Schneider Electric launches new smart grid solutions

Schneider Electric, an expert in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, will announce its latest innovations at Enlit Europe 2024, a sustainable energy conference and exhibition taking place in Milan, Italy from 22-24 October. Against a backdrop of increasing pressure on the energy sector, Schneider Electric is delivering end-to-end smart solutions across the energy chain, with the goal of enabling businesses to thrive. Recent climate agreements have highlighted the urgency of modernising electric grids, aiming to phase out fossil fuels and enhance renewable energy adoption. With approximately 40% of the grid being over 40 years old, innovation is necessary to ensure that energy systems can integrate new technologies and meet future demands effectively. Transitioning to digitally equipped grids facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources while managing emerging energy demands with greater efficiency and reliability. Schneider Electric will announce the following innovations and partnerships at Enlit Europe 2024: Advancements in Schneider Electric’s Virtual Substations: As a member of the Edge for Smart Secondary Substation Systems (E4S) Alliance, Schneider Electric will demonstrate new technologies needed to optimise the management of energy flows in smart grids. The PowerLogic T300 RTU is virtualised on the E4S hardware platform, simplifying substation design and enhancing operational capabilities. Digital grid solutions for a sustainable future: Schneider Electric continues to strengthen its digital grid capabilities, including: - Net Zero dashboard: Integrated with EcoStruxure ADMS and DERMS, the new Digital Grid Sustainability Service Net Zero Dashboard offers key net zero measures and KPIs for monitoring grid decarbonisation, helping utilities quantify emissions and gain insights to guide sustainability strategies. - Grid flexibility: Utilities around the world, including PG&E and Elektrilevi, are working with Schneider Electric, deploying EcoStruxure DERMS to help manage the increasing complexity of grid constraints from the rapid growth of distributed renewable assets. European utility, Elektrilevi, started with a proof-of-concept project and validated its own acceptance criteria. It is now in the process of rolling out a full project using Schneider Electric’s Stepwise approach. - Grid resiliency: Schneider Electric is implementing strategies powered by the AiDash platform, using satellite and AI technology to provide real-time insights and analytics. These help utilities prepare for extreme weather conditions and reinforce grid resiliency. - Holistic LV network monitoring: This addresses the complexities of integrating low-carbon technologies, ensuring efficient planning, monitoring, and operation of the low-voltage grid. Partnership with Unareti: Italian Distribution System Operator (DSO), Unareti, is optimising costs and enhancing service delivery for its customers in Milan and Brescia by leveraging Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) platform. The unified platform provides real-time management, critical asset monitoring, analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Thanks to this project, Unareti has been able to significantly enhance the efficiency of its existing infrastructure by leveraging the integration of both ADMS and PowerLogic T300’s virtualisation capabilities. This has allowed for greater intelligence at the secondary substation level, further strengthening Unareti’s operational excellence. A demonstration of this solution will be presented at Enlit. New purchasing options: Schneider Electric is introducing subscription packages to support the digitalisation journey of DSOs, providing customers with access to the latest features upon each new release. Active Plus Medium Voltage switchgear with EcoCare: Demonstrated for the first time at Enlit, Schneider Electric’s Active Medium Voltage equipment, combined with EcoCare membership, a next-generation service plan, is a robust foundation for peak performance and extended lifespan. The natively connected equipment is designed for remote monitoring and advanced analytics, providing 24/7 oversight that helps identify early-stage issues and adopt a condition-based maintenance approach. Frederic Godemel, EVP Power Systems and Services at Schneider Electric, says, “As we navigate the complexities of the energy transition, our focus is on delivering comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that speed up progress for all stakeholders in the electricity value chain. The integration of smart grids and innovative digital technologies is essential for achieving a sustainable future. “At Enlit Europe 2024, we are highlighting our commitment to these advancements, inviting the collaboration of energy leaders to build a flexible and resilient landscape that maximises efficiency and deploys low-carbon technologies. By investing in the Grids of the Future, we unlock the full potential of renewable energy and create a cleaner, more reliable energy system.” - Schneider Electric will be at Enlit Europe 2024, stand 5.D10, from 22-24 October 2024. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

CKI welcomes Jokari to its product portfolio

Carl Kammerling International (CKI) has partnered with German brand Jokari, known for its high-quality range of professional tools for stripping wires and cables. The partnership will see Jokari products available throughout wholesalers and retailers across the UK and Ireland, distributed exclusively by CKI. The brand is well known for its high quality and ergonomically designed cable knives and strippers – providing electricians, heating engineers and plumbers alike with a reliable and safe way for stripping cables. Each of the products in the Jokari range has been cleverly designed and rigorously tested to make repetitive installations easier and faster to achieve, adjusting the depth of the strip and providing a clean strip of the desired amount, with ease and less fatigue. The range includes bestsellers such as the Jokari Cable Knife System (T)70000 which features an intelligent bracket change system to tackle the stripping of all common cable types (from 4-70mm) in one efficient tool. The latest addition to the range will also be available to retailers across the UK and Ireland – the lightweight and hardwearing Jokari PV-Strip Pro (T)30199, designed to strip solar cables with ease – catering to the growing demand for solar panels. CKI has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing for more than 100 years, producing high quality, innovative tools that meet the most demanding needs of trade professionals and this latest brand line is no exception. Jokari is now available alongside the wider CKI portfolio of brands including C.K Tools, C.K Magma, Avit, Kasp Security and Clipacore. Michael Chappell, Product and Marketing Executive at CKI comments, “Jokari is a market leader in cable stripping solutions across Europe and we’re excited to bring this knowledge and success to the UK. “At CKI, we’re proud of our reputation of producing high quality hand tools that meet the most demanding needs of trade professionals. The Jokari range is in line with this ethos - offering a solution that many of our customers need, with the exceptional high quality and performance customers expect from a CKI brand.  “It’s easy to see why Jokari has such a loyal following due to the increased efficiencies, precise cuts and consistent performance each product provides, helping busy tradespeople get the job done in less time and to a higher standard. Through this partnership, there isn’t a single cable in the UK and Irish market that we cannot provide a stripping solution for.” Jokari’s cable knives and strippers are celebrated for their precision, ergonomic design, durability and integrated safety features, making them the preferred choice for professionals seeking reliable and efficient tools. The brand has received numerous awards for its quality, innovation and design, underscoring its commitment to excellence and strong industry reputation.

Ellis achieves a world-first in sustainable cable management

Yorkshire-based Ellis Patents, a provider of cable management products, has announced that it has become the first company to achieve an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for stainless steel cable cleats. Ellis says that this achievement highlights the company's dedication to sustainability, providing customers with verified environmental impact data for its products across their lifecycle, including metrics such as global warming potential and resource depletion. The EPD certification provides a strong level of environmental transparency in the cable management industry. By offering clear, comparable information about the ecological footprint of its products, Ellis supports its customers in making informed, eco-conscious decisions, furthering global decarbonisation efforts. In a strategic move to strengthen its commitment to environmental responsibility, Ellis has appointed Sonia Villalobos as its new Environmental Engineer. Sonia (pictured above) recently completed an MSc in Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management from the University of York and brings a wealth of experience in environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance, having worked across several high-risk industries in Mexico, USA and the UK. Sonia’s role will focus on monitoring and reducing Ellis’ environmental impact, with the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions. Her work will involve optimising processes, developing sustainable materials, and embedding sustainability practices across the company. “Achieving the EPD for stainless steel cable cleats is a significant step in our sustainability journey,” says Danny Macfarlane Managing Director at Ellis Patents. “With Sonia Villalobos joining us as Environmental Engineer, we are confident that we can continue to lead by example, not just in the quality of our products, but also in our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.” As Ellis looks forward to ADIPEC 2024 (Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference), the company aims to showcase its innovative, sustainable cable management solutions and engage with industry leaders on the future of decarbonisation. ADIPEC is one of the world’s largest and most influential events for the energy sector, attracting key players from across the globe to discuss the future of energy. This year, the agenda places a heightened emphasis on decarbonisation, energy transition, and the integration of cleaner, more sustainable technologies into the industry, aligning with global efforts to achieve net zero goals. For more from Ellis Patents, click here.

QUEST ensures no cause for alarm at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

When The Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool faced potential problems as a result of its alarm provider entering administration, the owners turned to Burnley-based QUEST Electrical, which stepped in to take over the maintenance and monitoring of fire alarm systems across the site. The electrical contracting specialists carried out detailed checks to ensure compliance across a huge array of unusual buildings including the Pleasure Beach itself, an ice arena, The Globe theatre and several nearby properties - including a 1930s art deco former casino. Dominic Miller, QUEST Electrical’s Technical Director, says, “There are always ups and downs in the electrical trade, but we didn’t expect them to be on a rollercoaster. It may have been an unusual setting, but the job remains the same - using well-trained specialists to get the job done on time for the customer - and we were pleased to have completed this successfully.” Steven Ackerley, Facilities Manager at Pleasure Beach Resort, adds, “I have worked with countless fire alarm contractors of all shapes and sizes, and QUEST has delivered and exceeded expectations.” For more from QUEST Electrical, click here.

ULTRACHARGE 30: The most competitive and compact 30kW DC charger on the market

Rolec and Sinexcel partnered in 2022, to deliver high-quality, scalable and reliable DC charging products, dedicated to operational excellence, accessibility and innovation. The partnership has set the standard in providing economical ultra-rapid charging solutions. Since partnering over two years ago, Rolec and Sinexcel have achieved remarkable success with the installation of UltraCharge 160 units for several high-profile clients, including Porsche, Rolls Royce, Edinburgh City Council, Collins Earthworks and Yorkshire Ambulance Services. Building on the strength and success of their ongoing partnership, Rolec and Sinexcel are excited to launch the new UltraCharge 30, a low investment DC charging solution. Purpose-built and designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses, councils, fleets and destinations. Introducing the UltraCharge 30: A versatile, future-proof EV charging solution, whether wall or pedestal-mounted, the unit offers up to 30kW power output in a space-efficient design, delivering up to 10-80% charge in under 1.5 hours. With 96% peak efficiency, it optimises energy use, speeding up charging times and maximising ROI. It’s beneficial for sites looking to integrate a robust and rapid EV infrastructure for both customers and staff. It can easily integrate into most commercial premises with a low-grid connection requirement of only 55A on a three-phase supply. The UltraCharge 30 features the same trusted controller used in the popular UltraCharge 160, ensuring both reliability and performance. Its competitive pricing makes it an accessible option, minimising upfront costs while providing ease of installation. It combines proven technology with modern advancements to deliver a powerful and cost-effective solution. Compliant with the PAS 1899 accessible charging standard, it’s an ideal solution for destinations where accessibility is essential for serving a diverse customer base. Caravan parks, holiday parks, theme parks, hotels, resorts, shopping centres, sports stadiums, and more should prioritise meeting accessibility regulations. Businesses can offer pay-to-charge solutions and benefit from generating additional revenue. Activation is simple via ISO 15118 plug and charge, mobile app and RFID, or with the added convenience of an optional contactless payment terminal. Designed with the latest features, it supports dynamic power management, over-the-air updates, an 8” HD user interface touch screen with advertising capability, and is compatible with any OCPP 1.6 CPMS, which is upgradable to OCPP 2.0.1. The UltraCharge 30 features a CCS2 charging connector for fast and reliable compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles. For seamless operation and data management, the unit supports both 4G and Ethernet connectivity methods, ensuring consistent communication and control. Businesses can benefit from bespoke branding and colour options, whether it’s adding a logo or creating a fully custom design. Businesses who want to provide public EV charging have the option to fully fund the purchase and installation of 30kW DC units through Rolec’s strategic partnership with funding provider, Wattif. This allows businesses to benefit from implementing the latest EV infrastructure without capital expenditure or investment risk. The unit is available for preorder now, with deliveries available from November. For more from Rolec, click here. 

Article: The symphony of safety

Amit Ravat, Managing Director of Lithe Audio, offers his advice on ensuring electrical compliance in audio and ceiling speaker installations. Meeting UK building regulations is a fundamental aspect of any ceiling speaker installation. These regulations ensure that audio systems are safe, reliable and efficient. This includes ensuring fire resistance, energy efficiency, structural integrity and acoustic performance. Fire and acoustic hoods play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of ceiling speaker installations. They provide a protective barrier that helps maintain the fire resistance of ceilings, which is essential in adhering to UK building regulations. By containing potential fire hazards within the speaker enclosure, they limit the spread of flames, offering critical time for evacuation and emergency response. Additionally, acoustic hoods enhance sound quality by minimising sound leakage and improving acoustics within a room. Brands such as Lithe Audio set the standard for safety and performance in in-ceiling speaker installations with its range of fire and acoustic hoods. These essential components are designed to meet the stringent UK building and electrical regulations, providing unparalleled protection and peace of mind. They are designed with compliance in mind, incorporating features that preserve fire resistance for up to 90 minutes while being compliant with Parts B, L, C, and E regulations. Electricians can now install ceiling speakers as they would install a downlight. Power is added from any permanent live feed through the included power driver, which is also designed to be used in ceilings. They come with comprehensive installation guidelines and video guides, ensuring that electricians can achieve flawless setups. The guidelines cover all aspects of installation, from wiring and positioning to securing the fire and acoustic hoods. By following these instructions, users can ensure that the installations meet necessary electrical compliance and safety standards. For the many other different types of audio installations within a home, advice to electricians would be: BS 7671 compliance: Ensure all electrical work complies with the latest edition of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations). This includes requirements for safe earthing, protective devices and cable sizing. Audio-specific standards: Be aware of standards specific to audio installations, such as those set by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and British Standards (BS). These standards offer guidance on signal integrity, grounding and shielding techniques to prevent interference. Assess existing electrical infrastructure: Inspect the site’s existing electrical infrastructure to determine if it meets the requirements for the new audio installation. Check for issues like outdated wiring, insufficient circuit capacity or improper grounding. Identify potential hazards: Look for any potential electrical hazards, such as exposed wiring, faulty outlets or moisture-prone areas. Address these issues before proceeding with the installation. Dedicated circuits for audio equipment: Use dedicated circuits for audio equipment to prevent electrical noise and interference from other devices. Ensure these circuits are appropriately rated and installed with RCDs to provide additional protection. Proper earthing and grounding: Implement a robust grounding scheme to prevent electrical shocks and minimise hum and noise. Ensure all audio equipment is connected to a common ground and avoid ground loops by using star grounding techniques. Correct cable selection: Choose cables that meet both the electrical and audio requirements of the installation. Use high-quality, shielded cables to prevent interference and ensure cables are rated for the current they will carry. Secure cable routing: Route cables away from high-power electrical lines to avoid interference. Use trunking or conduit to protect cables and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Minimise cable lengths: Keep cable lengths as short as possible to reduce resistance and minimise signal loss. Proper cable management also helps prevent tripping hazards and accidental disconnections. Use surge protectors: Install surge protection devices to safeguard audio equipment from voltage spikes and surges. Consider whole-house surge protection for comprehensive safety. Power conditioners for clean power: Employ power conditioners to provide stable and clean power to audio equipment, reducing the risk of damage from electrical noise and ensuring consistent performance. Certified components: Use electrical components and audio equipment that have been tested and certified by recognised standards bodies such as BSI (British Standards Institution) or CE marking. Quality audio such as Lithe Audio ceiling speakers provides peace of mind through the company’s commitment to safety, quality and performance. Each speaker is designed with meticulous attention to compliance with UK building regulations, ensuring both safety and reliability in any installation. The incorporation of fire and acoustic hoods further enhances safety by preventing the spread of fire and optimising sound quality. With multiple products to suit different environments and robust quality certifications, these speakers are built to withstand diverse environmental conditions, making them a durable choice for any space.

Scolmore invests in dedicated focus for Elucian range

Following continued success for its Elucian range since it entered the consumer unit market in 2021, Scolmore Group is investing in a dedicated focus for the category and has appointed Dan Ellams as the Elucian National Sales Manager. Dan will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment of a newly formed external sales team, with a view to building on and developing the sales growth business strategy that has been instrumental in taking Elucian from a standing start to leading player in the consumer unit sector in just over three years. At the time of its launch, the development of the Elucian range represented the completion of Click Scolmore’s offer in the wiring accessories category, bringing to market a comprehensive consumer unit and circuit protection range. Such has been the rapid growth of Elucian, that this dedicated resource is required to help to bring the current range of products to an even wider audience of professional electrical contractors and specifiers and delivered through the electrical wholesaler channel. Dan brings 18 years’ experience within the electrical industry to the role, having begun his career as a qualified electrician. He then transitioned into sales with a leading electrical wholesaler, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the market. This was followed by a move into manufacturing, spending a large proportion of this period working within the switchgear market. This is when he developed a real passion for this particular aspect of the industry, and which ultimately led to his current role with Elucian. Commenting on his appointment, Dan says, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take up a role with such a reputable and trusted name as Scolmore, and to work with a product range that I am passionate about. I’m looking forward to building up a pool of talented team members who will enable me to deliver further success for the Elucian range.” For more from Scolmore, click here.

Sync Energy introduces new EV charger range

Sync Energy has introduced a new Pro Charger range for commercial EV charging. Designed to be easy to install and use, the range includes twin bollard EV chargers, available with or without integrated lighting, as well as twin wall-mounted chargers. Both the wall-mounted and bollard options come with PEN fault protection, touchscreen, RFID, 4G connectivity, and an MID meter as standard. Designed by experts, the chargers are ergonomic and PAS 1899:2022 compliant, with upward-angled screens for easy reading and side-illuminated information areas for use in darker environments to ensure a seamless end-user experience. The Pro Charger range provides end-users with flexible payment options designed for convenience. These include contactless card payments with a payment terminal option, as well as Monta QR code charging and Monta in-app charging solutions. The PEN fault protection eliminated the need for costly earth rods or other PEN fault devices upstream. The Loop in/Loop out input connections accommodate up to 35mm² cables, allowing installers to chain multiple EV chargers from a single supply cable, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining correct overcurrent protection for each charge point. The New Pro Charger range can be used with other commercial Sync Energy products. This includes the full range of 7kw and 22kw single and dual outlets, and the Sync Energy Balancer that enables installers to link up to 16 charge points dynamically to the building supply, so circuits are never overloaded. All chargers can also be used publicly or privately to suit any installation requirements. The range offers versatility and can be installed in a wide variety of locations, including educational, hospitality, and leisure facilities, businesses, and public council car parks. It also features socketed charging points, making them compatible with all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The new Pro Charger range can be purchased from local wholesalers, and more information about the products is available at the company's website. For more from Sync Energy, click here.

PENTA UKI introduces new unipolar voltage detector

PENTA UKI, a designer, manufacturer and supplier of electrical safety products, has introduced the new UNITAG unipolar voltage detector. The device offers a fast, reliable, and safe solution for detecting phase presence on both insulated and bare low-voltage (LV) conductors. Built for professionals who prioritise electrical safety, UNITAG allows users to conduct tests without making direct contact with live conductors, ensuring both accuracy and protection in hazardous environments. Ideal for a wide range of applications, the UNITAG unipolar voltage detector is ideal for maintenance teams, electricians, and electrical engineers working in overhead (OHL) LV networks, industrial plants, commercial buildings, and residential installations. Whether troubleshooting, maintaining systems or performing routine checks, UNITAG simplifies the task of phase detection, saving time and reducing risk. Key features include a highly visible backlight, a universal end fitting for insulating sticks, and a front light for easy use, even at heights from the ground. Kevin Rushton, Managing Director at PENTA UKI, says, “UNITAG is engineered for ease of use and durability, making it the go-to solution for professionals who require dependable phase detection tools in their day-to-day operations. Whether it’s industrial machinery, commercial infrastructure, or residential systems, UNITAG delivers unparalleled reliability when it matters most.”

Lighting industry backs its environmental claims with data

The lighting sector is embracing verified data on its sustainability claims, including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). That was a key message from Circular Lighting Live 2024, a conference and exhibition held in London on 9 October that was packed with new information, initiatives and updates on all issues related to sustainability and lighting. A theme throughout the day was the growing need for lighting manufacturers to provide credible third-party certified environmental metrics such as Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and EPDs. Recolight used the event to unveil its partnership with One Click LCA, which provides lighting manufacturers with a luminaire-specific online tool to generate LCAs and EPDs. The impact of AI on lighting product design and manufacture also featured strongly, as did the benefits of using additive manufacturing (3D printing) and newer, non-fossil fuel based bioplastics. The importance of establishing an organisational baseline carbon footprint and setting carbon reduction targets was also covered in detail, supported by the availability of a new Recolight/Auditel carbon assessment service. 300 attendees, sponsors, and speakers hailed the event as a resounding success. The unanimous feedback from delegates confirmed that Circular Lighting Live, now in its third year, provides essential information and clarity in what is a vital but also rapidly changing landscape. Martin Wherry of Glamox, one of the event's attendees, comments, “Circular Lighting Live 2024 was an inspiring and essential gathering. It showcased how the industry is coming together to innovate around circularity, pushing the boundaries of sustainable lighting design while embracing AI and digitalisation. The focus on reuse and refurbishment is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach our sector needs to achieve net zero goals”. The event was organised by Recolight, and the conference was hosted and curated by Ray Molony, Editor of the Circular Lighting Report. The organisers have already confirmed that Circular Lighting Live 2025 will be held on 25 September 2025, at a newer and larger venue in central London. For more from Recolight, click here.