Schneider Electric introduces EcoStruxure Building Activate

Schneider Electric has launched EcoStruxure Building Activate, an energy management and automation IoT platform for small and mid-size buildings (more than 10,000 square metres each). This innovative software platform addresses the growing demand for simple, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that empower building owners and operators to reduce energy and operating costs, comply with energy and decarbonisation regulations, and improve customer retention – all without requiring an onsite facilities manager. “Rising costs, shrinking demand for commercial spaces, updated regulations and government funding are accelerating building renovation efforts around the globe,” explains Kas Mohammed, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Digital Energy UK&I. “Small and mid-size buildings represent a significant proportion of our built environment, and many will still be in use by 2050. But historically they have lacked access to affordable solutions for energy and operational efficiency. EcoStruxure Building Activate fills this gap by empowering our customers to reduce operational emissions and optimise energy use without costly, large-scale overhauls.” Ideal for sectors such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and offices, EcoStruxure Building Activate is a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) designed to enable simple retrofitting. It eliminates the need for significant upfront costs associated with traditional software licensing and hardware infrastructure. Instead, users pay a recurring subscription fee resulting in lower upfront costs and a faster payback period of up to two years. The system is an open platform that works seamlessly with a wide range of equipment, integrating HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, and more. It is accessible via a user-friendly web and mobile interface. This flexible system lets customers choose the features they need, ensuring they only pay for their necessary selections. Key features include: Sustainability Management: Reduce operational carbon emissions by up to 60% by monitoring utility data in real time and automating systems. After only six months of using EcoStruxure Building Activate’s energy management module, the historic four-star hotel, Grand Monarque (in Chartres, France), saw a 15% energy reduction in its 600-year-old building, thanks to energy consumption insights and monitoring capabilities. Full financial payback was recovered in under 12 months. Energy Management: Users can slash energy demand by up to 48% through monitoring, analysing, optimising and controlling energy usage – ideal for facilities with limited or no existing building management system. Operations Management: Manage 90% of issues remotely through real-time remote monitoring, control, and optimisation of building systems (e.g. HVAC, lighting, etc.) at the building and portfolio level, cutting operational issues by a third. Workplace Management: Users can improve indoor conditions by up to 25% through monitoring and automatically adjusting air quality, temperature, and humidity levels, creating a healthier, more comfortable environment that is responsive to the needs of employees and customers. Asset Management: Reduce asset breakdowns by 30% through instant anomaly alerts and planned preventive maintenance which reduces the risk of disruptions and extends the lifecycle of assets. In the era of Electricity 4.0, the convergence of electric and digital technologies is revolutionising energy management. As businesses managing small and mid-size buildings are grappling with how to bridge the gap between sustainability ambition and action, EcoStruxure Building Activate offers one unified solution to streamline their operations for greater efficiency and sustainability. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Drayton relaunches popular Christmas competition

Drayton’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ competition is back for 2024, and is exclusively accessible to members of the Drayton Community Facebook group. Live from 1 December, installers who are part of the Facebook group will be invited to solve a daily puzzle, posted within the group across the 12 days, to be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes. Up for grabs is a selection of Drayton products, branded merchandise, work wear, and a range of festive gifts. Entrants who answer the puzzle correctly will be put into a draw to win the daily prize, with the winner chosen at random and announced the following day (or the following Monday, for challenges posted over the weekend). The competition comes to a close on 12 December. Since its launch in 2020, The Drayton Community Facebook Group has grown to become a popular and informative online space for installers. The community is a place where installers can engage with each other and access the latest industry news, updates and training, straight from Drayton – one of the UK’s leading heating controls manufacturers. Clare Weller, Trade Marketing Manager at Drayton, says, “For the past four years, the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ competition has become an annual highlight for installers who are part of The Drayton Community Facebook Group. We are excited to bring it back in 2024, as a way of saying thanks to our loyal members, closing an exciting year for Drayton following our 75th anniversary celebrations. “We are extremely grateful for our installers' continued support, and this competition is our way of celebrating a year well done, and our Facebook community members who have made the group a fun, informative and friendly online space over the years. Drayton wishes all its members and customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year”. To take part in the competition, which runs from 1 to 12 December, join The Drayton Community Facebook group by clicking here. For more from Drayton, click here.

HIKMICRO launches MiniE thermal camera

HIKMICRO has expanded its renowned Mini Series with the launch of the MiniE thermal camera – a lightweight, high-performance device designed for both homeowners and the trade. Ideal for home inspections, electrical work and even automotive repairs, the MiniE simplifies tasks that require accurate temperature readings and thermal insights. This small, light camera is designed to be plug-and-play, connecting seamlessly to Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. It includes an auto-rotation feature to match your screen with the camera’s angle and comes equipped with a flexible 60cm extension cable for hard-to-reach areas. The MiniE has a 96x96 IR resolution enhanced with HIKMICRO’s SuperIR technology which improves edge detail, reduces noise and provides crisp visuals with adjustable sharpness, contrast and brightness settings. Its 25Hz refresh rate gives a smooth, real-time imaging experience, which is ideal for detecting heat loss in homes, identifying electrical faults or spotting engine inefficiencies. The MiniE is also highly accurate; its thermal sensitivity of 0.05°C allows users to detect even subtle temperature differences across a wide range, from -20°C to 400°C. The very low power consumption of the MiniE means it runs efficiently from a mobile device. Tested to operate for six to eight hours on a typical smartphone, it’s a reliable companion for extended inspections without worrying about additional charging. HIKMICRO backs the MiniE with a robust three-year warranty on the device, a 10-year warranty on the sensor and lifetime firmware updates, making it the ideal tool for anyone seeking to spot and solve heat-related issues at an affordable price. For more from HIKMICRO, click here.

Compact panel mounts added to IEC Lock accessories range

In the latest development for its innovative IEC Lock range, Scolmore has announced the launch of new compact C13 Panel Mounts, which will allow an increased number of outlets to be housed within a PDU (Power Distribution Unit). The new products have been designed to enhance the IEC Lock panel accessories offer, with 1 Tier, 2 Tier and 3 Tier C13 IEC Lock Panel Mounts now available in a smaller, more compact size. The panel mounts feature optional locking tabs that are positioned on the right side as standard. They are built with a 1.5mm panel thickness and feature 6.3mm terminals, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity. The refined, space-saving design of these new panel mounts makes them more installation-friendly. They can accommodate a diverse range of application needs and provide installers with a comprehensive solution that can be adapted to their specific requirements. More information can be found on the IEC Lock website, which showcases the entire range. For more from Scolmore, click here.

RE-LUG solutions: A new era in electrical efficiency

Darrell West, Country Manager UK at LUG shares how the manufacturer has made a name for itself at the forefront of driving positive change in the industry through its pioneering RE-LUG reengineering solutions. In the face of escalating climate change concerns such as rising CO2 levels and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable practices has never been more imperative. In the electrical contracting industry, we must recognise the impact our manufacturing processes and usage has on the planet and take deliberate action towards minimising our ecological footprint. LUG has been striving towards sustainable solutions by exploring the significance of modern lighting reengineering. RE-LUG reengineering involves the systematic improvement of existing lighting systems, or the implementation of entirely new solutions, to enhance efficiency and performance to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. As lighting technology continues to evolve, with innovations such as smart lighting systems that can adapt to different needs and environments, re-engineering allows organisations to take advantage of these advancements in an eco-friendly way due to the significant benefits to the environment. These lighting systems are much more energy efficient, reducing both consumption and carbon emissions, leading to reduced operating costs over time. Upgraded lighting systems are often more reliable and have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional luminaires, reducing ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. Re-engineering lighting systems also allows for greater flexibility and customisation, enabling the adjustment of lighting levels, colours and patterns to suit the specific needs and preferences of clients and project requirements. LUG offers new warranties on its re-engineered solutions, as customer satisfaction goes hand in hand with environmental conscientiousness. Lighting reengineering, driven by the need for energy efficiency, quality illumination and sustainability, is a vital aspect of modern lighting design. LUG has integrated this circular economy production process into its comprehensive product range, which includes LED luminaires, smart lighting systems and customisable solutions. It is important to introduce circularity principles from the first phases of a product’s life cycle. At the design stage, LUG uses the principles of ECODESIGN, selecting materials that are easy to recycle, combining them in a way that allows them to be easily separated, and ensuring easy repairability of products. LUG’s lighting solutions are designed to minimise environmental impact, ensuring a brighter future with a reduced carbon footprint, minimal waste generation and optimal energy conservation. The company firmly believes that every beam of light signifies its unwavering dedication to resource efficiency and a greener planet.

Event tackles issues affecting electrical products

With a theme of 'Time for Change', the 2024 Electrical Product Safety Conference brought together experts and industry leaders to examine all the latest crucial issues impacting the safety of electrical products. A major focus of the day was the new UK Government’s approach to ambitious product safety targets highlighted in the 2024 King’s Speech, and how it will advance the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill. In her address to the conference, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, highlighted that the Bill has “the potential to be revolutionary in many ways”. Lesley said, “It could start to finally address the twin threats of unsafe e-bikes and third-party sellers selling dangerous goods online. The Bill will have implications for manufacturers, retailers, retail platforms, regulators and consumers, but the devil will be in the detail.” “Our goal is to ensure this legislation is robust enough, leaving no gaps for future bad operators or dangerous products when it comes to consumer safety and protections.” The potential impact of the Bill was also addressed in the opening keynote speech from Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets at the Department for Business and Trade, who told delegates it would “give us the power we need to keep pace with the technology revolution”. Justin explained, “The Bill arms the UK with the tools to tackle safety challenges and is the vehicle to enable us to handle new challenges. It is important that we deliver change as the world is getting more complicated. Government and industry can be most effective when they work together. “Over the last decade and a half, regulation has been a dirty word. But regulation supports growth and supports businesses to bring new products to market.” The conference saw a panel discussion about what is needed by the regulator and market surveillance authorities to support businesses while also protecting consumers within a new regulatory regime. Another session examined the challenges in making e-micromobility safer from cradle-to-grave and the need for a collaborative approach. The changing nature of global markets was also under the spotlight, with a look at the potential impacts of significant changes to online marketplace regulations. The day was rounded off with a glimpse into a changing world – including the rise of connected products, digital product data, the race to net zero and how to empower consumers. For more from Electrical Safety First, click here.

Industry chiefs hail 'incredible spirit' of apprentices

Scotland’s leading electrical bodies have praised the “incredible spirit” of four talented young electrical apprentices in reaching the finals of the prestigious SkillELECTRIC competition. The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and trade association, SELECT, have both hailed John-Ross Campbell, Kalum Low, Milly Smith and Ewan Thomas for their performance in the recent UK-wide event. The bodies also said that half of this year’s finalists coming from north of the border was a clear demonstration of Scotland’s “excellent skills and training pedigree”. SECTT apprentices, John-Ross, Kalum, Milly and Ewan flew the flag for Scotland in the SkillELECTRIC final at Oldham College last week (the event took place from 20-22 November). Milly, who attends Dumfries & Galloway College and works for SELECT member firm, CS McKerlie Electrical Services, was highly commended for her excellent performance, as was Kalum, who attends UHI Moray and works for MS Electrical and Renewables. John-Ross attends UHI North, West and Hebrides, and works for SELECT member firm, A Campbell Electrical Services in Stornoway; while Ewan attends Borders College and works for JGM Services. All eight finalists spent three days undertaking a complicated electrical installation task which had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria. The task included wiring and connection skills, inspecting, testing and fault finding. An electric vehicle (EV) charge unit was also included in the main task to reflect the fact that the core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in EV charge point installation. The competition was eventually won by 21-year old Charlie Moore, a recently-qualified apprentice from the College of West Anglia. Fiona Harper, CEO of SECTT, which manages electrical installation apprenticeships in Scotland, says, “I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to all four finalists who represented Scotland and SECTT, as it took incredible spirit and determination to even reach the final. “Milly and Kalum in particular can be extremely proud of being highly commended in such a strong field – it was a very tough competition with extremely high standards.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, adds, “Scotland can once again be proud of its excellent skills and training pedigree, with four out of the eight SkillELECTRIC finalists coming from north of the border. “Although we were obviously disappointed not to win, all four SECTT apprentices should be extremely proud of what they have achieved, and I am sure they will go on to great things in their careers.” Held as part of the WorldSkills UK competition framework, SkillELECTRIC is the annual search for the UK’s best student electrician. Previous Scottish winners include Danny McBean, who is employed by SELECT member firm, Grants of Dufftown, and won gold in 2023; and Craig Fairweather of member firm, McDonald & Munro in Moray, who was crowned champion in 2022. For more from SELECT, click here.

Which fire and carbon monoxide alarm should you buy?

Fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms play a crucial role in the protection of homes. Every fire and CO alarm is different, so it’s important to ensure you are choosing the right one. When buying a fire or CO alarm, it’s essential to consider the type of room, the grade of alarm, and requirements of the home itself. In this fire alarm buying guide, Aico details the different alarm options and which ones are best suited for various areas of the home. Optical smoke alarms Optical smoke alarms use infrared light to detect smoke. When enough smoke enters the sensor chamber, the particles scatter the infrared light onto a receiver that would usually not see the light pulses, this causes the alarm to activate. These types of sensors are less susceptible to interference from cooking fumes than ionisation alarms. The optical sensor is better at detecting slow, smouldering fires. This makes an optical smoke alarm perfect for rooms such as the hallway, landing, bedroom or living room, where fires may involve burning carpet caused by overheated wiring, or slow-burning fires. Aico’s Ei3016 Optical Smoke Alarm contains a high-performance optical sensor. Its lithium battery back-up, in use when mains power is not available, eliminates the need for battery replacement in its 10-year life. Heat alarms Heat alarms use a heat sensor to detect fast, flaming fires, best suited for fires caused by cooking or flammable liquids, making them perfect for the kitchen or garage. As they are not triggered by smoke, heat alarms are much less prone to false alarms in these areas. The Ei3014 Heat Alarm contains a high-performance thermistor heat sensor, designed to provide a faster alarm response when triggered by temperatures 58°C and over. Multi-sensor fire alarms Using a multi-sensor alarm can be useful when needing to install more than one sensor type in the same location, without having to install multiple alarms. For an all-round response to fire and carbon monoxide, opt for the Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire & CO Alarm, with all three sensors in one device. Suitable for any bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, landings, living rooms and lofts which contain fuel-burning appliances, the Ei3030 has it all. With the same LED indicators as the Ei3028, the Ei3030 is the ultimate fire and CO alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms With CO being a tasteless, colourless and odourless gas, having a high-performance detector in place is vital for the safety of your household. In the event of a CO emergency, having a CO alarm will alert you as soon as dangerous levels are present and rising. The Ei3018 Carbon Monoxide Alarm has a proven electrochemical sensor to monitor CO levels, with a different sounder pattern to differentiate the CO alarm to any fire alarms in the house. Key considerations for selecting the right fire alarm When choosing a fire or CO alarm, you should consider the room size and layout, the proximity to potential fire hazards such as kitchens or fireplaces, and whether you need interconnected alarms. It’s vital to ensure the correct fire alarm is chosen for the right type of room. Understanding the grades of alarm and different sensor types will allow you to make a more informed decision when purchasing alarms to protect your home from fire. Explore Aico’s product range at aico.co.uk.

Commercial electricians bare all for naked charity calendar

Whitestar, an electrical services company based in Hemel Hempstead, has created a 2025 charity calendar with a difference – featuring members of the team baring all. The company, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, took on the challenge to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Of the 36 strong team, 12 volunteered to take part, including directors, managers, administrators and assistants, electricians and engineers. They feature in various states of undress, with carefully positioned props, from hard hats to high vis jackets, protecting their modesty. John English, Whitestar Managing Director, says, “I came up with the idea of doing a ‘Calendar Girls’ style calendar in a random conversation we were having in the office one Friday afternoon and, to my surprise, most people said yes! “After taking the weekend to think about it, I decided it was a good idea – a charity challenge that could involve the whole team, raising money for a really good cause. And with 2025 being the year Whitestar turns 25, we had another reason to do something big to mark the occasion.” A limited edition of 500 calendars has been printed, available now via a JustGiving fundraising page. The suggested donation is £25 per calendar, with every penny going directly to the MND Association. John, who appears on the first page of the calendar behind a desk wearing just a tie and socks, adds, “I think it’s fair to say that none of us are your traditional calendar models – we’re all just regular people who wanted to do something a bit different to raise money for a really important cause. “The photoshoot was one of the more unusual days at the office, that’s for sure, but we all had a good laugh - better than any corporate team bonding exercise! Hopefully that sense of fun and of not taking ourselves too seriously comes across in the calendar, and people can have a good chuckle over it. It’s a perfect gift for Christmas, you might say!” Whitestar is no stranger to charity challenges. John, who completed seven marathons in seven days last year - raising more than £10,000 - also raised close to £8,000 for MND in 2022 attempting a 250km ultra marathon. The team has also raised money with a Tough Mudder and a sponsored head shave. The naked calendar is by far their most outlandish fundraising idea, but the big-hearted team didn’t hesitate to strip off for a good cause. John adds, “There was no pressure from anyone – everyone who took part volunteered. Once we agreed to get a makeup artist in, I think everyone realised it was well worth doing. Our choice of charity was inspired by the late, great Rob Burrow. The whole team agreed on the MND Association – until a cure is found, we are all behind this fantastic charity. “We really hope people enjoy our calendar, make a donation, and help raise as much as possible for the MND Association and the vital work they do.” To get your Whitestar charity calendar, visit their JustGiving page, make a donation, and leave your email address so the team can get in touch and get your calendar sent out. For more from Whitestar, click here.

SolarEdge launches new all-in-one mobile app

SolarEdge Technologies, a global leader in smart energy technology, has launched SolarEdge Go, the company’s first mobile app that consolidates all critical operations for solar installers into a single intuitive platform – from installation and commissioning processes to management and servicing. SolarEdge Go will introduce new remote management and monitoring capabilities, designed to help installers reduce costly and avoidable on-site visits and improve operational efficiency. In the coming months, SolarEdge Go is set to combine the full capabilities of SolarEdge’s existing SetApp and Mapper applications. Continuing to release new features, SolarEdge Go will gradually introduce various remote access features, providing installers with control over operations from anywhere, including direct access to inverter settings and operations, as well as remote diagnostics such as error logs and configurations adjustments. Fleet management includes a real-time interactive map view, instant access to site information, and continuous monitoring of system uptime with alerts for immediate resolution – maintaining optimal fleet performance on-the-go. Through the app, installers can create, edit, or select a site and register solar inverters with ease, adjusting permissions for remote site access as needed. The app manages site installation in the field, from commissioning to site creation, equipment and user management. For example, users will be able to cut commissioning time with a fast Power Optimiser pairing feature and have the ability to schedule upgrades after commissioning. Other features include grid settings and equipment management. Additionally, the app allows users to generate and share comprehensive commissioning reports to verify correct setup. Advanced site and fleet monitoring provides highly granular data on system performance, energy production and consumption, as well as historical insights. For commercial and industrial sites, the app provides performance indicators, and environmental metrics, giving deeper insights into large systems performance. Additionally, installers can contact customers directly from the app, enhancing service and support. Residential Solar Installer, Maelig Rongeau, comments, “SolarEdge Go is one of the best solar site management apps I've ever used. Our installers can now commission solar systems remotely very easily, and on the maintenance side, fix issues at speed with clever remote diagnostics. This app is a big step forward for solar installers.” Christelle Barnes, UK Country Manager, SolarEdge, adds, “Our installers remain central to everything we do, serving as the frontline in bringing high-efficiency DC-optimised solar and storage technologies to homes and businesses. As such, we continue to dedicate significant resources in order to create best-in-class tools that improve efficiencies for them throughout the installation process. With SolarEdge Go, installers can now work faster, smarter and with more flexibility, which can make a meaningful impact on their business’ bottom line.” For more from SolarEdge, click here.