Robotics could help Danish electrician shortage, study finds

Electrical contractors in Denmark have a significant potential for overcoming labour shortages and improving the working environment using robot technology and automation, a new study by HowToRobot finds. As the country faces a growing shortage of skilled electricians, industry leaders are exploring a novel solution: automation and robotics. To map out the industry's automation potential, the trade union (Dansk El-Forbund) and employers’ association (TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne) commissioned an independent study by HowToRobot, a consultancy specialising in robotics and automation. The study reveals a promising potential for automation and robotics to address the pressing labour challenges facing the industry: - By 2030, Denmark is projected to face a shortfall of 6,700 electricians. - Implementing existing off-the-shelf automation technologies could address 14% of the expected electrician shortage by 2030, the study finds. - With the development of new, fully automated solutions, up to 70% of the expected shortage could potentially be addressed. "There is already a shortage of labour in the industry, and the green transition increases the need for electricians even further," says Maria Schougaard Berntsen, Deputy Director at TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne. "This study shows that automation could be a key part of the solution." The skilled labour shortage is experienced across many industries, but electrical contractors are particularly hard hit. 37% of electrical contracting companies experience 'production restrictions' due to a lack of labour – far more than the 24% for the general industry according to Statistics Denmark (data from May 2024). Electricians are also among the occupational groups in Denmark that companies have the hardest time recruiting. Just over a third of all advertised electrician positions end up with unsuccessful recruitment, according to the Danish Agency for Labor Market and Recruitment. "This increased demand puts additional pressure on the current electricians in the industry to work more with the risk of getting worn out faster," says Lars B. Sørensen, area manager at the union, Dansk El-Forbund. The hope among the companies participating in the project has been that they could find ways to free electricians from the heaviest, most monotonous, and repetitive tasks – thereby addressing the labour shortage. This goal has been successfully achieved, according to Mikkel Viager, one of the robot engineers from HowToRobot, who observed and analysed more than 50 electrical installation and maintenance tasks as part of the project. "We uncovered a wide range of existing, often semi-automatic, aids and solutions that can reduce the time electricians spend on many of their tasks," Mikkel says. "It was far more significant than we had dared to hope." During the project, 13 specific electrical tasks across renovation, maintenance, and new construction were identified as suitable for automation and optimisation with new or existing technology. In particular, the study found great potential in automating processes such as cable pulling behind ceilings and walls, hole drilling for electrical installations, measuring and marking, and channel cutting for wiring. "The analysis shows enormous potential. Automation can help ensure that a company can say yes to orders that they would otherwise have to decline due to staff shortages," says Maria Schougaard Berntsen. “This debunks the myth that robots are taking jobs from people.”

Octopus becomes Europe’s largest electric car charging platform

Octopus Energy’s electric vehicle (EV) charging platform has become Europe’s largest for consumers, with nearly 850,000 connected chargers. Octopus Electroverse’s ‘one card, one app’ model is designed to make charging on-the-go as easy as possible, and removes the need to download multiple apps to power up your car. Following the disruption of the UK market, Octopus Electroverse last year expanded its pioneering free-to-use app across Europe, and the platform is now integrated with 950 charge point brands, including InstaVolt, Osprey, IONITY, MFG, ChargePlace Scotland, Aral pulse, TotalEnergies, Powerdot and Free To X. European drivers can access these in 40 countries, with the app available in 20 languages, with 'one tap access' to around 80% of chargers in Europe’s public charging network. The popularity of the platform and features has skyrocketed, with Electroverse’s customer base almost tripling (up 180%) over the last 12 months. Features of the app include a map, route-planner and in-car support with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the UK (and shortly to follow in Europe) there’s added simplicity as customers who are also with Octopus for their energy can add their public charging costs onto their monthly bill. Octopus Electroverse’s platform is also available for businesses with fleets of EVs. This has paid-for added features, an online platform and customisable reporting functions to simplify businesses’ electric fleet operations. Zoisa North-Bond of Octopus Electroverse says, “We created Electroverse with a clear mission: to make charging electric cars on-the-go as easy as possible. One card and one app – that’s all drivers need to access nearly 850,000 chargers. “Our customers love the slick experience and features we’ve rolled out over the years – but we won’t stop here. We’re nearing the one million mark and have become the largest consumer electric car charging platform in Europe – and we’re geared up to rapidly accelerate this worldwide.” This is the latest milestone as Octopus Energy Group speeds up the adoption of low carbon transport. Drivers can sign up to Octopus Electroverse on the website, or via the app which can be downloaded on Apple and Android. For more from Octopus Energy, click here.

C.K Tools launches new lighting products

C.K Tools has launched five new IP rated lighting products, including a brand new range, designed to shine a light onto a multitude of projects for trade professionals, industrial workers and keen DIYers alike. Firstly, the brand new Work Light range features three robust lights with supreme battery life, the latest charging technology and flexibility whether clipped, hung, or attached to any metal surface. Designed for working at both short and medium range, this new product portfolio will provide ample lighting to any work area, creating a well-lit and safe working environment. C.K Tools' Folding Work Light provides a powerful and reliable lighting source throughout a full working day (up to 8.5 hours per charge). It comes complete with a 360° folding design and ball-ended hanging hook with magnetic base, for flooding work areas both large and small with light – wherever it’s needed. With a handy pocket clip, the folding work light can be quickly converted for close-up work, as well as adapting the light source from 100 to 300 lumen, depending on the scenario. Its ergonomic and moulded design with a USB-C 3.7V 1500mAh rechargeable battery makes this an essential piece of kit. Meanwhile, the T9751 Mini Work Light 1000lm provides a versatile lighting solution with four modes to choose from – whether you need focused lighting for an up-close job or for lighting up an entire working area. This latest offering from C.K Tools features a flexible 180° folding design with magnetic base and a 3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion battery, lighting up work areas for up to 10 hours per charge, as well as being compatible with a tripod for maximum versatility. For larger work areas, C.K Tools' T9752 – Maxi Work Light 2000lm is a versatile addition to the range. It features a flexible 180° folding design with magnetic base as well as being tripod compatible and offering four lighting modes to choose from (including spotlight and flood lighting options from 500lm to 200). With a USB-C rechargeable Li-ion battery, the Maxi Work Light from C.K Tools provides a powerful and flexible lighting option for any job. Finally, C.K Tools is adding two new Head Lights to the range, which it says will be a gamechanger for close and complex work, allowing freedom of movement, and convenient hands-free targeted lighting to allow for full concentration on the task in hand. C.K Tools T9714USB – Magnetic Wide Angle Head Torch 150lm features a wide-angle lens and a powerful 3.7V USB-C rechargeable battery for up to nine hours runtime. Three modes provide varying degrees of light from 50 to 150lm. This versatile innovation from C.K Tools can even be detached from the headband and magnetically secured to metallic surfaces for a multi-use product catering to a range of scenarios. For professionals who need a more powerful head light, the C.K Tools T9615USB – Magnetic Dual Lens Headlight 500lm is available. Users can choose from wide or narrow beam lighting which can also be dimmed to suit any environment. With a USB-C rechargeable 3.7V Li-ion battery as well as being three times AAA battery powered, this latest offering from C.K Tools is sure to provide the optimum level of lighting required for any given situation. Not only that, but the user can detach the head light and secure to a range of metallic surfaces, due to a handy four-point magnetic base. Each of the new products in C.K Tools’ lighting range combine the best of LED technology in a robust and durable package. Designed in collaboration with tradesmen to tackle everyday issues at work, their clever design is the result of the rigorous product development and testing that C.K Tools is known for. Brinley Buckley Roberts, Head of Marketing at C.K Tools, says, “Visibility and safety go hand in hand in the workplace, so the importance of high quality, versatile and robust lighting on a work area cannot be overestimated. We’re confident that these latest product launches will be a welcome addition to tool kits up and down the country, helping to minimise accidents, enhance visibility and support a high quality of work. “The source and quality of light on a site is just as important as the tools being used on the job – if not more so. And with quality and durability always front of mind, our lighting range is up there with the very best – whether you need to light a small area or a whole work area.” For more from C.K Tools, click here.

Elucian by Click offers a new Garage Unit with 100A Mains Switch

Click Scolmore continues to enhance its Elucian consumer unit range to meet the evolving needs of installers. The latest update includes the introduction of a new 5 Way Metal Garage Unit, now equipped with a robust 100A Mains Switch. This new unit is designed to provide improved functionality and reliability. To find out more about this new addition and explore other updates to Click Scolmore's garage units, click here. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

HiKOKI unveils new 36V SDS-Max Demolition Hammer

Compact, lightweight and ideal for heavy work, HiKOKI Power Tools has unveiled the new H3641DA 36V SDS-MAX Demolition Hammer. Designed for peak efficiency and versatility, the hammer is ideal for demanding construction tasks, offering the performance of corded models with the mobility of a cordless design. The H3641DA is small and light, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre in various work positions without compromising on power. Its ergonomic design makes it flexible and adaptable in a range of job scenarios, from breaking and carving through concrete surfaces to creating edges. Engineered to maximise productivity, especially in chipping tasks, the demolition hammer has four-speed control that adapts to a variety of tasks from delicate tile removal to intensive concrete crushing. Additionally, its low vibration handle minimises vibration, increasing comfort and control which, in turn, boosts overall efficiency and user satisfaction during prolonged use. The 36V demolition hammer featuring a brushless motor and SDS-Max bit shank, is a powerful yet compact tool, delivers 6.8J of impact energy and weighs just 4.9 kg. Measuring 427 x 248 mm, it’s designed for both power and precision. The H3641DA comes with accessories including a Side Handle and Bull Point (SDS-Max Shank), all neatly packed in a stackable case. This model is available in two versions: the Body Only (H3641DAW2Z) and the Kit (H3641DAJAZ). The Kit version is equipped with two BSL36B18X (36V/18V MultiVolt Li-ion Battery 4.0Ah/8.0Ah) batteries and a fast charger. For more HiKOKI, click here.

Enhanced ICEL Product Certification Scheme introduced

The LIA and ICEL have announced the launch of the newly enhanced ICEL Product Certification Scheme, which is believed to be a significant advancement in the organisations' ongoing commitment to excellence in emergency lighting. Developed by the Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL), this updated scheme marks a crucial shift from an endorsed model to a certified one, offering even greater assurance of quality and safety in emergency lighting products. ICEL is dedicated to strengthening the emergency lighting industry by promoting the importance of high-quality products that meet stringent safety standards. ICEL represents the interests of the industry at the highest levels of UK, EU, and international legislation and standards. Their mission extends beyond industry support and are committed to safeguarding public safety and supporting members by ensuring that emergency lighting requirements are met with the highest standards of quality. The new scheme is designed to provide independent verification of emergency lighting products, offering a trusted mark of quality that end users can rely on. Products certified under the scheme, and bearing the ICEL Certification mark, have undergone a rigorous review process to ensure they meet the required standards. This process includes a thorough evaluation of products and supporting technical documentation to verify the claims made by manufacturers. This updated scheme covers a wide range of emergency lighting products, including luminaires, control gears, and batteries. The scheme has been developed to support UK lighting companies that manufacture or supply products for emergency lighting applications, recognising products that conform to the Low Voltage Directive and the UK Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations. For those already participating in the previous endorsed scheme, there will be a transitional period to ensure a smooth shift to the new certification requirements. The enhanced scheme has been brought up to date with new requirements and a broader scope, allowing all areas of the lighting industry to apply for certification. This improvement aims to instil confidence across the entire emergency lighting chain. One of the key updates to the scheme includes the requirement for manufacturers to provide photometric data, which will be reviewed by The LIA Laboratory and, where necessary, retested. This additional layer of scrutiny gives further confidence that the photometric claims made by manufacturers are accurate. Benefits of the scheme Verification of product claims provides end-users with the confidence they need when selecting emergency lighting products. This scheme is now available for anyone to download, expanding access beyond just ICEL members. The ICEL Product Certification Scheme complements the established standards of the ENEC mark and the BSI Kitemark by providing specialised assurance uniquely tailored for the emergency lighting sector. While these certifications already serve as the benchmarks for quality and safety, the ICEL Scheme offers an additional option. This targeted certification may be particularly beneficial for companies seeking a solution that better aligns with their specific needs within the emergency lighting industry. Alan Daniels, Chair of the ICEL Council, states, "The enhancements to the ICEL Product Certification Scheme reflect our dedication to advancing industry standards. The independent verification process ensures that every certified product meets the highest levels of safety and performance." Ayca Donaghy, CEO of The LIA, adds, "This scheme is a testament to our commitment to quality and compliance, one of the key priorities of The LIA President’s strategic focus for 2024. By setting a new standard for certification, we are helping to ensure that all stakeholders can have complete confidence in the products they use." The companies encourage all those in the emergency lighting sector to take advantage of this enhanced scheme and to join them in raising the benchmark for safety and quality in the lighting industry. For more from The LIA, click here.

Signify supports Council's sustainability initiative

Signify, a lighting specialist, is supporting Milton Keynes City Council in its long-term vision to create a world-leading, sustainable city. Signify was selected to upgrade 18,000 existing streetlights to LED, enabling the city to introduce innovation in terms of performance, quality of light, and connectivity to its lighting assets – and contribute to its climate action goals. The phased programme will be completed in 2024 and is expected save the council over 5 million kWh in energy usage, and £2 million in energy costs per year following completion (based on average and estimated prices 2021-2025); as LED lighting uses up to 70% less energy when compared to the existing HID lighting. The reduction in ongoing energy costs is expected to pay for the project in full within eight years. The LED upgrade will also increase visibility for motorists and pedestrians, and improve the quality of security camera footage, helping to improve the feeling of safety and deter criminal activity. In 2019, Milton Keynes City Council committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and carbon negative by 2050 - steps of which are laid out in its Sustainability Strategy 2019-2050. It had already kicked off some climate action initiatives prior to this, as in 2014, Milton Keynes City Council started delivery of the programme to modernise and upgrade its public lighting stock to low-energy LED; to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, extend the life of its assets, and reduce maintenance and associated costs. Then, in 2022, due to an 88% increase in energy prices, the council came under further revenue pressure for 2023/24, which led it to expand and accelerate the lighting upgrade programme to enable it to operate in the most cost-efficient manner. Signify was selected as the lighting partner of choice based on several parameters. The technical specification of the proposed lighting solutions, the projected operational and energy cost savings, as well as carbon emission reductions. Signify’s sustainability credentials as a responsible supplier also played a large part. Throughout February and March this year, and forming the main part of the rollout of the project, a combination of circa 18,000 Philips LumiStreet Gen2 and LumiStreet ECO LED lanterns were installed along roads and footpaths across the city - replacing the old, energy inefficient HID lanterns. The Philips LumiStreet ECO was designed to specifically meet the needs of the UK market, and this project sees the first large roll-out across a city. In addition, in December 2023, 1,800 Philips TownTune urban decorative LED luminaires were installed to improve the lighting across car parks, pedestrian walkways, and cycle paths. For the installation, the council chose Philips luminaires in combination with Telensa’s cloud-based Central Monitoring System (CMS) that provides a fully functioning, controllable street lighting asset management system, capable of driving further energy savings. Commenting on the LED upgrade, Cabinet Member for the Public Realm, Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, says, “This has been a significant project that will really help us to lower our energy consumption and tackle climate change in Milton Keynes. MK City Council is committed to moving towards our target of net zero by 2030 and being carbon negative by 2050. Reducing our streetlight energy consumption is a big part of that process." Milton Keynes City Councils’ service provider, Ringway, was responsible for the installation and management of the project. It also undertakes the management and maintenance of the largest portfolio of highways service contracts in the UK. Jonathan Watt from Ringway comments, “Upgrading to LED technology helps reduce the carbon footprint of public lighting, while also saving on energy and maintenance costs year on year. The lights are more efficient, can be targeted precisely where needed, and last much longer than conventional lanterns. What’s great is the connectivity that’s enabled with LED – they are programmable, meaning they can be switched on only when needed, which extends the lifetime, and reduces the need for maintenance.’’ For more from Signify, click here.

WernerCo announces company name change

WernerCo has announced that going forward it will be known as ProDriven Global Brands, reflecting its growth strategy in serving the professional construction, industrial and automotive industries. Effective immediately, the transition to ProDriven Global Brands demonstrates the company’s commitment to serving professionals through a diversified brand and product portfolio. Justin White, Managing Director at ProDriven Global Brands for the UK, says: “The name change reflects a significant transformation for our company. Starting life as a safe access brand in North America, the company has continued to grow the WernerCo brand into a variety of industries worldwide. The new strategic name change reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and a diversified product and brand portfolio. “As the Werner brand has expanded and gained market share, internationally we have built a company with a collection of brands that are longstanding leaders in their respective industries - most notably, BoSS and Zarges. The name ProDriven Global Brands reinforces the fact that as a company we are prepared for the next phase of growth.” The name ProDriven Global Brands clearly defines the audience it serves and represents the company’s drive to continue to deliver safe solutions built with the end user in mind. The name change will not impact any of its associated brands, their product offerings, or any business partnerships. ProDriven Global Brands will continue to provide customers and end users with the same best-in-class products and highest standards of quality and service that customers have come to expect. For more from ProDriven Global Brands (formerly WernerCo), click here.

New Director of Operations and Logistics for Scolmore Group

Scolmore Group, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of products and solutions to the professional electrical industry, has announced the appointment of David Bates as the company’s new Director of Operations and Logistics. As Scolmore Group continues to expand its business operations, this role will be critical in supporting the strategic plans for the ongoing improvement of warehouse logistics and distribution operations across the group of companies, which comprises Click Scolmore, Ovia Lighting, ESP fire and security and Unicrimp cable accessories. David will have responsibility for overseeing all operations in the warehouse, with a strong emphasis on maximising efficiencies. He will be instrumental in the implementation of an advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) and will lead the digital transformation within the warehouse operations, focusing on the adoption and integration of new operational technologies. He will be utilising his knowledge to apply data analytics and performance metrics to continually refine and optimise warehouse operational performance. He comes to Scolmore Group with a wealth of experience, having worked for more than 25 years within operational management roles for a range of organisations in the UK and Europe, from start-up businesses through to blue chip companies. “I am excited to join Scolmore Group at this pivotal time of ongoing growth and development,” David comments. “They have a fantastic reputation in the industry and I am keen to play my part in helping to strengthen and develop the operational and logistical strategies that will contribute to the company’s continued expansion and success.” For more from Scolmore, click here.

SELECT welcomes its 40th Associate Member

SELECT has hailed the success of its Associate Membership scheme after welcoming the 40th big name to its roster of market-leading manufacturers and service providers. The association is celebrating after FireBlitz signed up to the initiative, which has doubled its initial membership target and provided invaluable support for both the association and its members over the past two years. FireBlitz, a manufacturer of heat, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other fire prevention equipment, is the latest in the line-up of organisations to sign up to the scheme. Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, says, “We are delighted to welcome FireBlitz as the 40th Associate Member of SELECT. Its arrival is a real milestone for the scheme, which has exceeded all expectations. “When we launched the Associate Membership initiative in 2022 our initial target was 20 members, so to double that number in two years is an incredible success and shows the value of such a scheme to both electrical contractors and the people who serve them. “As well as giving Associates the chance to play a key role in Scotland’s largest construction trade body, the initiative has strengthened our own relationship with the industry’s most renowned names and we look forward to working with FireBlitz in the coming months.” As an Associate Member, FireBlitz can now promote its services to SELECT’s 1,240 Member firms, enjoy access to a wealth of services and benefits and work with the organisation to share the latest ideas and in-depth knowledge to the advantage of the wider industry. Brendan Simpson, Sales Director at FireBlitz, comments, “Our FireHawk brand of smoke, heat and CO alarms have been the main supplier to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service for many years and have been used widely throughout Scotland to meet the Tolerable Standard, so it made complete sense for us to join such a progressive and respected organisation as SELECT. “We look forward to working closely with SELECT and its members to provide information and training on the many proven and trusted products that come under the FireBlitz brand.” SELECT launched its Associate Member scheme in January 2022 with eight founder members including Aico, Flexel, Linian, Megger and Thorn Lighting. Since then, membership has soared and now includes household names like Aurora, Daikin, DEHN, Deta, Dimplex, Hager and Schneider, with 12 new Associates signing up in 2024 alone, including ABAX, Vericon Systems, National Ventilation and SuperRod. For more from SELECT, click here.