10 Billionaire Peter Hargreaves supports digital revolution
Electrical Industry Awards
12 Shortlist announced
Contractor Corner
14 Five costly common problems tradespeople face at work
Features HVAC
20 Save energy – get in the zone
22 Data-driven decision-making holds the key to decarbonisation
23 Stiebel Eltron introduces free heat pump courses for gas installers
24 Breathing Buildings helps provide indoor air quality to SEN School
26 Vent-Axia ventilates the Tomorrow Home Project
28 16 passivhaus social homes benefit from Baxi heat pump
Editor Lisa Peake lisa.peake@purplems.com
CABLING
30 External influences
31 The sticky problem of cabling
32 Innovation in cable management
TOOLS & WORKWEAR
34 Shield your gear: Six essential tips for tool security
36 Standing the test of time
38 Digital tools key to navigating challenges for UK tradespeople
39 The essential crimping tool
40 Niglon partners with KPS to expand test equipment offering
Extras
Don’t forget to visit www. electricaltimes.co.uk on Thursday, October 24 at 12 noon to find out the winners of the Electrical Industry Awards 2024. The ceremony will be presented by meteorologist and BBC weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas. If you have entered the awards and haven’t checked out the shortlist yet, you can see the full list on page 12 of this issue. A list of the finalists will go live soon! Made the shortlist? Email awards@purplems.com to receive your shortlisted logo.
16 The fourth series of CEF’s popular TechTalks continues 48 Denmark eyes automation to address electrician shortage
Q&A 44 Barry Roberts, Marshall-Tufflex 46 Shaun Hurworth,Dimplex UK Closing argument
50 Grid connections biggest barrier to renewable energy growth
Now in its 32nd year, the Awards is an event that looks to reward and celebrate outstanding performance within the electrical sector. Such a great event would not be possible without our main sponsors Luckins Live and W&ED, and our category sponsors Aylesford Electrical, Wiska, The IET and FS Cables – a big thank you to them.
This year, the Electrical Industry Awards has attracted many entries of an exceptionally high calibre. The judging process is rigorous, objective and only the best of the best are awarded. The judges bring industry knowledge and category-specific skill sets to assess every entry. The panel is made up of representatives for each of the major industry organisations, including ECA, JIB, LIA, NAPIT and NICEIC.
Lisa Peake, EDITOR, lisa.peake@purplems.com @electricaltimes
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 Email: purplems@my-subs.co.uk
Fuuse wins place on prestigious Tech Nation Upscale programme Appointments
Aggreko has strengthened its provision of energy transition solutions with the appointment of a new Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. Aiming to address specificsector and regional challenges for customers, Alan Dunne has been appointed to spearhead Aggreko’s growth strategy and innovation in the region.
Bringing 30 years of commercial experience to the role, Dunne first joined Aggreko in 2014 working in both operational and commercial leadership roles across Europe and N. America.
Craig Slater has been appointed to the new role of Head of Sales at home charging provider Andersen to help shape commercial strategy and build upon the company’s current strong sales momentum.
Slater joins from Sevadis, a UK-based EV charging reseller, where he was Managing Director. Slater brings over nine years’ experience in the EV sector; prior to Sevadis he held senior positions with brands including PodPoint and Rolec.
George joins Greater Manchester-based Roxtec Ltd after spending the past 15 years running his own business in the international data centre industry.
George brings a wealth of experience within the IT infrastructure, design and installation sphere. In his new role, he will be responsible for expanding Roxtec’s product offering while working closely with design houses, mechanical and electrical engineers and data centre owners.
UK leading power generation specialist, DTGen, has appointed Lauren Palij as Head of Energy Sales to lead the business development of its energy solutions division. Lauren joins from eEnergy where she latterly held the position of Head of Commercial Operations (Solar and EV).
Electric vehicle charge point platform Fuuse has a won a place on the 2024 Upscale accelerator delivered by Tech Nation.
The programme is for the UK’s leading scaleup businesses and over the years its alumni include companies such as Deliveroo, Skyscanner, Monzo, Bloom & Wild, Just Eat and Depop.
Fuuse’s inclusion in the Upscale cohort follows its successful participation in Tech Nation’s Net Zero 2.0 growth programme, which underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Being part of both programmes showcases Fuuse’s dedication to advancing technology and making a significant impact within its sector.
This achievement highlights Fuuse’s exceptional potential and aligns the company with some of the brightest and most ambitious businesses in the country.
The Upscale programme is renowned for its robust network of industry leaders, mentors and tailored resources. As part of this elite group, Fuuse gains access to invaluable connections and strategic guidance that extend beyond conventional accelerator models.
“We are proud to join the Tech Nation Upscale programme and to be recognised alongside such a remarkable cohort of scaleups,” said Michael Gibson, CEO of Fuuse. “This opportunity will enable us to connect with key industry figures and gain critical insights that will accelerate our growth and help us achieve our mission. We look forward to leveraging the resources and network provided by Tech Nation to drive our next phase of expansion.”
Rapid Renewables launches second location
In only the company’s second year of trading, renewables wholesale distributor, Rapid Renewables, has expanded its business by 100 per cent with the launch of a second location, at a brand new industrial park in Brackley, Northamptonshire. Supplying renewable energy solutions to commercial and domestic installers across Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire, as well as East and West Midlands regions, Rapid Renewables has invested significantly in the fit-out of the 5,000 square feet unit on Tungsten Park, which includes warehouse racking, mezzanine flooring for stores, reception area and showroom for trade customers and staff offices.
Commenting on the opening of its second location, Scott Grant, Co-Director, Rapid Renewables, said: “We are delighted to launch our second branch at a brand new business park in Brackley, which opens up a great opportunity to extend our renewables distribution service to trade customers across Northamptonshire and beyond with next day and even same day delivery. Rapid Renewables is a proud distributor of many premium quality solar PV and renewable energy equipment brands and just like our sister company, Rapid Electrical, we have significant product sourcing capability from UK and international suppliers. We are looking forward to supporting the needs of installers as the renewable energy market develops and our first few months of trading have been very encouraging.”
Meson Electrical saves Fera £24K per year with bespoke solar panel installation
Leeds-based electrical engineering specialist
Meson has been appointed by Fera Science Limited (Fera), to develop and implement a custom solar energy system, resulting in annual energy bill savings of £24,000.
The site at Fera (York Biotech Campus) consists of large roof vents to accommodate daily experiments. The solar panels had to integrate seamlessly with the roof vents, and risk assessments were completed to mitigate a potentially hazardous environment for Meson engineers.
Meson worked with Fera from the tender stage to understand their needs and carry out an in-depth review of the terrain to identify any challenges and design a bespoke solution
that would provide easy installation and ongoing system maintenance. The customdesigned solution consisted of 342 N-Type modules producing a 150 kilowatt-peak (kWp) output that guarantees high power performance, reliability, and safety.
Dean Betteridge Lead Business Analyst at Fera said: “We couldn’t have chosen a better partner to work with for this project. Meson worked with us right from the initial tender stage to validate the proposal, and to design a solution that would work.
“Other companies we came across were prioritising sales over detailed engineering considerations. However, Meson was passionate about finding the right solution
from the very start and was very careful in ensuring the installation and maintenance of the panels would cause no disruption to daily operations.”
The solar panel installation will be completed by October.
48 HOUR LEAD TIME
Appointments
ESP has announed Chris Greenwood as the new Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands and South Yorkshire regions.
Chris brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be a valuable asset to ESP as the company continues to grow and develop its product portfolios. He will be responsible for developing and strengthening customer relationships across both independent and national levels. He will also ensure that wholesalers stay informed with the latest developments, technologies, and regulations as ESP continues to broaden its product ranges.
Hispec has announced the appointment of Kate Hughes as its Head of Compliance & Sustainability. This newly created position reflects Hispec’s growing focus on meeting evolving regulatory requirements and integrating sustainable practices across all operations.
LITE are proud to welcome new team member Lawrence Hayes in his new role as UK Specification Manager. Lawrence will be using his 30 years of industry experience to provide specifiers with the tools of light, forging longterm relationships and valuable partnerships to bring new projects, brands and products into the LITE group.
TrustMark, the UK’s only GovernmentEndorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home, announces the important strengthening of its Board of Directors with the appointment of two new independent Non-Executive Directors, Liz Barclay and Louise Baxter, MBE.
Liz and Louise bring with them a unique wealth of knowledge, experience and insight in small businesses, consumer regulation and vulnerability. The appointment of these two highly skilled professionals’ highlights TrustMark’s commitment to building a board with diverse expertise and a shared vision for the company’s future.
CHAS and Towergate
to launch ‘industry
first’
insurance service that rewards careful contractors
CHAS has joined forces with Towergate to introduce CHAS Protect, an innovative insurance service that rewards careful contractors and tradespeople.
Applying CHAS’s experience in supply chain risk management and Towergate’s proficiency as a specialist business insurance broker, this collaboration aims to provide CHAS members with a bespoke insurance offering that recognises their commitment to operating responsibly. The lower risk profile associated with holding CHAS accreditation grants CHAS members access to contractor-friendly insurance premiums and customised policy enhancements under the CHAS Protect policy. This comprehensive coverage spans business, tools, equipment, and vehicles and features exclusive additional perks for CHAS members. These include extended ‘new for old’ replacement for stolen or damaged equipment, complimentary tax advice,
and 24-hour legal support as well as mental health support for both business owners and their employees. At a time when the economic climate is extremely challenging and the cost of claims is soaring due to rising labour and material costs, CHAS Protect is designed to help CHAS contractors to safeguard their business, tools, vehicles and livelihood.
Commenting on the launch of CHAS Protect, Alex Minett, Head of New Global Markets at CHAS, says: “This partnership between CHAS and Towergate marks true innovation in the industry, offering insurance products tailored to reward our CHAS members’ lower risk profiles. The contractorfriendly premiums and personalised policy enhancements showcase one of the many ways CHAS adds value to its members as part of their accreditation.”
To find out more, call CHAS now on 0345 521 9111 or visit: www.chas.co.uk
Schneider to invest £42m site in North Yorkshire
Schneider Electric is investing £42 million in a new manufacturing facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. More than 200 jobs will be created to meet the increased demand for electrical equipment to drive the UK’s move to cleaner energy
The site, which is almost triple the size of Schneider Electric’s existing Scarborough facility, is a blueprint for sustainable design and operations in the manufacturing industry. It is poised to become a net-zero plant and will use modern technology to reduce energy waste and maximise the use of renewable energy. It is expected to be net-zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions when it opens in early 2025.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “It is fantastic to see Schneider make this huge investment in their future in Scarborough. This new manufacturing facility will drive new, quality jobs in Scarborough and help us go beyond net-zero to become England’s first carbon negative region.”
The investment in Scarborough is in addition to a £7.2 million facility upgrade in Leeds.
myenergi announces electrifying new partnership
myenergi, the eco-smart tech manufacturer, has announced a major new partnership agreement with the NHS. Set to be rolled out across hospitals in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber, the collaboration with NHS Humber Health Partnership will offer employees a significant discount when purchasing a zappi EV charger. Working alongside wider sustainability initiatives to decarbonise national operations and reduce energy consumption, the agreement will help to accelerate the NHS’s transition to electrification, while also providing a smart, reliable, future-proof solution to enable staff to charge at home.
Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, commented: “We’re
delighted to be partnering with the NHS to help accelerate the organisation’s progress towards net zero. Offering our latest technology at a discounted rate will not only make the transition to electrification easier than ever before for countless members of staff, but also make their daily running costs far cheaper and their commuting footprint even greener.
“With around 80 per cent of all EV charging said to take place on the driveway, it’s important to have a reliable charger – like zappi – that’s not just suitable for charging today, but fit for the future too. Home charging is cheap, convenient and by far the simplest way to keep your EV charged up and ready for the day ahead.”
The NHS is one of the largest employers in Britain and is responsible for approximately 4-5 per cent of the UK’s total carbon footprint. In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero.
For more information about myenergi visit: www.myenergi.com.
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IN BRIEF
HDM Solar, a national wholesaler of solar and renewable energy products, has surpassed £20 million in turnover and delivered over 1 million products across the UK in its first full financial year. With 2024 marking a standout year for growth, the company has opened three new distribution centres and solidified its position as a key player in the renewable energy market.
Riello UPS Ltd officially announces its merger with Constant Power Services and Powertecnique. Upon implementation of the merger at the start of next year, the number of Riello UPS employees will more than double from its current figure of just under 90 to more than 180, with engineering resource specifically more than trebling.
Edwin James Group has announced its rebrand to MARCH. The strategic move simplifies its market presence under a unified identity while enhancing its ability to deliver a total engineering solution to customers in hightech, complex, and regulated environments. The transition to MARCH represents a significant evolution of the business, consolidating the strengths of group companies ACS, Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions under a single name.
Shadow Industrial, the leading supplier of market-leading commercial infrared heating solutions, announces its strategic partnership with Powrmatic, the global name in HVAC design and complete climate control solutions. The collaboration marks a significant shift in Powrmatic’s product offerings, using Shadow Industrial’s acute knowledge of shortwave infrared technology (SWI) to deliver efficient, cost-saving heating solutions to its extensive client base.
Yorkshire-based sustainability consultancy celebrates two year anniversary
Sustainability consultancy, C3 Group, which operates nationally from its Hull headquarters, celebrated its second anniversary in August and has reduced its clients’ carbon output by more than 4,600 tonnes in the past seven months alone.
In addition to securing specialist funding and grants for organisations to invest in reducing their carbon footprint, the company specialises in creating and implementing energy strategies, decarbonisation plans, low carbon feasibility studies, sustainable building designs, energy efficient retrofits and net zero schemes.
C3 Group also supports its clients, which include public sector organisations such as NHS Trusts, education establishments and social housing schemes, as well as private developers, to embrace green energy solutions, low carbon technologies and sustainable practices.
The company was founded in 2022 by codirectors Daniel Haley and Ash Wray (pictured). Daniel is also managing director of Hull headquartered building services engineering company, GW Power-Safe, which offers a full range of renewable energy, mechanical and electrical solutions to public sector clients and businesses across all industries.
In addition to Ash and Daniel, C3 Group now employs a team of three sustainability consultants and designers and is now recruiting for more sustainability consultants, as well as both mechanical and electrical building services design engineers.
Ash said: “As we celebrate our two year anniversary, which is a major milestone, we’re now looking forward to welcoming several new faces to our team in the coming months as we continue to grow both our client base and the areas we operate in.”
Stiebel Eltron ranked in top companies for sector
Stiebel Eltron UK was ranked at number 29 in Great Place to Work’s 2024 UK’s Best Workplaces for Construction, Engineering & Property. Reacting to the listing, Stiebel Eltron UK Managing Director Mark McManus (pictured) said: “At Stiebel Eltron we aim to be the best in our field, and our employees are the driving force behind what we do. Key to this is developing a positive workplace culture which allows team members to thrive and enjoy their roles, enabling them to perform to the best of their abilities.”
Great Place to Work is a global authority on workplace culture and uses employee surveys to help guide organisations in building a strong work environment. Listed in the UK Small Business category, 100 percent of employees said Stiebel Eltron treated them fairly regardless of race or gender, gave them the resources to do their job, created a safe environment, and provided facilities for a good working environment. As well as identifying trust and fairness within the company, workers said they wanted long and established careers at the company, as well being proud to work for the organisation.
Stiebel Eltron’s Great Place to Work Accreditation can be found at: www.greatplacetowork. co.uk/certified-company/1573802
UK Power Networks wins funding for trio of trials
A roadmap for UK Power Networks’ innovation programme has been set following Ofgem’s awarding of nearly £25million for Strategic Innovation Fund projects. After nine months of successful research and development, three projects have been selected to start large-scale trials. The projects receiving £24,951,881 of additional Beta phase funding are:
SHIELD: An innovative look into how new technologies can work together to support low-income households in the Net Zero transition. The trial will install a combination of solar panels and battery storage solutions, as well as capturing heat from mini data centres installed at participants’ homes
CReDo+: Establishing a ‘digital twin’ and enabling secure data sharing for both networks and asset owners to build resilience against climate change and identify areas of risk between assets in extreme weather.
Heatropolis: A decarbonisation trial based at King’s Cross, London, focused on the whole system planning between the electricity network and local heat networks. The project will demonstrate how community heat networks can support the operation of electricity networks
Head of innovation at UK Power Networks, Luca Grella said: “It’s incredibly exciting, not only to be dramatically scaling up the scope of these projects, but to be working
alongside some of the brightest minds in our sector to bring them to life. We work with dozens upon dozens of partners every year to help shape the future of our industry, and we look forward to strengthening those relationships further.”
To find out more see www.innovation. ukpowernetworks.co.uk/projects
Billionaire Peter Hargreaves supports digital revolution
Although you are well known in the world of finance, some people might not have heard of you. Could you introduce yourself please?
Peter Hargreaves is admired in many circles and has been in the news recently as the company he founded has received a £5.4 billion takeover offer. Benjamin Dyer, CEO of trade app supplier Powered Now, asks him about his investment in Powered Now Q: A:
In 1981 Stephen Lansdown and myself started a Bristol company called Hargreaves Lansdown. This grew to be the largest retail investment platform as well as the biggest execution only stockbroker in the UK. It floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2007 and subsequently became one of the largest businesses on the market. It has recently received a £5.4 billion bid from private equity. As I’m still the largest shareholder I’ve been in the news quite a lot recently.
The Powered Now app helps electrical companies run their businesses. As a major investor in companies like Hargreaves Lansdown, Goonhilly Earth Station (with NASA as a client) and investment company Blue Whale Growth Fund, what made you think of investing in Powered Now?
I previously knew Chris Barling, one of the founders of Powered Now, as he was on the Hargreaves Lansdown board. I was slightly intrigued by his description of the trade industry as the last frontier of computerisation. He mentioned that the government initiative “Making Tax Digital” would spur digitisation and given the size of the industry, I thought that this could have legs. Actually it’s been quite a slog and neither of us allowed for the government hurdles we’ve had to overcome.
What are the benefits that Powered Now can bring to the electrical industry?
Q: A: Q: A: Q:
I think that people would be astounded at just how many benefits an app brings to
Nobody wants a solution that requires paper and pen as well as having an app. Finally, there isn’t one platform that everyone uses. Everything needs to work seamlessly on every device.
electricians. The list is almost endless. To mention these quickly they include saving time, saving money, invoicing more, quoting easily when on the road with a professional appearance and automatic reminders, all of which help to get more business. You can also find things easily, reduce risks, communicate better with customers and possibly most important of all - be in the best possible control of your business. I know that’s a long list but each can be unpacked and explained in detail. I’m just not sure that we have time for that here. The thing that I would encourage anyone running a smaller electrical business – up to fifteen staff – is that they investigate Powered Now.
You have made a series of investments in Powered Now, the latest less than a year ago. Why have you
continued to support them?
A:
What’s become clear over time, is that digitising the electrical industry isn’t simple. The trade industry generally suffers from a lot of red tape, possibly due to its reputation for black market activity and some poor practises. I guess we can blame this for both the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) and The Construction Act. Then there are multiple rates of VAT to encourage green developments. Plus, there are all the other specific electrical regulations.
But it gets worse. Trades are by definition on the road. Sometimes there’s no signal present. Powered Now had to solve the problem of always working, even in the sticks. That wasn’t easy. Nobody wants a solution that requires paper and pen as well as having an app. Finally, there isn’t one platform that everyone uses. People have iPhones, iPads, Android phones, tablets, PCs and Macs. Everything needs to work seamlessly on every device. It takes a lot of investment and Powered Now covers all of these points. But it’s not been cheap.
Q:
A:
Is there anything that makes you proud of Powered Now?
Hargreaves Lansdown built its reputation on the back of great service. We tried to keep things simple and we got real people to answer customer queries. I’m proud that Powered Now has adopted a similar approach. They just focus on the UK trade industry so are always up-to-date with the latest UK regulations. There isn’t a debate about whether to meet the needs of UK electricians or someone in Australia or wherever.
My final thought is a bit of a plug. I have invested millions in getting Powered Now to meet the needs of UK electricians. I think that it’s really worth giving it a try.
To register for a free Powered Now demo, please visit www.powerednow.com/demo or call 0800 368 8153.
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Electrical Industry Awards 2024. Finalists and winners will be announced in a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, October 24. Tune in at midday on our website – www.electricaltimes.co.uk
Airflow Developments Ltd
Residential/Domestic Product of the Year
Andersen EV
EV Charging Installation of the Year
Andersen EV
Residential Domestic Product of the Year
Ansell Lighting
Lighting Product of the Year (Controls)
Aylesford Electrical Contractors Ltd
Contractor of the Year (Turnover £2-10 Million)
Aylesford Electrical Contractors Ltd
EV Charging Installation of the Year
Aztec Solar Energy
Contractor of the Year (Turnover £2-10 Million)
Aztec Solar Energy
Renewable Installation of the Year
Brady Corporation
Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
MAIN SPONSORS:
BSH
Training Resource Provider of the Year
Centiel Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
C.K. Tools Trade Tool of the Year
Devondale
Electrical Wholesaler of the Year
Di-LOG Trade Tool of the Year
Electricity North West Electrical Project of the Year
EV Blocks
Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
EvoEnergy
Electrical Project of the Year
EvoEnergy
Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
CATEGORY SPONSORS:
EvoEnergy
Renewable Installation of the Year
Garrison Dales
Electrical Wholesaler of the Year
GivEnergy
Electrical Project of the Year
GivEnergy
Renewable Installation of the Year
GivEnergy
Residential Domestic Product of the Year
Grant & Stone Electrical Wholesalers
Electrical Wholesaler of the Year
Hamilton Litestat
Lighting Product of the Year (Controls)
Hobday Solutions
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
JTL Training
Training Resource Provider of the Year
KDM Electrical Limited
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
Kewtech
Residential Domestic Product of the Year
Kewtech Trade Tool of the Year
Kimble Solar
Renewable Installation of the Year
measurable.energy
Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
Milwaukee Tools Trade Tool of the Year
NAPIT
Training Resource Provider of the Year
Neale Wadsworth Electrical Ltd
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
Ohme EV
Residential Domestic Product of the Year
Orange Fox Electrical
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
Peel Electrical Ltd
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
Pleavin Power Ltd
Contractor of the Year (Turnover £2-10 Million)
Powercor Limited
Contractor of the Year (Turnover £2-10 Million)
Powercor Limited
Renewable Installation of the Year
Quickwire Ltd
Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
Starkey Electrical
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
Starkey Electrical
Renewable Installation of the Year
StarkEV
EV Charging Installation of the Year
Simmtronic
Lighting Product of the Year (Controls)
Sony Manufacturing UK
Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year
The Oxford Electrical Company
Contractor of the Year (Turnover under £2 Million)
Thorn Lighting
Lighting Product of the Year (Lamps Luminaires)
Triple Star Fire
Electrical Project of the Year
Vent-Axia
Residential/Domestic Product of the Year
Wadys Electrical
Contractor of the Year (Turnover £2-10 Million)
waEV-charge
Residential/Domestic Product of the Year
WISKA UK Ltd
Residential/Domestic Product of the Year
Zumtobel
Electrical Project of the Year
Zumtobel
Lighting Product of the Year (Lamps Luminaires)
Five costly common problems tradespeople face at work
By Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct
With most of the UK experiencing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, it is important that unexpected costs are avoided where possible. However, those working in skilled trades face several challenges in their roles which pose a financial threat.
Property damage
Even the most skilled professionals can make mistakes that result in damage to property, varying from minor mishaps to potentially catastrophic events. Such damage can lead to disputes, project delays and potential legal actions. To minimise the negative impact of damage, here are some essential steps: Assess the damage: Before taking any action, carefully evaluate the extent of the damage. Determine whether it resulted from your work or existed beforehand.
Notify the client: Promptly inform the client about the damage and discuss the situation.
Consult your public liability insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider to report the incident. Provide them with as much information as possible so they are best placed to support you.
Follow insurance guidance: If the damage resulted from your work, follow the guidance provided by your insurance provider regarding next steps and potential coverage.
Prevent future incidents: Implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, such as enhanced safety precautions or improved work processes.
Tool theft, damage and loss
A recent survey found that 57 per cent of tradesmen who had their tools stolen suffered financial losses. Among them, 41 per cent reported losses exceeding £2,500, a substantial amount amid rising living costs. Tools are often stolen from vans, with 41 per cent of thefts
occurring either at home or on-site. Tool theft not only hits finances but also disrupts work due to the time lost in replacing tools, and similar financial challenges arise when tools are lost or damaged during on-site work. To safeguard your tools, take necessary precautions such as:
• Adding extra locks/alarms to your vans
• Removing tools overnight
• Parking in secure locations
• Using visual deterrents like alarm stickers and CCTV
Additionally, to alleviate the financial burden of tool theft, consider taking out tool insurance, which covers the cost of replacing stolen equipment and extends to tools lost at sites or damaged due to factors like flooding or fire. Surprisingly, 25 per cent of tradespeople are unaware of tool insurance, despite its benefits. These measures can help protect your valuable tools and your livelihood.
Project delays
One study showed that the primary reasons builders faced project delays was due to material shortages (73 per cent) and a shortage of skilled labour (55 per cent). Other common reasons for delays include poor time management, health issues, equipment problems (including theft), subcontractor issues and weather-related setbacks. Delays can lead to financial losses, as well as harm your reputation.
To minimise the financial impact of delays, develop contingency plans for common delay factors. Once you’ve identified the potential delay factors, develop specific strategies to address each one. These may include: Building buffer time into the project schedule to account for unexpected delays; researching and identifying alternative suppliers for critical materials needed for the project; keep a buffer inventory of essential materials on-site or readily available to mitigate the impact of sudden
shortages; and keep all project stakeholders informed about potential material shortages and the steps being taken to address them.
These plans allow for quick responses when problems arise. Open communication is also essential; if delays occur, communicate early and clearly with your clients about the reasons and potential timeline adjustments. Managing their expectations can help to prevent dissatisfaction and strained relationships.
In more challenging situations, familiarise yourself with the legal aspects of project delays, including contract clauses related to delays, penalties and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Being proactive and transparent can help you navigate project delays more effectively while safeguarding your monetary interests and professional relationships.
Unexpected legal costs
Unexpected legal fees can pose a significant and unforeseen challenge for tradespeople, potentially jeopardising finances and livelihoods. Whether it’s disputes with clients, issues related to overdue payments, or unexpected legal situations stemming from your work, the cost of legal advice can quickly add up.
Seeking legal guidance at the earliest signs of conflict can help prevent matters escalating into a legal dispute or court case, so to safeguard your financial stability and professional reputation, you should consider proactive measures. This includes having a contingency fund specifically allocated for legal advice or making use of legal helplines.
Markel Direct provides business insurance policyholders with access to a 24-hour legal advice helpline, as well as access to Business Hub, which contains legal document templates to help with various problems. Having access to valuable advice from experienced legal professionals can help you navigate potentially challenging situations. Visit: markeluk.com/ business-insurance/tradesman-insurance
“Seeking legal guidance at the earliest signs of conflict can help prevent matters escalating into a legal dispute or court case, so to safeguard your financial stability and professional reputation, you should consider proactive measures. This includes having a contingency fund specifically allocated for legal advice or making use of legal helplines.”
The fourth series of CEF’s popular TechTalks continues
CEF is continuing to support the industry through its popular TechTalks. The fourth series of these free events, taking place from September 3 to November 21 2024, continues to be a source of inspiration, knowledge and a way to bring members of the industry together
The current series, centred around the theme ‘Have Your Say’ provides a platform for electricians to collaborate with CEF and event partners - the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Attendees will be given the chance to expand their knowledge about the industry, help shape future IET Wiring Regulations, gaining 3.5 hours’ worth of CPD and network with over 20 leading brands and industry professionals.
Attendees can expect some exciting changes in series 4, as CEF recently saw, an urgent need to introduce a change to BS 7671:2018, a 3rd Amendment, which has just been published and is available as a free-to-download PDF ‘bolt-on to Amendment 2 (2022) the ‘brown book’ from the IET and BSI websites. This looks at the problems associated with power flowing through devices in two directions. The IET will join in on the day, to advise on proposed changes coming up in the near future, as well as answering any questions contractors may have.
The schedule for the day will include discussion on changes to BS 5839 for fire alarms (non-domestic), explanation of the BAFE scheme – particularly as the second Grenfell report was released in September 2024 so it will highlight the schemes available, as well as changes to BS 5266 the emergency lighting standard. After complimentary refreshments, further discussion will be had around protection against fire in battery energy storage systems for use in dwellings, changes to BS 7671:2018 including 3rd and proposed 4th amendments as well as plenty of time for Q&As.
As the experts in supplying electrical products and services to small contractors right through to blue-chip businesses all over the UK, CEF offers the largest range of products including leading brands and value alternatives, alongside specialist expertise, friendly advice and support that’s the best in the industry.
CEF’s TechTalks series is the cornerstone of the brand’s commitment to enhancing electrical professionals experience, through helping to expand their knowledge, give them their say within the industry, or bringing them together with other likeminded tradespeople.
Hosted by Darren Staniforth, Head of Electrotechnical Solutions, and Dave Austin, Technical Presenter, the TechTalks return across 20 locations over 11 weeks up and down the UK and Northern Ireland.
Darren Staniforth says: “TechTalks were created in response to the continual industry changes we’ve seen over the past few years – either through new innovations or the development of standards. We wanted to create a platform that supported all contractors with the information and updates they need to keep up with the evolving industry. Having the ability to understand the reasons behind changing
industry regulations is important for designers of electrical systems and allows them to futureproof their next set of projects. The TechTalks are a way for trade professionals to communicate what changes they’d like to see implemented and have hands-on involvement in shaping the industry.
CEF aims to be more than a wholesaler when it comes to connecting with our customers, and TechTalks serve as a great opportunity to connect with not only our existing customers but to also engage new audiences and inform them on current electrical knowledge. We’ve received such great feedback from past attendees, with over 10,000 people taking part in the last two years.”
Alongside the events, digital certificates marking attendance will be emailed to all attendee’s post-event. Additionally, CEF will offer a £50 voucher to spend at cef.co.uk, giveaways to all event participants and a pack of TechCards which act as a handy reference to the topics covered at each talk. Complimentary breakfast and refreshments are served at all events. For more information and to secure a place, visit your local CEF branch or register for free at: www.cef.co.uk/tech-talks
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
FURTHER EDUCATION
HIGHER EDUCATION
Choose the education lighting specialist. Choose NVC
NVC Lighting understands the demands of lighting educational establishments. From classrooms and laboratories to corridors, sports halls, car parks, and beyond, installing the correct lighting ensures not only a safer environment but one that enhances student well-being and cognitive performance.
Our lighting products offer unrivalled efficiency to help lower energy bills and vastly improve site sustainability. Our extensive product range, which includes low glare solutions, means that NVC Lighting can help you create the perfect learning environment. Plus, with our market-leading 7-year warranty, you can trust that our products are designed to stand the test of time, providing long-term reliability and peace of mind.
Switched On
Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting
announce
Cancer Research UK as charity partner for 2024/25
Thorn and Zumtobel UK and Ireland, lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, are delighted to announce their partnership with Cancer Research UK as the chosen charity for the 2024/25 financial year. Following an internal survey, employees overwhelmingly voted for Cancer Research UK, recognising the organisation’s crucial role in the fight against cancer.
Cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the years. In the 1970s, only one in four people with cancer survived their disease for ten years or more. Today, this figure has doubled to two in four people. Cancer Research UK aims to accelerate progress so that in the next 20 years, three in four people will survive cancer for at least a decade.
Paul Kilburn, Managing Director Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting UK and Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are proud to support Cancer Research UK and their mission to improve cancer survival rates. Our team is committed to making a difference, and we are confident that, together, we can contribute significantly to the fight against cancer.”
Jan Leafe, Relationship Manager at Cancer Research UK, shared her gratitude: “It means a lot to us that the Thorn and Zumtobel has chosen to partner with Cancer Research UK, and we’re here to support to the finish line with training and fundraising tips. At Cancer Research UK, our vision is to bring about a world where everyone can live longer, better lives and be free from the fear of cancer. We’ve made huge progress already, but we have much further to go – and we can’t do it without organisational support. Every step we take relies on every pound donated. So, whether you’re raising £250 or £2,500, you’re supporting our vital work that will make a difference to people affected by cancer, now and in the future.”
Thorn and Zumtobel look forward to a successful year of fundraising and awarenessraising activities in collaboration with Cancer Research UK, contributing to their vital work in cancer research and treatment advancements.
Acrospire announces relaunch of Sprint Series
British exterior lighting manufacturer, Acrospire, a trusted name in heritage and solar lighting solutions is proud to
announce the relaunch of its Sprint Series, no-nonsense affordable street lighting.
Responding to increasing demand and support from specifiers with broader application needs, the Sprint series has expanded from one luminaire to five, offering a significant extension to lumen packages.
Tim Baker, Managing Director of Acrospire, stated: “We were seeing increasing interest in our functional lighting, so to support specifiers in their wider application needs, we’ve launched a more comprehensive range.”
The original Sprint range gained acclaim during the mass LED rollout in Luton, where over four thousand Sprint Mini and Micro units were deployed across the city’s traffic routes and residential roads.
The new and improved Sprint lanterns come in five sizes—Micro, Mini, Midi, Maxi, and Maxi Plus—offering multiple photometric and lumen packages up to 45,000lm, ensuring the series meets diverse functional lighting requirements with high quality and low cost. Investing in a good lighting control system can save money by reducing energy consumption and lighting only when needed. The Sprint series supports various control options, including custom dimming profiles, NEMA or Zhaga connectivity, DALI, 1-10V dimming, miniature photocell, and remote management compatible with all leading CMS.
To explore the Sprint Series and download the brochure, visit: acrospire.co/ranges/functional/
Aurora Lighting unveils new bumper edition product catalogue featuring all four brands for the first
time
Aurora Lighting has announced the launch of its brand-new product catalogue. For the first time, this comprehensive edition brings together all four of Aurora’s brands – Aurora, Europole, Enlite, and Seren EV – into one unified collection, providing customers with a complete overview of Aurora’s extensive portfolio. This new catalogue is a milestone for Aurora Lighting, reflecting the company’s dedication to providing innovative, high-quality lighting products across all sectors. With a key focus on the rapidly expanding commercial lighting market, the catalogue showcases Aurora’s growing expertise in delivering cutting-edge lighting solutions for retail, hospitality, industrial, commercial, education and residential to name a few.
Key product highlights from the catalogue include the brand-new market-leading 180lm/W LinearPacCWS Ani-Corrosive, which has been specifically designed for the
contractor, with a host of features making the installation not only easier, but quicker too. Aurora’s commercial offering range has also expanded with a number of additions and improvements that will allow wholesalers to offer a wider range of products, but with a reduced stock holding.
Complete brand integration: For the first time, products from Aurora, Europole, Enlite, and Seren are combined into one accessible,
easy-to-navigate catalogue, offering customers a streamlined way to explore all of Aurora Lighting’s world-class solutions.
Expanded commercial lighting solutions: Aurora’s increasing focus on commercial lighting is at the forefront of this edition. Featuring the latest innovations in energyefficient LED lighting and customisable solutions, the catalogue is a go-to resource for architects, designers, and specifiers in the commercial sector.
Innovative technology: The new catalogue highlights Aurora’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge design, with a diverse selection of energy-saving, long-lasting products that combine advanced technology with aesthetic appeal.
This new product catalogue is available now both in print and digital format. To view a copy, visit auroralighting.com or contact 01707 228 700 to request a printed copy.
CBG Light Perceptions lead lighting upgrade to St Paul’s Cathedral
As part of works to install new safety railings to the famed Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral, CBG Light Perceptions were appointed to devise a new lighting scheme to align with the new design. The Whispering Gallery sits 30 meters above the crossing of the nave. It is a circular walkway along the base of the cathedral’s dome structure, with views to the floor below and along the entire length of the Cathedral.
As a multi-disciplined building services consultant, CBG were the ideal partner for the project. With specialisms including sustainability, building physics, refurbishment and asset management, the CBG team can holistically assess how to improve buildings and deliver the required outcomes. In 2023, when Light Perceptions joined CBG as the Specialist Lighting team, this enabled the business to offer clients an even more comprehensive service.
The original lighting design was the work of Speirs Major Light Architecture. Dating back 25 years. The re-engineering of the design by CBG is part of a larger programme to upgrade the interior lighting of St Paul’s to more energy efficient light sources. To fulfil the requirements of the project and refresh the outdated lighting in the gallery, CBG specified iGuzzini’s Linealuce linear fixtures. This contemporary, high-performance miniaturised luminaire has replaced 64m of cold cathode fittings, to provide uplight to the beautifully gilded, heritage Tijou railings. A warm white colour temperature has been specified.
To offer improved illumination to the Thornhill frescoes, which adorn the dome above the gallery, CBG Light Perceptions specified iGuzzini Palco luminaires with a variety of carefully selected optics. These are controlled in a series of zones to highlight the most important elements of the painting and replace the older metal halide and halogen spotlights.
An additional safety feature added to the gallery is a series of miniature, hidden emergency lights that can be used to provide low-level lighting to the floor of the gallery and also highlight the exit doors in the event of an emergency.
The task was carried out by a team of electricians from the cathedral’s Works Department.
Promoting competency in emergency lighting: A critical step for safety and industry advancement
The Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL), a part of The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA), enters a new phase in their mission to enhance competency and safety standards in the sector.
Emergency lighting is a cornerstone of public safety. It provides crucial illumination during power outages, enabling safe evacuation and preventing panic in emergency situations. However, the effectiveness of these systems relies heavily on the expertise of those who design, install, and maintain them.
For consumers and end-users, knowing that the professionals responsible for their emergency lighting systems are certified competent offers invaluable peace of mind. For professionals, the ICEL Competency Recognition Scheme represents more than just a certification. It is a mark of excellence, validation of expertise, and a testament to their commitment to safety and quality.
“As we move into Phase 2, we are expanding the scheme’s reach, offering even more professionals the opportunity to have their skills validated and recognised. This not only enhances individual careers but also increases the overall standards within the industry.”
Teresa Beazley, Commercial & Training Manager, The LIA, commented.
“We encourage all professionals within the emergency lighting sector—whether you are new to the field or have years of experience—to take part in this initiative. Gaining recognition for your expertise is a powerful tool that can open doors to new opportunities and career advancement. Moreover, it demonstrates to clients, employers, and peers that you are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety and performance. Together, we can ensure that every system, in every building, is designed, installed, and maintained by professionals who are truly fit for the task.”
For more information on how to get involved, or to learn more about the specific domains covered by the ICEL Competency Framework and Scheme, please visit our website or contact teresab@thelia.org.uk.
Light Forms luminaires specified in huge Birmingham office overhaul
As part of a £38.8m refurbishment of a Birmingham City Centre commercial office space, a wide variety of luminaires from high-performance lighting manufacturer, Light Forms, have been specified into the upgraded building.
The office space sits within Brindleyplace; a large, mixed-use canal-side development in the heart of Birmingham. It is home to restaurants, shops, leisure offerings such as the Sealife Centre, and a number of commercial office buildings.
Wilmott Dixon Construction was appointed by the building owner CBRE Investment Management to combine two separate sites – 8 and 10 Brindleyplace – into one large building. The transformation would also create a more modern space with a focus on smart technology, sustainability and wellness. Not only was this better from an environmental perspective, it would help to attract future occupants of the office and ensure the area remains buoyant and commercially successful.
Given the focus on sustainability, LED lighting was an important part of delivering improved energy savings and a better carbon footprint. Light Forms was able to offer a wide variety of solutions for the project given its well-rounded and all-encompassing portfolio. This is alongside Light Forms’ commitment to offering flexible products that can be adapted and customised in a variety of ways to best suit the needs of each and every project. The lighting configuration and control was completed by Mymesh; wireless controls designed for professional and demanding environments.
Harry Prior, Managing Director from Light Forms said: “Brindleyplace offices are an enviable location within Birmingham city centre, offering ease of access, an attractive waterside setting and stunning architecture. To have our luminaires featured so heavily in this exciting renovation project to bring two spaces together was incredibly exciting. Furthermore, it truly demonstrates how much our portfolio can meet the needs of even the most ambitious refurbishments, including those where sustainability is a key part of the work.”
The redevelopment has achieved a number of accreditations, including Fitwel; a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing. It has also been awarded other certifications including EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent.
Save energy – get in the zone
With the announcement from Ofgem that the energy price cap will rise around 10 per cent for a typical home from October 1 this year, the average annual dual-fuel energy bill for households across Great Britain will rise to £1,717 a year, up £149 from its current level. Matt Parton, Product Development Manager at ESP and Sangamo, looks at zone controlled heating as a means of conserving energy consumption
With energy efficiency top of the agenda for homeowners, the ability to operate and control separate heating zones within a residential property is a way of increasing efficiency and reducing energy use and utility costs.
Traditionally UK heating systems and controls typically mean that the whole property will be heated when a call for heat is made from the system’s thermostat. For a certain size of property, however, heating is only required on one floor of a property or another at a given time, dependent on the occupant’s routines. Therefore, heating the whole property based on one thermostat is not efficient.
Modern day heating systems for certain sizes of properties are now encouraged to have separated heating zones controlled independently in order to increase efficiency and reduce utility cost. For new builds, regulations are set-out specifically for system requirements. In essence heating systems should have the flexibility to only heat the property when and where it is required. For example, for the ground floor living zone the heating will be on during the day and off at night, whilst for a first floor bedroom zone the heating for the bedrooms will be off during the day but operational at night.
Part L
The Building Regulations which cover the energy performance of new and existing buildings have been subject to change in recent years with the approval of Part L (or Document L). Part L Building Regulations is a set of requirements that focus on the energy efficiency of buildings in the UK. It outlines the minimum standards for insulation, heating systems, and overall energy performance. These regulations aim to reduce
the carbon footprint of buildings, promote the use of renewable energy and ultimately enhance the sustainability of the construction industry. The new regulations officially came into effect on 15 June 2022 and require higher performance targets on all residential property builds and extensions, with further, more stringent regulations due to follow in 2025 as part of the government’s Future Home Standard. Part L of the Building Regulations states that ‘for wet heating systems in new dwellings with a floor area of 150m2 or greater, a minimum of two independently controlled heating circuits should be provided.’
Programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one way of controlling and operating separate heating zones in a property and the Sangamo three channel programmable thermostat kit is suitable for properties with two-zoned heating systems and is designed to help installers comply with the requirements of Part L Building Regulations where two zone heating is stipulated. The kit comprises two RF programmable room thermostats to control heating for two zones and the control of hot water, and the supplied receiver which is complete with three independent channels – two for heating zones and one for hot water. The system can be
programmed and controlled directly or remotely via the ClickSmart+ app.
One of the main features which supports the thermostat’s energy efficiency lies within the scheduling capabilities. When a call for heat or hot water is made, it requires it to be within a specific time and a specific temperature. This is in comparison to a manual thermostat which is left on the set temperature constantly. Up to six on and off periods per day can be programmed. Another key energy efficiency feature is the OWD (Open Window Detection) function. This is enabled in the parameter settings and uses sudden changes in temperature or humidity to detect if a window is open and switches off the heating until the window is closed.
Easy installation and ease of programming and operation makes these an ideal solution for installers. The thermostats control the receiver via radio frequency, so there is no need for cable runs, and they can be powered either by replaceable batteries or USB-C power source.
With energy prices already around 50 per cent higher than they were before the energy crisis began three years ago, this winter will be a challenging time for many households. Zone control is a relatively simple concept and one that installers can advise on and easily create for their customers.
www.espuk.com
The relaxed route to fresh air without the chill
Decentralised ventilation with heat recovery for rooms with external walls
Can provide gentle yet intensive ventilation with low noise emissions
High air quality - two filters per fan make it ideal for allergy sufferers
Moisture recovery of up to 60%
Up to 90% heat recovery – save £100s on bills vs. opening a window!
One controller for up to 4 pairs of fans supplying fresh air to up to 100 m² of living space
Request a FREE specification for your project www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk/etimesvlr sales@stiebel-eltron.co.uk | 0151 346 2300
Data-driven decision-making holds the key to decarbonisation
Kas Mohammed, VP Digital Energy at Schneider
Electric
explores the role that smart building solutions play in reducing energy waste and enhancing performance
Residential and commercial buildings account for 30 per cent of global energy consumption. This provides building operators and facilities managers with the opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of their estates.
Regardless of the building or operation, energy is a significant expense. On average, buildings waste up to 30 per cent of the energy they consume; up to 40 per cent of space is not utilised, and up to 45 per cent of energy is wasted on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). While commercial and industrial buildings larger than 1,000m2 make up only 7 per cent of all non-domestic buildings, they are responsible for most of the total energy used and carbon emitted from buildings.
Optimise building performance
Building operators use a building management system (BMS) to help maintain a comfortable environment for occupants. The BMS also acts as the brain of a building with the capacity to monitor and control almost every aspect of its energy performance. As energy prices continue to fluctuate - subject to price caps and agreements with energy providers - the BMS provides understanding of HVAC energy use and allows users to fine-tune settings to reduce waste and consumption.
A BMS is a versatile tool which can be programmed to save energy by automatically managing room temperature and lighting. Integrated features include occupancy sensors and people-counting sensors that can drive down costs by adjusting lighting and HVAC loads relative to the amount of people in the space. The same data produced by the sensors can enable space utilisation monitoring to gain even more efficiency.
It can be used to install variable speed drives (VSD) on chillers and fans where older ventilation systems may not have any speed controls. Adding VSDs to compressors reduces energy consumption by enabling ventilation to respond to the requirements of each space based on occupancy and air quality (CO2). You can even identify and replace older or leaking valves in HVAC systems that are wasting energy.
The data can create a baseline and platform for building operators to begin thinking about off-grid solutions for more sustainable power supplies, based on renewables such as wind or
solar. These microgrids will provide a local power supply that will reduce dependence on the national grid, significantly reducing energy costs in the process.
Optimising your BMS and HVAC systems can help you to reduce energy consumption and demand while achieving a quick payback from lower energy costs. For instance, a building that currently consumes 300 kWh/m2/year can expect to reduce consumption to as little as 180 kWh/m2/year using automation and control. It will also help to reduce associated emissions, accelerating the journey towards net zero carbon. For example, Nottingham University uses BMS automation and control to optimise room temperature set-points and heating/cooling lockout to eliminate unnecessary conditioning
and simultaneous heating and cooling. This has resulted in up to 30 per cent energy savings. However, while BMS can help to optimise HVAC performance, a lot more can be achieved with building analytics.
Harness building data and analytics Modern buildings, particularly buildings that use BMS, smart metering and energy management systems, produce vast amounts of data. Smart monitoring tools and digital services enable you to harness that data to make informed decisions that will fully optimise your buildings’ operational and energy performance.
These digital solutions pull in data and insights from HVAC systems, connected energy meters, air quality sensors, or other building equipment.
The data can be augmented with remote, 24/7 digital advisory services using cloud-based platforms to pull data from IoT-enabled devices, power management systems, or a BMS. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools can also be integrated to extract critical efficiency and reliability insights across all building equipment and systems, identifying gaps and improvement actions.
They can be used to optimise control and performance strategies. They can automate checks to ensure ventilation, pressure, temperature, and humidity. They can maintain airflow for indoor air quality and minimise energy use in unoccupied areas (such as with VSDs), as well as optimising heating and hot water systems. Crucially, they can ensure a solid baseline for energy and cost data, keeping electricity, gas, and other tariffs at manageable levels.
Building operators and facilities teams can monitor real-time dashboards and access key performance indicators, reports, statuses, alarms, and behaviour prediction. Data can be accessed from anywhere, so teams can work remotely, across multiple sites, sharing critical data and information with field engineering teams to support repairs or condition-based maintenance. You can even adopt digital services to create a digital twin – a virtual representation of your
building’s assets and systems. Using a digital twin increases visibility and supports data-driven decision making. It facilitates continuous, automated diagnostics to monitor and detect any performance anomalies. This helps to reveal equipment interactions and determine the potential impact on energy consumption or maintenance.
Digitise to decarbonise through smart retrofits
Digital building services and data analytics aren’t exclusive to new builds; these tools can be applied to existing building stock through smart retrofit projects. These retrofits are designed to decarbonise buildings, meet net zero targets, and demonstrate cost-effectiveness across the building’s entire lifecycle. Digital services help to simplify these efforts while increasing energy savings and lowering operating expenses, providing critical information to inform datadriven decisions with demonstrable impact.
Retrofitted buildings need solid technological foundations that enable data collection and improved energy efficiency performance. To deliver these data-driven, sustainable, and costeffective buildings, operators need seamless, tested, and reliable digital integration of all systems – from lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), to
energy and power, while also integrating renewable energy sources.
Digitising decarbonisation efforts in this way helps streamline the management of older facilities and mitigate the performance of inefficient assets and systems, while providing the capability to reduce OPEX through cost-cutting solutions and minimise unplanned maintenance on ageing equipment.
Unlock energy efficiency and cost savings
Every building, new and old, can be significantly more efficient and sustainable with minimal disruption by harnessing smart devices, software, analytics, and services. You can use these technologies to digitise and decarbonise your estates, making significant cost savings and CO2 reductions along the way.
The design and development of new net zero buildings are essential to achieving broader decarbonisation, but we’re only going to reap those benefits if we improve the performance of our existing estates. With today’s connected technologies, this change is achievable, delivering benefits beyond emission targets. The sooner you’re able to embrace digital efficiency, the quicker you can harness business-changing benefits, improve long-term building efficiencies, and facilitate the journey towards net zero.
Stiebel Eltron introduces free heat pump courses for gas installers
In response to the growing demand for renewable energy solutions, Stiebel Eltron UK has announced the launch of a specially tailored Heat Pump Workshop designed exclusively for gas installers. The first in-person course was held in August at Stiebel Eltron’s head office in Bromborough, with webinar versions also available.
As the global energy landscape shifts towards sustainable alternatives, gas installers are
increasingly seeking efficient ways to expand their skill sets and transition into the renewables sector. Stiebel Eltron’s streamlined course offers a comprehensive pathway for professionals to make this transition smoother and quicker.
The program includes myth-busting segments that debunk common misconceptions about heat pumps, ensuring installers are wellequipped with factual, up-to-date knowledge. Designed to address the unique needs of
gas installers, offering practical insights and hands-on training that will enable them to confidently install and maintain heat pump systems, participants will benefit from Stiebel Eltron’s heat pump expertise and resources, gaining the skills needed to thrive in the renewable energy market.
During the workshop, trainees will look at the difference between a gas boiler and a heat pump system, closely following hydraulic and electrical diagrams, and installation methods, as well as correctly sizing a heat pump for the property and why this is important.
The course will provide trainee installers with knowledge to service and repair heat pumps, including how to commission a heat pump. Additionally, it will also provide an overview on the difference between air source and ground source heat pumps and how pre-plumbed cylinders can decrease installation time.
Founded in 1924, Stiebel Eltron is a market leading supplier of technology for building services and green technology, with a particular focus on central heating products.
Installers can secure their place on the course by visiting: www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk/gasinstaller.
Breathing Buildings helps provide indoor air quality to SEN School
Breathing Buildings, a leading provider of controlled hybrid ventilation systems, has supplied ventilation to High Point Academy, a secondary school for students with complex learning difficulties in Wednesbury, West Midlands. The 90-pupil school features classrooms that are designed to be safe and calming for autistic pupils, it includes a range of specialist rooms that enhance the children’s experience. In addition to this specialist learning environment, the two-storey school benefits from Breathing Buildings’ NVHR (Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling) hybrid ventilation units that help provide good indoor air quality and keep the school warm in winter and cool in summer. This boosts comfort and health which is essential for the pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
The school was built by Tilbury Douglas and was delivered under the Department for Education’s free schools’ programme. M&E contractor David Paradine Ltd specified and installed the Breathing Buildings ventilation units to provide cost effective, energy efficient and comfortable, draught-free ventilation. Eleven pairs of NVHR+ 900 units with heating coils were installed in the school’s classrooms while three roof mounted S1500 E-stack units were installed in the main hall. The NVHR+ 900 was ideal for the project since it incorporates a heater into the NVHR system allowing room pre-heating, and enhanced control over the temperature of air being delivered to the space during occupancy. This meant that radiators were not required in the classrooms. As a SEN school it was also very important to ensure that noise levels were low and so attenuation was vital in this project.
“We have worked on a range of education projects and have been impressed with Breathing Buildings’ ventilation. The company offers great design support, and its hybrid ventilation solutions are easy to install and use, providing great indoor air quality and comfort for the pupils and staff,” said a spokesperson at David Paradine Limited. “Furthermore, since NVHR+ 900 incorporates a heater, it meant that radiators were not required, saving on the cost of installation for the school, making the SEN school safer for its autistic pupils, and resulting in improved thermal comfort for pupils and staff.”
Breathing Buildings’ NVHR hybrid ventilation system is designed specifically to meet the robust ventilation criteria set out for schools in BB101. Its ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural
ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains to deliver superb thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
The award-wining NVHR offers energy efficient hybrid ventilation, offering almost 50 per cent reduction in energy savings and operating costs, this is a huge benefit in today’s energy crisis with tightened budgets. Boasting the highest energy efficiency and air flow within the acoustic limits required for its school application, NVHR comprises both natural and mechanical ventilation. Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer.
Supplied with external and internal temperature sensors and an intelligent controller, the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing enabling the students to thrive.
NVHR optimises indoor air quality, comfort and efficiency by automatically switching between natural, hybrid and mechanical ventilation, maximising benefits.
Featuring easy-to-use controls with manual override the NVHR allows schools without a Building Management System (BMS) to benefit from the technology while also offering full BMS integration. Importantly, room temperature and CO2 sensors further ensure comfort in schools and compliance with BB101.
The NVHR+ 900 incorporates a heater into the NVHR system which allows room pre-heating, and enhanced control over the temperature of air being delivered to the space
during occupancy. The combined heating and ventilation unit means the two services are integrated and optimised to provide the most efficient use of heating and electrical energy.
The Breathing Buildings S1500L E-stack ventilation system is designed for rooms which have access to the exterior via the roof with occupancy levels of approximately 100 persons, making them ideal for school halls, libraries, studios and sports centres. In summer, low-level opening windows bring warm, fresh air directly onto occupants and the S-Series units with their roof terminals act as a high-level exhaust vents. In winter, a mixing ventilation strategy operates – this eliminates cold draughts and the use of preheating radiators/heating batteries and hence has major energy saving benefits. By using this patented E-stack strategy, incidental heat gains which arise in the room are used for heating the incoming air during cooler weather. The heat gains in heavily occupied spaces (e.g. school classrooms) are sufficiently large that S is not needed until the external air temperature falls below 7°C.
Breathing Buildings’ multi-award-winning NVHR range won the Energy Efficient Product of the Year Award at the prestigious Energy Awards, and also recently won three awards for providing ventilation to the East Anglian Air Ambulance project with the Breathing Buildings’ NVHR range.
For further information on NVHR and E-stack ventilation, as well as other products and services offered by Breathing Buildings, visit www.breathingbuildings.com or call us on 01223 450 060.
Have you got your brown book yet?
Every day we see more and more new and emerging technologies in our industry and we need to keep abreast of these changes. To keep you and your customers safe and to keep on top of recent changes, make sure you have the very latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations.
Use our handy timeline to quickly and easily check that you’re up-to-date at theiet.org/regs-checker-ET.
Buy your copies of the book and expert guidance publications, also available as digital subscription packages from the IET Bookshop today at theiet.org/brown-book-ET.
Vent-Axia ventilates the Tomorrow Home Project
Housebuilder Lovell Homes has selected Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) and the Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C (decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation) as part of its Tomorrow Home project at Cornish Park in Spennymoor, County Durham. The Tomorrow Home project consists of demonstration homes built to test alternative electric heating systems directly against each other, as well as assessing the effective performance of a range of sustainable technologies, including ventilation.
Tomorrow Home features two identical, three-bedroom, semi-detached homes that have been built to an interpretation of the anticipated
Future Homes Standard, with improved building fabric. In one of the three-bedroom homes a Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood MVHR has been installed, the other has been fitted with Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C. Lovell Homes are working with Teesside University and the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre to monitor electricity usage, internal temperature, humidity and air quality within the homes.
“Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C is currently fitted as standard in Lovell open market sales house types, with dMEV recommended as a solution in the Future Homes Standard consultation document. Meanwhile, we chose the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood for this trial because we see MVHR as being the most probable ventilation strategy for Net-Zero homes as airtightness is increased. We look forward to monitoring the performance of both these technologies in the two homes,” said Iain Gillies, Divisional Design & Innovation Manager at Lovell Homes. “We want to ensure that the thermal comfort and ventilation meets the needs of our customers. We will also evaluate the experiences of individuals who use the homes.”
“We are delighted that Lovell Homes has chosen our Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C unit and Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood MVHR to test in its demonstration homes. The Lo-Carbon NBR
dMEV C was designed to achieve the latest Building Regulation ventilation rates while improving indoor air quality (IAQ), using the lowest number of installed fans, and the most efficient and quietest fans on the market”, explains Steve Pearce, Product Manager at Vent-Axia. “Meanwhile, the Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood offers whole house heat recovery ventilation combined with extraction during cooking all in one unit, saving valuable space and improving IAQ.”
Data gathered from the demonstration homes will enable Lovell Homes to gauge the various technologies in-use and their performance, including ventilation. The project will last 12 months and will give the housebuilder an opportunity to test MVHR and dMEV over an extended period of time and allow the company to gain the knowledge to develop its designs and specifications to meet the forthcoming challenges of the Future Homes Standard and Net Zero.
The Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C, is a highly efficient dMEV unit designed for kitchen, utility, bathroom and cloakroom applications. It achieves Building Regulations with the quietest sound levels, the lowest number of installed fans required and the most efficient fans on the market. Developed for housebuilders, it is tested
Tomorrow Home Exterior
to the new SAP 10 performance requirement and listed in the PCDB with its exceedingly low Specific Fan Power (SFP) values as impressively low as 0.08 w/l/s and provides near silent operation independently tested as low as 7.4 dB(A).
The Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C achieves its low SFPs and low sound power levels through its patent pending air pathway design, which promotes turbulent airflow, allowing for a predictable performance curve and ensuring performance can be met. High pressure development and the silent mixed flow impeller means the Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C can meet the requirements of many domestic installations without the need to use a traditional centrifugal fan. Featuring a single high efficiency EC/DC motor the fan achieves highest in class efficiency thanks to its axial fan, which consumes a fraction of the energy of the equivalent centrifugal fan - drastically reducing Dwelling Emission Rates (DER).
Providing easy installation and quick commissioning, the easy-to-use speed adjustment dial ensures operational speeds are met as required by Building Regulation
Approved Document F, while the IPX5 rating of the NBR dMEV C allows install flexibility without the need for SELV, making it ideal for wet rooms of all sizes since it can be installed in Zone 1.
Meanwhile, the unique Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood provides all the advantages of MVHR with all the advantages of a cooker hood. Designed to fit in a 600mm wide aperture above a hob, the unit fits inside a kitchen unit for a seamless finish. The telescopic hood is pulled out when required and this triggers the MVHR unit to switch to a pre-defined boost speed and the summer bypass automatically opens to prevent cooking by-products entering the heat recovery cell. The hood incorporates removable metal grease filters; low energy lamps to illuminate the hob top; and is available with a white or brushed aluminium front trim.
With the highest rating on SAP PCDB in its class, the Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood is very energy efficient and also incorporates a SELV unit, reducing the distance needed between the hood and the electric hob from 650 to 550mm, making it even more economical with space. The unit also features an integral fire damper
in the hood, which creates a seal if a fire is detected, and is connected to the heat recovery unit by a galvanised steel duct with access for cleaning. As an additional safety feature, the duct also contains a thermal cut-out fuse which turns off the MVHR unit in the event of excessive temperature in the airway.
The Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood features an integral humidity sensor option that increases speed in proportion to relative humidity levels, saving energy and reducing noise. The sensor also reacts to small but rapid increases in humidity, even if the normal trigger threshold is not reached, ensuring adequate ventilation. The night time relative humidity setback feature suppresses nuisance tripping as humidity gradually increases with falling temperature. It also features a revolutionary programmable 100% summer bypass to ensure year-round thermal comfort avoiding overheating, particularly where windows cannot be opened.
For more details on Tomorrow Home visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/tomorrow-home/ For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone +44 (0)344 856 0590 or visit www.vent-axia.com.
Hamworthy customers to benefit from new expert Academy training facility in Luton
Hamworthy Heating is pleased to announce the opening of a new Expert Academy training facility in Luton, designed to serve heating engineers across the south and the midlands. The new one-million-pound Groupe Atlantic facility has been created to provide customers with state-of the-art training facilities in line with its existing Expert Academy centres in Hull, Leeds and Fife.
Conveniently located just off the M1, the new purpose-built facility is spread over 16,000 sq.
ft and features four spacious training areas, a large conference facility with a relaxed café area, and free reserved parking for visitors.
Hamworthy Heating is offering a wide range of engaging and informative courses from the new Luton training centre, designed to provide all the skills needed to fit, maintain and service a wide range of low carbon heating and hot water solutions.
Available to participants with varying levels of experience, engineers can now register for a selection of free and flexible Hamworthy
Heating training courses on topics, including ‘Commercial Gas Boiler Range Training’ and ‘Heating Controls’. To tie in with the launch of its new generation of monobloc air source heat pumps, with natural refrigerant, engineers can also learn more about the different types of heat pumps available and how this technology works by registering and attending ‘Air Source Heat Pumps and the Tyneham Range’.
Featuring the latest in testing and simulation equipment, participants also have the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience with a selection of Hamworthy Heating products. Ranges currently on site include a cascade of Stratton Mk3’s with plate heat exchanger, Purewell Variheat MK2, Wessex Modumax MK3 and the popular Upton modular floor standing condensing boiler.
“At Hamworthy, we understand the importance of training and staying up to date with the latest industry advancements, so being part of the new Expert Academy Centre in Luton is a great way for us to support heating and hot water engineers in their transition to working with low carbon heating products, such as heat pumps”, comments Kevin Potter, National Sales Manager.
To book a Hamworthy Heating training course please visit www.hamworthy-heating. com or contact your local Hamworthy Area Sales Manager.
16 passivhaus social homes benefit from Baxi heat pump
Adevelopment of 16 social homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus standard has been constructed in Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway, with the support of Baxi and its air source heat pump solutions and services. To play its part in the delivery of these new net-zero homes for Loreburn Housing Association, heating contractor James Frew Ltd required a solution that would provide sustainable heat to the properties; in this case, air source heat pumps.
The team then needed to find a strategic partner that would be able to offer the solutions and onsite support to implement the technology. Facing stringent design requirements to make the homes efficient and low carbon, James Frew Ltd decided to partner with Baxi to benefit from its full range of support services, training and efficient products.
Designed By Architect, Robert Potter and Partners and built by main contractor Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, the two and three-bedroom properties were to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and comfort – part of Loreburn’s commitment to delivering new homes fit for the future. This type of home will play a key role as local authorities and housing associations such as Loreburn look to deliver new homes in line with the New Build Heat Standard (Scotland) or Future Homes Standard.
Using the Passivhaus model, the entire home had to be designed around achieving the best energy efficiency as well as the heating source being a heat pump. This involved specifying not only the insulation and windows to meet the standard, but also the correctly sized heat pump for each home.
Space was also a consideration in the homes. The design needed to guarantee there was ample room for the internal and external elements of the heat pump solution, without compromising on comfort for tenants.
The James Frew team worked closely with Baxi’s experts – Specification Manager Craig McVicar and Engineering Solutions Manager Ryan Kirkwood – to ensure the correct specification of heat pump for the design requirements of each house. Baxi’s air source heat pumps, compatible cylinders and uSense controls were specified to provide the heating and hot water provision for each of the 16 homes through three radiators.
As part of Baxi’s heat pump service, the team of engineers had access to the company’s specialist training to allow them to become familiar with the specified solution and be confident in installing it before the project began. They also benefitted from expert support on site, ensuring the full system was designed correctly and could be installed within the space. Baxi’s Commissioning Engineers, Michael Murray and Adam Stock, were on hand to oversee the commissioning of each of the heat pumps and make certain they would operate as expected once in place at each home.
Evan Peat, Senior Contract Manager at James Frew Ltd, said: “From tender to completion, it has been great to have the support of Baxi’s expert service throughout the process. The design support and training meant the team had peace of mind that the most suitable products would be going into the homes and that our engineers were comfortable with the installation of them.
“It was also really important to have the support on site from Craig and Ryan. Having their expertise on the ground meant we were able to overcome this challenge and still meet the Passivhaus standard.”
Rob Pearse, Director of Distribution Sales at Baxi UK, added: “This innovative project is a great example of how collaboration and consultation can result in amazing results for delivering net-zero social housing. As heating solutions experts, we can work closely with social housing providers and their appointed contractors to consider the different approaches for low-carbon heating, selecting the most suitable combination of solutions for the application.
“Whether it is a new build project to Passivhaus standard like this one or decarbonising existing developments through retrofit, we are committed to providing the complete home service to our social housing clients.”
Alison Maxwell, Project Delivery Officer for Loreburn HA commented: “The standard of these homes is testament to Loreburn’s commitment to building warm and highly energy efficient homes, where technology and intelligent design come together to create a sustainable future for our tenants”.
Speaking about his experience of living in one of the properties, Alan Vinnie, a Loreburn tenant added: “It’ll really help to lower my energy bills which is a huge relief.
You can really notice the change in the air and it’s so quiet. I think all future builds should be of this quality”.
For more information on Baxi’s solutions for social housing projects,visit: baxi.co.uk
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with Domus Ventilation’s all new Axial Fan range.
Designed to ventilate kitchens and bathrooms! Crafted to meet current Building Regulation requirements, this single-point fan ticks all the boxes, from regulatory compliance to versatile and flexible installation.
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External influences
Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement, Scolmore Group, gives a brief overview of the general range of conditions detailed in Section 522 of BS 7671, which an installer will have to consider as they select a suitable wiring system for an electrical installation
One of the fundamental principles detailed in Chapter 13 of BS 7671: 2018 (including amendments) is ‘Environmental conditions.’ Simply stated, Regulation 132.5.1 requires that ‘the design of the electrical installation shall take into account the environmental conditions to which it will be subjected.’
Section 522
Section 522 of BS 7671 details those environmental conditions that need to be considered when selecting and installing wiring systems. The scope of the section is wide ranging covering the following:
Ambient temperature – requires the designer/installer to ensure that installed equipment is suitable for both the minimum and maximum temperatures reasonably expected. Account should also be taken of the maximum temperature expected under fault conditions (522.1).
External heat sources – electrical equipment must be protected from the detrimental effects of specific heat sources. This might be by shielding, distancing from the source, having equipment capable of managing the level of heat or local reinforcement or substitution of insulating material (522.2).
Presence of water or high humidity – electrical equipment must be suitably protected from ingress by water and/or the build-up of condensation. The Unicrimp Q-Nect series (junction boxes, connectors and connection
boxes) provides a range of IP66 to IP68 products, providing the designer/installer with suitable options when selecting equipment for use in the presence of water (522.3).
Presence of solid foreign bodies – requires the wiring system to be capable of minimising the danger arising from the ingress of solid foreign bodies. The IP rating should be suitable for the nature of the foreign bodies (522.4).
Presence of corrosive or polluting substances – requires due account to be taken of materials/ substances likely to cause corrosion or deterioration of the wiring system. This can be water (rust), presence of dissimilar metals or more obvious corrosive substances (522.5).
Impact – the wiring system must be capable of withstanding damage caused by mechanical stress such as, impact, abrasion, penetration, tension, compression during installation as well as being protected from impact as part of the fixed installation (522.6).
Vibration – requires a wiring system to be supported in such a way that due account is given to the likely vibration that will exist. This may require, for example, use to be made of saddle clips rather than standard cable clips where a cable is not installed within a cable management system (522.7).
Other mechanical stresses – requires a wiring system to be selected and erected to avoid during installation, use or maintenance, damage to the sheath. This requires use to be made, where necessary of correct saddles, clips and the
like to support cables to avoid damage to the cables and terminations. Furthermore, amongst other things, buried cables should be suitably marked with tape/cable covers (522.8).
Presence of flora and/or mould growth –requires the designer to take account of the effects of plants, trees and the ingress of mould growth (522.9).
Presence of fauna – recognises that wildlife can have a serious negative impact on an installation. Rodents can gain access through very small openings; large animals can cause significant damage to cables and the like. Designers and installers must make use of both suitable wiring systems and correct locations to avoid damage (522.10).
Solar radiation and ultraviolet radiation –where solar or ultraviolet radiation is likely to have a significant effect, a suitable wiring system must be selected and erected or properly shielded (522.11).
Seismic effects – are unlikely to be an issue in the UK (522.12).
Movement or air (522.13) and Nature of processed or stored materials (522.14) is covered in other parts of BS 7671.
Building design – requires the designer to take due account of where structural movement is likely to exist and potentially create excessive mechanical stress. This typically happens in larger and taller buildings where relative movement is required as part of the build (522.15).
The sticky problem of cabling
By Robert Vines, Country Manager for the UK, Ireland and Nordics, TSC Auto ID
The amount of electricity that data centres in this country use is said to have risen 400 per cent since 2015. As well as increased energy needs, there’s also the challenge of ensuring that the cabling networks that interconnect these crucial systems are running at maximum efficiency.
Cable management should be fairly standard practice in commercial, industrial, public sector and domestic environments. Failure to organise and accurately label individual cables not only causes costly operational interruptions and unnecessary downtime but also takes longer for problems to be identified and fixed.
Good practices minimise outages
Outages in data centres can be caused by anything from cyber-attacks to natural disasters but it’s human error, rather than equipment failures or architecture, that is the most common problem. The Uptime Institute claims that three quarters (75 per cent) of all data centre outages could be attributed to human error, from inefficient layouts, a lack of labelling, insufficient training, or scant maintenance. Inadequate cable management obstructs airflow to racks, traps dust, and leads to cable overheating.
Accurate and timely cable labelling is important because it enables organisations to:
• Comply with industry standards, regulations or customer specifications.
• Follow the ANSI/TIA-606-B standard for administering telecommunications cabling infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and rectify issues quickly thereby minimising safety risks and downtime.
• Conduct maintenance and repairs efficiently and effectively.
• Record hardware assets better.
Identifying the best solution
There’s a vast array of labels to choose from when it comes to cable management, encompassing various types, sizes, and materials. But you might also want to think about the right labelling tool, such as a reliable commercial-grade label printer. Ideally, you want a device that will print with exceptional quality, speed and precision, across a variety of media types. The top three cable labels are:
• Printable polyolefin heat-shrink labels that come in different diameter sizes, ranging from 1/8-in, 1/4-in, and 3/16-in up to 7/8-in.
• Self-laminating labels crafted from clear polyester or vinyl material, featuring a small white printable area.
• Cable and wire tags, usually made of durable polyethylene, available in heights of 1/4-in, 1/2-in, and 3/4-in, with widths ranging from about 1/2 inch to 3 inches.
When considering media variations, it is also vital to think about selecting an appropriate ribbon to work with the selected media type.
Future-proofing cable labelling
Given the diverse selection of label media available, and the amount of information you might want to include, it’s advisable to choose a printer that can overcome both current and future label printing challenges.
TSC Auto ID’s TH Series of desktop barcode printers, launched last autumn, is particularly recommended for cable label printing. Available for 4-inch and 2-inch applications, its key features include: Heavy-duty cycle support can print up to 7,000† labels per day and wide media width support with minimum 5mm print height. The 4-inch version can handle media widths of 15 mm to 120 mm, while the 2-inch device handles 15 mm to 60 mm. A unique narrow media adaptor can print 10mm wide media, which will ft most heat-shrink tubes. The TH Series has exceptional precision and print quality: a damper to stabilise media during printing guarantees top-notch print quality for narrow and small labels. The heater line and thermal print head (TPH) pressure can be adjusted to accommodate thicker labels, while the 10 mm wide adaptor securely holds media in place for seamless printing. With user-friendly operations, each TH Series Printer has three shortcut buttons that can be customised to perform frequently used functions; and Auto-switch printer language emulation: out of the box plug-and-play, no need to modify label templates, ensuring a smooth transition.
The TH Series of barcode printers is TSC’s most versatile and future-proof range of devices yet. They can print on diverse media including fabric, card and even linerless, which is more sustainable, cost-effective and safer than traditional media. Linerless labels can also be printed to any length so more information can be included for cable management like cable function, location or any other criteria.
Innovation in cable management
With the relocation of the company’s UK headquarters complete, focus turns again to the product range. David Mattin, Managing Director at Univolt discusses what’s ahead for the UK’s leading cable management supplier...
Product innovation and the ongoing development of the Univolt range remain a hugely important part of the company’s evolution within the UK.
Understanding the marketplace and being in tune with our customers’ needs is essential for us as a business. We have a brilliant product range, but it is one that has to evolve and we must continue to enhance and refine existing products whilst developing new ones, in line with market demand.
We are fortunate to have an excellent in-house manufacturing and product development facility for the majority of our stock, as well as strong and dynamic partnerships with expert product manufacturers throughout the globe. These established relationships combined ultimately mean that we are able to react quickly to fluctuating demands and develop and source products in quick turn around times, building up strong stock levels rapidly.
We pride ourselves on our agile approach and this comes with zero compromise on quality, ensuring that we create durable, quality and aesthetically pleasing products, for our growing customer base.
We pride ourselves on our agile approach and this comes with zero compromise on quality, ensuring that we create durable, quality and aesthetically pleasing products, for our growing customer base.
The second half of 2024 will see us launch a number of new products onto the market. These include new metal space bar saddles, available in black or white in 20mm and 25mm fast fix rigid conduit, red and black surface boxes in both a round edge and square edge, contractor packs in black and white with 10 metres conduit and PVC strut. The introduction of these new products will complement and enhance current stock and offer our customers more choice when considering their next specification.
We are also seeing more and more customers request bespoke products, cuts to size and ready for installation, with end caps and socket boxes already in situ. This approach marries well with any prefab or modular build and becomes part of a wider package in off-site construction design, whilst specifiers may simply want ease of install all with a ready-made to fit design.
Another area in which we are continually looking to improve our performance is environmentally. As a global business, we are committed to operating to certain standards and are a member of the United Nations Global Compact. A company-wide program, this helps us look at ways in which to reduce the consumption of energy and the use of water in order to preserve natural resources. Where applicable we use post-consumer waste, reducing the amount of plastic waste. In the not to distant future, we are set to pilot the use of paper packaging rather than plastic, with plans to roll that out across the UK if successful.
We are aware of our responsibility as a large scale manufacturer and issues including sustainability will remain at the forefront of our business as we push ahead with our ambitious growth strategy.
In order to facilitate our growth, I’m pleased to say our team is growing also. We have three new Area Sales Managers now in place, giving us complete UK wide coverage through a first
class team. Saahil Kalia joins us in the Midlands, South Yorkshire and East Anglia, as does Corrie Crook in the South West, and Darren McDermott covering the North East, North Yorkshire and Scotland. It has taken some time to source the right people who share the same ethos, culture and vision and are united in our efforts to drive the business forward.
As ever we remain committed to our partnership approach with the wholesaler and continue to recognise the huge role the buying groups play in strengthening our networks.
Now with the best possible foundation in place, we have the potential to realise all of our ambitions. The future is incredibly exiting for the business as we head into our next phase, consolidating our position within the UK as the countries number one supplier.
WMC calls for new fire-resistant cable standard in wake of Grenfell report
Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC), a leading UK cable manufacturer, is calling for the establishment of a new fire-resistant cable standard to improve building safety and potentially save lives
Wrexham Mineral Cables’ call to action comes as the industry reflects on the 1,700-page Grenfell Inquiry report, which sets out how ‘decades of failure’ across government and the construction sector led to Grenfell Tower becoming a site of tragic loss of life.
The report makes 58 recommendations, including the establishment of a new construction regulator responsible for developing suitable methods for testing fire resistance in materials and products used in construction. WMC says the industry reform must include a new standard that enables architects and specifiers to identify true fire survival cables, which are proven to perform to safety standards in real-world scenarios. The company warns the current regulatory framework allows for inferior cables to be used in safety-critical applications, putting lives and property at risk.
Currently, specifiers are presented with a choice between polymeric ‘soft skin’ cables and mineral insulated copper clad (MICC) cables. Due to the existing testing regime, both cable types are classed as fire-resistant, creating a misleading impression of equivalence. However, MICC cables have consistently demonstrated superior performance and are proven to perform to measurably higher safety standards in ‘real fire’ scenarios. Colin Hughes, Group Manager at WMC, explains: “Fire-resistant
cables are integral to maintaining a building’s critical electrical systems during a fire. For example, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, smoke dampers and shutters, and fire alarms. If these systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.
“Current testing standards create an unclear picture of cable performance; they treat polymeric and MICC cables as equivalent, despite their vastly different fire-survival capabilities. It’s all too easy for manufacturers to claim that products meet a required standard, even though the test methods themselves are not representative of ‘true fire’ scenarios.
“As the Grenfell report has made clear, everyone involved in construction is responsible for keeping people safe. However, architects and specifiers must be equipped to make informed choices. We need a new standard that allows specifiers to identify true fire survival cables - and potentially help save lives.”
WMC has long advocated for stricter testing standards and better fire-resistant cable specifications. In 2023, WMC published a white paper outlining how cables directly impact building safety. The paper advocates for the introduction of a higher classification of fire survival cable, which can continue to power critical circuits in the event of a fire.
Colin Hughes adds: “Last year, the UK Government introduced stricter building regulations in England as part of new secondary legislation to implement the Building Safety Act. Unfortunately, recent events in London, such as fires at a residential block in Dagenham and at the historic Somerset House, serve as reminders that buildings of all types remain at a high risk of fire.
“This is why we continue to call on the government and industry to take action and improve building safety with the introduction of a new standard that subjects all fire-resistant cables, regardless of size or construction, to true fire scenario tests.”
Download WMC’s white paper at https:// wrexhammineralcables.com/fire-survival-cable/
Shield your gear: Six essential tips for tool security
Preventative measures are no longer an afterthought, and strategies to protect your electrical equipment are now essential. For those looking to take action, Roger Hall at Milwaukee runs through six essential strategies that tradesmen and business owners can use
For tradespeople, tools are more than just equipment that can be replaced – it’s their livelihood, representing years of financial investment. Unfortunately, the value of these items makes them prime targets for theft, and even the most vigilant professionals can fall victim. In the UK alone, £98 million worth of tools were stolen last year, with a theft occurring every twelve minutes .
Sign up for extended guarantees
One of the easiest and most effective ways to safeguard your tools is by registering them for extended warranties. Many tradespeople forget this step or were unaware, but some companies, like Milwaukee, offer a three-year guarantee when registered with a designated dealership within 30 days of purchase. This simple act not only covers potential repairs but also helps in recovering stolen tools. A few minutes of registration can offer significant financial protection and peace of mind.
Location, location, location
Bluetooth-tracking technology that uses your phone’s GPS can make finding lost tools a lot easier. Opt for tools or equipment with this tech already ‘built-in’ and that are capable of handling the ‘wear and tear’ of tough job-site conditions. This includes:
• Long battery life (about three years)
• Rugged design (IP68 rating to withstand extreme conditions)
• Built-in speakers and accelerometers that alert you if the tool has been moved
• The more popular that use these ‘tracking apps’, the more effective they are in recovering stolen tools.
Digital defence
Investing in tools equipped with digital security features can be a game-changer, providing a simple but sophisticated away to protect your gear. Some manufacturers offer apps with useful functionalities:
• Data capture: Digitally store critical information such as serial numbers and receipts to help with insurance claims and police reports.
• Digital inventories: Create comprehensive records and photos of each tool without the need for pen or paper
• QR codes: Attach small QR codes in out-of-reach places for easy tracking and registration.
• Tool disabling: Disable tools remotely through the click of a button.
• Theft alerts: Receive notifications if a stolen tool is brought in for service.
These apps often support various brands, providing a versatile tool management solution.
Invest in secure storage
Storing your tools properly is also crucial to keeping them safe. Invest in sturdy, heavy-duty
toolboxes or chests that are tough to break into. Reinforced locks on portable job boxes and tool chests can discourage thieves and add an extra layer of security.
Enhance job site security
Boosting job site security can significantly reduce theft risk. Install security cameras and motion sensor lights to monitor activities and deter thieves. Clearly visible security measures serve as a strong deterrent, signalling that your job site is under surveillance.
Educate your team
Making sure your team understands the importance of tool security and how to use any security features is paramount. Regular training and updates on security practices will ensure that everyone is on the same page and play their role in protecting tools and equipment. Keeping your security practices up-to-date allows you to stay one step ahead. Being proactive and keep up to date with the latest tech and security strategies. With the apparent ‘black hole’ of UK tool theft, focusing on security measures has never been more important. Don’t become another victim. With these simple steps, a crisis could be averted.
uk.milwaukeetool.eu
Designed to meet the rigorous demands of professionals in the electrical field ensuring electrical safety through precision measurements. Its 3.5” TFT colour display provides a clear and intuitive interface, making it easier for users to perform their tasks quickly and efficiently.
Features
• Loop resistance testing • USB Data Transfer
• Short circuit current
• Low resistance
• Insulation testing
• Earth Resistance
• Internal network resistance
• Continuity measurements
• RCD AUTO Test
• RCD/FI for types A, AC, B, B+, F
• 6mA EV Test (Up to 1000mA)
• TRMS Voltage, Rotary Field, and Frequency
Features
• AC Current- Up to 300A
• DC Current- Up to 300A
• 10mA Resolution
• Counts - 6000
• 1.5% basic DCA/ACA accuracy
• Safety rating according to EN61010
• Jaw 0.9”
A compact yet powerful DC/AC clamp meter for professionals who need reliable current measurements in tight spaces. Offering automatic detection of AC or DC currents, inrush current measurement, & high-frequency rejection mode to deliver precise readings. A highly dependable tool for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications.
KPS backs its products with a 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support, giving customers the peace of mind they need when investing in these essential tools.
Standing the test of time
From humble beginnings in a small Detroit loft to an iconic workwear brand that is known and respected across the world, 2024 marks 135 years of Carhartt
Founded in 1889 by travelling salesman Hamilton Carhartt in Detroit, Michigan, Carhartt began life as a small company dedicated to producing durable workwear for railroad workers. Armed with just two sewing machines, a halfhorsepower electric motor and five employees, the company’s initial operation was modest to say the least, yet Hamilton Carhartt’s vision and dedication to quality and customer satisfaction laid the foundation for what has become the most respected name in workwear and its motto of ‘honest value for an honest dollar’ is as relevant now as it was back then.
Back to the future
Every company needs a mission statement and from the outset Carhartt was committed to understanding and meeting the needs of workers. In fact, the company’s first products were overalls, designed with the input of the railroad workers who would wear them. These garments were made from denim and duck canvas and featured triple-stitched seams and heavy-duty rivets – innovations that quickly set Carhartt apart in the crowded market.
The reputation of Hamilton Carhartt’s workwear quickly spread and soon it wasn’t just those on the railroads who were wearing his clothing. With demand from tradespeople and manual workers across various industries, the early 20th century was a period of rapid expansion for the company. It built multiple factories across the United States and Canada including major facilities in Detroit and Ontario.
As well as increased production and the ability to reach an even broader audience, Hamilton Carhartt was also a pioneer in improving working conditions, ensuring fair wages and safe working environments.
Weathering the storm
During World War I, Carhartt produced uniforms for American soldiers, further establishing its reputation for reliability and quality. Then the Great Depression hit and, after having enjoyed almost three decades of continual growth, the company suddenly faced significant challenges.
Meeting these challenges head-on, the company stayed true to its core market and continued to adapt and innovate. Carhartt’s customer-centric approach was revolutionary for the time and set the foundation for its reputation for quality. Designed to withstand the rigors of farm and ranch work, the introduction of the Carhartt Chore Coat in 1923 exemplified this and it remains an enduring symbol of Carhartt’s dedication to meeting the needs of working people.
When Hamilton Carhartt tragically died in 1937 in a car accident, it was his son, Wylie, who took over the business. World War II marked another critical period for Carhartt, as the company once again contributed to the war effort by manufacturing uniforms for the military. With the post-war era bringing significant industrial growth in America, Carhartt was well-positioned to meet the demands of the expanding workforce and introduced new products such as insulated
coveralls and specialised work jackets that empowered hardworkers to get the job done.
Cultural icon
Carhartt has always understood the importance and power of advertising and promotion. The Carhartt logo, designed in the 60s, became instantly recognisable and the following two decades saw Carhartt transition from a well-known trade brand into the cultural icon it is today. This shift was fuelled by the growing popularity of the Carhartt jacket, particularly the Detroit Jacket, among blue-collar workers, outdoor enthusiasts and eventually, mainstream consumers.
While the company’s core market was, and always will be, tradespeople, over the years its appeal has expanded to include a wide range of consumers who appreciate its rugged style and authenticity. Over the last 30 years Carhartt’s reputation for durability and quality has resonated across a broad audience, leading to its adoption by diverse groups ranging from hip-hop artists to skaters and hipsters.
Protection Perfection
Digital tools key to navigating challenges for UK tradespeople
ToolTime, a leading provider of job management software for tradespeople, has published research into the use of digital tools by small and micro UK trade businesses. The findings reveal that 88 per cent of tradespeople (91 per cent of electricians) consider digital and software tools to be important for successful operation, with 89 per cent using them to help with day-to-day business operations. Of the tradespeople using digital tools and software day-to-day, 39 per cent use them to save time on admin for business growth, 36 per cent to compensate for shortfalls in skilled workers, and 34 per cent to strike a better work-life balance or spend more time on their trade.
These figures were similar for electricians, although using digital and software tools to achieve a better work-life balance was on a par with saving time for business growth (both 36 per cent), while making up for the shortfall in skilled workers ranked second (33 per cent). Being able to spend more time on their trade, achieving more efficient backend processes and better organisation also featured highly.
The challenges driving tech adoption
The rising cost of supplies emerged as the number one challenge for 29 per cent for tradespeople (32 per cent amongst electricians), and was particularly significant for one-person and micro businesses of less than five people.
“Rising costs make finding ways to maintain profitability, manage costs and ensure prompt invoice payments critical elements of small business management,” commented ToolTime CEO and co-founder Marius Stäcker. “Investing in digital and software tools offers tradespeople the opportunity to create a resilient business model by streamlining and optimising operations for greater efficiency, enabling them to focus on increased revenue generation and profitability even with limited resources and in the face of higher operational costs.”
Roofing company ZafBuild points to the use of the ToolTime business management platform to grow profit by 20 per cent. Meanwhile home emergency services business Generational Homes reports savings of four to six hours every day, helping them to complete an additional 20-25 jobs every week in additional revenue.
Social media, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, and mobile apps for time tracking, job sheets, and scheduling were the top three digital tools named by the 1,000 tradespeople surveyed. Social media was also named as the most commonly used tool by electricians, with messaging platforms such as WhatsApp,
New research from ToolTime finds 88 per cent of small UK trade businesses believe digital software and tools are important for success
accounting specific and job management software representing the other top digital tools.
The utilisation of these tools and platforms reflects some of the other major challenges identified by UK trades, such as managing time and jobs (23 per cent), managing a team (22 per cent), keeping up with customer communications (21 per cent), talent and skilled worker shortages (21 per cent) and marketing the business (20 per cent).
For electricians specifically, marketing the business was the biggest challenge next to rising costs (25 per cent), closely followed by being asked for ‘freebies’ or ‘mates’ rates’ (23 per cent). Managing time and jobs and stress or burnout due to overwork also followed closely (22 per cent).
“As tradespeople face rising supply costs and a shortage of skilled workers, digital solutions are becoming essential to survive and thrive in this environment. Technology is rapidly filling the gaps created by challenges like time constraints and labour shortages, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently than ever before,” continued Stäcker.
Driving professionalism, efficiency, and growth
23 per cent of electricians use job management software, compared to 20 per cent of tradespeople overall. The top three greatest perceived benefits of use for electricians were business growth potential, better team management and making the business more
attractive to young or skilled workers, all chosen by 35 per cent. Time savings and better customer communications were the second highest ranked benefits, while better business operations oversight and a more professional image followed, named by 26 per cent of respondents.
The top named benefits of job and field management software by tradespeople overall were better oversight of business operations (37 per cent), time savings or better customer communications (36 per cent), and business growth potential (32 per cent).
“The link between professionalism and business growth chimes with what we hear from customers. Neat and tidy digital processes will generally win business over crumpled paper and pen in today’s digital society,” commented Lewis Sweenie, ToolTime’s UK Account Executive. “The need to spend less time on business admin also strikes a chord. Business owners often represent their company’s information bank, meaning they can never switch off. The ability to centralise key business information and relinquish that control offers the key to business growth.”
“Business management software and mobile apps are not just streamlining admin and communication—they drive business growth, improve work-life balance, and enhance professionalism. Our mission is to empower tradespeople with the right tools to optimise resources, win more customers, and spend more time on generating income, not handling admin,” concluded Stäcker.
The essential crimping tool
Efficiency and reliability are the cornerstones of every electrician’s toolkit. The KNIPEX MultiCrimp (97 33 02) lever action crimping pliers is a great addition that promises not only to streamline the crimping process but also to enhance the quality of work. It’s an innovative tool that is designed to cater to a wide range of crimping applications, offering the range of services of five pairs of professional pliers in a single tool.
Versatile and efficient
The standout feature of the KNIPEX MultiCrimp is its changer magazine, equipped with five interchangeable crimping dies. This selection covers a vast range of crimping needs – from non-insulated plug connectors and insulated cable lugs to ferrules and compression cable lugs in compliance with DIN standards. What sets this tool apart is the ease with which these dies can be swapped out. Without requiring any additional tools, an electrician can quickly change dies, significantly cutting down setup times and boosting productivity on the job.
Precision and quality
crimp is executed with the same level of precision as would be expected from fixed-die crimping pliers. The tool incorporates a finely calibrated ratchet mechanism that ensures consistent highquality crimps. This mechanism automatically triggers upon reaching optimal pressure, giving a perfect crimp every time. Such reliability is crucial when working under conditions where every connection counts.
Design and storage
Beyond its functional capabilities, the MultiCrimp is designed with the user’s comfort in mind. The pliers are robust yet comfortable, tailored
via a round magazine that keeps the dies sorted and protected. This not only organises the tool components but also prevents the loss of individual dies, thereby extending the tool’s lifespan and ensuring that essential parts are always at hand when needed.
Practicality in the field
For electricians working on large installations or multiple cable assemblies, the MultiCrimp proves invaluable. The quick die change feature, requiring just seconds for a swap, allows for seamless transitions between different types of crimping tasks. The inclusion of a belt clip for the magazine ensures that all necessary components are conveniently portable, a bonus for electricians who need to move freely and efficiently across worksites.
The KNIPEX MultiCrimp 97 33 02 is more than just a tool; it’s a comprehensive solution that offers the functionality of multiple crimping pliers in one compact package. By reducing the need for multiple tools and minimising setup time, it not only enhances work efficiency but also improves the overall quality of electrical connections, making the MultiCrimp an essential component of every electrician’s toolkit. For more details visit www.knipex.com/en-uk
High-leverage joint, long handles and optimised cutting edges: noticeably easier cutting than with compact cable shears
Large cutting capacity: cuts solid copper or aluminium cables up to 35 mm², stranded cables up to 70 mm² and fine stranded cables up to 120 mm²
KNIPEX Quality – Made in Germany
Niglon partners with KPS to expand test equipment offering
Niglon announce an exciting new partnership with KPS, a leading Spanish manufacturer of high-quality test equipment. Through this agreement, Niglon will exclusively support the sale and distribution of KPS test equipment across the UK and Irish electrical wholesale markets
The partnership marks a significant milestone, enabling Niglon to offer its valued customers a wider range of reliable, precise, and affordable test instruments, backed by the high standards of customer service that have been proudly maintained for over 70 years.
KPS is a renowned name in the electrical testing and measurement industry, and this partnership presents a fantastic opportunity for both companies to provide top-tier solutions to professionals across the UK and Ireland. Niglon is committed to working closely with KPS to ensure not only the delivery of high-quality products, but also the technical guidance and support necessary for customers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Expanding Niglon’s product range
Niglon has always prided itself on offering electrical wholesalers a comprehensive selection of products designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals working in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. With over 4,500 products available for same-day dispatch anywhere in the UK, Niglon strive to be a one-stop shop for electrical essentials. By partnering with KPS, the company is further expanding its portfolio to include a robust range of testing equipment that will support installers in ensuring electrical safety and performance.
This partnership is an exciting step forward in our range offering. We are thrilled to be working with a company like KPS and hope to make significant strides into this marketplace by working in partnership with them.
with a company like KPS and hope to make significant strides into this marketplace by working in partnership with them.”
Product highlights
The partnership with KPS will see Niglon distribute a variety of test instruments designed for accuracy, durability and ease of use. These products are critical tools for electricians and technicians, providing reliable measurements for insulation, continuity, earth resistance, loop testing and RCDs, among others. The goal is to offer these products at competitive price points, ensuring that both wholesalers and end-users have access to the best equipment without compromising on affordability.
Why KPS?
KPS brings more than 35 years of experience in original equipment manufacturing (OEM)
and has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, precise measurement instruments. What sets KPS apart is the company’s dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability and innovation. With its primary manufacturing facility based in Argame, Spain, KPS integrates sustainable practices into operations by using recycled materials and renewable energy, aligning with Niglon’s shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
KPS has played a pivotal role in the development of test equipment, and its products are known for their reliability and performance.
The company’s expansion into the UK market over the last year has already made waves, and with Niglon as its exclusive distribution partner, the availability of its products throughout the UK and Ireland will significantly increase.
Oliver Hinley, Director at Niglon, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture: “This partnership is an exciting step forward in our range offering. We are thrilled to be working
Two standout products from KPS that Niglon is particularly excited to introduce to its customers are the MULTICHECK6010 and the DCM200MINI. MULTICHECK6010 is a versatile multi-function tester designed to meet the rigorous demands of professionals in the electrical field.
Fully compliant with DIN VDE 0100 and EN 61557 standards, the MULTICHECK6010 ensures electrical safety through precision measurements. Its wide array of features includes loop resistance testing, internal network resistance, short circuit current, low resistance, continuity measurements, and insulation testing. Additionally, it performs RCD/FI measurements, including the RCD AUTO test for types A, AC, B, B+, and F. With its TRMS voltage, rotary field, and frequency measurements, plus earth resistance testing, the MULTICHECK6010 covers all the essential tests a professional needs. Its 3.5-inch TFT colour display provides a clear and intuitive interface, making it easier for users to perform their tasks quickly and efficiently.
Another excellent product is the DCM200MINI, a compact yet powerful DC/AC
clamp meter designed for professionals who need reliable current measurements in tight spaces or while on the move. Despite its small size, the DCM200MINI offers automatic detection of AC or DC currents, inrush current measurement, and high-frequency rejection mode to deliver precise readings. Its large 6,000-count LCD display provides a clear view of measurements, with a 10mA resolution and 1.5 per cent basic DCA/ACA accuracy, making it a highly dependable tool for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications.
Both products embody KPS’s dedication to quality and precision, ensuring that professionals can carry out their work with confidence.
Supporting customers
Niglon’s focus has always been on providing highquality products backed by exceptional customer service, and this partnership will be no different. The company is working closely with KPS to ensure that both can offer the necessary technical guidance and support for the full range of test equipment. Argy Kay, KPS’s UK Country Manager, will be instrumental in helping Niglon roll out
this product range to wholesalers across the UK over the next 12 months, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.
In addition, KPS backs its products with a threeyear warranty and lifetime technical support, giving customers the peace of mind they need when investing in these essential tools.
A partnership for the future Niglon is excited about the future of its partnership with KPS. This collaboration not only strengthens Niglon’s product range but also enhances the value it can offer to electrical wholesalers and installers throughout the UK and Ireland. With KPS’s innovative test equipment and its commitment to service, Niglon is confident that this partnership will make a significant impact on the industry, helping professionals work more efficiently and safely.
As Niglon look ahead, it remains dedicated to delivering the highest standards of quality, affordability and customer support. The company invite its customers to experience the benefits of this new range and to explore the full potential of what KPS and Niglon can offer together.
Toolstation hits £500,000 fundraising figure
The news comes as team raise nearly £6,000 on Wye Valley Mighty Hike
Bridgwater-based Toolstation has announced that it has raised £500,000 this year for Macmillan Cancer Support, raising a total of £2.5 million for the charity in under four years. The funds raised will help Macmillan continue to do whatever it takes to provide vital support to people affected by cancer across the UK; the amount raised could support 37 Macmillan nurses for a whole year, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential support.
The Toolstation team carried out a Mighty Hike which raised almost £6,000 for the charity. It saw 13 colleagues hike the distance of a full marathon, 26 miles, over the Wye Valley, taking in Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey and ending at Monmouth. The team raised almost £6,000 with a target of £4,750. Donations can still be made on Toolstation’s JustGiving page: https://
www.justgiving.com/team/toolstationtrekkers
Fundraising continues to take place across the business, with colleagues at Toolstation’s distribution centres, head office and 580+ stores all getting involved throughout the year to help reach the record figure. Fundraising initiatives across the business have included hamper raffles in-store, bake sales, team hikes, all of which have been supported through customer and colleague donations.
Toolstation’s Customer and Commercial Director Rupert Nichols, who took part in the Mighty Hike says: “This was a great personal challenge for us all and trekking through the Wye Valley has meant we’ve been able to raise more money for such an important cause. We
want to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and has helped us achieve this target.”
Rebecca Fanning, Corporate Partnerships Manager, at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “A massive thank you to everyone at Toolstation for raising an incredible £500,000. Toolstation colleagues up and down the country have gone above and beyond with their dedication and fundraising efforts involving a wide variety and range of challenges.
“We rely almost entirely on donations from the public and without the generosity from valued partners like Toolstation, we wouldn’t be able to continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer when they need it most.”
Meet again the Elegant Curvex Range by Axiom
Introducing the newly revamped Axiom Curvex range, where cutting-edge design meets performance excellence. Launched in 2022 and now even better, this attractive modular white accessory range aims to complement modern interiors with its sleek low-profile design and gracefully rounded edges.
Manufactured in durable fire-resistant thermoplastic, this extensive and expanded range is designed to meet the vast majority of installer requirements, including Switches up to 3 gang/2 way, 20A and 45A double pole options plus intermediate and dimmer switches. Sockets have 1 and 2 gang single and double pole fittings, both switched and unswitched, a range of data and shaver sockets as well as upgraded 45A cooker switches and fused connection units. In total, the Curvex range, including cavity boxes, amounts to upwards of 50 lines.
Click adds Bidirectional RCBOs to its Elucian range
Designed for ease of installation, Curvex features solid screws for deep fastening into terminal blocks, with captive screws and clear terminal markings to help ensure strong long-lasting connections. In terms of quality, the Curvex range has 6mm thick plates, is certified to all relevant BS and BS EN Standards and is backed by a 25-year guarantee. For further information call 0208 503 8500 or visit the website. www.cedelectrical.co.uk
Knightsbridge’s intelligent dimmers just got smarter
The new Intelligent Dimmer range from Knightsbridge is now equipped with the versatile VFR200I module, allowing for a seamless switch between trailing edge and leading edge dimming technologies.
This improves the usability of the trimming function, which required delicate care to prevent breakages, but also delivers optimal performance from all lighting types, from incandescent to LED.
The dimmers can now control the lighting output precisely, significantly reducing flickering, ensuring smooth transitions and extending the lifespan of fixtures.
Safety is also improved because the dimmers now incorporate an inrush current limiter that stops overheating and protects against blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers. Overload and overheat protection further safeguard the electrical system, enhancing reliability.
The installation process is simpler because control adjustments made using the rotary dial on the faceplate, rather than making adjustments at the back of the dimmer.
Various designs are available – rounded edge, square edge, flat plate and screwless – and various finishes such as anthracite, brushed chrome, polished brass, black nickel, matt black, matt white and smoked bronze. They include push on/off functionality and anti-flicker technology to ensure consistent lighting without disruptions and are available in multiple gang options (1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G).
With this range, Knightsbridge provides both residential and commercial users with advanced solutions that support a wide array of lighting applications, ensuring high performance, safety, and style. www.mlaccessories.co.uk
Leading security solutions supplier, ESP, has seen sales of its Fort smart security range soar since it was launched, with the Fort smart outdoor security camera proving particularly popular.
Providing installers with the means to add a simple to install and operate security solution for customers, the smart outdoor camera is packed with features:
• Full 1080p HD live view and recording
• No subscription or additional fees required
• Battery powered with up to 750 activations on full charge
• 8m infrared LED illumination
• 7m PIR detection range
• 130° wide angle camera view
• Motion activated video record (storage included)
• Clear two-way audio
• IP65 rated ingress protection
The Fort Smart outdoor camera is part of a complete range of smart security products from ESP, which includes smart alarm, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single app – the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ app from Scolmore, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform.
A brochure showcasing the Fort Smart Security range can be downloaded from the ESP website and is available to view on the Scolmore Group app. www.espuk.com
Click Scolmore continues to develop its growing range of Elucian consumer units and protective devices with a new bidirectional RCBO.
The launch comes hot on the heels of Amendment 3 of BS 7671, which followed the issue of a technical bulletin by BEAMA in 2024 and detailed a concern where, under certain circumstances, protective devices failed to safely operate when required where current flowed in either direction.
The Elucian Bidirectional RCBO is crucial for ensuring user protection in the event of a fault during a loss of supply. These devices are commonly used with generating sets, where the current can flow in both directions, ensuring that the installer is still protected under fault conditions.
As per the BEAMA guidance when selecting your protective device please ensure that the markings on the device are in line with the guidance. This will ensure compliance with the above regulations.
The new bidirectional RCBO is Type A rated and available in both B curve and C curve, with 6A,10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A and 45A options. It comes with a three-year warranty.
A full brochure highlighting the Elucian range can be viewed on the Click website – www.scolmore.com - as well as on the Scolmore Group app. www.scolmore.com
New Fluke 1670 Series Multifunction Installation
Tester can speed up testing by 30 per cent and cut reporting times in half
Fluke has launched the new Fluke 1670 Series Multifunction Installation Tester which can cut by up to 50 per cent the amount of time electricians and maintenance technicians spend producing reports.
Designed by Fluke to represent the future of installation, the innovative Multifunction Installation Tester enables tests to be carried out up to 30 per cent faster. Available in three models – ideally suited to the needs of residential, commercial and industrial applications – the tools boost productivity through a user programmable AutoTest function that enables electricians to run an entire automatic installation test sequence at the touch of a button.
Measurement data and metadata from the field are quickly stored, managed and shared using Fluke Connect software while Fluke’s TruTest software simplifies the process of generating documentation. A single click enables inspection reports to be previewed in the field and certificates generated while on-site. Even inspection invoices can be created at the same time.
Electricians will be able to eliminate time-consuming double-entry of data. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity on the Fluke 1670 Series solves this problem by automatically linking test results to the circuit or point under test.
Electricians will also save time by not having to return to a site because key measurements have not been taken or results are found to be incorrect.
For more information, visit the website below. www.fluke.com
Fort smart outdoor security camera from ESP
Airmaster Space Heating celebrates 30 years with a new range of black digital panel heaters
Airmaster, by the CED Electrical Group, has long been established as a major player in the UK Space Heating market. It now offers over 50 products and continues to innovate year after year. Key introductions over the past couple of years include PTC (positive temperature coefficient) portable heaters, Wi-fi enabled Panel heaters and Bathroom Downflow heaters.
2024 follows suit with a new range of 1kW, 1.5kW and 2kW Black Digital Panel Heaters
These sleek, compact designed heaters are easy to install and, once mounted, take up minimal room space. Features include 24/7 LED Digital controls, Quiet running and Overheat protection. Corrosion resistant with powder coated bodies, these new heaters have highly efficient sheathed heating elements and aluminium diffusers. IP24 rated, the range is quality assured with CE and UKCA approvals and Lot 20 Compliance.
New innovative additions now sit alongside our long established ranges of 2 kW Convector and Fan heaters,, Oil filled radiators, Infrared wall, ceiling and patio heaters, Tubular heaters and more.
For further information please call 0208 503 8500 or visit the website. www.cedelectrical.co.uk
140 Lumen per Watt LED Panels now available from Ovia
Ovia’s premium Inceptor Slate Backlit LED panels, as well as the regular Slate Backlit panels are now available in 22W versions that produce an impressive 140 lumens per Watt output to maximise energy efficiency.
The LED panels market has come a long way since they were first introduced more than 10 years ago, when a 45W panel cost more than £200. In recent years LED panels have been used as the main replacement for fluorescent tubes as a means of saving on energy consumption. With the launch of the new 140 lumen panels range within its commercial lighting offer, Ovia is creating the opportunity for the replacement of existing higher wattage panels for these more energy efficient versions to create even further energy savings.
Ovia’s Inceptor Slate Backlit is a premium TP(a) rated LED Panel with a low <19 UGR diffuser. The range has been upgraded to reduce the wattage from 30W and 40W to 22W and 30W, to achieve a higher lumen output whilst consuming much less power. As well as being power switchable these new backlit panels feature selectable CCT (4,000K, 5,000K and 6,500K) options as standard, to offer completely customisable lighting solutions. There are three sizes available: 22-30W 600mm x 600mm, 22-30W 1,200mm x 300mm and 37-50W 1,200mm x 600mm.
At the same time as introducing the improved Inceptor Slate LED Panel range, the company has upgraded its standard Slate Backlit Panels which are now available in a reduced wattage of 22W, producing a 140 lumen per Watt output. These 4,000K low glare 600 x 600, 22W panels are available in a TP(a) or TP(b) option.
These ratings relate to the fire-rating of thermoplastic diffuser materials. Thermoplastic materials undergo specific tests to certify their ability to withstand the application of heat and fire. The requirements are established by Building Regulations Approved Document B, which sets out the fire safety of buildings. Section B2 covers internal fire spread. The difference between TP(a) and TP(b) rated materials is in their composition and thickness or how they react under test conditions when a flame is applied to them.
Both the Inceptor Slate and the standard Slate Backlit LED panels are supplied with LED driver and pre-wired push-fit 3-Pole Ovia Flow connector, and they come with a five year warranty.
More information on these products can be found on the Ovia website. www.oviauk.com
Keeping it secure with Unicrimp’s new Pin Wall Plugs
Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, continues to expand its renowned Q-Crimp cable accessories range to offer installers a wider selection of solutions, which now includes the newly introduced Pin Wall Plugs.
The new Pin Wall Plugs are an excellent solution for securing cable clips and masonry nails, particularly in cases where the substrate is too dense or hard for conventional masonry nails or clips. With a nail diameter ranging from 1.2mm to 2mm, they provide a reliable and effective alternative for challenging installation conditions.
Available in packs of 100, these wall plugs come in white and measure 5.5mm x 18mm.
The Q-Crimp range of cable accessory products from Unicrimp provides everything required to harness cable between the consumer unit and the end accessory. The product offering comprises an extensive range of cable management consumables, including stainless steel cable ties, nylon cable ties, crimp terminals, PVC tape, copper tube terminals, cable clips, and brass and nylon glands. The Q-Crimp range also includes a number of trade tubs, offering a variety of essential fixings and clips in a handy, resealable format.
More information can be found on the Unicrimp website: www.unicrimp.com
Leading lights: C.K Tools launches new lighting products
C.K Tools has launched five new IP rated lighting products, including a brandnew range, designed to shine a light onto a multitude of projects for trade professionals, industrial workers and keen DIYers alike. Work Lights: C.K Tools brand new Work Light range features three robust lights with supreme battery life, the latest charging technology and ultimate flexibility whether clipped, hung, or attached to any metal surface.
C.K Tools Folding Work Light: provides a powerful and reliable lighting source throughout a full working day (up to 8.5 hours per charge). It comes complete with a 360° folding design and ball-ended hanging hook with magnetic base, for flooding work areas both large and small with light – wherever it’s needed.
C.K Tools New Head Lights: C.K Tools T9714USB – Magnetic Wide Angle Head Torch 150lm features a wide-angle lens and a powerful 3.7V USB-C rechargeable battery for up to nine hours runtime. Three modes provide varying degrees of light from 50 to 150lm. For professionals who need a more powerful head light the C.K Tools T9615USB – Magnetic Dual Lens Headlight 500lm is a must. Users can choose from wide or narrow beam lighting which can also be dimmed to suit any environment. www.ck-tools.com
Snickers Workwear’s Energising New Technical Midlayers
Perfect Workwear – for less than perfect days.
Snickers Workwear’s new range of lightweight Mid-layers are a Fusion of style and performance - built for active work in the Autumn.
Crafted for full flexibility on site and optimal comfort and built for active work, they’re fully flexible and can be worn as an outer layer when it’s warmer or a mid-layer when it’s a bit cooler.
They’re full of handy technical features and innovative fabrics to tame the wind, plus brand new energising colours to brighten your springtime workday.
Choose from new street-smart styles such as the Windblocker Half-zip Hoodie or the Lightweight Flexiwork Mid-layer Jacket – creative workwear solutions designed to make your job easier.
Whatever Snickers Workwear Mid-layer you choose, you can be sure that they all have bodymapping designs for a great fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day.
www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
Q A
Barry Roberts, Marshall-Tufflex
Can you tell us more about your role and your career journey?
I am the National Specification Manager for Marshall-Tufflex and have been with the company for 10 years. I entered the industry straight from school 37 years ago, at the age of 16. Back then, careers advisors strongly recommended learning a trade, so I embarked on a five-year electrical apprenticeship. On completion, I went on to become an electrician followed by further roles in quantity surveying, project management, and mechanical and electrical engineering. During this time, I worked on a wide and varied range of projects including rail, prisons, government buildings and education facilities, before landing at Stansted Airport as Resident Engineer for six years.
I joined Marshall-Tufflex in 2014 originally as Contract and Specification Account Manager for the Southern Region, and since 2020 have held the position of National Specification Manager. As National Specification Manager, I support designers and contractors with tailored cable management product specification advice for their projects - from design stage through to completion. Many tenders now include sustainability requirements at the prequalification stage, so a large part of my role is focused on working with contractors and planners to help improve the carbon footprint of their specifications. As such, I am called upon to provide embodied carbon calculations (TM65’s) and recycled content figures for our products and provide advice on the products that can support these objectives. I also visit contracting businesses to deliver our CPD on Sustainable PVC-U Cable Management Systems.
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What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry at the moment?
Sadly, a topic that doesn’t go away, is the skills shortage. The most recent UK Trade Index revealed the electrical sector has an ‘alarming skills gap’, with an estimated 100,000 new electrician recruits needed by 2032 to keep pace with demand. This critical situation has been further underpinned by the ECA’s recent Engineering Business Survey, which found that electrotechnical and engineering businesses
are struggling to find suitably qualified candidates to fill their vacancies.
It’s clear that there is a huge need to attract new and more applicants into apprenticeship schemes, as well as need to place more responsibility on those apprenticeships to fully equip apprentices with the knowledge and skills for the job.
Budget restraints are another issue. We firmly believe that when specifying cable management solutions, the first consideration should always be their suitability for the end use, rather than price. As such, we work closely with customers to make sure that the products chosen are applicable to the project brief, as well as in line with budgets. We also factor in how easy the products are to install, to ensure that labour costs can be kept to a minimum whilst ensuring that all customer requirements can be met as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Thoughts on the future of the industry?
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Sustainability is a big point on the agenda at design, pre-qualification, and tender stages and this is something we that will continue to dominate.
I can happily guarantee the next generation will say the same. For the industry to thrive, I am hopeful that more will be done to address the skills gap, and high standards of tradespeople will rise through the ranks so that the quality of projects are maintained.
: Q: A: Q: A:
At Marshall-Tufflex, we are working hard to drive up the specification and installation of PVC-U products manufactured using recycled material and believe every part of the supply chain can make a difference. Our aim is for all PVC-U products installed in buildings to be manufactured using a minimum of 50 per cent recycled material by 2028. Cabling methods will change, and technology will drive higher service demands and that’s an exciting prospect. People of my generation are often heard saying they have experienced the best years in this industry, but
Tell us more about MarshallTufflex’s latest launch?
We constantly review our portfolio and continue to invest into new product development to ensure we meet the demands of the sector. With advancing technology driving demand for improved cabling and data supply, our partnership with Basor Electric, has extended our portfolio in this field, with solutions that enable simple routing and support of power and data cables. Furthermore, we recently added a new collection of metal strut and trunking to our extensive portfolio to build upon our core PVC-U range and provide an even wider choice of cable management systems when it comes to the organisation, protection and support of cabling across a wide variety of applications.
We now offer everything from metal trunking and strut to GRP ladder and trays, as well as underfloor to desk and fast fit wire basket systems. Our newest addition is the metal cable ladder by Basor, due for launch in November. The product is ideal for routing heavy duty cables in large areas that have wide spacing between supports such as power plants, airports and heavy industry environments.
What’s next for Marshall Tufflex?
As always, our focus is on supplying quality solutions that meet the needs of today’s installer. As part of this, we have some exciting new product releases in the pipeline across our metal and PVC-U ranges that will further streamline installation processes and ensure tradespeople can access the products they need across any job. This includes a new partnership for 2025 that will provide a new product range to dramatically improve the ease of installing some of our metal cable management products.
To find out more about Marshall-Tufflex visit: www.marshall-tufflex.com.
Shaun Hurworth,Dimplex UK
Who are Dimplex and what do they do?
Dimplex has been a cornerstone of the UK market for 75 years, pioneering innovation in electric heating. We’ve consistently led the way in developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers, ensuring that our products are at the forefront of the industry.
How is the heating market changing?
The heating market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the push towards decarbonisation. Electric heating is increasingly recognised as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. The old stigma attached to electric heating products is fading as newer, more efficient systems emerge. We’re seeing a variety of systems being developed to meet the needs of the UK’s diverse housing stock as we shift towards electrifying heat.
What are the considerations in this new landscape?
In this evolving landscape, it’s fundamental to assess what’s best for both the building and its occupants. Heat pumps are the first consideration, but they’re not suitable for every situation. Where this is the case, it’s essential to explore alternative options for water and space heating that might be a better fit. Another critical factor is how these systems interact with the grid. As we aim to electrify more industries, flexibility must be prioritised and rewarded. Additionally, we need to consider other systems that can work alongside electric heating in the home, such as photovoltaic panels (PV), electric vehicles (EV) and smart meters.
How has Dimplex led this change?
Dimplex has been at the
In this evolving landscape, it’s fundamental to assess what’s best for both the building and its occupants. Heat pumps are the first consideration, but they’re not suitable for every situation. Where this is the case, it’s essential to explore alternative options for water and space heating that might be a better fit.
forefront of this change through the continuous development of thermal batteries and their integration into the grid. We’ve participated in National Grid trials and collaborated with utility companies to create flexible assets that can provide load when needed, avoid peak demand and ultimately save occupants money while offering a return on investment for building owners.
How can readers stay up-todate on the industry?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has been a staple in the specification side of our industry for some time. Now, we’re seeing these CPDs evolve into more technical, applied formats that heating engineers can use to keep up with the latest technology trends. It’s a crucial way for industry professionals to stay informed about the changes taking place.
What challenges will installers face over the next 5-10 years?
the challenge of knowledge - understanding what options are available and selecting the best one for each specific situation. Then there’s integration - figuring out how different systems work together and where combined benefits can lead to more integrated, flexible and cost-effective systems. Finally, staying compliant with regulations and being aware of any available funding to support specific installations will be vital.
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How is Dimplex working to address these challenges?
We’re producing CPDs and collaborating with industry publications to provide technical content that keeps decision-makers informed about the latest changes. Our Dimplex PRO Installer Club also offers training and updates for industry professionals. Additionally, we’re working closely with government, policymakers and industry collaborators to commercialise the technologies needed to meet decarbonisation targets across the diverse needs of buildings and occupants.
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Installers will face several challenges in the coming years. First, there’s
How is Dimplex addressing the evolving demands of modern energy needs?
Dimplex remains at the cutting edge of electric heating advancements by continuously investing in research and development to produce solutions that meet today’s energy challenges. With the UK’s focus on achieving net-zero targets, Dimplex has expanded its portfolio to include energy-efficient solutions like heat pumps, smart controls and thermal batteries. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond product development. We actively engage with government bodies and industry leaders to shape future energy policies. By adopting a holistic approach, Dimplex addresses immediate HVAC needs while ensuring our products contribute positively to the environment and future generations. For more information on Dimplex, visit www.dimplex.co.uk
Recolight is the leading UK WEEE compliance scheme for lighting, taking on responsibility for its members’ WEEE compliance. O ering free integrated Lamp and Luminaire collection and recycling and the biggest UK-wide network of collection points for all WEEE lighting.
Recolight go beyond recycling, by o ering circular economy services, facilitating the reuse of lighting equipment, and helping to avoid unnecessary recycling of surplus new lighting.
Working with the lighting industry, Recolight o er support and services to help their Producer Members transition to a Circular Economy.
Denmark eyes automation to address electrician shortage
Electrical contractors in Denmark have a significant potential for overcoming labour shortages and improving the working environment using robot technology and automation, a new study conducted by HowToRobot finds
In a bustling Danish construction site, two electricians grapple with a stubborn cable, their arms stretched overhead as they manoeuvre it into place. But today, they’re not alone – two robot engineers watch intently, their minds already racing with possibilities. Could a machine assist with this physically demanding task, allowing a single electrician to do the job of two? The scene unfolded as part of a new initiative that could significantly impact Denmark’s electrical contracting industry. As the country faces a growing shortage of skilled electricians, industry leaders are exploring a novel solution: automation and robotics.
To map out the industry’s automation potential, the trade union Dansk El-Forbund and employers’ association TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne commissioned an independent study by HowToRobot, a consultancy specialising in robotics and automation. The just-released study reveals a promising potential for automation and robotics to address the pressing labour challenges facing the industry. By 2030, Denmark is projected to face a shortfall of 6,700 electricians. The study has found that implementing existing off-the-shelf automation technologies could address 14 per cent of the expected electrician shortage. With the development of new, fully automated solutions, up to 70 per cent of the expected shortage could potentially be addressed.
“There is already a shortage of labour in the industry, and the green transition increases the need for electricians even further,” says Maria Schougaard Berntsen, Deputy Director at TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne. “This study shows that automation could be a key part of the solution.”
Growing electrician shortage increases need for automation
The skilled labour shortage is experienced across many industries, but electrical contractors are particularly hard hit. 37 per cent of electrical contracting companies experience ‘production restrictions’ due to a lack of labour – far more than the 24 per cent for the general industry according to Statistics Denmark (data from May 2024). Electricians are also among the occupational groups in Denmark that companies have the hardest time recruiting.
Just over a third of all advertised electrician positions end up with unsuccessful recruitment, according to the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment. “This increased demand puts additional pressure on the current electricians in the industry to work more with the risk of getting worn out faster,” says Lars B. Sørensen, area manager at the union, Dansk El-Forbund.
The hope among the companies participating in the project has been that they could find ways to free electricians from the heaviest, most monotonous and repetitive tasks – thereby addressing the labour shortage. This goal has been successfully achieved, according to Mikkel Viager, one of the robot engineers from HowToRobot, who observed and analysed more than 50 electrical installation and maintenance tasks as part of the project: “We uncovered a wide range of existing, often semi-automatic, aids and solutions that can reduce the time electricians spend on many of their tasks. It was far more significant than we had dared to hope,” he says.
During the project, 13 specific electrical tasks across renovation, maintenance, and new construction were identified as suitable for automation and optimisation with new or existing technology. In particular, the study found great potential in automating processes such as cable pulling behind ceilings and walls, hole drilling for electrical installations, measuring and marking, and channel cutting for wiring.
“The analysis shows enormous potential.
Automation can help ensure that a company can say yes to orders that they would otherwise have to decline due to staff shortages,” says Maria Schougaard Berntsen. “This debunks the myth that robots are taking jobs from people.”
Reducing heavy and tedious tasks
It is one thing to optimise work time, but in the bigger picture, there are other considerations motivating electrical contracting companies to consider automation. “What appeals to me most about automation is that we can spare our employees and reduce wear and tear. Some of those entering the labour market now will be working until they are over 72 years old. If they are to stay in the industry, we need to take good care of them,” says Jesper Timming, Managing Director of the Danish electrical contractor Linde-El – one of the companies studied in the project.
In particularly, heavy tasks in difficult working positions, such as working on ladders with hands above shoulder height, can be wearing – especially on the shoulders. One of the project’s goals was, therefore, to map out how automation can help reduce the number of wearing tasks and thus improve the working environment. Across the tasks analysed, the study found an ‘improved working environment’ to be the overall most significant positive effect of automation.
Much, but not all, can be automated During the project, several electrician tasks suitable for automation emerged, beyond cable
pulling. One of these was the measurement and marking of placements for sockets, conduits, etc. Various solutions already exist today that can reduce the time spent on these tasks and minimise measurement errors. An automation solution using a 3D scanner would make it possible to scan a room and then plot installations directly from a technical drawing onto walls, floors, and ceilings for marking. Additionally, mobile robots exist that can print the drawing directly on the floor.
Another task identified during the project was drilling holes in ceilings and walls for sockets, cable routing, and installation. Drilling is both a dusty and noisy process that often involves poor working positions for electricians. During the project, a range of offthe-shelf tools were found that can ease the work – from simple drills for making square holes for embedded sockets to more advanced mobile drilling robots.
A third electrician task identified in the project was channel cutting for concealed cable routing. This task is typically noisy, dusty, and time-consuming, and a higher degree of automation can, therefore, improve both the working environment and free up work time for electricians.
Regardless of the task to automate, electrical contractors should aim to find a balance and focus on what provides the most value for money: “Although almost everything can theoretically be automated, it is rarely a good idea to aim too high. When you break a task down into smaller parts and look at the technologies available on the market today, you might find a reasonable solution that can handle a portion of the task, which can still be hugely valuable,” he says.
How automation opportunities were mapped
The project involved robot experts from HowToRobot following electricians at work and analysing their tasks in consultation with company management and the performing electricians. Although the consultants’ method is best known in the manufacturing industry, it has increasingly found application in other sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and now also the electrical contractors’ industry, where automation is gaining ground. “With a systematic review of the opportunities and a thorough knowledge of the technologies and the supplier market, you lay the foundation for sensible investments that help boost both the company’s bottom line and employees’ job satisfaction,” says Mikkel Viager from HowToRobot.
The method fundamentally involves making automation a systematic process that openly maps both the opportunities, benefits, and risks of implementing robot and automation solutions in the work. As part of the project, each of the participating companies received a short and concise report that gave management an overview of the automation potential in their company. One of the companies is currently
exploring the development of a new mobile automation solution to assist with pulling and pushing cables, and several are exploring how other existing solutions can help their electrician do a range of tasks more effectively and safely. Participants highlighted one of the key benefits of the projects: the process of involving both management and employees in exploring new opportunities and ways of working. “It is interesting to see that when employees and employers sit down together and ask what they can do smarter, a fantastic list of ideas and opportunities emerges on how they can make the workplace a better place,” says Lars B. Sørensen from the trade union.
In making the study, Maria Schougaard Berntsen from TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne also acknowledges the importance of bringing expertise in robotics and automation to the electrical contractors’ industry: “The project has confirmed that if you do not know the technologies, it can be difficult to see where the potential lies. When you look at it from a different professional perspective, it becomes clear that there is a great untapped potential to become more automated and use robot technology in the industry today,” she concludes.
Good advice to get started
Mikkel Viager from HowToRobot offers some good advice for companies looking to get started with automation:
1. Start by getting an overview of the possibilities. Avoid locking yourself
into a particular technology or solution too quickly, but focus on what is most needed. It’s also a good idea to consult with your employees and find out if you have some ambassadors who can help drive the project and push it forward.
2. Get out in the field and assess the potential for automating individual tasks. This can rarely be done from an office alone. Get experienced tech people with knowledge of the market and solutions to scrutinize the tasks. The aim is to look broadly at all the tasks and find the common denominators – and then be realistic about what can be done and whether the business case holds up.
3. Consult the market on what is possible. When you have a clear idea of your needs, describe them. Avoid designing the solution in advance, but describe the need and the task you want to automate and ask relevant suppliers. Sometimes, there will be existing off-the-shelf solutions; other times, it will require developing something new.
“Typically, 80 per cent of the gain can be harvested for 20 per cent of the cost. Trying to achieve 100 per cent level of automation, the price to reach the last 20 per cent will often be disproportionately high,” Viager adds.
About the project
The project and study were initiated in collaboration between the Danish electrical contractors’ employers’ association, TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne, and the trade union Dansk El-Forbund. It aimed to map the possibilities for greater involvement of automation and robot technology in the electrical contracting industry, addressing labour shortages and working conditions. The project was carried out by independent robot experts from the consultancy HowToRobot and involved observing and analysing on-site work from a range of electrical contracting companies within renovation, service, and new construction, as well as assessing the industrywide potential for automation.
The project was funded by TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne and Dansk El-Forbund.
Automated cable pulling machine
Grid connections biggest barrier to renewable energy growth
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new poll of energy experts conducted by Cornwall Insight and law firm Weightmans, shows 75 per cent of respondents think being able to get a timely grid connection is the biggest challenge to the rollout of renewables in the UK
The poll, which included input from experts across the energy sector including investors, consultants, researchers, energy transmission and distribution companies, and renewable energy operators, is highlighted in a new report titled ‘Hurdling to Net Zero’, a collaboration between Cornwall Insight and Weightmans.
Difficulty getting on the grid has been a big talking point within the energy industry, with Ofgem just this week publishing a letter outlining its vision for reform of the energy connection regulation framework.
The scale of the problem is highlighted by National Grid Electricity Transmission’s Research Assistant tool, where none of the listed sites are offering transmission network connection dates before 2033.
Not only are new projects facing significant delays to access a grid connection, but even those projects already in the queue are seeing minimal progress. Analysis of Cornwall Insight’s Renewables Pipeline Tracker indicates that more than 60 per cent of projects in the pipeline did not see any change in their developmental status between 2018 and 2023 (Fig. 2).
Over the past year the Electricity System Operator (ESO), the government and Ofgem have renewed their focus on delivering measures which could help overcome the barriers to grid connection delays. Primary amongst these is the Connections Action Plan (CAP) from the previous government and Ofgem, announced in November 2023. A series of key actions are set out under the CAP: including, raising energy requirements, removing stalled projects, better
utilising existing capacity, better allocating network capacity, improving data and processes and developing long term connections process models. Market experts have responded fairly positively to the connections process reforms, and many are hopeful that the new government may accelerate the changes, making the long journey to the grid smoother. However, there are also concerns around resourcing and the speed at which these reforms can actually deliver changes in grid connections.
Dr Matthew Chadwick, Lead Analyst at Cornwall Insight and author of the ‘Hurdling to Net Zero’ report said: “While there are more than enough renewable projects in the pipeline to reach our decarbonisation objectives, there are multiple challenges to ensuring these projects come online in time to meet the target of a 2030 net decarbonised power system. Chief among these challenges is grid connections.
“Viable projects are being delayed by others that are stalled or speculative, leaving readyto-connect projects stuck behind those unlikely to progress.
“Efforts by various stakeholders aim to accelerate connections and maximise the available renewable capacity. There have been
positive signs from the new government that changes to the system, from planning consent changes to prioritising shovel ready projects are on the way and Ofgem’s letter this week reaffirms the appetite for progress. However, there are concerns that current reforms may not go far enough or take effect fast enough. What’s clear is that without a more streamlined grid connection process, the 2030 targets will be out of reach.”
Nick Fothergill, partner at Weightmans LLP, said: “Unlocking the UK’s renewable energy potential has never been more pressing. Progress has been made in building a significant pipeline of renewable energy projects, but it’s delivering that pipeline that will make the difference - and is therefore where the focus needs to now lie.
“This report gives a real-life snapshot of the challenge ahead, from those on the front line of delivering this change. Combine this with our national energy team’s expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks, and deep understanding of all sorts of decarbonisation projects from energy storage to energy generation, we’re ideally placed to support developers and investors to translate this pipeline into reality.”
Fig. 2: Status of renewables projects
Fig. 2: Responses to Cornwall Insight and Weightmans’ renewables poll of energy experts
