Littelfuse adds precise electrical height to tactile switches

Littelfuse, an industrial technology manufacturing company, has announced a product update on its C&K Switches KSC2 Sealed Tactile Switch product line. This surface-mounted, waterproof tactile switch series now incorporates the Electrical Height enhancement. The KSC2 series of tactile switches for surface-mount technology (SMT) is an IP67-rated, 3.5mm high momentary-action tactile switch featuring a soft actuator. The switches are available in several models and provide numerous electrical lifespans that can withstand various operating forces. The latest KSC2 tactile switch, with its superior durability and extended lifespan, outperforms other switches in the market, Littelfuse claims, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Its consistent performance over time instills confidence in users, ensuring reliable functionality. The KSC2 tactile switch provides clear tactile feedback, making it easier for users to know when an input has been registered. Using the redesigned KSC2 series results in a more reliable, user-friendly and secure product, ultimately benefiting end users. The KSC2 series design gives users a positive, adaptable tactile feeling, ideally suited for a wide range of markets and applications, including: • Medical: Surgical tools, healthcare wearables • Transportation: Door handles, window lifters, steering wheel columns • High-end consumer: Power tools, lawnmowers, snow blowers • Industrial: Elevators, automation, machinery The KSC2 Tactile Switches offer these key features and benefits: • Electrical height of sealed tactile switch: Guarantees precise and reliable electrical connections by precisely defining the distance between the actuation point and bottom contact. • IP67 rating: Ensures durability and reliability in harsh environments by providing resistance to dust and water up to one metre for 30 minutes. • Compatibility with lead-free reflow soldering: Enables efficient, reliable, environmentally friendly manufacturing by withstanding high temperatures and thermal cycling in lead-free, RoHS-compliant soldering processes. • Soft actuator (3.5mm high): Provides comfortable, improved user experience and precise operation via a soft actuator that offers gentle touch and consistent activation. Electrical Height enhancement enables better precision on the electrical switching position compared to the printed circuit board (PCB) reference, which is necessary for stack-up tolerances. This new feature makes the KSC2 switch easier to integrate than other products on the market with electrical travel. Generally, designers need to determine the switching point position from the PCB and apply the formula: product height ±0.2mm minus electrical travel ±0.2mm, giving a total tolerance of ±0.4mm as a minimum. The target of dimensioning with the Electrical Height value is to avoid cumulated tolerances and to propose a functional value with tighter tolerance. Electrical Height is stable, and a standard tolerance at only ±0.15mm or ±0.2mm is proposed. “This newly specified feature (Electrical Height) demonstrates the decades of experiences the Littelfuse engineers have when it comes to the integration of our products into the final application, as well as the level of control we have on our manufacturing capabilities,” says Jeremy Hebras, Vice President Digital & Technical Developments, Electronics Business Unit at Littelfuse. "By committing to the switch electrical height on this popular series, together with its tight tolerance, we are helping our customers to optimally design their products, obtain the most qualitative and consistent haptic and performance results, and ultimately enhance their product's quality." The same Electrical Height enhancement is planned for additional tactile switch series in the Littelfuse/C&K Switches portfolio. The KSC2 Tactile Switches are available in tape and reel format in quantities of 2,000. Sample requests are accepted through authorised Littelfuse distributors worldwide.

Precision and power with KNIPEX

For electricians, having tools that enhance productivity and safety is crucial. Here, we spotlight three tools from KNIPEX that embody efficiency and innovation. For electricians, having tools that not only meet the demands of the job but enhance productivity and guarantee comfort and safety is essential. Recognised globally for their robust build and precision, KNIPEX tools are specially designed to minimise physical strain and maximise the efficiency of electrical work. The KNIPEX StepCut XL (95 18 225) cable shears are a great example. They feature a high-leverage joint, extended handles and optimised cutting edges, making it significantly easier to cut through cables than with standard compact shears. These shears can manage a wide range of cables: solid copper or aluminium cables up to 35mm², stranded cables up to 70mm² and fine stranded cables up to 120mm². They’re equipped with dual cutting areas – a stepped cutting edge for secure, precise cuts close to the joint and a front cutting edge that tackles very large cables in incremental steps. They’re great in tight spaces too. Designed for flexibility, they work well with both one- or two-handed operation and need minimal handle opening even for larger cables, while the slim head design helps in reaching into tight spaces. For added safety, there is an integrated pinch guard to protect the operator’s fingers. When you need to quickly and easily cut across various types of cable sheaths, the KNIPEX Stripping Knife (16 50 145 SB) is a great solution. Its blade has three distinct cutting areas and can efficiently cut through very hard or tough plastic sheaths up to 7mm thick. Safety and practicality are key with this tool; the guide shoe ensures that the conductor insulation remains protected during cutting while the replaceable hook blade can be adjusted into four positions: straight, angled, ratcheting and folded for safe transport. KNIPEX always makes sure tools are comfortable and convenient and the Stripping Knife is no different – its handle is ergonomically designed while an integrated tether attachment point allows for secure connection to the KNIPEX Tethered Tool System, ensuring the knife is always within reach when needed. The KNIPEX Metric WireStripper (13 76 200 ME) is another versatile tool for an electrician’s toolbox. It has a large capacity range and sharply ground stripping profiles that enable intuitive positioning and clever stripping. It combines the slim profile of needle-nose pliers with the breadth of combination pliers, providing both high stability and good accessibility. The Metric WireStripper includes location ridges for precise positioning of the wire, ensuring accurate and clean cuts. Additional features include wide, cross-hatched gripping surfaces for effective wire twisting, a milled groove for securely holding and pulling small work pieces like nails, and a convex gripping surface on one side for a secure grip on both flat and round materials. KNIPEX’s range of tools is engineered with the professional electrician in mind, combining ergonomic design with functional excellence. The StepCut XL, Stripping Knife and Metric WireStripper demonstrate this blend, offering solutions that maximise safety and efficiency. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

PV panels boost safety charity’s climate credentials

DangerPoint, a leading safety charity, has installed renewable energy at its award-winning activity centre in a bid to improve its carbon footprint. An interactive life skills centre based in Talacre, north Wales, DangerPoint aims to help people learn in a fun and practical way to inspire, inform and engage, and to make positive life choices, both for themselves and the environment. Its offering includes educational tours and a quest activity for schools and organised groups. Groups can learn, for example, about the dangers inside their home, and since its launch in 2005 it has educated more than 116,000 people. Recently, staff at the site wanted to play their part in the fight against climate change and decided to have renewable energy installed to generate their power, lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, Seddon was brought on board to design and install the solar PV and battery system at the north Wales DangerPoint site, which it says will be ‘game-changing’ for the attraction. After Seddon designed a 20.1 kWp solar PV system and 17 kW battery storage system, it took contractors four days to carry out the work and complete the installation. Robert Moss, Divisional Director of Seddon Engineering Services, explains, “It was significant for Seddon to help this game-changing charity reach its net zero potential. Not only will it reduce DangerPoint's carbon footprint and lower its energy bills, it will also cement the charity as a UK leader in renewable energy. “We meticulously assessed the property, ensuring the work was delivered exactly in line with the charity’s core needs. Taking the initiative now means DangerPoint can continue offering hugely important safety information.” Julie Ann Taylor from DangerPoint adds, “We are always looking at ways we can improve the environment and help the planet, even to a very small level of detail. We knew having Seddon on board to deliver the solar PV and battery storage system installation would result in a great project with huge benefits for us and wider society. “We want to lead the way when it comes to renewable energy and tackling climate change in north Wales, and we know this initiative will go towards achieving that.”

Research reveals the cheapest way to reduce carbon emissions

New research from Drayton has found that a fully-zoned smart heating control system is the most cost-efficient way to reduce carbon emissions from heating systems. By developing a marginal abatement cost curve (MACC), the research from Drayton compares the cost-efficiency of heating controls against other energy efficiency measures, like loft and cavity wall insulation. Research shows that for the average UK household, a heating system with a full multi-zone heating control solution can save £187 per tonne of CO2e (emitted CO2) reduced. This means that the system not only lessens CO2e emissions, but also creates significant cost savings on energy bills over its lifetime thanks to its short payback period. To achieve these results, a full smart-zoned heating control system should include a timer, smart thermostat and individual room control achieved with radiator thermostats, such as the Wiser system. This is compared to solid wall insulation and other fabric measures, which were found to produce a positive MAC, meaning that it costs more money to reduce carbon emissions using these technologies. Jeremy Palmer, General Manager at Drayton, comments, “While we know from Schneider Electric’s research that 71% of UK homeowners believe it is important to reduce their carbon footprint, given the cost-of-living crisis we have experienced over the past 18 months it is no surprise that when looking at home improvements, homeowners are also prioritising those that provide a relatively quick return on investment. “Smart heating controls like Wiser have been proven to be highly beneficial, not just when it comes to reducing energy bills, but also reducing carbon emissions through optimising the performance of the heating system. Alongside this, the insights and data provided to homeowners also promote positive change to their heating habits, empowering them to monitor and adjust their energy use more easily. This behavioural aspect is key to maximising effectiveness of energy efficiency measures, as well as meeting crucial net zero targets.” For more from Drayton, click here.

Megaman releases new level connector for lighting installations

Megaman has released a new and practical MEGAquick Lever Connector for lighting installations with hassle free connect and go technology. With simple loop in / loop out lever connectors and large, easy push-in terminals, it is designed to enable an effortless first and second fix with no tools required. In addition, featuring translucent and quick release covers, it allows installers to carry out safety inspections as quickly as the product name suggests. Micaela Abbott, Sales Director at Megaman, comments, “The MEGAquick was developed directly by working contractors after gaining feedback that installers were really looking for a quick, reliable and efficient solution to help them ensure consistently compliant installations every time. “The answer to this for us was the MEGAquick Lever Connector, which is a great addition to our range as it should really help installers save time on site and takes the hassle out of the job. “The Lever Connector is the electrical contractor’s toolbox essential. It is compatible with up to 2.5mm² thick cables and works with all types of lighting fixtures in various household applications and similar building installations where a connection between solid and fine-stranded conductors is required. It is already connected and part of our new FR-PRO GU10 fire-rated downlight and will be included with other new products due for launch later this year – it’s a really handy bit of ‘fit-and-forget’ kit.” MEGAquick also has secure two-direction strain relief for cables to ensure a tougher and longer lasting wiring life and reduce the possibility future electrical network issues and the need for costly quality assurance checks. MEGAquick is available in a 40-piece display pack, making it ideal for wholesalers. For more from Megaman, click here.

Caterpillar introduces Fast-Response natural gas generator set

Caterpillar has announced the launch of the Cat G3520 Fast Response natural-gas generator set for 50 Hz applications. This power solution offers load acceptance and transient response for mission-critical operations using fuel that reduces tailpipe emissions. The power-dense Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set is ideal for a wide range of applications, including hospitals, data centres, retail complexes, schools, government buildings and universities, as well as research and industrial facilities. Available now at Caterpillar dealers worldwide, the Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set provides 2.6 MW (3250 kVA) for emergency standby and demand response. Engineered to address the ISO8528-5 G2 standard, it starts and accepts load from a cold start in 10 seconds, and it is capable of receiving and recovering from a 100% block load. Melissa Busen, Vice President for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, comments, “As our global customers look for mission-critical power that can also help meet their sustainability goals, the Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set provides a high-performance, natural-gas option that helps reduce their greenhouse gas emissions when compared with traditional backup solutions.” The Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set adds to Caterpillar’s proven portfolio of natural-gas power solutions offering fast-response capabilities. Caterpillar supplies 60 Hz standby power nodes from 750 kW to 2.5 MW certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for emergency and non-emergency applications. It features Caterpillar’s EMCP 4 control system, which provides engine and generator set control, protection, and monitoring. The control system's Ethernet communication capabilities make it easy to integrate into building management systems. Its expanded features include a gas train, package-mounted radiators, and simplified wiring for easier installation. For enhanced performance, the Cat G3520 Fast Response generator set can be configured with the Cat Energy Control System (ECS), a new suite of integrated, connected and scalable controllers. The Cat ECS allows customers to manage energy needs ranging from a single generator set to cohesive, full-site microgrid solutions that optimise multiple power generation sources for resiliency, emissions and cost. For more from Caterpillar, click here.

MCS welcomes Consumer Scotland review

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy, has welcomed Consumer Scotland’s investigation into consumer protections in the energy efficiency and low carbon heating markets. Consumer Scotland is aiming to make recommendations to better deliver the protections and confidence needed for consumers in Scotland to decarbonise and improve their home energy efficiency. They are seeking the views of stakeholders across the sector on: • The quality of, and access to, suitable incentives and the information, advice, and choices for consumers to engage in this market. • The levels of protection from unfair trading, misleading claims, and scams - and the adequacy of existing standards and quality assurance. • The routes to, and adequacy of, remedies and redress when things go wrong. Ian Rippin (pictured above), CEO at MCS, says, “This investigation is very much welcomed and well-timed as we prepare to launch our redeveloped scheme in January 2025. A key change is placing consumer protections at the heart of the redeveloped scheme as we plan to transform the experience of consumers investing in what can be unfamiliar technology, to make sure detriment is minimised, that they are protected, and importantly, that consumers know where to turn if things do go wrong. “We’ve also established an independent Consumer Protection Panel to provide feedback on how we are doing, because we know how vital this is for increasing confidence in home-grown energy. “We’ve undertaken a significant amount of research which has provided us with a wealth of evidence as to how we can ensure consumers are protected when investing in low-carbon energy solutions. We’ll be actively engaging with Consumer Scotland’s review and responding to the call for information.” The deadline for submitting evidence to Consumer Scotland’s investigation is Monday 30 September 2024. For more information on Consumer Scotland’s investigation, click here. For more information on the Consumer Protection Panel’s role in the new MCS, click here.

Knightsbridge introduces versatile BT EVO bulkhead

Highly durable and easy to install, the new BT EVO from Knightsbridge – a manufacturer of wiring accessories and lighting – is designed so that the versatile bulkhead fitting can meet the needs of every application, whether it be commercial or industrial, and indoor or outdoor. The BT EVO is designed to be highly flexible, with users able to customise the fitting by choosing one of three wattages – 9W, 14W or 18W – and selecting a colour temperature between 3000K to 5700K to suit their needs. This configurability is enhanced with a wide range of options beyond standard, including emergency, microwave sensor, emergency microwave sensor, corridor function, emergency corridor function, daylight sensor and, finally, emergency daylight sensor. Ease of installation is a key feature of the BT EVO range. Having been designed for complete flexibility, the bulkheads include BESA and four 20mm conduit entries, making them ideal for retrofitting projects. Terminals are push-fit with loop-in-loop-out capabilities. The design, upgraded from Knightsbridge’s existing BT range, includes slimmer bezels and an enhanced diffuser, resulting in a sleeker aesthetic and more uniform illumination. The bezels come in a choice of standard round or eyelid, in matt black, chrome and grey. This – combined with the choice of wattages, CCTs and options – results in the BT EVO being one of the most versatile bulkhead ranges available on the market today, Knightsbridge states. It affords designers and installers a huge number of mix-and-match variations, while allowing stockists to manage inventories more efficiently with one straightforward collection. The standard and emergency versions of the BT EVO bulkhead can be supplied with a fully adjustable microwave sensor, an integral natural daylight sensor for exterior use only, or a fully adjustable corridor/stairwell function sensor. The latter employs motion detection to activate the light, adjusting the output to conserve energy without compromising security or health and safety. With an IK10 rating for impact resistance, the BT EVO’s UV-stabilised polycarbonate body retains both its looks and structural integrity – as it won't degrade or turn yellow in sunlight – and the bulkhead is IP65 rated for dustproof and weather-resistant performance. Further assurance of reliability in action comes from a comprehensive five-year warranty that also covers the LiFePO4 battery fitted to the emergency version. For more from Knightsbridge, click here.

Data centre powered by solar energy generated onsite

iomart, a leading provider of cloud hosting and managed services, has installed 560 solar panels on its flagship data centre in Maidenhead, which will contribute to the aim of self-sustaining energy during the summer to power the site. The solar panels will generate circa 250,000 kWh of energy per annum at the data centre, avoiding 96,061kg of CO2 emissions annually. The 2,800 square metre data centre in Maidenhead is iomart’s largest site across its entire UK estate, which comprises 13 data centres. It is also the cloud hosting provider’s main self-managed infrastructure facility, powering more than 12,000 servers. This investment is part of iomart’s wider long-term sustainability strategy, which has seen the cloud hosting provider power all its data centres with 100% renewable energy coming from sources including wind, hydro and solar. The business also partnered with Katrick Technologies in 2021 to pilot a world-first heat cooling system, which aimed to turn iomart’s Glasgow data centre waste heat into power to drive its servers’ essential cooling system. David Gammie, CTO at iomart, says, “We have a large portfolio of data centres across the UK, and making sure they’re as sustainable as possible is one of our biggest focuses at iomart. “We’ve already committed to powering all our data centres with 100% renewable energy. This installation at Maidenhead takes that commitment one step further - generating our own energy onsite, and in addition, the potential to export energy back into the grid network in the future. “Our Maidenhead data centre is the ideal location for a project like this. It has a vast roof space, making solar panels the ideal solution.” The installation, which is being delivered by solar energy company, 3ti, was completed in May 2024.

Develop launches confined space safety campaign

Develop Training, an accredited provider of compliance, technical and safety training, has announced the launch of a confined space safety campaign aimed at Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The initiative includes an online toolkit designed to enhance workplace safety and ensure regulatory compliance. With a client roster that includes some of the UK’s most prominent organisations, Develop trains over 30,000 professionals each and every year, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain high standards of safety and compliance. The newly launched confined space safety toolkit is a vital resource for SMEs, Develop says, as it provides them with the information and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the Confined Space Regulations 1997. The toolkit is available on Develop's website and is designed to help businesses understand their legal obligations, identify confined spaces, implement appropriate safety measures, and access necessary compliance training. "Our goal is to ensure that all businesses, regardless of size, have the resources and knowledge to keep their employees safe," says Kate Denial, Operational Training Manager at Develop Training. "Confined spaces pose significant risks, and it is crucial that employers are aware of their legal responsibilities to recognise these dangers and know how to manage them effectively." The campaign highlights several key aspects of confined space safety: 1. Understanding legal obligations. The toolkit provides a detailed overview of the legal requirements under the Confined Space Regulations 1997, helping businesses ensure they are in full compliance. 2. Identifying confined spaces. It offers guidance on how to identify confined spaces within the workplace, which is the first step in managing these potentially hazardous environments. Develop also offers a consultancy service whereby they can visit employers and provide comprehensive guidance and support. 3. Implementing safety measures. The toolkit includes best practices for taking appropriate actions to mitigate risks associated with confined spaces, including the use of safety equipment and emergency procedures. 4. Access to training. SMEs can access a range of compliance training programmes through Develop, designed to equip their workforce with the necessary skills to operate safely in confined spaces. By launching this campaign, Develop is underscoring its commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance; particularly for smaller enterprises that may lack the resources of larger organisations. The company’s in-house expertise and wide range of training programmes aim to create safer working environments across various sectors. For more information on the confined space safety toolkit, click here. For more from Develop Training, click here.