34 Maximising self-consumption through pioneering green tech
SAFETY
Recently, schools across the UK celebrated the release of this year’s A-Levels results. With those students thinking about their next steps, Kelly Becker, Schneider Electric, highlights apprenticeships as an alternative to university.
40 How self-customised PPE could be putting your business at risk
42 Signs up above
43 The safety imperative
Q&A
46 Tom Bloor, evec
Switching Off
48 Mud, sweat and tears
Closing argument
50 The urgent call for greater PPE procurement competency
“As A-level students open their results, there will understandably be anxiety about next steps. While many will still have their sights set on university, alternative career routes, like apprenticeships, shouldn’t be ruled out.
“Apprenticeships offer young people a dynamic and fulfilling route to success, providing flexibility to shift roles based on business learning. Fostering both technical and interpersonal skills, these programmes allow for fast career progression. In fact, some of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of working with have climbed the ranks through our apprenticeship programme.
“This year, we have increased the number of apprenticeships we offer across the UK and Ireland to approximately 60 placements, understanding the value apprenticeships bring to those looking for an alternative career route to university. Students should be reassured that as important as this results day is, the results themselves aren’t career defining. There are many options available to help them to thrive and forge their own route to success.”
Lisa Peake, EDITOR, lisa.peake@purplems.com
@electricaltimes
Subscriptions Electrical Times, Perception, PO Box 304, London Road Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 9EZ T: 01825 701520
purplems@my-subs.co.uk
Appointments
Fergus, job management software provider, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mark Bartels as its new Chief Executive Officer . Based at the company’s head office in Sydney, Australia, Mark has a proven track record in scaling software and payment companies. His leadership is set to bring a new era of growth and innovation to Fergus.
Scolmore Group has announced the appointment of David Bates as the company’s new Director of Operations and Logistics.This role will be critical in supporting the strategic plans for the on-going improvement of warehouse logistics and distribution operations across the group of companies.
Grafton announces the appointment of Frank Elkins as Chief Executive Officer of Selco and GB Distribution, succeeding Howard Luft who left the business at the end of August after six and a half years in the role.
Frank is a highly experienced Executive Director. Frank worked with Travis Perkins plc for 12 years in a number of senior roles including Group Chief Operating Officer.
Iceotope has announced the retirement of David Craig from the position of CEO effective from 30th September 2024. The company will be led jointly by Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Nathan Blom and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Simon Jesenko until the appointment of David’s successor. David will continue to advise the company and provide assistance during the transition period.
UKRadiators.com, a leading online retailer based in Colchester, UK, has appointed Mark Webber, as the new Operations Director. Mr Webber brings over 11 years of experience from Tiffany & Co., where he was instrumental in building their e-commerce operations. This strategic hire is part of UKRadiators.com’s growth plan.
New
uvex unveils comprehensive White Paper on new protective eyewear standard EN ISO 16321-1:2022
uvex, manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), has released a brand new White Paper: Demystifying the New Eyewear Standard: EN ISO 16321-1:2022 which is essential reading for those responsible for specifying safety eyewear.
The comprehensive document provides valuable insights into the new international standard set to replace EN 166:2001, offering a detailed analysis of the changes and their implications for keeping workers safe across multiple industries.
Key highlights of the White Paper: Implementation timeline: Understand when the new standard comes into force and how it affects current certifications.
Scope of application: Learn which regions will adopt EN ISO 16321-1:2022 and how it aims to harmonise global safety standards.
Reason for change: Explore the motivations behind shifting from EN 166
to an ISO standard and the benefits of this transition.
Major updates: Learn about significant changes, including updates to headform sizes, mechanical strength requirements and lens filter criteria.
Optional features: Discover the optional features allowed under the new standard and their corresponding markings.
Why download this White Paper? As occupational safety regulations evolve, staying informed is crucial for several stakeholders including Health and Safety professionals, procurement departments, manufacturers, training organisations, and wearers. uvex’s White Paper provides a clear and concise breakdown of the new EN ISO 16321 standard, equipping you with the knowledge to ensure compliance and maintain the highest level of protection for your workforce.
Download the full white paper at: www. uvex-safety.co.uk/en/media/white-papers
Solar Photovoltaic Systems digital book out now
The latest NAPIT publication, NAPIT Practical Guide: Solar Photovoltaic Systems, digital book is now available to buy. NAPIT Practical Guide: Solar Photovoltaic Systems has been created to assist electricians and renewable contractors with a practical understanding of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems including design, selection, installation and commissioning of Solar PV Systems.
The new publication, now available digitally, provides practical guidance of maintenance and fault finding of Solar PV systems, using a simple approach to finding the faults that may occur and how to rectify them.
The digital edition has now been released and printed hard copies of the practical guide are now available to pre-order and are due on 9th September. The pre-sale price is set at £25 and is in place until September 13.
Purchase NAPIT Practical Guide: Solar Photovoltaic Systems - Digital Edition at: napitdirect. co.uk/p/napit-pratical-guide-solar-photovoltaic-systems-e-book. Pre-order the printed version at: napitdirect.co.uk/p/napit-practical-guide-solar-photovoltaic-systems
agreement with Eclipse Power reduces the installation time for Connected Kerb chargers
Eclipse Power has signed a framework agreement with Connected Kerb to install and energise thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the UK.
The partnership between Connected Kerb and Eclipse Power will improve access to public EV charging and reduce pressure on the existing network of public chargers. The agreement reduces the time it takes Connected Kerb to energise its new installations and get power to tens of thousands of new public chargers by 2030 for the UK’s EV drivers. Under the agreement, Eclipse Power will manage and streamline the process of getting charge points connected
to the grid. As an IDNO, Eclipse Power works with stakeholders to simplify the connection process and remove the complexities arising from variances across the UK’s 14 regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and absence of regulatory alignment.
Jamie Aspin, business development manager at Eclipse Power said: “Between now and 2030 there will be a tidal wave of charge point installations as the UK undergoes an unprecedented transition to electrified transportation. And to make sure that wave breaks when and where we want it to, CPOs need support to get charge points energised affordably, efficiently, and quickly.
“As an IDNO we work with Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) and other stakeholders to reduce the inefficiencies and significantly reduce costs for CPOs. Connected Kerb is bringing vital public charging to regions across the UK, and we hope to significantly reduce the time it takes to energise their new installations.”
For more info, visit: eclipsepower.co.uk/ sectors-and-case-studies/electric-vehicles
Appointments
C-TEC has announced the appointment of Riah Winstanley to its Internal Sales Team. Reporting to UK Sales Manager, Brian Foster, Riah will focus on creating new business relationships and provide the highest levels of customer support to the UK manufacturer’s everexpanding customer base.
Prefect Controls, the specialist heating control systems company has appointed Will Mills as Managing Director. The retirement of Glen and Sue Golding, founders of Prefect Controls, has seen a succession plan roll out over the last two years. Will joined the company in 2018 and quickly became conversant in all things Prefect.
Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) has appointed Adrian Tansley as divisional managing director for roofing.
For the past three years, as the operations director for IBMG’s roofing division in the South, Tansley has overseen the smooth integration of Roofing Gear’s three branches; Independent Roofing Supplies’ three branches and MS Roofing’s five branches into the IBMG portfolio.
Adrian Tansley is preceded in the post by Danny Spokes, who is now divisional managing director for IBMG’s South West build division.
NVC Lighting welcomes four new Area Sales Managers and a new Key Account Manager. This strategic move underscores NVC Lighting’s dedication to strengthening its customer relationships and expanding its market presence.
Mark Compton, Billy Foster, Aaron Chandi and Andrew Dear join NVC Lighting as Area Sales Managers with extensive sales backgrounds in the lighting sector. The new recruits will be tasked with serving and developing key regions for the brand.
Meanwhile Mark Holman has joined the company as Key Account Manager, responsible for building contractor relationships and growing project opportunities.
GW power-safe will engineer £12million turnover
A Yorkshire based building services engineering company has marked its tenth anniversary by setting its sights on hitting £12million turnover and creating new jobs this year.
GW Power-Safe was established in Hull in 2014 by MD Daniel Haley after he was made redundant from his job as an electrician. The company now employs a 37-strong team and is actively recruiting this year.
In recent years, GW Power-Safe has diversified into decarbonisation and the renewables sector, and two years ago Daniel co-founded C3 Group which provides sustainability consulting services to businesses around the UK, focussing on sustainable energy solutions, carbon reduction plans, feasibility studies, funding and net zero strategies. C3 Group is headed up by Ash Wray and employs a team of four sustainability consultants and designers.
Daniel was recently presented with an Octopus Energy Springboard Entrepreneur Award by Octopus co-founder, Chris Hulatt. He was nominated for the award by Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice MP, Emma Hardy. This follows GW Power-Safe also being named as Hull College’s Apprentice Employer of the Year.
GW Power-Safe celebrated its tenth anniversary with a celebration in Hull’s Victorian Paragon Shopping Arcade. During the event, awards were also presented to team members who go above and beyond. These were voted for by their colleagues and included Apprentice of the Year, Zuzanna Radzewicz, Engineer of the Year, Aiden Armstrong, Office Champion, Amy Mumby and Rising Star, Dion Wilkin.
Wolseley and Panasonic Heating & Cooling announce enhanced collaboration
Wolseley and Panasonic Heating & Cooling are thrilled to announce an enhanced collaboration aimed at transforming the landscape of renewable heating technologies. This strategic collaboration is set to offer a comprehensive package designed explicitly for installers retrofitting properties with sustainable, energy-efficient systems.
As the demand for renewable heating technologies continues to grow, Wolseley and Panasonic Heating & Cooling are joining forces to provide unparalleled support to installers and the commercial sector in transitioning from traditional gas boilers to advanced, eco-friendly solutions. This initiative will promote the adoption
of hydronics, DX, and refrigerant solutions; all key technologies in the move towards renewable energy.
The collaboration will deliver a robust training programme for installers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement and maintain these innovative systems. Installers will benefit from expert advice and tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of both residential and commercial properties. By leveraging the combined expertise of Wolseley and Panasonic Heating & Cooling, this collaboration promises to enhance the performance and efficiency of heating systems across the board.
Employee wellbeing and comfort the key focus for NAPIT offices
Bright Source has supported the NAPIT Offices in Mansfield to improve its lighting scheme, making the environment more comfortable for office staff while maximising on a sustainable solution.
The company was receiving complaints from staff members at its Mansfield offices about issues with glare causing headaches, Bright Source were brought in with the aim of creating a more comfortable environment while also looking to reduce NAPIT’s electricity costs and achieve more sustainability.
After conducting a detailed lighting survey of the current lighting, Bright Source recommended replacing existing non-LED panels with its Mesmer TP(a) 600 x 600 Panels. These premium LED panels ensure a
low glare of UGR<19, guarantee a five-year warranty, and are low maintenance, long-life and eco-friendly in design. The energyefficient panels produce up to 50 per cent lower power consumption than non-LED panels and contribute to saving on energy usage and costs. Prior to the installation of the new LED panels, the layout was modelled in Dialux in order to ensure sufficient light levels and a compliant working environment would be achieved.
The lighting renovation of NAPIT’s Mansfield offices has offered a 50 per ceent saving on electricity usage. The optimal lighting installed has been an excellent investment for the sustainable future of the company, reducing its carbon footprint and energy bills
while promoting an environment where staff can work more productively and effectively. Bright Source will be exhibiting at ELEX Coventry in September. Head to Bright Source’s website to find out more - https:// brightsourceuk.com/
UK
According to the latest data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy installations, the UK has now reached 250,000 all-time certified heat pump installations.
It is a major milestone in the UK’s adoption of small-scale renewables, and the latest data highlights that uptake is gathering pace. From January to July 2024, more than 30,000 certified heat pumps were installed in homes and small businesses across the UK, which is a 45 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023 and puts 2024 on track to be a record-breaking year for the technology as more people transition to cleaner, greener heating solutions.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) remains a vital part of making heat pumps more affordable and accessible. Recent government figures show that Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications are up 73 per cent from January – June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with a total of 14,554 BUS applications submitted in the first six months of 2024. This reflects the growing number of consumers who are taking advantage of the incentive, which provides £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump.
For those in Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan offers a similar incentive, with grants up to £7,500 for heat pump installations, and up to £9,000 for households that qualify for a rural uplift.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “It’s great to see the growing number of consumers across UK who are switching to heat pumps to heat their homes.”
“Clearly, there is still some way to go in order to achieve the target of 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, but with the BUS running until March of the same year, consumer demand looks set to continue rising.” he said.
“MCS standards play a crucial role in ensuring consumer confidence in renewable energy, providing peace of mind for those transitioning to cleaner, greener heating solutions.”
Lovell launches Tomorrow Home
Lovell has launched a pioneering new pilot housing programme, called Tomorrow Home, to develop state-of-theart, low-carbon smart homes that will help to address the climate crisis, and importantly save residents money.
A Tomorrow Home demonstration home has been delivered at the firm’s Cornish Park development in Spennymoor, Durham. This forms part of a wider scheme of 124 homes that are currently under construction, partnering with Thirteen Group to bring a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes for shared ownership. There are two homes that are being used for this project; a pair of adjacent ‘Cornish’ three bedroom semi-detached corner turner house types – one complete with Tomorrow Home features, and the other with more limited technologies installed.
Lovell, in partnership with Teesside University, has collected data from the construction of these demonstration homes and will continue to monitor the homes’ performance in use to assess how the Tomorrow Home performs against other technologies.
Across Cornish Park, Lovell has built in a range of environmentally friendly measures to support local ecology including, planting the gardens with biodiversity in mind to make sure they are wildlife-friendly, in line with the RSPB recommendations to support local ecosystems.
To find out more onTomorrow Home, visit: corporate.lovell. co.uk/tomorrow-home/
Kraken and SolarEdge light up path to cheaper, cleaner energy
Kraken Technologies and SolarEdge Technologies have announced a partnership to unlock low-cost, green energy for SolarEdge Home Battery customers.
SolarEdge batteries will be integrated into Kraken, allowing SolarEdge customers to maximise earnings by charging their batteries with cheap, clean energy when it is most abundant, and selling energy back to the grid to support supply at peak times.
The first to benefit from the partnership will be Octopus Energy customers in the UK and Texas, U.S., who will get access to Octopus Energy’s ‘Intelligent Octopus’ tariffs. These smart import and export tariffs offer customers competitive rates for consuming and selling their energy – up to 50 per cent lower than on a regular tariff. SolarEdge systems around the world will be able to join Kraken’s ‘Virtual Power Plant’ – currently 1.1GW of distributed domestic devices that balance energy supply and demand and unleash the full power of the future smart grid. This enables Kraken’s global client base of energy retailers to develop their own smart tariffs for SolarEdge battery owners.
100 years of comfort
We offer electric room heating, water heating and decentralised ventilation
Try our bare wire instantaneous water heater range - no more limescale
Wide range of robust, elegant and advanced Lot 20 ready room heaters
WRAS approved small water heaters and electric cylinders – over and under sink, vented and non-vented
Contact us for a free specification!
Available from major wholesalers
sales@stiebel-eltron.co.uk | 0151 346 2300
CEF’s popular TechTalks returns for a fourth series
The highly successful CEF TechTalks are back and better than ever before! TechTalks are CEF’s series of live events held across the UK offering the electrical community essential learning, networking, and invaluable insights all for free
CEF, the UK’s leading multichannel electrical distributor, has launched the fourth series of its award winning TechTalks, taking place from September 3 to November 21, 2024. For the last two years, these innovative free talks have been a source of inspiration, knowledge and a way to bring members of the industry together.
The upcoming series, centred around the theme ‘Have Your Say’ provide a platform for electricians to collaborate with CEF and event partners - the Institution of Engineering and Technology [IET}. Attendees will be able to expand their knowledge, help shape future IET Wiring Regulations, gaining 3.5 hours’ worth of CPD and network with over 20 leading brands and industry professionals.
The schedule for the day will include discussion on changes to BS 5839 for fire alarms (non-domestic), an explanation of the BAFE scheme – particularly as the second Grenfell report will be released in September 2024, 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 storage systems for use in dwellings, changes to BS 7671:2018 including the 3rd and proposed 4th amendments as well as plenty of time for Q&A.
Hosted by Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions, and Dave Austin, Technical Presenter, the TechTalks will be returning across 20 locations over 11 weeks up and down the UK and Northern Ireland.
Darren Staniforth says: “TechTalks were created in response to the rate of change within our industry – either through new innovations or the development of standards. We wanted to create a platform that supported contractors and installers with the information and updates they need to keep up. We’re excited that our fourth series of TechTalks also provides them with an opportunity to communicate the changes they’d like to see to standards going forwards. With
over 10,000 people attending TechTalks in the last two years, we’re excited to see new and familiar faces in attendance up and down the country. And it’s open to all – you don’t have to be a CEF customer to attend.”
Alongside the seminars, trade professionals will receive a CPD certificate for 3.5 hours learning, a pack of TechCards which act as a handy reference to the seminar topics covered and the chance to engage with over 20 leading supplier brands.
For more information and to secure a place, visit your local CEF branch or register for free at: cef.co.uk/tech-talks.
Tune in on 24 October
We are delighted to announce the go-live date of this year’s Electrical Industry AwardsThursday, October 24. The ceremony will be presented by meteorologist and BBC weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas. Tune in at www.electricaltimes.co.uk
Tune in from the comfort of your home, office, van, or wherever you may be, to find out the winners of the Electrical Industry Awards 2024. The virtual award ceremony, hosted by meteorologist and BBC weather presenter,
Sarah Keith-Lucas, will go live on our websitewww.electricaltimes.co.uk on Thursday, October 24 at 12 noon.
The Electrical Industry Awards 2024 continues to recognise and reflect the key achievements in the electrical industry. Open to electrical contractors and manufacturers of all sizes and scales, the categories will showcase some of the very best of the electrical sector.
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 sponsors - a big thank you to them.
This year, the Electrical Industry Awards has attracted many entries of an exceptionally high calibre. The judges are now in the process of making their decisions, and we can’t wait to find
MAIN SPONSORS
CATEGORY SPONSORS
out who has come out on top. The judging process is rigorous and objective and only the best of the best are awarded. The judges bring industry knowledge and categoryspecific 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 of Electrical Times and W& ED, comments: “These awards serve as a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the achievements of the manufacturers, contractors within it. The judges and the sponsors play a huge role in in the event and we cannot thank them enough for their contributions.”
About the host: Sarah Keith-Lucas joined the Met Office in 2007 and started presenting forecasts for BBC Weather in 2008. She has done the five-day weather forecast on the BBC One series Countryfile and also presents weatherbased documentaries on the BBC News and BBC World News channels Climate Check and Weather World.
Five key things to consider when taking on apprentices
By Stacey Allen-Hayes, Director of Corporate Partnerships at Arden University
Hiring apprentices can save your business money while helping you upskill your workforce and retain staff. However, data shows a lack of support from employers is the most common reason for apprentices to drop out. In order for businesses to successfully reap the benefits of apprenticeships. Here are some key considerations for employers.
Have a strong workplace culture
Developing a comprehensive training plan is needed when you are thinking of onboarding apprentices. It can really make or break the success of the apprenticeship journey. Employers should map out the support they are able to offer and put together a longterm development plan for apprentices that matches the business’s needs.
It’s important to remember that apprentices won’t be able to hit the ground running like other employees, so making sure your business can invest the time and support needed is essential. For that reason, I would recommend checking that the workplace culture and environment is able to treat learning and development as a priority to ensure apprentices will thrive. This would mean looking at employee workloads, making sure there are appropriate measures to prevent burnout and effective support if employees feel overworked.
Recruit with intention
Finding the right person is a crucial part of the process. Of course, you want your apprentice to gain the recognised qualifications to support their career and your business. But, ideally, you also want to select someone who wants to be employed by your business for the long-term. For that reason, it’s important to have a team that will source the right employees. If it’s part of the recruitment process, it’ll be vital for HR to know exactly the expertise the apprentice will need to gain and whether or not the business can truly support the career goals of those interviewing for the role.
If it’s an internal recruitment process, learning and development teams should speak to employees, host information sessions to find out who would be the right fit and speak to line managers to establish who will benefit most from an apprenticeship.
If in doubt, check to see if the provider offers taster courses. These can ensure both line managers and employees are aware of the apprenticeship process, what is expected of them and how best to prepare for success.
Locate the right training provider
Finding the right training provider to partner with means your efforts and financial commitments do not go to waste, and your apprenticeship scheme is set up for success. In this instance, there are many things to consider. Make sure your education provider can support your employees in the best way.
In some instances, it will be more beneficial for employees to have flexible or remote learning. For example, many of the companies we partner with prefer the remote learning option we offer as it allows those with offices across the UK to get the same teachings to ensure consistency throughout the business.
If in doubt, check to see if the provider offers taster courses. These can ensure both line managers and employees are aware of the apprenticeship process, what is expected of them and how best to prepare for success.
Have a mentor
Assigning a dedicated mentor or supervisor to provide guidance to apprentices is a must. In a lot of instances, line managers can play the mentor role. Having the right support makes sure that current learners are looked after and that your business has the right learners on the
course that best suits them and their career goals. For this to work, however, mentors also need to be trained on how best to support employee learning.
A mentor should take an active role in the regular progress reviews of apprentices. A mentor should encouraging apprentices to talk to senior stakeholders to ensure their learning promotes business needs while boosting their confidence to be a potential future leader.
Having a dedicated team member who can support apprentices and promote courses is also important. It will make sure you attract the right people to your company if you are using apprenticeships to help with talent attraction.
Don’t forget off-the-job learning
A key part of apprenticeship success is making sure that learning is paired with on-the-job experience. It helps employees to practice what they are learning, boost their confidence, and hopefully better retain and understand the information they learn in seminars. Time away from day-to-day work enables apprentices to absorb fresh knowledge, consider new ideas and experiment with innovative ways of doing things. Helping to schedule off-the-job training demonstrates your support and eases the learner’s stress and it’s important time is made for this.
For this to work, employers should make sure that their apprentices have access to the necessary tools, equipment, and learning materials. Off-the-job learning will also help you to plan how the apprentice will be integrated into the existing team and workflow and allow apprentices to feel confident they have a longterm spot at your company.
According to a recent study by the Skills Funding Agency, 80 per cent of employers reported that their retention rates improved as a result of hiring apprentices, making it an effective way to hold onto talent during a tough market. Apprenticeships – especially degree apprenticeships – are a highly effective way of attracting, retaining and upskilling staff.
Taking the above steps will help apprentices follow through to the end of their education journey – hopefully reaching their personal career goals, while supporting your business.
https://arden.ac.uk/
BS7671 18th Edition Amendment 3: Assessing the changes and impact
By John Hayhurst, Electrical Tutor at City Skills SCC
The recent “BS 7671:2018 Amendment 3:2024” was issued on July 31, 2024, for immediate implementation. This amendment, though brief, contains significant changes that require thorough understanding for proper application in electrical installations. This article aims to highlight these changes and provide clarity on their implications for professionals in the electrical sector.
Scope of the amendment
The amendment applies to the design, erection, and verification of electrical installations, including additions and alterations to existing installations. While existing installations may not need to comply fully with this edition, they must be upgraded if deemed unsafe. The urgency of the amendment, driven by the potential dangers of incorrect protective device usage, led to its expedited release by JPEL/64 in collaboration with BEAMA.
Additions to BS 7671
1. New Definitions:
Bidirectional Protective Device: A device designed for a supply source to be connected to either or both sets of connection terminals.
Unidirectional Protective Device: A device intended for a supply source to be connected only to one specific set of connection terminals.
2. New Regulation 530.3.201: Selection and Erection of Equipment: Equipment for protection must be selected and erected with appropriate use of either unidirectional or bidirectional protective devices.
Marking of Protective Devices: Devices such as RCCBs, RCBOs, circuit breakers, and AFDDs should be marked to indicate if they are unidirectional.
Understanding Protective Devices
Initial assumptions about bidirectional and unidirectional devices may be-misleading - as
was highlighted in the EIC’s latest update – and may be mistaken for AC/DC supplies or solar panels. However, these terms refer to more nuanced aspects of modern protective devices, which have become increasingly complex due to the variety of devices used across sectors.
Identifying Bidirectional and Unidirectional Devices
Bidirectional Devices:
• Typically feature a busbar connection at the bottom and a single terminal at the top, allowing connections on both sides for bidirectional current flow.
• Clearly marked with arrows indicating bidirectional functionality or simply with L and N terminals.
Unidirectional Devices:
• Generally have a busbar connection at the bottom and two terminals at the top marked “in” and “out” or “feed” and “load,” indicating the correct direction of current flow.
• Clearly marked to prevent reverse connections, ensuring correct installation.
Practical application
1. Unidirectional Protective Devices:
Designed for single-direction power flow from supply to load. Examples include single-module RCBOs and AFDDs, although some RCBOs use technology allowing bidirectional functionality.
2. Bidirectional Protective Devices
Allow power to flow in either direction without damage, making them suitable for systems where current flow direction can vary. Commonly used in most RCCBs and some RCBOs, which do not require specific directional connections.
Implementation examples
Renewable Energy Systems: Utilise bidirectional devices to manage power flow from solar panels to the grid and vice versa, optimising energy usage.
Battery Storage Systems: Use bidirectional devices to control power flow during charging and discharging cycles, enhancing energy storage efficiency.
Traditional Installations: Implement unidirectional devices to ensure correct power flow from the main supply to appliances, maintaining safety and functionality.
Backup Generators: Use unidirectional devices to prevent power backflow to the grid during outages, protecting utility workers and ensuring safe generator operation.
Compliance and safety
Adhering to the updated regulations ensures that electrical installations are safe, reliable, and compliant with the latest standards. The correct application of unidirectional and bidirectional protective devices is crucial for maintaining safety and functionality in electrical systems. Incorrect connections can impair device protection functions, leading to hazards and operational failures.
The BEAMA Technical Bulletin provides detailed guidance on the correct connection methods and implications of using unidirectional and bidirectional devices. Following these guidelines ensures installations meet the highest safety and compliance standards.
Conclusion
The correct use of unidirectional and bidirectional protective devices is fundamental to the safety and efficiency of electrical installations. The updates in BS 7671:2018 Amendment 3:2024, along with the BEAMA Technical Bulletin, provide essential guidance for electrical professionals. By understanding the differences between these devices and their appropriate applications, professionals can enhance the safety, reliability, and compliance of their electrical systems. For more detailed insights and visual aids, professionals are encouraged to refer to update videos available on the IET’s and BEAMA’s websites.
“Understanding the differences between unidirectional and bidirectional protective devices is crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of modern electrical installations. The updates in BS 7671:2018 Amendment 3:2024 provide clear guidelines that electrical professionals must follow to prevent hazards and maintain reliable system operations.”
The electrician of tomorrow
Read our tips and ideas to help you grow and build a business fit for the future
The role of electricians and the nature of their work is evolving rapidly. Smart home technology, sustainable retrofits, and the rise of ‘energy prosumers’ (who both produce and consume energy) alongside shifting regulations and standards have made working in the industry more complex.
Opportunities for growth
Opportunities for electricians grow at an unprecedented pace, not least due to the greater focus on sustainability. The digitisation of energy will continue to be a focus as consumers and businesses demand more visibility of their energy consumption to reduce costs and emissions. The electrical industry underpins a move to a greener future, less reliant on fossil fuels as a source of energy. From the installation of smart home technology, EV charging, and electric heat pumps to the rise of energy prosumers and renewable energy at home, electricians are a key part of creating more energy-efficient homes.
Upselling
Simple enquiries often turn into great opportunities. For instance, installing a circuit to supply an external socket may require upgrading of earthing and bonding, even a new consumer unit. However, it is possible to go even further and upsell new products or services to customers that may be beneficial. Educating customers on new technology available to them, including energy efficiency solutions, is a great way to upsell. Customers
Stay ahead of the curve and unearth opportunities for growth with Schneider Electric to future-proof the electrical industry
ordering EV chargers may not have considered the benefits of onsite battery storage making use of cheap rate electricity through the night. Also, they may not be aware that adding a solar PV system could provide them with further long-term economic benefits.
Expanding business profile
The cornerstone of marketing success is a business’ website. Approximately 90 per cent of people only look at the first page of online search results, so it is vital to rank highly in local searches and boost your online visibility. If the website has multiple pages, use different keywords so that the pages are not competing against one another in rankings.
Social media
Social media is a great tool to connect with customers. By sharing experiences and showing the work of the business, electricians can
highlight successful projects, answer questions publicly, and showcase customer reviews.
For instance, Facebook allows businesses to target audiences, with posts helping them to appear higher in Google search results.
Conclusion
The boom in work for electricians has only just begun. Business opportunities for electricians are set to grow even further alongside initiatives for a smarter and more sustainable future. The time is now to capitalise on these opportunities, but businesses must ensure that they are ready and able to go beyond the competition to win new projects.
To find out more about exclusive content and benefits, information on products, useful tools, and practical resources for electricians why not register on the Schneider Electric Electricians programme. Register at www.se.com/uk/en/ work/support/myschneider
“Opportunities for electricians grow at an unprecedented pace, not least due to the greater focus on sustainability. The digitisation of energy will continue to be a focus as consumers and businesses demand more visibility of their energy consumption to reduce costs and emissions.”
For faster, simpler, and safer testing.
Safe Isolation Saves Lives!
ARE YOU AT RISK?
By law we must follow correct safe isolation procedure for safe working on electrical systems and equipment.
Failure to do so could result in a substancial fine or prison sentence and even serious injury or death.
For helpful info on safe isolation and to find out how to claim your free lock off kit, scan the QR code.
SCAN for more...
Ensure you are working safely...
The Electricity at Work Regulations state that no person should take part in any work activity unless they posess the necessary technical knowledge and experience to prevent danger.
A locking off device with the correct label must be used to ensure that the circuit cannot be inadvertently switched on whilst work is being carried out. 1 2 3
HSE approved voltage indicator (including permanent GS38 probe tips) required to test the installation or equipment has been safely isolated.
Thorn Lighting joins the ECA
Switched On
CU Phosco unveils modernised brand identity to reflect next century of innovation
After commemorating its centenary milestone last year, CU Phosco, the largest familyowned UK designer and manufacturer of outdoor lighting equipment, unveils a reimagined brand identity to better reflect its dynamic, customer-centric, and technologically advanced positioning.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the word ‘Lighting’ in the brand language. The move from CU Phosco Lighting to just CU Phosco is not just a name change but a reflection of its expanded range of products and services. For instance, in the last year, as a departure from standalone lighting solutions, CU Phosco launched the Connected Urban smart pole, designed to support the densification of street-level 5G rollouts and to provide a full Smart City solution, from antennas to CCTV, public address systems, and more.
It has also recently introduced Asset Finance options, including Lighting as a Service (LaaS), making the latest lighting technology more accessible to its customers without the burden of initial capital investment.
Key elements of the rebrand include a modernised logo and a vibrant colour palette, reinforcing CU Phosco’s commitment to quality, heritage, and tradition while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The updated visual identity aims to resonate with its forwardthinking approach and dedication to the circular economy principles in manufacturing.
“After months of dedicated work and insightful discussions, we are thrilled to unveil our new brand identity. This is a significant step forward in our journey, a testament to our commitment to excellence in design and sustainability as we embark on our next century with renewed vigour,” shared Clare Fuller, Head of Marketing at CU Phosco.
CU Phosco remains at the forefront of technological advancements, continuing to offer scalable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern cities. For further information on the rebrand and innovative solutions, visit www.cuphosco.com.
Ansell Lighting has joined forces with Warrington & Vale Royal College to provide support and resources for electrical apprentices and full time students.
Ansell has built a strong relationship with the college, with team members undertaking regular talks and presentations to the students on the latest lighting technology and products.
The college is also keen to build relationships with industry partners in order to help students and apprentices to learn more about lighting
Thorn Lighting announces its new status as a Commercial Associate of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA). This development aligns the manufacturer of dependable, efficient, and highquality solutions with the UK’s leading trade association for the electrotechnical and engineering services industry in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Since its inception in 1901, the ECA has consistently worked to improve standards, support the industry, and create a sustainable business environment. By becoming a Commercial Associate, Thorn Lighting aims to actively engage with the ECA and contribute to its national and regional events.
Paul Kilburn, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Zumtobel Group, commented: “We are thrilled to join the ECA as a Commercial Associate. Many of our customers are electrical contractors, and this affiliation is crucial for us to move closer to the community, understand their pain points, and address them effectively. This membership will provide us invaluable access to ECA’s networking events, helping us build stronger relationships with our partners and create opportunities to engage on important topics. We are excited to work closely with the ECA and our fellow Commercial Associates to promote the growth and development of the electrical industry.”
Thorn’s strategic affiliation with the ECA clearly demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative, energy-efficient lighting solutions while supporting the electrotechnical community. This partnership is not just a formality but a strategic move that will enhance Thorn Lighting’s ability to serve its customers better and contribute to the advancement of the industry. For further information, visit: thornlighting.co.uk
and electrical products and help them build their knowledge. Now Ansell has supplied a series of product boards including downlights, retail and commercial fittings, emergency lighting packs and its own smart OCTO lighting technology, to be displayed within the College and for the students can interact with.
Each board has information about the luminaires and their benefits, as well as a working product attached to it. Mike Talbot, Sales Director at Ansell, said: “As a
manufacturer we recognise the importance of investing in and supporting the next generation of electricians and installers, at a time when there has been talk of skills shortages within the industry.
“We have worked on a number of projects with colleges across the country but in this instance it has been especially great to support students and apprentices local to our Warrington headquarters.”
Karl Hill, Subject Leader for Electrical Installation at Warrington & Vale Royal College, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Ansell Lighting to our Warrington campus last week. We are very grateful for the donation of various product boards, which will be displayed in our brand-new electrical workshops, as they will help our students gain a better understanding of how these fittings work, setting them up perfectly for their careers after college. We look forward to collaborating more with Ansell Lighting in the future!”
Ansell Lighting supports electricians of the future
How your customers can play:
Purchase any selected Schneider Electric offer from a participating wholesaler Score to win
Beat the keeper as many times as you can, until you’ve failed 3 times!
Purchasers/installers of selected Schneider Electric products still have the chance to win some fantastic prizes! This promotion closes at the end of September!
se.com/uk/promotion Beat the keeper to win world-class prizes this Summer!
Sign up
Scan the QR code and enter your details
Win prizes!
The top 10 players every fortnight will win some amazing prizes!
Prizes include Greggs vouchers, Virgin Experience Day vouchers, Premier League tickets, OLED televisions, Prezzee vouchers, and mystery football shirt boxes!
Scan the QR code to find out more ENDS SOON!
OSRAM Professional General Lighting Luminaires drive sustainable LED installations
According to a Trendforce report published in March 2024, 5.8 billion LED luminaires globally (installed between 2014-16) will be coming to the end of their lifespan in 2024.
This is set to trigger a wave of secondary fitting replacements that will be driven by commercial buyers in sectors such as retail. manufacturing and commercial offices. Whilst this was predictable even a decade ago, the global circumstances today certainly were not – with inflation and spiralling energy costs that have resulted in a profound “cost-of-doing-business crisis.”
The extent of the problem is such that over ¾ of UK business leaders believed their energy costs to be the biggest threat to their business (according to a survey by npower).
This context creates a particular dilemma for buyers of commercial lighting. Not only are many faced with the prospect of replacing LEDs at the end of their life. Now, their choice of LED lighting solution will have a significantly greater impact on their energy bills.
It’s at this critical moment that RA PRO has bet on OSRAM Professional General Lighting Luminaires, through an official partnership with Traxon EQ that will facilitate the re-entry of this trusted brand into the UK market.
The partnership, which has been built on the brands’ joint commitment to exceptional performance, sustainability and customer service, is responding directly to this pressing need for cost-saving, energy-efficient lighting in the commercial market.
To this end, the RA PRO + OSRAM Professional General Lighting Luminaire catalogue has launched with one of the most comprehensive professional LED lighting offers on the market, featuring over 50 luminaires ranging from downlights to battens, high-bays and arena-grade spotlights.
Making cost-saving LED lighting available to businesses of all sizes starts with embedding energy-efficiency into the luminaires they will need the most. This is why the standout products of the range include the LEDTouch Cylinder Downlight (a 90lm/W fitting which uses 50 per cent less energy than traditional metal halide downlights) and the Simplitz LEDCOMFO Panel V3, a slimline panel with an effective 10-year lifespan (50,000 lumen hours).
Backed by extensive stock, responsive customer service, and with many products falling under RA PRO’s industry-leading warranty, the OSRAM + RA PRO partnership is launching to reassure those under urgent pressure to cut costs that they can purchase a reliable supply of high-performing luminaires that will reduce their bills in the short term, and futureproof their businesses in the long-term the transition to net zero.
The full suite of commercial LED luminaires, as well as information about the partnership, is available in the aforementioned catalogue, which can be accessed here: https://online. fliphtml5.com/rxslz/nktq/#p=1
Inventronics & Mackwell form a strategic partnership
Inventronics & Mackwell form a strategic partnership to provide innovative emergency lighting components
Inventronics and Mackwell (UK) announce a strategic partnership to revolutionise emergency lighting.
Combining Mackwell’s extensive global emergency lighting expertise and technology with Inventronics’ market presence, the new portfolio offers advanced, efficient, and customised emergency lighting components to a broader customer base.
The portfolio includes state-of-the-art emergency conversion kits and drivers from Mackwell, specifically designed and joint-branded for Inventronics. Market focus is initially on the UK followed by other European markets, with plans to expand into the Middle East and APAC regions. This approach ensures that the solutions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of global customers.
“I am excited to share that this cooperation extends our portfolio to offer wider solutions in the field of emergency lighting. This is a next step to be a most valued partner to our customers,” says Marshall Miles, CEO of Inventronics. Nick Brangwin, CEO of Mackwell, adds, “Forming a strategic partnership with Inventronics takes our expertise in emergency lighting and combines it with Inventronics’ global presence, enabling us to scale in partnership together.”
Inventronics, a leader in advanced lighting solutions, and Mackwell, an expert in emergency lighting, combine to offer customers the optimum solution for their market and applications.
DALI Alliance to Host Inaugural DALI North America Summit in New York City
The DALI Alliance, the global industry organization for DALI, the internationally-standardized protocol for digital communication between lighting control devices, is elated to announce the first-ever North American DALI Summit, set to take place on October 30, 2024, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. The Summit promises a dynamic agenda featuring a range of topics surrounding sustainability, smart buildings, DALI-2 certification, D4i use, and the integration of DALI with building management systems. Attendees will benefit from expert-led presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions designed to address the current challenges and opportunities within the lighting industry.
Key Highlights: Explore the Latest DALI Technologies and Applications; gain insights into cutting-edge innovations and practical implementations in the field of DALI lighting control; network with Leading Figures and Peers: Connect with industry experts and fellow professionals to exchange ideas and build valuable relationships, earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Participate in selected sessions to earn CEUs and enhance your professional development.
Paul Drosihn, general manager for DALI Alliance, said: “This is the first time we have brought the DALI Summit to North America, and we are excited to connect with our peers and friends in the industry to share knowledge and best practices. We have listened to the feedback from our members and we are committed to open up our knowledge base and share expertise on DALI technology. The summit is a key part of our efforts to expand the educational opportunities available to our members and other stakeholders. We are looking forward to sharing this special event with members of the lighting industry.”
To learn more and to register, please visit https://www.dali-alliance.org/events/dali-north-america-summit-2024.html
Embrace the Future
Circular Lighting Live October 9 – a sneak preview
Reduce, Reuse, Remanufacture, Replace, Recycle…What do you prioritise when it comes to specifying luminaires? Suzanne Castine, Marketing Manager at Recolight, talks through what you can expect to learn at Circular Lighting Live
Taking place at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Circular Lighting Live is designed to inspire and educate in equal measure with a programme exploring innovation in best practice, inspirational projects and design and procurement.
A hierarchy of Lighting
Starting off, Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight will unveil The Hierarchy of Lighting, a concept developed by Recolight with input from key partners within the lighting industry. The hierarchy is intended to help specifiers order and prioritise options when upgrading or installing lighting.
Metrics, legislation, and regulations
Environmental and circular economy legalisation is set to intensify in the coming years. The EU, for instance, is enacting no fewer than 135 different green laws affecting manufacturers.
• Neil McLean, chairman of the LIA’s sustainability working group and industry relations manager, Europe and Asia, at Lutron, will give an essential update on regulations that will affect everyone in the supply chain.
• Glamox has spent the last five years producing EPDs for its ranges, redesigning luminaires for circularity and targeting net zero in its operations. Birger Holo, group technical director, shares the learnings and insights from their environmental journey.
• Rachel Hoolahan, associate at architectural practice Orms, will explain how a new material passport scheme will work for luminaires while Kael Gillam, associate lighting designer at Hoare Lea, will untangle environmental data including EPDs, LCAs, TM66 and TM65.2.
AI and the lighting industry
The keynote speaker is Signify chief design officer Ton Borsboom, who will explore how AI will accelerate product development and project design.
Sustainable plastic materials for Lighting
Do bioplastics stand up to scrutiny as a material for luminaire housings, components and optics?
• Mark Shortland of Shoplight, a pioneer of bio plastics in accent luminaires will share a manufactures perspective looking at sustainable plastic materials for Lighting.
• Chris Newman, regional technical manager at Albis will present strategies to commercialise greener solutions and the technologies that are being developed by the polymer producers to meet Net Zero.
How to commercialise remanufacturing
Traditionally, luminaire manufacturers haven’t been geared up for taking their lights back and reconditioning them, and many see it as an unprofitable inconvenience. But, driven by specifiers, remanufacturing is a growing part of the lighting industry, and it can be very successful commercially. Simon Fisher of the Regen Initiative will share his experience and insights from the chalk face of remanufacturing and sets out the due diligence steps that are required.
The
renovation revolution
Millions of buildings across the EU and the UK need to be renovated in the coming years to achieve net zero targets. For a generation of lighting designers weaned on new build, the pivot to refurbishment brings creative challenges and opportunities.
We have a special session in the morning for lighting specifiers, designers, and end users.
• Paul Beale, founder of 18 Degrees, confronted a vast expanse of newly
manufactured luminaires bound for landfill on site at a business park in Cambridge. Paul shares how his choice to salvage these lights ignited a journey to forge connections throughout the industry.
• Dr. Irene Mazzei, Sustainability Lead at Stoane Lighting will talk through some practical case studies and environmental assessment in relation to remanufacturing lighting equipment.
• How should design practices respond to requests for Cat A fit-outs? Hoare Lea has been working with its clients to pioneer a more environmentally responsible approach to Cat A lighting while recognising the commercial imperatives. Hoare Lea director Jonathan Rush MSc FSLL explores how to manage the sustainability challenges inherent in Cat A.
Sustainable lighting: Making it happen in the real world
The afternoon session includes case studies and a panel discussion, which helps put into perspective the learnings of the morning.
• To be truly sustainable, luminaires need to evolve into products which can be easily disassembled, repaired, upgraded and reused. Here we look under the bonnet of three ground-breaking lights designed for sustainability.
• Sustainable lighting: Making it happen in the real world. A series of case studies where the design team has demonstrated that with determination and buy-in from all stakeholders, commercially successful, environmentally responsible projects are possible.
• Getting the supply chain on board. How can the supply chain work better together to drive change in a commercially and environmentally sustainable way? What are the cultural, legislative and technical barriers? And what are the opportunities?
• Circular Lighting Live brings together lighting specifiers and suppliers to consider the practical ways we can collaborate to drive sustainability. The event is organised by Recolight, with a programme developed by Ray Molony and Recolight.
Electrical times are a media partner.
Occupancy detectors with integrated DALI application controller
DALI-2 certified products
Rotational PIR Sensors
Die cast aluminium body
Tempered glass diffusers
Delivering 120LM with 120° beam angle ErP compliant with 25,000 average
More mounting flexibility
New installation functions
Optimised range
New app and logic functions 0870 850 5412 info@beguk.co.uk beg-luxomat.com
Manufacturer turns HQ into ‘showcase for energy efficiency’
B.E.G. has made an example of how buildings can become more sustainable by turning its own headquarters in Germany into a ‘showcase for energy efficiency’
The construction and operations of buildings is deemed one of the biggest ‘climate killers’ accounting for 38 per cent of global emissions according to research. But B.E.G. in Lindlar, has become a ‘trailblazer for sustainable buildings’ thanks to the installation of a new server solution and state-of-the-art NetX building automation systems technology, incorporating geothermal heat pump, ventilation, photovoltaic system, blinds, lighting, access, and security areas to form a single automation system.
At Lindlar, the geothermal system is controlled via ModBus, the photovoltaic system via BACNet. Air quality, air-conditioning, shading, the control of the gate system and accesses are controlled via KNX, the lighting control via the in-house DALI-SYS. In the high-bay warehouse, a wireless system called Casambi is also used due to its flexibility.
Different communication protocols and bus systems such as Modbus, BACnet, KNX, DALI and Casambi become a functional unit under NetX via one simple router. Heating, shading, excluding unused areas, increasing security, all improve comfort at Lindlar. B.E.G. employees have an individual access chip which opens and closes the access gate to the premises and activates the room air conditioning when a building area is opened.
In the offices, super-flat sensors are used to control the lighting and provide increased comfort. This changes the light colour during the day and helps support the natural biorhythm of the employees. In the dark winter months, the Human Centric Lighting (HCL) function ensures a fresh start to the day.
Special HVAC wall sensors not only control temperature but humidity too so fresh, oxygenrich air is experienced in the office rooms. In the process, it measures the proportion of volatile organic components - VOCs for short – so adhesives and chemicals that are emitted from walls, floors and furniture which can lead to feelings of illness are removed.
Human exhalations such as the smell of sweat, sulphurous compounds, essential oils, perfume, hairspray, and deodorant are also VOCs. If there are too many of these VOCs in a room, it is automatically ventilated. The sensors are also used in the conference rooms of B.E.G. where many people spend long periods of time and where permanently fresh air increases the ability to concentrate and the sense of well-being.
Hygienic and particularly energy-saving lighting of the sanitary facilities is implemented via another sensor, called the Indoor 180-KNX-DX. It reacts to movements and then switches on the light. It also has a noise detection system. This means that it also detects a presence in individual cubicles. During periods of non-use, luminaires remain switched off.
By adjusting the BMS server via a KNX router in connection with a blind actuator and a KNX weather station, building automation at Lindlar can also be adjusted to the course of the sun. In this way, the climate is much more pleasant inside during the summer, while in winter the blinds provide additional thermal insulation.
A mixture of KNX, DALI and Casambi sensors are installed in the B.E.G. warehouse building. In the high-bay warehouse area, detectors with their excellent daylight-dependent regulation in combination with KNX sensors help to ensure
that optimum lighting conditions are always available. B.E.G. has also implemented an innovative lighting guidance system where light accompanies the user through the warehouse like a ‘cloud of light’. Thanks to sensor coordination across groups and even lines, the light is fully activated in the area where the user is located. The surrounding areas dim to a fixed orientation light value. As a result, the user never has a completely dark area in their field of vision: all adjacent, visible aisles are illuminated with orientation light.
In all unused areas, the light is automatically switched off and energy is saved. All the different systems are controlled by a server located at each site and combined with a higher-level server installed in the administration building. This allows the greatest possible degree of fail-safety through the use of several controllers as well as a maximum degree of control at the same time, and this is location-independent. The user only needs an internet-capable end device (smartphone, tablet, notebook) with a pre-installed browser and a secure connection.
The German manufacturer insists the ‘path to climate neutrality is through building automation solutions’ which is an ‘investment in the future’.
Paul Jones, Sales Director of UK & Ireland at B.E.G, also says these type of systems are vital to the world in achieving its ‘climate goals’. The UK currently aims to reach Net Zero by 2050.
Mr Jones said: “The B.E.G. HQ in Lindlar is a fantastic example of how using building automation systems can turn buildings into highly energy efficient spaces. Building automation also makes the use of a building a lot more flexible as control can take place digitally. Changes can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively with less effort.
“In any building in which sensors perceive their environment, energy can be saved in areas where no use takes place. In addition, weather data and existing lighting conditions can be incorporated to prevent energy waste. The savings also mean an increase in comfort for the building user, because there is no need to worry about functionalities such as air conditioning, lighting, or security as everything runs automatically.
“Since renewable energies are not sufficient to satisfy the current hunger for energy, the NetX B.E.G. technology installed at Lindlar can be key to the world achieving its climate goals.”
For more info visit: beg-luxomat.com/en/
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.
Ayça Donaghy, LIA
Can you tell us more about yourself and your role?
My journey to the corporate world has been unconventional. Born in Istanbul and raised in Belfast, I initially pursued careers in performing arts and teaching before transitioning to the electro-technical industry. I began at UK Cables, where I built vital industry relationships, and later played a key role at Lutron in launching smart lighting solutions.
To further my growth, I completed an Executive MBA at London Business School, which led me to an exciting opportunity at Beam Group.
Today, as CEO of the Lighting Industry Association, I lead Europe’s largest lighting trade association, representing a significant portion of the industry.
The LIA’s mission to Connect, Support, and Represent the UK’s lighting industry aligns perfectly with my passion for driving positive change. My role involves setting the strategic direction, collaborating with stakeholders, and advocating for our members. It’s a dynamic and fulfilling role, and I’m proud to be part of such a vibrant industry.
What first interested you in being part of the industry and how did you join?
Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated, ambitious, and driven by a desire to effect positive change. My long-term goal has always been to become an influential figure in the industry, particularly in advancing environmental and social responsibility. As we face critical challenges in climate, resources, and communities, I see The LIA as the ideal platform to lead these efforts. The LIA has the ability to make a vast impact on businesses through our broad reach and influence. Although I didn’t initially seek out a career in the lighting sector, it quickly became clear, even from the interview stage, that it aligned perfectly with my personal passions. There’s a saying in the industry that once
The push towards net zero and decarbonisation is also reshaping the industry, with manufacturers increasingly integrating sustainability into their business models, embracing transparency, credibility, and science-based targets.
you’re in, you’ll never leave. I laughed when I first heard it early in my lighting journey, but now, almost 10 years in, I see the truth in it. The lighting industry is a close-knit, rapidly evolving, and exciting community that constantly engages my curiosity and values. I couldn’t imagine choosing any other path.
How has the industry changed since you started?
The lighting industry is undergoing significant transformation, with a strong shift towards sustainability, competence, and compliance. Environmental awareness has driven a focus on remanufacturing, reuse, and product durability, moving away from traditional production to a more circular approach. Standards like BS8887 will provide essential structure to these efforts, supporting the industry’s collective responsibility towards sustainability.
The push towards net zero and decarbonisation is also reshaping the industry, with manufacturers increasingly integrating sustainability into their business models,
embracing transparency, credibility, and science-based targets.
Safety standards, particularly in building safety, have gained greater importance since the Grenfell disaster. Following the Hackitt Report, these standards now emphasise the competence of individuals on-site, enhancing the industry’s commitment to safety. Emergency lighting, as a life safetycritical product, has become even more relevant. In response, we relaunched the ICEL Conference, with a second event on 12th September this year, featuring the Phase 2 launch of our ICEL Emergency Lighting Competency Scheme and Standard.
The pandemic underscored the vital link between quality lighting and health, particularly as increased homeworking highlighted how lighting influences mood, productivity, and well-being. This heightened awareness has driven increased demand for smart lighting solutions that offer personalised control and provide the right light for the right task.
Technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing, are revolutionising the industry. In addition to increased productivity, AI is also revolutionising lighting by offering personalised experiences, optimising energy use, and enhancing control systems. Meanwhile, 3D printing allows for highly customised lighting fixtures, fostering innovation and supporting the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry?
Leading a dynamic association like The LIA means there are numerous priorities competing for attention. Finding the right balance between short-term needs and long-term goals can be demanding, as every decision I make can have far-reaching consequences.
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is the widening skills gap. To address this, we need to actively encourage
students and the younger generation to join the lighting industry and explore alternative avenues to foster talent pipelines. This is why we have launched our new Online Learning Portal, designed to cater to the evolving needs of professionals. The portal offers a diverse range of courses, tailored to develop the ‘right skills at the right time,’ from introductory to advanced technical skills, as well as behavioural leadership development. It has quickly become the cornerstone of The LIA’s educational offerings. We’re strong advocates of building community-based development pathways, and through our working groups, task forces, mentoring networks, and partnerships with Universities; we’re creating opportunities that will shape the future of the sector for years to come.
However, the industry is also grappling with the proliferation of non-compliant products being sold through online marketplaces. These products not only pose safety risks but also create unfair competition for compliant manufacturers. It is essential that the same rules apply to all players to ensure a level playing field and to protect users. The LIA’s membership criteria is designed to enforce these standards, offering much-needed reassurance in this highly regulated industry. In addition, there is growing pressure on resources – both time and money - as the industry faces increased demands around sustainability, service, and quality. These pressures are further compounded by the fact that profit margins are being squeezed from all angles. Navigating these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the industry to uphold standards and innovate in ways that are both sustainable and economically viable.
Q: A:
Thoughts on the future of the industry?
The future of the lighting industry is incredibly exciting, with several transformative trends set to redefine not just how we light our spaces but how we integrate lighting into the very fabric of our daily lives.
As we move forward, the convergence of lighting with smart technology and the broader Internet of Things (IoT) will create a truly connected environment. Lighting will no longer be a standalone function; instead, it will become an integral part of smart ecosystems, interacting seamlessly with other devices to optimise energy use, enhance security, and improve user experiences.
End to end sustainability will continue to drive innovation, and the focus is already extending beyond energy efficiency to encompass the entire lifecycle of lighting products. Moving forwards, this will include not just remanufacturing and reuse, but also advances in materials science that allow for the creation of biodegradable or easily recyclable components.
Another key trend will be the evolution of human-centric lighting. We can expect advancements that enable lighting to adapt dynamically to our emotional and physical states, creating environments that actively promote mental health and well-being.
The role of lighting in public and urban spaces will evolve, with greater emphasis on creating safer, more engaging, and more sustainable environments. Innovations like Li-Fi will blur the lines between lighting and communication, opening new possibilities for how we interact with our surroundings.
Looking ahead, the industry will continue to navigate challenges with regulatory changes and the increasing scrutiny on product compliance, particularly in sustainability and the digital marketplace. The ability to adapt to these changes while continuing to innovate will be crucial.
Ultimately, the future of the lighting industry will be defined by its ability to integrate into a more connected, sustainable, and healthfocused world, all while adapting to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Q:
A:
Tell us more about LIA’s latest launch?
Our recently launched website, Membership Engagement Platform and Online Learning Portal were designed with usability at their heart. Offering an integrated platform that informs, engages, and educates, allowing members easy access to a range of content, from learning paths, industry insights, and technical information to recent news, talent blogs, and committee updates.
We’re keen to adapt and integrate AI as much as possible, and that’s why our systems are personalised, adapting content based on user preferences, and previous interactions, including sign-posting to a range of further learning options based on their career trajectory. It’s this innovative approach that will continue to elevate industry standards, drive knowledge sharing, and promote a more connected, informed, and efficient lighting community.
www.thelia.org.uk
Illuminate Your Future at The LIA’s Autumn Tech Forum 2024
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, The LIA is thrilled to welcome its members to the highly anticipated Autumn Tech Forum 2024 – a day packed with cutting-edge insights, industry updates, and networking opportunities designed specifically for professionals in the lighting industry. Following the success of our Spring Tech Forum, we are eager to bring the lighting community together once again for a day that will not only enhance members knowledge, but also ignite the future of lighting. Set to be held at The Studio, Birmingham, this centrally located and modern venue is the perfect backdrop for exploring the latest trends and technological advancements shaping our industry today.
This year, our Autumn Tech Forum will shine a spotlight on the latest remanufacturing standards, advancements in wireless emergency controls, and the crucial cyber security measures that are becoming increasingly vital in today’s connected world.
We’ll delve into how these developments are setting new benchmarks for the industry, whilst illuminating your nocturnal lives without illuminating nocturnal life!
At The LIA, we believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Our forum is designed to provide a platform where members can engage with leading experts, share good practice, and stay ahead of the curve in an industry that’s constantly evolving. With an exciting programme of expert-led sessions from our committee chairs, LIA staff
members, and industry leaders, the day will dive deep into topics such as sustainability practices, emergency lighting advancements, and the intricacies of building regulations and lighting controls.
In alignment with our commitment to include a more diverse and industry, we are delighted to continue our Future Lighting Leaders initiative. By offering a 50 per cent discount to members aged 40 years and younger, we are ensuring that the next generation of lighting professionals can contribute their fresh perspectives. This initiative has been met with great enthusiasm, and we look forward to welcoming even more emerging leaders to our Autumn Tech Forum.
The Autumn Tech Forum 2024 is a chance to connect with peers, learn, and gain the insights needed to navigate the future of our industry with confidence. Join us on 23rd October 2024 at The Studio, Birmingham. Secure your place at https://www.thelia.org. uk/member-services/events/tech-forum.html
The benefits of self-testing
David Lang-Smith, sales & marketing director UK & Europe at Mackwell, explores the wealth of benefits Intelligent testing is bringing to the facilities management and compliance sectors
Testing of emergency lighting is an integral role across the facilities management and compliance sectors. From fulfilling legal duties to making sure buildings are working effectively and safely, regular tests are undeniably vital. However, these testing routines can sometimes be laborious and time-consuming. While no one would deny the importance of these crucial regimes and schedules, it is understandable that companies and businesses are increasingly looking for ways to streamline these processes. Technology sits at the heart of this, including a shift towards self-testing.
Automated systems have rapidly developed in recent years to offer wide-reaching benefits, including those manufactured by Mackwell. For example, the N-Light CONNECT touch panel is a DALI emergency lighting test and monitoring system, designed to be simple to use and intuitive with live system status diagnostics for instant information. Multiple N-Light® CONNECT touch panels can be networked together to monitor larger DALI systems, while the control panel operates without the need for a permanent connection to a PC.
Technologies and systems such as these provide an advantage that was previously not available – the ability to view the status of emergency installations at any time, from anywhere. A self-test system brings this function through one single interface while being scalable and integrated to allow wired and wireless monitoring alongside cloud connectivity. This offers a wealth of benefits. Firstly, it removes the need for continuous site safety checks, which invariably saves time. It also improves the accuracy of detecting faults as real-time system updates are secured. This allows facilities managers or site teams to pinpoint areas of a building or location that need attention.
Furthermore, having automated processes concerning testing makes operations easier to run, freeing up the time of facilities managers, or those in charge of testing, to focus on their additional responsibilities. Compliance
is also made much more straightforward, as self-testing technology allows for more secure record-keeping. Each test that has been performed is recorded, along with its result and any previously detected issues. Test reports can be accessed easily from any location through a device such as a laptop or tablet.
For buildings where retrofitting solutions are important, where construction works would be too costly or simply inconvenient for example, wireless test and monitoring systems are the ideal solution. Demonstrating this, Mackwell’s N-LIGHT AIR is a wireless system that can be configured to monitor up to 128 individual wireless addresses. The system communicates using an 868 MHz wireless mesh, chosen for its long-range communication capabilities.
Whether wired or wireless technology is opted for, there are benefits to be gained through the use of cloud storage. Mackwell’s technology serves as a good example of this; continually reporting information to a single cloud interface where it is stored and analysed. This supports maintenance teams through the presentation of a single source of data, regardless of the technology deployed in any single building.
Choosing a testing system that is based around a touch-screen system delivers many advantages. These include the simplicity of
commissioning and configuring on-site. They are also easy to read, and most will have visual cues and coding to alert operators to areas of compliance issues. For example, Mackwell’s N-LIGHT systems offer a red/amber/green colour coding on the touch screen and cloud interface, highlighting in a clear way where problems need addressing.
Additionally, using self-testing systems provides users with a full view of all installed emergency lighting assets in their estate including the current status, age and manufacturer. This helps immeasurably when planning maintenance schedules and upgrades, focusing on assets that need replacing through the use of information and data.
When thinking ahead to the future, those with responsibility for procuring testing solutions must choose technologies that have the capacity to be expanded and improved as technology evolves. The needs of the lighting community, including the emergency lighting sector, are changing rapidly, and technology needs to keep pace with this. Mackwell is a strong example of a company that has committed to continually developing its testing platforms to deliver even better integration –which all responsible manufacturers should also be striving towards.
“When thinking ahead to the future, those with responsibility for procuring testing solutions must choose technologies that have the capacity to be expanded and improved as technology evolves. The needs of the lighting community, including the emergency lighting sector, are changing rapidly, and technology needs to keep pace with this. ”
75 000 h LIFETIME
CORROSION RESISTANCE UP TO 150 lm/W
ENHANCED FEATURES, ENDURING PERFORMANCE: THE NEXT GENERATION OF FLOODLIGHTS
BUILT TO LAST, LIGHTING THE WAY
FLOODLIGHT GEN 4
THE NE W, ROBU ST OUTDOOR FLOODLIGHTS FOR ANY WE ATHER
The new standard for demanding outdoor applications: The FLOODLIGHT GEN 4 range is extremely efficient and very durable. Thanks to MULTI LUMEN, the brightness can be adapted to requirements. Sensor and Photocell versions add a further layer of versatility. Reliable even in the harshest conditions thanks to the waterproof cable gland, breather membrane, C4 corrosion resistance and up to IP66 and IK08. FLOODLIGHT GEN 4 are easy to install and come with a comprehensive 5-year guarantee.
Save over £600,000 a year by digitising workforce management
Workforce management expert, Damien Mckenna at BORIS Software Ltd explains how businesses can save money by streamlining their processes
When considering the challenges we face globally, health and sustainability are never far from the top of the agenda. In fact, they are very closely linked. For every degree of global warming, our life expectancy will shrink by nearly six months, according to a 2024 study published in PLOS Climate. The same research notes that, between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 deaths annually. With such an intrinsic link between health and the environment, it becomes apparent that sustainable solutions don’t just tackle the concerns of our planet, but its people too.
The link between air quality and respiratory conditions has been well established –other links have been drawn to include stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer –whether through increases in blood pressure through the body working harder to lower core temperatures, or extreme heat rising heart rates and blood pressures. This list of conditions underscores the need for actions to improve the health of people and planet.
Decarbonisation therefore also presents a solution to improve the world’s health. The combination of electrification and digitization, what we at Schneider Electric call Electricity 4.0, will improve public health, efficiency, resilience, accessibility and sustainability. This represents a transformative force that holds the key to a healthier and more sustainable future for both humanity and the planet.
It’s in the particles
At the heart of the matter lies air quality. We understand that poor air quality, exacerbated by fossil fuel combustion, poses significant risks to human health. But knowing about the problem hasn’t been enough for us to solve it.
To really get to the core of the problem, we need to understand what causes poor air quality, and this is down to particle pollution. These particles come in varied sizes, with PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers
possible, we can deliver around 75 per cent of the actions needed to reach net zero.
Extreme weather
Implementing BORIS into the business has allowed us to effectively manage resources and stock and has ensured a smooth installation process while working on jobs across the country. Workforce management software is there for our benefit, and if you’re not using it, your competition is.
or smaller) being particularly concerning due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Sources of particle pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial processes and energy production and consumption. AI and IoT solutions can empower us to monitor air quality in real-time to provide more insights and details on how the situation is changing.
These issues can largely be solved by reducing reliance on combustion related activities. Simple switches to clean energy sources such as driving an electric vehicle can make an impact. Additionally, digital platforms facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, enhance the efficiency of shipping through intelligent charging infrastructure, and offshore recharging. Hybrid cruise ships will be able to charge while at anchor offshore using power drawn from renewable sources including wind, solar and tidal, with our innovative project off the Orkney islands. Another example is we can undertake process electrification to swap out blast furnaces for cleaner heat sources. By using clean energy sources and electrifying where
A further challenge we are increasingly witnessing with a warming planet is extreme weather events – and the risk to human health with these are apparent. Tragically, they are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. From heatwaves and wildfires to hurricanes and floods, extreme weather events pose significant threats to public health and safety. Globally, the first half of 2024 has highlighted the extent of this problem with significant flooding in Brazil, Dubai and Pakistan. In addition, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), March 2024 saw 3,809 fires burning more than 1,400,000 acres in North America alone, which is roughly the size of the country of Luxembourg. Electricity 4.0 isn’t just about reducing the size and scale of these events; it’s about making us more resilient in the face of them. Reducing wildfires will have a tangible impact on air quality which highlights how improving one area positively benefits another.
Integrating digital solutions as part of the planning and response to extreme weather events, powered by reliable clean energy can help protect from disaster too. Advanced weather monitoring systems provide early warnings, allowing communities to prepare and respond effectively. Integrated with smart infrastructure, these systems utilize an array of sensors to gather real-time data on weather patterns and environmental conditions. Employing predictive analytics, they forecast potential hazards and enable preemptive measures to mitigate the impacts of climateinduced disasters.
Treating the issues in front of us
Electricity 4.0 goes even further. It is a vehicle for democratizing access to energy resources, empowering communities to progress and thrive. Solutions such as microgrids are revolutionizing energy access, particularly in
remote and underserved areas – increasing energy access for all. Beyond this, microgrids have been shown to support with disaster recovery. We’ve already seen some of the benefits Electricity 4.0 can have in a world of unprecedented weather events, but being able to restore power quickly means critical services can be back up and running.
And that’s only the start of how access to energy can be transformative for improving more than just the health of the planet.
Reliable electricity supply is essential for critical infrastructure such as healthcare facilities, ensuring the availability of life-saving equipment, refrigeration for medicines, and lighting for surgeries and emergency services. By bridging the energy gap, electrification can be a
key technology for supporting communities to reach their full potential.
It’s clear electrification and digitization are not just technological shifts or tick box exercises; they possess the power to transform lives. By harnessing the additional benefits clean energy can provide, we can address pressing environmental and public health challenges, through reducing air pollution, improving our buildings to reduce and adapt to natural disasters and to use it as a tool to enable all communities to invest in better healthcare provisions. These investments in sustainability and resilience not only benefit the present generation but also lay the foundation for a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.
Merchants leading the way for this Ground-breaking community
Recommend & Share is bringing consumers, tradespeople, and merchants together to create a community of people who share the same goals, vision, and passion for change
Recommend & Share is bringing consumers, tradespeople, and merchants together to create a community of people who are aligned and share the same goals, vision, and passion for change.
This new community is designed to build trust between consumers and tradespeople and transform the UKs Home Improvement Market from a negative environment into a positive one for everyone’s benefit in the industry.
The Recommend & Share platform is the brainchild of tradesman, Garry Lewis (pictured). After losing everything he had worked for, including his business due to a rogue contractor, Garry decided that something had to be done to protect consumers and tradespeople. Using his pension, he built a new platform to save others from going through what he and his family had been through.
Recommend & Share is the only platform that forms part of the process between consumers and tradespeople. We provide a self-regulated environment where both parties make a commitment to one another. This brings a sense of security and trust for the work to be done with the confi dence that both parties will uphold their end of the agreement.
User journey
Our bespoke user journey is integral to the entire process from start to finish, guiding both parties through a smooth anticipated journey,
and organised journey that caters for everyone’s concerns, frustrations, wants, and needs helping to ensure a positive outcome for both parties. Garry has been reaching out on social media to consumers and tradespeople with over 10,000 followers, and merchants on LinkedIn in the electrical sector. Garry say’s the feedback and support he has received has been overwhelming and inspirational. www.recommendandshare.com
Tips for getting your business in shape in time for Christmas
Fergus, the job management software designed for tradespeople, is providing trade business owners with actionable tips to boost their gross profit in just 90 days. These insights are grounded in real-world experience from Fergus founder Dan Pollard, who successfully managed a heating and plumbing business before founding Fergus.
“Having a plan will help trade business owners increase their profits by making efficiencies and pricing properly,” says Dan Pollard. “In around three months we will be heading into the Christmas period. Get to grips with a plan now and by then you could be enjoying your festive time off knowing your business is in great shape for the next year.”
Here are seven ways to maximise your gross profit margin:
1. Master your margins
Understanding your profit margin is fundamental to financial management. It involves knowing what each job should bring in after covering all variable costs, such as materials and labour. Aim for a gross margin that compensates for your fixed overheads. This clarity ensures each job positively contributes to your business’s financial health. Accurately calculating and monitoring these margins allows you to set realistic financial goals and identify areas for improvement.
2. Embrace effective job management software
Implementing job management software is crucial for tracking and boosting your gross margin for each project. Tools like Fergus can streamline your operations significantly. You can assign team members to jobs in seconds, see any scheduling conflicts, notify your team of changes via the mobile app, and look ahead to check what needs ordering and when. Fergus also offers real-time insights into financial performance, helping you make informed decisions swiftly. By managing every detail from quoting to invoicing, Fergus ensures that no opportunity for profit is overlooked..
3. Optimise labour efficiency
Labor costs often consume a significant portion of the budget, so it’s essential to ensure that every hour paid is productive. Plan your workforce’s schedule meticulously to prevent idle time and unnecessary overtime. For instance, if you’ve booked a last-minute job, check to see who is close by to take it on, minimising travel time. Efficient labour management not only saves money but also
increases job completion rates, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
4. Tightly control overheads
Regularly review and audit your overhead expenses to identify where spending can be reduced without affecting operational efficiency. This could involve renegotiating contracts, automating processes, or eliminating unnecessary expenses. For example, reviewing your utility contracts or switching to energyefficient lighting could save substantial amounts over time. Every penny saved on overheads directly increases your bottom line, enhancing your overall profitability.
5. Implement strategic purchasing
Effective inventory management is critical for maintaining healthy profit margins. Adopt a strategic approach to purchasing – buy enough to meet demand but avoid excess stock. Use forecasting systems to align purchases with actual needs, minimising waste and reducing costs. By negotiating better deals with suppliers and taking advantage of bulk purchasing discounts, you can further improve your costefficiency.ising waste and reducing costs.
6. Refine your pricing
Ensure your pricing reflects the true cost of doing business, including all direct and indirect costs. Regularly adjust your pricing models based on competitive analysis and customer
feedback to meet market demands and support your financial goals. Transparent and fair pricing can also enhance customer trust and loyalty. Make sure to communicate any changes to your customers effectively to maintain a positive relationship.
7. Educate and engage your team
A team that understands the financial goals of your business is invaluable. Educate your team on how their work impacts the company’s gross margin. Engaging them in this way not only helps them understand their role in the company’s success but also empowers them to take proactive steps towards cost-saving and efficiency-enhancing measures. This fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Regular training sessions and open communication channels can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.
By following these seven strategies, trade business owners can see a significant improvement in their gross profit margins within 90 days. With proper planning and the right tools, you can ensure your business is in great shape for the future, allowing you to enjoy your festive time off with peace of mind. Fergus offers a comprehensive solution to help you achieve these goals, providing the insights and tools needed to make informed decisions and optimise your operations.
For a free trial of visit www.fergus.com
Dan Pollard at Fergus provides trade business owners with tips to get their gross profit up in just 90 days
The number of commercial and industrial buildings installing photovoltaic systems is growing exponentially. Chris Cowling from Aztec Solar explains how to get the specification and installation right for now and the long term
According to Drax’s ‘Electrical Insights’ report, the rate of new solar panel installations more than tripled between September 2022 and 2023. As a country we installed a total of 2.9GW bringing our total to 18.1GW. And this growth is set to accelerate with the report forecasting 4.6GW of solar installations in 2024.
The demand is particularly strong in public sector, commercial and industrial buildings as organisations seek to meet their carbon reduction commitments, reduce their electrical costs and secure their supply.
Payback periods for solar installations are typically about five to seven years, but depending on your client’s electrical consumption they can be a short as three years. After that, they are saving or even generating revenue by exporting it back to the grid. A good PV module will still be producing 90 per cent of its output even after 25 years so the potential lifespan of the system could be longer than you think. It makes the design of the system crucial both in selecting the right products and planning for the long term.
Planning renewable generation over a long period is not simply a case of finding the lowest cost solution. You must specify a system that meets the needs of the organisation now and in the following decades. And you need to consider the practicalities of the installation plus the future operations and maintenance to minimise the lifecycle cost over its lifespan.
It all starts with the design and a clear idea of your customer’s electrical consumption and
what it is likely to be in the next few years. Are they, for example, planning to charge more electric vehicles in the future – whether that’s cars, commercial delivery vehicles or forklifts in a warehouse?
Most commercial organisations will use most of their electrical power in the day, and can often use all the power generated by a PV system, so they may or may not need energy storage using batteries. The advantage of having batteries is that you can use the generated power when the sun is not shining and also receive and store energy from the grid at low peak times for additional use when you need it. Each installation is different and it’s a matter of judgement.
Before you start, you will need to conduct a thorough site audit to assess the roof structure and its load bearing capacity and the best areas to install the PV modules. This is to maximise their output, avoid skylights and other services and consider safe passage for future operations and maintenance and in case of an emergency.
Planning for repair and maintenance and thinking ahead
Installing renewable energy generation If you outsource the design and installation then it’s
a good idea to employ a company who also provide operations and maintenance support as they will have a clear understanding of what to consider for the long term.
For product specification you should only consider tier one products. These are audited for performance and also for their provenance. Organisations are typically installing PV systems as part of their sustainability drive so the last thing they want is their PV modules produced using slave labour. PV modules generally have a warranty for 25 years and will in many cases last even longer, whereas inverters could need replacing after 10 years. You need to plan for future access for the maintenance of both and their potential replacement.
Many commercial installations will have several thousand PV modules so you need to think about remote monitoring of the system so that a maintenance team can clearly identify and find where a fault is. They will need access to the system so think about the positioning of distribution boards, inverters and the PV panels. At a basic level, PV panels will need cleaning regularly, but if they need replacing or maintenance then remember that they will be generating DC voltage electricity, so you need to mitigate the future risk to personnel.
Solar installation at The University of Warwick
Safety first
PV modules typically have an output voltage of 30-60V. Connecting several of these modules serially in a string creates a high voltage of up to 1,000Vdc in a commercial installation, which can be dangerous to installers and for future maintenance. Traditional string inverters cannot reduce this DC voltage even if they are turned off. This has two implications. Personnel will need experience in working on live equipment, but more importantly you need to select an inverter that will reduce the voltage to a safe level for maintenance or in an emergency; if for example fire fighters need to access the roof. Fortunately, inverter technology has caught up with this safety requirement. Systems like Solar Edge have power optimisers, inverters and individual monitoring on each module. This allows for the automatic shutdown of PV arrays and lowers and maintains the voltage in all DC conductors below 50V and to 1V per optimiser
for either maintenance or in an emergency. A further safety requirement for inverters is that they must detect and terminate an electrical arc by shutting down. Such arcs could be due to connectors or cables being damaged or not properly connected. This technology also keeps output levels high. In a traditional arrangement if one module is not working properly, then other modules in that string will drop down to a minimum level. With the inverter technology described above, if one module is not at full capacity for whatever reason it does not affect the other panels’ output.
Installation
Every installation is different and each poses its own challenges for the specification, installation and commissioning. Factors to consider include when you can get access to the building to crane or lift the PV modules onto the roof, how long will the power be shut off for connection and
commissioning, and the health and safety of the building occupants and those installing the system. For many commercial buildings, such as hospitals for example, there may only be a very small timeframe where you can connect, commission and test the system before they need the building’s power back on.
The specification, design, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of a PV system is vital if an organisation is going to maximise the rewards from renewable self-generation over its long lifespan. It pays to Consider the system’s future requirements for replacing equipment and the needs of personnel who need to maintain it.
Get the specification right and the building landlords and occupants will reap the rewards for decades. And perhaps more importantly, you will be making a significant contribution to the climate and our future energy security.
For more information, visit: www. aztecsolarenergy.co.uk
Aggreko implores industry to get ahead of the
game with pragmatic approach to future fuels
Industries across Europe must adopt a pragmatic approach to future alternative fuels to make progress with decarbonisation, energy solutions provider Aggreko has said.
With research signalling a rise in uptake of drop-in fuels for decarbonising existing equipment, the company is reinforcing the role of alternative fuels for use with temporary power, HVAC and compressed air equipment.
With unwavering pressure to make progress on sustainability targets, organisations across the continent are needing to balance decarbonisation with rising costs and energy resilience. When leveraging temporary energy solutions to improve resilience or prevent downtime, Aggreko is calling for companies to explore alternative fuels to make a more significant impact with emissions reduction in a shorter time frame.
As well as reducing emissions using fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) with its Stage V generators, companies can also further improve efficiency and reduce emissions with a hybrid setup using battery energy storage solutions (BESS). These efficient and cleaner technologies are part of the company’s Greener Upgrades Portfolio, which has seen significant investment to ensure customers in Europe can access suitable solutions for their requirements.
Carsten Reincke-Collon, Director of Future Technologies at Aggreko, said: “Across Europe, businesses have to balance their energy cost and
Engaging with a strategic energy solutions partner who can advise on the most suitable alternative fuel for a temporary power setup on your site could ensure that resilience is maintained while prioritising efficiency and emissions reduction.
resilience while lowering emissions in line with targets and regulations.
“Engaging with a strategic energy solutions partner who can advise on the most suitable alternative fuel for a temporary power set-up on your site could ensure that resilience is maintained while prioritising efficiency and emissions reduction. As an expert in the latest alternative fuels and renewable technologies, we are able to specify the correct equipment level, manage the fuelling and ensure continued monitoring and optimisation to get the best
result for every customer’s temporary solution.” Providing industries across Europe with the latest technologies and alternative fuels as part of its Greener Upgrades portfolio is a key facet of Aggreko’s wider sustainability framework, Energising Change. With the latest alternative fuels available to be utilised with its fleet of power generation, industrial HVAC and compressed air solutions, Aggreko is able to support industries across Europe with decarbonisation alongside improving resilience and controlling costs.
When selecting a short-, mid- or long-term energy solution from Aggreko, customers can consult with its expert teams to decide which alternative fuel and equipment suits their application best. Aggreko can then manage the safe transport and storage of the fuel and with its Aggreko Remote Monitoring (ARM) service, ensure maximum fuel efficiency is achieved for lowering costs and emissions.
Carsten added: “We are always working with closely customers to ensure that we are implementing the most suitable, efficient, cost effective and sustainable solution for a site. As we move into the future, we will continue trials of alternative fuels such as hydrogen to evaluate their cost effectiveness and viability. This means we can always ensure we have the best solutions available for our customers evolving needs.”
For more on Aggreko’s Energising Change framework, visit: www.aggreko.com/en-gb
Maximising self-consumption through pioneering green tech
By Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi
According to forecasts from SolarPower Europe, more than 1TW of solar PV could be installed annually by 2028 if global momentum continues. This prediction neatly follows five years of climbing figures, as well as data from the trade association’s latest report, which highlights an 87 per cent increase in year-on-year installations (from 239 GW in 2022 to 447 GW in 2023).
In just less than a decade, when the global solar market sat at just 4 per cent of what it is today, photovoltaics have rapidly become one of the world’s leading sources of renewable energy. 31 countries now reportedly install more than 1 GW per annum, up from 28 in 2022, with forecasts suggesting that this number will continue to climb.
While domestic installations (up to 50kWe) are responsible for just a fraction of total solar deployment, data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) suggests that consumer demand is booming. Data from May, for example, reported more than 14,300 completed installations during the month, bringing the total figure in the UK alone (over the past 12 months) to well over 1.5 million.
As the world increases momentum towards a truly renewable-led energy landscape, solar will play an increasingly important role. Whether domestic or commercial scale, rising deployment data makes for hugely pleasing reading.
The renewable energy paradox Installing renewable energy generation technology may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to understand the limitations. While free energy is a huge hook, the peaks and troughs of generation are unpredictable. What’s more, when it comes to domestic systems, most homeowners are out of the house during periods of high generation and use most energy during low periods. As such, it’s not unusual to see users exporting surplus energy to the grid and buying it back (at a far more expensive rate) when they need it most.
As a result, the average consumption rate for self-generated power stands at just 45 per cent in the UK, with some users reducing their reliance on mains energy by less than 25 per cent. Rather than making full use of selfgenerated solar energy in the home, electricity is exported to the grid at times of high generation and low use, and then typically bought back, at a higher price, when it’s needed most.
In the past, this scenario has proven a barrier too high for most homeowners to overcome. But, thanks to significant developments in battery technology, as well as new innovation in self-consumption solutions, the picture is changing. At myenergi, we’re renowned for our innovative eco-smart product range, which has been designed to maximise the value of renewable energy generation technology and improve payback periods for homeowners.
We’re best known for designing the market’s first eco-smart electric vehicle charging device –zappi – a future-proofed solution that, alongside operating as a mains-connected charging device, seamlessly integrates with renewable energy generation technologies to harness self-generated energy and allow users to charge their EV for free. In periods of low generation, zappi is able to automatically optimise around your energy tariff to enable charging at both cheaper and greener times from the grid.
Alongside zappi, we also manufacture a wide range of other devices – such as eddi, the UK’s #1 solar power diverter, which diverts surplus renewable energy to domestic heating systems; and harvi, an energy monitoring wireless sensor that allows the zappi and eddi to be installed without wiring a direct CT clamp.
At times when more energy is generated than required, myenergi’s domestic storage battery, libbi, captures this surplus electricity and discharges it as and when needed. libbi is modular by design, providing the opportunity for households to increase storage in the future. While all myenergi products can work
autonomously, they also work collaboratively as part of a connected ecosystem. This means that users can effectively choose where to send their self-generated solar energy – to heat the home, to power their EV, or to store for use in times of high demand but low generation.
Harnessing the opportunity
As demand for solar power continues, the future of the technology looks impressively bright. Work continues across the industry to further improve material performance and panel efficiencies (with recent progress suggesting record-breaking levels through the use of perovskite),[5] while investment continues to flow to support rising deployment requirements.
If we could achieve 1 TW deployment per annum by 2028, the technology would be well on the way to offsetting a significant volume of fossil fuels – decarbonising our energy system and decentralising power supply. This may seem like a tall ask but, with deployment rates increasing so significantly over the past 10 years, it’s perfectly possible with the right roadmap.
But while the peaks and troughs of commercial scale solar are somewhat unavoidable, when it comes to domestic generation there are numerous ways to improve self-consumption. Greentech is proving a valuable solution to the renewable energy paradox and, by doing so, will drive further uptake of microgrids all over the world.
For more information about myenergi, or the company’s pioneering range of eco-smart home energy technologies, visit www.myenergi.com.
The NAPIT Technical Team and other key stake-holders in the renewable energy industry have developed a NEW Solar PV practical guide
It’s designed to help electricians and renewable energy installers gain a better understanding of, and improve their ability to design, install and commission, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Available on NAPIT Direct now napitdirect.co.uk or email sales@napit.org.uk for more information.
• Know the requirements to install, commission and handover small scale solar photovoltaic systems
Know the requirements to inspect, service and maintain small scale solar photovoltaic systems
• Know the key requirements for installation of electrical energy storage systems
• Know and identify equipment, arrangements and operating modes of electrical energy storage systems
• Understand the preparation of design and installation of electrical energy storage systems
• Understand requirements for initial verification and handover of electrical energy storage systems
Be able to conduct initial verification and handover of electrical energy storage systems
Floatation tank manufacturer rests easy with Spelsberg’s custom enclosures
The popularity of floatation tanks in the UK’s Spa and Wellness industry is steadily growing, thanks in part to the success of the elegant ‘pod’ design that was first developed by i-sopod Float Tanks. Its futuristic shape is an inviting prospect for customers and its innovative design makes it easy and cost effective to maintain. The electrical control unit is housed and protected by customised enclosures from Spelsberg UK.
In recent years we, as a society, have begun to place much needed emphasis on the importance of mental health and the reduction of stress. We’ve seen the de-stigmatisation of therapy and rise in popularity of meditation and mindfulness. Spa treatments have also grown in popularity, in particular the practice of “flotation-REST”, whereby the practitioner isolates themselves in a floatation pod as a means to relaxation.
The use of flotation tanks (or sensory deprivation tanks) was first developed in 1954 in the U.S. and began to enjoy commercial success by the early 1970’s. Famous practitioners include John Lenon; NFH Superbowl winners, the New England Patriots; and even Sheldon and Amy Cooper in the popular sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. While the practice started across the pond, it’s popularity has grown throughout Europe and many of the UK’s leading spas now offer float therapy session. In fact, the UK has led the way in the development and design of floatation pods for almost 20 years, thanks to floatation tank specialists, i-sopod Float Tanks. Tim Strudwick, Director of i-sopod, explains: “The original floatation tanks were rather daunting looking wooden boxes, which didn’t have mass appeal. After running a float therapy centre for a few years, I began to realise that I had blueprint of how NOT to build a float tank.
“I produced a prototype that featured a space age design which appeals much more to first time customers. I also used the opportunity to design a separate control unit that manages the temperature control and filtering systems. This makes repair and maintenance tasks a lot simpler when compared to the original designs, where everything was self-contained.” the control unit is also responsible for UV sterilisation, pumping the water and also controlling all the additional electrical systems. The low voltage electronics are housed in a Spelsberg TK enclosure, while the RCD breakers for the high voltage systems are accessed via a Spelsberg AK-09 distribution box. The entire experience of the floatation tanks is predicated upon the conditions being perfectly balanced, so the reliability of the control unit is vital.
In addition to being the UK’s largest ex stock supplier of non-metallic electrical enclosures,
Handling the pressure
When Precious Washers Stafford Ltd. needed heavy duty, customised junction boxes to house thermostats for its hot washing machines, the company turned to Spelsberg UK
When Darren Newton started Precious Washers in 2006 he did so with nothing more than a £500 van, operating capital of less than £1,000 and a firm belief that excellent customer service would be the foundation of his success.
Almost 20 years later and a lot of things have changed, but not his commitment to customer service. For a family run OEM there is little more important than its reputation. Quality, reliability and service are paramount in winning and retaining customers when competing for growth. “Success in business comes from repeat
Spelsberg UK offers design support and a full range of customisation services in-house. Spelsberg’s design team was able to convert a prototype junction box into an i-sopod approved design, which is saved on file. This means Tim can place orders of any size and quickly receive CNC machined, bespoke units that feature the company’s logo printed on the lid.
Tim adds: “The customisation service is an added benefit of ordering from Spelsberg, which contributes to the overall quality and look-and-feel of the product. The popularity of these pods compared to the original designs is largely due to their luxury aesthetic, so it’s always been important to me that every last component I specify meets these standards. Further, the availability and short lead times on my orders gives me the confidence that I’ll never let down my customers.”
For more information, visit: spelsberg.co.uk
customers,” explains Darren, “Having customers that boast about your products and your service means that you can rely on their loyalty. Our customers don’t simply recommend us to their friends and colleagues, they insist that they do business with us.”
Now operating from a Midlands based service centre and with a fleet of vans, Precious Washers supplies hot and cold pressure washers, sweepers and warehouse cleaning machinery to a nationwide customer base. Its popular ALPHA hot box range converts cold water pressure washers into hot water washers which are suitable for applications where sanitisation or heavy-duty cleaning (e.g. grease removal) is required.
The ALPHA A2 trolley mounted hotbox and ALPHA HB van mounted machines both use electrically powered and diesel heated vertical boilers to quickly deploy up to 30 litres/minute of hot water for the toughest cleaning jobs. Wanting to keep operations of the machinery as simple as possible, a single switch control and thermostat is mounted within a junction box on the side of the water tank.
Darren continues: “We invented the ALPHA hotbox from the ground up with the concept that it should deliver awesome performance with basic operation. The single switch control unit is a key part of the design, so choosing the right junction box was important. The
nature of our products means that machinery will naturally be exposed to contact with water and potentially some chemicals, as well as humid environments and rapidly changing temperatures. I wanted to find a supplier that shares my attitude towards product quality and customer satisfaction.”
Spelsberg UK was first approached as a possible solution partner in January, 2024, and it was quickly clear that the two companies would work well together. As the largest ex-stock supplier of non-metallic enclosures in the UK, Spelsberg offers a range of over 4,000
standard parts to choose from. Furthermore, the company has invested in extensive in-house customisation services to ensure OEMs can benefit from bespoke design on exceptionally short lead times.
Andrew Wilson, Area Sales Manager for Spelsberg UK, explains: “From our initial discussions it was clear that our TG range of super rugged enclosures would offer the protection and IP rating that would be needed to withstand the environments that these washers operate in. From there we just had to work with Darren and his team to make sure that we identified the best size options and designed the best entry solutions.”
After just a month of consultation and R&D, Spelsberg was able to make delivery of the first order of enclosures, with two different sizes identified for each of the two ALPHA hot box models. In both cases the enclosures are customised prior to delivery including pre-drilled entry points and custom lid prints to the bespoke design of Precious Washers.
Darren adds: “We’d previously struggled to find an enclosure solution that gave me absolute confidence. Working with Spelsberg it was clear that the team was committed to finding the perfect solution. The TG range is one of the best enclosures on the market, and the customer support and expertise on offer from the UK team gives me the confidence I need.”
INDUSTRIAL AND OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES
Company profile: Meet Niglon
Over the years, Niglon has invested in systems to improve customer service and product availability, positioning itself as a key partner to the industry. Let’s see what they have in stock
Niglon is a family-run company with over 80 years of experience supplying components to electrical wholesalers. Originally known as S D Hinley, the company became Niglon Limited in 1966, offering a wide range of products, including circuit protection, wiring accessories, and industrial accessories.
Wiring accessories offering
Niglon’s wiring accessories range has grown significantly over the past two decades, becoming a key part of the company’s offerings. Today, there are over 1000 products across nine different ranges, designed to cater to various applications, from residential to commercial projects. This reflects Niglon’s commitment to high-quality, cost-effective products that inspire confidence in both design and manufacturing.
White-moulded ranges
Niglon currently offers three white-moulded wiring accessory ranges, each tailored to different needs:
Profile: A sleek, contemporary range with a low 4mm profile, ideal for new residential builds. It features screw covers and smooth edges, making it a modern choice for homes.
Median: A deeper 9.5mm profile with soft, curved edges. This range is one of Niglon’s fastest-growing ranges, featuring interchangeable switch modules with a single screw-fixing system.
Arctic Edge: A classic, square-edged design in bright white, this range is a traditional choice for both new and existing installations.
Decorative metal ranges
Niglon’s decorative metal wiring accessories are designed for more sophisticated interiors: Ultima: This screwless range has a slim 4.5mm profile and is available in brushed or polished chrome. It includes wider rockers, LED indicators, and an integral gasket to prevent discolouration from damp plasterwork.
Premium Edge S: A stainless steel range with a low 4.5mm profile, available in Brushed Chrome, Polished Chrome, Antique Brass, and Matt Black. This range features metal-to-metal rockers, LED indicators, and the same protective gasket as Ultima.
Other wiring accessory ranges
Niglon’s other specialised ranges include:
Euro Media: Designed for flexibility, Euro Media allows for the integration of TV, data, and USB charging points into customizable configurations. Components clip easily into unfurnished faceplates.
Matrix 20: A grid system offering numerous configuration options. Switch rocker covers can be swapped on-site, making it a versatile choice for various applications. The faceplates coordinate with other Niglon ranges like Ultima, Premium Edge S, Profile, and Metallic.
Metallic: Built for demanding environments like workshops and garages, this range is made from heavy-duty steel with a satin silver finish.
Hurricane: A weather-resistant range ideal for outdoor use. The range offers protection against dust and water ingress, making it perfect for harsh environments.
New finishes in Premium Edge S
In 2024, Niglon expanded its decorative plate finishes to include Antique Brass and Matt Black in the Premium Edge S range. These new finishes allow customers to refresh interiors easily. Importantly, these new finishes will also feature USB C charging and 45W ports, reflecting the growing importance of modern devices (tablets, phones, etc) in today’s homes and businesses.
Quality and safety commitment
Niglon prioritises quality and safety across all its products. The company believes that no product should compromise on these aspects, and with this in mind offers robust product guarantees: 10 years for the Hurricane range, 20 years for most other ranges, and 30 years for the Profile, Median, and Arctic ranges.
To ensure high standards, Niglon wiring accessories undergo third-party testing. The company is dedicated to maintaining these practices and advocates for industry-wide adoption of third-party testing to enhance safety across the board.
Niglon has also recently introduced Kitemarkapproved switched sockets to its Median and Arctic ranges. This certification provides customers with extra assurance about the quality control processes in place at Niglon and will help expand the company’s presence in larger projects.
For more details about Niglon’s products or to get in touch with the team, visit: niglon.co.uk or call 0121 711 1990.
Stripping knife with guide shoe and ratchet function Less effort. More efficiency.
Work smarter, get the job done faster: the new ratchet stripping knife from KNIPEX
Ratchet function: easy cutting even for a variety of cable sheaths
Versatile blade with three cutting areas for round and lengthwise cuts
Guide shoe protects the conductor insulation under the cable sheath
information on the
www.knipex.com
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.
DIY dangers: How self-customised PPE could be putting your business at risk
By Philip Welsh, PPE Product Manager at Milwaukee
Ensuring the highest standards of mental and physical wellbeing for employees is now a fundamental requirement in the workplace, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites. Given the potential for serious injury, having the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. From bricklayers and roofers to steel fixers, and electricians all workers must be thoroughly trained on the proper use of PPE at all times. Failure to comply with PPE regulations not only poses safety risks but also carries significant legal consequences. Site managers must remain vigilant to enforce these rules and address any violations.
However, the PPE industry has struggled to keep up with the rapid changes in construction techniques, tools, and materials. As a result, many tradespeople have resorted to modifying their PPE to meet specific job requirements.
This includes adjusting hard hats for additional safety attachments or cutting glove fingertips to operate mobile devices more easily.
While these modifications might seem practical, they compromise the protective integrity of the equipment and significantly increase the risk to the wearer. Moreover, this not only endangers the worker but also exposes the employer to legal and financial liabilities.
It is imperative that these unsafe practices are addressed, and leading PPE manufacturers like Milwaukee have a critical role in guiding the industry towards safer, more effective solutions.
The perils of personalising PPE
Customising your PPE might seem like a simple way to improve comfort or efficiency on the job, but it often leads to unforeseen dangers. The core issue lies in a misunderstanding of
how PPE is designed and the critical safety standards it must meet. These standards are established to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and deviating from them can have serious consequences. So what might appear to be a harmless adjustment—such as leaving high-visibility jackets open to stay cool—could be detrimental to your workers safety!
Our research and development archives are filled with examples of poorly customised PPE. Even seemingly minor modifications can undermine the protective capabilities of the gear. While comfort is important, sacrificing safety for a better fit or increased productivity can have severe ramifications.
Stick to your morals
Employers have a fundamental moral obligation to safeguard their workers. Self-customisation of PPE can erode this responsibility. Providing workers with properly certified and welldesigned equipment is a core duty of any conscientious business. This underscores a larger issue: companies should not only focus on their employees’ safety but also on their comfort. If workers are resorting to customising their gear, it often points to underlying issues such as cost-cutting measures leading to uncomfortable or unsuitable equipment. While budget constraints are a reality, prioritising cost over comfort can backfire.
The lowest cost doesn’t always mean the highest value. By opting for the cheapest options, companies are undermining not just
safety and compliance, but also productivity. Well-designed and comfortable PPE allows workers to move more freely and confidently, enhancing their efficiency and reducing the risk of injury. Think long term, investing in quality gear can extend workers’ careers and improve knowledge retention, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organisation.
A costly consequence
Beyond ethical considerations, modifying PPE can have serious financial repercussions for your business. In the event of an accident, companies may be held liable for any injuries or damages if it’s found that safety gear was altered. The financial hit isn’t the only worry—there could be serious legal trouble too. An investigation revealing non-compliant or customised safety equipment could lead to hefty fines, criminal charges and severe damage to the company’s reputation.
The value of quality PPE
Allowing workers to customise their safety gear can seriously jeopardise a business both legally and financially. It makes more sense to partner with a top-tier PPE provider like Milwaukee, which understands the need for high-quality, compliant gear. By offering well-tested equipment that meets safety standards, you can eliminate the need for unsafe modifications and protecting your employees and your business from potential risks.
uk.milwaukeetool.eu
Signs up above:
Assuring transmission tower safety with highly visible, long-lasting signage
Aerial observation tower tags, crossing signs, and transmission tower safety signage are crucial for rapid, safe repair during outages and ongoing maintenance.
When a widespread power outage occurs and high-voltage transmission lines require immediate repairs, the electric utility often sends a skilled technician to the location by helicopter to speed the repair process. Helicopters, along with drones, are also utilised for monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining transmission towers and power lines. Linemen often work on transmission lines that are not de-energised, allowing for an uninterrupted power supply.
Of course, working near high voltage lines poses significant electrical hazards. Flying close to high voltage lines, often in challenging weather conditions, increases the risk of a crash. The pilots and crew must adhere to strict safety protocols to avoid accidental contact with live wires. An electrical arc flash can also cause severe burns or other injuries, so workers wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.
“Given the high-risk nature of the operation, there can be no tolerance for inadequate or unreadable safety signage. When a technician is suspended hundreds of feet above ground, or a drone must fly close to the line, having easily readable, visible signage ensures the crew is at the correct location and understands the potential dangers and hazards in the area,” says Daniel O’Connor, General Manager of Tech Products, a manufacturer of industrial identification products.
According to O’Connor, transmission towers require aerial observation tower/pole identification tags, crossing signs, warning signs, as well as various other crucial tags and markers. To mitigate risk and liability, towers and other restricted areas also need to display warnings of the deadly electrocution and fall hazards to prevent unauthorised access or attempts to climb the structure.
From the air
When helicopters or drones are involved, aerial observation tags are vitally important to quickly identify the location of a high-voltage tower from the air. Aerial observation tags are typically made of metal or plastic and installed horizontally or vertically using vandal-proof
mounts on posts or stakes. The brightly coloured, high contrast numbers and letters typically indicate the line number, section, and tower/pole number.
Because of the importance of identifying the correct tower, aerial surveillance markers must be readily visible for many years despite continual expose to sun, rain, snow, sleet, wind and even corrosive elements like acid rain. Unfortunately, traditional painted and laminated identification products frequently fade or delaminate when continually exposed to outdoor weather or punishing conditions. Even supposedly durable products designed for this purpose can become unreadable over ten years or more.
Even operators attempting to view aerial markers through the drone’s high-resolution camera may find it difficult without flying closer than needed to the power lines. Operating drones near power lines presents several challenges and dangers, including increasing the risk of arcing. Additionally, strong winds near power lines can destabilise drones, increasing the risk of collisions.
The alternative is more durable signage made of high impact polyolefin plastic like the EVERLAST brand from Tech Products, a manufacturer of identification products for the electric and gas utilities, telecommunication and cable companies, OEMs and pipeline companies. EVERLAST signs and tags display
text or pictograms that are permanently embedded through the entire thickness of the substrate. UV stabilisers and antioxidants are added to provide complete protection and weather resistance in all climates.
For optimal visibility at a distance, polyolefin plastic aerial observation tags come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches, the largest in the industry. According to O’Connor, Entergy, a Fortune 500 integrated energy company, has used this type of signage on their transmission towers since 1989.
Polyolefin plastic signage is also used to identify nearby lines or to indicate unexpected changes in the elevation or direction of the line. For the helicopter crew, crossing lines can be very dangerous, particularly in low visibility conditions. To prevent this from happening, signs are posted. Within the industry, it is typical to clearly indicate a power cable crossing with signage marked by an “X” or a change in direction with an arrow.
“When a helicopter crew is flying at high speeds, any power cables in the vicinity or any sudden directional changes can increase the possibility of a serious accident. Crossing signs mitigate the risk but must be clearly visible in any weather conditions. The embedded characters help to ensure readability decades later,” says O’Connor, adding that EVERLAST crossing signs are available in a large 10-inch x 14-inch format to promote optimum visibility.
Signage is also necessary to signify specific levels of danger or required precaution with OSHA compliant colour codes.
AC transmission lines can carry transmission voltages from 69 kv up to 765 kv, which can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal. As a result, electric utility transmission and distribution identification products such as safety signs, tags and markers are critical to safe, efficient operation, maintenance, and repair. These brief warnings or instructions, comprised of letters, numbers, and symbols, must effectively convey key information.
On large, high-voltage transmission towers, phase tags are commonly used to indicate phase polarity on the towers, which is important because connecting the wrong phases can lead to dangerous explosions, serious injury, and extended downtime.
In addition to towers, smaller, lower-voltage distribution lines deliver power to homes and
businesses on smaller poles. Pole identification products, such as tags and markers, are used to track and identify assets, data, and other vital information. Pole tags can also be used to identify the pole’s owner, maintenance history, and other valuable data. “When lasting transmission and distribution markers are required, another alternative is deeply embossed pole markers made of unpainted, embossed aluminium, brass, or stainless steel. The highly defined characters remain legible for the life of the pole,” says O’Connor.
When the tags need to be seen with a torch, metal reflective pole tags with screen-printed black characters on construction-grade yellow or sliver reflective sheeting are a good option.
EFrom the ground
Unfortunately, there have been numerous recent reports over the years of fatalities and severe injuries from people climbing high-voltage transmission towers for thrill-seeking, protest, vandalism, or theft of metals.
To dissuade this type of behaviour and limit any potential liability, safety warnings are posted on poles, towers, fences surrounding substations, and at entry points to restricted areas. The brightly coloured signs that warn the public of “Danger!” “High Voltage Overhead,” “Electrocution Hazard,” or “Keep Out.”
International symbols related to electrical hazards as well as safety colours such as red, orange, or yellow are often included.
“Climbing a transmission tower can be a life-threatening event, risking extreme liability, if warnings and precautions do not comply with OSHA, ANSI, and other regulatory standards,” says O’Connor
With the stakes of quickly restoring power to urban areas so high today, utilities need to effectively utilise industry best practice signage, tags, and markers to help their technicians quickly, safely identify and resolve any issues in transmission towers and poles. Those that do so will benefit greatly over the long term in increased uptime and safety while substantially reducing labour, maintenance and liability.
For more information, email info@techproducts. com; or visit www.techproducts.com.
The safety imperative
By David Williams, SVP Transactional Business at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, discusses the role of
businesses
in injury prevention
lectricity causes around 4,000 workplace injuries every year– an average of 11 injuries per day. These safety incidents can devastate individuals and compromise the entire organisation. They are stark reminders of the critical need for stringent safety protocols. It’s never been more crucial for businesses to proactively look for potential risks and take the necessary measures to maintain the duty of care to employees.
Creating robust safety strategies
Safety protocols should be seen as the new business imperative – the backbone to the sustainable and ethical operation of any business. They ensure that employees are protected, legal and financial risks are minimised, and businesses run smoothly. From a top-down approach, it is the responsibility of businesses to develop these comprehensive policies. Safety protocol should encompass a robust set of regulations. From mandatory safety training sessions to strict adherence to industry standards, aimed at preventing accidents and health issues before they occur.
Advancing safety with innovative technologies
Leveraging innovative technologies is crucial for advancing safety measures and enhancing protective systems. Not only does this give businesses continuous oversight on operations and potential hazards, but the data created can also be used to spot trends and mitigate risks. Modern technologies – like AI-powered safety monitoring systems – are crucial in providing a
360 view of an organisations operations, which can help to support prevention strategies. They can empower businesses to detect hazards and make accurate risk predictions. This allows for proactive and pre-emptive action.
These systems analyse patterns and data to predict potential system failures or safety risks before they occur. This preventative approach allows for timely interventions and continuous improvements in safety protocols.
The human element
In order to ensure a genuinely comprehensive safety strategy, businesses must work alongside technology, adding an essential human touch. By using their experience and professional judgment, facilities managers are best equipped to make nuanced decisions where automated systems may fall short. Having this human touch also allows for broader understanding of each situation, considering factors that may not be immediately apparent to automated systems.
Regular safety audits and continuous training programs ensure that all employees are trained with the latest safety protocols and technologies in mind. It’s worth noting that many forms of training are also essential for legal compliance. With this hands-on approach, businesses can empower their employees to action their own insights to help identify potential safety risks before they become hazardous, promoting a cycle of continuous safety improvement.
An industry responsibility
A completely safety-first culture is not just a topdown approach. It is a collective effort between all industry stakeholders: vendors, engineers,
contractors, and electricians can all play a vital role in ensuring safety standards. Proactive engagement is the key to encouraging more innovative safety practices.
We all must work together to make organisational safety a priority. The best approach would be to integrate comprehensive safety policies with advanced tools to create a safetyfirst culture that significantly enhances workplace safety and operational reliability.
At Schneider Electric, organisational safety practices are our highest priority. Our approach integrates comprehensive safety policies with advanced tools to create a safety-first culture that significantly enhances workplace safety and operational reliability. For us, employee and customer safety and well-being are a non-negotiable. Our every action is imbued with a safety-first mindset. To further support your safety initiatives, organisations must equip all teams with the knowledge they need to drive a safe and compliant workplace. As trusted safety and sustainability courses, Schneider Electric has a dedicated safety academy which offers a range of training courses, such as ‘Electrical Authorised Persons’, which is critical in upholding standards which we adhere to ourselves.
Embracing a safety culture
Ultimately, a strong safety record is a company’s most valuable asset. Prioritising safety reduces workplace injuries and fosters a happier and more engaged workforce, enhancing your company’s reputation.
Businesses must embrace this safety-first philosophy if they are to build a sustainable, ethical and competitive business.
The height of safety
Electricians constantly tackle the high-stakes challenge of working at heights, where the risk of losing tools threatens both safety and work quality. David Barnes, marketing manager at KNIPEX, explains how KNIPEX has the answer
Electricians routinely navigate the dizzying heights of their profession, where the thin line between safety and hazard is ever-present. Up a ladder, on scaffolding or a cherry picker, the risk of mishaps and tool loss not only jeopardises an electrician’s safety but also impacts the precision and dependability of their work. With safety and convenience in mind, KNIPEX has developed some ground-breaking tool designs specifically catering to the unique demands of elevated electrical operations, so electricians can focus on their tasks using tools that enhance both safety and performance.
One of the critical elements of working safely at heights is securing tools effectively to prevent them from falling, which can cause damage to the tool and serious injuries to anyone nearby. To this end, KNIPEX has developed KNIPEXtend. This is a unique feature on KNIPEX pliers and offers a variety of extension options, including TetheredTool clips which can be attached to
any KNIPEX tool that has the new comfort handles. Once the clip is inserted into the handle base, the pliers can be tethered safely to prevent falling.
KNIPEX’s Tool Bag for Working at Heights works seamlessly with the Tethered Tool clips and is ideal for every electrician working at height. The bag comes in a small (00 50 50 T LE) and large (00 50 51 T LE) version, both of which
are equipped with 11 steel D-rings – eight for attaching tethered tools and three for securing the bag to climbing equipment.
The tool bags have divided compartments for tools and documents, external clips for cordless power tools and multiple internal loops for organising smaller items. A roll-away multifunctional lid gives easy access to tools and a hook-and-loop patch makes the bag easy to label. Constructed from strong synthetic fibres and lined with rubber for dirt and splash resistance, the bags are built to endure harsh conditions. The base plate is reinforced with plastic and equipped with rubber feet to ensure stability and durability and each bag comes with a removable shoulder strap.
KNIPEX’s tool solutions like these ensure that electricians can perform their duties at heights with confidence, knowing their tools and accessories are secure and their safety is prioritised.
For more information visit: knipex.com/en-uk
Save space and maximise returns by going decentralised say heating experts
STIEBEL ELTRON, leading manufacturer of heating, hot water and ventilation products has predicted that the electrification of heat to meet net zero targets will mean a move to decentralised building services for inner city and multi-occupancy buildings. Decentralised services simplify and streamline the process during construction as systems are installed in each individual residence or office unit, making it possible to carry out a staged handover.
Electric hot water and room heating solutions can be positioned where they are needed without the restrictions associated with gas feeds, flues or venting, simplifying the construction process. With electric point of use water heaters, less plumbing is needed between the heater and where the water is used, reducing labour costs, making the installation more cost-effective and reducing the risk of leaks.
Instantaneous and unvented point of use water heaters and electric room heating also do
The benefits of decentralised building services
away with the need for annual maintenance – a great annual saving for landlords
“All our instantaneous water heaters feature bare wire technology which virtually eliminates scaling on the element for extended product life,” explained Mark McManus, Managing Director UK and Ireland. “And
as they are super-compact we’ve seen enterprising developers save enough space over a development to allow for a whole extra dwelling when switching from a central store of water. Our 3 phase units can even be used for homes with baths or multiple shower rooms and the costs of installing the extra electrical infrastructure are offset by the lower installation and maintenance costs. Not to mention that 3 phase is now often planned for vehicle charging in any case.
“When it comes to clean, warm air, decentralised ventilation with heat recovery like our VLR 70 Trend product does away with the need for costly ducting and is particularly beneficial in retrofit situations where tenants might otherwise have to be rehoused while ducting is fitted.
“With the added benefits of much reduced capital expenditure and reduced SAP scores, smart electrical contractors are helping their developer partners increase profits with decentralised solutions.”
Q:
A:
AQTom Bloor, evec
Can you tell us more about yourself and your role?
I’ve worked in sales almost all my career, starting out in the property and banking sectors. I moved into the electronic-appliances industry, seven years ago. I was Sales Director at CoolMed, a leading medical refrigeration brand, which is also part of evec’s parent group, For Everyone. After that, I was Group Sales Director. My role as MD of evec is to propel the business forward from what was a start-up in 2022 to become one of the major EV charger manufacturers. We have built a strong team of professionals with huge amounts of experience in different key areas. I believe much of our success to date is down to these incredible people and what we are trying to build on this journey over the next few years. I believe in doing things the right way. I wanted to create an ethical business offering more affordable EV charging solutions to everyone and at the same time build confidence in our relatively new brand through industry leading customer service and aftersales service. My career started in customer service so it has always been extremely important to me.
What first interested you in the EV industry and how did you join?
market. I set evec up as an industry disrupter that could break up the EV charger monopoly that other firms had had for years. We still have a lot of work to do but I hope we have begun to at least make a good dent already. It’s an incredibly fun, new, exciting industry to be involved in and love seeing all the latest developments going on around me.
will see a huge shift in the UK moving over to electric vehicles.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry?
Bad press, I believe, has certainly had an impact on the number of drivers transitioning to an EV. I think a lot of people still love to hate on EVs. I have always been a petrol head with a huge love of cars and will be in the futures, but this doesn’t mean that you need to be against EVs too. I drive an electric car daily and it is wonderful, and they keep on getting better. Better performance, better range, more exotic and much more choice.
Thoughts on the future of the industry?
Q: A: Q:
I have always had I huge interest in cars. As a young child, I wrote letters to car manufacturers, asking to visit their factories. My favourite was TVR who have since become involved in Formula E and are due to launch their first electric car. I got my first EV, a Tesla, a few years ago. I thought that the experience in electrical appliances of For Everyone, then called OEM Appliances Limited, put us in an excellent position to create an EV charger that was much more competitively priced than other models on the
How has the EV industry changed since you started?
A:
The industry has changed so much and is still always changing. When we first launched evec in April 22 there were no competitors that could even get close to our pricing. More and more EV charger manufacturers are appearing all the time so there is definitely much more competition, and we need to ensure that we stay ahead of the game. The EV industry as a whole has changed a lot too. I can remember only a couple of years ago customers were waiting over six months for electric cars like Teslas. The demand was so high. There are now more and more EV’s flooding the market. The really positive thing about this is that it will only make EVs more affordable finally for everybody to purchase especially as the second-hand market continues to grow. Add in the significantly lower running costs and I believe over the next two to three years we
Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:
Very exciting. It is awesome to see more and more manufacturers producing amazing new electric cars. Prices of EVs are starting to come down, but they are still high and not affordable for many. I do think this will soon change, though. It’s like anything new. EVs will soon become the norm for everyone.
Tell us more about the 40kW charger.
As over a third of the UK does not have access to a driveway and is unable to charge an EV at home, we have begun to develop a range of DC chargers, staring with the vecBOLT 40kW. It’ll open up more accessible public charging. It will typically charge a car up to 80 per cent within an hour and evec will soon have a 150kW and 300kW charger available, significantly speeding up the charge times. The 40kW DC chargers are also excellent for businesses with company fleet vehicles that they need to charge these quickly.
“There are now more and more EV’s flooding the market. The really positive thing about this is that it will only make EVs more affordable finally for everybody to purchase especially as the second-hand market continues to grow. Add in the significantly lower running costs and I believe over the next two to three years we will see a huge shift in the UK moving over to electric vehicles.”
Metal Cable Cleats available from Unicrimp
Unicrimp’s growing Q-Fire portfolio of fire-rated cable accessory products includes a range of metal cable cleats. Meeting the BS 7671 (18th Edition) requirements, they are designed to prevent cables from premature collapse during a fire and in doing so, to keep emergency services and the public safe.
The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place.
Unicrimp’s fire-rated black Metal Cable Cleats are available in 14 different size options suitable for cable sizes from 5mm up to 50mm. The key feature of the product is an oval fixing hole which allows for cable diameter tolerances. To install the metal cable cleat, the electrician just needs to bend the cleat around the cable and fix in place to the designated wall. www.unicrimp.com
IronmongeryDirect has expanded its range of heating and ventilation solutions.
The company has added a number of underfloor heating products from well-known brands, Heat Mat and Heat My Home. The award-winning range from Heat is backed by a lifetime guarantee and is BEAB approved. The Heat Mat features an easy-fix system so they can be cut and turned to fit any size room. They’re also IPX7 rated and fully earth shielded.
Alternatively, the Heat My Home range is ideal for projects with a more restricted budget and is a trusted choice among installers. The mats come with a 2m cold tail, 100 per cent earth shielding and fixing tapes to enable fast installation with ease.
IronmongeryDirect’s expanded HVAC range also incorporates 80 new products from Manrose including ducting, ducting accessories and extractor fans. In addition, the online supplier’s website now features Vent-Axia products including extractor fans, commercial fans and heat recovery units.
IronmongeryDirect has also updated its vast collection with new products from Everything Hand Dryers. These energy efficient units are suitable for all washroom environments and come with a three-year guarantee. The Pebble Plug & Play models specifically offer an easy to fit solution thanks to their snap in/out design.
IronmongeryDirect’s HVAC range also includes Vent Axia PIV units (Lo-Carbon PureAir, Lo-Carbon PureAir) which provide pure, filtered air throughout the home to help protect against the formation of condensation and mould. To find out more visit: www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk. www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk
The new BT EVO from Knightsbridge is designed so that the versatile bulkhead fitting can meet the needs of every application.
The BT EVO is incredibly flexible, with users being able to choose one of three wattages – 9W, 14W or 18W – and selecting a colour temperature between 3,000K to 5,700K. This configurability is enhanced with a wide range of options beyond standard, including emergency, microwave sensor, emergency microwave sensor, corridor function, emergency corridor function, daylight sensor and, finally, emergency daylight sensor.
The bulkheads include BESA and four 20mm conduit entries, making them ideal for retrofitting projects. Terminals are push-fit with loop-in-loop-out capabilities.
The design includes slimmer bezels and an enhanced diffuser, resulting in a sleeker aesthetic and more uniform illumination.
The standard and emergency versions of the BT EVO bulkhead can be supplied with a fully adjustable microwave sensor, an integral natural daylight sensor for exterior use only or a fully adjustable corridor/stairwell function sensor.
With an IK10 rating for impact resistance, the BT EVO’s UV-stabilised polycarbonate body retains both its looks and structural integrity – it will not degrade or go yellow in sunlight – and the bulkhead is IP65 rated for dustproof and weather resistant performance.
Further assurance comes from a comprehensive five-year warranty, that also covers the LiFePO4 battery fitted to the emergency version.
For further details visit the website below. www.mlaccessories.co.uk
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
Inceptor U-Lite – the slimline LED luminaire from Ovia
The Inceptor U-Lite from Ovia is a highly successful U-Lite luminaire and is designed to bring even more benefits to the installer. Inceptor U-Lite is a slimline, non-corrosive utility LED luminaire, designed to offer protection against the elements. With a removeable diffuser and gear tray, the Inceptor U-Lite ensures a hassle-free installation.
This Inceptor model includes switchable CCT: 4,000K, 5,000K and 6,500K and improved assembly. The gear tray and diffuser assembly can be disconnected and removed by disconnecting the suspension clips and Molex connector for lighter/ simple installation of the base. Offering multiple positions for the terminal block allows greater flexibility for retrofit installations. The luminaire also offers emergency self-test as standard.
With 60 variants in the Inceptor U-Lite range, Ovia is offering a product that is suitable for every market and for numerous applications, for example warehouses, manufacturing facilities and car parks. The Inceptor U-Lite is offered in dimmable and addressable variants in the form of SwitchDim, Corridor Function and DALI which can cater for every application.
Inceptor U-Lite comes in three different lengths; 1,200mm, 1,500mm, 1,800mm and each length is available in a single lamp and a twin lamp equivalent output. It is suitable for wall, ceiling or suspension mounting with adjustable fixing centres. Prefitted Anti Tamper clips allow the installer to screw the retaining clips so that others cannot open the luminaire without the use of a tool.
The full range can be seen in the new Ovia Issue 5 catalogue which can be downloaded from the Ovia website. Watch the video here –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pld7osgI2N8 www.oviauk.com
Knightsbridge’s BT bulkhead just EVOlved to be the best yet
Ironmongery Direct turns up the heat with new HVAC products
Mud, sweat and tears
Joe Dingley, a key account manager at Hispec, talks to Lisa Peake about how his commitment to Jujitsu training led him to taking part in Tough Mudder earlier this year
Ijoined the Hispec team as a key account manager just short of a year ago. Hispec designs, develops, and supplies a full range of life safety and housing solutions. In my role, I work closely with independent retailers to showcase our products and educate them on how they can be used to keep people safe.
Prior to joining the team, I was studying full-time and working in retail. I’ve always been a people person, so a role that revolves around building strong relationships felt like the perfect fit.
There are so many things that I love about my job, but my favourite part has to be connecting with people from across the industry. My role is all about networking, meeting new people, and building resilient relationships, so having the opportunity to interact with such a variety of individuals is truly inspiring.
Healthy body, healthy mind
Keeping fit has always been important to me. Jujitsu is my favourite form of exercise, but I also go to the gym and play football. For me, exercising isn’t just about fitness, it’s also about switching off after a busy day and using my brain in a different way.
I’ve always enjoyed watching UFC, and that is what ignited my interest and passion for mixed martial arts. When watching the various tournaments, Jujitsu was the sport which really caught my eye.
I decided to have a look into the sport and explore whether or not there was a club in, or around, Manchester. I quickly found that, to my surprise, there was a club right on my doorstep here in Chorley, so I decided to give it a try. I first started Jujitsu just before the pandemic and have been taking part on and off for just over four years.
It’s great to see the level of improvement over time. When you first start out in Jujitsu, you’re getting beaten by every person you fight. Although, it’s not just about the fitness level or ability to fight that you see an improvement in – it’s your mindset too.
Since I’ve been doing Jujitsu regularly, I’ve noticed that my way of thinking and general outlook on life has improved. The sport really does help to enhance you as a person as it makes you more resilient. As it’s a sport based on submission and tapping out, you have to learn how to admit defeat. Equally, when you’re training, you have to keep going, so it helps you build resilience, as well as teaching you to accept that you make mistakes and that you need to learn from them to develop.
I also love the community. Even though we’re up against each other, everyone that goes to the club is supportive of one another and it feels like a team sport!
I’ve recently started competing and plan to get involved in a lot more competitions in the future, however they’re more like tournaments as they have multiple rounds.
My first and only competition to date was the Blackpool Pro Event, where people of all ages and levels from across the country come together to practice Jujitsu. Given I’m 19, I competed in the 18 – 26 category and,
Joe won gold in the light featherweight class
Joe being presented his blue belt
on this occasion, I competed in the light featherweight class and won gold!
The good, the bad and the muddy
The Hispec team participated in Tough Mudder on July 14, 2024. The challenge, which took place at Heaton Park in Manchester, involved tackling a six-mile obstacle course and we were doing it to raise money for the national charity, Electrical Industry Charity (EIC).
The route, which included crawling through boggy puddles, electric shocks, huge climbing frames, and ice-cold pools of water, really put us through our paces and pushed our physical endurance to the limit. We had to work as a team to get through the obstacles – not only for physical support, but also mental support. It was hard!
If there’s one thing that everyone in the Hispec team has in common, it’s that we’re always up for a challenge. The EIC is a charity which is close to the hearts of many people within the business and wider industry, and we saw this as the perfect challenge to push us to our limits while supporting a worthy cause. On a personal level, given I’m relatively new to the team, I
involved. We’ve now raised over £1,000 for the charity, too, which is a massive achievement for everyone who took part.
“Keeping fit has always been important to me. Jujitsu is my favourite form of exercise, but I also go to the gym and play football. For me, exercising isn’t just about fitness, it’s also about switching off after a busy day and using my brain in a different way!”
saw this as the perfect opportunity to get to know my colleagues and build connections.
Quite a few of the team got involved in the challenge, including our regional specification managers who live all over the country. We worked together as a team to get through, over, and under the obstacles to make sure we all crossed the finish line at the same time.
It’s quite a hard event to train for given the obstacles are so obscure. However, I upped the amount of exercise I did each week. We completed Tough Mudder in just short of three hours, and we crossed the finish line as a team! As always in Manchester, it was a rainy day, and the summer sun didn’t make an appearance, but spirits were high nonetheless. Everyone involved –including those on the sidelines – was super encouraging, so it made the challenge a little more bearable. We all just had to remember why we were doing it – to raise money for EIC! It was a tough day, and the experience really put us through our paces, but it was also loads of fun, and I’m very pleased I got
Overall, I’m really happy with how I performed at Tough Mudder and I wouldn’t change anything about it. For us, the event wasn’t a race but an opportunity to push ourselves and we just wanted to complete it as a team.
I have felt a real sense of achievement following the event. Plus, given we completed Tough Mudder as a team, it’s been really nice to be able to reflect on how we did and laugh about the parts that didn’t go so well. I’d definitely get involved in another challenge in the future, but maybe not until 2025!
Hispec team members pictured left to right: Lea, Sam, Stacey, Katie, Lewis , Nick, Joe, Kim, Joanne and Hollie.
Joe with members of his Jujitsu community
The urgent call for greater PPE procurement competency
British
Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) CEO, Alan Murray discusses the pressing need for greater competency in the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
While the peak of the pandemic is four years behind us, it’s fair to say the UK still has a PPE problem. The latest financial disclosures from the Department of Health and Social Care revealed nearly £10 billion was squandered on defective or unusable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic. This alarming revelation is compounded by the ongoing investigation into the procurement of PPE contracts, with the National Audit Office still grappling to recover millions lost to fraud.
Unfortunately, the longstanding issue of neglecting rules in the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is nothing new. Coupled with insufficient official market oversight in the UK, this has facilitated the entry of substandard and non-compliant products into circulation, endangering unsuspecting users. The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) advocates for enhanced proficiency in PPE procurement, aiming not only to elevate safety standards significantly but also to prevent potential future crises.
To the untrained, PPE is a complex and confusing purchase. This is well documented throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with millions consistently awarded to substandard manufacturers. At the height of the pandemic for example, a contract was given to a company which specialises in currency trading and offshore property to deliver fifty million face masks which were found to be unusable, despite being part of a £252m contract. It was also reported that just a small percentage of 400,000 gowns ordered from a Turkish *tshirt manufacturer arrived in good time – even though the Royal Air Force were sent to collect them – and when they did, they too were said to be unusable. While these figures are staggering, the cost of the potential threat to health and safety from the use of substandard PPE is even more devastating, albeit more difficult to measure.
Under the PPE at work regulations anyone in charge of buying PPE and safety equipment has a responsibility to select appropriate, certified and compliant products that meet workers’ specific requirements. Due diligence is vital. Buyers must assess the extent to which a product is fit for purpose. They should also look for wearer benefits above and beyond basic
protection and make sure it fits comfortably so that it performs correctly. They must also determine whether it is compatible with other PPE that may be required. Yet many people responsible for PPE procurement are not fully aware of their responsibilities or lack the resources to fulfil them.
79 per cent of PPE from nonregistered providers failed tests
The volume of substandard and non-compliant products on the market is showing no signs of abating. While the pandemic shone a light on this critical issue, it is still an enormous problem.
The BSIF routinely tests a wide range of PPE and safety equipment available across the board, to better understand where these problems lie. In doing so, the BSIF can help to ensure that costly mistakes are avoided, helping to improve the overall standard of PPE and safety equipment available. The BSIF’s latest investigation, spanning from December 2022 to December 2023, paints a concerning picture. Out of the 123 items spot-sourced from non-member companies, a mere 21 per cent passed, leaving a staggering 79 per cent failing to meet even the most basic regulatory and safety criteria. These aren’t just statistics; in some cases, lives are at risk.
During flame spread testing of a Flame Retardant Parka, for example, which was bought from an online retailer, the outer layer burnt through, exposing the inner layer, which then caught fire, resulting in the entire coat being consumed by flames. The garment also lacked mandatory documentation and markings in line with PPE Regulation requirements.
Elsewhere, a pair of safety glasses which were bought from a high street retailer, failed impact
resistance testing. No CE markings or equivalent were found to be displayed and the product was missing essential documentation. What’s more, the product was still available to buy over two months later, despite assurances that the glasses would be removed from sale. The consequences of such negligence extend far beyond financial losses. They manifest in the form of devastating injuries, irreparable harm and broken trust.
The BSIF runs the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme which provides buyers with assurance that the products they are buying are coming from a compliant, competent and trustworthy supplier. With a remarkable 91 per cent compliance rate during BSIF testing and swift rectification of any shortcomings, these suppliers exemplify high standards in safety and reliability that those specifying and purchasing PPE should demand.
Driving out substandard PPE and safety equipment
To help drive substandard PPE and safety equipment, sourcing from Registered Safety Suppliers needs to become standard practice. While this is not yet mandatory, the more that people insist on only using these suppliers, the easier it will become to eradicate the issue, helping to prevent a recurrence of what we have seen and experienced in recent times.
The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Shield can only be displayed by companies whose products and services are subject to tests to ensure they are fit for purpose. This makes procurement far simpler since these audited suppliers are committed to only providing genuine, good quality, products, promising a commitment to authenticity and dedication safety and well-being. In addition to testing products and services the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme verification process audits that all of the suppliers regulatory obligations and responsibilities have been carried out.
To further support safety and health in the UK market and help specifiers and purchasers of PPE the BSIF are launching “Sourcing Safety” a course and qualification to help educate duty-holders on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and assist them in coming to informed decisions when specifying and buying these safety critical items. To register interest and get more information on “Sourcing Safety” please e-mail enquiries@bsif.co.uk
ESP adds new Duceri Circular Bulkhead models
Recent additions to ESP’s comprehensive range of Duceri Emergency Lighting products are the new Circular Bulkheads, which offer contractors independently tested products that combine high performance with ease of installation.
These new Bulkheads are available in slimmer designs and offer selectable colour temperature (CCT) modes ranging from 3,000K to 4,000K and 6,000K which ultimately improve overall lumen outputs. They are IP65 rated and come with three 20mm surface knockouts that allow flexibility and convenience for the installer.
The range now comprises:
• 14W LED Emergency Circular Bulkhead
• 14W LED Emergency Circular Bulkhead with Microwave Sensor
• 14W LED Mains Only Circular Bulkhead
• 14W LED Mains Only Circular Bulkhead with Microwave Sensor
The Emergency models now include Lithium batteries to complement the recent Duceri revamps and offer three-hour duration periods.
The full Duceri Emergency Lighting brochure can be found on the ESP website – www.espuk.com - as well as on the Scolmore Group app. www.espuk.com
Click’s new wiring accessory additions
Click Scolmore has introduced a variety of new products to its comprehensive wiring accessories portfolio. This includes the Deco and Deco Plus Decorative Unswitched Socket Outlets, the 50A Definity Control Switch Inserts and the Mode In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers.
The new Deco and Deco Plus 2 gang unswitched socket outlets have been added to Click’s extensive decorative wiring accessories range. Designed with the consumer in mind, the socket outlets come offered with a safety shutter feature to increase security and overall reassurance. The safety shutters are designed to exceed BS 1363 requirements, where a standard BS 1363 Shutter only requires an engaging earth pin to open the shutter. These are available in satin chrome or stainless steel finishes and black or white inserts.
Added to the Definity range, are the 50A Control Switch Inserts which have been introduced in ‘Polar White’ and ‘Black’ to match the other Definity inserts in the decorative wiring range. This allows for a non-ingot solution for Polar White, Metal White, Matt Black and Metal Black cover plate finishes.
New to the Click Mode range, is the 1 gang and 2 gang In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers. Compatible with most Oral-B toothbrush models, these products offer a wireless charging point for electric toothbrushes as well as additional space for a spare/replacement toothbrush head. The design allows them to be fitted directly onto the bathroom wall, offering easy access to charging without messy cables, and ensuring the electric toothbrushes are always charged ready to go. They are also antibacterial and antiviral certified.
The full range of wiring accessories can be found in the Click Issue 15 Catalogue and viewed on the Click website – www.scolmore.com - as well as on the Scolmore Group app. www.scolmore.com
We’ve got you covered...
Disconnectors for photovoltaic applications.
Variety & Flexibility
Rated operational currents up to 50A & up to 1000V using a utilization category of DC-PV1, DC-PV2 or DC-21B. A solution for isolator applications for the solar photovoltaic market.
- Insulated enclosure
- Option red/yellow or grey/black padlockable handle
- IP66/67
- Can be installed in the most arduous of environments
Switches for entire installation from one source...
A complete range of AC switch disconnectors is also available in insulated
