KNIPEX launches Advent Calendar giveaway contest

KNIPEX, the pliers brand, is encouraging customers to enter by the festive spirit by entering its new Advent Calendar Giveaway. Starting on 1 December, the company is offering a daily chance to win some of their top tools, with prizes hidden behind every virtual door of the calendar. Each day brings a new surprise, KNIPEX says, and visitors to its site can discover popular tools like the multifunctional KNIPEX TwinKey, a control cabinet key for all common locking systems, or the versatile Pliers Wrench which eliminates the need for sets of metric and imperial spanners and has smooth jaws that won’t damage plated fittings. Other prizes include the compact KNIPEX Cobra XS water pump pliers, which are ideal for tight spaces, and the Stripping Knife, which slices easily through tough plastic sheaths up to 7mm thick. Entrants can also win the KNIPEX StepCut XL cable shears, featuring long handles, a high-leverage joint and optimised cutting edges that make tough cutting tasks much easier than standard cable shears. And on Christmas Eve, the ultimate prize of the Tool Backpack Modular X18 Electro will be on offer. This 18-litre backpack is designed with 21 retaining loops and 37 pockets to hold everything you need on the job. Best of all, it’s already stocked with 16 KNIPEX tools and a total of 22 branded tools, some of which are VDE-tested to ensure safety and durability. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Scolmore innovations included in luxury barn conversions

A range of products from Scolmore Group have been included in a recently completed development of luxury barn conversions in rural Northamptonshire. The three-property development includes installations of Click wiring accessories, Elucian consumer units and Ovia downlights. Village Farm Barns is a select development of three properties in Mears Ashby, Northants. It forms part of Village Farmhouse which was built in 1848 and occupies an edge of village location in one of Northamptonshire’s most desirable villages. The stone and brick luxury barn conversions were created from the original farm buildings on the development to provide bespoke homes with character. Finished to a high specification, each of the spacious three bedroom homes has been fitted out entirely with Click Scolmore’s Definity Complete screwless wiring accessories in the Polar White finish. Scolmore Group company, Ovia, is the preferred choice for the lighting solution with the Inceptor Omni V2 downlights installed throughout. Each property is also benefitting from the installation of a Click Elucian consumer unit. Chris Thorneycroft, Managing Director with Thorn Electrical, was responsible for the electrical installation. Thorn has over a quarter of a century of experience working throughout the Northamptonshire region, within a range of electrical sectors including residential, commercial, educational and healthcare. Chris has known and worked with Johnathan Roberts, Group Key Account and Specification Manager with Scolmore Group, for many years and has specified products from across the Scolmore Group of companies for a wide a range of installation projects. Chris comments, “There was a clear vision from the client at Village Farm Barns of how each home would be finished, and we didn’t think twice about proposing the Click Definity Complete range. I’ve worked with Johnathon for more than 16 years and have always been impressed with his knowledge and expertise in selecting the right products to enable us to offer our clients the perfect project finish every time.” Chris chose products from the Click Definity Complete screwless range, in the polar white finish, to provide a sleek, modern look for the wiring accessories installation. All Click switch plates are modular as standard, and this allows for endless combinations to suit multiple installations within both domestic and commercial environments. Chris also selected Inceptor Omni V2 downlights for installation, which are fire-rated, tri-colour, dimmable downlights that form part of Ovia’s premium Inceptor product range. The range incorporates Ovia’s award-winning FlameGuard system technology and is I-joist rated for 30, 60 and 90 minutes. It boasts a recess depth of just 53mm, thanks to the Flow integrated driver, which means there is no need for an insulation bracket. Omni V2 is supplied with push-fit Flow connectors which feature push-in, low maintenance terminals to offer another time-saving benefit for installers. With the driver now incorporated into the Flow connector, this means that insulation can be laid over the fitting. Chris concludes, “Whether wiring accessories, lighting or consumer units, Scolmore Group is able to offer a huge range of products in a variety of styles and finishes that are all of exceptional quality and very competitively priced. This is all bolstered by ready availability and excellent service from the team throughout the organisation.” For more from Scolmore, click here.

Partnership to enhance ventilation in social housing

Vent-Axia, a ventilation manufacturer, and Switchee, a smart technology provider, are joining forces to launch ‘Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Revive 7 with Switchee connectivity’, a new ventilation innovation specifically designed for social housing. Vent-Axia’s ventilation products enhance indoor air quality (IAQ), while Switchee’s controls ensure that heating and ventilation work in harmony, creating a healthier living environment, putting both resident wellbeing and social housing protection at the forefront of property management. This collaboration will allow social housing providers to utilise Switchee’s innovative dashboard to access real-time data and insights via a user-friendly platform, making Vent-Axia the first UK ventilation company to provide remotely accessible fan data to housing providers. It is also the first smart technology solution that not only identifies condensation and mould, but actively helps to prevent them. Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Revive 7 is an energy-efficient, filter-less unitary fan which offers high performance, near silent operation and exceeds the updated Part F of the Building Regulations. Designed to tackle condensation, damp, and mould, the Revive 7 already incorporates a sophisticated inbuilt data monitoring system. However, by integrating Switchee’s real-time data insights, social housing providers and landlords can now ensure residents’ homes are healthy and safe and any disrepair is proactively managed. Switchee’s user-friendly dashboard provides actionable data, empowering providers to make informed decisions that optimise energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve landlord and resident satisfaction. The partnership comes at a critical time for social housing providers, who are facing a number of increasing pressures exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. More residents are struggling with fuel poverty, leading to less heating usage, which in turn causes increased condensation, damp, mould, and poor indoor air quality IAQ. Tackling these issues is more urgent than ever, especially with the introduction of Awaab’s Law which will require hazards such as damp and mould to be investigated and remedied to set timescales. Joseph Brawn, Product and Marketing Director at Vent-Axia, explains, “We are excited to partner with Switchee. The popular Revive 7 already provides landlords with energy efficient ventilation that effectively tackles condensation, damp, and mould. This collaboration with Switchee will enhance our capabilities by enabling customers to track humidity trends across property portfolios. “It will also optimise energy use, which will reduce energy bills and lower carbon footprints. This is crucial for social housing landlords as they work towards decarbonising housing stocks in preparation for the 2050 net zero target. Together, housing providers can be confident that their properties are well-ventilated, meet residents’ needs, and can access fan data remotely from a user-friendly dashboard.” Tom Robins, Chief Executive of Switchee, adds, “This partnership highlights the requirement to enhance our Switchee data to offer our customers in social housing with a more complete solution to specifically target damp and mould through improved ventilation. Our proactive approach will help to reduce condensation, damp and mould, particularly in problem areas, as well as promote cost savings and potential reductions in maintenance expenses in the future. ”When we consider Awaab’s Law within the current housing landscape, alongside the impending and necessary legislation, such progressive mould service solutions are imperative to address and improve the standard of living for families throughout the UK.” The partnership will be officially launched at Stand H10 during the Homes UK exhibition on 27-28 November 2024 at the ExCeL in London. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

The rise of the Golden Triangle

By Andrew Gaved, Editor-at-Large, elemental and Installer Can I begin with an apology. If the Golden Triangle, referring to the technology trio of solar PV, BESS (battery energy storage systems) and heat pumps, is a phrase the electrical industry has happily been using for ages, then please forgive me, as I only became familiar with it a couple of weeks ago. If it is new to any of you, then watch out – I think we are going to be using it a lot more. My excuse is something that many people might have accepted in the past, but, I would argue, isn’t really going to be acceptable much longer. You see until I was lured away to the world of digital and exhibitions last year, I edited a heating magazine, and thus considered myself a heating editor. In those days, the worlds of solar PV and BESS were something for the editors of ‘other sectors.’ For the decarbonised world we are working towards, I don’t believe we can afford to look at things in such a siloed way any more. The key part to be played by electrification, with heat pumps looking set to be the primary means of low carbon heating, and heat batteries and infrared all part of the mix, should prompt more collaboration between what I will call the ‘traditional heating sector’ and the electrical sector. But the problem is, for too many people who work within the heating industry, ‘heating’ still really only means gas and water systems. This has been brought home to me at a couple of recent events where both times, the well-discussed problem of how to increase the number of heat pump installers focused exclusively on how best to convert gas installers into heat pump specialists rather than widening the pool to those who already have proven electrical skills. Sure, we do need lots of gas installers to convert, but we also need to see lots of electrical contractors too. This brings me back to the Golden Triangle. I first heard the phrase at the launch last month of the Segen Academy, where the renewables distributor has the bold ambition of creating a new cohort of multidisciplinary renewables installers. As a distributor, Segen’s historic heartland is in solar and storage, but they are building on the Golden Triangle by introducing heat pumps to their portfolio, and from the spring they will be adding heat pump training to the Academy curriculum. They see lots of potential in the connection of the low carbon heat pump to the solar generation, so as to offset any potential increases to electricity bills, with the storage providing a way to benefit from smart tariffs. This approach is distinctly different to the way that training has been approached by much of the traditional heating sector, which has been more focused on bolting the heat pumps alongside their plumbing or gas courses. But it puts the whole theme of ‘multidisciplinary renewables skills’ into the spotlight, and the fact that the Segen Academy is homing in on the ‘traditional electrical sector’ for both residential and commercial installation spells a great opportunity. You can be sure that at the 2025 InstallerSHOW (24-26 June at the NEC) we will be playing our part in the debate around both electrification and multidisciplinary skills, and, we hope, breaking down some of those traditional sector barriers between electrical and heating. And, for the first-time next year, we will be able to look in more detail at those bigger installations as we launch the elementalLONDON show on 19-20 November, which is dedicated to the efficient operation of buildings, both new build and in use. Again, we will be keen to reach out to electrical contractors – decarbonised heating needs you!

Humax and Kelvelec announce EV charging partnership

Humax has today announced a partnership with established EV charging distributor, Kelvelec, expanding accessibility of the Humax EV Charger range to electrical wholesalers, installers and retailers. The agreement will help Humax increase its growth in the market and deliver a heightened level of customer service, reinforcing its reputation in the UK. Kelvelec will stock the full line-up of Humax residential and commercial charging products, including the Humax 7.4kW Smart Home Charger which launched in March 2024. Designed for EV owners who need a fast, convenient and reliable way to charge their vehicle at home, the device is equipped with smart functionality such as fast charging and easy app control, and is quick and simple to install. Humax commercial chargers are OCPP-certified and meet international communication standards, offering a variety of smart features and supporting two-channel simultaneous charging. Founded more than 25 years ago, Kelvelec provides the electrical industry across the UK with access to a reliable, experienced and efficient electrical distribution service, and is committed to delivering outstanding customer service. Simon Humphries, Retail Business Director at Humax, comments, “This new agreement with Kelvelec significantly expands our reach into the electrical wholesale, installation and retail market, and is supported by Kelvelec’s official ISO certifications and excellent service credentials, recognised across the EV and electrical industries. We look forward to working with the Kelvelec team and to a successful long-term partnership, as EV penetration continues to increase rapidly across the UK.” Kelvelec Director, Alex O'Neill, adds, “Humax offers stylish and versatile EV charging solutions, backed by decades of innovation, exceptional customer service and unwavering reliability. We're excited to be able to support their growth in the UK and look forward to seeing the relationship flourish.” - Humax will be exhibiting at the London EV Show (ExCeL London, Hall S6-S10, Stand G4) from 26 to 28 November 2024, where it will showcase its full range of residential and commercial chargers, plus a first look at the company’s latest innovations and future EV product range. For more from Humax, click here.

JAVAC expands tool range for HVACR engineers

JAVAC, part of the Aspen Pumps Group, has introduced its largest-ever range of tools. With nearly 40 new products added, JAVAC now offers HVACR engineers a complete one-stop-shop, delivering all the essential tools they need with outstanding reliability and value. The new lines include exciting launches such as the JAVAC Edge Hydra-XP9 Hydraulic Expander and the JAVAC Edge Turboflow Vacuum and Charging Kit. In addition, there is a raft of standard products that are now available under the trusted JAVAC brand including 18 sets of hoses that cover the full range of industry applications. Designed by engineers for engineers the new JAVAC Edge Hydra-XP9 Hydraulic Expander offers single-handed operation and comes complete with nine interchangeable imperial expander heads. Laser-engraved expander heads are easy and quick to identify and attach and for the first time include 1 3/8” and 1 5/8” sizes to cover an ever-wider range of applications. The company says that no other manufacturer provides the breadth of pipe size heads that JAVAC Edge offers, from domestic to large industrial projects. The Hydra-XP9 Hydraulic Expander comes complete in a robust hard carry case with a deburring tool and spare heads available. “With the launch of almost 40 products to our range, JAVAC now enables HVACR engineers to access every tool they need on site to do their job, consolidating our position as the number one HVACR supplier in the UK,” says Scott Davies, Sales Director, UK & Europe, Aspen Pumps Group. “From the innovative new JAVAC Edge Hydra-XP9 Hydraulic Expander and the high-efficiency JAVAC Turboflow Vacuum and Charging Kit, our new range addresses real needs in the field, optimising both versatility and speed. Plus, we have introduced a wide range of standard products that are now available under the trusted JAVAC branded name for the first time, ensuring customers have the dependable quality equipment they need.” The innovative JAVAC Edge Turboflow Vacuum and Charging Kit is a complete charging and evacuation kit designed for speed and efficiency, saving engineers valuable time on site. Significantly reducing evacuation times compared to a set up with a manifold and ¼” hoses, the kit is designed to handle all high-pressure refrigerants without collapsing or permeating under vacuum pressure. Housed in a specially designed Veto Pro Pac Hose Hauler bag the kit includes: two new 3/8” by ¼” Turboflow Vacuum and Charging Hoses; two JAVAC ¼” by 5/16” core removal tools; and a new Veloci-Tee which creates two outlets on any vacuum pump with a 3/8” connection offering a significantly deeper vacuum in less time. JAVAC’s new large bore Turboflow Vacuum and Charging Hoses are suitable for vacuum charging thanks to 4,000psi (270 bar) burst pressure and the 800psi (55 bar) max working pressure. Another stand-out product in the line-up is the JAVAC Edge Digital Torque wrench. Packaged in an adjustable branded protective case this torque wrench has adjustable jaws to suit all applications up to 1 1/2”. The Digital Torque easily tightens connections to manufacturers’ specifications to avoid costly leaks and bursts. By inputting the required setting on the tool lights and an audible warning are activated when the correct torque it achieved. In addition, JAVAC now offers a broad selection of standard products under the trusted JAVAC branding including the JAVAC Standard Hoses, JAVAC Ball Valve Hoses and JAVAC Ball Valve Set Back Hoses lines, as well as HVACR speciality tools such as the JAVAC Edge Piercing & Pinch Off Pliers; JAVAC Edge Safe Access Valves; and the JAVAC Hydrocarbon Scale and Can Valve. With these additions, HVACR engineers have access to a full spectrum of high-quality tools suitable for a wide range of applications JAVAC has been synonymous with quality, reliability and service for over 50 years and is one of the most trusted names in HVACR service equipment. Meanwhile, JAVAC Edge, with its range of recovery units, A3-certified vacuum pumps and gauges, is renowned for its precision and engineering excellence. From the design and build of its own JAVAC charging and vacuum products to hand tools, JAVAC endeavours to deliver the best and most complete range of HVACR tools in the industry. Quality precision HVACR tools that are built to do their job and last.

UK surpasses 200,000 renewable installations in 2024

The latest data from the MCS Data Dashboard shows that there have been over 200,000 certified renewable installations completed so far in 2024. In October alone, 26,240 certified installations were completed, marking a 31% increase compared to October last year. October 2024 was the second-best month ever for heat pump installations, behind the closure of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in March 2022. A total of 5,863 certified heat pumps were installed - a 65% increase on October last year - continuing the record-breaking year for heat pump installations. Battery storage installations also continue to gather pace, with October 2024 being another record-breaking month for the technology and bringing the total number of certified battery installations to over 20,000. Solar PV installations in October also saw a 15% increase on last month, bringing the total for the year to more than 150,000 certified installations. MCS holds a comprehensive repository of data on the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies across the UK on The MCS Data Dashboard. For near-real=time updates on renewable installations, you can sign up for free to The MCS Data Dashboard here. For more from MCS, click here.

BG launches waterproof single socket for EV use

BG, a supplier of wiring and accessories, has launched an IP66-rated single socket housed in a high impact weatherproof casing, designed for domestic installation for Mode 2 Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging certified to BS1363/EV. The new product is ideal for households where an EV charger set up is not a suitable or viable option. Offering durability, ease of installation and safety, the socket is certified to BS1363/EV and is also suitable for other domestic outdoor power needs. The IP66 rating guarantees protection against water and dust ingress in the most arduous of conditions, BG states. The socket has been rigorously tested to endure the prolonged high-load conditions typical of Mode 2 charging, making it ideal for UK three-pin to Mode 2 EV Charging. Additionally, the socket meets high product quality standards, achieving the prestigious ASTA approval mark. From the end user's perspective, the weatherproof single socket features a large open/close paddle for ease of access or to lock the cover in place, with a patented cable entry to prevent accidental opening. It can be used in gardens, patios, sheds, outhouses, and garages, and there is also 150-degree rotation for added convenience. The weatherproof casing has integrated fast fix screws and multiple drill-out entry points (one at the rear and one on each side) for ease of installation. There are multiple knockouts accommodating five 20mm fittings. No separate screws or screw covers are needed, and the installer can choose the most convenient entry point without the need for drilling or modifying the socket, even in tight, awkward spaces. BG is part of the Luceco Group, which also includes the Sync Energy and Masterplug brands as well as commercial and domestic lighting. For more from Luceco, click here.

Leeds PIPES network celebrates major milestone

The Leeds PIPES district heating network has marked the latest major milestone in its journey, having connected over 3,000 dwellings across the region since the scheme began back in 2018. Asserting itself as one of the fastest growing and largest heat networks in the UK, the scheme connects circa 55 individual buildings across multiple sectors, including student living and social housing, as well as public and commercial residencies. The network’s rapid growth enables customers across the city to reap the benefits of the network, which provides them with access to more affordable, reliable, low carbon heat and hot water. Delivered by Vital Energi, in partnership with Leeds City Council and Ener-Vate, the network has connected to 29 key buildings such as St James’s Hospital, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Town Hall and Leeds Beckett University, and has been responsible for the reduction of nearly 6,000 tonnes of carbon in 2023 alone. The programme has delivered 430 green jobs across the Leeds City region to date, with significant expansion plans signalling further benefits for local people in the near future. Some of the network’s most recent customers include Leeds Conservatoire and Tec Campus, in addition to occupants in social housing dwellings at Lovell Park. Further development plans are on the horizon, with installations due to be complete by early on properties across Leonora House and at 24-28 Great George Street. Patsy Gilbert, Vice Principal at Leeds Conservatoire, says, “Leeds Conservatoire is committed to continuing its path towards finding more environmentally sustainable ways of offering high quality education environments for all of our community. We are thrilled to be joining organisations across Leeds as part of the district heating network as a substantial part of that commitment. “We continue to work with other music, theatre and arts organisations to achieving Leeds’ carbon-zero ambitions, as we find more sustainable ways to create and tour artistic work.” Mike Cooke, Managing Director from Vital Energi, adds, “We have seen Leeds PIPES go from strength to strength since the project began in 2018, with thousands of customers across the city feeling the benefits of the network in their energy bills, and in support of their personal sustainability goals. “Connecting over 3,000 dwellings marks a major achievement for this project, with plans for further expansion signalling the direction of growth that the initiative is heading towards. “We are incredibly proud to see the impact generated by Leeds PIPES on local lives as we reach this milestone, which is increased with each connection we make. We look forward to continuing this trend in the years to come.” For more from Leeds PIPES, click here.

Lighting controls: Key to eco-friendly, energy-efficient solutions

Lighting controls are pivotal in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. As businesses, architects and designers focus on achieving net zero carbon targets, innovative solutions - especially wireless technologies - are revolutionising the lighting landscape, writes Photonic Lighting Solutions. Lighting is responsible for around 15% of global electricity consumption, making it a significant area for improvement in energy efficiency. Advanced lighting controls, paired with wireless systems, optimise energy use by enabling precise, real-time adjustments. Features like occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and demand-based dimming ensure that lighting is only used when and where it is needed, minimising waste. The latest developments in wireless lighting solutions are transforming lighting controls, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Recent advancements include: Bluetooth mesh networking: This technology allows devices to communicate over large spaces without requiring extensive wiring. Wi-Fi-enabled smart lighting: Wi-Fi-connected systems integrate with smartphones and voice assistants for user-friendly, remote control. Cloud-based IoT platforms: Cloud-enabled systems provide remote access and data analytics, empowering users to optimise lighting for both energy savings and user experience. A prime example of recent advancements is one new product - the Salvador - that bridges the gap between a wired DALI solution and a traditional Bluetooth mesh solution. The Salvador allows the existing DALI products to be added and controlled in the Casambi network as though they were 'Virtual' Casambi nodes. It creates a hybrid solution of wired and wireless products all within one ecosystem. This excellent advancement ensures the wireless system can now be easily expanded to incorporate existing wired systems. This blends systems between old and new, wired and wireless. Lighting controls, particularly wireless solutions, are indispensable in the transition toward a more sustainable world. With ongoing technological advancements, these systems offer a compelling combination of energy efficiency, flexibility and user-centric design. Photonic Lighting Solutions is committed to delivering cutting-edge lighting systems that balance innovation with sustainability. The company believes that through knowledge and expertise, every project should be a step closer towards a greener future. Neil Hardy, Managing Director at Photonic Lighting Solutions, says, "Wireless lighting controls are not just a modern convenience; they are a game-changer in the pursuit of sustainable design and energy efficiency. By enabling precise control over lighting systems, integrating seamlessly with smart technologies, and offering the flexibility to adapt to evolving needs, these solutions empower businesses and individuals to significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. They represent the intersection of innovation and responsibility, paving the way for a greener, more efficient future."