30 Colindale Garden: Setting the standard with Aico’s 3000 Series
32 Advanced scores fire system upgrade at Stamford Bridge
34 Avoid kitchen hob dramas
08 A step-by-step guide to entering the Electrical Industry Awards 2024
Contractor Corner
12 Expert advice on how to manage customer waiting lists effectively
14 Clothing technologies for the summer months Features SOFTWARE & APPS
16 Signify presents LumXpert
18 Make certificates and Max Zs easy
20 Electrical software solutions and mobile applications
LIGHTING
24 Top swiss sports centre wins race to become ‘energy champion’
26 Lighting up good education
27 The must go sustainability event for lighting industry
36 Meeting your responsibilities as a buyer of PPE
38 Widening the safety net of home security
CABLING
40 The why and how of specifying fire performance cables
42 Better products that reduce CO2 for a comparable price
44 Niglon’s Simplex – Making the complicated simple
Q&A
46 Ben Marchant, 3ti CEO
Switching
Off 48 A cymbal of freedom
argument 50 Climate change and occupational risks: How can employers respond?
announced that a general election will take place next month on July 4.
Whatever the outcome, one crisis that must be addressed is the ever growing skill gap in the construction industry.
Andrew Baldwin, head of Policy and Public Affairs, Association for Project Management (APM), says: “We have been warning for some time that there is an ever-growing gap between project professionals’ demand and their supply. This is serious, as the skills shortage has impacted on the current Government’s ability to achieve its levelling up programme, will impact on the likelihood of achieving net zero by 2030, and unless addressed, will seriously undermine any attempt to implement a party manifesto post-election.”
On The Tools CEO Lee Wilcox recently spoke on the BBC One Show about the growing skills shortage: “Currently, the industry is around 940,000 people short of what we need.
“Over the next decade, we’re going to have a lack of homes. We’re going to have a lack of schools, hospitals, the UK economy will be affected, and the reality is we need a couple of hundred people a day joining the industry.
I think it’s really, really important that we start to spread a positive message around the industry and what the opportunity is.”
Lisa Peake, EDITOR, lisa.peake@purplems.com @ElectricalTimes
Production designer Lorna Reekie lorna.reekie@purplems.com
Editor Lisa Peake lisa.peake@purplems.com Sales manager Haydon Rainsford haydon.rainsford@purplems.com Subscriptions Electrical Times, Perception, PO Box 304, London Road Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 9EZ T: 01825 701520
Production designer Rob Tremain rob.tremain@purplems.com
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Midlothian-headquartered Blackmoon Lighting Ltd has expanded its business with the appointment of three new directors following the retirement of its founder, Kenny Morrison. Matthew Wright, a highly experienced construction industry executive has taken on the role of managing director and is joined by Ewan Arthur as sales director and Marc Faughnan as operations director.
Technical workwear specialist phs Besafe has appointed Eduarda Savazoni as head of operations as the business continues to grow across the UK. Eduarda oversees the 70-person operations team at phs Besafe’s warehouse and six laundry sites across the country.
Following the launch of Elta’s dedicated residential ventilation division, Elta Trade, in 2023, it has announced the appointment of Lee Aris as national manager. Lee, who has previously worked for Elta Group as a branch manager at Idealair Group in Melbourne, Australia, has an extensive knowledge of the industry that he will bring to the role. Based in Kingswinford, West Midlands, Lee will be expanding Elta Trade’s reach in the UK, ensuring that electricians, plumbers, and homeowners have compliant equipment available for purchase at a local stockist.
Burton-based contractors Woodward Group has appointed Steve Bullock as fire & security project manager in line with its ongoing expansion plans. With a diverse professional background and a wealth of experience in the industry, Steve brings valuable, sector expertise to his new role. Prior to joining Woodward Group, he served at Yee Group for 10 years, where he held positions ranging from installation engineer to project manager, honing his skills in fire and security management.
myenergi awarded bronze medal for sustainability
Eco-smart home energy technology manufacturer myenergi has been awarded an EcoVadis bronze medal for its commitment to setting the standards in sustainable best practice. The prestigious accolade places the Stallingboroughbased company within the top 35 per cent of all companies assesed by the framework within the past 12 months.
EcoVadis is one of the world’s largest providers of business sustainability ratings, boasting a global network of more than 130,000 rated companies. Its certifications recognise and reward companies that go above and beyond to embrace sustainable practices. The process requires businesses to submit documentation, examples and references for multiple sustainability proof points, with performance assessed against a bespoke methodology. myenergi scored well across each of the four performance themes – environment; labour and human rights; ethics; and sustainable procurement.
Emma Brigginshaw, head of Sustainability and Ethics at myenergi, commented: “Being recognised by EcoVadis is a clear demonstration of our commitment to embracing sustainable best practice across the business. It affirms the robustness of our management systems and performance of our production processes.
“But while a positive endorsement of our work to date, this certification is just the start. As a leader in the design and manufacture of eco-smart home energy technologies, we’re committed to holding ourselves to account and really leading the way when it comes to setting the industry standards. We’re therefore already working hard in the background on numerous initiatives to further improve our environmental performance, each of which will be announced in due course. This bronze medal is a really valuable yardstick to fully understand where we’re already scoring highly, as well as the areas that need additional focus moving forward.”
Lord Johnson visits Schneider’s Leeds Innovation Hub to see energy innovation in action
Lord Johnson, the Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade, visited Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub in Leeds on May 20.
The Leeds innovation Hub features cutting-edge technology and innovations that are driving the UK’s journey to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Lord Johnson, minister for investment at the Department of Business and Trade, and David Hall, vice president, Power Systems, Schneider Electric UK&I at Schneider Electric’s Leeds Innovation Hub.
Schneider Electric employs 550 people at its Leeds smart factory and Innovation Hub - more than a tenth of its UK workforce. It has recently benefited from a £7.2 million investment to upgrade the facility upgrade, creating 110 new jobs over the next five years.
REHAU unveils major revamp of showroom network
REHAU has revealed a revamp of its showrooms across the country, allowing building services and district heating specifiers and contractors to get a hands-on look at the company’s full range of plumbing and heating solutions.
A host of REHAU’s UK sites have been refurbished as part of the initiative, including the company’s Ross-on-Wye headquarters, Blaenau Ffestiniog factory, Manchester sales office, and London hub. Each has been updated with the latest product launches and new informative displays to ensure that every customer is able to view the company’s full range of solutions locally.
The refurb gives customers the chance to get a feel for REHAU’s products, including
the new RAUTITAN Flex Green sustainable plumbing pipe.
The complete REHAU range is now available to view at REHAU’s London Hub in the Building Centre. The site is easily accessible, situated just 15 minutes away from London Euston station on foot, or the nearest tube station at Tottenham Court Road.
Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical at REHAU said: “Our showrooms are the best tool to showcase our products to our customers. Seeing the full building solutions systems range in real life allows people to visualise them in their projects and see the real benefits of our solutions.
We are looking forward to welcoming both existing and new customers to the spaces
soon and seeing how we can support their next projects.”
Request a visit to see the London Hub in the Building Centre here: https://www.rehau. com/uk-en/discover-the-rehau-hub
There’s a lot more to Werner than meets the eye. More product features, more quality materials, more product testing, and more industry-leading guarantees. Add to that a technical innovation team that designs products specifically for trade use, and you’ll see why more professionals choose Werner than anyone else.
Sadly, the same can’t be said for a set of ordinary ladders which means if you’re not with Werner - you’re missing out.
Appointments
Schneider Electric has appointed Ruben Llanes as chief executive officer of Digital Grid. Previously CEO of AutoGrid, Llanes’ collective experience merges a common mission to digitise and modernise the grid, strengthening the value that Schneider and its ecosystem of portfolio companies, investments and partners bring to the industry.
Roxtec is strengthening its presence in the Republic of Ireland with the appointment of Ian Gunn as technical sales manager, energy and industry. In this new role, he will spearhead the Greater Manchester company’s ambitious growth strategy in the country, which is seeing it make major inroads in key sectors ranging from renewable energy to pharma.
BGEN has appointed Ron Ellis as head of business development. In his new role, Ron is tasked with building on the company’s recent success and securing additional contracts in sectors including power and energy, pharmaceuticals, utilities, industrial, and food and beverage.
Seaward Electronic Ltd has appointed a senior executive to oversee its global brand and business development as it invests further in international operations. Amy Lyons joins as international business development manager in a move that will see her working alongside the senior management and sales teams to open up new routes and markets for the company’s range of multi-function industrial and production line electrical testers, notably the HAL series.
Spelsberg UK has invested in growing talent by appointing recent graduate Joshua Doley as a new sales administrator. Since joining the team, Joshua has set out on a comprehensive training program designed to cover all facets of the company, from the warehouse and assembly through to sales and administration.
Solar Select empower sustainable social housing with solar solutions
As a PAS2030-certified business, solar energy experts Solar Select meet the industry specification for energy efficient installations, complying with the measures under government initiatives. With this certification, Solar Select has been a vital part of powering social housing projects working under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).
Solar Select is working with Wates to support its partners at Bromford Housing, securing £3.5m of funding through Wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C and a heat demand target of 90kwh/m2/annum in all of their homes by 2028, ahead of the UK government’s target of 2030. A bustling residential street features 17 homes in a recent project, of which Solar Select is installing solar PV, inverters, and Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEVs). The homes are also benefiting from a combination of external, internal and loft insulation, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and new windows and doors.
The solutions from Solar Select will ensure the production of maximum energy and minimal losses, reducing electricity bills, and carbon emissions, and improving heat retention and energy efficiency across all homes, empowering individuals to take control of their energy consumption while contributing to a cleaner, greener future
For more information and to get in touch with Solar Select, visit: https://solarselect.net/
Building Heroes has been shortlisted in The Charity Awards 2024 for education and training
Building Heroes are experiencing a successful year as they mark their 10th anniversary. Recently, they were honoured as finalists in the Training Excellence category at the Construction News Awards. They are also delighted to share that they have again been chosen as finalists in the Education and Training category in The Charity Awards 2024.
The Charity Awards recognise and award innovative charities that drive best practices and deliver solutions to communities and businesses. The Education and Training category identifies and awards charities that provide outcomes for local communities while harnessing innovative techniques and offering sustainable solutions. Therefore, Building Heroes wanted to highlight how they collaborate with education and
Aztec Solar design and install 7000m2 PV panel system for new £230m logistics hub
Aztec Solar has designed and installed a huge photovoltaic system of over 3,000 PV modules and 10 inverters for a new £230m logistics hub located in the West Midlands. It will save almost 550 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the same as planting almost 21,500 trees.
The power will generate electricity for the operation’s internal and office spaces. Such will be the demand for electricity from the new unit that it will need its own substation and in common with other environmentally conscious organisations, the company wants to provide most of this from self-generation.
With a roof space of 36,000m2 on the larger of the two buildings, the PV system provides maximum output while avoiding skylights and providing safe passage for future maintenance and in case of an emergency.
Construction manager for Aztec Solar, David Ludlow, said: “This was a complex installation where unfortunately the main contractor went bankrupt and we had to work through variations to the original quotation to complete the job.
“Due to the speed of the installation we also had to work alongside a number of other contractors at the same time including behind
industry to provide funded training and wraparound support to empower the armed forces community for successful careers in the construction industry.
The prestigious gala dinner and awards presentation will be held at The Royal Lancaster in London on Tuesday, July 9. Four representatives from Building Heroes will attend to celebrate and network with other finalists.
To find out more about Building Heroes, visit: www.buildingheroes.org.uk/
the soffit manufacturer which meant that there was no scaffold edge protection since they removed it as they worked. This meant that our team had to use mansafe harnesses and inertia reels. We also imported and stored the PV panels on site ourselves and craned them up onto the roof space in just one week to minimise disruption.”
The new hub is due to open in the summer.
Thousands benefit from £10.6m power upgrade between Worthing
and Steyning
A £10.6 million electricity infrastructure upgrade has increased the resilience of electricity supplies for thousands of homes and businesses in Worthing and Steyning.
UK Power Networks has completed work to install and energise a new electricity cable between the towns, replacing existing equipment. The cabling is part of the essential electricity network, which delivers power supplies to heat and light homes and businesses and power Electric Vehicles and heat pumps. The team used an existing underground electricity pipeline to carry the new cabling, minimising the need for roadworks along the majority of the 9.5km route. Excavations were made at intervals along the route to pull through and connect the cables.
Bobby Suseela, capital programme manager at UK Power Networks, said: “This investment has increased network resilience for homes and businesses across the Steyning and Worthing areas using an existing cable pipeline to reduce the local impact. The project will deliver longterm benefits for local residents, helping us maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies to these areas into the future.”
The cabling, which carries electricity between substations at 132,000-volts,
supports the delivery of electricity supplies to approximately 95,000 local homes and businesses.
The project is part of approximately £800 million UK Power Networks is investing in the electricity network across the South East, London and East of England this year. From schools to hospitals, water supplies to railway stations, the electricity network serves more than 8.5 million homes and businesses via the company’s cables and substations. The network includes more than 53,000 kilometres of underground and overhead power lines in the South East alone.
For more information on UK Power Networks, visit: ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Michael Smith Switchgear wins international safety award for eight consecutive year
Michael Smith Switchgear has won a prestigious RoSPA Award for the eighth consecutive year - once again demonstrating its commitment to health and safety.
The Gold Medal Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is an internationally-recognised prize, judged by a team of health and safety professionals.
The standard demonstrates the Leicester-based manufacturer’s continuing commitment to excellence in its performance, policies, and procedures.
Managing director Sean Smith said: “Keeping our teams safe is always the priority for us, so I’m proud that our ongoing commitment has been recognised with an eighth consecutive award.
“The fact that we’ve been awarded gold again shows how important it is for us to create a safe and modern working environment for our people.”
The RoSPA Awards is the UK’s largest health and safety programme. With almost 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, the programme offers a platform to those who demonstrate unwavering
commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in health and safety.
Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “Workplace accidents don’t just pose financial risks and operational disruptions; they significantly impact the quality of life for individuals. This is why acknowledging and rewarding excellent safety performance is vital.
“Michael Smith Switchgear has again proved its unwavering commitment to keeping employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.”
As well as recognition for safety standards, the firm, based at Braunstone Frith, has also won a string of national and international awards for its commitment to sustainability.
To find out more, visit: mssl.uk.com
Samac Fixings celebrates its 20th Anniversary
2024 sees Samac Fixings proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the last two decades, Samac has evolved into one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of fixings and roofing products and this landmark anniversary coincides with a period of significant growth for the business, marked by a substantial warehouse expansion that will dramatically increase its capacity.
The company’s success story is closely intertwined with the support and loyalty of independent merchants across the UK. Samac has grown alongside these merchants, building strong relationships based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. As the company looks to the future, it remains dedicated to nurturing these partnerships and supporting the growth and success of independent merchants.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are more committed than ever to innovation and growth. The upcoming year will see us launching even more new products, reinforcing our position as industry leaders,” said James Robinson, sales and marketing director at Samac. “Our focus remains steadfastly on supporting independent merchants, who have been instrumental in our journey over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing this journey alongside them, breaking new ground and setting higher standards in the industry.”
“As we embark on our next 20 years, we remain committed to our core values of quality, service and innovation. The team at Samac is really excited about the future and is looking forward to continuing to serve the construction industry with the same passion and dedication that have been the hallmark of its first 20 years. We would like to thank all our customers, partners and the entire construction community for their support and loyalty over the past two decades.”
For more details on the Samac Fixings visit: samacfixings.co.uk
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ENTERING THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY AWARDS 2024
Entering the Electrical Industry Awards is a really rewarding way to showcase a new product or shout about a great service you provide. There are 15 separate categories, covering products and services , contractors and wholesalers , and projects and installations
Becoming a fi nalist or winning an award is a great way to boost morale and gain the recognition that you and your team deserve, and now the process of entering for The Electrical Industry Awards is easier than ever. Simply follow the steps below:
Step One: Register
To register for The Electrical Industry Awards 2024, visit: www.electricaltimes.co.uk/electrical-industryawards/enter-awards/ and click ‘Register Now.’ Here you will enter some basic details about yourself, your company and which category/ categories you would like to enter. If you would like to get your entry done and dusted, feel to upload your full entry straight away. Alternatively, follow the rest of the steps below.
Step Two: Receive confirmation
Once you have completed the registration step, you will receive a confi rmation by email. It is important to keep this email safe as you will be able to use the link enclosed to complete your entry at a later date.
Step Three: Complete your full entry
At any time before 28th June, revisit your confi rmation email and press ‘click here’ to upload your full entry. This will include the entry writeup
itself and any additional information such as brochures, client testimonials, press release etc to back up your entry. You can save your progress at any time and return later should you gather further evidence.
What are the judges looking for? Five tips:
Pay attention to criteria: Making sure you answer all that is asked for in the category you enter will stand you in good stead with the judges. For more information on categories and criteria visit: www. electricaltimes.co.uk/electrical-industry-awards/ award-categories/
Allow plenty of time: Getting ahead of the deadline will make the organiser think well of you and will allow the judge the maximum amount of time to consider your entry.
Get the judges attention: Judges will be looking at many entries. A crisp, clear, but attractive presentation, which immediately makes it obvious why it is the winner, will be more eagerly consumed. Be arresting in your approach and use of colour, graphics, and materials.
Never underestimate the power of supporting information: In addition to your written entry, including lots of material to support your claims is arguably the most important aspect of a successful entry. You may include materials such as brochures, press releases, reviews, client testimonials, quotes, and images to backup your entry.
Shout about your sustainability achievements: The Electrical Industry Awards champion sustainability and the use of renewable technologies.
REWARDING EXCELLENCE FOR 32 YEARS
FINALIST HIGHLY COMMENDED WINNER
The industry’s largest and most respected event, the Electrical Industry Awards is back.
Brought to you by Electrical Times, the Awardscelebrating its 32nd year - recognise outstanding product innovation as well as individual talents. The winner of each category receives a coveted Electrical Industry Award.
So if you, or your company have something to shout about, these awards will get you noticed.
Some incentives for entry....
a Gain independent industry recognition for the excellent work delivered by you, highlighted across the range of categories.
a Promote your excellence, demonstrate a competitive edge and position your company alongside the best in the business.
a Put yourself in the best possible position to win more work.
a Being a finalist is proof of excellence in your business and proves to clients new and existing you are an industry innovator.
a Receive recognition from the electrical industry.
CATEGORIES
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 million)*
Contractor of the Year (Turnover £2 – 10 million)*
Contractor of the Year (Turnover over £10 million)*
Contractor of the Year Sustainability Award
Entries should include the following:
Introduction to the company e.g. years in operation, services offered etc …
Commitment staff development e.g. training opportunities, staff development, inclusivity
Improved market performance, sales growth and market share
An explanation of what sets your company aside from other electrical contractors of a similar size
Examples of sustainable practices/advancements
Community activities or charity work
An explanation of the company’s biggest achievement over the past year e.g. notable projects, new premises, targets hit
SPONSORS:
Expert advice on how to manage customer waiting lists effectively
Ellis Osborn
, e-commerce manager at IronmongeryDirect, shares six tips to help tradespeople manage their waiting lists and keep customers happy
Alife in the trades sometimes comes with setbacks, and these can affect how quickly workers can attend requests for new jobs. Research by IronmongeryDirect found that the average waiting list for a UK tradesperson is five weeks, with roofers having the largest demand (nine weeks).
Staff shortages (28 per cent), finding staff with the right skillset (16 per cent) and delays with parts (17 per cent) are just some of the main reasons for these long waiting lists.
Prioritising your waitlist
Prioritising your waitlist is crucial for ensuring your business runs smoothly. Review your list of jobs and identify those which are most urgent so you can complete these first. You may have an emergency call out, or some customers who have been waiting a number of weeks. Whoever you choose to prioritise, it’s important to keep all staff and customers updated and be transparent about why you have to push work back.
Keeping in touch with customers
No matter how long your wait list is, it’s crucial to keep a constant line of communication with your customers to let them know when planned work is due to commence. Be honest about waiting times from the beginning, and open about potential delays, such as materials shortages, or larger jobs taking longer than expected. Being clear with people will help to avoid any confusion and keep them happy.
Suggest alternative businesses where possible
You may find that customers were hoping to have the work conducted earlier and can’t wait for your available slots. If this is the case, you may want to suggest other businesses that may be able to take on the work sooner. Building relationships with other tradespeople can be a really positive thing to do, as if you recommend them to customers when you’re unable to take on the work, they might be able to return the favour at a later date to help you out.
Offer temporary solutions
There might be cases where you’re unable to attend a job to complete it fully, but you’re able to provide a temporary solution or workaround for the customer while they wait. This shows commitment to the customer, while buying you some time.
Quality assurance
The most effective way to keep customers happy is to ensure that when you do get to their job, you do it to the highest quality possible, justifying their long wait for your time. Nothing is more important than doing the job well, so providing a brilliant service is key to a satisfied client base.
How
to keep organised
Keeping organised can often feel like a mammoth task for a lot of people, but understanding what work
No matter how long your wait list is, it’s crucial to keep a constant line of communication with your customers to let them know when planned work is due to commence. Be honest about waiting times from the beginning, and open about potential delays.
you have coming in and when will help your business run smoothly.
1. Planning your calendar - Having a work calendar will help you to view your upcoming jobs and when new work can be planned in.
2. Factor in time off – No matter the size of your business or how busy you are, it’s important to plan in holidays and time off so you don’t experience burnout. Plan your leave in advance so you can move work around it.
3. Use your time wisely - Seeing both planned and potential work in one handy document will help you to plan your time effectively. You may have jobs in close proximity that you can schedule together, which will help you cut down on travel time.
For more advice on how to run a trade business, from social media marketing to inheriting a family firm, visit: https://www. ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog
Clothing technologies for the summer months
Combining sturdiness and flexibility with modern technologies in workwear can make an electrician’s daily routine not only safer, but comfortable and cool in the summer months too
As an electrician, each day presents a new set of challenges – be it installing new sockets or lights, troubleshooting circuits or making emergency repairs. Your workplace can be anywhere: under the blazing sun, in a cramped attic or on a busy construction site. Your work wardrobe, therefore, needs to be as versatile as your tasks – durable and flexible, not just keeping you cool but also ensuring you remain visible and safe in every environment. As the weather warms, cotton is your go-to. It lets air flow and sweat evaporate so you don’t overheat while you’re wiring up or fixing faults. It’s also easy on the skin, even when you’re sweating it out, and tough enough to handle the daily grind and countless washes. But beyond the traditional summer fabrics, there are technologies out there to help you beat the beat too. Carhartt’s Force technology is not a material fabric; it’s a series of properties that work together to wick away sweat, dry quickly, banish odour and keep you cool. Almost every job has you bending, stretching, crouching, or crawling, and restrictive clothing can be dangerous, especially if you’re up on a ladder or squeezing into tight spots to install alarms or devices. You need workwear that’s tough but not stiff. A bit of elastane mixed with traditional cotton canvas gives you that perfect combo of durability and flexibility: it’s still as tough as ever but now moves with you. Keep an eye out for Cordura Stretch Fabric too. Known for being tough as nails against abrasions and tears, adding some stretch means it keeps its protective edge without holding you back. Carhartt incorporates materials like Cordura and their own Rugged Flex technology, which gives you the freedom to stretch and bend without a second thought, into selected workwear so you won’t ever feel constrained.
When you’re on the job, you need clothes that are comfortable but tough enough to stand up to wear and tear. Cotton drill, ripstop nylon and heavyweight canvas are go-to materials because they’re solid enough to protect your skin and anything you wear underneath. Plus, they’re breathable, keeping you cool across various working conditions.
Denim is another solid choice for workwear. It’s durable, with a tight weave that’s good at dodging snags and tears – perfect when you’re working around anything sharp or rough. It also handles minor scrapes and abrasions well, making it ideal for tougher jobs. Carhartt’s Relaxed Fit Low Rise 5-Pocket Tapered Jeans are made from heavyweight stretch denim so they’re not just rugged but also really comfy. They sit just right below the waist and taper down nicely to fit over your boots, making them as practical as they are tough.
Carrying out safety checks and ensuring electrical systems meet compliance standards is a crucial part of your work and here, safety gear is essential. Your footwear, for instance, needs to meet specific safety standards, each indicating a different level of protection. SB-rated boots give basic toe protection against impacts of up to 200 joules. For indoor environments away from moisture, S1-rated boots are ideal: they provide anti-static
protection, resistance to fuel oil and energy absorption in the heel. If you’re often outside or work in damp conditions, S2 boots are a better fit, offering all the benefits of S1 with additional protection against water penetration and absorption in the upper part of the boot. For the ultimate protection, especially if you’re outdoors in wet conditions or around sharp objects that might pierce the sole, go for S3 boots which also resist midsole penetration.
When it comes to toe protection, you’ve got options. Steel toe boots are sturdy and offer solid protection, but they’re heavier and less breathable. Composite toe boots, made from materials like plastic or fiberglass, are lighter and don’t conduct heat, cold or electricity, making them a top choice for electricians, particularly during the sweltering summer months.
It’s a real treat to see the sun after all those months of dreary skies, but it also means it’s crucial to protect your eyes from not just dust and debris but also from the sun’s glare and sweat. Polycarbonate safety glasses are perfect for this. They’re way tougher than glass or other plastics, offering top-notch protection against high-speed particles and the usual flying bits you might get when cutting through plaster or wood, or dislodging cables. Despite their tough nature, these lenses are light, so you can wear them all day without a hitch. Plus, they naturally block nearly all UV rays, which is a win for sunny days. You can even get them with extra coatings like anti-scratch or anti-fog for even better performance.
Don’t forget a good cap, too. It’s not just about looking good; a cap helps shield your eyes from the sun and keeps the sweat out of your face. Carhartt’s Canvas Mesh Back Cap, which comes in a bunch of bright colours for extra visibility, features the Force sweatband so it’s great at wicking sweat and fighting off bacteria, so you stay sharp and comfy no matter how long the day stretches.
From the basic necessities of comfort and safety to the enhanced flexibility and durability of advanced materials, the right workwear is crucial for electricians tackling a diverse array of tasks in varying conditions. Equipped with innovative fabrics and designs, you know you’re protected and prepared for whatever challenges come your way.
For more information on the Carhartt range visit www.carhartt.com
Protection Perfection
Signify presents LumXpert – The ultimate tool for electrical installers
In today’s technologically advanced a--nd ever-evolving world, electricians are on a constant lookout for tools that can make their work more efficient and convenient. The 2000s have seen a surge in mobile applications designed specifically for electricians working in the UK. These apps cater to various needs such as project management, calculations, and electrical planning, becoming an essential part of a modern electrician’s toolkit.
The tools of the trade for a modernday electrician include more than pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and power drills. Today’s electrical expert uses technology to help get the job done.
and professional growth of the electrician and installer community by providing training and upskilling on a wide range of topics, innovative solutions to create new business opportunities, as well as keeping professional installers up to date with industry regulations and new trends and technologies.
Be it a scenario of installing lighting in an office space or warehouse or simply replacing the lights in a facility, a job like this can come with a myriad of challenges. Be it finding the right products or finding the right partner to get the products, getting the right quote in place, or even getting the installation right as per specific workspace regulations and requirements. More so, as an electrician in the UK, you know that keeping up with the latest technology can be a real challenge.
First, how can the app help?
Market studies show that ordering onlineeither through traditional wholesalers, marketplace, or new online pure players is increasing. Studies and market trends also show that:
• Working on the go: Electricians are always on the move, working at various job sites or in different locations.With an app, they can carry a comprehensive toolkit in their pocket, eliminating the
need to lug around bulky manuals, reference materials, or physical tools.
• Staying up to date on the latest trends and regulations: Electrical codes and standards continuously evolve, and electricians must stay current with the latest regulations. This access to real-time information helps electricians make informed decisions, ensure compliance, and maintain high standards of safety and quality.
• Handy tool for electrical jobs: Leading their companies and running daily operations, electricians- installers have a busy day with a diverse range of tasksfrom finding customers to purchasing equipment to installation, invoicing, and after-sales service. While they are a superskilled workforce, having a companion like Signify LumXpert can make the job easy while on the go.
Introducing Signify LumXpert
Signify, Philips Lighting manufacturer, strongly believes in supporting the personal
Built on more than several years of industry collaboration, LumXpert is the new marketplace specialized in lighting, developed for and with small and medium-sized installation companies to allow them to create fast quotes, compare prices and availability, order products through the platform from wholesalers, design and expand their lighting expertise.
The purpose of the app is to constantly create possibilities for installers to make their jobs easier, faster, and simpler. The app offers installers instant quotes from multiple wholesalers, based on project and product details, with a simplified purchasing process directly within the app. This enables users to buy from associated wholesalers with transparent information on prices and availability. Additionally, installers will have access to exclusive financing options.
LumXpert is now available on the App Store and Google Play Store in the UK, scan the QR code to download the app and get a 15 per cent discount on your first purchase of Philips products. The all-in-one tool:
> Quickly find the right products for your lighting job through the extensive Philips
portfolio of LED lamps and tubes, luminaires, and more.
> Compare prices, check product availability, and get immediate quotes across multiple wholesalers with your LumXpert account – no need one with each of them.
> Buy and track your order and delivery status, receiving it in maximum 48 hours.
> Create simple light plans based on projects, download them, and share them with your customer.
> Get direct access to our lighting experts’ customer service.
The tools of the trade for a modern-day electrician include more than pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and power drills. Today’s electrical
expert uses technology to help get the job done. Your smartphone holds the key to everything from making calculations to invoicing clients. While apps won’t take the place of professional knowledge, Signify LumXpert can be the tool to make working life easier. From Signify, along with the wholesale sector, LumXpert arrives with installers’ needs in mind to assist them in their daily work and contribute to the digitalisation of the lighting industry.
Download the app and get 15 per cent off on your first purchase
Make certificates and Max Zs easy
Nobody went into the trade to do administration and pretty much no-one enjoys paperwork. With this in mind, Benjamin Dyer of Powered Now encourages us to take advantage of some of the ways to minimise this irritating burden
You know that sinking feeling when the work has been completed, it was quite enjoyable, and there’s the satisfaction of a job well done, but now comes the paperwork. Wouldn’t it be great if it was all much quicker and easier?
Tedious certificates and Max Zs
An EICR has over 200 fields - I know this because I counted them! I got bored and stopped once I got past 200. It’s a monster to complete and may be about the worst paperwork job, but of course it’s not the only one that tries our patience.
I think we can all agree that it would be less irritating if your company name and address, your own name and signature, along with all customer and site details, were available to go on the form with a single click. And wouldn’t it be good if you could always find the last EICR for the site? Using this as a base would eliminate all that tedious rekeying. Shortcuts like this would save so much time and effort.
Additionally, can you imagine not having to look up Max Z’s in a table? Even better, whatever you use to look them up on your phone is fully integrated with your forms, so there is no need to copy and paste. So far, this discussion has been all about forms and certificates, but of course there’s lots of other administrative tasks that software can help with, including quotes, invoices, health and safety forms, scheduling appointments and more.
Key software attributes
The good news is that there are now a number of software suppliers that give you the ability to complete electrical certificates, not least of
As George Orwell famously said in his book Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” In the same way, all software can look the same, but some come up short in covering all key requirements for the trade.
which is NICEIC. But as George Orwell famously said in his book Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
In the same way, all software can look the same, but some come up short in covering all key requirements for the trade. Several things that are often missing include:
Working on your smartphone
A system that saves the most time will allow you to input information as you go. Nothing beats a smartphone for that. Tablets are nice, but generally more awkward to use in the field, as well as being an additional expense.
Working when you don’t have signal Depending on the territory that you cover, this can be a bigger or smaller problem. People working in places like Dartmoor or the Peak District have the biggest issues. No-one wants to have to carry a paper and pad for when there’s no signal. Your software needs to work wherever you are.
Working on whatever mobile device you and your team useApple or Android
If you have a team, you may not want to fork out £600 plus to supply each of them with the same phone. If that’s the case, you must accept whatever smartphone they already have. This means you need software that will run on all major platforms.
Doing all the paperwork, not just forms and certificates
Once you have set up all the key information about your customers, sites, team members etc. you want to be able to use this same information for all administration, including appointment scheduling.
Backs up everything automatically Technology is supposed to help you. It’s vital that data is backed up in case the smartphone is lost, stolen or broken. A system that covers this automatically is a must.
Don’t miss the opportunity Electricians, like other field trade professions, have some of the most onerous of regulations to comply with. This has spawned a whole load of app-based solutions to help. If you don’t use any software today, you’re really missing out. But if you use something that only does half the job, it’s got to be worth looking around too. For more information, visit: powerednow.com
Electrical software solutions and mobile applications
Having the necessary information and tools you need to hand can save a lot of time and frustration. The offerings from Pro Certs Software have evolved to provide just that. Whether it be for use on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, or on a desktop PC (Mac, Windows, Chromebook), with over 10 years developing electrical applications Pro Certs Software has a solution to cater for all.
Cloud-based electrical software
The online cloud-based electrical software is accessible via a web browser from your desktop PC, Mac or laptop. Enjoy the benefits of the larger screen sizes offered by desktop PC’s and laptops to carry out your electrical calculations, such as cable sizing or maximum demand and diversity, or for looking up electrical tables with ease using the search index.
Features: Easy to use navigation with a searchable index online. Log in from anywhere to access tools, electrical calculators, electrical tables and charts.
A new addition to this cloud web-based electrical software solution is the Maximum Demand Calculator (new for 2023), UI improvements and a new single phase and three phase maximum demand calculator. Calculate your total connected load, then apply diversity.
For further information visit: www.procertssoftware.com/blog/ online-electrical-software
Mobile apps
Pro Certs Software has a full suite of electrical apps which are available for Apple and Android devices to serve the needs of an on-site electrician, be that for assisting with EICR’s, looking up a maximum Zs value or just checking the copper equivalent size of an SWA cable armouring. There are free and paid apps available with the more complex apps being paid-for versions. Applications include Cable Calc, Adiabatic Equation Calculator, Maximum Demand (and Diversity Calculator), Max Zs Values and 7909 Certification software (based on BS 7909) amongst others.
The Electrical apps can be downloaded from the respective app store.
Electrical Certification Software (Based on BS 7671)
The electrical certification package “Pro Certs” is based on BS 7671 and has been designed for flexibility, ease of use and simplicity suitable for one man band electricians and large electrical contractors with multiple users, with a dedicated Management Web Portal and cloud syncing between devices. The Pro Certs
electrical certification software is available on iPad, Android Tablets and Windows PC’s – this coupled with the cloud syncing function creates a simple yet powerful electrical certification package.
Download for a free trial on iPad, Android Tablets, Windows PC or for further information visit www.procertssoftware.com/pro-certs
Electrical Certification Software
(Based on BS 7909)
The “7909 Certification” app is based on BS 7909, for use with the BS 7909 code of practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes. Go paperless with this 7909 Certification app for producing your custom temporary electrical system sign-off certificates including G1 Completion Certificate, G2 Schedule of Test Results and G3 Confirmation of Electrical Completion based on BS 7909 model forms. This app includes many time saving auto completion features vastly reducing the time taken to produce sign-off certs.
Download for free demo credits on iOS or Android, or for further information visit: www.procertssoftware.com/7909-certification
Electrical Certification Software
(Based on BS 7909)
Pro Certs Software started developing electrical applications for the Windows, Apple and Android mobile platforms in 2011, progressing onto cloud electrical software solutions and electrical certification software packages, giving them over 10 years in the field. For more information, visit: www. procertssoftware.com, or email info@pro-certs.com
Switched On
NVC Lighting specified for iconic development
Construction work is continuing at One Preston Park, which has seen Anston House, once described as ‘Brighton’s ugliest building’ and derelict for more than 30 years, replaced by three towers to accommodate 229 new homes. The new development includes a superb collection of one, two and threebed apartments, communal workspaces on the ground floor, underground parking and landscaped areas surrounding the development for residents to enjoy.
Ark Mechanical and Electrical Services (part of the JRL Group) specified NVC Lighting’s range of quality and value-driven LED lighting solutions for all amenity spaces, from the corridors and stairwells, the communal workspaces, the underground car park, external areas and to meet emergency lighting requirements.
Grant Bibby, electrical project manager for Ark M&E, said: “The One Preston Park development is completely revitalising a once derelict part of Brighton into a thriving residential area, with quality homes and landscaped surroundings that promote well-being and a real sense of community.
“A crucial element of creating this vision was the quality of the lighting used in the buildings and the external areas. The right lighting offers a multitude of benefits to both residents, visitors and the environment, not just from a visual comfort and well-being aspect, but also for safety and security.
“Another key part in specifying the lighting for this project was the overall sustainability of the building. LED lighting is one of the most energy efficient solutions for this type of development, offering significant energy savings and helping reduce energy consumption.
“We specified NVC Lighting because of its first-class service offering and the quality and cost-effectiveness of its products. The company and its team have supported us every step of the way, ensuring all products were delivered when we needed them to meet strict project deadlines through REXEL, our local wholesaler.
LIA’s Spring Technical Forum resounding success
The LIA recently hosted a member-only Spring Technical Forum, bringing together industry leaders, and experts, to explore the latest trends and advancements impacting the future of lighting. The event, held on April 18, 2024, was a huge success.
Attendees were introduced to engaging topics such as Building Regulations, Lighting Controls, and Government Updates. Presentations by Juan Ferrari and Bob Bohannon were exceptionally thoughtprovoking, such as their discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) in lighting design, emphasising the importance of embracing technological advancements a rather than fearing its implications.
Bob Bohannon also provided insights into upcoming legislation changes, offering attendees a clear path to track and monitor industry developments and an impactful presentation on “Sustainability Driven Operations.”
Additionally, the forum highlighted the key role of The LIA’s Technical Committees in shaping the direction of the lighting sector,
and LIA members were encouraged to actively participate and contribute to these groups, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives progress within our community.
One of the highlights of the event was the three university student award winners, who had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas on lighting design. Testament to the high-quality of their work, member representatives provided advice, guidance, and offers of additional support, as they embark on their professional career.
For more information about upcoming events and initiatives by The LIA, please visit: https://www.thelia.org.uk/
Reviving Poole’s Heritage
Once a quaint medieval fishing harbour, Poole has evolved into a bustling commercial port boasting major maritime industries. Its High Street, nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Poole Harbour, serves as the vital link between the historic Quayside and the town centre. Characterised by a blend of Georgian houses, elegant Victorian buildings, and charming 1930s art deco shopfronts, Poole exudes a vibrant sense of place, attracting visitors and locals alike. However, the town centre faces its fair share of challenges. Recognising the need for revitalisation, Historic England identified the High Street as a Heritage Action Zone. It secured funding to restore historic buildings, repurpose vacant spaces, and enhance public areas to invigorate the town centre.
Daniel Moorley, Street Lighting Team Leader Infrastructure at Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Council, describes: “Our Conservation team engaged us to upgrade the lighting along the High Street. We had received a grant for a Heritage Action Zone and wanted to make the wall lighting and column lighting match and fit in with the area.”
Acrospire upgraded the High Street’s lighting infrastructure to align with the Heritage Action Zone’s objectives. The solution comprised 72 wall and column-mounted Muirfield luminaires. Muirfield, renowned for its traditional gas lantern aesthetics infused with modern LED technology, perfectly complemented the historic architecture of Poole’s High Street. Crafted using premium materials sourced locally in the UK, these luminaires ensured superior quality and durability.
To address the project’s unique requirements, Acrospire provided a mixture of wattages (from 31W to 45W) tailored to meet current lighting standards. With a colour temperature of 3,000K, the lighting solution offered a warm and inviting ambience, enhancing the town centre’s allure.
The project had its challenges. Daniel explains: “We were in a position whereby the original cast iron columns did not have access at the base, so a solution was required where we could install a local isolator at each column. We worked with Acrospire on a “clock box” solution that was big enough to house an isolator and mimicked a gas clock box that would have been used when the lights were powered by gas.”
As well as ticking all the aesthetic boxes, the transition to LED lighting resulted in significant energy savings, with a remarkable 74 per cent reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous SON installations. Daniel commented, “I have worked with Acrospire on several projects and am pleased with their service. From start to finish, they were really engaged and very knowledgeable. Locals have praised the uniformity and improved spread of light, notably the elimination of bright spots which has created a more visually pleasing environment.”
The successful collaboration between Acrospire and the council breathed new life into Poole’s historic High Street, contributing to its ongoing revitalisation efforts.
For more information on Acrospire’s Heritage range, please visit https://acrospire.co/ranges/heritage/
Occupancy detectors with integrated DALI application controller
DALI-2 certified products
More mounting flexibility
New app and logic functions 0870 850 5412
New installation functions
Optimised range
info@beguk.co.uk beg-luxomat.com
More than 100 years of tradition. 7 years of LEDVANCE.
Top Swiss sports centre wins race to become ‘energy champion’
A leading sports centre used by elite athletes in Switzerland is an ‘energy champion’ after having a state-of-the-art lighting controls solution installed in its new buildings
Swiss professional athlethes such as 2021 European Athletics Indoor Champion sprinter Ajla Del Ponte and three-times European Champion swimmer Noè Ponti train at the CST Youth Sports Centre in Tenero-Contra, Locarno for competitions. The centre, a facility of the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO), also serves to promote youth sport and - in addition to the sports facilities - school and vocational training is provided.
The CST centre has an excellent infrastructure with numerous facilities where over 160 sports are practised. There are also training rooms, a canteen, accommodation with 280 beds and a campsite. There are five large buildings on the 350,000 square metre site, which is open to the public.
In this unique showcase project, German manufactuer B.E.G. – which has offices in the UK –provided intelligent KNX occupancy detectors in combination with KNX DALI gateways to help the sports centre be as energy efficient and comfortable for users as possible.
Swiss architect Mario Botta, whose works world famous works include numerous museums such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Évry Cathedral in France and the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Mogno, Switzerland, led the architectural project at the sports centre.
Because of the investment made in installing an optimal and energy-efficient lighting solution, the CST Youth Sports Centre is now a sports training faciliity which is not only fit for future generations but for the present too.
Botta designed four of the five buildings on the site of the youth sports centre and his most recent multi-purpose building, called Brere, was completed in 2023. The brick-red building welcomes visitors in an imposing portico on columns which becomes a canteen terrace in summer. The building comprises a double hall for artistic and apparatus gymnastics on three floors, a canteen with 440 seats and 13 theory rooms. The lecture theatre with multimedia equipment is ideal for conferences and events with up to 250 participants. These areas are now supported by an intelligent, equally flexible lighting control system.
B.E.G. installed occupancy sensors in all areas of the building (stairwell, corridors, training rooms, open spaces, restaurant, basement, sports hall) via Swiss electronics distributor, Swisslux AG, who were awarded the overall contract for the building technology for the new building. The sensors were networked via KNX and a DALI-KNX interface - all of which were remote-controlled and configured using the BLE-IR adapter in combination with the B.E.G. One app. The BLE-IR adapter can also be used as a luxmeter. The manufacturer also
used orientation light guides so users can move around the building safely in different times when brightness changes throughout the day.
Electrical contracting company Spinelli SA developed lighting scenarios using the B.E.G. sensors with so-called ‘lighting scenes’ for the multi-purpose halls and gymnasiums. This was so the halls are optimally lit at all times for the respective purpose, for example, for conferences, games, training sessions or simple cleaning.
Paul Jones, sales director of UK & Ireland at B.E.G. UK Ltd, said: “The B.E.G. sensors used at the CST Youth Sports Centre were ideal for this project as the detectors are very sensitive even over long distances and can also vert accuratey detect and adjust the brightness.
“The detectors transmit the values to the DALI control components - even across sensors - enabling precise daylight-dependent light control. This results in a very linear dimming curve without those present in the building realising for ultimate convenience.
“The B.E.G. sensors were fitted in multiple areas of the new buildings including the huge double gymnasium which now offers ideal and comfortable training conditions for artistic and apparatus gymnastics.
“Because of the investment made in installing an optimal and energy-efficient lighting solution, the CST Youth Sports Centre is now a sports training faciliity which is not only fit for future generations but for the present too.”
For more information about B.E.G. visit: https://www.beg-luxomat.com/en/
lighting products that are unused surplus stock, used but reusable, and used lighting products. For manufacturers, resellers, end users, wholesalers, or refit contractors inc. Cat A/B
Register your interest on the Reuse Hub. You will be notified as soon as stock becomes available from donors. For remanufacturers, charities, NGOs, educational facilities, and more Register your interest on the REUSE RECIPIENTS
And if you can’t reuse, Recolight recycle
remanufacturer, to be notified when lighting parts, components, and fixtures have been donated which you can use in your process.
The Recolight Reuse Hub is the first of its kind in the UK for lighting products. There is no other system like it in the UK to facilitate finding a new life for lighting products that have not reached end of life. At Recolight, we recycle, but in a Circular Economy model, recycling is not always the best solution. Recolight is under a legal obligation to prioritise reuse over recycling, so we facilitate and encourage reuse first.
Lighting up good education
James Blackmore, product director at Collingwood Lighting explores how to get school lighting right to help you win business in advance of summer holiday refurbishments
With high energy bills and a ban on manufacturing new fluorescents late last year, there will be a number of schools switching to LED lighting during the summer holidays. To win the business you have to meet the high standards demanded by the sector while providing a competitive tender to meet a tight budget
Fortunately, lighting technology has advanced considerably over the years, so you can provide better lighting to aid learning, reduce the school’s ongoing bills and keep the installation costs down.
Typically, a modern LED lighting solution will save the school up to 60 per cent of their ongoing costs by using controls such as presence and absence detection, dimming and daylight linking. Payback periods can be less than one year when the right advice is given, focusing on the quick wins first.
Maximising energy efficiency
While LED fittings are energy efficient, some are more efficient than others, so it’s worth checking both how many lumens per watt the luminaires provide and its optical performance for the space being lit. Utilising natural daylight is of course free light and its best practice to install daylight linking sensors to the relevant luminaires to enable them to dim up and down in response to natural light levels.
Other control in the classroom will vary from simple on/off control, remote dimming and absence detection using sensors. The latter will switch off the lights after a period of time with no movement. In areas such as corridors, toilets and stairways the luminaires can be automated using presence detection sensors to switch the lights off when no one is in the room.
You may find that a school does not have the budget to include lighting control, but if you install modular luminaires that can have sensors plugged into them then you can explain the benefits and revisit the school to install them at a future date.
Lighting quality
Good lighting is more than how many watts you can save. The installation needs to light the tasks being carried out, the space and most importantly the faces of the people in the room so that the teacher can watch, notice and respond to their students.
In such an important environment there are standards that you must meet. These vary according what the room is used for. The
illumination level for a classroom is a minimum of 300 lux for children or 500 lux for adults, however a key deliverable is to also provide 150 lux cylindrical illuminance. This best practice helps illuminate not just the desks, walls and ceilings but also the faces of the people within the space to aid good communication. Consider supplementing the general lighting or select a fitting that widely disperses the light outwards from a central optic. New products such as Collingwood Lighting’s Trinity fitting can help achieve this.
Other factors to check on a fitting are the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) which in a classroom should be 19 or less to provide a comfortable glare-free learning environment.
Fewer fittings by design
If you want to provide a competitive tender and still maintain your margins then get some help with a proper lighting assessment of the school. Credible lighting suppliers provide this service free of charge as at heart all lighting designers would advocate that the best refurbishment originates from a re-design to current day best practice. Indeed, you may find that you can achieve a better lighting scheme with fewer fittings than the existing scheme.
Such an assessment will also go beyond the classroom and other indoor areas to include outdoors, which needs lighting not only for safety and security, but also for aesthetics to
make the school a welcoming environment for children and parents. Plus, now there are environmental considerations for outdoor lighting and we would recommend using warmer 2,200K colour temperatures to reduce the impact of blue light on nocturnal animals.
Avoiding waste
Using fewer fittings to achieve better results is good for the environment. A well-designed luminaire will help you and the school. It will save you installation time and provide future flexibility. Many of our luminaires for example are modular with plug in sensors and even plug in battery packs so that you can adapt a fitting for emergency lighting.
And finally, when you have finished you will face the issue of waste disposal. Check what packaging the luminaire comes in, is it cardboard and how much of it is recyclable? To provide excellent lighting for learning and help your chances to win business for a school refurbishment, it’s worth taking advantage of the free support and advice from people that understand how to best light the application across the lifetime of the application for a cost-effective price.
Collingwood Lighting provides free energy assessments and a design service to help contractors win business in the educational sector. For more information, visit the website at: www.collingwood.com
The must-go sustainability event for lighting industry
Circular Lighting Live shows just how far the lighting industry has come in the last few years. The one-day conference and exhibition is organised by UK’s leading environmental compliance scheme Recolight
An instant success on its debut in 2022, Circular Lighting Live has become the defining gathering of the supply chain to assess its progress towards a circular economy and net zero.
On the agenda in 2024 is the legislative and regulatory landscape, the role AI can play in assisting firms with data, the opportunities and challenges of the emerging lighting remanufacturing ‘ecosystem’, 3D printing, design for a circular economy and sustainable materials including bioplastics.
Speakers include Signify chief design officer, Ton Borsboom, who will explore if AI and digitalisation represents the next revolution in sustainable design, and Orms architect Rachel Hoolahan, who will explain how each luminaire is set to get its own materials ‘passport’.
For 2024, the organisers have a more expansive exhibition floor and included a dedicated track for lighting designers.
In the Designer’s Track, lighting designer Paul Beale, founder of 18 Degrees, will share how a decision to salvage hundreds of office lights ignited a journey to forge connections throughout the industry.
Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2024 will feature leading experts, specifiers and policy makers who will share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies, and new business models.
Exhibitors include ASD Lighting, BELL Lighting, Glamox, Holophane, Llumarlite, Regen Initiative, Signify and Stoane Lighting.
Commenting on the importance of the event, Ray Molony, event chair said: “Many have
well-established environmental plans in place and will cheerfully deluge you with data about the provenance of their luminaires. Others are just embarking on their journey towards a circular economy. But what’s clear is that the mass movement has begun and it’s gaining momentum. Phrases like ‘remanufacturing’, ‘circularity’ or ‘embodied carbon’ are becoming common currency, and lighting designers are having serious conversations with clients about reusing luminaires.“
Aimed at the full supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers and specifiers, it takes place on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Royal College of Physicians in London.
The event brings together over 300 of the lighting industry’s top lighting designers and executives to consider how the sector can become a big part of the circular economy.
The early bird discounted booking rate ends on Thursday 31 July. Further details and bookings are available at circularlighting.live
What the delegates said last year:
“The event itself was invaluable for us as a business to benefit from exposure to specifiers, end users and peopleknowledgeable/influential in lighting.” Justine Walmsley, Signify
“Best circular economy event I have ever been to.”
Scott Pengelly, DFL-UK
“A great event with so much relevance to the lighting and building industry. Some excellent examples of remanufacture and success stories of how end users, architects and lighting designers are implementing the ideas of improved sustainability. More action is needed!” Lewis Smith, SDA
“This was one of the best conferences in lighting I have been to. The quality of all speakers and the content they delivered was very high.” Michael Gorman, EPME LTD
“Circular Lighting Live is one of the most inspiring conferences I have been to. It is bringing together experts to show the route to Carbon Net Zero 2050 and how we should be adapting to the future and helping reduce carbon. This is THE place to learn about lighting and its impact on the climate.”
Marcus Steffen, MS Lighting Design
Outdoor solutions from WISKA
WISKA offer a fantastic range of products that are ideally suited in helping you garden and outdoor installation needs this summer
The summer is here and with more and more of us spending these warmer months outside in our gardens or hospitality areas, it’s the perfect time to upgrade those garden lights, install that new water feature or add an extra outdoor heater in the beer garden. Whatever you’re looking to install or update, ensuring you have the right equipment and solutions for your project is essential for safety, speed, ease of installation and guaranteeing a high performance.
COMBI
The iconic COMBI junction box is a must-have for any outside installation. These little belly box beauties can be spotted everyone – from floodlights, CCTV, garden lighting, termination, extending, EV installation, signage, and everything in-between. A true market leader and the box of choice for electricians across the UK.
The COMBI is the perfect junction box for outside installation due to its robust performance capabilities – high IP66/67 protection against rain, dust and dirt, as well as being UV and impact resistant, ensuring this tough box can withstand extreme conditions. The threaded membrane entries allow users to install a cable gland without the need for a locknut, making installation quick and easy. The plastic three quarter screws ensure a rustfree secure seal, and if you need a little extra room the belly lid offers an additional 10 per cent space. Available in nine sizes, three colour ways (grey, black and white), with or without WAGO 221 connectors.
Gel and gel joints
WISKA’s range of insulating gels are perfect for filling your COMBI junction boxes – helping to increase the IP rating to IP68. This allows the junction box to be buried in the ground or even submersed in up to 40 meters of water.
WISKA gels are a non-conductive silicone-based gel that comes as a two-part liquid, which is mixed and then poured in to fill the enclosure. After a short time the gel sets like a jelly, which completely covers the connections and protects against any moisture entering or building up within the enclosure. A great solution to prevent the build-up of condensation.
The range includes the classic MP Gel, a clear gel (CRYSTAL) and re-working gel (REPLAY) and a new Twist-and-Go … MP One. MP One is extremely quick – one bottle, simply twist the cap down to release the activating liquid into the bottle. Shake for 15 seconds and pour, the gel will set in eight mins (at 23°C). Available in 300ml, 600ml and 900ml sizes.
As well as the gel junction box fillers, WISKA has a range of pre-filled gel joints, offering up to 75 per cent faster installation time compared to standard epoxy resin joints. The joints come pre-filled so no mixing or pouring – ready for immediate use, simply open the joint, make your connection and close. The SIXEIGHT and EVO range offer IP68 protection. The SIXEIGHT range can be used with both armoured and non-armoured cables whilst offering strain relief and submersion up to 10 meters. The EVO range also offers IP68 protection and is available in a wide range of sizes include T joints complete with various terminal types depending on your needs.
All gel and gel joint products are re-enterable, have no expiry date and are non-toxic.
Brace
Last but not least is the BraceFITTING. A fantastic example of the innovation and engineering standards at WISKA – the BraceFITTING is an IP69 rated flexible conduit fitting. No more getting frustrated trying to put together sub-standard fitting – the BraceFITTING is a one-piece construction meaning no assemble time required. Here’s how it works: simply insert your flexible conduit into the BraceFITTING at a slight angle, there is a slight lip on the top section of the BraceFITTING into which the groove of the conduit clips into, then close around the conduit. Quick, easy, and secure.
Thanks to its unique closing system and built in gasket the BraceFITTING has achieved an IP rating of IP69 meaning it can withstand high pressure hose downs, perfect when watering those garden lawns.
The BraceFITTING is available in M20, M25 and M32 contractors’ packs. These packs include 10 fittings, 10 locknuts and 10m of flexible conduit (either PP or PA) in choice of black or white.
To find out more about these products visit: wiska.co.uk or your local electrical wholesaler.
Solar’s transformative role in the UK’s energy landscape
Dr Neha Chaturvedi, head collar researcher at photovoltaic technology specialist NextGen Nano, describes the latest advancements in solar PV technology and evaluates how UK energy trends are changing amongst a turbulent political landscape
As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2024 , ongoing trends in the UK’s energy sector have outlined how our society is already progressing towards the government’s 2050 net-zero strategy. Businesses across the globe reiterate the strategy aiming to maximise product efficiency and profitability.
Solar energy is not a contemporary concept. Although the recent surge in ecological energy advancements and attention may suggest otherwise – the sun had consistently posed as our greatest power source and opportunity for renewable energy. Early civilisations going as far back as the 7th century began harnessing solar power to light torches with mirrors – although less technologically advanced – the utilisation of the sun’s power has consistently been at the forefront.
Technological innovation has since reflected society’s development throughout history, and today the concept of solar power represents a new age of clean power, where renewable energy production can sustain mass populations and generate sufficient profitability.
According to the Office for National Statistics, over the last year 2.9 GW of new renewable capacity has been added to the UK’s energy production, a 5.4 per cent increase with the largest contribution being solar PV at 1.1GW. For the last six years, statistics have been driven by rising numbers of small-scale installations such as solar panel placement on residential infrastructure.
Politics, progress, innovation
The influx of demand is promoted by the dominance of clean power across mainstream media, and the shift in focus from governments in recent years. Global conflicts have had devastating impacts on the UK’s energy sector resulting in inflated costs and more calls to nationalise power supply.
For 2024, the policies surrounding renewable energy become ever more prevalent with approaching general elections in the USA and the UK in early 2025. Politics has become more embedded within efficient energy development
Even with the support for solar energy, it is vital that we do not slip into tomorrow’s sustainability issue. Large proportions of PV technology on the market currently contain silicon and are not recyclable.
and regulation, creating management tactics and roadmaps that are often unable to sustain global advancements such as Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates (REGOs), configured and recognised in the UK but not the EU due to Brexit. REGOs provide transparency to consumers, and the certificate displays the proportion of electricity that suppliers source from renewable energy.
Future focused PV technology
The favourability of solar power encourages companies like Next Gen Nano to maintain their momentum in developing their PV technology. At NextGen Nano our goal is to achieve efficient and versatile solar PV cells which align with the financial prospects of the current market.
Even with the support for solar energy, it is vital that we do not slip into tomorrow’s sustainability issue. Large proportions of PV technology on the market currently contain
silicon and are not recyclable, which defeats the objectives when it comes to creating a sustainable power source.
For prospects of solar power to continue blooming, innovative concepts aiming to redesign the current solar mechanisms are essential. In the case of NextGen Nano, our focus centres around developing cells comprised of completely organic material.
The fluorine tin oxide (FTO) we use in our solar cells also poses as a key component when making the cells a financially viable option. Compared to the silicon oxide counterparts, the solar cells used by NextGen Nano are cheaper, transparent, and flexible meaning they could be used more regularly in infrastructure – with the capacity to replace the glass in windows.
The UK’s energy trends display the commencing surge in solar PV technology in the nation’s mainstream energy production. With popularity comes innovation, and technology must be continuously reinvented to reach an idealised sustainable future. Businesses and governments must consider long term solutions and move quick enough to generate ideas that utilise current science and society’s attitudes.
To find out more about the benefits of solar power over other form of renewable energy and NextGen Nano’s innovative PV technology visit: www. nextgen-nano.co.uk/technology
Colindale Garden: Setting the standard with Aico’s 3000 Series
Redrow, renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in residential development, partnered with Aico to ensure uncompromised safety standards at their prestigious Colindale Gardens development in London. This commitment is exemplified by their integration of Aico’s 3000 Series alarms into the project, providing residents with peace of mind. Having built over 120,000 new homes nationwide, Redrow aims to create communities complete with easy access to amenities, plenty of green spaces, and an exceptional quality of life. The Colindale development by Redrow aims to deliver a sophisticated and secure living environment for residents in London, with a focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Located in North West London, within nine acres of landscaped green space, Colindale Gardens is a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.
Enhancing protection
Redrow recognised the critical importance of implementing advanced fire detection systems to mitigate risks and safeguard the wellbeing of residents. The company needed to find a comprehensive solution that seamlessly integrated into the project’s design and offered long-term reliability and performance.
Redrow, who specifies Aico’s products across its sites, consulted with Aico’s national account manager, Oliver Barlow, and chose to install Aico’s 3000 Series alarms. The 3000 Series exceeds minimum building regulation requirements by offering Grade D1 performance. These mains-powered detectors feature a tamper-proof, 10-year rechargeable lithium battery backup, ensuring uninterrupted operation and continuous resident protection. Michael Hughes, group assistant buyer, Redrow, said: “Collaborating with Aico, renowned for premium smoke and heat detectors; proves seamless. Redrow’s
subcontractors favour Aico for their reliability and quality assurance.”
Unmatched functionality: A closer look at the Aico 3000 Series
By implementing Aico’s 3000 Series alarms, Redrow ensured the Colindale project prioritised the safety of its residents with a future-proof solution.
• Universal compatibility: All 3000 Series alarms seamlessly integrate with easi-fit bases for swift installation.
• Real-time data extraction: AudioLINK+ technology provides real-time data access, facilitating informed maintenance decisions.
Redrow opted for a strategic combination of Aico alarms to deliver optimal protection for Colindale residents:
• Ei3014 Heat Alarm: Featuring Aico’s high-performance thermistor sensor, this alarm responds rapidly to rising temperatures, triggering an alert at 58°C.
• Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm: Aico’s innovative optical smoke sensor excels at detecting slow-burning fires. This versatile option is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and dining areas. The smoke chamber boasts an integrated insect screen and automatic dust compensation, mitigating the risk of false alarms.
a testament to the positive impact on resident safety and project quality.
• Unparalleled resident safety: Residents enjoy an exceptional level of protection thanks to the advanced detection capabilities of the 3000 Series alarms. These alarms provide early warnings of potential fire threats while minimising the risk of false alarms, ensuring a safer living environment.
• Exceeding compliance standards: Redrow’s implementation of the 3000 Series goes beyond the minimum requirements of building regulations. This reflects Redrow’s commitment to safety and quality, fostering peace of mind for potential home buyers.
Oliver Barlow, national accounts manager at Aico, said: “It is fantastic to be collaborating with Redrow. Their commitment to safety and quality is evident and they share Aico’s dedication for creating safer places for people to live.”
By partnering with Aico and implementing the 3000 Series alarms at their Colindale project, Redrow has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to prioritising safety and elevating the standard of residential living.
Learn more about Aico’s 3000 Series alarms at www.aico.co.uk/series/3000-series
A commitment to safety: Exceeding compliance in new build developments
It is fantastic to be collaborating with Redrow. Their commitment to safety and quality is evident and they share Aico’s dedication for creating safer places for people to live.
The incorporation of Aico’s 3000 Series alarms at Redrow’s Colindale project serves as
THE CONNECTED HOME SOLUTION
A proven and scalable solution for the challenges faced by social housing providers, while generating a return on investment. The HomeLINK Connected Home Solution assists with:
Advanced scores fire system upgrade at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea Football Club, now boasts an upgraded fire safety system thanks to TP Fire & Security Ltd’s installation of Advanced equipment, ensuring protection and peace of mind for fans and staff
The project at the iconic London stadium involved replacing 14 existing fire alarm panels with a network of 17 Advanced MxPro 5s and three repeater panels, while ensuring uninterrupted functionality throughout.
The systematic decommissioning of the old system and installation of the new MxPro 5 network throughout the stadium, plus the integration of two new PC-Net graphics system, demanded careful planning and efficiency.
Despite the complexity of the task, the work was successfully completed in just six days, meeting the client’s stringent requirements for continuous protection and performance.
Stamford Bridge, situated in Fulham, West London, has been the proud home of Chelsea Football Club since 1905. With a capacity of 40,343, it stands as one of England’s most historic football venues. From its humble beginnings as an athletics ground in 1877, Stamford Bridge has evolved into a modern, all-seater stadium, hosting a myriad of sporting events, including football, cricket, rugby, and even speedway. Its rich history, coupled with its status as a Premier League venue, makes it a cornerstone of British football culture.
Simon Fiddy, project manager at TP Fire & Security Ltd, stated: “The successful upgrade at Stamford Bridge is testament to our team’s expertise and dedication and the ease of use of Advanced products. Despite the challenges posed by the scale and complexity of the installation, the exacting schedule and the need for continuous operation, we delivered a seamless transition to the new Advanced system. Chelsea FC’s satisfaction with the completed project underscores our commitment to excellence in fire safety solutions.”
Robert Ives, fire safety officer for Chelsea Football Club, added: “Ensuring the safety of Stamford Bridge and its occupants is our top priority, and the successful upgrade to our fire safety system plays a significant part in that goal. I’m relieved to have implemented a reliable and adaptable solution, ensuring continuous protection for Chelsea Football Club and its loyal supporters. I extend my thanks to all parties involved, whose expertise and dedication made this project a resounding success.”
Salvy Vittozzi, regional sales manager for the South East, said: “We’re proud to have
contributed to the enhancement of fire safety measures at Stamford Bridge. Advanced offers the reliability and flexibility demanded by large venues like Chelsea FC. This successful project highlights the effectiveness of our solutions in safeguarding iconic landmarks and ensuring the protection of occupants and assets.”
The fire alarm system upgrade at Stamford Bridge combined cutting-edge technology and expert installation, resulting in enhanced safety and peace of mind for Chelsea Football Club and its supporters.
MxPro 5 is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol fire panel and is certified by FM Approvals to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4. It offers customers a choice of four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. MxPro 5 can be used in single-loop, single-panel format, or easily configured into high-speed networks of up to 200 panels covering huge areas. Ease of installation and configuration, as well as its wide range of peripheral options, make MxPro 5 customisable to almost any application.
The MxPro 5’s stand-out false alarm management capabilities are available as standard. AlarmCalm delivers unprecedented control of verification and investigation delays. By dividing sites up into virtual false alarm ‘building areas’ independent of fire zones, much
more precise control of false alarm management and reduction strategies can be achieved that exactly fit the needs of each part of a building. An optional AlarmCalm button allows trained occupants to verify if they believe a local fire signal is a false alarm too – a highly effective way of eliminating unwanted alarms.
The MxPro 5 BMS/graphics interface allows BMS systems and graphical control PCs to be easily integrated with the MxPro 5 series of fire control panels and remote terminals using a simple RS232 connection. Multiple interfaces can be connected to the network catering for sites requiring control from a number of graphical PCs.
As a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction systems as well as emergency lighting.
Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.
For further information visit: advancedco.com
HobSensus prevents hobs from being left switched on if the person preparing food is distracted or leaves the kitchen unattended.
The sensor ‘watches’ the cooking surface and if temperatures approach dangerous levels it cuts power to the hob, leaving the kitchen safe.
Avoid kitchen hob dramas
Joyce excitedly yelled at the TV: “Oh, I know this one,” as she seated herself on the edge of her settee. “It’s ‘As Time Goes By’ from Casablanca.”
The quiz show host confirmed her answer. “And the bonus question…,” he continued, “is… what was the pianists name?”
- “Sam, it was Sam,” Joyce answered.
Joyce rarely had the answers on the tip of her tongue these days, but this was her favourite film. She snuggled back into her seat and relished the opportunity to recount the details of her most-loved movie.
It’s as easy as that. A moment of distraction can turn into half an hour of watching a teatime quiz show. A phone call or a knock at the door can quickly go from “Hello, how are you?” to a lengthy conversation about the meaning of life. Sometimes it’s lovely to be distracted, but sometimes, not so much!
In Joyce’s case, she was preparing her dinner. She had just popped some oil in a pan to fry some sausage and eggs. But while she was reminiscing about the steamy scenes in the hot, sultry Moroccan city, the temperature was also rising in her kitchen.
“Beep, beep, beep””…and that’s all we have time for today,” the game-show host concluded. Joyce switched off the television and sat for a
moment longer, lost in thought, but the ‘beep, beep, beeping,’ continued. She leapt to her feet and raced to the kitchen. Before opening the door, she could smell hot oil, and in that instant, she dreaded what she may face.
The beeping became more intense. Turning to the cooker she saw a red-light flashing. There was a click - the red glow of the cooking ring dimmed and the bubbling oil began to settle. Although the beeping continued for a short while longer, Joyce felt her immediate panic subside. She caught her breath and thanked her lucky stars that James, her son, had recommended fitting a power-off device to her hob. HobSensus makes sure that hobs cannot be left on when people preparing food are distracted or leave the kitchen. The timer will switch the hob off when the pre-set period elapses or the heat sensor will cut the power before temperatures on the cooking surface reach dangerous levels. Either way, HobSensus makes kitchens safer.
The unique feature of HobSensus is the 64-zone sensor that ‘watches’ the cooking surface. If temperatures approach dangerous levels the LEDs start to flash amber, and a beeping sound is emitted. If no action is taken, the beeping becomes more intense and the LEDs flash red before cutting the electricity supply to the hob. Easy to install and even simpler to operate, HobSensus is a cost-effective way of reducing the risk of fires in kitchens where a hob has been left unattended.
The Power Switching Unit (PSU) is installed between the isolator switch and the hob, while the Sensor Head is positioned centrally above the cooking surface with a clear view. The Sensor Head is powered using low voltage cable from the PSU. When this is impractical due to
impenetrable splashbacks or suchlike, 4 x AA batteries will provide up to two-years’ service. A secure, highly reliable digital radio signal provides communication between the two devices.
Launched in 2021, HobSensus has been installed in numerous student kitchens throughout the UK. Chris Shellard, Project Manager and Maintenance Supervisor at the University of the West of England, saw the benefit of HobSensus and installed them in every kitchen throughout the Frenchay Campus in Bristol. He commented: “It takes about 30 minutes to fit HobSensus, it was a very easy installation and since the work was done, we haven’t had any incidents involving hobs.”
HobSensus is recognised by Electrical Safety First, the campaigning organisation that is respected by government and industry for its work in reducing death and injury caused by electricity. At the 2023 annual conference HobSensus was awarded ‘The Safety Innovation Award’. The award acknowledges excellence of product safety initiatives within the industry.
Judges were particularly impressed with the robust manufacture, intelligent design and ease of retrofitting the product in existing kitchens.Adrian Barber, who collected the award on behalf of Prefect Controls commented: “Recognition from such an authority demonstrates the scale of the issue that exists with avoidable kitchen fires. It would be reassuring if devices like this became as commonplace as CO2 and smoke detectors.”
For any electricians working on houses of multi-occupancy, student accommodation or homes where vulnerable adults are living, the recommendation to install a ‘power-off device’ for the hob could be a real lifesaver.
Meeting your responsibilities as a buyer of PPE
BSIF CEO Alan Murray discusses the responsibilities of buyers of PPE and safety equipment and explains how the incorporating the Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) scheme into your procurement processes can help
The latest BSIF statistics show the availability of non-compliant PPE and safety equipment shows no signs of abating.
Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF examined 123 non-member products, assessing advertised performance, marking adequacy and compliance with standards. Shockingly, only 21 per cent – 26 products – proved fully compliant, leaving a staggering 79 per cent—97 products—falling short of testing criteria. Worryingly, many of these substandard products are still available and in use, posing serious risks to unsuspecting users.
The non-member test result findings sharply contrast the results of tests conducted on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are committed to only selling certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically. Of the 348 tests completed on products from Registered Safety Suppliers between December 2022 and December 2023, 91per cent – 315 products – passed immediately. Even for the 9 per cent – 33 products – initially falling short, all issues were promptly addressed and rectified.
What responsibilities do PPE and safety equipment buyers have?
Anyone in charge of buying PPE and safety equipment has a responsibility to select appropriate, certified and compliant products that meet workers’ specific requirements. Due diligence is vital. Buyers must assess the extent to which a product is fit for purpose. You should also look for wearer benefits above and beyond basic protection and make sure it fits comfortably so that it performs correctly. You must also determine whether it is compatible with other PPE that may be required.
The BSIF has created a checklist to help specifiers and users check whether PPE is fit for purpose in line with regulatory requirements. It includes questions such as whether the PPE has a UKCA, UKNI or CE Mark; if it was issued with user instructions; and if there is a Declaration of Conformity. If any questions present cause for concern, users should seek support and guidance from their company’s health & safety advisor and the manufacturer of the PPE. BSIF also offers an additional checklist featuring advice on how to check if the supporting documentation for PPE is in fact genuine.
Check-Select-Protect
Sourcing products from companies signed up to the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS)
is a simple way to fulfil your responsibilities as a buyer and cut the risk of inappropriate PPE selection and the serious consequences that can occur.
The BSIF recommends that buyers and end users follow a simple three-step process to ensure their PPE and safety equipment is fit for purpose:
• CHECK your supplier is BSIF Registered. BSIF-audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.
• SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.
• PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.
“Anyone in charge of buying PPE and safety equipment has a responsibility to select appropriate, certified and compliant products that meet workers’ specific requirements. Due diligence is vital. Buyers must assess the extent to which a product is fit for purpose. You should also look for wearer benefits above and beyond basic protection and make sure it fits comfortably so that it performs correctly. ”
Industry support
We are happy to share that a growing number of public and private sector organisations have pledged their support for the Registered Safety Supplier scheme, with many organisations now insisting on only using Registered Safety Suppliers when procuring PPE and safety products. A complete list of supporters can be found here: www. registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk/supporters/
One such supporter is Kevin Smith, procurement lead at Skanska, who is a strong advocate of the BSIF’s work and the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. Kevin explains: “We have worked with the BSIF since the pandemic when they provided crucial support in identifying bona fide PPE supplies to our workforce of over 3000 site-based, customer-facing employees.
“Without the assistance of BSIF, we would have without doubt procured non-compliant PPE, putting both our workforce and customers at risk of COVID. Bearing in mind that vaccinations were not yet available and death rates through COVID were high, BSIF assistance saved lives.”
Speaking about the prevalence of substandard products on the market today, Kevin adds: “I have seen various examples of uncertified PPE, and many are visibly inferior to certified products. Part of the challenge is that many people will take a CE mark at face value and therefore won’t realise that these marks may be fake and products may not in fact, be fit for purpose. Kevin concludes: “The Registered Safety Supplier Scheme ensures that PPE purchased is to the required standard and that we avoid inferior products that would put our workforce and employees at risk.”
Gary Shout, group health, safety and environmental manager at Clegg Group is also an advocate of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. Gary explains: “While our subcontractors already undergo a thorough vetting process we are looking at incorporating the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme into our prequalification processes because it’s reassuring to know suppliers are part of an audited framework. Currently our subcontractors are expected to provide evidence that they are equipped with the appropriate PPE, health monitoring procedures, and other relevant measures as part of our Pre-Qualification (PQ) requirements. Asking them to use BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers will reinforce our commitment to high health and safety standards and provide us with additional confidence that our supply chain undergoes rigorous evaluation by an independent body.”
Pledge your support
If you are interested in becoming a supporter of the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier scheme and specifying RSS for your supply chain, contact enquiries@bsif.co.uk.
For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit: www. registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk/
Widening the safety net of home security
WResideo surveyed 1,000 homeowners across the UK with almost a third saying they felt more concerned about their home safety following the pandemic. Martin Wilson, North EMEA regional director at Resideo, looks at what the survey highlighted as important to homeowners and what this means for security professionals
ith people spending more time at home and hybrid working a more accepted feature of everyday life, what constitutes home safety seems to have shifted. Indeed, in a survey by connected home security manufacturer, Resideo, additions such as fire and carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring and the ability to connect security with smart technology featured alongside the need to protect a property from unwanted intruders. Resideo surveyed 1,000 homeowners across the UK, with almost a third saying they felt more concerned about their home safety following the pandemic. A similar proportion of respondents may also consider purchasing a new alarm.
It probably comes as no surprise to many security professionals that the main driver prompting consumers to opt for an alarm was to discourage unwanted visitors. In fact, nearly 60 per cent cited deterring burglary when they were not at home as the top priority. The results also showed consumers were moving to a more holistic sense of home security, wanting to bring convenience, property, and life safety all into the mix.
With the latest modular alarm systems now available, such as the new ProSeries platform from Resideo, home security no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place. Instead, it can be built around individual needs to suit the homeowner, to create a more complete home safety and security system. It can also be extended as these needs change, or the home expands. For instance, by adding additional detectors such as fire, smoke, CO, motion, as well as glass break and window sensors, panic transmitters, and even medical transmitters, as required.
Revisiting priorities
To give a clearer picture of what customers considered important, the survey also delved into UK homeowner priorities when it came to selecting alarm features; providing valuable insight for alarm professionals to discuss
with prospects. The ability to suggest an alarm system that can bring together alerts for different threats under one scheme had real appeal, particularly alerts to the dangers presented by fire and CO. Both of which were mentioned as important to the decision-making process by 41 per cent of those asked.
For many, this increased awareness may be down to regulation updates regarding smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that took place in 2022. In Scotland, for instance, carbon monoxide detectors were required to be fitted in any room with a carbon-fuelled appliance in all homes, rented or owned. In England, from October 2022, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties, with carbon monoxide alarms now mandatory in the private rented sector. Wales followed suit in December for rented accommodation. The new guidance for England and Wales requires at least one smoke alarm to be installed on each storey of a property, to help alert to domestic fires more quickly, ensuring a quicker evacuation and reduced risk of fatality.
For professionals, systems such as ProSeries, can be connected to a series of smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, in a ‘one-go-all-go’
set up that means the alarm will go off if one of these threats is identified.
Integration
Equally, as more of us expect to be able to change the temperature of our homes from an app or check the doors of our cars are locked via our phone, the way homeowners want to receive alerts and operate their home security system was raised within the survey. Integration with smart home devices was mentioned as important for two fifths of respondents.
The Total Connect 2.0 app gives ProSeries end-users the ability to view and control the security system remotely. And the Resideo Pro app currently gives installers ability to view the system and connect to the Central Monitoring Station. The platform also supports smart home automation as it works with Z-wave devices.
This platform also gives extra benefits for alarm professionals too. The AlarmNet 360 platform on which ProSeries is built, gives greater insight to improve business operations, increase efficiency and delivers insights on accounts to identify additional upsell opportunities and ongoing services. Providing the ability to remotely diagnose brings valuable time saving options and avoids unnecessary
call outs. It also means the ProSeries panel and peripherals programming can be accessed anytime, anywhere, using the cloud, allowing ease of programming, troubleshooting and account management on the go.
With many people now spending more time at home, it is interesting to see that customers’ perception of what makes them feel safe has altered. Being able to offer a solution that can tackle these concerns in a single system - with the opportunity to up-scale over time - not only gives the alarm longevity, but also means that the client’s individual needs can be considered during the set-up stage, and added to as and when upgrades are needed, in line with their changing requirements.
For further information on its the latest range of ProSeries modular alarm systems panels and peripherals from, visit: https://www.resideo. com/gb/en/solutions/security/residential-security/
Siemens to host Transform 2024
Thousands of participants from across industry will come together to explore digital and sustainable transformation at Siemens Transform 2024, which aims to help participant businesses become more sustainable, competitive and resilient. Topics from AI to the industrial metaverse and decarbonisation are on the agenda at free-to-attend Manchester show
More than 4,000 industry leaders, tech experts and policymakers will convene at Manchester Central this July for Siemens’ Transform 2024 to explore digital and sustainable transformation, including the contribution that fire protection systems and BMS (Building Management Systems) can make in this regard.
The free-to-attend two-day conference and exhibition, which will take place on 17 and 18
July, will support industry in tackling its most urgent challenges and provide a platform for delegates from a wide range of sectors to collaborate on potential solutions and share knowledge. The 2024 event follows the business’s inaugural Transform 2022 event held at the same venue, which heard from leaders including world-renowned economist Lord Jim O’Neill, F1’s Red Bull Racing, engineering group Arup, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
Speakers for this year’s event will be revealed in the coming months. Participants will get free consultation from Siemens’ experts to help address their transformation challenges, including how to fund new projects. Live hackathons will also solve real-world industry challenges in real-time.
Carl Ennis, CEO at Siemens GB & Ireland, said: “Transform 2024 will host the community that is solving today’s most pressing challenges. Combining the real and digital worlds in new ways is at the heart of so many of the strategies that are making this possible.
“Our aim is for delegates to leave with greater clarity and confidence to move forward with digital and sustainability transformation, and to help them discover tangible solutions for making their organisation more competitive, resilient, and sustainable.
“As we know from Transform 2022, events like this create an environment that provides the means for industry to convene and collaborate – helping them to deploy groundbreaking technologies to strike at new opportunities. And it acts as a crucial forum to debate broader issues, from how we grow the UK’s STEM talent pool to how we can effectively champion UK industry on the global stage.”
To register for the event, visit: www.siemens. co.uk/transform
The why and how of specifying fire performance cables
Fire performance cables are critical in helping to save lives and provide greater property protection. So, how do they contribute to safer buildings? Simon Hopkins of manufacturer Prysmian gives us his take
The potential for a fire is always present. Latest Government figures (published January 2024) show that Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) attended over 143,000 fires in the year ending September 2023. When the worst happens, the primary objective must be to preserve life – which means that emergency alarms, lighting, sprinkler systems and the like must continue to work even as fire is raging through a building and most electrical equipment fails. A separate, robust infrastructure of fire-resistant cable is required by British Standards Codes of Practice listed in Building Regulations Approved Document B. The documents provide guidance on fire safety in buildings, Volume 1 covers dwellings and Volume 2 covers all other types of buildings. The FP range from Prysmian includes cables with different fire ratings for different applications.
Emergency lighting for building evacuation
Typically, the first sign indicating that there is a fire in a building is the sound of the fire alarm showing that the detector circuits
have functioned. Should normal lighting fail following a loss of power, the maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting system kicks into action. Emergency lighting is designed to illuminate escape routes and emergency exit signs to help all occupants evacuate the building. Emergency lighting is a requirement of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The power supply to this lighting needs to keep the lights on for long enough for occupants to evacuate. So “Standard” fire resistant cable, used for fire detection, fire alarm and emergency lighting systems, is required to achieve at least 30 minutes circuit integrity when tested in accordance with BS EN 50200 and BS EN 50200 ANNEX. The Prysmian product for this type of application is FP200 Gold, designed to meet the requirements of BS 7629-1. This cable is ideal for shops, offices, and schools, where the route to the exit is short and clear.
For hospitals or large, complex buildings where it may take longer than 30 minutes to evacuate, or if there is a need for multiple phases of evacuation, i.e. for wheelchair users who need time to get to a designated area, cable with “Enhanced” fire resistance would be a better
choice. “Enhanced” fire resistant cables are required to achieve at least 120 minutes when tested to BS EN 50200 and BS 8434-2. Prysmian FP PLUS is an example of such a cable.
Preventing the spread of fire
Once the occupants of the building have been evacuated, the systems designed to support fire fighting take over. These include sprinkler pumps, smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVs) and fire-fighting lifts. It is essential that the fire-resistant cables used in these systems maintain circuit integrity for even longer in these really challenging conditions. For these power applications, you are looking for a steel wire armoured cable. In the Prysmian range, this means FP600. `
FP600s is a steel wire armoured power cable with fire-resistant properties that is manufactured in accordance with BS 7846, achieving the highest fire performance rating, F120. The cable also meets BS 8491- 120 Minutes Fire Resistant Test which is Flame, Direct impact & Water JET applied to cable at its minimum bend radius. FP600s is ideal for SHEVs, disabled refuge areas, fire-fighting and evacuation lift supplies, smoke barriers, control dampers and smoke curtains plus extinguishing systems such as sprinkler pumps, water mist and powder.
Another cable for specific applications is FP500. This is designed to satisfy Cat 3 Control Cable requirements for BS 8519 for life safety and fire-fighting systems. FP500 cables are part of the control circuitry of a particular firefighting system that is required to operate when a fire is detected. This includes life safety and fire-fighting equipment such as evacuation route pressurisation, sprinkler pumps and SHEVs –FP500 cables do not distribute power, they carry the signal to initiate the fire-fighting equipment.
Finding the right cable
Fires in buildings are not unusual and emergency control and evacuation systems are continually evolving to further reduce the danger to life and damage to property. Specifying non-fire resistant cable has the potential to become the weakest link of such systems, so understanding the range of high-performance, rigorously tested cable options is an essential part of any fire prevention strategy.
your copy of the Code of Practice
The 2nd Edition of the Code of Practice for Grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems sets out the requirements for the design, specification, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Designers, installers and duty holders who are involved with Solar PV system deployment will gain understanding of the key safety requirements in the protection and earthing of PV systems mounted both on buildings and on the ground.
This edition provides comprehensive information ensuring solar PV systems are designed, competently installed and safe to operate in compliance with current national and international standards - including alignment to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and industry standards.
you prepared for your Level
These essential study guides for exam preparation and practice are tailor-made for those undertaking the relevant level 3 technical qualifications in Installation and Testing of Installations. Each book has been updated to conform with changes to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and in direct consultation with certification scheme assessors. They are endorsed by City & Guilds.
They provide:
– Notes and tips from experienced electrical engineers and course assessors
– Guidelines and advice about sitting the related exams
– Practice questions with ‘model’ answers
– References for where to seek further information Find out more and order your copy today at theiet.org/exampreps-et
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). Futures Place, Kings Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2UA, United Kingdom.
Better products that reduce CO2 for a comparable price
By Jon Chamberlain, managing director of Marshall-Tufflex
Not only do we live in a world of finite resources, but our industry’s default approach of using virgin materials over recycled ones is a major driver in global warming. Not only are we exhausting our planet’s resources, we’re invariably doing so with higher embodied carbon – which is all the CO2 emitted in producing materials – than if we recycle existing products for reuse on sites. But it doesn’t have to be this way if we employ responsible sourcing through innovation, that not only reuses materials, but produces superior products. Playing our part in the electrical sector by reusing materials in what’s known as the circular economy, could support an achievable reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions for all building materials by an estimated 38 per cent in 2050. That’s a huge positive impact if the whole industry pulls together, and by recycling the vast ‘materials bank’ that already exists in the built environment, we can also help reduce the amount of PVC-U that ends up in landfill every year.
But even when supported by compelling reasoning, recycled products are not universally adopted, often due to various misconceptions. It’s something we’re keen to help address, for the benefit of both customers, and the planet.
Superior performance
The reason our recycled trunking will outperform conventional products is simple; it contains reclaimed PVC-U that started life as window frames. This raw material is more robust and higher quality than normal conduit or trunking virgin grade extrusion PVC-U. That’s because the material used to make windows is a higher grade designed to withstand UV light
and the external elements. This means longerlasting products, delighted customers and less environmental damage from replacing inferior worn out alternatives.
Whether it’s sourced from factory off-cuts that would otherwise have gone to waste, or from end-of-life window frames that would have ended up in landfill, the repurposed material results in superior quality solutions.
The right aesthetic
One concern when it comes to recycled products, is a misunderstanding that they may not present the required aesthetic appearance compared to higher carbon options. The good news is that different products in our range have differing quantities of recycled PVC-U, to suit the appropriate finish, with something for all situations. Moreover, with ranges featuring over 50 per cent and some products, such as the unseen trunking base with up to 100 per cent, you can be sure our recycled trunking is also offering enhanced performance alongside the desired look.
Offering installers products that implement a rigorous quality testing regime ensures customers get products that more than satisfy their expectations on quality. For example, our operatives take regular samples from MarshallTufflex’s production line to guarantee the expected standard, including achieving a glossy white finish and colour consistency.
Responsible sourcing wins work It’s not just about doing the right thing for the planet either, there are other business benefits too. Another misconception is that sourcing
sustainably doesn’t translate to commercial payback. But aside from the product cost, which is in line with virgin material products, there’s another important upside. As the world increasingly wakes up to the challenge of global warming, companies that can show enlightened clients they are serious about sustainability soon come to realise it’s giving them a competitive edge. And when contractors can demonstrate sustainable solutions alongside better performance, they’re recommending clear advantages for both individual customers and when it comes to pre-qualification scoring. All of which equates to repeat business for electrical wholesalers.
One industry, pulling together
At Marshall-Tufflex we used over 2,750 tonnes of recycled PVC-U in 2023. Imagine if all manufacturers followed suit? It’s why we campaign for all to commit to using a minimum average of 50 per cent recycled material in their products. Installers can play a part in driving down carbon emissions too, by asking their electrical wholesaler for superior performance trunking that contains recycled plastic, from reputable manufacturers.
Meanwhile, offering customers PVC-U cable management solutions with recycled content, from trusted producers, is a simple and cost neutral way of reducing embodied carbon and waste and contributing to a more sustainable future – all while offering your customers exactly the same benefits.
For more information about the MarshallTufflex range of cable management systems and accessories visit www.marshall-tufflex.com.
Niglon’s Simplex – Making the complicated simple
Both an ordered and safe installation can easily be achieved through incorporating cable management products – and selecting suitable products from the get-go will ensure the project goes ahead quickly and smoothly.
Niglon has been serving the industry for many decades and understands the importance of getting the basics correct first time round. Selecting the right type of cable management should be easy, but with the large product choice on the market, customers are finding it harder and harder to know if they’re getting value for money whilst still retaining quality.
Being able to choose from a wide range of products makes life easier and that’s why Niglon hold up to nearly 1,000 different cable management items in stock for immediate despatch. Its extensive range includes:
• Malleable conduit boxes and fittings
• Bracketry
• Cable glands
• Flexible conduit
• Adaptable boxes
• Resin cable joints
Simplex
Niglon offers an extensive range of cable accessories under its Simplex and Simplex Pro range. The range incorporates many different products including, but not limited to: malleable conduit boxes, steel and brass conduit fittings, flexible conduit, armoured cable glands and much more.
Conduit fittings might not be the first product that comes to mind when people think of Niglon, but they’re still somewhat of a specialism for the company. Incredibly, Niglon has been supplying these items to the
trade for more than 50 years. The company now distribute this range exclusively under the SIMPLEX brand, a highly regarded name from yesteryear that many will be familiar with, and which confirms Niglon’s pedigree in this area.
While many things have changed in the industry over the decades, tried and tested products that do a reliable job tend to stick around, remaining loved and well-used by each new generation of installers. With these products it’s about quality, breadth of available product and stock depth - from the bog standard to the weird and wonderful.
When it comes to conduit boxes and fittings, Niglon has got everything you’ll need covered – and the great news is, with more than 1,500 electrical wholesalers stocking Niglon throughout the UK, you’re never too far from a stockist. This network is also backed up by extensive stock holding at its centrally located distribution centre in the West Midlands.
Oliver Hinley, operations director at Niglon comments: “We’ve always maintained a diverse selection of cable management products, a hallmark recognised by many of our loyal customers today. The Simplex range has empowered us to diversify our product line, ensuring we maintain our commitment to delivering top quality products at competitive prices, which enable contractors to provide a professional finish while improving margins.”
Why choose Niglon?
A good product speaks volumes when it comes to choosing which supplier to opt for – but Niglon also believe that its job is much more than that. As a fourth-generation family owned
and run firm, the company has retained the personal customer service that stood it in good stead when the business first launched. Nearly 80 years later, its product ranges may have expanded almost beyond the imagination of the founder – but the high-quality service he demanded from his first members of staff has remained the core of the Niglon ethos.
Niglon offers 4,500 electrical products, which are only available through electrical wholesalers. The offering spans across nine categories: circuit protection, earthing, wiring accessories, installation essentials, industrial accessories, cable management, commercial lighting, fixing and tools, and control and automation. For more information about Niglon’s range of electrical products visit: www.niglon.co.uk
Given the length of time that Niglon have served the industry, you may well have used its products without even realising! The team are more than happy to talk you through its extensive ranges – whether you’re after cable management or products from any of the other supply categories Niglon specialise in. Call or contact via the website: niglon.co.uk.
● Steel, PVC & nylon flex conduit
● Sizes ranging from 13-54mm, in lengths 10-50m
● Fixed and swivel connectors in brass & nylon
● Contractor packs (black & white) IP40-IP64, in PVC and polypropylene
● Simplex Power branded
● BS EN 61386-1:2008
Q: A:
AQBen Marchant, 3ti CEO
Can you tell us more about yourself, and your role?
I joined the industry around 14 years ago, after identifying that the solar transition – then in its infancy - was going to be truly revolutionary. The energy industry has always offered multiple opportunities for growth, development and expansion so it is easy to become incredibly excited about such an impactful sector. When someone asked me: “if you could change one thing, what would it be?” I would answer: “stop burning fossil fuels.”
Today, I feel evermore passionate about this topic and I am honoured that I can channel this energy into 3ti to make a real a difference alongside some of the brightest minds in solar, storage and EV charging.
How has the industry changed since you started?
When I first joined the energy industry in the UK, solar was still heavily subsidised. For a while, the UK solar industry was world-leading but as the cost of solar came down, subsidies were withdrawn. With energy prices where they were, solar had reached price parity with grid power but was only competitive rather than financially attractive. Growth was stunted and wound down almost to standstill.
year-on-year growth that will continue over the next decade and beyond. This electrification of transport, with the electrification of heating just behind it, is paving the way for the emergence of the battery energy storage sector. The dynamic shifts and additional strains that EVs and electric heating will place on the UK’s grid network mean that smart technologies, such as 3ti’s digital platform 3tiG, and storage will play critical roles in managing and smoothing variable supply and demand.
Fundamentally, the industry has completely changed, will continue to change and at 3ti we are proud to be at the forefront of the UK’s transition.
extreme weather, equipment failure or even cyber-attacks.
The UK is facing significant challenges as it caters for surging electricity demand as we electrify transport and heating; we need to increase the amount of solar we currently have five-fold by 2035 and simultaneously deploy 54 times as many EV charge points in workplaces and destinations.
This will put an enormous strain on the grid, so it is important that we utilise batteries –both external batteries and within EVs – to balance energy supply and demand and support grid networks.
Government support and policy change will be a driving force to realise this change. It is vital that we deliver the correct policies to support renewable energy, storage and EV charging markets better and more fairly. For example, it frustrates me that we are charging EV drivers VAT when they charge at public charging stations – which many have to as 50 per cent of EV drivers don’t have access to off-street charging at home – especially when subsidies for gas still exist. Government can play an enormous role in accelerating, and legislating for an equitable, energy transition.
A: Q: Q: A:
So, in 2015, I chose to help set-up Faro Energy in Latin America, that had surprisingly nascent solar markets given market (and solar!) conditions and were ripe for rapid growth. In the next four years, we deployed solar in Guatemala, Colombia and transformed Brazil’s solar industry, that previously had no significant solar in the commercial and industrial space, with almost 100 MWp installed to date. We significantly reduced energy costs and carbon emissions for customers – the same outcomes we now provide at 3ti – and again just like 3ti, became a proud Certified B-Corp.
Today, the UK’s subsidy-free solar industry is booming again and will continue to, with 3ti being able to save customers up to 50 per cent on their energy bills.
EV’s didn’t exist when I started but have become mainstream, with exponential
What’s the biggest challenge facing the renewables industry?
A:
Grid connection as a whole is a major issue facing the renewable industry at the moment, with a multitude of capacity and infrastructure constraints impacting upgrades and overall reliability of the network. However, 3ti is already solving this using smart microgrid technology, which offers several benefits to address many of the challenges associated with traditional grid connections.
Microgrids provide more efficient, higherpower charging at a lower cost by maximising the capabilities of existing grid connections, while operating independently to the main grid to provide backup during power disruptions and enhance resilience against
Q:
What are your thoughts on the future of EV and solar PV?
More and more businesses understand the wide ranging benefits of solar power, including how it can slash energy bills and reduce reliance on the grid. Of course, renewables mean we stop burning fossil fuels, but they generate cost savings for businesses and consumers alike.
We all know that to achieve net zero and avoid catastrophic climate change, we must transition to cleaner means of energy generation, powering our vehicles and buildings with renewable energy to support future generations. It is, without doubt, what we’ve got to do.
And the great news is – it’s cheaper. Our solar, battery and EV charging solutions can cut energy bills by 20-50 per cent and get EVs Driving on Sunshine while earning revenue from, and improving the quality and life expectancy of, EV batteries at the same time.
People want to do the right thing, but they are more likely to do it when it saves them money. This is why we should be excited about the future of EVs and the increased uptake of solar power. Environment and economic benefits can, and should, go hand in hand.
A: Q:
What is the V2X fast hub project?
The project is setting out to integrate bi-directional DC charging and 3ti’s associated power management systems into Papilio3. The V2X FastHub project will be a watershed moment for future energy security, providing a clear pathway to help resolve the issue of intermittent supply from renewables by using EV batteries as grid assets, to the benefit of EV drivers.
We’re really excited about the V2X FastHub project. Our specialised fast hub Papilio3 unit is currently being fitted with the bi-directional hardware and software required to deliver the trial later this year.
Q:
A:
What’s next for 3ti?
We will continue to deliver substantial savings on energy bills
for our customers while rapidly expanding our network through the rollout of 3ti solar car parks and Papilio3 pop-up EV charging hubs. We have already demonstrated that vehicles and facilities can be effectively charged from solar energy in the UK, reducing emissions and providing additional revenue streams from EV charging and grid services for customers. Through leveraging the use of EV batteries in
energy flexibility markets in our V2X fast hub project, we’re poised to revolutionise site-level energy management and sustainability whilst benefiting our stakeholders, customers and facilities financially.
For more information, please visit: https://3ti. co.uk/3ti-announces-government-fundingawarded-to-project-to-prove-evs-are-assets-tothe-grid-papilio3-v2x-fast-hub/
SWITCHING OFF
A cymbal of freedom
Chaz McDonald, Harsh & Hazardous Area Specialist at CEF, talks to editor Lisa Peake, about reigniting his love for drumming and how his parents inspired both his love of music and an early interest in motorbikes
My career started in the Mid 80’s when I took up an electrical apprenticeship after a work experience period from school. In fact, I always wanted to be a mechanic, but when we were given the opportunity to have a three-week placement as work experience, I chose two garages and one other company that I had never heard of. That company was an electrical contractor and the rest is history...
Early in my career, I worked on commercial and industrial installations in and around London. I moved into electrical wholesaling in 1990 to begin my sales career, working for two of the UK’s largest wholesalers in and around London in account management, sales management and branch management.
In 2010, I had the opportunity to join a manufacturer of ATEX approved lighting and switchgear products as the sales and marketing director. After 12 successful years, I was given the opportunity by CEF to head up their ATEX category on a national basis for the UK & Ireland.
As the category manager for ATEX, I work across the CEF business with my colleagues
in National Accounts & Projects, Group and Branch teams to advise on ATEX product solutions. I engage with our customers to advise of suitable products as well as managing our supply chain and ensuring we have sufficient stocks at our online division.
I enjoy the variety. No two days are the same. I travel the UK & Ireland as part of my role and I get to meet new and interesting people on a daily basis as well as building relationships across the CEF Family.
In the groove
I have been interested in music ever since I can remember. My father was a semi-professional singer, and my mother was a Beatles, Rolling Stones and Elvis fanatic.
I learnt to play drums (badly) when I was at secondary school and was briefly in a band that played at school events. Life took over for a number of years and I didn’t play, but
a few years ago I became friends with some very accomplished musicians who encouraged me to start playing again. My partner has been extremely supportive, to the point where she purchased me a full Pearl export kit as a surprise after I played an impromptu session with my friends at a venue in Birmingham (pictured above).
Playing the drums is a very immersive experience, and strangely relaxing. Just being in the groove. My musical influences are many and varied. Because of my parents, I listen to a lot of music from “before my time” such as The Who, The Kinks, Thin Lizzy and many more from the 60’s and 70’s. I was a keen “Electro” fan in the early 80’s and also like electronic music of that era including New Order, Heven 17, Depeche Mode and many Dance and Rave music tracks from the 80’s and 90’s. If its good music, I will listen to it.
A life-long passion
As a kid, my hero was Barry Sheene. He was 500cc world champion in 1976 and was also a great character with superstar status around the world. Evil Knievel was also a hero, and I can remember my father showing me film of him jumping over 13 double decker buses at Wembley Stadium.
My first bike was a Yamaha RD200 2 stroke (1975). My father purchased it as a non-runner and let me “play” with it and get it running. He used to take me to waste ground to practice riding it. I would have been around nine years old.
I love the look, power and freedom that motorbikes offer - you don’t have to travel at massive speeds as with a sports focused bike, you feel like you are doing 100mph when you are only doing 40.
I have a passion for Italian bikes as the designs are simply stunning. And they sound like no other machine on the planet.
My collection consists of:
• Year 2000 Aprilia RSVR
• Year 2002 Ducati 748
• Year 2002 Ducati 999
• Year 2006 MV Agusta F4S 1000
• Year 2000 Honda CBR929 Fireblade
My favourite has to be the MV Agusta (pictured above), simply because it is stunning to look at and is regarded as the best-looking motorcycle of all time.
My interest still lies in fuel powered motorbikes. Electric motorbikes are still at a relative early stage, with only small commuter and trial bike options available. Electric bikes were trailed and raced for a few years at the Isle of Man TT races (which I attend every year) but were found to be lacking in power and range. However, it’s only a matter of time before the manufacturers solve this issue and I would be happy to try one, if only to satisfy my curiosity.
Climate change and occupational risks: How can employers respond?
Alex Minett, head of global new markets at Veriforce CHAS, outlines some key climate changerelated risks and mitigation strategies for employers
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality with significant impacts on occupational health and safety. As its effects intensify, employers must recognise and address the exacerbated risks their workers face. From heat stress to increased exposure to air pollution, it helps to be vigilant and proactive in addressing climate change-associated risks.
Heat stress
Rising temperatures due to climate change present a significant occupational hazard for outdoor workers, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat cramps, and, in severe cases, heat-related fatalities. To address this challenge, employers can implement various mitigation strategies. Providing access to shaded areas or designated rest breaks in cool environments allows workers to seek refuge from the sun’s intense heat, reducing the risk of overheating. Ensuring ample availability of drinking water is crucial for maintaining hydration levels and preventing dehydration. Additionally, scheduling strenuous tasks during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, helps minimise exposure to extreme heat. Furthermore, offering comprehensive training sessions to workers on how to recognise early signs of heat-related illnesses and respond effectively can empower them to take proactive measures to protect their health and well-being.
UV radiation
The depletion of the ozone layer has intensified workers’ exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly for those who work outdoors. UV radiation poses serious health risks, including sunburn, premature skin ageing, and an increased likelihood of developing
skin cancer. To mitigate these risks, employers can implement various protective measures. Providing appropriate protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, helps shield workers from direct sun exposure. Equipping workers with UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen further protects them against harmful UV rays. Encouraging regular breaks in shaded areas allows workers to seek relief from direct sunlight and reduce prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Moreover, scheduling outdoor tasks during less intense UV radiation hours, typically early morning or late afternoon, helps minimise the risk of sunburn and other UV-related health issues.
Air pollution
Climate change exacerbates air pollution, particularly in industries with high levels of pollutant emissions, posing significant risks to respiratory health. Exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. To mitigate these health hazards, employers can implement various strategies. Reducing emissions within the workplace through the adoption of cleaner technologies and processes helps improve indoor air quality and protect workers’ health. Providing respiratory protection equipment, such as masks or respirators and ensuring they are appropriately fitted offers additional protection against inhaling harmful pollutants during work activities. Additionally, upgrading equipment or processes to minimise emissions helps mitigate the impact of industrial activities on air quality and public health.
Major industrial accidents
Extreme weather events linked to climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, and
severe storms, pose an increased risk of major industrial accidents, endangering workers and surrounding communities. These events can lead to infrastructure damage, chemical spills, fires, and other hazardous situations, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and environmental damage. To mitigate these risks, employers must implement comprehensive risk management measures. Conducting thorough risk assessments helps identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities, enabling proactive measures to prevent accidents and minimise their impact. Establishing comprehensive emergency preparedness plans ensures that workers and communities are equipped to respond effectively to industrial accidents, with clear protocols for evacuation, emergency communication, and response coordination. Ensuring resilient infrastructure and equipment that can withstand extreme weather conditions reduces the likelihood of failures and accidents during severe weather events. Regular training on emergency procedures and protocols empowers workers to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an industrial accident, enhancing overall safety and preparedness.
Conclusion
Climate change poses significant challenges to occupational health and safety, calling for proactive measures from employers to protect their workers. Integrating climate concerns into occupational safety and health practices can create safer working environments in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
To mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the International Labour Organisation held a webinar on April 25, 2024. The webinar featured experts discussing worker protection and response strategies. The event is available to view at https://live.ilo.org
For more information on Veriforce CHAS visit: www.chas.co.uk
“Rising temperatures due to climate change present a significant occupational hazard for outdoor workers, heightening the risk of heatrelated illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat cramps, and, in severe cases, heat-related fatalities. To address this challenge, employers can implement various mitigation strategies. ”
Click Scolmore adds new Elucian 1P + Switched RCBO
Click Scolmore has introduced a new range of compact 1 Pole + Switched Neutral True 6kA 30mA Trip (Type A) RCBOs to its Elucian consumer unit and protective devices portfolio.
Available in B Curve and C Curve and 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A and 45A options, the new switched neutral RCBOs comes complete with 450mm Neutral out tails, and they are supplied with a three year warranty. They form part of the Click Elucian range of RCBO protective devices which are all Type A rated, offering a resilience when DC current is present.
A single pole switched neutral RCBO is a device that has overcurrent protection only on the line conductor, but residual current protection on both the line and the neutral. It also switches off in the event of a fault, or a manual operation.
The Elucian RCBO protective devices range now comprises:
• The new Type A 1 Pole + Switched Neutral RCBO B Curve – 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A,40A and 45A.
• Type A Single Pole B Curve – 6A,10A,16A, 20A, 25A, 32A and 40A.
• Type A 2 Module Double Pole B Curve – 45A, 50A and 63A.
• Type A Single Pole C Curve.
• Type A Double Pole C Curve.
The comprehensive Elucian by Click range can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website as well as on the Scolmore Group app. www.scolmore.com
Simplified access to EDA’s EDATA data pool for Intact users
In today's fast-paced electrical industry, quick access to accurate product information is essential. The recent integration of Intact iQ, an ERP software tailored for electrical wholesalers, EDATA marks a significant stride forward in this regard. Under the guidance of Intact’s technical strategist, Robbie McEnteggart, the new integration was unveiled at both the EDA’s Digitalisation Forum and the Belfast Regional Business Forum, demonstrating its seamless functionality.
Now, electrical wholesalers can effortlessly retrieve EDATA product details directly within their Intact iQ platform, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for external searches. EDATA’s API grants seamless up to date access to high quality product data which can be utilised in all areas of your iQ system from point of sale, purchasing and warehouse functionality. Depending on internal organisation procedures, the facility also exists for the dynamic creation of new products, all while upholding data consistency and quality through adherence to ETIM standards. www.intactsoftware.com
Garden lighting range available from Ovia
As we approach the warmer days and longer evenings, Ovia has a range of garden lighting products to help your clients get their outdoors summer ready.
A collection of wall lights, spike lights and bollards make up the range, ensuring all areas of the garden can benefit from a new lease of light. The majority of the range is available in cool white 4,000k and warm white 3,000k colour options. With warm white a very popular choice for external garden lighting schemes due to its softer light source, Ovia is experiencing high demand for this collection.
The range sits within Ovia’s Amenity Lighting category. There are seven different wall light designs in the range including:
• Twist – an innovative IP65 11W up and down wall light
• Verta – 6W and 12W options for this IP54 cylindrical up or down LED wall light, finished in black.
• Centuri – 7W IP54 boxed LED wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation, in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options.
• Orna – 7W IP54 square, up and down LED wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options.
• Quadra – 10W IP54 rectangular LED backlit wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options.
• Avori – 15W max, IP54 boxed wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation. Finished in grey with a tinted lens.
Ovia’s Amenity/Garden Lighting collection can be viewed in full on the Ovia website. www.oviauk.com
No subscription fees with ESP’s Fort Smart Security Doorbell
As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets, consumers are making every effort to keep a cap on their outgoings. With recent news reports citing huge hikes in the subscription fees of some video doorbell providers, ESP is reminding its customers and installers that with its Fort Smart Security Doorbell, there are no subscription or any additional fees to pay.
The Fort Smart Wi-Fi Doorbell offers full 1080p (2MP) HD live view, two-way audio, recording and visitor notifications. It is powered by rechargeable batteries, with up to 750 activations on full charge, and it comes with a plug-in RF chime included.
Additional features include IP54 rated ingress protection, 5m infrared LED illumination, 3m PIR detection range and 130° wide angle camera view. It offers clear two-way audio and motion activated video record (storage included).The smart security video doorbell is part of the comprehensive Fort range of smart security products, which also includes a smart alarm, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single app – the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ app from Scolmore Group, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform. www.espuk.com
Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, offers a range of IP66-rated, weatherproof junction boxes with semi-transparent lids. The addition of the semi-transparent lid takes the IP Box to the next level, allowing you to see the inside connections without compromising the integrity of the enclosure.
The Q-Nect IP66 junction box is designed to make installations more efficient. It can house four of the 3 Port Lever Connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners. The semi-transparent lids are available on the IP66 Weatherproof Enclosure that is furnished with 4 X 3 Way Lever Connectors.
The junction box features ten membrane entry points. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating. Installers have the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands with the junction box. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure that the IP rating is maintained without needing to use any tools or locknuts. www.unicrimp.com
The current Airmaster Range of Portable Air Conditioners includes 9,000 and 12,000 btu Units in two versions. All are portable and highly versatile with the ability to cool, fan or dehumidify and come fitted with an R290 refrigerant and frost protection function. With compact modern designs they are all floor standing and easily moved around with omnidirectional wheels. Whilst these features are standard to both pairs of Units, an addition last year saw upgrades with version two featuring wifi and remote battery controls and a 0 to 24 hour programmable Timer.
Now Airmaster are proud to announce the launch of an enhanced version of a new 9,000btu Unit with the ability to operate at a Low Noise level of only 45dB, whilst also having the benefit of flexible smart controls either on wi-fi via a mobile phone app or with a supplied battery operated remote controller.
Further information please call 0208 503 8500 or visit the website. www.cedelectrical.co.uk
Q-Nect IP junction boxes with semi-transparent lids from Unicrimp Airmaster portable air conditioners
