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Cover Positions 

Megger 

IFC 

Cuthbertson Laird Group 

IBC 

Aurora 

OBC 

Amtech 30 

For Electrical & Related Industries in Scotland & Ireland 

Focus on 

Jul/Aug 2012 • £4.00 

You can also go directly to any feature by clicking the 

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Thank you 

Danlers 41 

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UPS 

SCOTLAND 

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Classified 

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N. IRELAND 

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ALSO 

Structured 

Wiring Systems 

Energy Metering 

& Monitoring 

Special 

Features

Contents 

Have you seen 

Cover Story 

Features 

it yet? 

Focus on UPS 

If the computers stop everything 

stops. That means money is lost, 

- especially if the stoppage leads 

to data corruption and loss. Small 

wonder then that businesses are 

prepared to invest in making sure that 

their IT systems do not stop, typically 

by installing an uninterruptible power 

supply (UPS). 

34 

6 

22 

24 


Choosing the right fixing solution for an 

application can make a real difference to the 

overall quality, appearance and performance 

of the finished installation. 

Prefabricated wiring systems offer huge 

advantages to an installation, but make sure 

that the system you specify is both safe and 

compliant with the Wiring Regulations. 

Energy Metering & Monitoring 

There has been a growing realisation that the 

basic voltage optimisation transformer systems 

do not offer the continuity of supply, or the most 

effective way to maximise electricity savings. 

27 

Special Feature 

Polymer fibre optic components and 

assemblies – ensure cost-effective, secure 

and interference-free data transmission. 

31 


See how electrical contractors and installers 

can gain a competitive advantage using 

wireless smoke alarm systems. 

6 22 

42 


A purpose-built school for 800 pupils, is being 

fitted with a modular wiring system. 

Regulars 

8 

News 

28 

NICEIC News 

37 

Infreemation 

New Megger MFT1700 series, the 

shape of testing’s future. 

Now offering 

n 2-wire non-tripping loop testing 

n Loop and PFC displayed at the same time 

24 

31 

38 

40 

43 

46 

Diary 

Health & Safety 

New Tech 

Classified 

n Phase sequence indication 

n 3-pole earth testing 

n CAT IV 300 V safety rating 

Get the whole picture 

call 01304 502 101 or go to www.megger.com 

The word ‘Megger’ is a registered trademark 

Megger Limited 

Archcliffe Road Dover CT17 9EN UK 

T +44 (0) 1304 502 101 

F +44 (0) 1304 207 342 

E uksales@megger.com 

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Editor: 

James Hunt 



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Advertising Manager: 



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Design: Scribble Design Ltd. www.scribble-design.co.uk 


Jul/Aug 2012 

www. 

.co.uk 

3

Welcome 

Finally... 

James Hunt Editor 

Electric vehicle infrastructures 

will need your help… 

It seems the wait is over; electric vehicles (EVs) 

are here – if not exactly numerous right now – 

because their extensive use will be essential 

in enabling the UK government meet its CO 2 

emissions targets, to improve efficiencies, and 

to help reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. 

EVs will eventually revolutionise motoring and 

the electrical charging and billing infrastructure 

that must accompany them. 

What is current state of play? Despite the 

small number of EVs sold currently, this will 

undoubtedly increase, and the ‘Plugged in 

Places’ scheme has allowed the creation of an 

EV Infrastructure in some locations – though 

this scheme finishes at the end of the year. 

None-the-less, as EV numbers increase, so will 

the need for domestic, commercial and public 

charging and billing systems. 

For speed, safety and future-proofing reasons, 

it will be important to encourage the installation 

of dedicated charging circuits and EV charging 

equipment, but it is also clear that conventional 

domestic 13A circuits will be used extensively to 

charge EVs at users’ homes. 

The potential for new business over many 

years for electrical contractors and installers 

ready to work ‘outside the box’ is, therefore, 

huge. Many will be asked to install suitable 

external 13A outlets that can be safely 

used to charge EVs. Such installations will 

need to meet the requirements of BS7671, 

Building Regulations Part P and other relevant 

regulations. At the very least, it is likely that 

installations be fitted using a dedicated circuit 

from the distribution board/consumer unit. 

At WireIN, we will be bringing you all the 

information you will need about getting started 

in EV infrastructures over the next year or 

two. In the meantime, go to www.beama.org. 

uk to download free the ‘BEAMA Guide to 

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure’, and the ‘IET 

Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment 

Installation’. Both are excellent and important 

publications, and we recommend them… 

...a system as flexible as your 

customer’s requirements 

PREMERA MIX is the new range of wiring accessories 

from Eaton with a modular interface grid system to ensure 

you can meet any client requirement. 

With a full complement of options including traditional 

grid ranges, voice and data, intelligent RF switching, power 

sockets and broad switches, the PREMERA MIX range 

come complete with integral mounting frame and 

earthing facilities to ease installation. 

PREMERA MIX offers up to 24 module size plates and the 

larger mounting frames come as a complete assembly. 

Modules just ‘click in’ from the front. Wiring is quick and 

easy with a quick removal facility for each bank on the 

larger plate sizes. 

To see how you can be as flexible as your customer’s 

requirements, go to www.eaton.com/uk or 

call 08700 545 333 for more information. 

Major brand Tools! 

Books and DVDs now updated 

to the First Amendment! 

Our widest range 

of Test Equipment! 

GET HOLD OF 

YOUR FREE 

CATALOGUE 

TODAY! 

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products NICEIC 

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and better 

than ever! 

To find out more click or call 

0843 290 3514 

www.niceicdirect.com 

Email catalogue@niceic.com for your free copy 

AC WIRE 27.06.12.indd 1 21/6/12 09:10:39 

Jul/Aug 2012 www. .co.uk 

5


Choosing the right fixing solution for an 

application can make a real difference 

to the overall quality, appearance and 

performance of the finished installation. 

What may appear to be the best or 

cheapest solution at first sight may not be 

the most efficient overall. It could actually 

cost more in the long-term. Therefore, what 

could be a very quick and unimportant 

decision could actually be a very important 

one! Richard Rands explains. 

Installations in the electrical industry are 

constantly evolving with a greater focus on 

efficiency, cost effectiveness and the end result. 

With this comes an array of products on the 

market and in return, confusion on which is the 

best product to use. 

Everyday jobs, such as securely fastening 

cables, pipes and tubing to hard surfaces 

including brick, concrete and mortar, are vital 

for a wide range of applications. These range 

from fixing cables for TV aerials to the outside of 

buildings, to securing gas and water pipes for 

plumbing and utility applications. 

What to look for… 

Whatever the requirement, there will be an array 

of fixings available from electrical wholesalers, 

plumb centres and builders’ merchants that may 

appear ideal; but are they really right for the job? 

If cost is a factor, one of the cheapest options 

is a standard nail-fixing cable clip. Applied by 

simply hammering the nail into the brick or 

mortar, this might seem like a very quick and 

simple solution to the problem. 

However, knocking nails into solid surfaces can 

have real consequences. This is because nails 

can bend or ricochet when hit with a hammer 

and they can also damage the surface material 

quite significantly because of the high impact 

and sharp point of the nail – this can cause the 

surface to chip or crumble. Not only can this look 

untidy, but it can also potentially damage the 

structure and result in a fixing that is insecure. In 

addition, this method can also be extremely time 

consuming and can result in several cable clips 

being used for a single application. 

An alternative solution is to push a rawlplug 

into a drilled hole to provide a solid foundation, 

then applying a screw-fixing base and cable 

tie. However, while this will provide a more 

reliable and robust solution, it can be fairly timeconsuming 

and costly to install because of the 

many parts involved. 

So, another option is to insert a push-in fixing 

base into a drilled hole that a cable tie can be 

attached to, negating the need for a separate 

rawlplug and metal screw. 

What about function? 

Functionality is another point. One innovative 

and efficient solution is the all-in-one wall plug 

tie, which provides a cable tie fastening with an 

integrated push-in fixing base. The releasable 

wall plug tie delivers a secure and professional 

fixing solution in seconds and provides a 

fastening that can be used time and time again. 

Because of the simplicity of the one-piece-fixing, 

the all-in-one wall plug tie can be applied quickly 

and efficiently by simply knocking the fixing base 

into an 8mm drilled hole, providing significant 

time and cost savings for installers whilst also 

delivering a neat and attractive finish to the job. 

Finally… 

While it might be easy to assume fastening 

and fixing solutions are all the same, there is a 

vast difference between the standard of various 

products on the market today. So, it is imperative 

to specify the correct products from premium 

manufacturers that use the highest quality 

production techniques. 

For more information about fastening and fixing 

solutions, and the Wall Plug Ties, visit 

www.hellermanntyton.co.uk. 

1 

3 

5 

Drill an 8mm hole. 

Pull the releasable wall plug tie. 

Or you can clip two pipes or cables together. 

2 

4 

Knock in the integral fixing base. 

It’s finished. 

Richard Rands is product manager 

at cable management specialist 

company Hellermann Tyton. Richard 

brings with him more than 10 years of 

marketing and product management 

experience within technology based 

industries. He was previously product 

manager at Outsourcery Ltd., and also 

held both product management and 

marketing positions at Zen Internet Ltd. 

Richard also spent time leading the 

marketing function at Scomagg Ltd, a 

UK systems integration company. 

6 www. .co.uk Jul/Aug 2012 Jul/Aug 2012 www. .co.uk 7

News 

Short Leads 

Kitchen replacements for Lower Shankill 

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive 

(NIHE - www.nihe.gov.uk) has announced 

that almost 130 of its tenants living in the 

Lower Shankill area have been included in a 

kitchen replacement scheme costing almost 

£500,000. The 128 properties, a mixture 

of houses, flats and bungalows, are being 

upgraded on a regular basis. As part of the 

latest scheme, new extractor fans, plus new or 

upgraded smoke and heat detectors will also 

be included. The scheme will involve homes 

at the following locations: California Close; 

Denmark Street; Hopewell Avenue; Malvern 

Way; Shankill Parade and Terrace; Sherbrook 

Terrace; and Upper Townsend Terrace. 

Cross-sector building initiative The 

Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE 

- www.nihe.gov.uk) reports that Housing 

Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed 

an initiative by the public and private house 

building sectors to explore ways in which 

they can work together to add value to social 

housing. He was speaking at a ‘Delivering 

Better Value in Social House Building’ event 

in Belfast organised by the Construction 

Employers Federation (CEF) and the 

housing association movement. Over the 

next three years, the plan is to invest £340m 

to deliver 6,000 new social and affordable 

homes. House builders may want to work in 

partnership with housing associations and 

DSD to explore how to reduce building costs 

without compromising on quality. Current 

plans are to start 1,325 new homes for rent 

in 2012/13, followed by 1,275 in 2013/14 

and 2,000 in 2014/14. The balance will be 

co-ownership affordable homes. 

£1bn for new West Lothian homes Work 

has started on a £1bn construction project 

that aims to bring hundreds of jobs to 

West Lothian. Around 3,450 new homes 

and a mixture of business, shopping and 

community facilities will emerge from the 

900 acre site over the next 15 years. In its first 

phase, the development at Winchburgh, near 

Broxburn, is expected to support 300 new 

jobs annually. Go to www.scotland.gov.uk. 

‘Colony-style’ project for Leith The Port of 

Leith housing association has announced a 

project to build 100 new homes on the site 

of the Fort tower block in Leith, which is to 

be demolished this summer. Timescales 

for the project are to be announced. Go to 

www.edinburgh.gov.uk. 

MK and Philips partner 

dimmable LED lighting 

MK Electric and Philips have collaborated 

to provide a solution to overcome 

the industry’s long-standing issues in 

producing reliable LED lighting offerings 

that operate effectively with dimmable 

switches. 

MK’s Design Service has produced a 

specialist dimmer that works with the 

Philips MASTER LED product range, 

specifically 7W MASTER LEDspot GU10 

MV, 7W MASTER LEDspot GU10 MV 

DimTone, 12W MASTER LEDbulb and 8W 

MASTER LEDbulb DimTone. These LED 

lamps can be paired with dimmers from 

two of MK Electric’s most popular ranges, 

Logic Plus and Edge. Both ranges are 

rated 8W-48W to operate effectively with 

the MASTER LED lamps. 

According to McKinsey & Company, LED 

lighting is forecast to be the dominant 

Complete solution for solar 

PV at InterSolar Europe 

Eaton’s Electrical Sector showed visitors 

to the recent Munich Intersolar Europe 

event its complete package for the safe 

operation of residential and commercial 

solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. 

On the stand, visitors could see the full 

scope of PV products, such as power 

inverters, DC switch disconnectors and 

the fireman’s switch. Experts were on 

hand to talk to visitors about how the 

solutions offered could meet their specific 

application needs. 

In the event of a fire, rescue personnel 

can be at risk of electric shocks because of 

technology in domestic and commercial 

lighting by 2015, mainly because the 

energy savings are up to 80% compared 

with incandescent and halogen lamps. 

The long lifetime of up to 45,000 burning 

hours, compared to 10-15,000 of traditional 

halogen lamps, also results in significantly 

lower maintenance costs. 

Commented Jason Ng, Marketing 

Communications Specialist for MK Electric: 

“The collaboration between Philips and MK 

has resulted in a market-leading product 

that fills an important gap in the industry. 

“It’s one of the first times that a lighting 

manufacturer and a wiring accessories 

manufacturer have married their expertise 

to overcome an industry issue like this 

one. As a result of this collaboration 

contractors and designers clearly know 

which dimmers can reliably dim which 

ranges of LED lighting.” 

To find out more, visit www.mkelectric. 

co.uk and www.philips.co.uk/lighting. 

MK Electric and Philips 

Lighting have collaborated to 

provide reliable LED lighting 

that operates effectively with 

dimmable switches. 

damaged cable insulation. Even in reduced 

daylight, the cables between PV modules 

and the power inverter are energised with 

voltages of up to 1000V. Subsequently, 

accident prevention regulations stipulate 

that residential buildings that have not 

been isolated from the power supply must 

not be entered for indoor fire fighting, 

making it difficult for fire crews to manage 

and stop the fire effectively. 

Eaton’s fireman’s switch, called SOL30- 

Safety, enables remote disconnection of 

the DC power source on the outside of 

a building, ensuring that no electricity is 

present internally. This allows fire crews to 

enter the building and fight the fire from 

the inside. 

£510,000 for Scottish 

wind farms 

Scottish Hydro has awarded over 

£510,000 to local projects in Alyth and 

Mount Blair through the Drumderg 

Wind Farm Community Fund since it 

opened in 2007. 

The Drumderg wind farm fund, which 

benefits the community council areas 

of Mount Blair and Alyth, has been 

active since 2007 with an annual fund 

value (index linked) of £64,000. 

Dimplex boosts heat pump 

funding with DHPPP 

Dimplex Renewables is helping 

householders and housing organisations 

achieve still more out of switching to 

renewable heat by offering a £150 top-up 

for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment 

(RHPP) funding for heat pump installations. 

Designed to help boost demand for heat 

pump technology prior to the launch of 

the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive 

next year, Dimplex’s Heat Pump Premium 

Payment (DHPPP) will boost the funding 

available for air source installations to 

£1000 and for ground source installations 

to £1400. 

Said Chris Davis, business development 

director at Dimplex Renewables: “The 

government has extended its RHPP 

scheme for a further year, awarding 

one-off payments for off-gas heat pump 

installations, and we hope this will help 

maintain interest in renewable heating 

until the domestic RHI is up and running. 

However, we recognise that in these tough 

times our Accredited Installers are still 

encountering customer hesitation over 

investing, so we decided to add an extra 

incentive of our own to help out.” 

Even without funding support, the savings 

on fuel bills that heat pumps offer stack up 

on their own merits. However, the relatively 

high up-front costs of these systems can 

make it difficult for homeowners and 

housing providers to make the switch. 

Volex hires Brazilian exec 

Cabling and interconnection company 

Volex has appointed Professor Ricardo 

Hamad to the post of general manager 

for Volex Brazil to lead the growth of the 

company’s operations in the region. 

Hamad is an expert in operations 

management, process engineering and 

both six-sigma and lean manufacturing 

philosophies, and has been professor 

of business administration at FAAP 

higher education institution in Brazil 

since 2005. 

Dimplex Renewables is helping householders and 

housing organisations by offering a £150 top-up 

for the RHPP funding for heat pump installations. 

RHPP funding, with Dimplex additional £150 

top-up, can help remove that barrier. 

The DHPPP is available on any RHPPqualifying 

installation of a MCS-approved 

Dimplex ground or air heat pump. The 

installation must be carried out by a 

Dimplex Renewables Accredited Installer 

and completed by the end of March 2013, 

or the end of the RHPP, whichever is sooner. 

All the customer has to do to collect 

DHPPP top-up is provide proof of their 

RHPP offer from the Energy Saving 

Trust, upon which Dimplex issues a £150 

voucher. When the RHPP payment has 

been received following the heat pump 

installation, the customer sends the voucher 

and proof of RHPP support to Dimplex, 

which then writes a cheque for £150. Go to 

www.dimplexrenewables.co.uk. 

New Balfour Beatty Marks & Spencers contracts 

Balfour Beatty Engineering Services has been awarded two Marks and Spencer 

contracts totalling £1.1m in Scotland. 

The contracts are for the supply and installation of mechanical and electrical 

services for client McLaughlin & Harvey and ultimate client Marks and Spencer at the 

Murraygate shopping centre in Dundee and St Nicholas Street in Aberdeen. 

The M&E services are associated with the remodelling and upgrading of the existing 

stores. Both projects are aiming to achieve a BREEAM rating of good with sustainability 

features including energy monitoring, waterless urinals and lighting controls. 

The contracts started in May 2012, with Dundee finishing in July, and Aberdeen in 

November 2012 using consultant Troup Bywaters & Anders. 

Short Leads 

New homes for Dalmally Argyll and Bute 

council have announced the building of 

eight new homes in the village of Dalmally. 

The project is scheduled for completion in 

May 2013. Go to www.argyll-bute.gov.uk. 

Aberdeen church conversion approved 

Aberdeen city council has approved 

plans to convert an abandoned church in 

Aberdeen into 18 new homes. Timescales 

for the project are to be announced. Go to 

www.aberdencity.gov.uk. 

New solar panels on Aberdeen council 

properties Planning permission has been 

granted to install 2,500 solar panels at 

seven council properties in Aberdeen. The 

sites are Rosewell Old People’s Home 

(147 panels); Bridge of Don Academy 

(144 panels); The Jesmond Centre (434 

panels); Oldmachar Academy (424 panels); 

Milltimber Primary School (284 panels); 

Cults Primary School (458 panels); and the 

West Tullos depot (599 panels). Timescales 

for the work are yet to be announced. Go 

to www.aberdeencity.gov.uk. 

New homes for Lanarkshire The Scottish 

government has announced funding for a 

programme of house building in Lanarkshire. 

The project will build 600 homes in the region 

over the next four years, and will be managed 

by Clyde Valley housing association. Go to 

www.cvha.co.uk. 

Tender for high intensity discharge 

lamps Dublin city council has issued 

a tender for supply of high intensity 

discharge lamps. The council intend to 

award up to five successful bidders a 12 

month contract. Go to www.dublincity.ie. 

Specialist lighting for King John’s castle 

Shannon Development requires a specialist 

lighting contractor for three floors of exhibits 

and the visitor areas at King John’s castle. 

Go to www.shannondevelopment.ie. 

Building begins in Prospect Park 

Following a successful application for 

planning permission, the Knight Property 

Group has begun building three 25,000ft 2 

commercial properties at the Prospect 

Park Site in Westhill, Aberdeen. Go to 

ww.knightpropertygroup.co.uk. 


News 

Short Leads 

East Renfrewshire ASDA plans Council 

houses are being demolished two years 

after severe flooding. A total of 10 homes 

in Waulkmill Avenue, Dunterlie, Barrhead, 

including one property which was firedamaged, 

are uneconomical to repair. 

The decision to demolish was taken after 

consultation with residents, who have 

been re-housed. These demolitions form 

part of a wider council programme of 

regeneration for the town. For example, 

Asda has recently announced plans to 

invest over £20m and create 200 jobs 

with a new store in the town. Go to 

www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Work begins in Inverness Albyn 

Housing Society has announced two 

new building projects in Inverness 

to build 24 homes. Eight flats will be 

built in Beauly, while the remaining 16 

homes are planned for Clachnaharry. 

Work is already under way, and Albyn 

have also announced future projects 

in Alness and South Kessock. Go to 

www.albynhousing.org.uk. 

New heating for Clackmannanshire 

Work has begun installing new gas and 

combi boilers in almost 700 homes in 

Clackmannanshire. The work is being 

carried out by James Frew Ltd. and P.H 

Jones, and will be complete by December 

2012. Go to www.clacksweb.org.uk. 

Work begins in Cumbernauld Sanctuary 

Scotland’s project to build 58 new homes 

in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, 

Cumbernauld, has begun. The project is 

scheduled for completion in April 2013. Go 

to www.sanctuary-group.co.uk. 

Broadford works development plans 

Plans to create an urban village on a 

former industrial site in Aberdeen have 

been recommended for approval. The 

Broadford works development will have 

just gone before city councillors at the 

time of going to press. If approved, 

more than 500 flats will be created and 

11 listed buildings restored at the site. 

Detailed plans include the creation 

of 517 flats, about a third of which 

will be in some of the existing listed 

buildings. There are also proposals for a 

nursery, restaurant and retail space. Go to 

www.aberdeencity.gov.uk. 

Riegens makes 

a splash at 

Edinburgh pool 

Riegens has supplied 

luminaires for the lighting 

upgrade at the recently 

refurbished Royal 

Commonwealth Pool in 

Edinburgh. Specified by the 

consultants for the project, 

Riegens was chosen to 

design bespoke fittings 

that would sympathetically blend with the 

original features in the Category A-Listed 

building. The company also supplied a 

variety of fittings from its standard range. 

The Royal Commonwealth Pool (the 

‘Commie’) opened in Spring 2012 following 

a £37m refurbishment programme by The 

City of Edinburgh Council. The venue 

houses a 50m pool, modern gym, three 

fitness studios, café and children’s play area. 

The layout of the building has been 

restored to enhance and promote the use 

of light within the facility, as was the vision 

and intention of the original architects back 

in 1967. The existing Iroko ceilings (wooden 

slatted design) within the reception, foyer and 

pool halls have been retained and were ice 

blasted to reform them to their former glory. 

Riegens designed recessed fittings using 

T8 and T5 lamps that looked like the original 

fittings in the Iroko ceilings, this time using 

Energy Event to change 

energy consumption 

approach 

Electrical engineers, facilities specialists and 

electrical contractors wishing to learn all they 

can about efficient, sustainable energy use 

should go to The Energy Event 2012, 11th -12th 

of September at the NEC, Birmingham. 

Central to this year’s show is the conference 

programme, which will deliver market insight 

and thought leadership from speakers including: 

Philip Lowe, Director General for Energy at The 

European Commission; special correspondent at 

ITV News, Daisy McAndrew; particle physicist 

and television presenter Professor Brian Cox; 

former New Labour director of communications 

and strategy Alastair Campbell; and Professor of 

Forecasting and Innovation James Woudhuysen. 

This event also aims to be a hub of learning, 

networking and business opportunities, with 

global brands delivering their own case 

studies and seminars. Visitors will benefit 

from over 150 exhibitors including the major 

UK’s key management and efficiency product 

manufacturers, energy suppliers and service 

providers – all under one roof. 

Riegens has supplied luminaires for the 

lighting upgrade at the recently refurbished 

Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. 

the latest technology in prism optics, T8 

and T5 lamps, and incorporating DALI 

digital dimming control systems. 

The Riegens luminaires, installed by 

UK Building Support Services company 

Arthur McKay, were fitted with Tridonic’s 

EM PRO emergency lighting control 

units. Engineered to meet the demands 

of modern lighting schemes, the system 

is based on the DALI emergency lighting 

protocol, so can be integrated into other 

DALI control lighting systems or managed 

as a stand-alone system. 

Fittings from Riegens standard 

range of products included Concido 

downlighters for the changing rooms, 

Mirac and Arbos recessed luminaires 

and Evac LED bulkheads for ancillary 

areas, along with Casino wall for 

stairwells and Linus to provide optimum 

light distribution in corridors. 

In one the four theatres, the Energy Insight 

Conference is the central feature of the show, to 

be chaired on the first day by Daisy McAndrew. 

The debate will be about the issues that are 

crucial to energy purchasers, including carbon 

reduction policies. Philip Lowe, Director 

General - Energy at the European Commission, 

will talk about the investment needed to meet 

European electricity demand; Volker Beckers, 

CEO of RWE npower, will cover the future of 

energy use in the UK, and Chris Train of the 

National Grid will discuss low carbon energy 

sources. 

In addition, the Energy Information Theatre 

will be a resource for managers and experts 

in energy, environment, facilities and property 

management, while the ESTA Theatre will be 

hosted by the Energy Services and Technology 

Association (ESTA). The seminars will be 

designed for energy managers, and will offer 

basic information on principles, policy issues 

and effective implementation. Lastly, the Hosted 

Content Theatre will feature presentations 

hosted by Waterwise and npower among a 

number of others. 

To register, visit www.theenergyevent.com/ 

PR. Quote priority code EPR4. 

Ellis’ cleats for big power plant 

Emperor cable cleats from UK manufacturer Ellis are being installed in the new Ledvice 

Power Plant in the Czech Republic. Ellis’ FlexiStraps were also specified. 

This 660MWe power station is being built in the foothills of the Krusne Mountains 

by the country’s largest electricity producer, CEZ. When commissioned in 2014 it will 

be the most modern brown coal powered plant in central Europe, producing more 

electricity than the combined output of the five other units that have been located on 

the site since the 1960s. 

Ellis’ cleats were specified by ABB s.r.o – the Czech division of the ABB Group. 

Petr Kubelka, the ABB engineering manager responsible for the Ledvice Power Plant 

project, said: “We had no hesitation specifying Ellis’ Emperor cleats. They were perfect in 

terms of quality and installation ease, and the company back-up this product quality with 

exceptionally good technical support.” 

Available for trefoil and single cable applications, the Emperor cleats are designed 

for use where the highest levels of short circuit withstand are required. All products in 

the range are made in 316L stainless steel, so they provide the ultimate in corrosion 

protection, it is claimed. 

These cleats are quick to install, and an integral LSF zero halogen polymeric liner and 

base pad protects and cushions cables during short circuit conditions. 

Free guide to zero 

carbon opportunities 

Is your organisation in Northern Ireland or 

Scotland up to speed on the legislation, 

regulations and initiatives driving the 

move towards low and zero carbon 

homes and other buildings in the UK? 

SummitSkills, the sector skills council 

for the building services engineering 

(BSE) sector, has got together with the 

Zero Carbon Hub to produce an easy-tofollow 

guide for businesses to help them 

Trainee Scottish 

sparkie makes most 

of job opportunity 

A trainee electrician from Argyll earned a 

place in the West of Scotland heat of the 

Apprentice of the Year contest after coming 

out top of his class at college. William Ward, 

17, from Oban, was selected as the Scottish 

Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) 

Apprentice of the Year at Reid Kerr College 

Seventeen year old William Ward from Oban was the trainee electrician 

from Argyll who earned a place in the West of Scotland heat of the 

Apprentice of the Year contest after coming out top of his class at college. 

take advantage of opportunities for growth. 

This guide, entitled – ‘Low Carbon 

Buildings and Homes: Skills and 

Opportunities’ – explores the current and 

emerging legislation and regulations 

affecting the growing ‘green’ agenda. 

The document also summarises the 

policies and initiatives that the UKwide 

Government and the devolved 

administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland 

and Wales have put in place to encourage 

the move to low-carbon buildings. 

The guide covers the key points of 

in Paisley where he has just completed his 

first year. 

William was helped by pioneering 

social enterprise Workingrite to find an 

apprenticeship placement with Oban 

Electrical Services (OES Ltd). He has now 

been retained on a four-year apprenticeship 

while also studying at the college. 

Audrey Macfadyen, Workingrite’s 

Area Project Coordinator, said: “We 

are delighted for William and he is a 

great example to others. The number 

of young people retained 

by employers after going 

through our mentoring 

programme is very high, but 

while we and the employers 

do what we can to help, it 

is up to the young person 

to make the most of the 

opportunity they are given.” 

Angus Macpherson, 

managing director of OES 

Ltd, said: “We are very proud 

of William. He is a good 

lad and very self-driven. 

This award highlights the 

importance of giving young 

people a chance.” 

Emperor cable cleats from Ellis are 

being installed in the new Ledvice 

Power Plant in the Czech Republic. 

changes to the Zero Carbon Homes 

definition, Parts L, F and J of the 

Building Regulations, the Feed-In-Tariff, 

the Renewable Heat Incentive, the 

forthcoming Green Deal, the Code for 

Sustainable Homes, the new National 

Planning Policy Framework and where 

this leaves existing local plans. 

It concludes with a summary of the new 

skills required to engage in the evermoving 

arena and ensure that businesses 

are best placed to profit from the new and 

exciting opportunities. 

William, a former pupil at Oban High 

School, had a week’s work experience with 

OES Ltd, organised through Workingrite, 

before joining the firm on a six-month 

mentoring programme when he was paired 

with an experienced member of staff. 

Angus Macpherson said: “William 

impressed us during his work experience 

week and that stuck in my mind. We take 

on two apprentices a year and normally get 

about 40 applications and William would 

not have got an interview because of his 

academic qualifications. 

“However, he got an opportunity through 

the Workingrite scheme and he made the 

most of that. Basically it was a six-month 

interview which he came through with flying 

colours. It’s a very good scheme which is 

very attractive to employers and we would 

definitely recommend it to other companies.” 

The success at college meant William 

competed in the West of Scotland heat at 

Dumfries and Galloway College on 21 of June. 

Earlier this year, Edinburgh-based 

Workingrite was awarded a £500,000 

contract from Skills Development Scotland 

(SDS) to extend its highly successful workbased 

mentoring programme into new parts 

of the country. 


News 

Installer wins iPAD 

with Dimplex 

Dimplex has given a lucky installer the prize 

of an iPad in a draw which marked the 

launch of the company’s new range of EC- 

Eau water cylinders. 

The iPad was won by Aldo Keates of 

Coventry-based Allgas. He said: “I’ve been 

using Dimplex equipment for years, both 

heaters and cylinders. I like the products, 

they’re very good to install, and of course 

my customers know the name. 

“The EC-Eau cashback promotion was 

even more reason to choose Dimplex 

cylinders, but I never expected to win 

anything! The news that I’d been lucky 

came as a very pleasant surprise.” 

Dimplex MD Stuart Mackenzie, and Steve 

Clement, regional manager at Dimplex 

Water Heating, presented Aldo with his 

prize from at the manufacturer’s HQ. While 

he was there, Dimplex also arranged for 

him to obtain personalised one-on-one 

training on air source heat pumps and solar 

PV from the renewables team. 

Study shows big HVAC 

drives market changes 

Market research organisation, Frost 

& Sullivan, says that the European 

HVAC industry is undergoing 

unprecedented change. The 

dynamics behind this change – 

technological innovation in building 

design and energy conservation 

– are altering the European market, 

and are ultimately affecting both 

equipment and applications. 

Several factors, including spiralling 

energy costs and mandatory 

compliance with energy-efficiency 

standards, together with a focus on 

air quality and its impact on human 

health, are boosting the European 

HVAC electric drives sector,” said 

Ramasubramanian Natarajan, 

Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. 

The organisation is investigating 

the growth potential for sales of 

electric drives to the European HVAC 

industry. Its research will benefit 

the electric drives manufacturers, 

OEMs, distribution partners and 

consultants who aspire to capitalise 

on the growing HVAC market in 

Europe, by discussing current trends 

and providing future projections for 

the sales of electric drives in the 

European HVAC industry. 

For more information, email anna. 

zanchi@frost.com. 

Left to right: Steve Clement, 

Aldo Keates and Stuart Mackenzie. 

Aldo started Allgas over 30 years ago and 

now works with his son to offer plumbing 

and heating services across the West 

Midlands. He is currently also renovating a 

property in France and is looking at using 

ACI brings cable 

counterfeiting worries to 

Westminster’s attention 

The Approved Cables Initiative 

(ACI - www.aci.org.uk) has entered 

a new stage of campaigning taking 

its concerns regarding counterfeit, 

substandard and defective cable to 

members of Parliament as it lobbies for 

change regarding the sale of unsafe 

cable products in the UK. 

The organisation’s two year campaign 

has focused upon articles in electrical 

and data cables trade media. The aim 

is to educate and inform all levels within 

the supply chain - from specifer, to 

contractor and distributor - and has seen 

the profile of its work raised amongst 

many industry influencers. 

A comprehensive information pack, 

containing the ACI’s proposal for 

legislative change, a selection of media 

material, information leaflets and BBC 

footage has been mailed to a select 

group of influential MPs and Select 

Committees. 

ACI spokesperson, Peter Smeeth, 

said: “Our focus now is to communicate 

the scale of the problem to those with 

the power to develop and change 

legislation. The industry is being flooded 

with dangerous and substandard cable 

and without appropriate legislation and 

the proper funds to support enforcement 

the problem will not go away. 

renewables in the refurbishment, so the 

tailored heat pump and solar PV training 

comes at exactly the right time. Of course, 

the iPad will come in handy for keeping 

tabs on business while he’s away. 

“We need to stop this cable from being 

imported and make those who are guilty 

of this practice understand that they 

will face penalties for breaking the law. 

We have spent many months looking at 

how other countries manage this issue 

and the US has the exemplar legislation 

to cover the importation of dangerous 

goods where the penalties for breaching 

are far more rigorous than in the UK. We 

are bringing this to the attention of key 

representatives in Government. ” 

Some UK distributors and contractors 

are involved in the practice of reselling 

cable products that fail to meet the 

UK’s safety standards. The ACI knows 

of some distributors prepared to order 

overseas manufacturers to produce 

under specified (insufficient copper) 

cable and then sell it on to the UK 

market. Some of them also miss-sell 

data cable, notably Cat5e, for Copper 

Clad Aluminium (CCA) cable, and 

purchase inferior product from overseas 

and then sell it unmarked, so that it 

will be untraceable. The misuse of 

trademarks and the selling of short 

lengths are also quite common. 

“It’s two years since we launched our 

campaign and our message is perfectly 

understood in the market. It is time to 

ratchet up the investigations and present 

the authorities with cases that show what 

lengths some will go to in the pursuit of 

profit with blatant disregard for public 

safety.” continued Smeeth. 

Norbain acquired by 

Newbury Investments 

Norbain has announced that its UK 

operation, including export, has been 

acquired by Newbury Investments (UK) Ltd 

from the administrators, KPMG. 

Norbain is one of Europe’s most 

successful distributors of CCTV, IP video, 

access control and intruder detection 

equipment. The company employs over 240 

people throughout the UK in various sales 

offices and at its Manchester distribution 

centre. Each year, the company’s 

International Sales division sells into 77 

countries across five continents. 

Newbury Investments (UK) Ltd is part of 

a substantial family business which trade 

extensively across North America, UK and 

Australia in distribution. The shareholders 

acquired their first UK business, 

Edmundson Electrical, in 1979. 

Newbury Investments (UK) has five trading 

subsidiaries. These are Deta Electrical 

Company, Decco, Stearn Electric Co., UK 

Developed specifically for use in solar PV renewable 

energy systems, inverters in the Eaton’s ISG range 

are now suitable for connection to the national grid. 

Cables, and UK Electric. With a turnover 

of around £320m and a net asset value of 

£82m, prior to the acquisition of Norbain, 

Newbury Investments (UK) is a financially 

strong group that will, it says, underpin 

Norbain and allow Norbain’s suppliers, 

customers and employees to be confident 

in its future trading. 

Norbain SD MD, Barry Shakespeare, said: 

“We are confident that Norbain’s best in 

class operations combined with Newbury 

Investments’ financial strength and 

complementary distribution experience will 

secure our future growth strategy”. 

Will Wright, joint administrator at KPMG, 

commented: “Norbain’s business was 

adversely affected by a decline in orders 

as customers decided to wait and see 

if the economy would improve before 

investing in infrastructure projects. The 

fall in income was a key factor in the 

company entering into administration. This 

deal marks a fresh start for the Norbain 

UK business and puts it on a more solid 

footing for the future.“ 

Sutherland hydro contract for Balfour Beatty 

Balfour Beatty Engineering Services has been awarded a £1.2m contract for the 

electrical works associated with Maldie Burn hydro scheme. 

Located 3km east of Kylestrome and Kylesku in west Sutherland, the scheme will 

generate up to 4.5MW of electricity, which is enough to meet the annual average 

domestic needs of about 2,500 households. The scheme will extract water from the 

Maldie Burn at the outfall of Loch and Leathaid Bhuain, and will feed a buried pipeline 

approximately 2km long to a powerhouse located close to the outfall of the Maldie 

Burn to the sea at Loch Glendhu. The two 690V three-phase generators will have a 

combined generating capacity of up to 4.5MW, which will be stepped up to 33kV via a 

transformer within the powerhouse. 

The scope of works include the supply and installation of the 33kV switchboard 

and transformer and the connection to the Maldie Substation by approximately 

8.5km of buried cables (33kV and fibre) where the scheme will connect to the 

distribution network. 

Solar PV inverters for 

grid connection 

Developed specifically for use in solar 

photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy 

systems, inverters in the Eaton’s ISG range 

are now tested and certified as being 

fully compliant with ENA Engineering 

Recommendation G83/1. They are 

therefore suitable for connection to the UK 

national grid. 

The new inverters are said to combine 

high reliability and maintenance-free 

operation with compact construction, and 

their modern appearance make them 

suitable for use in domestic and small 

commercial applications. 

ISG single-phase inverters are suitable for 

use with monocrystalline and polycrystalline 

PV arrays up to 40 m2. Versions for indoor 

use, which offer IP43 protection, are 

Ireland sets the standard 

for energy management 

The Sustainable Energy Authority of 

Ireland (SEAI) says that Irish-based 

businesses engaged in advanced 

energy management are avoiding 

€150m in energy costs and are setting 

world class standards. The figures 

were revealed at an SEAI international 

conference on energy management 

standards in Dublin’s Mansion House, 

which highlighted Ireland’s leading role 

in the area and the enterprise benefits 

being achieved. 

Since its launch in June 2011, over 

190 organisations have become certified 

to the new International Energy 

Management Standard ISO 50001, 

and Ireland has about one third of this 

number achieving the equivalent standard 

already. Many of the 65 Irish sites 

accredited belong to energy intensive 

multinationals that are now sharing their 

knowledge on energy management with 

their global operations. 

Public bodies are also achieving firsts 

in energy management with University 

College Cork recently becoming the 

first university worldwide to achieve 

ISO 50001. 

It is recognised that Ireland is ahead 

of the international trend in energy 

management and with the global 

market for this knowledge and expertise 

growing, Ireland is winning business 

abroad. It is estimated that energy 

management standards could influence 

60% of the world’s energy use and Irish 

businesses in this sector are uniquely 

positioned to benefit – electrical 

contractors and installers too. 

available with ratings from 1.5 to 4.0kW. The 

range also includes a 4.0kW model with 

IP65 ingress protection for outdoor use. 

All models feature a no-fan design 

that ensures quiet operation, increases 

reliability and helps to guard against the 

build up of dirt that inevitably occurs when 

cooling fans are used. 

To ensure best use is made of the 

energy supplied by the PV panels under 

all conditions, ISG inverters incorporate 

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) 

technology, which allows them to maximise 

the energy yield from the array. 

Eaton’s Electrical Sector also offers a 

comprehensive family of PV balance-ofsystem 

products, including DC switch 

disconnectors for isolating PV panels during 

maintenance, DC fireman’s switches for 

panel emergency isolation, DC plus string 

fuses and circuit breakers. 


News 

Contractors input 

for BEAMA EV 

infrastructure project 

The emerging electric vehicle (EV) 

market is currently at a critical phase. 

The vehicle technology has received 

international interest for many years, but 

only now is the mass commercialisation 

of this technology achievable. With 

the Plugged in Places projects now 

fully underway, and with emerging 

private infrastructure programmes, the 

integration and interoperability of the 

public and private charging assets within 

the built environment is of key importance 

and will determine the ongoing success 

of the industry. It is therefore important 

that support is provided for the industry in 

order to drive progress forward. 

BEAMA’s Electric Vehicle 

Infrastructure Project (BEVIP) has been 

established to co-ordinate a programme 

of work to enhance the presence of 

our members in the rapidly emerging 

EV industry, identifying and helping to 

remove market barriers. 

BEAMA recognises the market potential 

for the electro-technical industry, 

in the development of a robust and 

interoperable infrastructure to support 

Gambica and BCAS 

partner Energy Event 

Gambica and British Compressed Air 

Society (BCAS) are among a raft of 

key industry associations that have all 

contributed to the conference programme 

at The Energy Event, which will take place 

on 11th to 13th of September 2012 at the 

NEC Birmingham. GAMBICA is the national 

Gambica and BCAS are to contribute to the 

conference programme at The Energy Event, 

September 2012 at the NEC Birmingham. 

a mass market of EVs, a reason why 

the organisation and its members saw 

the need to establish BEVIP. The BEVIP 

was, therefore, set-up to co-ordinate 

a programme of work to enhance the 

presence of BEAMA members in the 

rapidly emerging EV industry, identifying 

and helping to remove market barriers. 

The project was launched at BEAMA’s 

Low Carbon Conference in March 2011. 

The founding BEVIP members are 

Cooper Bussman (UK) Ltd., Eaton, MK 

Electric, Schneider Electric Ltd., Secure 

Meters (UK) Ltd., and Siemens. 

The project hosted a Round Table 

event on the 9 th of July to facilitate 

discussion on the availability of 

guidance for EV infrastructure. This 

event took a close look at what is 

available today for installers and 

consumers and highlighting key areas 

of interest for both parties. 

BEAMA welcomed input from 

contractors for this round table 

discussion in order to raise areas of 

interest they may have in this emerging 

sector. At the time of going to press, 

it is not known what the Round Table 

outcome was, but for more information, 

contact Yselkla Farmer at 

yselklaf@beama.org.uk. 

organisation representing the interests of 

companies in the instrumentation, control, 

automation and laboratory technology 

industry in the UK. 

ESTA, MEUC, Energy Institute, 

GAMBICA, BCAS, Waterwise, BCIA and 

Water Technology List will all lend their 

names to what will be one of the most 

popular annual shows in the sector; one 

that will set the bar for organisations 

Belden goes ‘green’ 

with cables 

Belden has launched new low smoke 

zero halogen (LSZH) jackets on some 

of its most popular standard cables. 

These environmentally-friendly cables 

are an extension of the company’s 

GreenChoice solutions for customers 

looking for ‘green’ alternatives to 

traditional products. 

GreenChoice LSZH-jacketed cables 

are fully-recyclable, halogen-free 

and meet all current environmental 

standards, including WEE, REACH, 

RoHS and Prop 65. Halogen-free 

GreenChoice cables are non-toxic and 

can be deposited in landfills. 

These cables are claimed to be 

particularly beneficial when installed 

in control and instrumentation 

applications, computer and CAD/ 

CAM equipment, power supplies, 

audio, personal computers, POS 

and automotive – wherever people 

or animals are in close proximity to 

the cables and could be exposed to 

halogens. 

For more information, visit 

www.Belden.com and see Belden’s 

Product Bulletin #370. 

looking to reduce energy consumption or 

get more efficient energy usage. 

Steve Brambley, Chief Executive of 

Gambica said: “The Energy Event 

continues to raise the importance of 

efficiency - something that GAMBICA 

believes is a key to business growth and 

economic recovery. It is important because 

in the UK we have a culture of sweating our 

assets. However, the money saved by not 

investing in new equipment can soon be 

lost by rising energy costs. 

“As time passes, inefficient industrial 

machines consume more energy and 

begin eating away at profits. Energy saving 

equipment such as variable speed drives 

and other forms of motor control can reduce 

the running cost of many applications 

by more than their own capital cost in a 

relatively short period, often less than a year. 

“Investing in automation consumes less 

energy, controls pollution and cuts carbon 

emissions. The Energy Event will address 

these issues and more”, he concluded. 

Energy management is of prime concern 

to all UK businesses as environmental 

targets get tighter and energy prices 

continue to escalate. Reducing energy use 

in line with climate change targets benefits 

the bottom line as does purchasing such a 

volatile commodity. 

New technical cable 

tray guide published 

Legrand has launched a new technical 

guide for its Swifts cable tray. It is 

the second technical guide published 

by Legrand in 2012, following the 

introduction of a Swifts cable ladder 

guide in January. 

Billed by the company as ‘more than 

just a product catalogue’, this publication 

features in-depth technical advice 

covering specification tips through to 

best installation practice, as well as 

detailed product information. 

One of the guide’s key technical 

elements is an in-depth feature aimed 

at educating specifiers about the wide 

variety of finishes available for cable tray 

and how to ensure they always select the 

PLC I/Os led in 2011, control report says 

Manufacturing sustainability 

in conference 

EMSc (UK) is to launch its inaugural 

Manufacturing Sustainability Conference 

at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in 

Rotherham on Tuesday, 18 th of September 

2012. This free to attend conference, 

delivered in partnership with ‘Made in 

Sheffield’, is aimed at providing a platform 

to promote innovative British manufacturing. 

It is also aimed at providing the 

manufacturing sector with comprehensive 

information relating to sustainability issues 

and ways to improve energy efficiency. 

Commenting on the conference – the 

first in a sector-specific series planned 

by the company – Dr Alex Mardapittas, 

EMSc (UK) MD said: “There are enormous 

opportunities for the manufacturing sector 

to make energy savings. However, many 

manufacturers have yet to take steps to 

reduce their energy consumption and 

emissions associated with their operations, 

with some remaining cautious about 

implementing energy saving technologies 

right finish for the right environment. 

Said Matt Crunden, marketing manager 

for Legrand’s cable management 

division: “Over the years we’ve 

encountered numerous installations 

where high specification finishes are 

used in low-risk situations, and low 

specification systems ordered for highrisk 

environments. 

“When you consider the number of 

finishes available it’s easy to see why 

this mistake can be made, but we hope 

that this technical focus on the topic can 

clear the issue up once and for all.” 

A new product in the guide is the 

universal bracket. This simple and 

versatile solution to on-site fabrication 

has the flexibility to replicate thousands 

of different traditional cable tray fittings. 

To order a copy, visit www.legrand.co.uk. 

IMS Research’s latest report on the world market for I/O modules is interesting for WireIN 

readers involved in electrotechnical control system work. It shows that the market, 

especially for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) I/O modules, recovered quite 

strongly after the recession with double-digit growth in both 2010 and 2011. However, 

recovery of the Distributed Control System (DCS) I/O market was somewhat slower. 

There are many active vendors in this market, including as suppliers of a complete 

range of automation products and specialists which mainly provide I/O modules. 

Broadly, I/O modules can be segmented into three categories by controller type 

(PLCs, DCS and industrial PCs), the most commonly used products in industrial 

automation. The world recession hurt the industrial automation market, with the market 

for each controller type falling more than 20% from 2008 to 2009. The I/O market also 

decreased because of lower demand for controller products. 

Said Market Analyst Alex Hong: “The recovery since 2010 was quite exciting, as the 

entire I/O module market has benefited from the recovery of the controller market, 

especially that for PLCs.” 

because of the perceived effects that these 

technologies might have on equipment and 

operating efficiency. 

“We have launched the conference to 

address some of the most fundamental 

sustainability issues facing the sector today, 

and to show how controlling and reducing 

energy spend can help manufacturing 

businesses maximise efficiencies and 

improve profitability.” 

Dr Mardapittas will present on how 

the implementation of technologies, 

such as voltage optimisation, can help 

manufacturers achieve energy savings and 

reduce CO2 emissions. 

The conference will include case 

studies, stimulating debate on the future 

of manufacturing, and an opportunity to 

learn from a number of leading experts. 

Attendees can network with like-minded 

companies, enjoy a champagne reception, 

tour Magna Science Adventure Centre, and 

have an opportunity to win prizes. 

Bookings can be made via www.emsuk.org, 

by calling 01709 836200, or by 

emailing tracy.eaton@ems-uk.org. 

Legrand’s new Swifts cable tray technical guide. 

New controls improve 

building comfort while 

saving money 

Honeywell has launched its new ComfortPoint 

Open Building Management System. This, the 

next generation of the company’s technology 

to control and optimise heating and cooling 

equipment in facilities, Open improves ease 

of use through Web and mobile accessibility 

and reduces energy costs with built-in utility 

meter management tools and advanced energy 

reporting. It also provides the flexibility to grow 

and expand with end-to-end BACnet integration. 

Commented Greg Turner, vice president 

of global offerings for Honeywell Building 

Solutions: “This system was built from the 

ground up specifically for HVAC management. 

We focused on delivering a simple, effective 

platform that gives operators maximum 

control of facility comfort. 

“And even though it’s easy to use and 

navigate, there are powerful applications 

running in the background to uncover 

potential efficiency improvements and 

bottom-line savings.” 

ComfortPoint Open increases productivity 

through an intuitive user interface. Facilities 

engineers can access the system online, giving 

them a convenient, round-the-clock way to 

view building equipment, manage alarms, and 

change schedules. Operators can also use 

the Honeywell EasyMobile client interface to 

manage and control equipment from a variety of 

mobile devices, such as a smartphone or iPad. 

The system provides a number of other 

features that make it easy for consulting 

engineers to specify ComfortPoint Open, and 

building managers to boost operational and 

energy savings. To learn more, visit 

www.comfortpointopen.honeywell.com. 


News 

Companies have a 

‘responsibility to switch 

to LED lighting’ 

Honeywell Electrical Devices & Systems 

(ED&S) has called for a worldwide switch 

to LED lighting, saying that organisations 

of all sizes across the globe have a 

responsibility to seriously consider this 

energy-efficient lighting in the drive to 

combat climate change and save energy. 

Today, with lighting representing 

typically 21% of a building’s total energy 

consumption and accounting for 19% of 

global energy production, the company 

believes that a switch to LED lighting 

could now be one of the biggest drivers 

of energy savings. Energy savings can 

equate to as much as 60%, it is claimed, 

when comparing a Honeywell LED tube at 

23W with a typical fluorescent tube at 58W. 

To help companies looking to convert 

to LED lighting, Honeywell ED&S has 

launched a free global consulting 

service. Through consultations, site 

surveys, devising bespoke lighting 

schemes, producing detailed energy and 

cost saving calculations and offering pilot 

installations, the aim is to arm facility and 

energy managers with a rigorous energysaving 

and ROI assessment before 

making an investment. To perform a 

quick energy-saving calculation between 

fluorescent and LED tubes, an online tool 

can be found at www.led.honeywell.com. 

Celebrating Marshall-Tufflex’s 

70 years in business 

This year sees a significant milestone for 

the UK electrical sector, because familyowned 

Marshall-Tufflex is marking its 70th 

year in business. 

From day one, the company, which 

was founded in 1942 as C&C Marshall 

Ltd., specialised in producing a variety of 

PVC products and quickly established a 

reputation as a pioneer of PVC extrusion 

and injection moulding techniques. By the 

early 1950s, success saw the business 

outgrowing its manufacturing base in North 

London and in 1956 it relocated to a far 

larger site in Hastings, East Sussex. To this 

day, it is still one of the largest independent 

employers in the town. 

The move to Hastings also saw the 

company establish the commercial arm 

of the business as Marshall-Tufflex Ltd. 

Today, the company manufactures a 

comprehensive range of PVC-U cable 

management solutions, including Odyssey, 

the only all-curved profile on the market. In 

Voltage optimisation equipment has been 

fitted at this museum and art gallery. 

Council trials voltage optimiser 

Voltis is trialling its commercial voltage optimisation system to see how effective it is at cutting 

energy bills at small and medium-sized council premises. 

The local borough council of the firm has installed a 63A Voltis unit in the basement at Johns 

Place Museum and Art Gallery, which has a total annual load of about 53,000kWh. All the 

building’s electrical circuits – including those for lighting, IT, air conditioning and other general 

power requirements – are supplied through the unit. 

If the trial is successful, Voltis equipment may be installed at other, smaller council locations. 

Voltis constantly monitors incoming voltage and power demand, making adjustments to 

maximise savings. Unlike many similar systems it also has a built-in automatic bypass function 

that stops the optimiser cutting off power to the site if a problem occurs with the mains supply. 

Voltis systems can achieve power/carbon dioxide emission savings of up to 20%. It will also 

reduce maximum demand, refine power quality by improving the balance across the phases 

on a three-phase supply, reduce harmonic distortion, suppress transients and improve power 

factor correction. 

addition it offers a wide variety of profiles, 

sizes and finishes in PVC-U, aluminium, 

steel, GRP plus its Bio antimicrobial system. 

Many are Cat 6 compliant and all come with 

full suites of accessories. 

Commented MD Jim Fletcher: “The 

Marshall-Tufflex story so far is one of 

technological innovations coupled with high 

quality UK manufacturing standards and 

great customer service. 

“We intend to continue 

with this ethos, developing 

new and exciting products 

across our business that 

deliver tangible benefits to 

both our installer customers 

and end users as well as 

making life easy for our 

distributors to work with us. 

We’d like to thank all our 

customers and suppliers 

throughout the supply chain 

for supporting us and we 

look forward to many more 

years of working together.” 

Innovative current-carrying 

products include the MT32 click-fit power 

connection solution and Series 507 floor 

distribution system. Bespoke orders are 

dealt with by a dedicated ‘specials’ team. 

A relatively new part of the company 

– Marshall-Tufflex Energy Management – 

manufactures Voltis voltage optimisation 

systems to reduce power consumption 

in domestic, commercial and industrial 

locations. 

The way it was… Marshall-Tufflex was 

founded in 1942 as C&C Marshall Ltd., 

Hundreds of Irish projects 

may get green light 

Hundreds of shovel ready projects around 

Ireland could be given an immediate green 

light if the Government there secures an 

agreement on an EU stimulus package. 

This could create thousands of construction 

jobs according to the Construction Industry 

Federation (CIF - www.cif.ie). 

These projects could be advanced quickly 

if the funding for growth measures is put in 

place and would greatly reduce the number 

of unemployed construction workers as well 

as boosting employment in other sectors. 

Said Tom Parlon, CIF Director General: 

“The CIF is aware of projects all over the 

country that would fit in perfectly with 

the criteria that are being discussed for 

UK-based technical support 

for power supply users 

DIN-rail power supply maker PULS UK is offering free 

UK-based advice and technical support for all its power 

supply products. 

The company decided to base its support team in the UK 

to simplify communications and reduce the time it takes 

to deal with enquiries. It says most queries are dealt with 

immediately, but the team can call on their colleagues in 

Germany for specialist advice. 

PULS wants customers to contact them for advice on 

new products and with technical queries. 

Harry Moore, managing director of PULS UK, said: “It’s 

surprising how often the power supply is the last thing 

to be considered during a project. This is another reason 

why our technical support is so valuable. Our customers 

know that even if the choice of power supply has been left 

until the last minute they can talk through the application 

and order the correct products that same day.” 

Call the PULS technical support team on 0330 999 9988. 

the stimulus package. These would be 

highly labour intensive projects that tie 

in with a Government policy and would 

provide significant number of jobs for 

the construction sector, which has 

seen employment levels plummet in 

recent years.” 

“The other benefit is that many of 

these projects already have planning 

permission in place, so they will not need 

to go through that lengthy process. If 

the Government manages to secure the 

stimulus package, these projects could be 

rolled out within a matter of weeks or over 

the next few months,” he added. 

“If this package does come on board, 

we believe it could be a game changer for 

the Irish construction industry, and for the 

whole Irish economy”, Parlon concluded. 

Black tie boxing for electrical charity in Edinburgh 

EEIBA Scotland’s Black Tie Boxing Event raised an excellent £9,333.61. A very enjoyable evening 

was had by all who attended the Black Tie Boxing event at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on the 

18 th May 2012. 

Following the top quality boxing and cheerleading, superb dinner and dancing, the evening 

ended with a great performance by Gaaliz, who took to the stage for the final hour. 

The EEIBA’s heartfelt thanks go to Loch End Boxing Club and all supporters including the 

sponsors of this event, FMS Fire & Security, Whitecroft Lighting and Scott Coppola. 

Government’s responds to Green Deal consultation 

The DECC at Westminster has announced the UK government’s response to the Green Deal 

consultation. The full Government Response, Final Stage Impact Assessment and Progress in 

Setting up the Green Deal Framework, as well as other guidance and advisory documents, are 

all available. This includes the expansion of approved measures from 30 to 45. 

During the market development period and beyond, DECC will work with private and 

public sector partners including Green Deal providers, local authorities, social housing 

landlords and other key players to build momentum for change. 

Another aim is to promote recognition of the Green Deal Quality Mark which will have 

to be used by all Green Deal participants. This work will be complemented by the 

introduction of a £200m package of incentives to encourage early take-up. 

The PULS UK technical support team. 

Electrochemical analysis 

of UPS batteries 

Advanced Battery Care (ABC) has 

stopped using impedance testing of 

uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries 

during maintenance, and is now using 

electrochemical analysis techniques instead. 

The company is providing the hand-held 

EC2000 Electrochemical Battery Analyser, 

which is claimed to be a more effective 

method of assessing battery condition. 

Impedance testing was introduced 

following the change from flooded cells 

to VRLA technology and was effective 

for detecting internal corrosion. Battery 

manufacturing technology has since 

improved and the remaining fault conditions 

are more complex, which is why impedance 

testing is now less effective. 

The Electrochemical Battery Analyser 

records battery voltage, impedance, 

sulphation and electrolyte dry out. It 

also doubles as a 600V meter, a basic 

oscilloscope and a clip-on-ammeter using 

Fluke accessories. User-friendly IBMS 

software is provided. Go to www.batterycare. 

co.uk/globalei.html to learn more. 

CIC appoints new chairman 

The Construction Industry Council 

(www.cic.org.uk) has appointed Jack 

Pringle as its new Chairman. Jack 

succeeds Gordon Masterton OBE, Vice 

President of Jacobs Engineering Group 

Inc., in this role for a two-year term of office. 

Gordon Masterton has become Deputy 

Chairman for a year, in accordance with 

CIC’s rules. 


News 

AECI to hold Annual Trade 

Show & Conference 

The AECI Annual Trade Show & Conference will 

take place at the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin 

on Saturday 15 th September from 10am. During 

this event, a seminar will also be presented. 

On the previous day, the organisation’s 

Annual Golf Outing will take place and 

there will be a four-course evening meal 

afterwards. The cost per person is Euro 30, 

and this includes attendance of the evening 

presentation of the golfing prizes. There will be 

music afterwards. 

One night’s stay for that evening at the hotel 

costs Euro 97 for single occupancy and Euro 

118 for double occupancy. 

Those interested in attending the Golf Day and/ 

or the Annual Trade Show & Conference should 

contact Sinead Callaghan on 01 459 3650. 

Green light for pleasure beach 

Eaton to sponsor Electrical 

Industry Awards 2012 

Eaton has announced that it will be 

sponsoring this year’s Electrical Industry 

Awards, which have been recognising 

and rewarding companies and individuals 

who have excelled in their field and who 

have helped shape the development of the 

electrical industry for the past 20 years. 

Said Karen Shaw, Marketing 

Communications Manager for Eaton 

Electrical UK: “This event celebrates all 

Scolmore International has supplied energy efficient LED bulkheads from its Fumagalli 

outdoor lighting collection as part of a refurbishment of Blackpool Pleasure Beach. 

Corroded light fittings have been replaced with 90 Lucia and Maddi bulkheads. The 

Lucia LED bulkheads are fitted under the rain canopy close to some of the key rides 

and attractions. They consume 11W and have an IP66 weatherproof rating. 

Hundreds more of the bulkheads are to be installed during the remainder of 

the refurbishment programme. The replacement fittings will last longer than their 

predecessors and need less maintenance. 

Owen Gillet, on-site electrical maintenance supervisor, said: “We aim to replace 

all the existing lighting and a priority for us was to source products that are not just 

energy efficient but – given our exposure to extreme weather conditions – ones that 

are weatherproof too. Scolmore’s Fumagalli bulkheads are designed to last and have a 

lifetime guarantee against corrosion which makes them perfect for a project like this one.” 

Fumagalli products are made in a modern factory in Northern Italy using high 

quality raw materials and components. The resin formulation is self-coloured and UV 

stabilised, so the fittings are virtually maintenance-free and will not discolour or fade, 

even in bright sunlight. 

The new fittings are close to some of 

Blackpool’s most popular attractions. 

Eaton is to be a sponsor for the 2012 Electrical Industry Awards. 

that is best in the UK’s electrical sector, 

and the winners are chosen solely because 

they demonstrate the highest standards to 

which others should aspire to. Eaton was 

privileged enough to win two awards last 

year and we are proud to continue to be 

associated with such an event through this 

year’s sponsorship.” 

Winners of the 20 th anniversary 2012 

Electrical Industry Awards will be 

announced at an official ceremony at The 

Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London 

on October 25 th 2012. 

Skills competition 

winner awarded MBE 

Richard Sagar, a past winner of 

SummitSkills who now runs his own 

electrical installation business, was 

awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 

birthday honours. 

Sagar, 25, won the SkillELECTRIC 

competition in October 2008 when he 

worked for Eden Electrics and was 

completing his studies with SECTT. 

He went on to compete for the UK 

against electricians from around 

the world at the 2009 WorldSkills 

competition held in Calgary, Canada, 

where he won the gold medal. 

Since winning the competition, 

Sagar has been an advocate of 

careers in the electrotechnical 

industry and skills competitions. 

Last year he returned to the 

WorldSkills competition in London 

as an ambassador and shared his 

experiences with young people. He 

was awarded the MBE for this work. 

SkillELECTRIC is one of the four 

Skill M&E competitions run by 

SummitSkills, which search for 

the best mechanical and electrical 

engineers in the building services 

engineering sector. 

The Skill M&E competition heats 

for 2012 are complete and the finals 

of all four competitions will take 

place at The Skills Show at the NEC 

in Birmingham from 15th -17th of 

November. Visit www.skillmande.org. 

uk for more information about the 

Skill M&E competitions. 

Pocket wiring manual - find the oldest copy 

To mark the launch of the latest edition of its pocket wiring 

manual, Eaton has announced a competition to find the oldest 

copy of the book still in existence. 

The new publication is the latest successor to the Klöckner 

Moeller and Moeller Electric Wiring Manuals, the first of which 

was published in German more than fifty years ago in 1958. 

By 2005 the manual was being published in nine languages 

including English, French and Italian. 

Users have often retained their copies for many years and, 

so Eaton will present a versatile electrician’s toolkit, complete 

with fitted shoulder bag, to the person who can produce the 

oldest copy. 

The latest edition in A6 format include large amount of 

practical information in over 600 pages, covering virtually every 

aspect of low-voltage electrical installation and control system 

technology. This is detailed advice and guidance relating to 

applications, product selection, standards, system design and 

related topics. The manual is extensively illustrated throughout 

with photographs, drawings, circuit diagrams and charts. 

Copies can be obtained, free of charge, by emailing 

literature-info@eaton.com. Alternatively, it can be viewed 

online at www.wiringmanual.com. 

Those wishing to enter the competition should email 

karenashaw@eaton.com by 1 st of September 2012 and should 

include in the message the date that their copy of the manual 

was published and a photograph if possible. 

Greater Irish construction 

H&S investment ‘paying off’ 

Irish construction companies are increasing 

their investment in health and safety with 

significantly fewer accidents occurring in 

recent years, according to the Construction 

Industry Federation (CIF - www.cif.ie). 

The decline in construction accidents 

has coincided with the uptake in safety 

management certification schemes by Irish 

construction companies. 

The level of construction fatalities has fallen 

by 60% since 2008, with six workplace fatalities 

being recorded in 2010 and 2011, compared 

with 15 in 2008. So far this year three 

construction fatalities have been recorded. 

In addition, the level of non fatal 

construction accidents has also continued 

to fall with 437 non fatal injuries reported 

in the construction sector during 2011 

compared with 1,163 in 2008. This 

represents a decline of 62%. A total of 

155 non fatal construction injuries have 

occurred during 2012 to date. 

During the same period there has been 

a marked increase in the number of Irish 

companies seeking accreditation for their 

safety management systems, according 

to the CIF. There are now 152 companies 

certified with the ‘Safe-T-Cert’ scheme in 

the Republic of Ireland, with a further 100 

currently working towards certification. 

Nineteen Irish companies had been newly 

certified during 2012 at the time of going 

to press. 

The latest edition of Eaton’s 

pocket wiring manual. 

HEA publishes guiding light 

on working practices 

When highways electrical work is required 

around areas such as traffic islands, there is an 

immediate foreseeable risk due to the reduced 

space available. The Red Book does cover Safety 

at Streetworks and Roadworks, but little detail 

is included for specific considerations on traffic 

islands. The Highways Electrical Association Safety 

Committee has therefore concluded that too little 

was being done on keeping road workers safe, 

so has published its Best Practice Guidance for 

Working at Centre Islands and Pedestrian Refuges. 

The document is intended to act as guidance 

for clients, designers and those who are involved 

in the installation, maintenance and removal of 

highway electrical and associated equipment 

on centre island sites. It covers the activities for 

completing the necessary work as well as the 

temporary traffic management required to keep 

road users and workers safe. 

The aim of the guide is to reinforce a common 

standard of working practices across the industry 

Find the oldest copy of Eaton’s book 

still in existence and you could win this. 

and cover any gaps that current available 

guidance, The Red Book, Health & Safety at Work 

Act, Chapter 8, CDM 2007, may leave. 

Mick Twist, HSE Manager at ETDE Infrastructure 

Ltd., said: “The HEA Safety Committee noticed 

that the various guidance documents were lacking 

in clear best-practice examples of undertaking 

work on centre island sites. We felt it was 

important for the industry to have something to 

refer to as a benchmark and to make the advice 

practical for easy implementation. 

“Reducing incidents and accidents will always 

be a priority, as even reporting one incident is one 

too many. By producing this document we are also 

sending a message to our road workers that we 

value them and realise that working practices and 

behaviours need to change across the industry.” 

The HEA has over 110 members covering 

contracting, manufacturing, distribution, 

consulting and overseeing within the highway 

electrical sector. The sector itself includes street 

lighting, traffic signals, cameras, illuminated 

signs and highway communications. Go to 

www.highwayelectrical.org.uk for more information. 

Security service integrated with Powermaster systems 

AlarmView is a security service in the new segment that fits between self-monitoring and 

a traditional monitoring service. It supports most daily user security system functions, 

enabling users to operate their alarm from their smartphone. AlarmView is available for 

iPhone and Android, and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. 

AlarmView now works with Visonic’s IFSEC award-winning PowerMaster-30 G2 and 

PowerMaster-10 G2 alarm systems. PowerMaster-10 G2 is designed for residential 

properties; PowerMaster-30 G2, with two-way voice communication and prompts, 

meets the security needs of larger residential and mid-size business premises. 


News 

On The Move 

Coil generates fields 

up to 1,200A/m 

EMC test equipment maker Teseq has 

developed a magnetic field coil that 

generates fields up to 1,200A/m during 

magnetic field testing. 

The INA 703 coil is designed for testing to 

IEC 61000-4-8 (supply frequency magnetic 

fields), IEC 61000-4-9 (pulsed magnetic 

fields) and IEC 61000-4-10 (oscillatory 

magnetic fields) standards. It is suitable 

for testing medical, military, avionics, 

aerospace and industrial equipment. 

Fields of up to 1,000A/m can be 

generated using a programmable power 

source rated over 30A, such as Teseq’s 

ProfLine conducted immunity test systems. 

This enables testing with a current total 

harmonic distortion of less than 8%, as 

required by IEC 61000-4-8, that can only be 

met with a low distortion sine wave from a 

programmable AC source. 

Strong growth predicted 

for LED lighting 

LED lighting is predicted for 

rapid expansion, threatening 

traditional products, according to 

AMA Research’s first edition of 

‘LED Lighting Market Report – UK 

2012-2016 Analysis’. The report 

suggests that product development 

will continue to provide greater 

differentiation in this market, 

increasing overall market share 

in the medium to longer term. The 

LED lighting market was estimated 

to be worth around £105m at 

manufacturers’ selling prices 

(MSP) in 2011. 

Swot up on indoor 

air quality online 

Ventilation specialist Vent-Axia has launched 

a second online continuing professional 

development (CPD) module titled ‘Domestic 

Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation’. 

The free online module is designed for 

those working in the social housing sector 

and explains the importance of good indoor 

air quality, particularly when introducing 

energy efficiency measures in existing homes. 

It is accredited by the Construction CPD 

Certification Service. 

Peter Smith, specialist sales and training 

manager, said: “With the Government 

implementing a raft of initiatives to reduce 

housing carbon emissions, including the 

The Teseq INA 703 magnetic field coil. 

Supply frequencies from DC to 400Hz can 

be tested: not only 50 and 60Hz as required 

by IEC 61000-4-8, but also DC and 16.7Hz 

as required by some railway standards 

(EN 50121-4). 

The non-domestic market dominates 

the market by value and has taken up 

LED technology more quickly as the 

technology offers reduced long term 

running costs, although domestic 

users are likely to be put off by the 

initial cost. 

In 2011, the LED lighting market was 

dominated by sales of luminaires, 

which accounted for 90% of the 

market, with replacement lamps 

accounting for a further 8% and 

lighting controls the remaining 2%. 

The report is available in hard 

copy or electronic format for £675, 

and can be ordered online at www. 

amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 

01242 235724. 

forthcoming Green Deal, it is more important 

than ever to ensure that a dwelling has 

good indoor air quality. As homes become 

increasingly air tight, condensation becomes an 

issue if a building is not ventilated adequately.” 

He added: “With social housing paving the 

way in carbon reductions it is crucial that 

housing professionals are aware of these 

issues. Our online CPD allows them the 

flexibility to gain vital knowledge at a time that 

suits them.” 

Interested contractors should visit Vent-Axia’s 

website – at www.vent-axia.com/tools-services/ 

cpd – choose the relevant module and register 

to gain access to a PowerPoint presentation. To 

complete the CPD, applicants must answer an 

online questionnaire on the topic. Successful 

applicants will receive a CPD certificate by email. 

Unite urges electrical 

industry to ‘play by the rules’ 

Unite the Union launched a national campaign to 

ensure that key agreements in the mechanical 

and electrical industries are properly followed at 

every site in the UK at its national meeting of key 

union representatives from the industry. 

The union said it has learned that employers 

are increasingly ‘cherry picking the parts of 

the agreements that suit them, while ignoring 

the rules that don’t, resulting in workers 

not receiving the correct rates of pay and 

other terms and conditions, as well as the 

widespread use of agency labour’. 

The campaign follows a disagreement during 

pay talks with the ECA and SELECT, which, the 

union claimed, are stalling on entering into 

negotiations on the JIB/SJIB. 

Unite is giving notice to all the major 

employers in the mechanical and electrical 

sector that it intends to use the full procedures 

of all the agreements to enforce compliance. 

First Green Deal 

companies named 

UKAS has announced the first tranche 

of accreditations to EN 45011 for 

certification of installation and advisory 

services under the Department of Energy 

and Climate Change’s imminent Green 

Deal programme. 

The accredited organisations are: the 

Ascertiva Group, trading as NICEIC; 

Blue Flame Certification; BM TRADA 

Certification; BRE Global; the British 

Board of Agrément; BSI Assurance 

UK; Certass; CIBSE Certification; the 

Construction Licensing Executive; ECMK; 

Elmhurst Energy Systems; the Energy 

Saving Trust; FENSA and the Oil Firing 

Technical Association. 

Online CPD modules let installers gain 

qualifications at a time that suits them. 

Balfour Beatty hands 

over Strathclyde 

Fire and Rescue 

The keys to the new Strathclyde Fire 

and Rescue (SFR) training centre in 

Cambuslang were recently handed over, 

following the successful completion of 

the project. Balfour Beatty Engineering 

Services carried out the mechanical and 

electrical services led by project manager 

Kevin McCann and contracts manager Gary 

Crossan for the training facility, including 

a realistic urban environment which will 

serve 2.3m people across a 14,000 km2 

area. This includes island communities. 

The training centre for the UK’s second 

biggest fire and rescue service has 

attracted the interest of other brigades 

across the world, including Australia. It 

spans 30 acres, took 77 weeks to build, 

was completed on schedule and officially 

opened in May this year. 

The new facilities consist of a two-storey 

academic base, a facilities building with an 

eight-bay fire appliance garage and three 

practical training zones. The zones have 

been fitted out to allow SFR to create reallife 

scenarios, which can stimulate different 

fire types within the building. 

The project was designed to achieve an 

excellent BREEAM rating and additional 

sustainability factors include sustainable 

urban drainage system ponds and drainage, 

a wind turbine, biomass boiler and re-use 

of aggregate from enabling works. Strict 

air tightness requirements were set for the 

academic building. 

Adrian Fairclough is the new National Sales 

Manager for Elite Security Products. 

New Ellis directors (L to R) - Danny Macfarlane, Tony Conroy and Andy Booth. 

Ellis appoints three new directors 

Leading cable cleat manufacturer, Ellis (www.ellispatents.co.uk), has created three 

new directors following a significant year of growth. The company has promoted Andy 

Booth to technical director, Tony Conroy to export sales director and Danny Macfarlane 

to operations director. They have been with the company for 12, 11 and nine years 

respectively. The three new directors will join the existing four directors to help take the 

company on to its next stage of development. 

This news coincides with a 14% increase in turnover during the last year, with the 

company securing significant contracts in South America, UAE and Central Asia, as well as 

increasing its market share in the UK. 

Ellis MD Richard Shaw said: “As a British manufacturer, we are extremely proud that our 

technical ability and quality has been recognised not only in the UK but across the world. 

“In order to maintain this first class reputation we need to continue to deliver products of 

the highest quality and provide expert technical advice to our customers. The new directors 

have proved their worth time and again by delivering both aspects. 

“Having worked closely with all three for many years, I know that the skills and experience 

they will bring to the boardroom will be invaluable, as we plan for further growth over the 

next decade and beyond,” concluded Conroy. 

ESP appoints 

Elite Security Products (ESP) Ltd., has 

announced the appointment of Adrian 

Fairclough to the role of National 

Sales Manager. This is a new position 

created as a result of the continued 

growth and expansion of the business. 

Adrian will head up the 11-strong 

sales team and will be responsible for 

enhancing the support to electrical 

wholesalers, developing new business, 

as well as strengthening relationships 

with existing key accounts. 

Over 25 years, Adrian has worked 

in many parts of the electrical trade, 

including contracting, wholesaling and 

manufacturing. He has held senior 

sales roles within a number of major 

organisation in the access control and 

security sector, including with Legrand 

and Cooper Lighting. 



Plug and play 

means safety first 

Check 

Standard 

Each wiring section rated current is marked with… BS 7671:2008, Table 4A2 and reference method 

Multi core cable (home run) 

BS 7671:2008 Table 4B5 rating factors for cables with more than 4 cores 

LV switchgear BS EN 60439, BS EN 61439 or BS EN 61534 

Area distribution box BS 5733, BS EN 60439, BS EN 61439 or BS EN 61534 

Lighting distribution unit BS 5733:2010 

Installation couplers BS EN 61535 

Installation couplers that provide on-load connection BS EN 61535 and BS 5733 

Right: Hager’s Klik prefabricated 

wiring system seen in application. 

Klik.system ensures that the 

benefits of prefabricated wiring 

systems can be exploited, whilst 

assuring compliance with BS 8488 

(Prefabricated wiring systems 

intended for permanent connection 

in fixed installations). 

Far Right: In addition to the 

cabling, consideration needs to be 

given to the other elements in the 

installation, such as LV switchgear, 

marshalling boxes, other connection 

systems and the connectors. This is 

a Klik.system marshalling box. 

Far Left: Individual prefabricated 

wiring sections are plugged together 

on site to provide the complete 

system, from distribution board to 

the luminaire. 

Left: Good lighting control achieved 

flexibly and economically using 

Hager’s Klik.system prefabricated 

wiring products. 

Prefabricated wiring 

systems offer huge 

advantages to an 

installation, but make 

sure that the system 

you specify is both safe 

and compliant with the 

Wiring Regulations, 

argues Steve York. 

Using plug and play technology has always been a 

common solution for lighting circuits, but increasingly, 

prefabricated wiring systems are extending this 

principle right back to the distribution board. 

Most notably, some suppliers claim installation 

time savings of up to 80% when compared with 

conventional hard-wired solutions. Such installations 

can also use semi-skilled labour for cabling, freeing 

up skilled labour for more value added tasks. 

Meeting the regulations 

With these advantages, why wouldn’t you use such 

systems? Unfortunately, there have been some 

concerns in the past and ultimately it is the designer 

and/or specifier who must ensure that the system 

is safe and fully compliant with BS 7671. Reversed 

polarity, under rated couplers and incorrectly sized 

wiring sections have all been areas of concern. 

With this in mind, the technical committee 

responsible for BS 7671 agreed that there was need 

for a product standard. In response, a BSI Committee 

developed a new British Standard BS 8488-1. 

Importantly, this was then amended in November 

2010 to become BS 8488:2009+1:2010. 

The 17 th Edition now identifies the 2010 version of 

BS 8488 as the version to specify. 

Some of the key safety requirements and tests in 

BS 8488 include protection against electric shock, 

insulation resistance and electric strength, clearance 

and creepage distances and resistance to heat, fire 

and tracking. 

You need to ensure that the system meets all of 

these requirements. To do this, you should check 

the organisation’s competency to test and issue 

certificates of conformity. One suggestion is to insist 

that the laboratory used is independently recognised 

to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025 for BS 8488. 

You also need to check that the prefabricated wiring 

system provides the following details: 

• Instructions for safe use 

• System design information to validate conformity 

with BS 7671 

• Information to facilitate inspection and testing. 

Each cabling section should be clearly labelled and if 

the installer cross-checks this against an installation 

drawing, then this should help prevent installation 

errors. Labelling each wiring section is a requirement 

of BS 8488 anyway, which states that it must be 

marked with the rated current and corresponding 

reference method from BS7671:2008 Table 4A2. 

Designing the system 

The cabling is central to such systems and you need 

to check that all of the calculations have been done 

for each wiring section. 

When it comes to designing the system, the rated 

current and cross sectional area of the wiring section 

conductors are determined by the following factors: 

• The number of loaded cores defined by the 

manufacturer 

• Not being grouped with other wiring systems 

or cables 

• Not being in contact with thermal insulation 

• The ambient temperature not exceeding 30 o C 

• The frequency of operating being not greater 

than 61 Hz. 

The rated current (A) must be marked on each 

individual section. 

The system designer must then determine the 

required current carrying capacity of a system 

section by applying all relevant rating factors - such 

as grouping, ambient temperature and thermal 

insulation. This current carrying capacity may be 

different from the rated current. 

To ensure compliance with the Wiring Regulations 

the designer must consider: 

• The cross sectional area of live conductors 

• The voltage drop 

• The earth fault loop impedance for protection 

against electric shock (fault protection) 

• The protective conductor cross-sectional area for 

protection against earth fault current 

• The cross-sectional area of live conductors for 

protection against short circuit current. 

Two areas that require particular attention in designing 

such systems are for the use of multi-core cables and 

the use of flexible cables. 

To complete all of the calculations needed, 

dedicated calculation software would make the job a 

lot easier. If it is used, then you need to check that an 

independent specialist has validated the calculation 

methods used by the software. 

System products 

In addition to the cabling, you will also need to 

consider all of the other elements in the installation, 

such as the LV switchgear, marshalling boxes, other 

connection systems and, of course, the connectors 

themselves. 

Generally circuits in a prefabricated wiring system 

are distributed in similar ways. What the specifier 

needs to ensure is that all of the individual elements 

in the system conform with the relevant product 

standards (see Table 1). 

Table 1 

To comply with BS 8488 and therefore BS 7671, you 

must ensure that all of the elements of a prefabricated 

wiring system meet relevant products standards. These 

are summarised in the table above: 

In conclusion 

Prefabricated wiring systems are here to stay - they 

simply offer far too many advantages not to. You need 

to be aware, however, that as the specifier, you are 

liable for the system complying with BS 7671. 

All of this may seem like a lot of detail, but you 

need to do it if you want to reap the rewards of a 

prefabricated wiring system and ensure its safety 

and compliance. 

Hager has produced a free technical guide to 

prefabricated systems. 

Steve York is the product manager 

for Klik.systems at Hager. He has been 

at Hager for 10 years and has been 

involved in the electrical industry for 

25 years. 


Energy Metering & Monitoring 

The eVO+R unit’s front panel. This range 

of systems has been designed for sites 

having sensitive loads. The technology 

selected is determined by the 

company’s in-depth energy 

analysis, with technology 

to suit the application. 

Voltage 

management 

–there is a 

better way 

Though the principles of voltage 

management have been understood for 

many years, there has been a growing 

realisation that the basic voltage 

optimisation ‘step down’ transformer 

systems do not offer the continuity of 

supply, or the most effective way for 

companies to maximise their electricity 

savings. Craig Needham reports. 

From a business continuity perspective especially, 

step down transformer solutions for voltage 

optimisation (VO) add risk into the operational and 

functionality process of many buildings. 

These fixed ratio transformer VO systems 

have been sold as the solution to all ills, 

but the reality is that these have now been 

superseded, and this ‘old’ technology just 

does not offer the flexibility of newer systems 

incorporating intelligent Voltage Optimisation 

and Regulation (VO+R). 

These are proving that, technically, they are 

a better solution in many situations, and they 

deliver what they say on the tin – the old days 

of businesses being over promised and under 

delivered has ended with the introduction of this 

advance in ‘intelligent’ systems. 

The simple reality is that increasing 

fluctuations in the incoming supply voltages 

limiting the ability of basic VO units to maximise 

savings is all too apparent. However, when 

these fluctuations result in dipping voltages, 

these can lead to the system either delivering 

too low a voltage – resulting in serious on-site 

problems – or switching to bypass and offering 

no savings at all. 

Continuity of supply is crucial 

The latest intelligent VO+R technology 

addresses these performance and reliability 

issues – guaranteeing a consistent output 

voltage and ensuring the user a continuity of 

supply in all circumstances. It addresses the 

many shortfalls of the old fixed transformer 

VO equipment. 

These systems not only maximise electricity 

saving, but with ‘Buck & Boost’ technology, if 

the incoming supply voltage drops too low, this 

system also boosts the voltage back up to the 

desired voltage. In this way, continuity of supply 

is assured. 

Additional features include the flexibility to fine 

tune on-site. This feature is rarely available on 

conventional VO systems, and it provides the 

ability to stabilise each phase, independently 

improving the overall power quality, reducing 

harmonics, extending the life expectancy of 

the electrical equipment on-site and reducing 

maintenance costs. 

These advances in voltage management 

technology have come at a time when the 

concept of voltage management itself has just 

been given a strong vote of confidence by the 

Carbon Trust. This organisation published its 

clear explanation of the benefits of voltage 

management late last year. It shows how 

voltage management works and prescribes 

a methodology on how site surveys should 

be conducted to help potential customers 

understand what voltage management is all 

about – and how it is, or is not, applicable to 

their needs. 

Proper site evaluation needed 

Voltage management works because most 

incoming UK voltages are not at the 230V we 

expect, but fluctuate across a range between 

216V and 253V, and vary during the day too. 

Clearly this applies to three-phase voltages too. 

To determine whether it will work for a particular 

application, a detailed survey needs to be 

conducted, including a week long evaluation 

of the voltage and load profiles in order to 

determine the correct system size requirement. 

In addition, a unit by unit evaluation of all the 

equipment on site is required, as savings are 

only available from those types of electrical 

equipment that are voltage dependent – and not 

on those that are voltage independent. 

In simple terms, voltage dependent devices 

consume power proportional to the supply 

voltage – the higher the voltage the higher 

the power consumption – and if the voltage 

is reduced less electricity will be used. A one 

per cent decrease in supply voltage will cause 

a two per cent reduction in power demand – 

saving money. 

Examples include incandescent lamps 

(now mostly banned), T8 and T12 type 

fluorescent lamps, many motors, and also air 

conditioning units. 

Voltage independent devices however, are 

designed to consume energy regardless of the 

supply voltage and with these savings are not 

possible. Examples include T5 and LED lighting, 

ICT equipment and variable speed drives. 

Determining what these savings could be 

for a business requires a comprehensive site 

survey and evaluation of the mains voltage 

and load profile. It is only by doing this 

that a proposed solution will confidently be 

considered ‘fit for purpose’. 

Follow Carbon Trust’s methodology 

The Carbon Trust strongly advocates a 

methodology which incorporates this level 

of comprehensive site survey and voltage 

load profiling. The organisation also says that 

relying on simple voltage logger data (often 

sent in the post to the prospective client), 

or data from old electricity bills, is just not 

appropriate. Voltage management as a solution 

to help reduce electricity usage works, but is 

not right for everyone, and unless this level 

of detailed analysis is followed, there is a 

likelihood of being over promised a system that 

then fails to deliver. 

We believe that the very latest intelligent 

voltage optimisation, plus regulation equipment, 

is usually the best solution. But it is also 

important to steadfastly follow the Carbon 

Trust’s methodology of giving companies the 

opportunity of achieving the greatest electricity 

savings and addressing the many technical 

issues often seen with step down fixed ration 

transformer basic VO systems. 

To see whether voltage management can 

help you reduce your electricity usage 

and carbon footprint, e-fficient Energy has 

recently launched a free site survey scheme to 

encourage companies to see if it will work for 

them. Find out more by going to 

www.e-fficientenergy.co.uk – or use the QR 

code. This needs a free app 

on your mobile phone to work, 

but will be very useful for you 

in the future, as more and more 

publications are starting to use 

QR Codes. 

The very latest 

intelligent voltage 

optimisation, plus 

regulation equipment, 

such as the eVO+R 

from e-fficient 

Energy Systems can 

help users reduce 

both their electricity 

usage and carbon 

footprint – all with 

high reliability. 

Craig Needham is managing 

director of e-fficient Energy Systems 

Ltd., a UK technological leader in the 

field of voltage management. 



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Polymer fibre cables 

and components for versatile good performance 

A fibre optic specialist enables shortdistance 

applications to benefit from 

low cost, rugged, interference-free 

transmission over polymer fibre. A full 

range of polymer fibre optic components 

and assemblies – together with the required 

expertise - ensures cost-effective, secure 

and interference-free data transmission: 

Ideally applicable in factories, machinery and 

other industrial applications over distances 

ranging from a metre to 50m, polymer fibre 

has not found the wide acceptance it might 

have done because of the limited availability of 

sufficiently high quality, versatile connectors 

and a general lack of expertise in assembling 

the connectors onto polymer fibre. 

OMC, with its expertise in polymer fibre 

technology, and in producing complete data 

link assemblies, has addressed both these 

challenges with its own component range. 

Lower cost or exploit versatility? 

While low-cost polymer fibres might be fine 

for very short distance low speed datalinks, 

where optical budgets are designed to allow 

the very high and inconsistent losses this style 

of cable brings, they are simply not suitable 

for industrial applications. Here, performance 

is critical, and a cable assembly is justifiably 

expected to perform for decades. 

To counter this issue, the company’s new 

connector range includes, in addition to welldesigned, 

low-cost plastic moulded devices, 

a wide range of industry standard connector 

types such as SMA and ST. These have 

been produced in strong all-metal housings 

capable of providing reliable and consistent 

performance in industrial and even harsh or 

hazardous environments. 

The company’s optical transmitter and 

receiver modules are actively aligned to 

achieve optimal performance for any particular 

system, and the entire transmitter and receiver 

range can be made to customer-specific 

requirements, attaining launch powers and 

sensitivities within tightly-specified windows. 

Not just for short distances 

Explains William Heath, OMC’s commercial 

director: “For the best part of 25 years, polymer 

fibre has been under-used in many industries, 

because – for example – of erroneous 

suggestions that the fibre could be reliably 

terminated using a simple scalpel cut. This led 

to many system failures and a deterioration in 

the reputation of the technology from which, 

in our experience, it has never recovered in 

some market segments. 

“As a result, polymer fibre systems are often 

only considered for very low data rates and 

distances of a few metres. However, if handled 

correctly, polymer fibre is perhaps the most 

versatile and reliable of all technologies and 

we have had systems in the field for over 20 

years that illustrate this point. There is no 

reason why a well-designed polymer system 

cannot achieve high transmission speeds 

and distances up to 100m while providing a 

service life of several decades,” said Heath. 

An item from OMC’s new connector range. Polymer 

fibre products include, in addition to low-cost plastic 

moulded devices, a wide range of industry standard 

connector types such as SMA and ST. These have 

been produced in strong all-metal housings capable 

of providing reliable and consistent performance in 

industrial and hazardous environments. 

Standard polymer fibre types: 

Various other more specialist options are also 

available, including high temperature fibre 

and UL listed jacket options. The polymer 

fibre itself can be supplied either on reels or 

as cut-to-length hanks, with the ends either 

polished or unpolished. 

If required, each cable assembly can be 

produced with its own individual serial number 

and corresponding test documentation, to 

specify its performance. Many customers 

find this service invaluable to assist with 

installation, testing and troubleshooting of a 

complex fibre optic system. 

In addition to the supply of reeled and cut 

fibre lengths, the Fibre Optic division of the 

company’s Cornwall manufacturing facility 

has extensive experience in the design, 

termination and testing of both polymer 

and glass fibre optic cable assemblies. 

Facilities include reeling, cutting, polishing, 

termination, alignment, optical testing and 

OTDR measurements. 

The company produces both polymer 

and glass fibre systems. In addition to the 

individual components, complete data links 

are offered. These include a transmitter, 

receiver and cable assembly that have been 

performance matched during manufacture 

to work together. This service allows design 

engineers to avoid ‘mixing and matching’ 

off-the-shelf components, which often gives 

unreliable results. Advice is also given on 

the correct choice of technology to suit each 

customer’s application. 

Jul/Aug 2012 

www. 

.co.uk 

27

NICEIC News 

This page contains the latest news from 

the NICEIC, which is the UK electrical 

contracting industry’s independent 

voluntary body. The organisation offers 

leading certification services, Building 

Regulations schemes, products and 

support to electrical contractors 

and many other trades within the 

construction industry. Over 25,000 

contractors are registered – read on: 

New chair of Ascertiva 

Group appointed 

Ascertiva has appointed Ann Robinson 

as its new Group Chair. Ann will replace 

outgoing chairman Jim Speirs, who 

retired earlier this year. 

Ascertiva is one of the world’s leading 

third party certification companies, 

with brands such as NICEIC and 

NQA servicing business, industry and 

government. Formerly known as NICEIC 

Group, it has been in operation for over 

50 years. 

Ann, who is currently Director of 

Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, the 

independent price comparison and 

switching service, is also a lay member 

of the General Medical Council. Both are 

roles that are concerned with consumer 

interest and public protection. Previously, 

she was Executive Chair at Energywatch 

- the gas and electricity consumer 

Watchdog, which she launched in 2000. 

Ann is also a former Director General 

of the British Retail Consortium and 

Chief Executive of Scope. She was also 

a Director of Policy and Planning and 

Deputy Chief Executive of the Social 

Security Benefits Agency. 

Commented Ascertiva CEO Emma 

Clancy: “We are delighted to appoint 

Ann to the role of Group Chairman. 

Ann has successfully delivered several 

successful change management 

programmes in the various organisations 

she has held senior positions. I look 

forward to drawing on her knowledge 

and experience and leading the 

Ascertiva Group to a progressive and 

healthy future.” 

As part of her role, Ann will also work 

with the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) 

– parent charity of the Ascertiva Group. 

Phil Buckle, Chief Executive at the 

ESC commented: “Ann’s background 

in energy related consumer issues 

made her a standout candidate. Her 

experiences are well aligned with the 

ESC’s aims and objectives to improve 

customer safety in the home. “ 

NICEIC’s new advertising 

campaign promotes 

contractors 

The NICEIC has launched a new 

advertising campaign to promote the 

use of its contractors to specifiers and 

consumers. The adverts feature a new 

design and tagline, and will appear in 

national newspapers including The 

Times, Daily Mail, Daily Express and Mail 

on Sunday, along with consumer and 

trade magazines. 

Commented Mark Smith, Head of 

Group Marketing at NICEIC: “This is 

the fourth year that the NICEIC has 

appeared in the national press, however 

our approach and the ads themselves 

have been improved this time round. We 

hope that more readers will recognise 

NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy shows 

off the new ad campaign. 

NICEIC and EAL form a strategic alliance 

the NICEIC logo and associate this 

with a safe electrical job carried out by 

professionals. 

“With more than 24,000 electricians 

registered with us, NICEIC is the 

largest voluntary regulatory body in the 

electrical industry and we work hard to 

promote them to end users. 

“This campaign is a fresh approach to 

our advertising and will reinforce NICEIC 

as the name you can trust when it comes 

to choosing an electrician,” concluded 

Mark Smith. 

The ad campaign will take place over 

the next nine months and reach a total 

audience figure in excess of 14 million. 

The specifier adverts will be seen by 

landlords, facilities managers, architects, 

builders, letting agents, local authorities 

and housing associations. 

The NICEIC and EAL have formed a strategic alliance to deliver industry recognised 

qualifications for the electro-technical and renewable industry. The new partnership 

will see both organisations bring consistency to current training and qualifications 

practices under the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). 

Commented NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy: “This alliance ensures that we are 

providing the best training, knowledge and qualifications to all those in the electrotechnical 

industry. The renewable industry is also set to flourish in the next few years 

and it is important that tradespeople have the necessary skills, and qualifications to 

take advantage of the opportunities on offer.” 

Ann Watson, MD of EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry 

qualifications, said: “Taking a collaborative approach to providing electro-technical 

qualifications will assure learners and employers that the training they receive is 

consistent, rigorously assessed and recognised across industry. 

“The rapid growth and investment in the renewable sector will see thousands of 

new jobs created over the coming years, as well as calling on current workers to up 

skill and learn about new technologies. So it is also vital that they gain the same level 

of skills and knowledge to reassure customers and meet rising demand for green 

technologies in homes and businesses around the country.” 

The front cover of the NICEIC’s latest training 

catalogue – it details over 40 courses. 

NICEIC chosen to provide 

Green Deal certification 

The NICEIC has been successful in its 

application to provide certification services 

for the Government’s Green Deal initiative. 

It can now offer certification to any 

business wishing to become a Green Deal 

installer. More than 30 companies were 

invited to take part in a pilot programme 

with UKAS in November last year. 

The Green Deal will incentivise 

householders and businesses to install 

energy efficient products by offsetting the 

cost through savings in energy bills. 

The NICEIC was one of 14 companies 

chosen to provide Green Deal certification 

in the first wave of official approvals by 

the United Kingdom Accreditation Service 

(UKAS). As part of its scope, the NICEIC 

can offer Green Deal installer certification 

in the required PAS2030 standard in 

virtually all of the services covered – 

including heating, lighting, insulation and 

microgeneration. 

In addition, NICEIC is setting up a series 

of workshops and training seminars 

specifically related to the Green Deal. 

Forrest has become the first firm to 

achieve certification for Green Deal by 

NICEIC. The company, which specialises 

in social housing regeneration, is now one 

of just a few businesses in the country 

to be certified against the Green Deal 

Get up to speed with 

NICEIC training 

The NICEIC has launched its latest 

training catalogue featuring a wide 

range of courses for everyone involved 

in the electrical, renewable, gas, water 

and health & safety industries. The 

2012/13 training prospectus contains 

information on more than 40 industry 

specific courses, including a new 

offering surrounding Green Deal. 

Asad Majid, National Training 

Manager at NICEIC, said: “NICEIC is 

committed to providing the best and 

most useful training programmes 

available. Our courses are developed 

and delivered by leading industry 

experts whose wealth of knowledge 

and experience ensures the training is 

clear, manageable and relevant. Each 

course is specifically designed to help 

individuals develop their skills and 

broaden their knowledge base.” 

The launch of Green Deal in 2012 

will create new business opportunities 

for firms. In partnership with Elmhurst, 

NICEIC Training can now offer an 

standard PAS 2030 – the requirement 

firms must have in place in order to be 

registered to install Green Deal measures. 

Forrest’s CEO Lee McCarren, said: 

“We have placed green technology and 

techniques at the heart of our business 

and continually invest to keep ourselves 

at the cutting edge of sustainable 

building practice. 

“The Green Deal is a once in a generation 

opportunity for UK homeowners, affordable 

housing providers and the construction 

industry and Forrest will be at the forefront 

Energy Assessment course providing 

the first steps to becoming a Green 

Deal Advisor, with further training 

courses surrounding Green Deal to 

be launched throughout 2012. 

The NICEIC has also expanded its 

portfolio of courses available online. 

More than 3,000 people have now 

used the online facility which has 

proved very popular with contractors 

who find it difficult to take time off 

work. This innovative style of training 

allows users to gain the necessary 

qualifications at a time and pace that 

best suits them. 

In addition, the NICEIC can also 

offer more practical based learning 

including accessory replacement, test 

and measurement and safe isolation 

for non-electrician workshops. 

For more information about the 

courses on offer and to request your 

copy of the latest NICEIC Training 

Prospectus, please email 

courses@niceic.com or log on to 

www.niceic.com and click on training. 

There is a 10% discount for anyone 

booking a first course. 

of its delivery.” 

Forrest was invited by the NICEIC to 

take part in a pilot programme to test 

the certification process and standards 

which Green Deal certification bodies 

use to assure quality for businesses 

undertaking Green Deal installation work 

for consumers. 

The NICEIC’s Commercial Director Matt 

Gantley (far left) presents a certificate 

and bottle of champagne to Forrest’s Paul 

McCarren, Neil Carroll and Andrew Faulkner. 


Not the best time for 

the lights to go out 


With Radiolink, if you have recently 

installed two alarms in a property, 

the House Code light will flash 

twice in sequence to show you 

have successfully installed and 

interconnected both. This is an 

essential time saving feature. 

Gain a competitive 

edge with wireless 

interconnect smoke 

alarm systems 

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CABLE SIZING DEVICE SELECTION CO-ORDINATION CERTIFICATION 

In today’s highly competitive electrical 

installation market, margins are constantly 

being squeezed, costs are rising and every 

business needs any competitive edge it 

can find. In terms of smoke alarms, Neil 

Perdell shows how electrical contractors and 

installers can gain a competitive advantage 

using wireless interconnect systems: 

If you fit mains powered smoke alarms as part of 

your offering, you will no doubt know that they 

need to be interconnected within a domestic 

property if you are to meet Building Regulations 

and BS 5839-6:2004 - the standard for domestic 

smoke alarm installations. Interconnected alarms 

provide an earlier warning and the best chance 

of escape. 

Traditionally, these alarms have been hard 

wired together, but more and more installers 

are now using wire free alarm interconnection, 

which uses radio frequency (RF) signals instead. 

These systems offer such time and cost saving 

advantages over hard-wired systems that, in these 

days of austerity, they are a very sensible choice. 

However, with more installers using them, how 

can you gain a competitive advantage? The 

answer is to pick a reliable system (avoiding some 

of the pitfalls that can cost you time and money 

during the job), that is quick and simple to install. 

Here are some tips to help you find the system 

that is right for you. 

Reliability is crucial 

The first tip is to install the most reliable technology, 

something you know that really can be trusted 

to work. Call-backs are expensive. Struggles 

with poorly performing technology doesn’t just 

waste time on site but can come back to bite you 

later - and that is before you consider any dispute 

between you and your client, and the possibility of 

losing work in the future. 

Determining what is a reliable system from those 

available is not as easy as simply picking up a 

product and looking at it (although you can tell a 

Jul/Aug 2012 

www. 

.co.uk 

31


lot from the build quality doing just that). Check 

with colleagues to see what has worked for them 

and try to use a system that has been around for 

a while – one that has been tried and tested over 

many years. 

Look for a system that uses a multi-level repeater 

to pass RF signals from alarm to alarm. This helps 

ensure good RF signal strength in a property and 

provides multiple signal paths if an obstruction is 

placed in the way of a signal. 

While it may not seem an obvious issue, the 

question of back up in the event of a mains failure 

should be taken into consideration. If alarms 

don’t work when they should, people could die 

and there could be very real issues of liability. If 

possible, always choose a unit that has a 10-year 

rechargeable lithium cell back up as standard. It 

will never need changing as it is designed to outlive 

the life of the alarm itself. 

Make sure that the battery backup will power both 

the alarm itself and the wireless technology, so 

that the whole system continues to work as normal 

and the system is not reduced to just standalone 

responses. Be sure to avoid units that only offer 

conventional, primary battery backup, as these 

may need frequent changing. Survey after survey 

shows that householders simply cannot be trusted 

to do this. 

Easy installation 

The next tip is to check just how simple the system 

is to install and set up. 

Ideally, you want the terminal blocks built into 

the base and screw terminals to ensure reliable 

and robust connection. Check the units to see 

how much space is given to cabling – too little and 

you’ll find it fiddly and time consuming. A useful 

feature is the ability to make connections with the 

base off the ceiling or on - does the system allow 

for this flexibility? 

From here, examine how the system is set up 

as this can catch people out, either because it’s 

difficult and/or because it takes too long. Opt 

for a system that adopts ‘House Coding’, which 

allows the individual alarms to be connected 

together very quickly. With the best-designed 

The best smoke and CO alarm 

systems are available with alarm 

control switches that allow for 

convenient Test, Silence and Locate 

functions – which is particularly 

important with larger installs. 

Radiolink - installing the base. 

Terminal blocks should be 

built into the base and screw 

terminals provided to ensure 

reliable and robust connection. 

Completing the installation 

of a Radiolink smoke alarm. 

Commissioning is easy with 

this wireless system. 

systems, you simply press a single ‘House 

Code’ button on each unit to put them into 

‘House Code’ mode. The wireless bases will 

then automatically code together and learn each 

other’s unique serial numbers. 

The best systems may have over 16 million 

codes – but others may have as few as 16. 

Generally speaking, the more codes the 

better – especially if you’re installing systems 

in a number of properties close to each other. 

Here, having too few codes can mean serious 

problems, causing adjacent systems to activate 

each other. 

For simplicity, avoid systems featuring 

dipswitches that will need to be individually set to 

a certain combination on each unit in the system. 

They tend to be small, fiddly and difficult to use, 

and it is far easier to make a mistake. 

Checking that the property has been 

successfully House Coded can be quick – but it 

can also be complicated. Some systems have 

timesaving built-in indicators and a ‘House Code’ 

light on the base, which flashes to show how 

many units are connected to the system. So, for 

example, if you have recently installed five alarms 

in a property, the House Code light will flash five 

times in sequence to show you have successfully 

installed and interconnected all five. This is an 

essential time saving feature. 

Form and function 

It is also worth noting that some systems offer 

greater functionality than others. This may enable 

you to accept jobs that are out of the ordinary or 

more complex and demanding than usual. Having 

to say no to a job because of technical limitations 

puts you at a distinct disadvantage. 

This might include the ability to ‘mix and 

match’ - i.e. a system that allows you to extend 

existing hard-wired systems to create a mixed 

hard-wired/wireless interconnect system (ideal 

for loft conversions). 

Accessorise! 

To get the most from a system, check what 

accessories are available. 

The best systems are available with alarm control 

switches that allow for convenient Test, Silence and 

Locate functions – which is particularly important 

with larger installs. They allow users to easily test 

every alarm on the system, identify which alarm 

has sounded and silence any nuisance alarm. This 

can all be carried out from one convenient, central 

point. This is a great safety feature as users don’t 

have to reach up to test a ceiling mounted alarm. 

The switch should also be wire-free and easily 

House Coded into the system. 

Other useful accessories to look out for are 

relays, manual call points and switched input 

modules to provide application solutions. The 

flexibility this adds to a system can be enormous, 

as it allows the system to trigger flashing strobe 

warning lights or warden call systems, for 

example. They can also interface with specialist 

alarm systems for the hard of hearing and – in 

some cases – with carbon monoxide (CO) alarms 

for a complete home safety system. 

And finally… 

While many wireless interconnect systems may 

seem pretty much the same at first glance, on 

closer inspection their design and functionality can 

differ considerably. Choosing a high quality, proven 

and reliable system is always the first and foremost 

consideration, because lives depend on it. 

Beyond that, choosing well-designed technology 

can make installation simpler, quicker and safer to 

your benefit. Being familiar with extra functionality 

can add extra value to a job and enable you to win 

more complex installations. 

Neil Perdell is National Technical 

Manager at Aico Ltd., He joined Aico 

over 15 years ago. His prime role is 

providing technical support to the sales 

team and customers in the field. He has 

extensive knowledge of domestic fire 

systems and has contributed to several 

standards and regulations. Neil is the 

company’s representative on the Self 

Contained Smoke Alarm Group, a sub 

committee of the British Fire Protection 

Association. He is keen to promote a 

practical approach to fire protection and 

conducts many seminars and training 

sessions throughout the UK. He is also 

involved in product development and 

works closely with the manufacturing 

facility in Ireland. 


Focus on UPS 

Back-up opportunity 

for contractors 

Businesses are prepared to invest 

in making sure that their systems – 

such as escalators – do not stop, 

typically by installing a UPS. 

The vast majority of UPS rated 

from 5 kVA to 80 kVA in mainland 

Europe are supplied and installed 

by electrical contractors 

Supplying power quality systems for IT 

installations is an excellent business 

opportunity for go-ahead electrical 

contractors, says Jorma Mannerkoski. 

In almost every area of business today, if the 

computers stop everything stops. That means 

money is lost, and often a lot of money - especially 

if the stoppage leads to data corruption and loss. 

Small wonder then that businesses are prepared to 

invest in making sure that their IT systems do not 

stop, typically by installing an uninterruptible power 

supply (UPS) system. 

What role for UPS? 

As its name suggests, the job of a UPS is to 

continue to supply power to the IT installation, 

typically for around 30 minutes, if mains power is 

lost. This means that the IT installation can ride 

out short power interruptions, or can be shut down 

gracefully so as to prevent data loss if the power 

interruption is prolonged. 

Actually, modern UPS systems do more than 

protect against just mains failure; they also help 

eliminate transients on the supply and deal with 

fluctuations in supply voltage and frequency, for 

example. They are, therefore, more properly called 

power quality systems, but the term UPS is widely 

accepted and so will be used throughout this article. 

Opportunity for contractors 

So who supplies the UPS? For small installations, 

where just a few computers or servers need to be 

supported, a UPS that plugs into a standard 13A 

power outlet is probably all that’s needed. End 

users usually buy these ‘off the shelf’ and do their 

own installation, so there’s little opportunity for 

contractors to become involved in this sector. At 

the other end of the scale, large data centres need 

UPS rated at hundreds of kilowatts or more. These 

are usually custom designed and supplied by 

specialists, so once again they are of little interest 

to the average contractor. 

In contrast, the area in between the smallest 

and the largest systems – involving UPS’s rated 

from 5 kVA to 80 kVA – has enormous potential for 

contractors. In fact, in continental Europe the vast 

majority of UPS in this size range are supplied 

and installed by electrical contractors, usually 

alongside the normal building power and lighting 

distribution systems. 

There is no reason that the UK should be 

different. All that’s needed is for contractors 

to consider the need for a UPS when pitching 

for work. For example, if the project is a retail 

development with lots of point-of-sale terminals, or 

a medium-sized business with its own server room, 

or even a medical centre with several servers. 

If a UPS is going to be needed, then contractors 

34 www. .co.uk Jul/Aug 2012 

Jul/Aug 2012 www. .co.uk 35

Focus on UPS 

Infreemation 

Modern UPS do more 

than protect against just 

mains failure; they also 

help eliminate transients 

on the supply and 

deal with fluctuations 

in supply voltage and 

frequency for example. 

They are, therefore, 

more properly called 

power quality systems 

Pocket wiring manual 

- find the oldest copy 

To mark the launch of the latest edition 

of its pocket wiring manual, Eaton has 

announced a competition to find the 

oldest copy of the book still in existence. 

The new publication is the latest 

successor to the Klöckner Moeller and 

Moeller Electric Wiring Manuals, the first 

of which was published in German more 

than fifty years ago in 1958. By 2005 

the manual was being published in nine 

languages including English, French 

and Italian. To find out more about the 

competition see page 19. 

Aico launches new product selector book 

Aico has launched the second edition of its 

Product Selector Book. Designed for electrical 

wholesalers as a quick reference tool to the 

company’s complete range of fire and CO 

protection products, this A5 book has been 

expanded to cover new products, including 

alarm controllers, relays, repeaters and 

input modules to allow for greater system 

flexibility and more applications. Also included 

is information on choosing alarms, plus 

information on RadioLINK and hard-wiring. 

www.aico.co.uk 

Cooper Bussmann 

launches fuse finder App 

Fluke introduces new 

test tools catalogue 

www.wiringmanual.com 

Cooper Bussmann has developed a 

smartphone app that simplifies specifying 

and obtaining the right fuses. The Fuse 

Finder app’s navigation is simple and 

intuitive. Once the part is identified, either 

select ‘data sheet’ to access detailed 

specifications or locate distributors by 

proximity by region and by town. A zoom 

feature makes even the finest details on 

data sheets or distributor location maps 

easy to see. This app is available free 

through iTunes and the Android market. 

Jorma Mannerkoski is Vice 

President, Sales, Northern Europe 

Eaton’s Electrical Sector. He is 

responsible for sales in the UK, Ireland, 

Benelux, the Nordics and the Baltic 

nations. Prior to joining Eaton, Jorma 

worked at Fiskars as a UPS product 

manager and then moved to a sales role 

in 2001. In 2004, he joined Eaton with 

the acquisition of Powerware and has 

held a number of sales management 

positions, including the role of Vice 

President of the Power Quality division 

in EMEA. He was promoted to his 

current role in 2011. Jorma has a 

Master’s Degree in Engineering from 

the University of Helsinki and is currently 

based in Slough. 

should offer to quote for its supply and installation. 

After all, a contractor who is carrying out other work 

on site should be able to give a very competitive 

price for adding what is, in essence, just one more 

box of electrical equipment. 

Issues when quoting 

But what type and size of UPS should the 

contractor offer? Whilst there’s not room here to 

go into details, the size of the UPS will depend on 

the size of the load to be supplied and the required 

runtime and, in almost every case, a doubleconversion 

or on-line UPS will be the best option. 

Much more comprehensive guidance on selection 

and sizing is available from leading suppliers 

of UPS systems, as is expert advice relating to 

specific applications. 

There are, however, a couple of points that are 

worth considering. The first is product quality. A UPS 

is a form of insurance and nobody wants insurance 

that fails to deliver when it’s called upon to do so. It 

simply isn’t worth buying a cheap UPS from a littleknown 

supplier if that UPS is hard to install, difficult 

to maintain and leads to endless customer call outs 

because it isn’t working properly. 

It is also important to take a look at the UPS 

supplier. Do they have a good track record for 

support and are they a reliable organisation? These 

are important considerations as UPS systems 

are often expected to last for 10 to 15 years and, 

because they incorporate batteries and fans etc, 

will need maintenance throughout their lives. 

Make sure the supplier you choose will be there to 

support you in providing this. 

A good opportunity 

In the UK, far too many electrical contractors 

stay away from supplying UPS systems but, as 

we have seen, there is no good reason why they 

should. By choosing the right products from the 

right manufacturer, supplying UPS’s can be a very 

welcome path to extra profit. 

Legrand launches new 

technical cable tray guide 

Legrand has launched a new technical 

guide for its Swifts cable tray. It is the 

second technical guide published 

by Legrand in 2012, following the 

introduction of a Swifts cable ladder 

guide in January. Billed by the company 

as ‘more than just a product catalogue’, 

this publication features in-depth 

technical advice covering specification 

tips through to best installation practice, 

as well as detailed product information. 

See page 15 for more information. 

www.legrand.co.uk 

www.cooperbussmann.com 

Aico launches co alarm specification selector 

www.aico.co.uk 

Fluke has published its new 140-page fullcolour 

2012/2013 Test Tools Catalogue, 

which can be obtained free via their 

website. It contains complete descriptions 

of features and specifications for Fluke’s 

full test tools line. Sections include 

handheld DMMs, basic and installation 

testers, ScopeMeters, field calibration and 

power quality tools, clamp meters, digital 

thermometers, thermal imagers, insulation 

testers, EX test tools, PATs, indoor air 

quality tools and accessories. 

www.fluke.co.uk 

Aico has developed an innovative 

specification selector for its CO alarms. 

Available on the Aico website, the new CO 

Alarm specification selector allows users 

to produce robust CO specifications. The 

selector guides the user through four steps; 

residential property types, protection level 

required, additional coverage required, and 

the choice of mains or battery powered 

alarms. The selector produces a professional 

specification document for download. 


Diary 

ECS health and safety course 

15 August 2012 – Edinburgh 

30 August 2012 – Cambuslang 

A half-day assessed course (No. 102) by 

SELECT is intended to update electrotechnical 

personnel in electrical and general construction 

industry health & safety standards in line with 

the Construction Skills Certification Scheme 

(CSCS) skill card requirements. Participants 

who successfully complete the course 

assessment will be awarded a certificate, 

which can be used to update their current ECS 

card, to include ECS Assessed hologram. 

Fees are £65 for SELECT members and £80 

for non-members. 

www.select.org.uk 

17 th Edition inspection 

& testing course 



29 August 2012 – Inverness 

A course, entitled ‘Inspection & Testing of 

Electrical Installations to BS7671: 2008 (IEE 

Wiring Regulations 17 th Edition)’ is being 

held. This, course (No. 209), is a practical 

one-day workshop, and is recommended to 

all electrical practitioners involved in electrical 

installation work as meeting the requirements 

of the inspection & testing section of BS 7671. 


Course on 17 th Edition 

7 August 2012 – Dundee 



SELECT is holding a series of courses entitled 

‘Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 

7671: 2008 (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th 

Edition)’. This one-day course (No. 218) 

is recommended to electrical installation 

practitioners and others responsible for 

ensuring that electrical installations are 

installed and commissioned in accordance 

with current requirements. Successful 

completion of this course is accepted by the 

SJIB for Grade (ECS) card renewal. 


City & Guilds 17 th Edition full course 

11-13 September – Ballymena 

The Electrical Training Trust in Northern 

Ireland (ETT) is holding a City & Guilds 17 th 

Edition full course. This three-day course is 

aimed at practising electricians and electrical 

contractors and is intended to ensure that they 

are conversant with the format, content and 

application of BS 7671: 2008 (17 th Edition). It 

is expected that candidates will have basic 

knowledge of electrical science. 

www.ett-ni.org 

LIA advanced certificate course 

11-13 September – Premier Inn, South Mimms 

The is for students who have obtained the 

LIA Certificate, or who can demonstrate 

their ability to satisfy the requirements of 

that course, and who wish to specialise and 

attain a higher qualification, which will lead 

to MSLL and The Lighting Diploma. There 

are three modules: Exterior Lighting, Interior 

Lighting and Light Measurement. 

Call 07968 400 820 

LIA certificate course 

18-19 September – Balham, London 

9-10 October – Balham, London 

The LIA Certificate Course will prepare you 

for a career in the lighting profession. If you 

already have experience within the industry, 

by completing the course you will obtain an 

industry qualification on which to base your 

future career development. 

Call 07968 400 820 

Emergency lighting & 

fire alarms course 

19 September 2012 – Ballymena 

The Electrical Training Trust in Northern Ireland 

(ETT) is holding a course on emergency 

lighting and fire alarms. This intensive 

one-day course has been designed to 

provide candidates with the knowledge and 

information necessary to work BS 5839-1. 

It has been designed for owners, directors, 

managers, engineers and others who require 

an introduction to fire detection and alarm 

systems to BS5839-1. 


Foundation course in 

hazardous areas 

22-23 October – Cork 

The Electro-Technical Council of Ireland 

Limited (ETCI) is holding a foundation training 

course on hazardous areas. The objective 

of the course is to offer an appreciation and 

working knowledge of the principles, work 

practices, standards and legislation covering 

the area of potentially explosive atmospheres. 

The cost is €725/delegate. 

www.etci.ie 

Portable appliance testing course 

Dates and venues to be announced 

Full-day courses on the theory and 

practice of PAT testing are available from 

Cuthbertson Laird at the company’s office 

in Hamilton. The full day session covers 

the theory of PAT testing, legislation and 

a practical session where attendees are 

given the opportunity to perform electrical 

safety checks on electrical items. Upon 

completion of the course all delegates 

receive a personalised certificate of 

attendance. A copy of the IEE Code of 

Practice is also available at £20 (usual price 

£35) for future reference to each course. 

www.cuthbertsonlaird.co.uk 

Fire alarm and emergency lighting 

For dates and venues – contact the NICEIC 

The NICEIC is holding a two-day course 

entitled ‘Fire alarm and emergency lighting’. 

This is an interactive training course to 

introduce candidates to the products 

available in the market place and to 

achieve an understanding of all applicable 

regulations. There will be information on risk 

assessment, installations, maintenance, 

fault diagnostics, product availability and 

the relevant certificates is also provided. 

The course is informative and hands-on, 

getting everyone involved with questions and 

answers throughout. 

Tel: 0870 013 0389 www.niceic.com 

MCS ‘eco’ quality 

management training 


The Microgeneration Certification Scheme 

(MCS) is an internationally recognised quality 

assurance scheme and mark for low and zero 

carbon technology products and installers. 

SELECT are now offering a one day workshop 

for companies that are interested in gaining 

MCS certification. Everyone who attends the 

course will also receive copies of sample 

documents that can be used to help build 

the Quality System needed to successfully 

gain MCS certification. The course takes 

prospective installers through the scheme 

requirements, required quality forms, training, 

and the audit and administration process. 

The final outcome of the course will be a 

gap analysis report which the attendee can 

complete during the training process and 

follow up at their workplace. 


Scottish Building Regulation 

Qualification (SBRQ) 


NICEIC now offer this online course to 

anybody needing a formal qualification to 

access the Certifier of Construction Scheme. 

Candidates will learn about the Scottish 

Building Regulations and their impact on 

electrical installation work. The Certifier 

of Construction Scheme and notification 

process will also be explained. Successful 

candidates can apply to the NICEIC Certifier 

of Construction Scheme which allows 

them to register electrical installation work 

in accordance with the Scottish Building 

Regulations. 

www.niceic.com 

Building thermography seminar 

For dates & venues, contact BSRIA, 

Bracknell 

A free BSRIA morning seminar in conjunction 

with FLIR Systems gives an overview of 

thermography and how it can be used in 

building applications. It is aimed at anybody 

who has a need for an overview of the topic 

or anyone who wishes to learn more of this 

measurement technique. Delegates will have 

the opportunity to discuss thermal imaging 

camera types, software, as well as hands-on 

sessions to experiment with the equipment. 

There is no course currently scheduled, so 

contact the training manager to register your 

interest for the next course. 

www.bsria.co.uk 

17 th Edition incorporating 

Amendment No. 1 2011 – Online 


NICEIC now offers a course on applying 

BS7671 to electrical installations. This 

course now incorporates all of the changes 

from the introduction of Amendment No.1. 

Candidates should have a basic knowledge 

and understanding of electrical science 

and the principles of electrical installation 

work. Candidates achieving this qualification 

will be able to demonstrate a much better 

understanding of BS7671:2008 (2011), 

including the first amendment changes. 

Please note: First Amendment learners should 

have already completed their 17 th Edition 

update before registering for this course. 

www.ukvirtual-college.co.uk/files/ukvc/859/ 

demo/index.html 

www.tradesea.co.uk/node/629/150957 

Practical operative scheme 


For practising electricians who need to update 

their skills, the Electrical Training Trust in 

Northern Ireland (ETT) is offering the Practical 

Operative Scheme. The scheme offers an 

NVQ level 3 qualification. The scheme is 

designed to help electrical workers who 

already possess good skills and knowledge. 

Contact Chris Walker on 0282 565 0750 for 

an initial assessment. 


Safe isolation course 


SELECT is holding a half-day Safe Isolation 

course (No. 217). This is intended to provide 

practical guidance for electrical operatives on 

low voltage safe isolation procedures during 

construction projects. The course’s aim is 

to prevent incidents, which could result in 

electric shock or burn injuries to employees 

or other workers. It is particularly relevant to 

circumstances where work is being carried out 

in the presence of other trades, and to sites 

where more than one electrician is employed, 

although the principles will apply generally. 


Basic principles of electrical safety 



Limited (ETCI) is holding a training course 

on the basic principles of electrical safety. 

The objective of the course is to raise the 

awareness of electrical safety and to describe 

protective measures that are available to 

reduce the risk of being injured by electricity. 

The course is aimed at all persons concerned 

with electrical safety. 

www.etci.ie 

17 th Edition in detail 

Dates and venues to be announced. 

A course on the Requirement For Electrical 

Installations (BS7671) IEE Regulations (17th 

Edition) is intended to provide practising 

electricians and electrical contractors with a 

good working knowledge of BS 7671: 2008 

(IEE Wiring Regulations, Seventeenth Edition). 

The course is suitable for those employed 

in the electrical contracting industry or 

associated trades who require knowledge of 

the regulations as part of their work. 

www.sce-enterprise.com 

Sustainability seminar series is new 

For dates, call 0141 272 3331 

An innovative series of seminars have been 

launched that explore the sustainability 

agenda across the housing and construction 

sectors. Entitled the ‘Sustainability Series’ 

seminars, these are centred on the impact and 

benefits arising from the wider sustainability 

agenda and new legislation in Scotland. For 

more information on these day-long seminars 

and workshops, or to book a place, call 

Christina Balmer or email 

0141 272 3331 cbalmer@cardonald.ac.uk 

Hazardous area workshop 

For dates and venues, contact ETCI 


Limited (ETCI - www.etci.ie) is holding a 

training course and workshop on Hazardous 

Area Classification. This course is run 

biennially by ETCI in Dublin & Cork. The 

objective is to introduce the subject of area 

classification, to explain the principles and 

how an assessment is made. Those who 

should attend include process, control 

and electrical, mechanical engineers and 

designers involved in the design, operation 

or maintenance of plants where flammable 

materials are used in the process. 

www.etci.ie 

40/100 Gb Ethernet cabling 

For dates and venues, call 0113 232 3721 

Multimode optical fibre cabling is faced with 

unparalleled challenges to support 40/100 

Gb Ethernet. These present major difficulties 

in cabling design, installation and operation. 

Yet the more obvious move to dispense with 

multimode and opt for the comparatively 

simple singlemode solution is rejected by 

those highlighting the additional cost of the 

transmission equipment. Data centre (and 

backbone) cabling designers are faced with a 

complex decision-making balancing of capital 

outlay, operational expenditure, operational 

reliability and maintainability - while for 

installers the primary issues focus on testing, 

contamination management and possible 

contractual disputes. Two full-day seminars, 

entitled ‘40/100 Gb Ethernet cabling - a perfect 

storm - the challenges faced by designers, 

installers and users’ aims to provide a clear 

explanation of the key issues. 

Tel: +44 113 232 3721, 

Mob: +44 786 011 0563 


HEALTH & SAFETY 

Bill Taylor 

WireIN Health & Safety Expert 

RoSPA Scotland to hold 

Occupational Safety and 

Health Congress 2012 

RoSPA’s 18th Scotland Congress 

arrives as the ongoing recession 

continues to force difficult decisions 

on Scottish businesses. What 

does good health and safety look 

like during such difficult operating 

conditions, and how can it offer a 

crucial competitive advantage? 

Nationally recognised speakers will 

reflect on health and safety challenges 

and opportunities presented by 

recession, discussing ideas which 

can add value to health and safety 

management in both SMEs and larger 

organisations. 

Seminar overview 

• Health, safety and business 

resilience – Where are we now? 

• London 2012 case study: Informing 

every-day safety success 

• Protecting young at-work drivers – 

New best-practice 

• The case for health and wellbeing 

in a time of recession 

• Legal case reviews: Learning from 

recent Scottish health and safety 

prosecutions 

• Maintaining high safety standards 

in the face of organisational 

change 

• Estates excellence – Creating and 

accessing a valuable local learning 

resource. 

The venue on Sept 19 th will be the 

Hilton Glasgow Hotel, 1 William Street, 

Glasgow G3 8HT – call 0141 204 5555. 

For further information, or to book 

online, visit www.rospa.com/events/ 

scotlandcongress/RoSPA, or call 

+44 (0)121 248 2089. 

Electrical safety certificates 

– there’s an app for that! 

Electrical contractors can issue safety 

certificates on an iPad using an app 

developed by Clik and the NICEIC. The 

app is an extension of Clik’s official 

electronic certification software for NICEICregistered 

electricians. Contractors can 

create new or import existing blank or 

part-completed certificates to their iPads 

for completion on site. 

They can save and upload the certificate 

to the Clik cloud server the next time they 

connect to the internet. Certificates can 

then be downloaded into the NICEIC 

Certification Software for printing, verifying 

or completing. 

Clik’s managing director Geoff Adams 

said: “We are proud to be an NICEIC 

partner and have worked with them to 

create the new iPad app to make the 

working day easier for electrical contractors. 

This app allows certificates to be completed 

on site using a handy tablet device.” 

At present, the app is supplied with 

The iPad app makes it easy to prepare 

electrical safety certificates on site. 

Homecare system protects vulnerable 

the most popular certificates: Domestic 

Electrical Condition Report (Domestic and 

Approved), Domestic Electrical Installation 

(Domestic and Approved), Electrical 

Condition Report (Domestic and Approved), 

Electrical Installation (Approved) and Minor 

Electrical Works (Domestic and Approved). 

Contractors will be able to download 

further NICEIC certificates without extra 

payment as they become available. The 

certificates will be released in order of 

popularity. Clik is planning to add functions 

such as zooming in and out of certificates 

and emailing certificates to customers as a 

PDF to capture client signatures. 

The Clik iPad app is free to try, but 

contractors must be using NICEIC 

Certification Software and have a valid 

update subscription to complete any 

official certificates. The software costs 

£255.32 (plus VAT), which includes a year 

of technical support and updates. After 

the first year subscriptions are £80 (plus 

VAT) a year. 

Visit www.cliksoftware.com for more 

information. 

Securahomes has developed a wireless monitored homecare protection system that 

protects and helps vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with dementia. 

The two-way system is monitored constantly from a central station. If necessary, 

the controller will call the emergency services. It protects the vulnerable from carbon 

monoxide, fire, smoke and burglary. 

Martin Mann, managing director of Bradford-based Securahomes, said: “We 

wanted to create a device that was all things to all people – the device even offers a 

threat sequence and panic alert for those living alone.” 

Securahomes says the product is unique. Its specifications include two-way voice 

communications to Securahomes’ NSI Gold Standard monitoring station, and it is 

supplied with a control box, a door contact, a passive infrared and shock detector, a 

smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a key fob. 

An existing ‘bells only’ system can be converted into a two-way voice-monitored 

alert system. 

Engineering firm 

prosecuted for fall 

from height 

An engineering, design and 

testing firm has been fined after 

two employees were injured when 

they fell from a platform. One of 

the workers broke his collar bone 

and needed to take six weeks off 

work after the incident at Mira Ltd’s 

Nuneaton site in July last year. His 

colleague bruised his eye and cut the 

back of his head. 

The Magistrates’ Court heard 

that the two injured employees 

were among six workers helping to 

reinstall a large motorised fan in a 

ceiling. As they tried to push a heavy 

motor back into the fan, a section of 

the mesh mezzanine platform they 

were stood on became dislodged and 

they both fell 2.2m to the floor. 

The Health and Safety Executive 

Leuze gives free machine 

safety advice 

Leuze Electronic (www.leuze.co.uk) points out that 

the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) move 

towards charging for its work became significantly 

closer when the organisation announced the 

planned introduction of a ‘fee for intervention’, cost 

recovery scheme from 1 st October 2012, subject to 

Parliamentary approval of the proposed Health and 

Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012. 

These Regulations will place a duty upon the HSE 

to recover its costs for carrying out its regulatory 

functions when there is a material breach of health 

and safety law. A material breach is when the HSE 

inspector considers a contravention of health and 

safety law serious enough to require notification in 

writing to the duty holder. Initially this charge will be 

£124 per hour for a service which is currently free 

of charge. 

The HSE’s website says: ‘FFI will also encourage 

businesses and organisations to comply in the first 

place or put matters right quickly when they don’t. 

It will also discourage those who undercut their 

competitors by not complying with the law and 

putting people at risk’. There is more information 

about this scheme on the HSE’s website at www. 

hse.gov.uk/fee-for-intervention/index.htm. 

In an attempt to give manufacturing some good 

news however, Leuze Electronic offers free advice 

and training to help manage machine safety. Go to 

www.safety-at-work.leuze.de for more information. 

(HSE) investigated the incident 

and found the company had 

failed to properly plan the work at 

height. Even after the fall, Mira Ltd 

neglected to implement satisfactory 

safety measures and risks remained 

until the work was completed. HSE 

identified there were further risks 

to employees as the task involved 

working around a void through 

which employees could fall. 

The company pleaded guilty to 

breaching Section 2(1) of the Health 

and Safety at Work Act 1974 for 

its failings, was fined £12,000 and 

ordered to pay full costs of £9,305. 

Last year, over 6,300 employees 

suffered major injuries after falling 

from height at work. Work at height 

should always be properly planned. 

Visit www.hse.gov.uk/falls for 

further information on safe working 

at height. 

Energy 

saving 

controls 

you can 

rely on 

Professional Organisations 

in Occupational Safety and 

Health (POOSH) Scotland 

POOSH Scotland is the umbrella body for 

professional OHS bodies in Scotland. 

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 

works with POOSH Scotland on joint 

projects. POOSH Scotland is represented 

on the Partnership for Health and Safety in 

Scotland (PHASS). 

PHASS brings together key players in 

workplace health and safety in Scotland 

who are ‘part of the solution’. It aims to: 

• Target Scotland’s resources to deliver 

higher standards of health and safety 

more effectively 

• Co-ordinate effort across devolved 

and reserved government interests 

• Promote the benefits to people, 

businesses, and Scotland’s economy, 

of working in a safe and healthy 

environment. 

HSE’s Board and PHASS partners 

have agreed that PHASS should open its 

meetings to others in Scotland who are in 

a position to improve health and safety; 

and move its meetings around Scotland. 

Go to www.hse.gov.uk/scotland/ 

pooshscotland.htm for more information. 

DANLERS energy saving 

products are ideal for the 

automatic control of lighting, 

heating, ventilation or air conditioning loads. All products are 

easy to install using the existing wiring, so there is no need for 

a specialist installer - saving time and money. Special versions 

of products are available, on request, for integrating into BMS 

applications or for low voltage installations. 

All DANLERS products are UK manufactured, come with 

a 5 year warranty and are ideal for: 

• OFFICES • SCHOOLS & COLLEGES • HOTELS 

• HOSPITALS • FACTORIES • CORRIDORS 

• TOILETS • STUDENT ACCOMMODATION 

• STAIRWELLS • MANY OTHER APPLICATIONS 

For information or a free catalogue please contact: 

DANLERS Limited, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, 

SN14 6NQ. Telephone: 01249 443377. Fax: 01249 443388. 

E-mail: sales@danlers.co.uk 

w w w. d a n l e r s . c o . u k 



New Tech 

The new Kings Science Academy 

(artist’s impression) is being fitted 

out with a new modular wiring 

system from Apex Wiring Solutions. 

IP-enabled aspiration detectors by System Sensor 

System Sensor Europe’s new ultra-sensitive FAAST 

EN54-20 Class A approved very early warning 

aspiration system alarms over an hour before 

combustion. This, plus no false alarms, makes it 

essential for safety in enterprise critical data centres 

and IT/telecoms facilities. Features include IP 

connectivity, enabling remote Internet monitoring/ 

management by direct integration into LANs/WANs. 

A digital Advanced Protocol for fire control panel 

communication enables integration of point/aspiration 

detectors into an overall fire system, cutting costs. 

www.systemsensoreurope.com 

Riegens provides lighting 

along right lines 

Hygienic enclosures 

from Rittal 

LED replacement for 

60W GLS by Scolmore 

Scolmore believes its SMD LED 11W 

A60 lamp is one of the most efficient 

replacements for 60W incandescents. 

Offering 800 lumens from 11W, this 

equates to 72 lumens/circuit watt, 

compared with the industry standard 45 

lumens, and the nearest competitor’s 60 

lumens. The SMD Economy and SMD 

Performance form part of Scolmore’s 

expanded Energetic LED lighting offer, 

which incorporates the latest SMD 

technology. The aim is to provide 

competitively priced, superior quality LED 

lamps to replace incandescent types. 

New school modular wiring 

slashes on-site wiring time 

Apex Wiring Solutions has been specified 

for the new £9m Bradford Kings Science 

Academy (KSA) being developed by 

BAM Construction. This, which will be a 

purpose-built school for 800 pupils when 

it fully opens in spring 2013, is being 

fitted with a modular wiring system by 

Apex. The benefits are significant. 

Apex has been specified for the electrical 

wiring contract, which will see the firm 

design, manufacture and supply a system 

that will include pre-wired distribution boards, 

fully pluggable lighting and power units 

throughout the school. 

Over 11,000m of cabling will be used for the 

modular wiring system to provide improved 

power and lighting distribution, while 600 prewired 

power accessories will be included for 

ease-of-use and access. 

This modular wiring will be installed in a 

tight 12-week timeframe, by mechanical and 

electrical engineering company Shepherd 

Engineering Services Ltd. (SES), which has 

already completed the installation of Apex 

systems at other schools. 

Helps meet budgetary demands 

According to Building Cost Information 

Service research on behalf of the Royal 

Institute of Chartered Surveyors, only 63% of 

site-based construction projects are delivered 

on time and only 49% are delivered to budget. 

Offsite modular construction represents a 

step change in how buildings are designed and 

built because they make the process quicker 

and more cost-effective. The Flexible Cabling 

System, which replaces the traditional wiring 

of electrical sub-circuits, with a rapid and easily 

installed range of advanced prefabricated 

connector and cable assemblies, can reduce 

installation times hugely. A complete pluggable 

installation is achieved quickly and safely by 

simply connecting the system components. 

The benefits provided include: 

• Improved project performance 

• Reduced installation times 

• Reduced number of skilled tradesmen 

on site 

• Reduced waste 

• Increased site safety 

• Assured quality 

• Factory assembled 

• Fully tested. 

As a result of this, the company has customdesigned 

a system that will cut onsite electrical 

installation times and waste. It will also 

provide a high quality and highly flexible preassembled 

power distribution and lighting 

system on time and within budget as part of the 

overall multi-million pound build programme. 

All the modular components will be 

produced and quality checked and tested at 

the company’s manufacturing facility before 

being supplied to site ready for installation. 

Big cut in installation times 

Paul Hopps, Apex’s sales manager, claims 

that the use of prefabricated connectors 

and preassembled cables reduces onsite 

installation times by up to 70%. 

He says: “With electrical wiring installation 

increasingly having to be completed within 

very tight time windows, those responsible 

for specification for construction and building 

projects recognise the time and cost savings 

benefits of modular wiring. 

“Our systems enable electrical contractors to 

complete even the most complex installations 

quicker and more efficient than ever before.” 

Heath & Safety benefits too 

Such modular wiring systems can also provide 

improved health and safety because they 

minimise the amount of time contractors are 

required to work at height, while also reducing 

the need for onsite cable and conduit cutting 

tools which can cause accidents. 

Jim Marner, national pre-construction 

director at SES, says: “Modular wiring is 

a superb build methodology that we will 

continue to design and install into our 

projects. 

“The off-site manufactured wiring solution 

allows us to carry out smart engineering and 

co-ordination at the front end, avoiding the 

problems often associated with installing 

a traditional hard wired system on a 

construction site.” 

Apex has supplied modular wiring systems 

to several BSF projects including the Northern 

Academy and Andrew Marvell Business and 

Enterprise College (AMBEC) in Hull and the 

new Ellis Guilford School in Nottingham. 

New from Riegens Lighting is Infinity, a 

flexible modular lighting solution offering 

endless combinations, minimising energy 

consumption and providing continuous 

light without shadows. The system fits 

together quickly, can be wall-mounted 

and/or ceiling-mounted with no gaps at 

joins. Bespoke versions can be created. 

The slim profile allows use in shallow 

depth ceilings. For direct/indirect lighting, 

Infinity can be fitted with various optics 

and lamps. 

www.riegens-lighting.com 

Rittal’s IP69K Hygienic Design (HD) 

stainless steel enclosures are designed 

for food industry and clean rooms. 

Available in various sizes, and using HD 

system accessories, the benefits are: 

simple cleaning with inclined surfaces on 

all sides preventing debris remaining on 

surfaces; gap-free silicone seal between 

door/cover; seam-free construction; and 

hygiene compliant locks and fixings. 

Assembly and maintenance are simple; 

for component installation and greater 

flexibility, internal rails come with a 

6.25mm hole pitch. 

www.rittal.com 

Tridonic’s LED modules for design flexibility 

www.tridonic.com 

TALEXXengine STARK QLE from Tridonic is an 

energy-saving square LED module that replaces 

previously used conventional linear or CFL lamps. 

Module edge length is 270mm and up to five can 

be run from one TALEXXconverter. They can be 

combined with LLE linear LED modules to create 

novel designs, or replace existing fluorescent 

lighting using the same fixtures. Compatibility 

is assured with diffuser/louvre optics. Control 

options include DALI, DSI and switchDIM. Light is 

3,000K/4,000K at 1,250 lumens/module output. 

www.scolmore.com 

ESP launches new audio 

access control range 

ESP has launched two new audio door 

entry products - Evoke, an audio door 

entry system and Evoke KP, with an 

access control pin code keypad. Evoke 

comprises a metal, IP55-rated, pushbutton 

call point, which is compact in 

size to fit neatly onto the external door 

frame. Evoke KP is an audio access 

control system with a pin code capability, 

allowing authorised visitors to control the 

door entry process. 

www.espuk.com 


New Tech 

Secure patch cord 

system by Brand-Rex 

Brand-Rex has launched the Secure LC 

Patch Cord system, which is designed 

to maximise security and minimise 

the possibility of downtime through 

unauthorised access. The push to latch 

and lock system prevents unauthorised 

port access or changes and restricts 

access to unused ports. The patch 

cord can only be removed using a 

unique extraction key. The system 

is compatible with singlemode and 

multimode fibre systems, and industry 

compliant adaptors. 

Dimplex launches new panel heater 

www.dimplex.co.uk 

High lumen output from ESP’s LED lamp 

Dimplex has launched a new range 

of low profile panel heaters for 

conservatories or applications where 

wall space is limited. The four model 

Saletto range has outputs of 0.5kW up to 

1.5kW, provides advanced energy control 

with an integral electronic thermostat, 

accurate to +/-0.3° Celsius. Control is 

provided by a soft touch on/off button 

with illuminated indicators. The Saletto 

range has both CE and BEAB approvals. 

New additions to Harting 

industrial connectors 

A number of new modules have been 

added to the Harting Han-Modular 

industrial connector family, including 

the Han-Eco plastic housing, Han- 

Modular docking frames, an Ethernet 

module for data rates up to 10 Gbit/s 

and the Han-E onsite module. The 

range allows customers to build 

versatile and precise (+/-2mm) 

assemblies onsite that are stable and 

vibration-free. The range supports plugin 

systems in low-voltage switchgear, 

battery systems and test applications. 

Martindale launches 

earth resistance tester 

Rittal’s new SE 8 

enclosure platform 

The Rittal TS 8 section is now the 

standard solution platform for the bayable 

TS 8 and SE 8 enclosures. Its extensive 

possibilities mean wide-ranging benefits 

for both enclosure ranges. The same 3D 

data means planning costs are greatly 

reduced. A single set of accessories 

for TS 8 and SE 8 means lower storage 

costs, easier ordering, and secure, 

simple configuration. For simplicity, both 

types share the same climate control 

platform (fan, filter unit, chiller etc). 

ESP has launched the NightHawk LED, 

offering 1100 lumen output with a maximum 

power consumption of 12.7W and a lifespan 

of up to 50,000 hours. The unit uses single 

LED units rather than multi-chip LEDs, 

which are far less efficient. NightHawk 

offers a 160 degree PIR detector, widespread 

illumination up to 120°, PIR override 

function and additional switching capability. 

Up to four NH150 stand alone LED 

floodlights can be connected. 

Martindale has launched the Metrohm 

E1612, a portable handheld earth resistance 

tester. The unit is microprocessor controlled 

and includes advanced safety features, 

while an LCD screen shows test options 

and results. The unit is powered by 8 x 1.5V 

LR6/AA batteries, and comes in a kit with 

four spikes and connecting cables in a carry 

case. The E1612 measures 250(L) x 190(W) 

mm, weighs less than 1.5kg, and conforms 

with BS EN 610-10-1 CAT IV 300V. 

www.brand-rex.com 

www.espuk.com 

www.harting.co.uk 

www.martindale-electric.co.uk 

www.rittal.com 

Aurora develops universal 

fire rated downlight 

Aurora has developed a downlight 

compatible with all lamp types. The SOLA 

Universal can be directly covered with 

insulation without an insulation guard 

because of the enlarged ventilation slots 

on its insulation cover. The unit has been 

tested in 30, 60 and 90 minute fire-rated 

ceilings and features LED optimisation 

for longer lamp life. The unit can 

accommodate 12V/240V halogen, CFL or 

LED lamps with its GU10 and (optional) 

MR16 lampholders. 

E-T-A’s high-capacity 

DC disconnect switch 

Fluke IR thermometers 

offer high protection 

Fluke has introduced the new 62 Max 

and 62 Max+ infrared (IR) thermometers. 

These rugged, accurate, easy-to-use 

test tools are dust, moisture and drop 

resistant for electrical and industrial 

applications. The range is ideal for quick 

temperature scans of systems to identify 

unusual hot spots. These instruments are 

IP54 rated, and can operate on a single 

AA battery. 

Legrand launches tray tool 

Legrand has launched a universal bracket for 

its Swifts perforated cable tray that has the 

flexibility to replicate thousands of different 

traditional tray fittings. The bracket, which 

has nine pre-determined folding points, 

is designed to fold easily into numerous 

configurations and when over-folded four 

or five times, can be snapped for additional 

versatility. The bracket is available for medium 

and heavy duty cable tray ranges and has the 

same Swifts slot pattern as its perforated tray. 

www.legrand.co.uk 

Megger has the right 

kit for solar testing 

Megger has launched two new high 

specification solar power test kits. The 

PVK320 kit includes the company’s 

PVM210 solar irradiance meter and an 

AVO410 true RMS multimeter, and is 

designed for smaller installations. The 

PVK330 kit, aimed at larger installations, 

includes the PVM210 and a DCM340 AC/ 

DC clampmeter that measures current 

up to 600A. Both kits include MC4 test 

connectors and MC3 to MC4 adapters. 

The kits are supplied with a carry case. 

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a 

new high-capacity DC disconnect switch 

providing physical isolation for up to 

1500V DC in a very compact design. 

Originally developed for photovoltaic 

systems, the double pole E-T-A DC 

disconnect switch can also be used 

in many other DC circuit protection 

applications including un-earthed 

systems. The hybrid technology requires 

no external power supply, allows reliable 

disconnection in the event of low currents 

and ensures a low-wear contact system. 

Innovative insulation from Prysmian 

Prysmian’s Insudite is an innovative hard 

skin and fire resistant insulation that offers 

a tougher solution than other ‘soft skinned’ 

fire resistant cables made from silicone. 

Construction sites are busy places and 

after first fix, vital cables can be accidently 

damaged. Prysmian has tested various 

insulations for abrasion, puncture, cut 

through and blunt impact. Tests show that 

Insudite has significantly greater damage 

resistance than soft silicone. 

www.auroralighting.com 

www.e-t-a.co.uk 

www.fluke.co.uk 

www.fpcables.co.uk 

www.megger.com 

44 www. .co.uk Jul/Aug 2012 

Jul/Aug 2012 www. .co.uk 45

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46 www. .co.uk Jul/Aug 2012

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Compact Can versions available 

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FIRE RATED 

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IRELAND SALES & DISTRIBUTION 

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Aurora Lighting Limited, Unit 23 North Park, Finglas, Dublin 11 

e-mail: info@aurora.eu.com 

connect online with us at these sites: search for ‘auroralighting’ 

www.auroralighting.com

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