Professional Electricians Wholesaler July-August 19

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER PROFESSIONAL

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS

JULY/AUGUST 2019

FIRE & SAFETY The latest fire alarm standards

ECOMMERCE A world of opportunity awaits online

HEATING Electric vs gas – what are the advantages?

EXPERT INSIGHT FROM THE EDA Improve your Distribution, Switchgear and Protection knowledge

Plus: News, business advice, sales support, display solutions and more

CONTENTS

This issue

PEW JULY/AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 2 NUMBER 4

Regulars 3 4 6 10 12 14 16 48 50 52 54 55 56 59 62 63 64

VIEWPOINT NEWS WHOLESALER NEWS IN PROFILE BUSINESS CV FOCUS FACE TO FACE PRODUCTS IN DEMAND TRAINING CAMPAIGN NEWS ELEX REPORT POINT OF SALE PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE PRODUCTS GIVEAWAY COMPETITIONS SOAPBOX

Special Report 20 SAFE AND SOUND Safety and storage solution from Van Vault 23 IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE Futuristic tool manufacturing from Bahco 24 THE BRIGHT OUTDOORS Garden lighting under the spotlight 27 IS A ROD JUST A ROD? How to do more than just sell

HEATING

39 EDA INSIGHT Distribution, Switchgear and Protection – The Electrical Distributors’ Association puts you to the test

28 TAKING STOCK Planning ahead for the winter months 30 ELECTRIC AVENUE Why homeowners are going electric 32 SMART CHOICE How to futureproof with electric heating

63 Apple Watch 4 Series to be won

34 A SPARK OF OPPORTUNITY How SAP 10 could benefit you 20 Van Vault storage

FIRE & SAFETY 37 CODE BREAKDOWN BS 5839-6 – Domestic fire safety changes explained 40 TWO-WIRED ATTACK Two-wire fire alarm system from ESP

34 SAP 10 implications Front cover image ©Adobestock_Jamesteohart

42 BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY The vital role of fire-rated downlights

COMPETITIONS

44 IGNITING DEBATE Cable management fire testing

63 COMPETITIONS Win an Apple Watch with Bendex!

46 SHOCKING FACTS Nine Arc Flash facts to help keep your customers safe

Cover story Page 10 Rapid Electrical expands its growing empire

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 1

VIEWPOINT

Digital Digest Editor Michael Connolly mconnolly@hamerville.co.uk Group Editor Richard Bowler pe@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertising Manager Craig Jowsey craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertising Manager Ed Bajraktari eduart@hamerville.co.uk 07557 129141 Designer Donna Booth Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Claire Swendell Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Managing Editor Terry Smith Publisher Bryan Shannon Professional Electricians Wholesaler is an essential business magazine for those with decision-making responsibilities within electrical wholesalers To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email: circulation@hamerville.co.uk Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd Published by

HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2019

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nce again I find myself talking about the future, this time looking at digitalisation, but I want to talk about the digitalisation of electrical wholesale business in particular rather than the development of products in the market.

At a recent EDA forum in Exeter, Nicola Surman, Regional Sales Manager at Hager, talked about the need for digitalisation in the wholesale market. Part of what was highlighted was the ability to make things more personal with digital offerings. This may seem a bit of a contradiction given that there is no actual face-to-face conversations, but having social media platforms giving out regular updates and encouraging user interactions could allow you to reach out to new customers you haven’t spoken to before. Plus, you have a constant stream of information getting out to a vast audience, rather than speaking to only current customers about the latest deals or happenings at your branch.

In today’s ‘instant’ culture, consumers expect products delivered next day or even on the same day with a smooth, simple process to get to that end. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is through a reliable ecommerce platform. Sam Rutley, Managing Director at The industry is certainly PushON is all too aware of this – he describes the reasons for the change on seeing itself evolve along Page 12. He says: “Why the shift? As ecommerce technology has evolved, online with electricians and the retail in all sectors has gone from being (potentially) cumbersome and clunky, with products themselves, the long waits for shopping, unexpected delivery onus is on you to make sure charges, complicated or convoluted returns and poor stock management, to smooth, you don’t get left behind in streamlined and cost-effective.” This not only represents a positive change in how your this new digital age. customer shops with you, but also a positive change in how you handle your stock in a more streamlined approach. Furthermore, Being able to capture data can offer vital information such as the customer’s job title, favourite products and the type of work that they carry out. This gives you an insight into your customer that you may not have had otherwise.

The industry is certainly seeing itself evolve along with electricians and the products themselves, the onus is on you to make sure you don’t get left behind in this new digital age.

Elsewhere in this issue, the heating feature includes a look at the latest SAP 10 regulations and how they may influence the way in which homeowners heat their homes in the future.

Whilst the fire and safety feature looks at the latest equipment designed to keep van tools safe from theft, as well as looking at the need for fire testing of cable management products to become a priority to avoid any future incidents. As ever, there is the usual news, products, special reports, competitions, giveaways and more.

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Our new rdr.link system On certain pages you will see: “For further information, visit: rdr.link/WG” followed by a three digit number - this new system will take you directly to the mentioned resource related to the article. Be sure you follow the link if you want to find out more about the company or subject.

Have a good month and enjoy the issue.

Michael Connolly Michael Connolly Editor PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 3

NEWS & VIEWS ©AdobeStock_Kornv

EV ON THE AGENDA

CHARGEPOINT SUPPORTS EV RAPID CHARGING PROMISE EV charging network, ChargePoint, has announced the opening of a series of new EV rapid charging locations in central London in support of the Mayor and Transport for London’s EV Infrastructure Taskforce.

ChargePoint has been part of the EV Infrastructure Taskforce stakeholder group for the last year, working with the Mayor’s Office, TfL and other organisations on setting out the vision for the future of EV charging in London as demand and adoption of electric vehicles continues to grow.

This vision, announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan last month, calls for the creation of at least five rapid charging hubs across London for high mileage drivers, such as taxis and delivery vehicles to support the adoption of EVs in high emitting fleets.

ChargePoint has committed to delivering the hardware and software solutions for at least one rapid charging hub in the coming years, in addition to the five public rapid charging locations it has launched in central London. This follows a global commitment of 2.5 million places to charge by 2025, half of which are expected to be deployed throughout Europe.

The five rapid chargers are situated across central London in Q-Park car parks at key locations including Knightsbridge, Chinatown and Tower Bridge. The 50kW

rapid chargers can enable up to 200 miles of range per hour (RPH) for drivers that require quick top ups between deliveries, taxi rides or rideshares, allowing drivers to charge quickly on the go.

Christina Calderato, Head of Delivery Planning for TfL, comments: “London’s toxic air reduces the length and quality of lives across the city. Improved electric vehicle infrastructure can support more essential trips being made using zero-emission transport, which will help clean up the air.”

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR WINNER Richard Bradley has been named the 2019 NICEIC and ELECSA Electrical Apprentice of the Year.

The 31-year-old from Southport, Merseyside, was one of eight competitors to reach the Grand Final which was held last month at the head office of the competition partner – Scolmore Group.

The final was the third stage of the contest, which saw more than 1000 apprentices from across the UK take part.

Richard studied electronics as part of his apprenticeship with the Ministry of Defence. He is currently working towards his NVQ Level 3 Qualification in Electrical Installation at a local training centre.

“I was so surprised when they said my name. I thought they called the wrong person. I don’t think I’ve ever been so shocked.” says Richard.

“I entered the competition after recently being medically discharged from the marines. I needed to find a career that was similar to the work I was doing but could also help me develop as a person and support my family.

“Being part of the competition has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve got to

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Richard (right) accepting his voucher

work alongside some amazing finalists. It has given me more confidence in my ability and I’m extremely proud of what I have achieved. Now, I intend to push forward and keep challenging myself.

“It has been a fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to push themselves further to consider taking part. You’ve got nothing to lose and you never know what will come from it.”

As the overall winner, Richard was presented with a holiday voucher worth £2,000. Runner up Cameron Molloy received a holiday voucher worth £750, while third place went to James Martin-Lucraft who received a £250 holiday voucher. All eight finalists were given an engraved glass trophy, an iPad and kit bag containing an array of Scolmore electrical accessories.

CHARITY BACKING

VENT-AXIA URGES FILTER CHECK

VAN VAULT BACKS BAND OF BUILDERS Van Vault, in-vehicle storage manufacturer, has announced its support for Band of Builders on its forthcoming Three Peak Challenge. The Charity helps members of the construction industry in need, through hands-on projects, advice and support.

Band of Builders are taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge at the end of June, walking a total of 23 miles and ascending 10,052ft in 24 hours, as they climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

Band of Builders was created in 2016 when Builder, Addam Smith’s friend, Keith Ellick was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

In an effort to make his life easier, Addam enlisted the help of a group of builders to landscape Keith’s garden.

Deborah Hunt, Marketing Manager at Van Vault, says: “We are proud to be sponsoring a charity that provides such a positive and important service within the construction industry, as they look to tackle an impressive challenge and raise awareness of their cause.”

Vent-Axia is urging households to check their ventilation filters following clean air day last month. Clean Air Day is co-ordinated by environmental charity Global Action Plan and aims to raise awareness of the risks of air pollution and the simple things everyone can do to improve their air quality and health.

One simple thing households can do to help improve indoor air quality and their health is to check whether the air filters in their ventilation systems need cleaning or changing.

Many households in new build properties may be unaware that their whole house ventilation systems, such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), have filters that need to be checked every three or six months, cleaned regularly and replaced twice a year. The purpose of an MVHR filter is to filter out microscopic particles like PM2.5 (including fine diesel particulates), dust and pollen so they are not brought into the home from outside. However, a dirty, blocked filter can recirculate these particles into the home, adversely affecting indoor air quality (IAQ).

AICO WINS ECA AWARD Aico has been awarded the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) Best Supply Chain Initiative Award, for the second successive year, for its Expert Installer training scheme.

Expert Installer is a free training scheme run by Aico to ensure Electrical Contractors have all the information they need to install domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm systems. The training is modular, allowing customers to choose the appropriate topics. Many of the modules are CPD accredited, allowing up to 5 hours 15 minutes to be earned of CPD time.

Tina Mistry, Regional Specification Manager, Aico, attended the ECA awards evening and says: “It is fantastic to win this award. Training the electrical industry and sharing best practice is what we passionately do on a daily basis.”

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 5

WHOLESALER NEWS

In association with Scolmore

Ledvance KEEPS ROLLING

LEDVANCE HITS ROAD WITH REXEL The LEDVANCE truck has been back on the road early this year visiting Rexel branches across the country displaying its range of LED Lamps and Luminaires to customers.

The orange truck toured across six locations, visiting Rexel branches in Somerset, Bristol, Eastbourne, Birmingham, Warrington and Glasgow.

Visitors were invited to step on board and discover LEDVANCE’s range of LED lighting solutions including downlights, spots, floodlights, linear and panel LEDs – for indoor and outdoor use, domestic and professional – and the popular Vintage 1906 range.

Jim Taylor, Branch Manager for the Warrington store, comments: “We were delighted to welcome the LEDVANCE truck to our branch for the day. It’s always a great opportunity for customers to see the latest products first-hand and discuss any new releases for themselves.

“The LEDVANCE team are extremely knowledgeable and I think it’s important for our customers and the Rexel team to be able to spend time with their team, getting hands on with the products.

I’d like to thank LEDVANCE for coming along to Warrington and spending time at our branches across the country.”

EDA DRIVES PERFORMANCE Andy O’Hair, Profit Centre Manager for Edmundson Electrical in Sunderland, has praised the positive difference the training, offered by the EDA’s distance learning modules, is making to his team’s performance.

Two years in development, the 12 distance-learning training modules are designed to keep electrical wholesale staff up-to-speed with the multitude of hi-tech products on the market, and boost their confidence and credibility with customers.

“I rarely employ anyone from a competitor wholesaler and I’m a great believer in self-development,” explains Andy. “The EDA Product Knowledge Modules are an excellent way to build up knowledge and confidence quickly.

“Ryan Potts, one of our Sales Representatives, joined us from the leisure industry and had no background in the

electro-technical sector. He has achieved four out of four distinctions in his product knowledge studies, his latest success is in Fire Safety and Security Systems.”

Ryan has been complimentary of the modules too, highlighting how it has helped him engage with customers, he adds: “The modules have helped me gain confidence when discussing products with customers and understanding what they require when serving on the trade counter.”

Andy is full of praise for Ryan’s contribution to the business, he concludes: “He is a natural with our customers. Ryan picks things up very quickly, but his product knowledge studies have played a significant part in his development. He was tasked with developing our trade counter and he’s done just that. He has increased our profit, delivered breakfast mornings for customers, and run one of our most successful calibration days.”

For more information on the EDA and its distance learning modules, visit: www.rdr.link/WG001

©AdobeStock_Stockyimages

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

Tom Madden & Sean Raymond Unitrunk

Cable management specialist, Unitrunk, has appointed Tom Madden (above) to the post of Commercial Lead at the company’s Manchester depot.

The appointment is part of a strategic move by Unitrunk to leverage its national depot network and drive customer engagement around the UK and Ireland.

In addition to the Manchester depot, the company has depots in Harlow, Bristol, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Livingstone and Dublin, along with stockholding at its manufacturing sites in Cheshire and Lisburn.

Tom joins Unitrunk following a 14-year career in the electrical wholesale sector, where he has worked for both independents and major players in the north west across a variety of sales, field sales and managerial roles. As a result, he brings a clear understanding of what wholesalers and contractors are looking for from a product supplier to the Unitrunk team, along with knowledge of the Unitrunk RIS (Rapid Installation Systems) range.

Tom explains: “I wasn’t actively looking for a career change but the opportunity to move into a completely new, role with a product manufacturer that has taken a unique approach to both its product design and commercial structure, was too good to miss.

Sean Raymond has been appointed to the newly-created post of Commercial Lead for its Newcastle depot, continuing the company’s strategic focus on leveraging its depot network to strengthen relationships across the supply chain.

Alongside his sales responsibilities, Sean’s role also includes developing relationships with both wholesalers and contractors to provide specification support, technical assistance and access to Unitrunk training.

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Originally trained as a Quantity Surveyor, Sean joins Unitrunk from the steel industry and brings 15 years sales experience to the company. A native of the North east, he understands the competitive challenges of the regional electrical market and the opportunity to drive growth for Unitrunk’s RIS (rapid installation systems) cable management portfolio.

Sean comments: “Unitrunk is a company that has been pushing the boundaries of innovation in its sector for more than 50 years and I am joining at a time when there is an ambitious growth plan in place.”

Rebecca Mills & Suraj Rullay Vogue (UK) The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of premium radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), continue to heighten its creative edge, with two new staff appointments, Rebecca Mills and Suraj Rully.

Both graduates, Suraj and Rebecca each bring an inherent passion for the creative industries with knowledge spanning technical product design, fashion, digital media and marketing.

New Marketing Assistant, Rebecca Mills, studied in the West Midlands, completing a degree in Fashion Business & Promotion at Birmingham City University. This course enabled Rebecca to develop skills in order to undertake a number of industry roles which include Buying, Marketing and PR, Trends forecasting and Event Management. Employing these very skills in her new role at Vogue (UK), Rebecca will implement a host of new marketing strategies to increase Vogue’s digital footprint and online engagement

with its customers: B2C and B2B. Suraj Rullay studied at the University of Wolverhampton, where he achieved a degree in Product Design and fittingly, was located only minutes from Vogue

(UK)’s factory which is also based in Wolverhampton. By virtue of this professionally-focused design course, Suraj excels in the development of his own ideas and innovative concepts which in turn brings a new and modern approach to product design at the company.

By combining this with the vast amount of knowledge and experience which has already made Vogue (UK) a market leader, you can expect to see some exciting new products joining the Vogue portfolio.

Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK), says: “With such a competitive marketplace, we have to maintain the pedigree of our workforce and through strategic appointments like Suraj and Rebecca, we will elevate our creative edge and amplify the promotion of both brand and products.

“We are really pleased to welcome Suraj and Rebecca to the Vogue family, helping us to maintain and improve our quality design excellence and develop new sales and marketing strategies to grow our brand and build on three decades of success.”

IN PROFILE

RAPID SUCCESS Award-winning electrical wholesale distributor, Rapid Electrical, has quadrupled the size of its business in Watford with the launch of a new distribution centre at the Trade City industrial park, which coincides with the company’s 15th anniversary.

PEW took a trip to the new centre to find out more.

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stablished in Colnbrook in 2004 by St Albans-based entrepreneur, Nick Edwell, pictured right, Rapid Electrical expanded into Watford in 2015 following the acquisition of a trade supply business in Croxley Business Park. Since then, the company has taken on additional staff and almost doubled its turnover, prompting the move to bigger premises.

Business expansion Having secured the first lease on a 5,000 square-foot unit at Watford’s newest business development during January, Rapid Electrical has since constructed a mezzanine floor and trade counter within the warehouse, as well as fitting-out the office space for up to 10 staff.

As well as supplying some of the largest infrastructure projects in the south east, including Crossrail, Rapid Electrical has also built a growing customer base amongst local electrical contractors and builders’ merchants.

Commenting on the expansion of his business, Nick Edwell, Managing Director of Rapid Electrical, says: “Thanks to its connections and thriving diversity of commercial construction projects, Watford is an excellent strategic

location for Rapid Electrical and we are delighted to have secured one of the newest industrial units in the region.

Being at Trade City will provide an ideal opportunity for us to support local trades and large infrastructure projects alike.

Our membership of major international electrical buying group, Fegime, ensures that we offer a highly-competitive service, delivered by a very experienced and friendly team.”

are at the beginning “ofWe what is hopefully going to be a big growth, with any luck.

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Prime location Situated on a new road developed to offer a quicker route to west Watford, the new road has given birth to a number of businesses moving into the area. There are ongoing plans for new developments right on the doorstep of Rapid Electrical.

Nick is certainly aware of the target market, a market that moves away from the industrial side that the Colnbrook site is used to, he says: “We are at the beginning of what is hopefully going to be a big growth, with any luck. Although it takes a while for people to figure out

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what you are about, and we are not as well-known as the nationals, we are looking to target the domestics and the housing in Watford.”

Stiff competition Part of bringing in this new type of customer has included investment in marketing, with local radio station ads that Nick hopes will bear fruit. Other ways of getting customers through the door includes holding a calibration day for electricians and contractors.

In a crowded market and crowded local area, Nick says that the same day and next day delivery that is available could also help them separate themselves from competition and bring in the customers.

MP support Visiting Rapid Electrical’s new centre in June, Member of Parliament for Watford, Richard Harrington, was impressed by what he saw: “Supporting a number of major projects in and around the capital, as well as serving the local building trade in Watford, Rapid Electrical is clearly a highly regarded trade distributor. It’s extremely encouraging to see how the business is developing and their significant investment in our town is indicative of the growth potential.”

©AdobeStock_Mymemo

BUSINESS

GET ONLINE WITH IT Online-only businesses have transformed the speed at which retailers turn over their stock, the ways in which they market to consumers and how they handle logistics. Sam Rutley, Managing Director at PushON, says that there is huge opportunity in the ecommerce market.

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or organisations that sell directly to other organisations – like electrical wholesalers – the shift to recognising the importance of ecommerce has been a little slower. Traditional in-store, sales rep and catalogue sales channels have remained prominent. But the landscape is changing. Up to 93% of B2B consumers1 – which includes, of course, electrician businesses shopping at wholesalers – say that they prefer to shop online, with selfserve information, direct from vendors.

Why the shift? As ecommerce technology has evolved, online retail in all sectors has gone from being (potentially) cumbersome and clunky,

with long waits for shopping, unexpected delivery charges, complicated or convoluted returns and poor stock management, to smooth, streamlined and cost-effective. A well-managed online retail operation – whether B2C or B2B – can now offer its customers convenience, clarity and outstanding service.

The message for electrical wholesalers is clear – get on board, or miss out on your share of a global B2B ecommerce market which was valued at an enormous $10.6 trillion in 20182 – yet with 80% held in the Asia Pacific region. That indicates some healthy growth possibilities.

The question is, how? What do electrical wholesalers need to do to

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make their online presence stand out, and to remain ahead of the curve in a space where they are already jostling for position with the likes of eBay, Amazon, and Google?

What does effective B2B ecommerce look like?

Let’s start at the beginning. The basic principles of effective ecommerce are

Customer clarity For electrical wholesalers, more than for consumer-facing retailers, it is particularly important for product listings to be detailed and thorough, with easy-to-understand and keyword-laden product titles, and with all technical and compliance information front and centre.

Electricians, after all, need to be certain that they are buying the right product for the job, and meeting relevant compliance and compatibility standards.

Downloadable product pdfs are particularly welcome in B2B settings, so consider incorporating these.

And whilst beautiful product photography and clever styling is less important for an electrical wholesaler than for, say, a fashion website, design still plays a vital role in ensuring that customers can easily view a product and navigate your website smoothly, without getting frustrated. This is likely to involve working with a specialist B2B web developer, or out-of-the-box ecommerce platform such as Magento, or both.

Then there’s mobile compatibility to consider. Over half of all global web traffic is now generated through mobile devices, and Google uses the mobile version of websites when ranking search results. As such, electrical wholesalers must ensure that their ecommerce sites are fully responsive, meaning that they replicate all content across all types of device, automatically adjusting its display and arrangement based on the screen size.

Checkout, payment and shipping The ability to complete a purchase quickly – often known as frictionless purchasing – is crucial for electrical wholesale customers and may require you to invest in a one-click purchasing tool. It is also important to consider the information that customers are presented with during the checkout

process, with a great deal of cart abandonment occurring because of unexpected delivery charges, no advanced delivery options, or an overly long checkout process due to complicated shipping arrangements.

Work hard, then, to display delivery times and costs clearly on all product listings if possible, alongside the price. If they cannot be summarised concisely, provide a clear link to shipping details on the product and shopping cart pages, as well as on the bottom or sidebar of each individual page on your site. Clarity and consistency are key and neglecting them could result in missed sales opportunities. Of course, such clarity and consistency can only be built on the back of a solid logistics process and strategy.

Personalised experience Turning, then, to personalisation and recognition of loyalty, it is important for electrical wholesalers to both tailor the ecommerce experience to repeat ©AdobeStock_Sikov

very similar to those of offline commerce: clarity for your customers, with comprehensive product information, easily navigable and searchable stock; smooth, simple and rapid checkout, payment and shipping processes; and a personalised experience, with rewards for loyalty and large or repeat orders.

©AdobeStock_Mymemo

BUSINESS

customers and make it easy for said customers to access their account information and make repeat orders where necessary. Online portals can be a powerful tool for enabling electrical businesses to rapidly access their order history, making one-click repeat orders and tweaks where necessary.

Data capture is essential in order for electrical wholesalers to offer product suggestions and even loyalty rewards according to a shopper’s history, and this can be achieved by making it possible for customers to log into the site. From there, they can provide relevant information such as their location, their job role, their favorite products and the type of electrical work they carry out.

This insight can enable wholesalers to offer a far richer customer experience, with custom catalogues, customised contract pricing, and segmented product listings according to their specialism.

Some B2B ecommerce platforms also enable intelligent product suggestions based on other products added to a cart, or previous orders, which can enable electrical wholesalers to offer, say, all of the products typically required to complete a certain type of job.

Don’t forget about the value of a personal connection amidst all this digital transformation, however.

Ecommerce customers should always be presented with an option for getting in touch with a helpdesk or account manager, for a genuinely human and personalised query resolution.

The global B2B ecommerce market is already huge – and with plenty of space to grow into. According to one set of data it is increasing at a CAGR of 15% (2015-2020)3. Savvy electrical wholesalers have a powerful opportunity to put their customers first and reap powerful rewards.

1 https://magento.com/solutions/b2b 2 https://www.statista.com/study/44442/statistareport-b2b-e-commerce/ 3 https://docmation.com/selecting-the-righttechnology-suite-for-your-b2b-e-commerce

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the ecommerce systems available from PushON, visit: www.rdr.link/WG002

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 13

SPECIAL REPORT

VAN PLAN

Simon Joyce, Managing Director of Anchor Vans, one of the UK’s largest commercial hypermarkets, considers all the things you need to know when purchasing a van.

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rom a financial benefit the first, and perhaps most important, point to consider is buying/leasing a company van provides a great tax break – immediately you have a 100% write down allowance against corporation tax.

Other key business benefits of owning/leasing a company van include the ability to make deliveries or collections anywhere, at a time that suits you. Plus, you can carry more, and larger items, than in a car and your logo, company name and contact details displayed on your van, immediately demonstrates the professionalism of you and your company.

Right van for you It is absolutely key that you consider the following: ● What will the van be used for? ● What type of loads will the van need to carry i.e. equipment and/or tools, weight of loads, how will you get what you need into the van, will you need back and sliding side doors? ● Will you need to carry passengers? ● Will the van be used for local or long-distance travel to and from jobs? ● Will you need to modify your van to meet the requirements of your business? Do you need internal seating, cages or shelves?

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Van security Having decided to invest in the purchase or lease of a van, ensure that it is secure.

UK crime and tool theft is increasing, so make sure tools/equipment are insured and keep all receipts as proof of purchase.

Security features must be a priority, these include: ● Alarm/immobiliser ● Lockable toolboxes, deadlocks and slamlocks

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Tinted windows Glazed rear windows can be a risk, so make sure that you fit steel windows grates Separate the cab and the load area with a bulkhead Fit an electronic GPS tracker – making it easier to recover your van if stolen, this can also lower your insurance premium With keyless entry, ensure that keys are stored in a metal container or in a ‘faraday’ pouch

Easy target You should take the following steps to ensure your van is not an ‘easy’ target: ● Remove all belongings – if you do have to leave things make sure they are out of sight

SPECIAL REPORT

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Store tools/equipment away from your van at night – display a sticker saying ‘No tools left in this van overnight’ Keep all documents relating to your van and your insurance in your office or home If you have to leave your van unattended take the keys with you Park your van in well-lit areas and in sight of CCTV cameras

Insure your van Insuring a ‘commercial’ vehicle can be higher than an average car or SUV because a ‘work’ vehicle presents its own set of risk factors. For example, a work vehicle often carries expensive equipment or goods and it is expected to be in use, on the road for much longer periods of time than a privately owned car.

It is important when choosing a van to make sure you have the budget for insurance. The larger the vehicle, the higher the premium will be and as a general rule, the more expensive the van, the higher the premium.

Tax Any vehicle on the road, even if it is just parked, must be taxed at all times. Just as for your car, this can easily be done online.

Breakdown cover If your van is off the road for any length of time this will be hugely costly for your business. Consider taking out recovery so that you have no worries should the breakdown occur a long way from your office.

increase your operating costs.

Since April 2019 the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in the same area as the CCZ and from 25 October 2021, the ULEZ area will expand to include the inner London area bounded by the North and South Circular road.

Euro 6 compliant vehicles are exempt from the ULEX charge so if you operate in this area, look at the Euro 6 options.

Maintenance It is false economy not to spend money on maintaining your van. Keep your van regularly serviced and set reminders for when the next service is due.

As with your car, a van over three years old requires an annual MOT. Track when the MOT expires.

Congestion Zone/ULEZ If you operate in central London the Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) will

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Anchor Vans, visit: www.rdr.link/WG003

FACE TO FACE

Timeguard pioneered Economy 7, plug-in time switches, single-gang RCD switched sockets and fused spur time switches and it brought PIR lighting to consumer markets. Now, as part of the Theben Group, it’s continued to thrive. PEW spoke to Andy Douglas, Managing Director, to find out more.

FACE TO FACE TIMEGUARD Q. How did you get into the industry and what is your current position?

A. My first job in the electrical industry was back in 1983 as an Internal Sales Engineer for B&R Electrical Products in Harlow, dealing with the company’s varied customers of OEM’s, Electrical Wholesalers, High Street retailers and DIY superstores. As my career progressed, I found myself thoroughly enjoying being in the electrical trade and in 1995, I made the move from PowerBreaker to Timeguard, an exciting business that has as given me great opportunities. Starting as Sales Director, I quickly moved on to become Sales and Marketing Director and then onto Managing Director.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

A. Naturally there have been a few over the years. In the early days, re-branding away from the Smiths name stands out – but we did so whilst maintaining market share and primarily because of our excellent product designs, the sheer high quality of our products and our great team. Our wholesaler customers knew they could rely on our products and that we were fully committed to supporting them and the distribution channel.

Q. What do you consider Timeguard’s unique selling points?

A. Innovation! We bring something new to the table season after season and we support it with guaranteed high quality and great technical back up. Wherever

you are in the supply chain, be it as a wholesaler or an installer, you know you can trust Timeguard. You also know that we remain committed to the wholesaler channel and the trade, supporting your efforts to grow your sales in a challenging economic climate by providing new innovation time after time.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

A. What I hope for – and expect – is to be working within the wholesale channel that continues to evolve and thrive. I certainly have no personal plans to move on from Timeguard as I love the company and enjoy being part of a dynamic team. Professionally, we have a product pipeline that will keep us, and our customers, one step ahead.

Q. What new products is Timeguard launching in 2019?

A. One of our biggest launches this year is of a relatively unglamorous staple:

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a range of safety RCD sockets and spurs that simply bring the technology right up to date and meet the new BS7288:2016 British Standard. Of course, we also reviewed, updated and improved virtually every component while we were at it.

We’ll also be launching many new and exciting products, such as wall-switch delay timers, new LED bulkheads – including 3,000 and 4,000k versions, new higher specification PIR’s and Photocell wall switch controls – great for switching LED’s where the installer only has a 2-wire supply. We’ll also be launching our new 100A fused switch as well as our new Emergency Assist Alarm Call system.

Q. How does Timeguard support and invest in its wholesaler partners?

A. Naturally, we produce high-quality point of sale support, and our packaging also does a great job of explaining and selling the products too. Nevertheless, nothing substitutes for having the right products inside those boxes – and we do. They meet our markets needs and are easy to install and operate. Everyone is happy and our product return rates remain infinitesimal.

I’ve got a great team on the road, so we have regular face to face contact with our wholesaler customers, who in turn speak to the installers every day.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For the extended version of this interview with Andy Douglas, visit: www.rdr.link/WG004

SPECIAL REPORT

SAFE AND SOUND Deborah Hunt, Marketing Manager at Van Vault, provides her top tips on how electrical wholesalers can help customers find the best storage solution for their van, just by asking the right questions.

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recent report by in-vehicle storage manufacturer, Van Vault, highlights that 62% of electricians value the importance of secure storage and have a storage product in their van.

However, 30% of tradespeople said they may buy a new storage box if they have a new van. Therefore, wholesalers are in the perfect position to offer customers important advice on the best products to meet their requirements. But first, they need to make sure they are asking the right questions. Below is a list of key questions to ask your customers that are considering their storage options.

visibility of contents inside. If the tools are smaller though, a Van Vault Slider or Stacker XL might want to be considered, as they provide quick and easy access via a drawer system.

How large is the space where you will keep your tool storage?

With electricians often owning a variety of vehicles ranging from different sized vans to a pick-up truck, the amount of space they have available may affect

What tools do you store in your van on a regular basis?

To start with, wholesalers should establish what tools the electrician will be storing in their van, for instance power tools or hand tools, as these will vary in size and will affect how large the storage needs to be. A Van Vault 2, for instance, is ideal for storing larger equipment as it is 49cm in height and 93cm in length. It comes with a wide mouth drop front for greater access and

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what storage they choose. By asking this question, wholesalers can uncover whether their customers are limited on space and require a smaller or narrower storage drawer. A Van Vault Slim Slider or Slider, for instance, allows you to store equipment on top to maximise floor space.

What feature is most important when storing your tools?

Electricians may also look for particular selling points. Depending on requirements and where they place the product, they may prefer box style storage with a lid which opens up, or a drawer system that pulls out. The Van Vault 2 features an easy-lift gas strut and provides ample room for tool storage inside. Alternatively, the Slider or Slim Slider comes with a drawer function, which can be pulled out into an open space from the side or back of a van for easy access. It is also constructed with a reinforced, slip-resistant top which takes the weight of other equipment on top of the vault.

SPECIAL REPORT

Is security a priority?

With the value of tools left in tradespeople’s vans now averaging £2,8811, and with electricians having the most expensive tools across all trades, security is often of the upmost importance. In fact, Van Vault’s research highlighted that 86% of traders think security is an important aspect of their decision when buying storage containers.

As wholesalers may offer a variety of storage solutions at a range of prices, establishing whether security is important can help inform the buying decision. For instance, all of the Van Vault boxes and drawers have recently been upgraded to feature the new Vaultlock locking system which provides advanced protection against drilling, picking and cutting. It is also the first vehicle storage brand to be awarded Silver status by Sold Secure, an

independent testing house owned by the Master Locksmith Association. It’s also accredited by Secured by Design – the UK’s Police approved standard.

Will you be moving your secure storage regularly, for instance by keeping it in your garage or on site?

Some electricians may prefer to move their tools around with them, rather than always keeping them in a fixed place and so, a more flexible solution, such as a Van Vault Mobi, may need to be recommended, as it is designed for use on-the-go and comes with a docking station.

Alternatively, all products feature mounting points and a fixing kit, allowing electricians to secure them to their vehicle.

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Van Vault Health Brand Check. Independent consumer research carried out by Van Vault.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information, visit: www.rdr.link/WG005

SPECIAL REPORT

IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE Cryogenic technology, used by NASA and the European Space Agency to develop rocket fuel, is being used by Bahco to manufacture stainless steel tools aimed at professional electricians and heating installers.

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tainless steel deemed hard enough for trade and industrial work has previously been too brittle. Bahco has overcome this problem by using ice hardening techniques to give its stainless steel tools superb hardness and durability.

A conventional steel screwdriver or plier set can leave traces of ‘foreign object’ debris on stainless steel screws and other fasteners. This causes them to oxidize and create extraneous rust, which is not only unsightly, but can lead to serious corrosion and a threat to hygiene and safety if left untreated.

Multiple uses Renowned for its hygienic qualities and ease of cleaning, stainless steel is widely used in clean rooms, within food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, in hotels, pubs and restaurants and in the oil and gas, automotive and aerospace industries.

Its resistance to all weather conditions, corrosion and antacids makes it highly suitable for offshore applications too.

Using stainless steel hand tools benefits the installer as it will reduce costs by making the need to replace worn tools less frequent. Their introduction is timely as demand for stainless steel screws and other fixings has grown considerably over the past few years.

“This technical achievement provides further evidence of Bahco’s market-leading innovation,” says Kevin Parkes, who leads the brand’s trade tools team in the UK and Ireland. Our designers’ breakthrough offers significant benefits to electricians and heating installers required to work in any environment where corrosion must be avoided.”

PRODUCT FOCUS: The new stainless steel range includes screwdrivers and six plier types – box joint, combination, cutting, locking, long nose and slip nose. Stainless steel adjustable wrenches are also within the new range. Stainless steel slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv or Torx screwdrivers and bits are available in a range of sizes, along with Allen keys, long ball point hex keys and hexagon and long ball end hexagon offset screwdrivers.

New to the stainless steel range are hex sockets, ratchets, extensions, speed and ‘T’ handles, also universal joints.

How it’s made Bahco’s latest stainless steel tools are manufactured in AISI 420, high strength steel with higher chromium content to resist corrosion. It is magnetic in all conditions and meets all DIN and ISO standards. Stainless steel tools are easily cleaned or sterilised and have excellent resistance to corrosion.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For technical details about the new range of stainless steel tools, visit: www.rdr.link/WG006

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 23

SPECIAL REPORT

THE BRIGHT OUTDOORS The lighting of outdoor spaces has been transformed over recent years thanks to the key benefits that LED has brought over traditional lighting. The relative robustness of solid state lamps compared to their filament predecessors, coupled with their lower running costs, has created a renewed interest in the lighting of gardens.

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ighting manufacturers are producing new generations of LED luminaires for the outdoors to tackle the natural challenges of the climate and further problems encountered by fittings that are located inground and have to withstand the corrosive effects of soil and water ingress.

In-ground design tips A guiding principle in lighting design is to ‘show the effect of the light, not the source’. This is why garden lighting is often kept low at ground level where illumination can have the desired impact without the fixture being visible – especially during the day. These in-ground fixtures are concealed within the fabric of the deck, lawn, path or driveway and, correctly specified and positioned, they can have a dramatic effect on the garden scene.

Trees are magnificent in all seasons and benefit from uplighting into the branches or canopies for a theatrical effect. Lighting from the front produces a flattening effect.

Consider the placement of additional inground luminaires from the sides to enhance the 3D appearance and backlight for increased drama. Integral’s 10.2W inground unit produces 800 Lm – sufficient to illuminate a tall tree.

Whilst the trees, shrubs and ornaments

provide the focal points within a garden scheme, other features also have a role. A wall with a rough stone texture or brickwork can be used to frame the view of an outdoor space and help balance the composition of the scene. Here ‘grazing’ or the washing of light across the face of an object is an effective technique which can be created with the use of a series of inground uplighters.

Integral LED’s range of Pathlux Inground Uplighters offer a selection of lumen levels and a choice of beam angles of warm 3000K illumination. Locating a line of concealed in-ground luminaires at the base of a wall, hedge or fence that is close enough to spread an interlocking wash of light, adds an important structural element to a garden at night.

Pathways through an outdoor space have an important function of providing safe passage, yet they do fulfil an aesthetic purpose of dividing a garden. Again, it is important to keep the lighting at a low level where illumination can direct footfall whilst not detracting from the visual theatre of the main garden scene. Here an inground luminaire can play its part, casting light horizontally across the path surface.

Integral’s Pathlux range offers four-way, two-way and single direction lamps designed as a concealed fixture.

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Tackling In-ground corrosion Despite the use of IP67 luminaires, the vulnerability of electrical installations to the inevitable exposure to moisture and water below ground level can dramatically shorten the life expectancy of an installation. The team at Integral has been developing features to prevent the causes of ‘cable suction’, which effectively draws water into the core of the lighting installation. As a LED increases temperature during operation, heated air expands. Prevented access to the sealed luminaire, the air escapes along the connected cable. When the light is switched off, the assembly effectively becomes a small water pump that draws moisture in the air along the cable into the fitting body.

H20 Stop is a device that acts to eliminate this capillary action within a scheme’s electrical cabling and hence minimises the presence of corrosive moisture. Integral’s new Pathlux Inground series carries the H2O Stop feature throughout the range.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To see more outdoor lighting options from Integral LED, visit: www.rdr.link/WG007

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SPECIAL REPORT © AbobeStock_Patchdoc

IS A ROD JUST A ROD? You will often hear a comment, “a rod is a rod” or “all wholesalers are the same”, well neither of those comments are true, I can tell you! The professional wholesaler will always have an eye on their customer’s needs and how they can work together to make their working life easier or more efficient, writes Malcolm Duncan, Managing Director at Super Rod.

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n a recent day out with one of our DSU teams, I was vividly reminded of the above statements while listening to two different conversations on a trade counter. The first scenario was a returning customer coming into a branch looking for a set of cable routing rods for a new starter. The wholesaler quickly offered a kit for around £30, with no explanation of what the kit contained – the sale was only focussed on the price. The customer made the purchase and left!

Offering more Later in the day (in a twist of fate) whilst at another wholesaler, I saw the same contractor again. This time the contractor was looking for some data and security cables. The wholesaler was on the ball, enquiring about the job that the cables were for, identifying any additional items needed including tools for routing and testing. The contractor quickly informed him that he had just purchased a set of rods, BUT they were not was he was hoping for. He was used to the Super Rod system previously and the

set he had been sold, whilst extremely cheap, had none of the attachments, pulling socks etc. he was expecting.

The wholesaler listened intently and then pulled the Super Rod Mega Set off the shelf and ran through the contents with the contractor, and without hesitation the contractor asked for the kit to be added to his order (at £150 I might add). The wholesaler was then on a roll, introducing the various new items that form part of the Super Rod system – firstly the QuickReel then the Cable Jack Plus, which are both ideal for dispensing cables while on site.

Finishing with a flourish, the wholesaler then introduced the Ferret Wifi, our new wi-fi camera. The contractor’s eyes lit up, seeing the advantages and benefits of all of the items shown to him and how they would all help to save a significant amount of time on the job.

By taking this listening approach, the wholesaler did not only sell a couple of reels of cable, but the contractor also walked away with a full Super Rod solution, plus the long list of components required for the CCTV install he was working on.

Lessons learned So the lesson for the day was simple; the same contractor visited two wholesalers on the same day with the same shopping list – one trade counter processed his order, and sold a commodity product for £30, the second listened to the customer, gained an understanding of what was needed and the type of work undertaken, recognised the

Listening to the customer could lead to providing essential equipment they require

fact that the contractor was recruiting new staff, so was probably a business in growth, and secured an order for over £3,000.

Just by listening, asking a few basic questions and taking the time to gain an understanding of the customer’s needs the second wholesaler gained business worth nearly 100 times that of the first.

Some people would call this upselling, however I would consider it more of a customer-centric approach. Putting the contractor’s needs at the heart of the discussion certainly had its benefits that day.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Super Rod, visit: www.rdr.link/WG008

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 27

HEATING ©Adobestock_Halfpoint

TAKING STOCK The sun might be shining now (at least some of the time!) so wholesalers might not be thinking of ordering heating, but now is actually, exactly, the right time. With the unpredictable nature of the British weather, coupled with the fact that summertime is a popular time to refurbish a bathroom, it’s clear that there is always a need to stock heating options. Stephen Totman, Product Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia, explains more.

lectric heating has come a long way in recent years. It’s undergone a transformation as manufacturers have been developing advanced systems that meet the comfort needs of households.

Nowadays there are a range of flexible, efficient and affordable options for electric heating that offer electrical wholesalers the opportunity to provide heating that is convenient and quick to install. Furthermore, with the rise in ‘green’ electricity and an increasing awareness of the environmental downfalls of oil and gas boilers, electric heating is set to become increasingly popular.

Electric heating has many selling points as it offers an affordable heating solution for homeowners with low capital and installation costs. It quickly warms a room and is ideal for bathrooms, extensions, conservatories and summer houses and is simpler, and cleaner to install than adding on to an existing mains heating system. The latest products also have unrivalled controls, ensuring they are more energy efficient

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than ever before. Electric heating also allows households the option to have stand alone heaters for occasional heating or to only turn on specific heaters, e.g. a towel rail, without turning on the central heating system.

Always ready The British weather is always unpredictable. The heatwave of the Easter weekend was quickly followed by unseasonably low temperatures at the start of May with hail and even snow in some areas. When the temperature begins to fall, whatever the season, occasional heating is always needed and so it’s better to be prepared and have sufficient stock in now rather than waiting for a cold snap to be forecast and risking not being able to meet demand.

Wholesalers don’t want stocking issues that mean electricians go elsewhere for their convector heaters, losing valuable business, not just on heating but potentially for other business too.

For occasional use, such as during a cold snap or when only a single room needs to be warmed, portable convector

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heaters are the ideal solution for providing a heating boost around the home or workplace as well as for warming up summer houses etc. The latest convection heaters offer multiple heat settings and thermostatic control for added comfort and are lightweight, making them easy to move around to where they are needed. For example, Vent-Axia’s Convector Heater offers silent operation with three heat outputs; 0.75, 1.25 and 2kW, and thermostatic control. It also features a thermal cut-out feature to prevent overheating and there is the option of 24-hour timer control.

HEATING

Toasty towels In the UK, consumers spend, on average, about ÂŁ4,500 on a new bathroom, with many bathroom refurbishments taking place in the summer when occupiers are on holiday. This is far more convenient for households since it avoids the issue of not having use of a bathroom while the work is being done. Space saving and multifunctional bathroom items are on trend right now, especially in ever-shrinking urban dwellings as demand for homes continues to grow.

Fitting both these criteria, the heated towel rail is a vital addition to any bathroom.Modern electric heating offers the ideal solution for both occasional and bathroom heating thanks to its compact size, portability, efficiency, clever control and fast response.

Electrical wholesalers who embrace modern electric heating can offer affordable, flexible and efficient heating options to keep households warm and comfortable year round. And by preparing for the cooler months, as well

PRODUCT FOCUS: Towel rails used to be marketed for their aesthetics rather than efficiency, but the next generation of heated towel rails now quickly and efficiently warm and dry towels while adding to the overall style, temperature and comfort of a room. For instance, Vent-Axia’s range of towel rails features high quality white or chrome finishes with ten different models, split into flat, curved, and designer styles, allowing households to choose exactly the right towel rail for their bathroom. But it is control that is central to the range, with the series featuring an optional advanced controller offering five heat outputs. Providing an eco-mode ideal for use when drying towels to ensure minimal energy use, the controller turns the rail on full power for 30 minutes and then reduces the output to the user setting for a further 90 minutes, before turning the towel rail off.

Households therefore have warm, dry towels without wasting energy, bringing greater comfort to the towel user and to the room. as for any unexpected cold spells, wholesalers who are stocking electric heating options now are set to be able to meet customer demand and avoid any stocking issues as well.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia, visit: www.rdr.link/WG009

HEATING

ELECTRIC AVENUE For a long time, gas was considered the cheapest way of heating a property. It is the most common form of heating in UK homes, with around 8 million gas boilers sold every year in the UK. Here, Rointe looks at how electric heating has evolved and why it has become more popular amongst homeowners.

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lectric heating has evolved into an energy efficient alternative, with all the advantages of the old storage heaters but none of the disadvantages. The shift away from gas is gaining momentum – supported by a number of crucial factors:

1. Legislation – new Government policy determines that all new homes should meet a minimum EPC level C. 2. Costs – installation costs for gas-based systems are much higher than electric heating and do not last as long on average.

3. Technology – electric heating technology is increasing in capability but reducing in price.

4. Ecological awareness – consumers are more aware of the need for clean and efficient heating systems that help create a sustainable home.

Some of the main advantages of electric heating over gas includes: Safety and noise Electric heaters are generally safer than gas as they do not burn fuel to generate heat. This eliminates risks such as carbon monoxide emissions and explosions.

Gas systems can be far noisier than electric due to the hot water rushing through the pipes. Gurgling, kettling, dripping, creaking, banging and even tapping are common with gas hot water systems.

heating is clean “andElectric respectful to the environment as it does not emit polluting gases or use heavy metals

Electric benefits Electric heating is incredibly versatile as it can be used for both air and water products.

Moreover, with a whopping 64.7% of energy used in EU households going towards heating, it is more important than ever to ensure your heating solution is energy efficient, which is where electricity comes in.

The latest developments in electric heating include effective and fast components, new innovative thermal elements and amazing, state-of-the-art programming.

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Ecological The new Lot20 regulations stipulate that all space heaters that consume energy (electricity, gas or liquid) with a nominal heat output equal to or greater than 250W, must comply with a minimum energy efficiency standard.

Gas is a ‘fossil’ fuel, which means it was formed from the remnants of living matter from millions of years ago. Even though it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, it is still the UK’s biggest greenhouse gas emissions source.

Electric heating is clean and respectful to the environment as it does not emit polluting gases or use heavy metals.

Control With gas systems, you can program the majority to a heating schedule that suits.

However, it’s not possible to separately control different radiators or rooms. They are on either according to your programming or off.

There are Wi-Fi controlled options available with gas, but these tend to be an additional, (or replacement) thermostat that needs to be purchased and fitted. Built-in Wi-Fi now comes as standard with many electric heating systems, without the need for additional thermostats or parts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Rointe and its electric solutions, type the following into your browser: www.rdr.link/WG010

HEATING

SMART CHOICE Electric radiators are fast becoming a number one choice for heating and with the Chancellors proposed law changes coming into effect in 2025 meaning no gas boilers can be fitted in any new developments, Managing Director of Electrorad, Richard Brown, explains what makes them the smart and future-proof choice for installers.

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storage heaters, they’re available in a variety of sizes and heat outputs. Designs range from vertical models, to small towel radiators for cloakrooms and some, like Electrorads Digi-Line range, not only look identical to regular wet central heating radiators, they are manufactured in the exact same size and output too!

omeowners are increasingly turning to electric heating as they seek an affordable and energy efficient solution that combines safety with versatility, comfort and control. Whilst some people are more familiar with traditional wet systems, times are changing. The impact of Eco-Design Lot 20 means electric radiators now have more features than ever before to ensure they are energy efficient and easy to use. This is a welcome development for all and presents an ideal opportunity to re-look at electric radiators and see how they can increase business. So, let’s review their benefits.

Good looks Today’s homes cry out for sleek, minimalist heaters and electric radiators are ahead of the game. Less bulky than

This control hub with WiFi gateway and app enables wireless control and direct management of home heating over the internet from anywhere in the world.

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Heating capabilities and energy efficiency Electric radiators produce both radiant and convection heat – convection warms the air and circulates it around the room, whilst radiant heats people and objects quickly and directly. Unlike storage heaters, electric radiators use only the heat and energy required.

There’s also no need for inflexible electrical tariffs as modern electric radiators are 100% efficient at the point of use, meaning that there is 100%

HEATING

conversion of electrical energy input to heat output, therefore no wastage.

Controls and comfort Due to advances in electric radiator technology and legislation, accurate energy saving digital controls are now commonplace for both time and temperature flexibility – some being as precise as +/-0.1°C. Each radiator is individually, thermostatically controlled, so it can be left to run independently, or the whole system can be connected together, linked to a central room controller and programmed to meet specific heating needs within each room.

Wireless radiators are also popular due to their fully programmable RF controls. These can be divided into zones to control separate floors or areas; thereby saving energy as no heat is wasted warming unused rooms.

Thanks to pioneering products such as Electrorad’s Touch E3 smart control system with central control hub and app, homeowners can manage their home heating from anywhere in the world. Should plans change, or if there are significant changes in the weather, the heating can be adjusted remotely, and they can enjoy reduced heating bills as a result.

The biggest change in controls came with the Lot 20 Directive, which

stipulates that all electric radiators manufactured after 1st January 2018 must include features such as accurate room thermostat controls, 7 day/24 hour timing controls, virtual open window sensors, adaptive start control (learning when to turn on to achieve optimum comfort), and distance control – a WiFi based app control to ensure compliance. Some manufactures took the opportunity to go one step further and included additional technologies including Alexa controls such as the Vanguard+ from Electrorad which is capable of turning a radiator on/off and can even change temperatures via voice control.

Safety and reliability The electric radiator elements are stored within sealed units or may be encased in ceramic, fireclay, or within fluid. As dust and objects can’t fall onto to these elements, it ensures no unsightly brown stains on walls, or dust burning smells when they heat up. Some radiators even offer guarantees of up to 30 years such as the Aeroflow, covering all internal components, including electric elements, thermal switches and wiring (excluding the thermostat).

Ease of installation Electric radiators are simple and fast to install and can be sited almost

anywhere in a property, with larger units capable of warming sizeable rooms with ease. They can be retrofitted independently from any existing hot water system, such as in conservatories and extensions, allowing easy compliance with part L of the building regulations and removing the need for any additional pipework or a higher output replacement boiler.

They’re ideal for apartment blocks where gas is often not accessible or allowed. And, if additional heating needs to be introduced at a later date, they can be added to the system accordingly. They’re a perfect replacement for storage heaters as they can utilise the existing wiring, causing minimum disruption at installation. Let’s not forget that in addition to all these benefits, electric radiators require no annual maintenance or inspections.

Their popularity is growing fast, and thanks to Ecodesign Lot 20, they look set to soar even higher. So, why not expand your horizons? It’s the smart choice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on the electric heating options from Electrorad, type the following in your browser: www.rdr.link/WG011

The Aeroflow range of radiators come with a 30 year guarantee

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 33

HEATING ©Adobestock_Halfpoint

A SPARK OF OPPORTUNITY The publication of the latest Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) 10, and the subsequent decision by the Greater London Assembly (GLA) to use its updated carbon emissions factors, has heralded-in an opportunity for electrical wholesalers. Alan Clarke, Technical Support Manager at Heatrae Sadia, explains what the changes mean for the industry.

n July 2018, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), in partnership with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), published SAP 10. This followed an extensive consultation in November 2016, involving industry bodies and expert stakeholders. The revised SAP 10 calculation methodology will replace the outdated SAP 2012 version that has been in use since 2013. It is worth noting that SAP 10 will not take effect until Approved Document L of the Building Regulations is updated – this is expected to happen in England in 2020.

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Your customers may be asking you vital questions on electric heating products to pass on to clients

What’s changed?

SAP ratings are necessary as they serve to work out a dwelling’s carbon emission rate, produce an Energy Performance Certificate and are used to demonstrate to Building Control that a building is compliant with energy-efficiency requirements.

To understand the importance of the GLA’s decision we must first look at the changes that SAP 10 will bring. Under the revision to the standard, the favourability of electricity will improve.

This is because SAP 2012 works on the outdated assumption that 2.4 times the amount of carbon is produced when electricity is used in a building as opposed to gas. SAP 10 will reduce this average annual CO2 emission factor from 0.519 kgCO2/kWh to 0.233 kgCO2/kWh (a 55% reduction).

This is an important shift in the recognition of electricity’s potential and places it closely behind gas, which has a CO2 emission factor of 0.210 kgCO2/kWh. This change in the fortunes of electricity means certain electrical products and applications will likely be

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viewed more favourably by specifiers; increasing demand for appliances from electrical wholesalers.

Shifting thought The GLA in October 2018, announced, through an update to planning guidance, its intention to encourage property developers to use the revised SAP 10 carbon emission factors when submitting a detailed energy assessment – a requirement under Policy 5.2 of the London Plan. This change will ensure that the assessment of new developments, such as high-rises, more accurately represents carbon emissions associated with their operation. The recommendation took effect in January 2019 and looks set to remain in place until government adopts changes to Building Regulations, including updated carbon emission factors.

The GLA’s decision is a major step forward for the electrical industry. The pre-emptive use of SAP 10 will ensure that a more contemporary approach to electrical hot water generation within

HEATING

residential dwellings is taken – meaning that it is likely to become a better proposition for major multi-occupancy dwelling developments.

The opportunity The ever-changing regulatory environment can leave many questions unanswered. The recent adoption of SAP 10’s carbon emission factors provides wholesalers an opportunity to work evermore closely with manufacturers of electrical water heating appliances.

This will ensure that they are prepared to meet greater customer demand for electrical products. With electricity’s carbon emission factor now within touching distance of gas, specifiers are likely to view decentralised electrical water heaters, such as the Multipoint Instantaneous, in a more favourable light, placing greater demand on wholesalers.

Being aware of the policy and legislation that is now in place, together with looking ahead to future legislative

change, will mean that wholesalers can be prepared and add-value to their service by assisting developers and specifiers to make an informed decision about the type of electrical water heater that should be used. If armed with the relevant information, wholesalers can position themselves as the go-to for help and advice for specifiers and developers.

Looking to the future London is working towards becoming a zero-carbon city by 2050; the GLA’s decision to adopt SAP 10’s carbon emission factor is one way in which the city is signalling change and reducing its environmental impact. It is not unfeasible that their decision could kick-start a trend that sees combined authorities in other regions setting specific local targets over and above that of current national standards.

This could present a significant opportunity for wholesalers across the UK. Cities such as Manchester and

Bristol are already working towards carbon-neutrality. Bristol, for instance, has adopted a climate plan that aims to make the city carbon-free by 2030. With this in mind, wholesalers would benefit from readying for change and help themselves by being aware of the change that looms on the horizon and the impacts that this is likely to have on orders for electrical water heating appliances.

Wholesalers are on the frontline when it comes to changes to legislation, often feeling the impact that government decisions can have before most others, be it from having to adjust stock levels, to preparing for questions from customers – they will benefit from building an early understanding of the changes that will affect their business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more about Heatrae Sadia’s range of electrical hot water heaters, please visit: www.rdr.link/WG012

FIRE & SAFETY

BS 5839-6 is the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

Andy Speake, National Technical Manager, Aico, explains the importance of these standards.

CODE BREAKDOWN

A

new version of BS 5839-6 was released on the 30th April which has some major changes that will impact both you and your customers. These changes relate to the Grades of alarms, which determine the type of alarm to be used, and the Category which identifies the type/level of protection for each identified dwelling.

Grade changes Under BS 5839-6, Fire Alarms are classified into Grades, from A to F. Grades B and E have been removed in 2019, but with Grade D being the current most common for domestic properties, I will focus on this.

Under the previous standard, Grade D required one or more interlinked mains powered Smoke Alarms (and Heat Alarms if required), each with an integral back-up supply. Under the revised BS 5839-6, Grade D has been replaced with Grades D1 and D2 which differ in terms of the back-up power supply: D1 calls for a tamper-proof, standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries, with lithium being the standard battery type. These are long-life battery cells lasting the recommended lifespan of the alarm and are designed so they cannot easily be removed by the user. Grade D1 alarms are the preferred option for social housing as they remove the risk factor.

D2, on the other hand, requires an

integral standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries (usually 9 volt PP3) which need to be replaced at regular intervals throughout the life of the alarm by the user.

New protection levels Under BS 5839-6, different class of premises are identified and the minimum Grade of Fire Alarm system and Category of fire protection provided for that specific type of property are listed. It is here, in the 2019 revisions, that we have seen the biggest changes that will have a major impact on what type of Fire Alarms are fitted and where. In the main this is due to an increase in the Category of fire protection from LD3 where previously listed, which requires

Be sure to ask customers if it’s Grade D1 or D2 alarms they require. If uncertain, D1 is the safest option.

Whilst Grade D alarms feature most heavily in BS 5839-6:2019, Grade F systems also warrant mention here due to changes in Scottish legislation earlier this year which permits their use. Grade F systems use battery-only powered alarms. As with Grade D, Grade F has now been divided into F1 and F2 in the same fashion as that noted above.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 37

FIRE & SAFETY

one mains powered Optical Alarm in the hallway and another upstairs on the landing, interconnected together, to Category LD2.

LD2 LD2 involves additional alarm coverage, with a Heat Alarm in the kitchen and a further Smoke Alarm in the main living area, once again all interconnected.

This upgrade in fire protection is most notable in existing rental properties and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): Existing two to three storey maisonettes and houses in the rental sector have now been upgraded from the low Category of fire protection (LD3) to the medium Category LD2 and graded D1, i.e. mains powered alarm with tamper-proof battery back-up power.

Existing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have been set as Category LD2, whereas before it was a mixture of LD2 and LD3 depending on the nature of the property and inhabitants. Grade D1 is now the requirement.

Other property types that have made an appearance in the BS 5839-6 property classification are supported housing and short-term holiday lets. Both are allocated the highest category of protection, Grade D1, LD1.

Future implications BS 5839-6:2019 is a standard for fire detection and Fire Alarm systems in domestic premises, not a set of legal requirements; there is no penalty if an organisation or individual chooses to ignore the standard and no date for ‘compliance’. However, the standard is considered best practice and those who choose to ignore it do so at their own risk.

Certainly, social housing organisations place great emphasis on it and complying with it is regarded as essential.

Many have been moving towards LD2 systems over the past year in the anticipation of the revisions and we are now witnessing a large number rewriting their alarm specifications accordingly and planning upgrade programmes.

With the 2019 revisions we have benefitted from greater clarity and, in a number of cases, an increase in the level of fire protection. Of course, with this comes a need for additional alarms per property which represents an increase in unit sales for the wholesaler, but also a chance to upsell to higher value alarms with greater features and functions. For example, Fire Alarms that come with wireless alarm interconnection technology, such as Aico’s RadioLINK+ and SmartLINK, will make for faster installation, which is

38 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Pointing out the key “changes and advising your customers of how they can meet the revised standard is a valuable service.

”

sure to be welcome by your customers.

With larger Fire Alarm systems comes issues over control and maintenance as more alarms will need to be tested, plus it’s important to be able to locate the precise alarm which originally triggered. Here you have the opportunity to advise customers of useful system accessories, such as an Alarm Controller which comes with test, silence and locate features for all alarms on the system. It adds valuable control to an LD2 system and represents further sales opportunities.

BS 5839-6:2019 builds on the success of the original standard which all installers will be familiar with. Pointing out the key changes and advising your customers of how they can meet the revised standard is a valuable service, whilst also providing additional sales opportunities for yourself.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about Aico, enter: www.rdr.link/WG013

EDA INSIGHT An update from the Electrical Distributors’ Association

SWITCH IT UP

Welcome to the latest in our series of quick quizzes, designed to be a bit of fun and a business benefit too. In this issue we are focusing on Distribution, Switchgear and Protection, one of the EDA’s suite of 12 distance-learning training modules – part of the Product Knowledge Programme.

Professional know-how to drive sales Although each wholesaler business is different, it is estimated that around 18% of the products sold by businesses like yours fall under the heading of Distribution, Switchgear and Protection.

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Q1: What does ‘DNO’ stand for?

Q2: What are the voltage tolerances for an LV electrical supply?

Q3: Give the names of the two current ratings of a circuit breaker?

Q4: What is the purpose of an SPD? Q5: What is MODBUS? Q6: Will pushing the ‘T’ test button on an RCD ensure it is always working accurately?

ANSWERS

Years of knowledge to give your team a commercial edge City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations and creates an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your people.

Q1: Distribution Network Operator.

Q2: +10% or -6% at 50 Hz. This gives a voltage range of 216.2V to 253.0V for a nominal voltage of 230V single-phase and 376V to 440V for a nominal voltage of 400V three-phase.

Q3: Operation and fault rating.

Q4: A device to protect sensitive equipment and appliances from power spikes or power surges caused by lightning or switching operations.

Q5: MODBUS is a communications protocol.

Q6: No – they must be tested using an instrument capable of applying the full range of test current to an in-service accuracy.

Improving your team’s technical know-how through the EDA’s training could unlock additional revenue for your business. This training covers: ● Generation, Transmission and Distribution ● Distributing Electricity within a Property ● Protection and Control Devices ● Additional Protection ● Supply and Metering ● Specialist Applications such as intelligent circuit breakers, surge protection, and modular wiring systems

HOW DID YOU DO? Full marks: fantastic, you’re entitled to call yourself Professor for the rest of the day.

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

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

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MADE EASY Test your knowledge Have a go at the quiz sampled from the Distribution, Switchgear and Protection training Textbook.

Check your answers at the end – but no peeking. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

ELECTRICALDA

For more on this, and the other 11 Modules in the Programme, and to place your order, visit: www.rdr.link/WG014 If you’re a manager looking for a flexible and convenient way to train your team to drive sales, get in touch on 020 3141 7350 or email: training@eda.org.uk

www.eda.org.uk

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Electrical Distributors’ Association

@eda_uk

FIRE & SAFETY

ESP’s new MAGDUO Two-Wire Fire Alarm System means easier, faster installations and significant cost savings.

Neil Baldwin, Managing Director at ESP, takes a look at the new range and how it fits into the company’s growing fire protection collection.

F

ire alarm systems are broadly divided into two main groupings – “conventional” fire alarm systems and analogue addressable “intelligent” systems – with each type best suited to different kinds of premises. Conventional, or four-wire, fire alarm systems are used in smaller properties such as shops and restaurants.

They work by dividing the building into a number of detection zones, with the detectors and call points within each zone hardwired on dedicated, two-core cable to the control panel. There may be multiple detectors on a single zone.

A separate two-core, fire-protected cable for the alarm’s sounders is required as they are wired on different circuits. If a detector is activated, the control panel identifies the circuit that contains the triggered device and so indicates the zone

TWO-WIRED ATTACK from which the fire alarm has originated, but the area then has to be manually searched to pinpoint the individual device.

Addressable or “intelligent” fire alarm systems are designed for large commercial premises and more complex networked systems. They are much more expensive and more complicated than conventional four-wire systems, having increased flexibility, intelligence, speed of identification, and scope of control.

In addressable systems, different types of initiating devices are wired in one or more single loops around the premises, requiring less cabling than conventional

40 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

systems, with each detector or call point having its own unique address. The fire control panel receives information and status reports from each device and indicates its exact location if there is a fault, contamination or activation via smoke or heat detection.

Because analogue addressable fire alarm systems offer a greater degree of flexibility, intelligence, speed of identification and the extent of control, they are the preferred option for specifiers and contractors working on bigger and more intricate projects as they overcome the limitations of conventional fire alarm systems.

FIRE & SAFETY

Who’s it for?

ESP’s MAGDUO Two-Wire fire alarm system is aimed at small to medium contractors, offering them a highly flexible and adaptable system that will save them time and money on the installation.

Two-Wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology. Unlike standard, conventional, four wired systems where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits. MAGDUO utilises intelligent Two-Wire technology, which allows all devices to be wired on the same set of two-core zone cables back to the control panel – enabling it to use a single circuit, per zone, both for detection and to power the sounders. This advanced technology can reduce both installation and material cost.

The system is ‘Two-Wire’ meaning that all system devices can be installed on the same circuit with the capacity for up to 32 devices per zone. This, however, is dependent on the Device Loading Unit (DLU). Full information is provided within the product technical specification details.

MAGDUO will support 2-8 zone applications.

A key benefit is the Alarm Confirmation Feature which offers the ability to select a confirmation period for individual detectors and therefore confirm if the smoke/heat detected is an actual fire – and not a false alarm.

ESP is committed to “developing new and improved products that not only bring the latest technologies to market, but are designed to offer speed, flexibility and cost-efficiency to installers working across a range of projects.

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PRODUCT FOCUS: In total, ESP’s new range will comprise some 25 separate products, including: ● 2-Zone, 4-Zone and 8-Zone fire panels (available in a grey or black finish) ● Repeater panels – also offered in grey or black (4 and 8 zone panels able to support up to 8 repeater panels) ● FlexiPoint detector – programmable to 7 different modes including smoke and heat detection ● Ceiling sounders (available in red or white) ● Sounder and strobe low profile ● Wall sounder (available in red or white) ● Strobe IP55 ● Sounder IP55 ● Call Point

FlexiPoint The FlexiPoint detector brings further versatility and convenience to this new range. As well as offering seven different modes of fire detection including combined heat and smoke, the FlexiPoint detector is also available with an inbuilt sounder or inbuilt sounder strobe, which will assist with a compact install solution (as the detector and sounder is all-in-one as opposed to separate units).

Due to the different options, FlexiPoint offers convenience for wholesalers and installers, as they will not be required to carry a complete range of devices. With its adaptability, speed of installation and cost-effectiveness, MAGDUO provides an ideal fire alarm solution for a range of small to medium sized projects such as restaurants, retail outlets, schools, offices, apartments and hotels.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, type the following into your browser: www.rdr.link/WG015

FIRE & SAFETY

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY Mark Flanagan, Technical Manager for Scolmore Group, talks to PEW about fire-rated downlights and the importance of ensuring products are rigorously tested to guarantee reliability and safety.

I

n light of the Grenfell tragedy, the spotlight has been firmly focused on fire safety. This has resulted in much more stringent building regulations, whilst building products are coming under more scrutiny.

Why is fire rating required?

A standard house in the UK usually has two floors, and where there is living space above, the wooden floor construction with plasterboard ceiling must withstand 30 minutes of fire; firstly, to prevent rapid fire spread which could entrap occupants of the building, and secondly, to reduce the chance of fires becoming large. Where there is no living space above, e.g. loft space, no fire rating is required. However, we would still recommend fire-rated downlights in the event this area should be converted to a living space at a later date.

The more floors in a building, the longer the fire protection/compartmentation has to last. In a three-storey building – with the loft converted to a bedroom – the floor constructions must comply with 60 minute fire rating to give enough time for the occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire.

Downlights and fire rating The floors and ceilings will have passed fire testing as a complete floor, but once an aperture for a downlight is made, the fire barrier is broken. A standard open back downlight allows the fire, vapours and heat to penetrate the floor space and can lead to collapse before the required times of 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

A fire-rated downlight uses a sealed steel body, together with an exterior intumescent strip around the unit. In the case of a fire, these elements separate the room from the ceiling void, preventing the spread of fire. The intumescent material helps stop the fire, heat and vapours from spreading into the void.

Downlights and fire testing All our fire tests are carried out by independent testing specialists Building Research Establishment (BRE). It can comprehensively test, predict and assess the fire performance of products and materials to British, European, Marine and International fire-test standards.

The BRE test starts with the construction of the floor whilst following the material manufacturer’s construction guidelines for the fire rating required.

The joists, floor board and plasterboard are assembled, with the apertures then cut and the downlights fitted. The downlights have to be spaced at recommended distances to give an account of real-life installations in a worstcase scenario. Once constructed, weights are added to the floor to simulate the weight of furniture, etc. It’s then heated by gas burners in a furnace to over 1000°C.

42 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

If more than one layer of plasterboard is fitted (e.g. the 90 minute fire test), the first layer can fall without being deemed a failure. The main contribution to an early failure is a hot joint on the floorboards. This is mainly due to vapours and heat build-up within the floor void exceeding 300°C where ignition is only required.

At Scolmore, we design our products to withstand the rigorous testing that is necessary to meet the requirements of the BS standards governing their safety, and wholesalers should be using this information when advising their customers on the right products for the project they have in mind.

Some manufacturers will state that their products have a 90 minute fire rating. However, that doesn’t always mean that they will meet the requirement for 30 or 60 minute ratings. Each rating has its own test, so they should have passed all three tests to ensure the full rating requirement.

Scolmore has produced a CPD training module – ‘Downlights and testing for fire rating’, and this is available for delivery on request.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, visit: www.rdr.link/WG016

FIRE & SAFETY

IGNITING DEBATE Martrin Gregg, Commercial Manager at cable management specialist, Unitrunk, discusses why fire testing of cable management should pre-empt any mandatory requirements.

I

n June it will be two years since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London claimed 72 lives and affected the lives of so many others. It’s an event that is still the subject of much discussion; not least in the construction sector where it raised concerns about the fire safety of materials used in new build and refurbishment projects.

The Hackitt Report published last May, following the independent review of building regulations and fire safety, highlighted the ‘ambiguity of regulations and guidance’ and called for a ‘risk-based approach’ to specification with ‘transparency of information and an audit trail’.

The new regulatory framework that will be delivered following the review will initially focus on multi-occupancy residential buildings and the report acknowledges that ‘legislative change will take time.’ Meanwhile, however, specifiers and end-users are looking for reassurance that their specification is not only safe and robust, but that it will also meet any future compliance requirements.

Cable management is one of the many product categories for which there is currently no mandatory fire testing requirement, either within building

regulations or the wiring regulations.

This leaves those with responsibility for specifying and installing cable management networks with a lack of information regarding which systems offer verified fire safety. That’s why Unitrunk has taken the decision to invest in fire testing and verify the fire resistance of our systems now, ahead of any legislation, as part of a duty of care to customers and the occupiers of the buildings where our cable management is installed.

44 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

Resilience at high temperatures Unitrunk is the first cable management specialist in the UK to pass fire safety testing for its systems and, like any safety tests, the results are specific to Unitrunk products, so cannot be assumed to apply to other brands of cable tray or cable ladder. All tests were carried out by an independent third party testing house under controlled and monitored conditions.

The tests were undertaken on both the RIS (Rapid Installation Systems) UniKlip cable

FIRE & SAFETY

tray, which is designed to offer faster installation with tool-free coupling using snap-on ‘Klips’, and our conventional cable tray system. The UniKlip system was tested in 450mm heavy-duty, pre-galvanised cable tray and 300mm medium duty pregalvanised cable tray, while the conventional Unitrunk cable tray system was tested in 450mm hot dip galvanised steel.

For the cable ladder tests, we used 900mm widths of medium duty SW4 cable ladder in both stainless steel and hot dipped galvanised variants.

The tests are designed to check the resilience of the whole installation, which means measuring the level of protection that the cable management provides to the cables in the event of a fire.

The test rig involves electrical cabling contained using each cable management type and connected to a lamp. The test is carried out at a temperature of 10000°C – similar to the temperature that would be expected when fire has taken hold within a building – and the fire rating of the cable management system is based on the number of minutes that the lamp remains lit under this temperature. Each rating milestone is measured when electrical power has continuously lit the lamp past a milestone number of minutes. An E30 rating means that the system has passed the test for at least 30 minutes, an E60 rating means that the lamp has been powered for at least 60 minutes and an E90 rating means that the lamp has been illuminated while the fire has burned at 10000°C for a minimum of 90 minutes.

building elements required to construct or refurbish a property, these results offer complete peace of mind that the installation is as robust as possible when using Unitrunk cable management systems.

They also demonstrate the importance of supplying the named product specified, as the confirmed fire safety offered by these systems cannot be matched by any ‘equal or equivalent’ switch; unless or until such time as the rest of the cable management sector opts to invest in fire safety testing. As a UK manufacturer, Unitrunk can offer the quality assurance of consistent quality across every item we produce.

Unitrunk is the first cable “management specialist in the UK to pass fire safety testing for its systems.

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E90 Rating All the products tested by Unitrunk received a fire rating following the tests and all the Unitrunk cable tray systems involved were recognised with an E90 rating; making them sufficiently robust and fire safe to withstand a fire for long enough for the emergency services to come and tackle the blaze.

As an increasingly significant number of specifiers and end users continue to put a major focus on the fire safety of each of the

Lessons learned?

The Grenfell disaster has resulted in significant lessons learned across all aspects of building design and specification and those learning points are still being unpicked and embedded into new regulatory frameworks.

Amongst the key elements of that learning process, the importance of independently-verified fire testing and the need to manage safety performance by avoiding downgrading materials to lower quality alternatives, has created a culture change that will, hopefully, improve the calibre of our built environment and offer us safer places to live and work.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the fire tested equipment from Unitrunk, use: www.rdr.link/WG017

FIRE & SAFETY ©Adobestock_kmls

SHOCKING FACTS ©Adobestock_ยงย ุ ทธ จ ันทะบ ุ ตร.

Workers will know when they are at risk of an Arc Flash incident, but when it comes to the severity and real dangers posed by such an incident, it’s rare that teams are fully in the loop. These nine shocking facts shine a spotlight on the life changing risks an Arc Flash incident creates, but first, what exactly is an Arc Flash? Hamilton Smith, Technical Sales Manager at specialists in Arc Flash protective wear, ProGARM, explains.

A

n Arc Flash happens when an electrical discharge travels through the air and releases an intense burst of energy. This occurs when an electrical discharge or short circuit moves through the air as a result of voltage spikes, worn connections, cable strikes or gaps in insulation. This flash is capable of causing ©Adobestock_hec serious harm to anyone caught by it, but here are some of the less known, yet shocking facts about an Arc Flash and the damage they can cause.

Top shocking facts Although there are many complex reasons an Arc Flash occurs, they can also happen by simply a rodent, tool or

1

46 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

other component being in the breaker area that compromises the distance between energised components. This means you never truly know if you’re at real risk or not. The solution – always ensure you are protected against an Arc Flash incident.

An Arc Flash can produce some of the highest temperatures known to occur on Earth. The heat released in the initial blast of an electrical arc can reach over 36,000°F, which is four times hotter than the surface of the sun!

2

All known materials are vaporised at this temperature, which causes an open expansion of air. These blast pressure waves are so powerful they can throw a worker across a room.

3

FIRE & SAFETY

COMPANY PROFILE: An Arc Flash happens “when an electrical discharge travels through the air and releases an intense burst of energy.

”

An Arc Flash is not simply bursts of intense heat and light, it is also incredibly powerful. During an Arc Flash incident, copper expands at 67,000 times its volume. The arcs spray droplets of molten metal at speeds that exceed

4

ProGARM are arc flash and flame resistant protection specialists, below are a few facts about the company.

A family business Being family and privately owned means that we make decisions that are customer centric first. We make decisions that are good for you and our business, and not to satisfy a short-term financial stakeholder agenda.

A committed team We have the right people with the right skills, committed to doing an exceptional job for our clients and delivering a fabulous customer experience. We have a culture of keeping our promises and working at ProGARM is to be part of something very special.

700 MPH, which can penetrate a worker’s body standing up to 10 feet away.

The extreme temperature of an Arc Flash, combined with the blast pressure waves, can ignite a worker’s clothes who is 10 feet away from the initial blast.

5

An Arc Flash blast can have a sound magnitude of 140dB at a distance of two feet from the arc. A sound this loud can result in long-term hearing loss.

6

The light generated from an Arc Flash can cause temporary, and sometimes permanent, blindness.

7

Always innovating Because we’re 100% focused on Arc Flash protection our Design and New Product Development teams are too.

They understand Arc Flash intimately and so we innovate faster and more regularly.

Manufacturing control That means we can be confident in the quality and performance of every garment to perform and keep your team safe.

Garment traceability together with ISO 9001 and further Article 11B accreditation are testament to our quality controls and processes.

No compromise Our garments are the cost-effective choice, and all this is delivered by a team of Arc Flash specialists with great technical expertise and sector knowledge.

Although the exact number of Arc Flash incidents is unknown, researches have concluded that around 10% of electrical injuries are caused by an Arc Flash and not just a simple electric shock.

8

Industries at most risk of Arc Flash incidents are generally those in continuous use such as Rail, Power Generation, Utilities and Construction.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on the risks of Arc Flash and how to protect your customers, visit: www.rdr.link/WG018

PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

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

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CED AXIOM SITE ELECTRICS 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the newly named CED Electrical Group and is a year of major developments, not least in brand rationalisation and new products. In recent months, Axiom has taken over CED’s Site Electrics range, where new LED products include tripods and portable site lights. The complete range comprises portable transformers, extension reels and outlet units, industrial plugs and sockets, plus further site lighting including worklights, task and inspection lights, LED uplights and festoon sets. Products meet BS EN standards, have necessary IP ratings, are CE marked and, for lighting, are RoHS compliant. www.rdr.link/WG019

EGLO PROFESSIONAL LIGHT CATALOGUE The 2019 EGLO Professional Light catalogue has over 4,000 products from the world of professional lighting solutions. In this catalogue you’ll find the latest technology trends paired with high-quality design and sophisticated functionality, to offer readers a comprehensive selection of lighting products and options. www.rdr.link/WG021

48 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

The new 20A 3 and 4 Pole Fast Fit Flow Connectors from Scolmore feature push-in, low maintenance terminals to offer a time-saving benefit for the installer, with no screws required. In a speed test carried out by Scolmore, the installation times were compared for the new fast fit connectors, versus an equivalent screw terminal version, and it was found that typically the fast-fit versions were completed in around half the time. The new range will be compatible with all current Scolmore Click Flow products – connectors, splitters, distribution boxes and ceiling rose.

Allowing installers to safely connect/disconnect luminaires or appliances in areas that require quick installation and regular maintenance, the fast-fit connectors will be suitable for a range of applications including education and training facilities, offices and conference rooms, healthcare environments and hotels. The connectors are packaged in outer boxes containing 200 pieces in total, split into four inner boxes each containing 50 pieces – all individually stacked. www.rdr.link/WG020

VENT-AXIA SENTINEL KINETIC ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS With the negative effect of noise on our health now recognised, the Acoustic Top Box and Acoustic Enclosure have been designed to further reduce the already low noise levels of the Sentinel Kinetic mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. For home owners, the most common concern with ventilation systems is that they will create noise. To mitigate this, Vent-Axia has optimised every element of the Sentinel Kinetic range to minimise the generation and transmission of both motor and airflow noise, resulting in some of the quietest units available. Firstly, the Acoustic Top Box reduces induct noise at key frequencies in living areas, bedrooms and wet rooms, as well as providing a neat enclosure for ductwork at the point of installation. While the Acoustic Enclosure reduces breakout noise from the MVHR unit, lowering noise levels throughout the dwelling, and comes equipped with internal anti-vibration mounts. www.rdr.link/WG022

PRODUCTS IN DEMAND

ESP GUARDCAM WIFI SECURITY FLOODLIGHT The latest addition to ESP’s GuardCam range of external area protection systems is a new Wi-Fi version – the GuardCam Combined Wi-Fi Security Camera and LED Floodlight – which allows remote viewing, monitoring and notifications via the specially-developed ESP GuardCamDECO app. The new system is a complete all-in-one, PIR floodlight, camera and DVR system, which offers an ideal low-energy external area protection solution for domestic and commercial applications. It incorporates a high-definition 1080p digital camera for superior quality images. The 16 SMD LED security lamp offers 5000k colour light with 1500 lumens – to produce a high quality, cool white light output. Flexibility to adjust the LED lamp and PIR is also featured, while the PIR sensor provides 180° x 10m coverage. www.rdr.link/WG023

KNIPEX ELECTRICAL RANGE CATALOGUE KNIPEX has launched its Electrical Range catalogue that displays the wide range of tools it has designed specifically for the electrical sector.

Whether you need to cut cables, strip wires, crimp end ferrules, or light up your workspace, the new catalogue has what you’re looking for. Products featured include the TwistCut which quickly and reliably cuts plastic corrugated pipes with no damage to internal cables or pipes; the Twistor16 self-adjusting crimping pliers for end sleeves (ferrules) with a crimp head that fully rotates 360°; and the slimmed down ErgoStrip which dismantles and strips all common round and damp-proof installation cables, data cable and coax cable.

Download a digital version of the catalogue by going to, www.rdr.link/WG024

GREENBROOK POWERBREAKER RANGE With recent amendments to the 18th Edition regulations, together with the increased safety requirements discussed in the government Hackitt Report, there is more call for the use of RCDs to detect and isolate products at the point of use to help prevent electrical fires, as well as helping to protect the main circuit and the consumer unit (point of supply).

PowerBreaker socket RCDs are available in both 30 and 10mA trip currents in a selection of Passive and Active designs. The super sensitive 10mA versions are suitable for use in areas where you would find children or vulnerable people – such as hospitals or care homes. www.rdr.link/WG025

MK ELECTRIC ESSENTIALS RANGE Including USB outlets, LED dimming, and Euro modules, the range is also expandable, as Grid frontplates from the range are compatible with MK Electric’s Grid Plus range of modules, ensuring a breadth of product to meet the needs of any project. Developed with installers in mind, features such as backed out and captive screws ensure that MK Essentials is easy and convenient to install, with the reliability and performance expected from MK Electric products. Backed by a 25 year guarantee, the range delivers a truly fit-and-forget solution for complete peace of mind. From a customer perspective, the range is designed to look good, with screwless design and a high gloss finish delivering a contemporary aesthetic suited to any environment. www.rdr.link/WG026

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 49

TRAINING

TRAIN SMART Hamilton Litestat has received CEDIA CEU accreditation for its smart control training course. The company runs a smart lighting control and audio system course for installers looking to improve their skillset.

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amilton Litestat has been approved by international home technology trade association, CEDIA, to become a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Provider.

Hamilton’s training course ‘Essentials in Smart Lighting Control and Audio Systems’, which is run at its facilities in Mere, is now a CEDIA-endorsed training programme, contributing four CEUs towards this training requirement – CEDIA-certified professionals are required to obtain at least 30 CEUs within three years.

“As the authority on custom-installed home technology, we’re thrilled to have received approval from CEDIA for our ‘Essentials in Smart Lighting Control and Audio Systems’ training course,” said Gavin Williams, Hamilton Litestat’s Head of Marketing.

“This accreditation recognises the investment Hamilton has made in its training courses and educational efforts, particularly around smart controls, as well as ensuring our product range is suited for simple through to complex smart control requirements. We look forward to working even closer with the custom installer industry following this esteemed recognition, and hope to add further courses to the CEU programme to demonstrate our commitment to training and best practice.”

Hamilton became a member of CEDIA earlier this year. The trade association brings together over 3,700 companies and 30,000 industry professionals around the globe that design, manufacture and install technology for the home.

FACT FILE: Hamilton Litestat is a British electrical solutions provider that designs, develops and manufactures electrical accessories of the highest quality. With a vast product range spanning consumer units, decorative switch plates and sockets, smart lighting control and multiroom audio, it is a one-stop-shop for all wiring requirements for both the residential and hotel industries.

A family-owned and run company, Hamilton celebrates a fantastic milestone in 2018 when the business reaches its 50th anniversary. It operates under the direction of Ian Hamilton and has grown since its inception to employ 120 customer-focused staff and distribute its class-leading solutions around the world.

Hamilton’s reputation is built on delivering quality, both in terms of design and manufacture. It supplies the latest technology and ‘smart’ solutions, all supported by exceptional customer service. As an industry-leading company, Hamilton says it is ceaseless in its quest to produce pioneering solutions that are easy to install, competitively-priced and have a stylish, desirable finish suited to any interior project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about Hamilton’s ‘Essentials in Smart Lighting Control and Audio Systems’ training course, please visit: www.rdr.link/WG027

50 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

TRAINING

WISER APPROVAL Drayton has launched a new online training academy as part of its installer loyalty scheme, the 9° Network. 9° Know How gives members exclusive access to product training, best practice installation advice, troubleshooting tips and more.

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he first available training module is focused on Wiser, Drayton’s smart multi-zone heating system, and allows installers to achieve Wiser Approved status from the comfort of their own home.

Online training The 30 minute training module is delivered through a series of videos that are simple to follow. These include a product overview, kit selection advice, commissioning and set up guides, and tips for helping customers get the most from their Wiser system. Once the videos have been watched, installers have to complete

HOW TO SIGN UP: To register as a member of the Drayton 9° Network and gain access to the online training academy, visit: www.rdr.link/WG028 or call 0333 6000 622. Alternatively, Installers can get involved in the training discussion by following @DraytonHeating on Twitter and using #9network.

Drayton also carries out this training face-to-face as part of its Wiser UK Training Tour that covers multiple locations all over the UK. If your customers are looking to book a place on the next available training session, and receive a Wiser Multi-zone kit worth £200, visit: www.rdr.link/WG029

Our Wiser Approved training has proved popular with “installers who want to become more involved with smart controls and grow their business in this area. ” short multiple-choice tests to achieve their Wiser Approved status.

The online training academy is just one of many benefits of being a 9° Network member, says the company. Other perks include access to the discounted Drayton shop for limited special offers, five year extended warrantees, as well as listings on both the Drayton and Wiser consumer websites. Featuring on the ‘Find an Installer’ section on both these websites will help generate leads to grow the installers business.

Clare Stevens, Trade Marketing Manager, comments: “Our Wiser Approved training has proved popular with installers who want to become more involved with smart controls and grow their business in this area.

We’ve been running face-to-face training sessions for some time, but we know it’s not always possible or practical for installers to attend. 9° Know How allows installers to learn all about Wiser and its benefits, in their own time, at their own pace.”

COMPANY PROFILE: Drayton is one of the UKs leading heating control brands and part of Schneider Electric, a global technology group focussed on helping customers make the most of their energy. Drayton design and manufacture products to enable energy efficient heating systems for the domestic market. Drayton is committed to optimising energy efficiency within the home in-line with government initiatives. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company's 150,000 plus employees achieved sales of 23.6 billion euros in 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Further training modules covering the full range of Drayton heating control products will be added to 9° Know How in the coming months.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 51

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SUPER ROD Ferret Wifi Super Rod has launched the Ferret WiFi, offering UK installers the chance to get their paws on the multipurpose wireless inspection and cable pulling tool which has already taken New Zealand, Australia and the USA by storm.

Designed by award-winning New Zealand tech company The Cable Ferret, the Ferret WiFi uses the latest electronics technology to stream high resolution video to a smart device in real time. The camera has six adjustable, bright white LEDs on the front to provide crisp, clear 720p images, even in complete darkness. www.rdr.link/WG031

AIRFLOW Next Generation The next generation iCONsmart has exceptional quietness, digital micromodules and outstanding aerodynamic performance that all benefit the end user. The Bluetooth technology allows wireless connection to the ‘myAirflow’ app which places full control at your fingertips.

Furthermore, the iCONsmart brings paperless commissioning, making old fashioned paper registrations a thing of the past by electronically submitting each identified fans performance data to Building Control via the fully NICEIC approved on-line portal. This is sure to be a hit with end users looking to control their airflow needs. www.rdr.link/WG032

52 JULY/AUGUST 2019 PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER

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The Expert Installer training from Aico is designed to support all Aico customers whenever and wherever they need it. According to the company, effective protection relies on having the best alarms correctly installed.

So the free Expert Installer training scheme is designed to make sure Electrical Contractors have all the information they need to install domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems.

Training is broken down into modules installers can choose the right topics for them and their team. Many of the modules are CPD accredited, allowing installers to earn up to 5 hours and 15 minutes of CPD time. www.rdr.link/WG030

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Michael Connolly looks at some of the latest advertising campaigns featured in recent issues of Professional Electrician & Installer magazine which are helping to create awareness and pull-through sales opportunities at your trade counter.

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DEWALT 18V XR Electrician’s stapler This stapler is a compact and lightweight fastening tool created to significantly increase speed and productivity for electrical contractors. This high-powered stapler is primarily designed for securing T&E cables but can also be used for low-voltage applications.

Allowing electricians to consistently and precisely drive insulated staples at high velocity, users will discover that the DCN701 saves them significant time and effort compared to manual fastening methods. This could become the staple of every electrician’s kit. www.rdr.link/WG033

LIGHTWAVE Smart lighting and power The latest smart offering from Lightwave includes its Lighting and Power Starter Kit. With a Link Plus, a 1 gang smart dimmer, and a 2 gang smart socket, this nifty piece of kit gives the homeowner everything they need to start controlling their lamps, appliances and more.

Smart Series products incorporate Apple HomeKit compatibility, 2-way communication, built-in energy monitoring, soft start dimmers and more. The dimmer and socket are quick and easy to install, saving the electrician time, and do not require extra cabling. Optional 10mm spacers are also included. www.rdr.link/WG034

ELEX REPORT PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN

ELEX2019 The Electricians’ Exhibition

Technical talks, product launches, great on the day deals – sound like your sort of thing? Make sure you visit the next ELEX show in Coventry this September.

NEXT UP: RICOH ARENA COVENTRY Where: Ricoh Area, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 6GE When: Thursday 19th & Friday 20th September 2019, 10am- 4pm TRAVEL Car Ricoh Arena is close to the M6 and is easily reached by car. Parking is free.

Train The railway station for the Ricoh Arena is the main Coventry railway station, which is in the City Centre and approximately six miles away.

There are black cabs immediately outside the station and it is roughly a 10-15 minute journey.

HOW TO REGISTER: To register for your FREE ticket, call: 01923 237799 or visit: www.rdr.link/WG035

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ith the chance to meet customers and discover the latest products on the market, you’d be mad to miss it! Or, if you are looking to impress your current customers, why not invite them on a group day out to the show with you. The best outcome is meeting potential new clients, cementing your current relationships and learning more about the latest industry goings on. At the very worst you will get a free bacon roll and t-shirt!

Below is a roundup of some of the latest brands and manufacturers to exhibit at ELEX offering product demonstrations, discounts, new product launches and more!

Linian Fire Clip Linian is a family business which was established in Glasgow in 2006 by current Directors Wes and Jean Arbuckle. They invented and manufacture a range of Linain Fire Clips.

The original Linian Fire Clip was first created by Wes Arbuckle, born out of a real need to have a faster, safer and simpler way of installing cabling.

Although it was primarily produced for installing fire alarm cabling, the product is multi-purpose and is suitable for installing a wide range of electrical and

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fire alarm cables.

The Fire Clip is a time-saving alternative for installing fire resistant cables on brickwork, concrete, masonry, wood studs and wood beams compared to conventional methods.

HiKOKI Power Tools There is a new name at Toolfair (the show running alongside ELEX) in the world of power tools. Hitachi Power Tools has rebranded and will be known as HiKOKI Power Tools.

The company has also launched its Multi Volt battery platform. The Multi Volt intelligent connecting technology makes it possible for the battery pack to detect whether it is being used in an 18V or a 36V device, and automatically adjusts the voltage. As an example, 36V battery packs have a capacity of more than 1000 Watts. The company is encouraging visitors at Toolfar/ELEX to visit the stand to find out more and try out the Multi Volt for themselves.

Don’t miss out!

If all that wasn’t enough, ELEX also offers a comprehensive range of seminars covering the latest hot topics in the electrical industry. With free entry, competitions and prizes, as well as a free bacon roll and t-shirt, ELEX is a must for wholesalers that are serious about investing in their business.

POINT OF SALE

POSITION

PERFECT A wholesaler’s success is often underpinned by the additional sales it can get from its customers, helping the business to bridge the gaps and become more profitable. Additional add on sales, in areas such as portable lighting, is one way that they can help to achieve this, offering customers a product they will need to complete their work efficiently and safely.

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his is where Unilite comes in, with a range of exciting and differentiated portable LED lighting. The lighting range from Unilite is like no other on the market, with an industrial toughness, high-vis colours and bright, high-quality LEDs. In a sea of ordinary, Unilite tries to be a beacon of individuality. The best way to sell its range of lighting isn’t to keep them tucked away in a corner of a warehouse, but instead putting them pride of place on a trade counter or placed on a merchandising stand within the branch. To go one better, getting hold of the point of sale range helps you to display the products on visually appealing stands which will help the range to, essentially, sell itself.

Case study An electrical wholesaler in the West Midlands has utilised Unilites range of point of sale material to great effect, helping it to surpass its sales target last year. The Sales Manager, Rory, comments: “The great thing with this range of point of sale is that it really helps to show off the quality of the product, which in turn is thanks to the quality of the packaging.”

Rory says that the aesthetics of one of the particular pieces fits in perfectly with

his customer base, he adds: “Take this slatwall for example. It looks the business with its industrial metal feel and fits well with the types of customers we get. We hang several product lines on the euro hooks and just replace them when they are running low. It’s great as they catch the customer’s eye when they are waiting in the queue. We get loads of people who take one in addition to the other components they pick up.”

Headlights The slatwall is not the only point of sale Unilite has on offer, with some stands focusing on ranges such as headlights.

Mark, who works at a regional wholesaler in Scotland, has found a benefit in this type of stand. “We only really sell headlights, apart from a few one-off site lights, so this stand works really well for us. The stand has enough space for three headlights to be displayed out the packaging, along with the addition of some euro hooks to the side. This way you can display the products packaging or increase the range of headlights on display.

“Our customers love the fact the headlights are out on display, giving them a chance to play with the settings and feel the high build quality.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Unilite has many point of sale options available, all aimed at increasing branch sales. If you would like to take a look at them, or simply talk about them, contact: 01527 584 344 or visit: www.rdr.link/WG036

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 55

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PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

UNI SOLUTION Multi-compartment trunking from cable management specialist, Unitrunk, is being used to provide the new data and electrical cabling infrastructure for an upgrade to the library at Coventry University.

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esigned by Birminghambased practice, Associated Architects, the £2.1 million xxxxxxxxlibrary upgrade includes a new entrance, reception and café for the library, along with refurbishment of some of the study areas. To enable the library to remain open for use throughout the project, the electrical installation will be delivered in two phases, with the new xxxxxxxxxx build elements due to complete in June and the phase II refurbishment programme due for hand over in August.

Unitrunk’s trunking has been used in xxxxxxx two sizes to connect all electrical, LV and data services from the existing risers in xxxxxxxx the newly constructed and refurbished areas. All the trunking is being installed in the ceiling void and power and lighting cables will be installed in one compartment, while the other compartment will be used to contain data, fire alarm and LV cabling.

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Collaborative approach The electrical installation is being carried xxxxxxxx out by Whittaker Brothers, who are working closely with the University and the other delivery partners on the project to manage the challenges of an occupied building and temporary access,

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particularly during the busy exam season as Phase one nears completion.

Kevin Rollason from Whittaker Brothers, comments: “Multi-compartment trunking is an obvious choice for a complex project like this, where new build and refurbishment is being carried out in a live library environment. It means that we can install all the infrastructure for the cabling on a single type of containment, saving time to ensure the project is fully completed on schedule, ready for the new academic year in the autumn.

“Unitrunk’s multi-compartment trunking is a standard specification for Whittaker Brothers because it’s robust and easy to install. Thanks to Unitrunk’s UK manufacturing and national depot network, we also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we can have what we need delivered to site quickly, ensuring our installation schedule remains on track.”

Thanks to Unitrunk’s UK manufacturing and national “depot network, we also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we can have what we need delivered to site quickly, ensuring our installation schedule remains on track.

”

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COMPANY PROFILE: Originally established 50 years ago as a family run engineering company, the Unitrunk Group developed a specialised division manufacturing Cable Management Systems in 1984.

Unitrunk continued to grow and in 2000 the Group added a strong international dynamic and breadth of cable management services with the strategic acquisition of Vantrunk in Runcorn.

With five decades of business experience and industry expertise it has no intention of standing still. The specialist Unitrunk Innovation Department and skilled people are committed to helping customers stay ahead of the herd with a wide range of proven cable management solutions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the Unitrunk systems available, visit: www.rdr.link/WG037

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PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

LIGHT WORK Working on a brief to create the perfect environment for the pupils and staff, Thorn Lighting has supplied a variety of luminaires for use throughout Broughton Primary School in Edinburgh, in a refurbishment project.

The school was originally built in the early 1900’s, with the main school building being a traditional Edwardian school but with major building alterations and refurbishment programmes carried out over the years. Thorn’s Suspended IQ Wave was chosen for the classrooms, with integral Bluetooth connectivity which communicates wirelessly with sensors and switches to provide absence detection and daylight-linked dimming with manual override. It is easy to use with the ability to control single luminaires or combine them as a group, use pre-set lighting scenes or adjust the light to your needs. This can be achieved by a free downloadable App on a phone or tablet or a wireless (battery operated) scene plate/switch that can be positioned anywhere in the room. At the school, the existing switches were linked to a Bluetooth receiver in order that the switches retained the same simple aesthetic (power supply was derived from the existing lighting circuit).

Shining light The ideal classroom light distribution, in particular the high cylindrical illuminance, is achieved with the help of a special reflector and ensures perfect lighting for various tasks, the general space and the

different forms of personal communication between teachers and pupils. A range of integrated control systems such as daylight, presence and absence detectors with PIR and microwave sensors, support further energy savings and empower users to manage their own lighting scenes. IQ Wave achieves a unified glare rating of <19, in line with the EN 12464 standard on workplace lighting.

Gym hall lighting The extremely robust HiPak PRO LED has been used to provide the perfect illumination in the gym hall. Utilising dedicated optics for precise light control and providing significant energy savings when compared to traditional HID fittings, an on board thermal management system ensures the LEDs performance and lifetime. HiPak Pro LED is up to 45% more efficient than 250/400W alternatives, combining high efficiency (50,000-hour lamp life) and low maintenance. Dedicated individual optics provide precise light control for high level mounting applications.

The introduction of dimming control allows the luminaires to be controlled and dimmed in banks, particularly useful for school shows and functions that are

staged in the multi-function gym hall.

Simple to install, use and maintain, the IP66-rated Aquaforce Pro has been installed in the stores, plant areas and within the swimming pool, using cuttingedge light transmission technology with refraction prisms to create a scattering effect, providing smooth light without sharp corners, and a maximum light level.

Atrium & hallway Glacier, a high performance (76-107 Llm/W) decorative luminaire, provides illumination in the central atrium and entrance hallway to allow a quality of light in an attractive, pendant fitting.

Glacier offers an efficient alternative to traditional HID pendants with energy savings of over 27% and dimming options to further enhance energy saving opportunities. Precision-designed LED bulkhead Piazza LED has been installed around the external perimeter of the school to provide security and wayfinding lighting, with the use of a precise directional LED light source.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about the lighting options from Thorn, visit: www.rdr.link/WG038

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 57

PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

SYLVANIA PADDINGTON LIBRARY Paddington Library in central London now benefits from Sylvania’s SylSmart solution. Working on behalf of Westminster Council, Sylvania provided a complete lighting upgrade at the library. SylSmart uses the latest technology to detect human presence and natural light, adjusting the light levels to only emit exactly what is needed. Sylvania gained council funding for the project after demonstrating the payback period of under five years including maintenance, or under eight years on energy alone. With this system, energy savings of up to 87% are possible, and green building certificates, such as BREEAM, can be met.

Jonathan Willis, Service Delivery Manager at Paddington Library, comments: “We needed a dependable and efficient lighting system, without detailed surveys carried out before installation. With the library open seven days a week, any downtime for maintenance is very disruptive to users, so we had to keep that to a minimum.” www.rdr.link/WG039

IM DIVISION AC ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES The northern sales centre of AC Entertainment Technologies, based in Leeds, required a general upgrade and a change of use to several areas. To carry out the work on the centre, comprising of warehousing and offices, MHE (Halifax) was chosen as the preferred contractor. The company in turn selected various products from the Installations Material Division for the switchgear and cable management. The mains sub-distribution board was supplied from Proteus Industrial Switchgear’s BX Range, with all the associated steel cable tray and trunking from Tamlex Steel Cable Management. Complementing the overall aesthetic, LED down lighting was also fitted directly into the cable tray. Mick Habergham, Company Director for MHE, said: “I cannot think of any other company that could have met the needs and expectations in this way over such a diverse range of products. By teamwork with IMD and ourselves, we have a happy client which, ultimately, is what counts.” www.rdr.link/WG041

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CP ELECTRONICS STIRLING HEALTH AND CARE VILLAGE CP Electronics has helped provide dementia-friendly solutions, in accordance with research published by the University of Stirling, at Stirling Health and Care Village. CP Electronics installed its RAPID system, which offers a centrally controlled scene-setting solution that allows staff to manually control light levels in corridors. At night time, staff are able to dim the lights to 50% of their full output. The system can also dictate lighting to dim to 50% if there is no movement after 15 minutes, and to a further 25% after another 15 minutes – this is thanks to the use of 81 Passive Infrared Sensors (PIRs).

Brian Hedley, Area Sales Manager for CP Electronics, says: “Balancing the wellbeing of patients and the needs of staff was key to this project. Together, with the help of FES Limited, the lighting control systems succeeded by creating a comfortable and practical environment.” www.rdr.link/WG040

VENT-AXIA AQUARIUM SUMP ROOM Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Svara fans have helped tackle severe condensation in an aquarium sump room.

The private aquarium, located at a home in Lancing, West Sussex, contains 2,000 litres of water and is home to a variety of marine fish and a living coral reef. Svara has three speed models, including a boost speed of 30l/s that is activated by the humidistat which reacts to sharp changes in humidity. This helps control damaging humidity levels that can lead to condensation and mould and the associated health risks and building damage. Ryan Meredith, who owns the house in Lancing, comments: “The fans have been running for a few months now and I am pleased to say that I have zero condensation and no signs of any mould. The room is covered in hygienic plastic sheeting and, in the past, the moisture would be running down the plastic.” www.rdr.link/WG042

PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

ARISTON AURES

CED MERIDIAN LED WALL LIGHTS

Ariston has added the Aures Slim Multi to its portfolio of electric water heaters.

Suitable for a wide range of applications, from bathrooms and kitchens to loft conversions and utility rooms, each compact unit can simultaneously supply multiple outlets – such as a sink and a shower – with instantaneous hot water. The Aures Slim Multi has an ‘A’ class ErP energy rating, plus each unit is supplied with a two-year warranty as standard.

To ensure an advanced level of performance, the Aures Slim Multi is equipped with a flow sensor system, which initiates instantaneous water heating when an outlet is opened. The unit also has an easy to operate, front facing dial complete with LED indicators to highlight the selected power level: ‘low’ (4.5kW), ‘medium’ (5kW) or ‘high’ (9.5kW). The product is L = 304mm, H = 178mm, D = 98mm. www.rdr.link/WG043

The CED Electrical Group has announced more new products for the Meridian brand, including IP44 and IP65 rated, Wall Mounted LED Spotlights for indoor or outdoor use – complementing recent launches of wall lanterns and solar lights.

Suitable for use with CED LED GU10 lamps up to 5W in warm or cool white (not included), these new stainless steel fittings are CE marked and RoHS compliant. The IP44 splashproof range of fittings comprises single fixed and adjustable downlights plus a dual up/down light, whilst a similar offering is available in the higher rated IP65 range, but in this case with finish options of steel or black. www.rdr.link/WG044

ESP EMERGENCY SELF TEST LIGHT FITTINGS C.K TOOLS Automatic Wire Strippers The new range covers a wide variety of applications and includes: An Automatic Wire Stripper; Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper; Universal Cable Stripper; Coax Cable Stripper; and Cable Stripper. Some of the specs are below: C.K Automatic Wire Stripper (T1261): Designed for stripping solid and stranded wires from 0.2-6.0mm² (24-10 AWG) these wire strippers provide automatic wire size adjustment for convenience.

C.K Automatic Cable & Wire Stripper (T1260): Designed for stripping flat cables up to 12mm in width, this cable and wire stripper quickly removes both the external sheathing and internal conductor insulation.

C.K Universal Cable Stripper (T1270): Provides razor sharp, pre-set stripping blades for fast, precise and damage-free stripping of all common round cables with 815mmØ. Two stripping notches with length stop for stripping conductors – suitable for stripping wires of 1.5 and 2.5mm² (16 & 14 AWG). www.rdr.link/WG045

By opting for self-test fittings, installers and contractors can save valuable time and expense, with each self-test fitting utilising an inbuilt processor to initiate ‘Self Tests’. Once an issue is discovered, the fitting will clearly display the fault via the status LED. During initial power up an automatic commissioning stage will begin. After the initial charge up time (up to 72 hours), the unit will carry out a full duration test. After all initial tests are completed successfully the inbuilt processor will start the standard programmed test schedule, reporting failing functions via the status LED. The company has added five new self-test products to its growing Duceri Emergency Lighting range. www.rdr.link/WG046

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 59

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PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

LEWDEN RETROFIT SURGE PROTECTION UNIT In addition to the range of SPDs in Type 2 and Combined Type 1, 2 & 3, Lewden has introduced a new Retrofit Surge Protection Unit that meets with the requirements of the 18th edition regulations BS7671:2018 section 534.

This easy to install, self-contained metal enclosure connects in parallel to the existing consumer unit without any need for modification to the unit.

Designed for residential application only on a single phase 230V supply, this unit is suitable for positioning at the origin of an electrical installation, providing protection for all distribution circuits. It includes a main switch and 32A MCB, providing circuit protection, and disconnection of the surge protector for testing or end of life replacement. www.rdr.link/WG047

ETERNA LIGHTING LED ALUMINIUM LANTERN RANGE Eterna Lighting has recently launched a new range of stylish aluminium LED Lanterns, as part of the EternaPro Range.

The range covers both standard and PIR models, are 8 Watts and provides 570 Lumens. The decorative lanterns are aluminium construction with polycarbonate diffuser.

The range is 4000k Colour Temperature, A+ Rated for Energy Efficiency and both lanterns are rated at IP44.

The PIR sensor, which has a 110° detection angle and a 7 metre range, has a novel cover lid that rotates to allow access to the PIR controls. Time on adjustment: 8 sec to 8 minutes, Lux Level adjustments: 5 Lux - 2000 Lux. www.rdr.link/WG048

LIGHT EFFICIENT DESIGN UK SOLAR POWERED SOLUTION The company’s new an all-inone solar-powered solution features a solar panel and battery integrated directly into the LED fixture. There is no need for trenching or wiring as the fixture does not connect to any power feed. Designed for use in such applications as outdoor car parks, transit shelters and bus stops, the fixture turns on at night automatically and can be set to either stay at 100% light output, or dim down if there is no motion in order to extend battery life. The long-life, advanced, new LiFePO4 battery lasts at least 2000 charge cycles and provides sufficient power for three nights with a one day charge.

There are two 5000K models available with the 8W version replacing up to 70W MH, and the 30W up to 250W MH. Low maintenance is assured with a 50,000 hour rated lamp life and products are backed by a five year enclosed fitting warranty. www.rdr.link/WG049

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NET LED ONLINE CATALOGUE NET LED Lighting’s 2019 Catalogue is now available online in flip-book format. Easily navigate your way through 300 pages of multi-functional lighting products and save pages for quick access to your favourite product ranges.

The 2019 Catalogue features expanded product ranges as well as several new products, including the Cambridge Surface Linear with dual wattage and robust Ramsey High Power Flood Light. Technical data, product features and detailed drawings are available to help you make the perfect choice.

Want to know more? www.rdr.link/WG050 xxxxxxxxxxx

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PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT

SWITCHTEC STX FLASHING BEACONS Switchtec has expanded its popular STX range of Xenon beacons to include the STXLED range, a Dual output Flashing or Continuous LED beacon. Utilising LED Technology, Switchtec has been able to develop the STXLED range which offers a Dual Flashing or Continuous output LED Beacon by the selection of two of the three connection cables.

The STXLED beacons have 3 x 550mm connection cables coloured for easy recognition. Connecting two cables produces a continuous output, and connection of the third produces a flashing output. www.rdr.link/WG051

FLUKE LASER LEVELS Fluke has introduced a new series of point, line, and rotary laser levels with improved durability, accuracy, and performance.

These new professional-grade tools have been engineered by Pacific Laser Systems (PLS), a Fluke company. The 11 new lasers provide bright, crisp reference points and lines for quick and accurate indoor and outdoor layout, helping to complete projects on time.

Studies have shown that green appears up to four times brighter than red to the human eye, which makes the green lasers more visible on the jobsite, so most models are available as red (R) and green (G) variants. The new PLS 3R and 3G, PLS 5R and 5G, PLS 6R and 6G, PLS 180R and 180G Laser Levels are accurate to â&#x2030;¤3mm at 10m and are built to provide IP54 dust and water resistance and to withstand a 1 metre drop. www.rdr.link/WG053

AESTUS WITHOUT TOWEL WARMER Extending the industrial theme in to the bathroom, the Without Towel Warmer by Aestus represents strength with its solid form and highly structured shape.

Available in four finishes, White, Quartz, Anthracite and Bronze, these contemporary matt finishes from Aestus are designed to inject personality and enhance the aesthetics of any bathroom space.

With its solid framework and multi-rail structure, Without has two round 25mm upright tubes and multiple horizontal square rails and is available in two widths, 1200mm and 1600mm, making it ideal for fitting over a bath or vanity unit. Manufactured from mild steel, Without is suitable for closed heating systems and comes with a 15 year manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guarantee. www.rdr.link/WG052

TANSUN INDOOR RADIANT HEATING PANELS Tansun radiant heating panels provide even heat distribution to gently warm people and objects before targeting the surrounding air. The panels are designed to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient where energy conversion rates are around 98%.

Tansun radiant panels produce heat that is similar to the sun and instead of warming the air, like conventional heaters, they heat the people and objects directly in its path. The panels are designed to save approximately 3070% in heating costs and come with a full five year warranty. www.rdr.link/WG054

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 61

GIVEAWAYS

EVERYONE LOVES A FREEBIE, DON’T THEY?

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR HANDS ON SOME GREAT PRIZES FROM SOME OF THE TOP INDUSTRY NAMES.

DRAPER TOOLS Draper Tools is giving away two of its latest power tools and three new fibreglass ladders ideal for any DIY work needed around the house, or for great gifts for your most loyal customers. Make sure you enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes.

Draper Tools was started in 1919 when the founder, Bert Draper, sold government surplus and tools in markets around the Kingston upon Thames area.

This led to the purchase of the original warehouse, from which the Draper Tool Company as we know it today was born, although at this time it was known as B. Draper & Son and owned the trademark B.D.S. Although Draper Tools sold its own brand as early as this time, it was also a quality Engineers Merchant and Tool Wholesaler, selling brands that are well known today, such as, Britool, King Dick, Elliott Lucas, etc.

X 2 NEW 125MM WALL CHASER (1320W) This power tool’s efficient technology provides an adjustable cutting width of 8-28mm and adjustable depth of 10-30mm and weighs 4.45kg. The dust extraction facility keeps a clear, clean space for the professional to Expert quality is at the fore of work on and the soft-start function this new 125mm wall chaser. prevents damage to the motor. It’s supplied in a sturdy blow mould case along with 2 diamond blades, a side handle, chisel and 3M cable with BS plug.

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X 3 NEW FIBREGLASS 3 STEP LADDER Draper’s new Fibreglass 3 step ladder is the perfect tool for any hands-on tradesman. Fitted with deep ridged aluminium treads, you know you will be in safe hands with extra grip for each step. Manufactured to EN 131 professional standards, the non-slip rubber feet provide stability and comfort when working on the job with a maximum load of 150kg.

As part of the Draper Expert range, this ladder was designed for the professional in mind, the high strength lightweight frame with a total weight of 6.1kg, allows the user to transport effortlessly, making it easier than ever to work on the go. This handy tool has an open height of 1060mm (approx.) a spread of 881mm (approx.) and a closed length of 1200mm (approx.)

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to get your hands on one of these brilliant products, just visit: www.rdr.link/WG055 Deadline for entry 02/09/2019. Usual T&Cs apply.

WIN!

N O I T I T COMPE

WIN! AN APPLE WATCH SERIES 4 FROM BENDEX Bendex is a British manufacturer of cable management solutions, offering a range of PVC-U trunking, conduit, cable protection guard, channelling, surface boxes and IP rated sockets.

Bendex offers cost effective cable management solutions suitable for a wide variety of projects.

With 35 years’ experience, Bendex has a strong reputation for offering quality cable management solutions, via a nationwide wholesaler network. The Bendex range of competitively priced cable management solutions includes the Challenger three compartment trunking system, mini and maxi trunking, conduit and channelling products.

Customer care Bendex’s PVC-U cable management products are suitable for a wide range of Bendex is offering you the applications – from education chance to win an Apple Watch Series 4. Available in a facilities to offices and range of colour options and wristband styles, the Apple commercial spaces. With such an Watch Series 4 includes voice control and enables users extensive portfolio, it is key that The Bendex to read and reply to text messages and emails, view their customers understand the uses Challenger Trunking smartphone notifications and even make contactless System complete unit and benefits of each Bendex payments via Apple Pay. The Apple Watch Series 4 is product in order to specify correctly. also fantastic for health and fitness tracking – the watch As part of Bendex’s service offering, the company is includes a heart rate monitor, GPS and is water resistant relaunching its website, providing customers with a up to 50m. user-friendly way of locating product information, easily.

The website will include access to Bendex’s online The Apple Watch Series 4 weighs just 30.1g and product reference tables (which includes all products measures 40 x 34 x 10.7mm (H x W x D). The watch is across each range), technical data and cable capacity also compatible with a range of iPhone models (please charts. These will provide customers with everything they note, the watch is not compatible with iPhone models need to build a complete cable management system older than the iPhone 5s or software older than iOS 11). suitable for their project.

The new website also allows customers to connect with the Bendex team more easily as they can now request call backs from the dedicated sales team HOW TO ENTER regarding any queries about the Bendex product range.

For your chance to win an Apple Watch Series 4, all you have to Visitors to the new website will also be able to download do is answer the following question correctly. all Bendex literature, including the brochure and the guide to Essential Cable Management Affordably Priced.

Q. How many years’ experience does Bendex have The company says manufacturing PVC-U cable management solutions? it is committed to a) 15 quality and b) 25 customer satisfaction c) 35 – demonstrated through its HOW TO ENTER certification to ISO For your chance to win, visit: www.rdr.link/WG056 9001:2015 standard for Deadline for entry 02/09/19. Usual T&Cs apply. quality management.

The Bendex Challenger Trunking System trunking base

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER JULY/AUGUST 2019 63

SOAPBOX

REASSURINGLY RECYCLED Paul Hetherington, CEO at Marshall-Tufflex, stresses the responsibility manufacturers have to move towards using more recycled materials.

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ccording to a landmark report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in October 2018, urgent changes are needed to limit climate change catastrophe, and there are only 12 years to do so. As such, landfills have now come under the spotlight in a bid to clean up the environment, as they release toxins, leachate and greenhouse gases.

Recent figures indicate that the construction industry uses around 420 million tonnes of materials each year.

From these materials, around 120 million tonnes are wasted – almost 60% of the national total.

As such, the construction industry has a huge role to play in preventing climate catastrophe over the next decade, and this conversation should be had throughout the entire supply chain.

Informed decisions should be made when producing, buying and installing materials and products – and at the end of their useful life.

This doesn’t just include selecting green solutions for energy (heat pumps, solar panels, etc.) or selecting sustainable roofing and structure materials – though of course this is important! The smaller details should also not be overlooked, and this includes cable management.

Plastic – the anti-hero Plastic has been thrust into the spotlight in recent years, largely in part due to the final episode of Blue Planet II, which aired in December 2017. Plastic waste degrades at an extremely slow rate, and often makes its way to the ocean – in fact, over 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based activities.

Whilst vilifying plastic is understandable, the fact is that plastic is still here and, in many applications, is the best option available. However, using

plastic responsibly is extremely achievable, and using recycled plastic to create new products minimises the environmental impact and prevents it from ending up in landfill or the ocean.

Unlike a virgin Manchester University undertook a study into carbon, so that companies could estimate the ‘cradle to grave’ carbon footprint of its products. This study showed that recycled PVC offers a 20-fold reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a virgin product.

In addition, recycling product saves it from the fate of the landfill and from polluting the environment. We’ve therefore made a conscious decision to use more recycled content within our manufacturing process and our products have been produced using 80% recycled material in the last year. This means we are saving the equivalent in weight of 300 double decker buses worth of PVC-U from reaching landfill each year.

If more manufacturers took the stance of using at least 50% recycled material in products it would make a terrific impact to the environmental performance of the cable management sector, and contribute hugely to a circular economy.

Overcoming objections There are common concerns from across the cable management industry about the suitability and durability of using recycled PVC-U material in manufacturing, including strength and surface finish.

However, these can easily be addressed by forward-thinking manufacturers who work closely with partners along the chain. For example, our PVC-U products are manufactured from windows, which are either ‘post industrial waste’ (waste windows from window fabricators) or ‘post consumer waste’ (windows that have come out of buildings at the end of their useful life).

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By using, specifically, material for windows, we end up with a raw material that is more robust and higher quality as they’re designed to withstand external elements.

For any manufacturer, the issue of surface finish can be addressed with a rigorous quality control process to ensure a high quality finish is achieved every time. For any product that doesn’t come out as desired, it’s easy to recycle this back into chips and begin the production cycle again.

Don’t be lead astray There have been concerns about recycled PVC-U containing lead.

However, this will be in extremely small amounts, provided the products are REACH compliant.

The world is currently facing a crucial decade in significantly reducing global warming and preventing irreversible damage. If more of the sector took a stand and made a commitment to manufacturing, specifying and installing only PVC-U cable management solutions with a minimum of 50% recycled plastic, we could really make a difference.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on Marshall-Tufflex, visit: www.rdr.link/WG057

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Aico Ltd ........................................................................... (page 43)

Illumino Ignis ................................................................. (page 36)

British Cable Company ......................................... (pages 18,19)

Merlin Business Software Ltd ..................................... (page 31)

Carl Kammerling Int Ltd ................................................. (page 7)

Metrel UK ....................................................................... (page 25)

Collingwood Lighting Ltd .......................... (inside front cover)

National Ventilation Ltd .............................................. (page 35)

Countrywide Electrical Dist Ltd/CED ......................... (page 9)

Neomitis Ltd .................................................................... (page 41)

C-TEC Ltd ....................................................................... (page 47)

Niglon Ltd ........................................................................ (page 21)

D-Line Europe Ltd ........................................................ (page 45)

Scolmore International Ltd ........................................... (page 6)

Electrorad ....................................................................... (page 29)

Scolmore International Ltd ........................................... (page 11)

Elite Security Products Ltd/ESP ................................ (page 25)

Super Rod Ltd ................................................................. (page 17)

ERA Home Security Ltd ................................................. (page 2)

Switchtec Ltd .................................................................. (page 15)

Forum Lighting Solutions Ltd .................................... (page 22)

V-TAC (uk) Ltd ........................................... (outside back cover)

ELECTRICIANS WHOLESALER PROFESSIONAL

In the next issue of Professional Electricians Wholesaler...

■ SMART TECHNOLOGY PLUS! Competitions, Giveaways, Product Launches, Special Reports and much more!

■ LIGHTING