

1. Ratings Don’t underestimate what you'll need. Low wattage GU10 type LED lamps typically have simple circuitry and no surge protection or power factor correction, which means that in-rush currents put a relatively massive strain on a PIR that's switching/controlling them.

It’s a good idea, therefore, to check for a specific high LED rating such as within the Timeguard NightEyeo SLW360N ceiling-mounted and flush-mounted SLFM360NJ detectors.

The benefit of a low profile flush mount look is that the controls are hidden behind, so look for good spring clips that will let you remove the unit from an aperture with ease and replace it securely without damaging the ceiling.

Or perhaps, if super-sleek profiling isn’t vital, choose devices that offer external access to the controls without compromising on looks. Surface mount can still look modern and stylish!

Or you might prefer ideas like the twist and lock design that enables you to drop the device down and make adjustments. There’s remote control options in our range also.

If you’ve got a big area to cover but only need to set up for one time on/lux level combination, think about pre-wired master/slave options. You can get these pre-wired with RJ11 plug-in slave units per master, allowing for quick installation for corridor and multi-zone use.

2. People Being able to detect people sitting at desks and hardly moving used to be prohibitively expensive, but now presence detection with motion detection should be the standard on any good basic PIR. It adds up to a better user experience and people should hardly notice that there’s PIR control of lighting.

Check the installation guidelines to make sure the core area of the detection field that offers more-sensitive presence detection is big enough for the space you're fitting out. Bear in mind that the specs of most off-the-shelf PIRs are based on a ceiling height of about 2.5m.

If your client has higher ceilings, check the specification carefully – you’ll find the right options.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE TIMEGUARD PIR RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET021

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PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING In this case study feature we learn more about how Hamilton and H&H Electrical Contractors worked together to upgrade the wiring accessories at a luxury retreat in Berkshire.

U

nder the leadership of Chef Patron, Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, based in Bray, Berkshire, offers guests an incredible dining experience in the setting of a luxury tranquil retreat.

It recently refurbished four of its unique guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, all of which have their own distinct character, inspired by the Thameside setting.

Centre of attention The restaurant’s in-house designer, Laura Roux, challenged Maidenhead-based H&H Electrical Contractors to find and fit high-quality wiring accessories that would allow each room’s décor to be the centre of attention, while still creating consistency throughout the refurbishment.

A frequent specifier and installer of Hamilton’s wiring solutions, Stephen Hogg of H&H Electrical Contractors was confident in the British business’ ability to provide products to meet the brief.

Hamilton’s Perception CFX, a high-quality transparent design with

concealed fixings, was chosen for the guest rooms. With snap-on clear front plates in a minimalist design, the solution allows for a section of the wallpaper design to be inserted so the plate discreetly blends with the interior décor.

With ornate mural or statement wallpapers in each of the rooms, Hamilton’s Perception CFX Toggle switch plates and sockets enhance rather than detract from the impact of the décor.

To meet the functional requirements of The Waterside Inn’s high-end guest experience, Hamilton produced eight bespoke Perception CFX plates with single sockets and USB charging that were installed at either bedside in all four rooms.

They also created ‘blank’ Perception CFX plates to be easily adapted on-site to accommodate third-party temperature control sensors for the room’s heating.

Hamilton’s in-house manufacturing capabilities at its Bristol facility means that it’s agile enough to support such low volume bespoke demands.

Perception CFX has been complemented with accent switches and

sockets in Hamilton’s Sheer CFX design in bright chrome. The chrome finish matches seamlessly with other metalwork, including the Samuel Heath door furniture and the chrome fixtures and fittings in the en-suite bathrooms, giving each a fresh and contemporary look.

The finished result Having selected Hamilton as a supplier, Stephen Hogg of H&H Electrical Contractors was pleased with the finished result: “For me, Hamilton was the natural partner for the decorative wiring accessories on this project.

“It has provided outstanding support on numerous projects, and the products always deliver in terms of quality, functionality, style and ease of installation.

“The service is second-to-none, and Hamilton demonstrated this yet again by producing bespoke plates to meet with, and exceed, the requirements of The Waterside Inn.” The final finish received praise too, with Laura Roux thrilled with the finished result: “We're delighted with our choice of Hamilton sockets and switches. Their sleek, contemporary lines harmonise with each room’s design, rather than obscuring or clashing with them. Importantly, the sockets are also easy to keep spotlessly clean with their light reflective qualities adding a new dimension.”

REVIEW THE PROJECT CASE STUDY BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET022

56 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

HEAT, CAMERA, ACTION!

A

large part of working in electrical inspections is making sure an installation is safe for continued use. After all, not all issues with installations can be seen by the naked eye.

In this regard, thermal imaging equipment has become a much-needed staple of an electrician's tool-kit. Being able to find equipment, such as swithgear or motors, that's running at excessive temperatures could mean they're subject to fail, or even catch fire in some circumstances.

Some higher-end models of thermal imaging equipment can run into thousands of pounds, so the Bosch GTC 400 C provides a more entry level route into the market, particularly for those electricians who may be new to the technology. That said, it's functionality far outweighs it's price point, and the resolution quality is comparable to those at the higher end of the equipment market.

One thing I particularly liked about the product was the easy point and shoot method of taking thermal pictures, utlising the unit's pistol grip design. This makes it just as easy as using a digital camera, even with a 3.5â&#x20AC;? screen showing the user their field of vision.

Having an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot is another nice feature, as this allows you to transfer the pictures from the camera whilst on-site without having a Wi-Fi connection available. Alternatively, you can simply transfer them by attaching the included USB lead to a laptop or a computer.

From my own personal work, being able to show hotspots on switchgear has

Steve Hewish, Approved Electrician at Turrell Ltd (Electrical Contractors), turns up the heat this month as he tries out the Bosch GTC 400 C thermal imaging camera. been an invaluable tool these past couple of months. I've also been able to use this information and supporting pictures to show the client what the issue is and what they can do to remedy it.

This is particularly useful, because if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that might cause a fire, that particular part of the installation can be isolated, meaning damage to a client's premises can be minimised or downtime for a company can be reduced.

Because you can pointpoint an issue clearly, this allows you and the client to factor in a shutdown at a more convenient

time. It also helps enormously with the communication aspect of the job as showing clients clear evidence of your findings is half the battle won.

The camera comes in a tough case which is pretty-much electrician-proof and is the sort of thing you'd want to see your valuable piece of equipment housed in.

In future, I'd like to see the addition of a padded sleeve that you can put the camera into while you're on-site as this would mean less trips to/from the tool-kit when you're out on the job. The option of

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 59

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PRODUCTS & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

being able to take a short video (maybe 30 seconds or so) would also be a useful thing to show to a client.

There's no doubt that this is a piece of equipment that works across multiple trade disciplines, so if you have plumbing and heating engineers in your business

the tool can be used to identify leaks or blockages in pipework. Builders can also use it to see where damp issues are arising or where a building isn't adequately insulated.

All in all, the Bosch GTC 400 C thermal imaging camera is a nice bit of kit that is

easy to use, very accurate and competitively priced. A great addition to any tool-kit.

WATCH A VIDEO OF THE BOSCH GTC 400 C IN ACTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET023

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Products IN PRACTICE

sponsored by www.electricalcharity.org

C-TEC courts success at business complex C-TEC’s CAST XFP addressable fire alarm system is protecting a refurbished retail development in West Yorkshire. Situated in the heart of Cleckheaton, Victoria Court has recently undergone a £2.5M transformation and is now home to two floors of offices and an array of retail and commercial outlets.

With its cutting-edge control panels, detection and alarm devices, C-TEC’s new CAST XFP system provides the highest levels of fire protection at the multi-purpose site. Featuring all the top notch qualities of C-TEC’s existing panels plus distributed intelligence, autonomous decision making, high speed data transmission and a powerful group activation command for the rapid deployment of alarm signals, CAST is designed for fast and easy install. In addition, its capacity for displaying detailed data on all system activity was also a key factor in its specification for this particular site.

Nathan Douglas-Smith of Centurion Fire and Security, the specialist fire company that completed the installation of the systems in just under five weeks, said: “Fire alarm panel feedback is crucial so engineers and end users can ascertain all site activity. CAST XFP provides the responsible person with vital information on system activity in complete contrast to the old fire alarm system it replaced.

As a result, engineers and end users can see exactly what is happening on-site. CAST XFP is a great product – it’s easy-to-install, well manufactured and very reliable on all the current installation sites.”

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET024

LUCECO SYDNEY JONES LIBRARY Luceco has supplied energy efficient LED Contour luminaires to the Sydney Jones Library at the University of Liverpool. Opened in 1976, the building was extended in 2007 by annexing the former University administration building and has now been refurbished with cost-effective LED lighting. Warrington-based Brent J Sansom Lighting Design Services specified dimmable continuous runs of recessed Contour luminaires. The LED lighting system consists of connectable modules offered in 600, 1,200, 1,500 and 1,800mm lengths that can be surface mounted, suspended or recessed, as at The Sydney Jones Library.

Contour has a full range of illuminated interconnecting modules including corner connectors, T junction and cross pieces, as well as an integrated driver with quick electrical connectors for ease of installation. Contour has a five-year extended warranty available and offers over 100,000 hours operational life, making the luminaire ideal for education and commercial environments.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET025

CENTAUR MIDDLEMOOR CRIMINAL CENTRE Representing a significant step change in the way Devon and Cornwall look at policing, the new Middlemoor Criminal Justice Centre needed to be fit for purpose in terms of delivering policing long into the future as well as providing a healthy working environment for the staff. Working with Willmott Dixon, TClarke were nominated for the full MEP package. When it came to selecting uPVC cable management, the specification demanded Cat 6 & 7 compliant trunking for data cabling. For areas where additional security measures were required, transparent product was required to demonstrate that no unauthorised bugging devices could be present without being seen. Following a rigorous selection process, the Meridian range of three compartment dado trunking from Centaur manufacturing was chosen. The range has a soft edge styling and its curved hinged covers also restricts the placing of items on the top surface. Pre-punched holes in the base eases installation as does the flexible internal and external bends for when wall corners are not exactly 90°. The generous compartments were also more than adequate for the five fibre optic cables that were required in some areas.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET026

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN October 2020 63

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R FO SS K E AC SIN B U B

ELEX2020

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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Leading brands, live demos, tech talks, show specials – all under one roof!

NEXT SHOW: Ricoh Arena, Coventry Thursday 26th & Friday 27th November 2020 SAFELY DOES IT An extensive risk assessment programme has been carried out to ensure Elex is a safe and well-ordered environment for all visitors and exhibitors. Enhanced measures include: l Non Touch Entry l Hand Sanitising Stations l Contactless Payments

l Visitor Flow Management l Trained Operations Teams l Regular Thorough Cleaning

Register for free at www.elexshow.info

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Products round up

GIRA USB Power Supply Designed with two slots – USB A and USB C, the emerging standard for charging and transferring data – the new Gira USB power supply is able to simultaneously charge two devices by providing a maximum electrical output of 3000 mAh for rapid charging. When combined with a modular system, such as Gira System 55, you can place the power supply in almost any room in the home – there’s no need to worry about having the right adaptor. Ideal for new build properties or when retrofitting older buildings, the new Gira USB power supply is ergonomic and streamlined.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET027

SNICKERS WORKWEAR POLARTEC Jackets & Fleeces Sharp, stylish looks and market-leading recycled POLARTEC fabric technology make these a must for the autumn on-site or for use as outdoor leisurewear. The versatile FLEXIWork full-stretch jackets deliver a tight, body-hugging fit with efficient moisture transportation and durable shape retention, plus great freedom of movement. There’s also long johns to match for full body insulation. The AllroundWork fleeces and bodywarmers – made from 80% recycled polyester – will keep your body warm or comfortably cool when you most need it.

VIEW THE 2020 SNICKERS CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET029

METREL EV Contractor's Kit A new EVSE test kit has been launched by Metrel.

The EV contractor's kit includes three major components: the MI3152 multi-function tester, which will not only test your EVSE installations, but all your other work as well; the EVSE adapter, which facilitates testing of all makes of charging equipment, both single- and three-phase; and finally the MESM Pro software, which will enable you to produce EVSE certificates as well as the other 18th Edition documents you require.

VIEW A PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET030

ORLIGHT Tower Wall Lights Range This new exterior wall light solution from Orlight is a surface-mounted designer wall light that offers a selection of downwards or up/down light distribution. Constructed from aluminium alloy and rated to IP65, the Tower range is available in stainless steel, copper and black finishes.

VIEW A PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET028

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Ultimate Grid Range With grids ranging from 1 to 24 gang and a large selection of modules available, the Ultimate grid range is ready for any residential or commercial application. The grids are available in screwless and screwed plate versions, and in a wide range of finishes. A wide variety of printed rocker caps are available, while plain rocker caps can also be customised, allowing full personalisation on each project. The Ultimate grid range also includes an LED electronic grid dimmer with a rating of 5 - 100W. EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET031

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Products round up

Mobile heat, wherever you require it The Metabo HG 18 LTX 500 mobile heat gun is a lightweight but powerful hot air gun that heats up rapidly and is ready to use at 300°C in just five seconds.

The larger air volume and higher temperatures mean this tool delivers maximum performance. The handle is slim and rubberised for improved safety, and the tool includes an LED worklight to illuminate darker areas.

The hot air gun comes with two matching nozzles, which can be used to shape, crimp, weld, and remove varnish, among other functions. The 8.0Ah battery provides over 20 minutes of runtime, and has a display feature to clearly convey charge status.

With a powerful air flow of up to 200 litres per minute, the HG 18 LTX 500 is ideally suited for tasks such as shrinking cables, welding and remoulding plastic, as well as foiling or the removal of paint and adhesive residue.

Operation with one push button is both easy and intuitive, and a weight of 1.6kg (including the Metabo LiHD battery pack) means it can be taken anywhere. Even those hard-to-reach spots far away from power outlets are no problem, for example when foiling at window fronts or cable shrinking on wind turbines.

The mobile heat gun offers two temperature settings: 300 and 500°C. For optimal power output, it's recommended to use a Metabo 18V battery pack with a capacity of 8.0Ah. The HG 18 LTX 500 is compatible with all Metabo accessory nozzles.

DOWNLOAD A PRODUCT DATA SHEET AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET032

66 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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CED Meridian FR Downlights

UNICRIMP Masonry Screws

The Meridian fire rated downlight range is getting a whole new suite of products over the next few months, starting with fittings for GU10 lamps. The existing range of both IP65 fixed downlights plus IP20 fixed and adjustable fittings are retained, but made more contractor-friendly with the addition of new quick fix tool-less connectors. In addition, there are new open body fittings designed for improved performance and ease of installation – again via the quick fix loop in/loop out terminal block. The range features ultra thin bezels and is designed for LED lamps only. Available in white, chrome and satin chrome finishes, these ranges, built with all steel bodies, are resistant to 30, 60 and 90 minute tests and approved to BS476 (part 21) standards.

These self tapping masonry screws measure 4.8mm x 40mm and are manufactured from C-1022 – a low carbon steel – with a Blue Ruspert coating. Designed for concrete, brick and block, they're ideal for fixing fire collars and fire rated cable clips, to help meet the 18th Edition requirements BS7671 section 521.10.202. The use of metal fixings can help prevent some of the increased risks associated with the breakout of a fire, for example preventing the premature collapse of wiring. With the Unicrimp range of fire-rated masonry screws and cable clips, construction site managers, electricians and electrical contractors can be assured that the products they're specifying and installing are compliant with the latest regulations.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET033

DOWNLOAD THE UNICRIMP Q-FIRE RANGE CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET034

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Keep the power on with UPS systems Imagine you own a small business and you arrive at work to find the power is out. The lights are off, security and HVAC systems are down, and the point-of-sale (POS) system won’t work.

It’s not feasible to operate a business under those conditions – unless, of course, you'd prepared for such an event by installing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units.

Electricians and electrical contractors can act as trusted protection advisors for customers, making them aware of the risk of electrical failures and how UPS systems can help.

The first step is to identify what appliances and systems are required to keep the business running each day, which will therefore warrant protection.

These could include anything from ovens and refrigerators to alarms, networks and data management systems. Loss of power here could lead to loss of revenue and reputation, so it’s easy to see how power protection is an important investment.

And it’s not just commercial environments that need power protection – residential buildings also have vital equipment which needs to be kept ‘always on’, so homeowners and tenants need to be prepared too.

Electricians should educate both commercial and domestic customers about how a UPS can protect their assets and even extend equipment lifespans, delivering reliable power both in the event of a surge and a complete outage.

WATCH A DEMONSTRATION OF SCHNEIDER'S EASY UPS SOLUTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET035

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Products round up

Solutions to common problems, invented by electricians SOLDERM8

PUT AN END TO YOUR LED STRIP SOLDERING WOES When San Francisco-based electrician, Connlaoth Mulholland of Mulholland Electric, was having problems with installing LED strip lights and the costly faults that can develop, he decided to create a solution to this common issue.

“LED strip lighting has become a part of the mandatory code here in California and is now more or less a standard element in the majority of residential and commercial projects,” says Connlaoth. “Along with this, however, has come one of the electrician’s most fiddly, time-consuming and frustrating tasks of the trim phase.

“Having spent a lot of time installing LED strips through our business we originally used connectors, but started to recognise that if we were ever called back, the problems were mainly due either to the connector becoming faulty or the connection within it becoming unstuck.

“We concluded that these faults were going to be inevitable because the heat generated by the lights being turned on/off eventually breaks down the plastic connector.

“In our view, soldering was the only real answer to provide a mechanically sound connection, a professional looking finish and, more importantly, one that is going to stand the test of time.”

Determined to solve the problem, Connlaoth set about creating a tool which had to be easy to use, light and portable as well as something that could be utilised in any location where an electrician may be required to install LED strip lights.

Connlaoth adds: “As a first step it will stick to any finished surface, regardless of the texture or angle you're working at. It has an almost magical underside and it even works upside-down!

“You then insert both ends of the tape or wire and it holds it firmly while you dab on your solder. Hey-presto, job done!

“We're now able to finish full lengths of soldered strips in a fraction of the time, and with a sleek and professional look.”

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET036

THE BROCKET

CONDUIT BUSH SOCKET The brainchild of Adrian Journeaux, MD of AJ Electrical Services in Hampshire, The Brocket is a low-profile socket that's designed specifically for electrical conduit bush connectors, and will work with your existing 1/4" drive tool set.

Explaining the inspiration behind his idea, Adrian says: “I've been an electrician for over 20 years and have vast experience in all sectors of the industry.

“In the past few years we've been heavily involved in BMS electrical installations where the use of twin compartment trunking and lots of steel conduit is needed. It soon became obvious to me that a new tool was needed to aid with the installation of conduit bushes.”

He continues: “Fortunately, I'm a keen engineer and had purchased a CNC machine for my home workshop, so I set about designing the first prototype a couple of years ago.

The original concept was a double-sided socket that had 20 and 25mm bush sizes on each side.

After some field trials, it became apparent that it was a dead-end (due to the physical size) when attempting to get into small spaces on the 20mm bushes. I decided at this stage that the two common versions were required and set about making the prototypes. From there the Brocket was born.”

The Brocket is available in 20 and 25mm sizes, and has been tested and developed on most UK suppliers of bush connectors by real-life electricians. The standard Brocket is supplied in anodised aluminium and is also available in stainless steel for high duty applications.

WATCH A VIDEO OF THE BROCKET IN ACTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET037

70 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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KNIPEX StepCut Cable Shears These StepCut Cable Shears make it easier to cut single and multi-conductor cables made of copper and aluminium up to a diameter of 15 millimetres (50mm²). Solid NYM cables can be cut easily and precisely up to a maximum of 5 x 4mm². The stepped blades, with a milled serrated edge on the front and a flat edge on the back, have been additionally induction-hardened. The shears can cut wires and strands one after the other, thus reducing the effort required by up to 40%.

The innovative step cutting allows for a clean cut without the cables being crushed in the cutting process. The unit is only 160mm long and lightweight, while the ergonomic design of the handles enable an optimum cutting feel, even when dealing with larger diameters.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET038

C.K Magma Technician’s PRO Wheeled Case Ideal for all terrain use, this innovative wheeled case offers more storage than ever before. Its balanced design includes a rugged and durable chassis, wheels and a telescopic handle, ideal for effortless movement of larger tool kits, test equipment and power tools, whether on a factory site, or commercial premises. More storage now includes 50 deep square pockets/compartments, with handy vertical pockets for clear visibility and organisation of tools.

Other features include: adjustable straps for easier access to main pocket compartment; lockable zip system for extra security; an extra wide main compartment with a red lining for high visibility; a hard protective divider between tools and test equipment; and a zip down front panel for A4 document storage.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET039

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V-TAC Slim Bulkhead Range The slim bulkhead range is the newest addition to V-TAC’s growing catalogue of energy-efficient lighting innovations. Despite having a flatter, lower body depth, the diameter remains around 315mm and 380mm for 14W and 20W models respectively. Ready for heavy-duty outdoor installations, the new bulkheads remain tough and durable with impressive IP65 and IK08 ratings, with covers treated with a thermal barrier coating (TBC) for that boost of resilience against weather, dust, and vandalism. The new range also comes with optional, interchangeable chrome and eyelid bezels to fit any modern indoor or outdoor aesthetic. Equipped with LEDs provided by Samsung, the slim bulkheads provide high quality, evenly distributed lighting that is remarkably sustainable in terms of energy savings. The range comes with a three-year (stand-alone, emergency battery, emergency battery + sensor models) and five-year (sensor model) warranty and is tested and certified as per European standards.

DOWNLOAD THE V-TAC CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET040

OVIA Dali Dimmable LED Driver Ovia has introduced a new range of 240V universal Dali dimmable constant current LED drivers to its commercial lighting offer. These new products are designed to enhance the brand's commercial LED panel offering and means that Ovia now offers a digital dimming solution for its Inceptor Slate and Jura LED panels. The Dali dimmable LED drivers are available in 29-48W and 38-69W variants to maximise their potential across a range of applications.

The DIP switch component will be supplied pre-set to a specific configuration, with the option to be manually reconfigured to any one of the range of specifications available by following the instructions printed on top of the driver. The DIP switches are located under the removable termination cover.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET041

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Products round up

TIS leads the charge for EV testing Test Instrument Solutions has announced the launch of its EV charging station testing equipment.

Able to test both charging modes 2 & 3, and with the added safety of CAT III protection (meaning higher ability to withstand voltage transients), the TIS EV-Test100 EV testing adapter really leads from the front in terms of testing and safety capabilities.

Although the TIS EV adapter can be used with other appropriate test equipment (those capable of testing a 6mA DC sensitive RCD), it really comes into its own when used in conjunction with the TIS MFTPRO. This MFT has a specific guided EV AUTO test sequence and, when used with the TIS EV-Test100, really speeds up and simplifies the whole testing process. Existing owners of the TIS MFTPRO can also obtain a free-of-charge upgrade to include the AUTO EV mode.

The TIS EV-Test100 can be purchased as a standalone unit, or as a combination kit with the TIS MFTPRO, under the rather imaginatively named part number 'TIS MFTPRO-EV'.

WATCH A SUPPORTING VIDEO OF THE TIS EVTEST100 IN ACTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET042

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DETA ELECTRICAL Brackenheath SPECTRA Range

MAKITA Portable Band Saws

The Brackenheath LED bulkhead SPECTRA range offers a premium lighting solution for interior and exterior applications, ideal for domestic and commercial settings, Incorporating high performance LED chips and an integrated ENEC approved driver, the Spectra LED surface luminaire provides uniform light output and instant illumination to areas of passage.

These luminaires offer an energy saving alternative of up to 55% by comparison to luminaires that use CFL. A unique feature of this slim profile luminaire is the flexibility to change the colour temperature of the light to suit the application, made possible by a built-in CCT switch for 3000, 4000 and 5000K colour temperature selection. A practical hinge feature on the gear tray allows for a two-part fitting, ensuring quick and easy installation.

Makita has expanded its range of LXT cordless tools with the launch of the DPB183Z and DPB184Z brushless portable band saws. The compact and lightweight design of the units makes them easy to manoeuvre around tight working spaces. Angled specifically for comfort, the ergonomic handle design has been engineered to ensure ease of use in both horizontal and vertical operation, making these machines incredibly versatile. For stable and secure cutting, both machines include durable, lightweight aluminium housings, with an optional grip handle for even greater control. The products benefit from Makita’s variable speed control, which allows operators to select the ideal cutting speed for each application, simply by adjusting the dial. Constant speed control also provides stable and secure cutting, as the blade speed is maintained.

DOWNLOAD THE DETA PRODUCT CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET043

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET044

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Products round up

SUPER ROD Swivel Rods Twisted cables are a big no-no, particularly on Cat5 and Cat 6 cable installations, as they can affect the overall performance of the installation.

To stop your cables twisting while you pull them with your rods, try using one of Super Rod’s swivel rods. The product has a free-moving swivel end attachment which will dissipate any twists. It’s also useful for pulling cable off a drum or out of a box.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET045

CTEK EV Charging Range CTEK Sweden AB, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has expanded its EV charging portfolio into the UK market. Already an established EV charging brand in Scandinavia, CTEK’s entry into the UK market is part of an ambitious growth plan. With a strong focus on customer service and technical support across its distribution network, the company has a proven track record of delivering complete end-to-end EV charging solutions. The CTEK offering has been further boosted by the news that it has been approved approved as an EV charge point manufacturer by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), making CTEK eligible to supply OLEV-approved EV chargers for installations funded by OLEV’s Electrical Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and Workplace Charging Scheme.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET046

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Products round up

SCOLMORE GROUP 'Specification Solutions’ Brochure Scolmore Group has produced a comprehensive ‘Specification Solutions’ brochure, which brings together products from across the brands operating within the group. Designed as an essential guide for specification teams working on a range of building projects, the brochure is divided into six sections that cover the full spectrum of building environments – Residential, Healthcare, Hotel and Leisure, Education, Commercial and Industrial. Each section then highlights those products and ranges that are most suitable for the particular sector in question. There's also a dedicated training section which draws attention to the training and support available for specifiers and installers, while direct access from the Specifications Solutions brochure to the BIM libraries of each group company is available by scanning the relevant QR code, which is printed on the back page.

VIEW THE BROCHURE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET047

ELECTRIC HEATING COMPANY Electric Heating Range The government's proposed move towards a decarbonised grid permits the electrification of heat and marks the end of fossil fuel combustion as a main source of heating. The attractive alternative to combustion fuels is highly efficient modern electric heating systems, which have become popular among homeowners, architects, housebuilders and social landlords. The Electric Heating Company offers a comprehensive range of quality electric heating products, including electric radiators, electric boilers and unvented stainless steel hot water cylinders. The entire range of electric radiators are Wi-Fi ready and can be operated remotely using the free EHC Smart App. All EHC electric heating products are 100% energy efficient and are affordable to operate in today’s environment of ever-increasing energy costs.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET048

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PROTECTING PEOPLE & PROPERTY

Conventional Convent tional Fire Systems Systems

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Products round up

Stay out of hot water with tank temperature sensors Knowing the temperature within a hot-water tank is something that's often overlooked when considering the monitoring of energy use.

Usually a thermostat is strapped around the centre of the tank which triggers the boiler on/off. Operationally this has worked well for many years, however accurate measuring provides greater benefits than simply switching immersions on/off, particularly when used with a system such as Irus in hotels or student accommodation.

Energy saving A complete overview of the tank’s temperature range means that energy use can be controlled more accurately.

Maintaining optimum temperatures efficiently will result in huge cost savings.

Maintenance In a twin element tank, a sensor aligned to each heating element will identify if either fails. The maintenance team are sent alerts automatically from the system so they can replace the faulty part.

Safety Finally, monitoring heating patterns and setting programmes can greatly reduce the risk of Legionella developing in stored water. Collecting data ensures water safety plans are adhered to and evidential data is logged.

Tank Temperature Sensors New from Prefect Controls, these sensors are made from a hard-wearing, rigid plastic with moulded flex-grooves, positioning holes and strap-guides. Designed for universal installation, they can be fitted snuggly to all types, diameters and sizes of tank using either adhesive, screws or straps.

The temperature sensor has a copper contact attached to a thermally isolated and insulated spring that forces it against the tank surface. A small amount of thermal paste is applied to the face of the contact to ensure accurate and consistent temperature readings. Colour coded labels for top and bottom sensors are included for easy identification.

The probe is easily removed from the mounting disk, for servicing or replacement of the temperature sensor, by releasing the ratchetted tube.

GET MORE PRODUCT DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/ET049

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CAUGHT ON

C A M E R A SOCIAL SNAPS! Eirfc9 (via Twitter): I was called out to no earth on the kitchen sockets.

A new board had been installed 18 months ago, following a loft conversion. It's certainly an interesting way of rectifying a tripping RCD...

Lloyd Stafford (via Twitter): Send help... and breakfast!!

Lee (via Twitter): Plumber: “It's OK, I've disconnected the shower so no need to attend!”

Me: “I'll attend anyway, just to make sure it's all OK!”

Tim Arnold (via Twitter): Who needs a blank plate anyway?

80 October 2020 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

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082 PE OCTOBER 2020 INDEX_Layout 1 02/09/2020 11:56 Page 82

ADVERTISER INDEX ALL LED Ltd........................................................ Page 4

Metabo (UK) Ltd .............................................. Page 72

Aurora Ltd ........................................................ Page 28

Metrel UK Ltd ................................................... Page 14

BG Electrical Ltd ............................................. Page 30

Mr Resistor ....................................................... Page 79

Carl Kammerling International Ltd............. Page 69

NAPIT................................................................. Page 57

CED.................................................................... Page 62

NET LED Ltd ..................................................... Page 61

Chint Europe (UK) Ltd.................................... Page 73

NICEIC & ELECSA .......................................... Page 58

C-TEC Ltd ......................................................... Page 65

Niglon Ltd.................................................... Pages 10,11

DANLERS Ltd................................................... Page 79

Orlight Ltd...................................... Inside Back Cover

DETA Electrical Company Ltd...................... Page 41

Ovia Lighting ................................................... Page 58

Ecostrad Ltd..................................................... Page 39

Prefect Controls Ltd....................................... Page 79

Electrorad UK Ltd ............................................. Page 9

Rhino Products Ltd ........................................ Page 54

ELEX............................................................ Pages 64,81

Robert Bosch Ltd .............................................. Page 6

Elite Security Products Ltd........................... Page 68

Safe-Connect ................................................... Page 77

EnviroVent Ltd................................................. Page 76

Scolmore International Ltd .......................... Page 54

Forum Lighting Solutions .......... Inside Front Cover

Seaward Electronic Ltd................................. Page 22

Gira..................................................................... Page 35

Selectric...................................................... Pages 47,71

Hamilton Litestat............................................. Page 45

Super Rod Ltd ................................................. Page 67

Hollycroft Software Ltd ................................. Page 74

Tamlite Security .............................................. Page 42

Hyco Manufacturing Ltd ............................... Page 74

Tesco Mobile Ltd............................................. Page 17

IDEAL INDUSTRIES EMEA ............................ Page 18

Test Instrument Solutions Ltd ..................... Page 53

Lewden Palazzoli Group .............................. Page 62

The Electric Heating Company Ltd............ Page 75

Logic4training .................................................. Page 77

Timeguard Ltd................................................. Page 48

Makita (UK) Ltd................................................ Page 25

Transpower Engineering Ltd ...................... Page 60

Megger Ltd ...................................................... Page 36

V-TAC UK Ltd............................ Outside Back Cover

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