Legrand launches free commissioning service

Legrand UK & Ireland, which specialises in electrical and digital infrastructures, is offering free commissioning services to anyone who purchases one of its CP Electronics lighting control systems for an education building this summer. The offer, which is available until 30 September 2024, has been announced to help schools, and other education buildings, meet recommendations from CIBSE. The CIBSE Guide M6: Commissioning and Tests, states that ‘comprehensive documentation to support commissioning and testing activities is important’. It also explains that gaps in commissioning documentation, such as a commissioning certificate, cast doubt on the suitability or capability of the original design. Depending on the size of the facilities, commissioning can take several days to complete, adding to the overall cost and reducing budget for other valuable upgrades and equipment. Free commissioning will be offered to anyone who requires a quote for a lighting control system in an education building, such as a school. When providing a quote, Legrand will calculate the number of commissioning days required for the system and apply to the quote without charging. Any lighting control system from CP Electronics, a brand of Legrand, is part of this offer including: • RAPID – a fully addressable and networkable lighting control system which combines state-of-the-art technology and modular mechanics, with easy-to-use graphical interfaces. • Vitesse – all systems, including Vitesse Plus and Vitesse Modular. John Carruthers, Managing Director of Legrand Working & Living Spaces, says, “We understand the difficulties many educational facilities face. Balancing the need to provide the highest standard of working environment for pupils while meeting safety and efficiency requirements is never easy, but this challenge is exacerbated when considering the strict budgets the industry has to work within. “Our mission at Legrand is to improve lives, and this extends to the next generation. That’s why we are offering commissioning services free of charge when one of our CP Electronics lighting control systems is installed into an educational facility. Our extensive knowledge of the challenges on these types of projects, coupled with our intuitive lighting control systems, provides a fantastic proposition for any educational space.” For more from Legrand, click here.

Product of the Month: Lighting Control with Theben Dimax 540 Plus B

The challenges of dimming LEDs are notorious. LEDs often require specific conditions to dim smoothly without flickering, and not all LED lamps support dimming capabilities. Addressing these intricacies, Theben introduces the Dimax 540 Plus B, a state-of-the-art dimmer designed to master the art of LED dimming with precision and ease. The Dimax 540 Plus B is a flush-mounted dimmer specifically engineered for both resistive (R) and capacitive (C) loads, offering optimised settings for LEDs as well as traditional incandescent lamps. One of the standout features of this dimmer is its compatibility with retrofit projects. Its small design (no bigger than a two-pound coin!) allows for easy installation in a variety of settings without the need for extensive rewiring, as no neutral conductor is necessary. This makes it an ideal choice for upgrading older buildings or enhancing new constructions with advanced dimming capabilities.  Theben: Pioneers in electrical innovation Founded on a legacy of innovation and quality, Theben continues to lead with products that redefine industry standards. From bestselling devices like the ELPA staircase time switch to pioneering KNX systems, Theben’s commitment to excellence is evident in every product distributed globally. Join electricians worldwide who trust Theben for cutting-edge solutions that deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. Whether you’re retrofitting a home or designing a new commercial space, the DIMAX 540 is your go-to solution for superior dimming technology.

NICEIC comments on changes to the IET Wiring Regulations

The IET and BSI have issued Amendment 3:2024 of BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations. In addition, they also announced there will be a Draft for Public Consultation (DPC) on Amendment 4:2026 from 7 August 2024. Speaking on the news, Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, comments, “Thank you to everyone who has shared their perspectives and insights on the development of Amendment 3:2024 to the BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 IET Wiring Regulations. This change introduces a new regulation (530.3.201) for the use of bidirectional and unidirectional devices, and two new definitions. Your feedback played a crucial role in helping to shape the final Amendment, which I am pleased to report is now live. “To ensure you remain compliant and up to date, all NICEIC-certified businesses are required to download a free copy of Amendment 3:2024 from the BSI, IET or the NICEIC website today and keep it with your copy of the BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 IET Wiring Regulations. “As with all updates we know there will be questions, and to help NICEIC-certified businesses we will host a special episode of The Wire, our technical webinar, on 7 August at 8pm. Our technical experts will discuss the Amendment in detail and answer your questions.” Registration details can be found by clicking here. Draft for Public Consultation (DPC) on Amendment 4:2026 The IET and BSI will shortly publish a DPC to which they are seeking views on a proposed update that is expected to come into effect in 2026. This has a broader scope than Amendment 3:2024. Paul notes, “We encourage electrical businesses to actively participate in the DPC process on its release on 7 August. Your engagement is key to shaping the future of our industry.” In a statement, the IET and BSI confirmed Amendment 4:2026 will incorporate changes to harmonised standards at a European level, which the UK is required to adopt within a specific timeframe. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, comments, “It is intended that this Amendment will also include requirements for stationary secondary batteries, low voltage generating sets, power over ethernet, energy efficiency and functional earthing and functional-equipotential-bonding for information and communication technology equipment and systems (ICT). Each area of change is a response to fast evolving technologies.” Paul concludes, “There is a lot of detail in the upcoming DPC, but we are here to help. Between now and November, we will run more webinars and provide more technical resources to help NICEIC-certified businesses navigate the significant points raised in the DPC for Amendment 4:2026. We’ll share more details over the next few weeks. For now, please download Amendment 3:2024 to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 IET Wiring Regulations and get ready to share your feedback on Amendment 4:2026.” For more from NICEIC, click here.

Prefect Controls appoints new Managing Director

Prefect Controls, a heating control systems specialist, has appointed Will Mills (pictured above) as its Managing Director. The retirement of Glen and Sue Golding, Founders of Prefect Controls, has seen a succession plan roll out over the last two years. Will joined the company in 2018 and quickly became conversant in all things Prefect. He spent the first five years travelling the length and breadth of the UK managing projects from Aberdeen to Exeter. Prefect’s diverse client base of accommodation providers includes Unite Students, Host, Curlew Capital and Study Inn as well as universities, including UWE, Durham, Cambridge, Greenwich, Oxford Brookes and Bangor. Appointed Commercial Director in Summer 2023, Will has focused on developing the project management team and taking on greater responsibilities for the day to day running of the company. Glen Golding, one of the company's Founders, comments, “Soon after Will joined the business, I recognised a leadership quality he had, which I was confident could be developed to take Prefect forward when the time came for me to step back from frontline duties.” Glen and Sue will keep an eye on the business as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, but are looking forward to spending time doing the things that they enjoy away from Prefect during retirement. When Prefect was founded in 1997, its target market was commercial providers of rooms - such as student accommodation and hotels - where the excessive use of heating energy by guests, who were not subject to the direct cost, was a real problem. Initially, Prefect’s locally programmed intelligent thermostats ensured energy wasn’t being wasted. The progression of the internet has seen this concept develop into a complete centrally controlled system that monitors environmental conditions and manages temperature control for room and water heating. It also collects invaluable data that helps energy managers to maximise their building’s efficiency. “A lot has changed in terms of technology and indeed provision of student accommodation in the time since I opened Prefect,” Glen continues. “But the need for efficiency and decarbonisation has only become more important. Prefect is in a prime position to benefit all multi-occupancy accommodation by cutting out waste and providing data that is used to optimise performance”. Meanwhile, Nicole Howard (also pictured above), formerly Office Manager, has stepped up to the plate as she takes over from Sue, becoming Prefect’s Financial Controller. Nicole comments, “Sue and I have worked very closely to ensure the transition has been seamless. It’s very much business as usual”. Will Mills, the new MD, concludes, “I am extremely proud of the company Glen and Sue have built. They have overseen the development of a solid, well respected, and financially secure business. One that has grown organically and responded to market demands while staying true to its ‘family business’ roots. “I look forward to working closely with the remarkable team we have assembled to take Prefect to the next level and beyond. Our recent growth has been phenomenal, but there is still massive potential. I am excited to be driving this business forward.” For more from Prefect Controls, click here.

£2,000 raised for children’s hospital in Snowdon trek

Nine cable jointers and craft attendants from UK Power Networks recently ascended the Snowdon mountain in aid of Evelina London Children’s Charity. The group managed to raise an impressive £2,075 for the charity, with the electricity network donating £500 through its matched funding scheme for employees taking on charitable ventures. The leader of the pack, Joe Read, 37, guided his colleagues and friends to the peak of Wales’ highest mountain, as the company gave all nine employees two paid days off each to do community work. The group encountered strong rain and winds but finally hit the summit in four hours and 24 minutes as they hiked the Pyg and Miners track. Joe, a cable jointer from Epsom, South London, chose to support Evelina London because its paediatric facility provides care for his three-year-old son, Jacob, who suffers from an incurable kidney condition. Jacob’s condition, Cystinuria, causes crystals to form in the urine as the amino acids can’t be broken down, resulting in recurring kidney stones. Fortunately, the condition can be eased with appropriate medication and diet. Joe comments, “Jacob has been to Evelina London Children’s Hospital for five operations now. The staff have been fantastic every time and made every worrying visit more bearable. It can’t be easy dealing with worried parents and scared and sick children, but they are always sympathetic and approachable answering any questions we may have, and they always give Jacob excellent care.” Colleagues, Matt Cheesman, Adam Cheesman, Billy Minter, James Portlock, Chris Stiling, Tom, Gallyer-Randall, Harry Lloyd, Ben Thompson all took part in the adventure. Joe continues, “Matt was the main instigator and planner of the hike, but as a group we had been talking for a while about doing something to challenge ourselves. When I suggested doing the hike for Evelina London, the guys were even more motivated to tackle Snowdon as it gave the climb even more of a purpose. “We hired a minibus to get up to Wales for the weekend and spirits were really high with anticipation and excitement. We were all really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I think we had underestimated how difficult the hike was going to be. We were not prepared at all for using our hands to climb up parts of the route and weren't prepared for the challenging weather at the top. But we all really enjoyed it.” UK Power Networks’ matched funding initiative offers up to £100 for individuals and £500 for teams for charitable fundraising events they have been involved in. Joe notes, “My original target was to raise £500, so the £500 given from UK Power Networks alone was incredibly generous. All nine of us were willing to take two days holiday allocation but for UK Power Networks to give us those days back made us all feel valued and recognised for doing a good thing. “I have always wanted to do something to give back to all the lovely NHS staff at Evelina London in whatever way I could, and this suggestion that Matt made seemed like the perfect way. The guys were unbelievably supportive about doing the hike for Evelina London Children's Charity and we were overwhelmed by the amazing donations people made.” Laura Savory, Interim Director of Fundraising at Evelina London Children’s Charity, comments, “We would like to say a big thank you to Jacob and the UK Power Networks team for their incredible fundraising. It is thanks to determined fundraisers like themselves that we are able to support the amazing care at Evelina London.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Join the Eaton Electrical Contractor Power Advantage Partner Programme

Eaton is committed to helping you grow your business by developing your professional skills, and its Electrical Contractor Power Advantage Partner Programme features all the content and tools you need to stay ahead of the competition.  Online training is, more than ever, an important and convenient way of furthering your professional development. That’s why Eaton has created a dedicated library of product videos, presenter-led training and webinars, available on the MyEaton.com partner portal to support its partner’s education.  With Eaton's range of training modules, tutorials and how-to videos, you will be able to broaden your technical knowledge as well as learn more about Eaton’s wide range of products.   Additionally, the company has a whole section dedicated to the energy transition, including training and webinar content. The energy transition is happening right now, and it’s creating new opportunities for electrical contractors who can offer solutions for renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicle charging. So don’t wait any longer to tap into this growth market.  By joining the Power Advantage Programme as a contractor specialised in the energy transition, you will access exclusive benefits, such as:  Comprehensive and tailored learning opportunities to improve your technical skills and market knowledge  Association with a strong and reputable brand, online exposure to attract and retain customers and joint marketing campaigns based on the market analysis  Convenient and reliable resources, from Eaton's partner portal to configurators and calculation tools, as well as assistance with project planning and execution  Find the perfect training to suit your needs.  For more from Eaton, click here.

IET urges industry to have its say on Wiring Regulations

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI are calling on the electrical industry to have its say on an amendment to the current BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2 (2022) and Amendment 3 (2024), which will go to DPC (Draft for Public Consultation) on 7 August 2024. BS 7671 is the Requirements for Electrical Installations: IET Wiring Regulations. The amendment, known as Amendment 4, has been long-scheduled and will incorporate changes to harmonised standards at European level which the UK has to adopt within a certain time period. The DPC for Amendment 4 comes shortly after the release of Amendment 3, which has just been published and is available as a free-to-download PDF ‘bolt-on’ to Amendment 2 from the IET and BSI websites. Amendment 4 is expected to be published in 2026. Until that time, electrical installers need to have a copy of Amendment 2 (2022) - the ‘brown book’ - and Amendment 3 (2024), the free PDF bolt-on, to be up to date. Join The IET for a live webinar at midday on Wednesday 7 August 2024 as it announces the proposed changes and how they may affect electrical contractors. Comments on the DPC for Amendment 4 can be submitted through BSI’s Standards Development portal between 7 August 2024 to 3 November 2024. Mark Coles, The IET's Head of Technical Regulations, comments, “The days of the ‘evergreen electrician’ are gone. Changes in technology, installation practices and developments in standardisation are happening so quickly. It’s therefore so important that installers and designers stay well-informed of what’s happening in the industry. The IET is the authority for electrical installations in the UK and ensures that the wiring regulations committee, JPEL/64, carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of industry. “It is intended that this Amendment will include requirements for Stationary Secondary Batteries, low voltage generating sets, power over ethernet, energy efficiency and functional earthing and functional-equipotential-bonding for Information and Communication Technology Equipment and Systems (ICT). Each area of change is a response to fast evolving technologies.” Dan Palmer, BSI's Associate Director, Committees, adds, “BSI is proud to have been partners with the IET for over 30 years. As electrification increases in the UK, we can all benefit from supporting high standards of safety. Keeping this critical standard on electrical installations updated is vital to ensure continued safety. We urge people with an interest to look at the suggested changes made in the draft and provide your comments." Graham Kenyon, the Chair of JPEL/64, adds, “The members and officers of JPEL/64 invite anyone involved in the industry to contribute to the standard by providing comments on the Draft. We will initially focus on addressing comments related to the intent of technical changes put forward. “Comments made on other parts of the standard will be considered in future work of JPEL/64, both for BS 7671 and international work. I extend personal thanks to all the organisations and individuals that have contributed to this Draft so far, both at National and International level.” The IET and BSI jointly manage JPEL/64, the committee responsible for BS 7671. For more information about the DPC and to register for the webinar at midday on Wednesday 7 August 2024, visit theiet.org/updates. For more from The IET, click here.

Vent-Axia launches new MVHR system

British ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia, has launched its first Passivhaus-certified Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, named the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq. With the new Future Homes Standard looking set to reduce carbon emissions for new build homes by a further 75-80% than current Building Regulations, the Sentinel Econiq is designed to provide low carbon heat recovery ventilation for air-tight thermally efficient new build dwellings, making it ideal for Passivhaus projects. The Sentinel Econiq offers strong efficiency, near silent operation and complete controllability, all of which helps to provide the optimum indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort. MVHR forms a critical part of a Passivhaus project since it successfully drives down energy demand. An MVHR system’s performance is considered an integral element of the primary Passivhaus heating demand calculation. Boasting impressive heat recovery and a specific electric power as low as 0.22 Wh/m3, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is now Passivhaus certified. Designed and developed in the UK to offer high levels of comfort and functionality throughout the year, the Sentinel Econiq’s maximised airflows and minimised noise and energy are achieved through cutting-edge EC motors and highly sculpted interiors. Providing impressive IAQ, the new Sentinel-X wireless control platform delivers complete control of the home environment, provided through a full range of wired/wireless sensors and an intelligent smartphone app. To further improve comfort, the Sentinel Econiq also features a built-in preheater as standard with optional duct heaters. Steve Pearce, NBR Product Manager, comments, “We are delighted to announce the launch of our first Passivhaus-certified MVHR system. We have already witnessed Building Regulations reducing carbon emissions from new build homes by 30%, but the Future Homes Standard looks set to radically reduce them. To achieve this, homes will become increasingly airtight and heat recovery ventilation will be a key technology to help deliver the final piece of the carbon avoidance by preventing heat loss. “The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq has been designed to meet these challenges, offering the ideal heat recovery ventilation solution to improve indoor air quality and comfort in new build homes.” The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq is available in three different sizes covering a range of properties, with left and right-handed versions available. With Passivhaus design, very low air leakage rates are required to meet the standard and must be demonstrated for each certified building. The air change rate must be less than or equal to 0.6 air changes per hour at 50pa, under test conditions. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq’s Constant Volume feature ensures it operates effectively, efficiently and reliably, providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, maintaining pre-set airflow irrespective of system pressure within its performance capabilities. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

Baxi launches end-to-end heat network service

Baxi has launched a complete end-to-end range of products and services, including new AquaHeat heat interface units (HIUs), to provide a single point of contact for customers involved in heat network projects. From carrying out initial feasibility and design studies to supplying prefabricated centralised energy centres and HIUs, to driving efficient system maintenance and system optimisation, Baxi offers total customer support at every stage. Heat networks are an important part of the drive to decarbonise heat and hot water services in residential and commercial buildings. The government has a target to supply 20% of heat in buildings from heat networks by 2050, up from 2-3% today. Through the Heat Network Transformation Programme, which includes initiatives such as Heat Network Zoning and tighter industry regulations, it is ensuring that high-performance, low-carbon heat networks can contribute towards reaching net zero. With heat networks set to be implemented across a growing number of UK new build and renovation projects, Baxi is offering a raft of services to support customers with correct implementation. Ideal for use in new build or retrofit multiple occupancy buildings, campus heating systems and district heat networks, Baxi’s comprehensive heat network solutions and services will support residential, public sector and commercial property developers and building owners in delivering low carbon buildings. At the heart of Baxi’s heat network proposition are Baxi Packaged Solutions. An established prefabrication specialist, the business excels in designing and manufacturing pre-packaged plant rooms for centralised energy centres, as well as prefabricated utility cupboards for use in individual dwellings within the property. These typically use heating and hot water solutions from Baxi’s brands including Remeha and Heatrae Sadia, as well as heat pumps from the wider BDR Thermea Group manufacturing facilities in Europe. As part of its heat network range, which includes thermal substations, Baxi is also launching AquaHeat, a new heat interface unit (HIU) for use in multiple occupancy projects such as apartments. The twin-plate HIUs are available in two outputs and can deliver indirect space heating and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) for new build and older homes. An indirect heat-only model is also available for use in commercial premises. Baxi’s heat network service is further enhanced by the UK launch of Mercurius Connected – a digital innovation developed and already available in Europe – that will be able to remotely monitor, troubleshoot and optimise the HIUs. Baxi is also drawing on expertise and experience from its parent company, BDR Thermea, which acquired heat network specialist, Fortes Energy Systems, a manufacturer and supplier of HIUs and thermal substations in northern Europe, last year. Baxi’s Integrated Thermal Solutions unit provides customers with feasibility studies and system design before installation, in addition to training, remote and onsite commissioning and ongoing service support. Stephen Hart, Baxi's Sales Director, says, “It is clear that heat networks will be one of the key routes to decarbonisation. Listening to our customers, it is equally evident that having a single point of contact will help them with the challenge of decarbonising heat and delivering low-carbon buildings. “By offering an end-to-end heat network solutions service backed with expert advice – from design to after-sales support – we can make the process simple, straightforward and successful for our customers.” For more from Baxi, click here.

Lucy Electric and Lucy Zodion collaborate on EV charging site

Lucy Electric, a provider of secondary power distribution, and Lucy Zodion a British manufacturer specialising in street lighting control, smart cities and EV infrastructure solutions, have announced a collaboration with InstaVolt on the latest rapid EV charging site at Camphill Village Trust's Taurus Crafts location. InstaVolt requires that any new site meets its stringent standards, so to ensure seamless project execution, Lucy Electric and Lucy Zodion integrated essential service elements into their end-to-end solution for InstaVolt. This involved noting ducting positions in design drawings, sending root sections in advance to accelerate civil progress, and including cable clamps to streamline installation processes. A key innovation in this project is the design of a back-to-back main supply pillar to minimise the footprint and optimise space, enabling the site to accommodate six 160kW chargers. The pillar features earth leakage protection, residual current protection, provisions for metering, surge protection, anti-condensation heaters, and service lights for enhanced safety and user experience. It is finished in black to integrate seamlessly with the rest of the site. Additionally, a comprehensive package substation was tailored to seamlessly integrate medium and low-voltage power distribution while ensuring efficiency and compliance with industry standards. This solution's centrepiece is a 500kVA package substation featuring a National Grid Ring Main Unit (RMU), engineered to DNO specifications, enhancing connectivity to the grid. The integration of the Lucy Sabre VRN2a TLF unit ensures adherence to NGED specifications, providing reliable performance and interoperability; and it includes a Lucy AcuLok LV cabinet equipped with an 800A ACB that aligns with IDNO standards, providing flexibility and choice in transformer-mounted LV equipment. Lucy Zodion and Lucy Electric are committed to a holistic approach, offering end-to-end solutions from initial specification to on-site delivery. This includes the flexibility to accommodate various transformer manufacturers and third-party equipment requests, ensuring compliance with all DNO, IDNO, and general industrial specifications. Via this collaboration, InstaVolt is able to offer user-friendly, reliable, and sustainable charging solutions. Initial installations at Cliff Court and Camphill Village Trust – Taurus Crafts will provide communities across the UK with convenient access to rapid charging facilities, driving the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. Tim Douglas, Head of Delivery at InstaVolt, explains "We are thrilled to collaborate with Lucy Electric and Lucy Zodion to advance EV charging infrastructure in the UK. Our partnership signifies a shared commitment to driving the electric mobility revolution forward, making EV charging an integral part of everyday life for communities nationwide. "Lucy Electric's expertise in crafting specialised charging solutions perfectly complements InstaVolt's dedication to delivering top-tier charging experiences. Together with Lucy Zodion, we are pioneering innovative solutions that meet and exceed the evolving needs of EV drivers and site owners. "Our collaboration ensures that our charging units are not only future-proofed but also optimised for future scalability, allowing us to continue to meet increasing demand for rapid charging. Just as reliability is paramount in our commitment to delivering 24/7 service, the robust solutions provided by Lucy Electric and Lucy Zodion help us guarantee dependable performance and user satisfaction. "Through our collective efforts, we are driving towards a greener, more sustainable future, where electric vehicles play a central role in reducing emissions and shaping a cleaner, brighter tomorrow." For more from Lucy Zodion, click here.