Midlothian-based electrical contractor rebrands as LIME

Midlothian-based contractor, Lime Electrical, has re-branded as Lime and has appointed David Houston as Joint Managing Director, together with a six-strong team of M&E professionals, to launch the company’s new mechanical division and develop it as an all-encompassing M&E contractor. The 50-person business, which was founded in 2015, operates throughout the UK and has delivered successful projects for major brands including Bacardi, Virgin Money and The Warner Brothers Studio, undertaking electrical installation work, including fire detection, emergency lighting and data systems. Joint Managing Director, Derek Fyfe, says, “David joins us with extensive experience in mechanical building services for design and build projects providing air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing and heating services for clients in a broad range of sectors. “We believe his experience and insight, together with the team of M&E specialists we have attracted to the business, will provide a significant boost to the number and range of contracts for which we will now be qualified to tender, so we are looking forward to a period of sustained growth over the next year.” David Houston adds, “I am hugely excited to join Lime and, as with our re-branding, hope to bring a breath of fresh air to an accomplished business by helping, alongside our new M&E colleagues, to launch Lime’s mechanical division and thereby expand its range of potential work throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.” Lime is a member of NICEIC and Construction Online, and as such, is regulated and monitored to ensure the quality, safety and reliability of its work. The business is also accredited to ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO18001 standards for management, health and safety and environmental care.

KNIPEX presents new three-component Comfort Handles

The new Comfort Handles from KNIPEX feature a third, non-slip component that optimises haptic properties and enhances the handling of the tools with multi-component grips. From this year, KNIPEX will be gradually converting these pliers to the improved handles, and there will also be a KNIPEXtend interface for extensions to the pliers (for fall protection, for instance). This year sees the typical red and blue multi-component handles from KNIPEX gain another component for even better handling of the pliers. A soft grey and specially structured surface texture optimises the ergonomics of the large range of pliers and thus ensures even better grip and control. The soft blue component for a secure and comfortable grip and the firm red component for maximum durability are retained and continue to stand for the highest quality and proven recognisability of KNIPEX tools. The changeover will take place gradually from this year onwards, with the electrically insulated tools remaining with the tried and tested VDE-tested two-component handles for the time being. Another new feature of the KNIPEX multi-component sheaths is a KNIPEXtend interface - an extension that can be used in a variety of ways. Among other things, a KNIPEX TetheredTool clip can be attached here for fall protection, or a clip called KNIPEX ColorCode, which individually identifies the pliers with a coloured marking. But this is just the beginning, KNIPEX says, noting the KNIPEXtend interface can be used for a wide range of clip ideas in the future. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Martindale launches expanded environmental testing range

Martindale Electric, a leader in safe isolation products, socket tester technology and PAT testers, has announced the expansion of its product line to include a comprehensive range of HVAC and FM tools, designed to assist electrical contractors and engineers with accurate environmental measurements, such as temperature, sound, light and airflow. This range of environmental devices includes specific thermometry application kits, sound and light meters, manometers, tachometers, anemometers, a moisture meter and a carbon monoxide meter. These tools are ideal for professionals who may need reliable environmental measurement capabilities to complement their standard toolboxes. Highlights in the expanded range include the Thermokit-LGN kit, a standout innovation for temperature testing and monitoring that adheres to health and safety guidelines to prevent conditions conducive to Legionella and other bacterial growth. The SP series sound level meters and calibrators provide precise on-site noise measurements in accordance with the noise at work legislation for both industrial and office settings, while the LM general purpose light meter range, in particular Martindale’s popular LM195 model, is engineered for compatibility with modern LED lighting systems ensuring comprehensive lighting analysis. Martindale says that its tools are not just additions to a toolbox, but essential instruments that enable contractors, technicians and engineers to perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently. For more from Martindale, click here.

ESP presents its Beacon Disabled Refuge range

ESP’s comprehensive Beacon disabled refuge range is being increasingly sought after by contractors working on larger, specification type projects. Meeting the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved Document B, the Beacon range comprises a variety of products that are specifically designed to assist emergency evacuation situations in a wide range of buildings and venues – with the aim of assisting people with limited mobility to safely exit the building. The Beacon ‘Master Stations’ are the central point of the disabled refuge system, which combines Fire Telephone Handsets, Disabled Refuge Outstations and Emergency Alarms to form one fully integrated system. Master Station - there are two Beacon Master Station options available – a push button version with 2-8 lines, and a touchscreen version with capacity for up to 512 lines to support a wide range of communication devices. During an emergency, the Master Station identifies the location of the Outstation that has been activated, with clear duplex audio to assist an evacuation process. Disabled Refuge Outstations – known as ‘Type B’ Outstations, these provide a fixed point of communication in a building for users who require evacuation or assistance. Situated in refuge areas usually found in protected stairwells, the Outstation provides duplex audio to the Master Station, which is located in the building’s control room, or at the access points for the fire service. Fire Telephone Handsets - known as ‘Type A’ Outstations - are for use by the fire and rescue service during an evacuation, allowing the officer at the fire control centre to communicate with other officers to control the evacuation. The ‘Type A’ Outstation activates a call to the Master Station to assist the fire and rescue service. Assist Call Range comprises a number of expandable three-part Assist Call Kits and accessory products which interface with the Master Station, identifying the location of the alarm upon activation. These include a Toilet Kit, as well as a Bedroom Kit suitable for hotels, residential and student accommodation. IP-rated modules are also available as part of the Assist Call accessories range, and are suitable for wet rooms and for areas of high moisture and humidity. The options include Call Button, Call Plate and Cancel Plate. ESP’s Beacon disabled refuge and assistance alarm range is supported by a dedicated, UK-based technical team, and will offer contractors and specifiers access to a free design service, compliant with the latest BS5839-9:2021 regulations. A brochure covering the whole of the Beacon range, along with examples of how the components of the system integrate, is available to download from the ESP website and from the Scolmore Group app. For more from the Scolmore Group, click here.

Omron launches high-capacity DC relays

Omron Electronic Components Europe has launched a new high-capacity DC relay for use in high-capacity household electricity storage systems (ESS), bidirectional EV chargers, and UPS systems. The G9KB-E builds upon the functionality of the G9KB family. It features a maximum voltage of 800 VDC and maximum current of 100A, making it well-equipped to meet an increasing market demand for higher voltages and currents in battery applications, particularly within the 15 to 40 kW range. The relay has the same size and weight as the standard G9KB series, yet achieves a 33% higher maximum switching voltage, and 50% higher current. As such, the relay opens up new possibilities for application designers to reduce the number of relays per system, while also leveraging greater power capacity within a smaller footprint. The use of fewer relays within a system can improve its sustainability, lowering heat emissions while also reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life disposal. The G9KB-E features bidirectional DC switching capability, enabling the use of a single device to replace two unidirectional relays. The relay harnesses arc cut-off technology to safely and securely cut off high-capacity DC. 3D arc simulation technology has been used to visualise the arc phenomenon and optimise the arc cut-off process, resulting in a more compact design with improved safety compared to competing technologies. The device achieves a low rated contact resistance of 5 milliohms, resulting in less heat generated for more efficient performance. This, in turn, improves the reliability and longevity of both the G9KB-E itself, and of neighbouring components within the same system. The G9KB-E mounts to a PCB and weighs less than conventional relay or contactor designs. Unlike conventional sealed relay designs it features no hydrogen gas for improved safety. The device is tested to achieve in excess of one million operations throughout its mechanical life, and is certified to UL(UL60947-4-1), TUV(EN 61810-10), and CQC(GB/T 21711.1) standards. For more from Omron, click here.

SolarEdge announces global rollout of energy optimisation platform

SolarEdge Technologies, a global provider of smart energy technology, has announced the global rollout of SolarEdge ONE for C&I, a comprehensive software-based energy optimisation platform for Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar applications. Expected to become generally available in the coming months, SolarEdge ONE for C&I has been developed specifically for EPCs, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) providers and businesses. It is designed to automatically and constantly manage the site’s energy production, storage and consumption, enabling businesses to maximise energy savings and meet their environmental goals by utilising real-time data analytics to make intelligent decisions. SolarEdge ONE for C&I will offer EPCs and O&M teams advanced PV monitoring and fleet management tools tailored specifically for C&I applications. The software platform will deliver deep performance analysis across entire PV fleets, drilling down to the module level. In addition, it is intended to help EPC’s and O&M teams to minimise downtime and reduce site visits, with features such as remote troubleshooting, device operation and remote configuration. The platform’s live alerts system will enable proactive response to critical issues for extended system performance. The SolarEdge ONE for C&I platform is designed to serve as a single ecosystem for controlling and managing the site’s energy assets, including PV, storage, EV chargers and building assets, such as HVAC and lighting. It will provide energy insights to various stakeholders in an organisation, and is intended to render unnecessary complicated third-party integrations. Zvi Lando, CEO of SolarEdge, comments, “SolarEdge ONE for C&I is a culmination of our recent strategic acquisitions of software companies Wevo, for EV charging management, and Hark, for buildings energy asset optimisation - as well as our expertise and know-how in developing a dedicated C&I energy optimisation solution. “Complementing our hardware portfolio of inverters and our new C&I storage systems, the comprehensive solution will offer customers a complete end-to-end ecosystem with optimisation for energy savings, from a single supplier. We believe this solution will bring significant value for businesses in their energy transition, providing a technologically advanced and future-ready solution that can evolve with their changing needs.” For more from SolarEdge, click here.

Zumtobel announces EIC fundraising tally

Thorn and Zumtobel, both part of the Zumtobel Group, have announced that they raised £9,824 for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) during the financial year 2023/24. The funds were raised through various internal initiatives, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting its wider community. Paul Kilburn, Managing Director UK and Ireland at the Zumtobel Group, comments, "The Electrical Industries Charity often stands as an unsung hero behind the scenes in the electrical industry, offering invaluable support and assistance to those in need. Our team has come together to contribute to this noble cause, recognising the crucial role EIC plays in the lives of many. The compassion and dedication of the EIC team are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to support their mission." Kate Adamczyk, Director of Marketing and Business Development at the Electrical Industries Charity, adds, "We are incredibly grateful to the Zumtobel Group for its remarkable fundraising efforts and their unwavering support for the Electrical Industries Charity. The £9,824 raised will make a significant difference in the lives of many individuals within the electrical industry who rely on our assistance. "The creativity and enthusiasm shown by the Zumtobel Group team through their various initiatives are truly praiseworthy. Their commitment to giving back to the community exemplifies the very best of corporate social responsibility." The EIC provides essential support to individuals in the electrical industry, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance they deserve. The charity's diverse team, from front-line support staff to the executive team and volunteers, plays a pivotal role in its operations. The funds raised by the Zumtobel Group brands and teams were accumulated through a series of engaging activities and initiatives, including a walking challenge, bake offs, a book auction, and more. For more from Zumtobel, click here.

Unicrimp adds earthing plates to Q-Crimp accessories range

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has added new Earthing Plates to its comprehensive Q-Crimp cable accessories range. Brass earthing plates are designed to provide a low-resistance path to the earth, allowing electrical current to be safely dissipated into the ground in the event of a fault or short circuit. The new Q-Crimp Single and Double Brass Earthing Plates are suitable for Unicrimp’s Q-Nect IP66 junction boxes and for earthing 20mm brass glands. Unicrimp recently expanded its cable glands range which now includes armoured industrial brass cable glands and nylon cable glands that are offered in a variety of BW, CW & AE1W and they are all manufactured to the latest approvals and BS 6121 standard. More information is available in the Unicrimp Catalogue which can be viewed on the website – www.unicrimp.com - or via the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Fergus encourages the trade to prioritise mental wellbeing

Fergus is encouraging the trade to prioritise mental health as a result of recent statistics from the Lighthouse Charity revealing a 30% increase in demand for its help and support from the construction sector over the last year. These figures follow in the wake of a 2020 report from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) that highlighted the silent mental health crisis within the construction industry, with males three times more likely to commit suicide than those in other sectors. “It might not be the most discussed topic out on the tools, but mental health is a major part of a tradesperson’s overall well-being. It influences how we think, how we feel and how we act,” says James Chillman, UK Country Manager for Fergus. “In the construction industry, where physical labour is demanding and the work environment can be high-pressure, it’s no surprise that mental health often takes a backseat. And there is little doubt that running a business can add to that pressure too. “It is essential that business owners and workers take action to prioritise work-life balance. We’ve seen a worrying trend in rising suicide rates and depression related to work issues in our industry, and we can’t afford to ignore this any longer. It’s time for construction companies to take a proactive approach to improving the mental wellbeing of their workers.” Mental health is a subject close to the Fergus team. The Founder of Fergus, Dan Pollard, a heating and plumbing engineer from New Zealand, also found things mentally tough when he was on the tools, eventually leading to the creation of software that would help him to keep on top of not only his business, but his work-life balance too. Dan tells us that he experienced some tough times, and has made sure ever since that Fergus gives hints and tips to the trade to stay on top of their mental wellbeing. Here are some of Fergus's methods that business owners can adopt to help promote positive mental health: Open communication Encourage open dialogue about mental health. This can be achieved through regular team meetings and anonymous feedback channels. When workers feel they can speak freely about struggles or issues, they are more likely to seek help. Access to resources Provide access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or stress management workshops, and offer training to managers and supervisors on how to recognise signs of mental distress. Investing in the mental well-being of employees is an investment in the company’s future. Work-life balance Promote a healthy work-life balance. This includes reasonable working hours, breaks during the workday, and time off. When employees have time to recharge, they are more productive and engaged during work hours. Leading by example Business owners and managers should lead by example. By taking care of their own mental health and being open about it, they set a precedent for their employees. This can create a culture of understanding and support within the organisation. The role of technology Technology can play a significant role in supporting mental health in the trades industry. Tools like Fergus, a job management software, can streamline workflows, reduce day-to-day stress and help tradespeople focus on what they do best. By reducing administrative burdens, technology can play a part in reducing some of the mental load carried by trades workers. For more from Fergus, click here.

JTL names 2024 National Apprentice Awards winners

JTL, a leading apprenticeship provider across England and Wales, has named Edward Barber, Dammy Ajibade and Chris Lintern as the winners of its National Apprentice Awards, which took place at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire on 13 June. After being named as the winners at JTL’s Regional Awards earlier this year, Edward, Dammy and Chris went on to compete against eight other regional electrical and MES winners at JTL’s annual apprentice awards ceremony. Yeovil-based Chris, who completed his apprenticeship at Spectrum Electrical Group, was named the winner of the JTL National Apprentice of the Year Award for 2024. London-based Dammy, who completed his apprenticeship while working for T Clarke Plc., and Sutton Coldfield-based Edward, who works for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, were named the national winners of the Paul McNaughton National Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) Apprentice of the Year awards respectively. As the recipient of JTL’s National Apprentice of the Year Award 2024, Chris was presented with a cheque for £1,500 from JTL. Edward, meanwhile, received a £500 voucher donated by award sponsor UK Plumbing Supplies, whilst Dammy’s prize was a Megger multi-function tester worth over £1,000, donated by award sponsor Edmundson Electrical. All three also received engraved glass trophies. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive at JTL, says, “Our National Awards celebrate the hard work and achievements of our apprentices throughout their qualification, along with the dedication of those who have supported them, such as our training officers and the employers we partner with. “It has been a pleasure to learn more about Edward, Dammy, and Chris’s journeys, along with the other finalists. These awards are very well deserved by all three individuals, and I wish them all the best in their careers following this milestone." Chris Lintern, JTL’s National Apprentice of the Year for 2024, notes, “It feels amazing to be named the national winner, and I’m very proud to be recognised for what I’ve achieved. “Next in my career, I want to do some more electrical-based training, excel a bit more in the industry and keep working as hard as I can. “To people looking to get on the career ladder in this industry, definitely consider doing an apprenticeship. It’s the best way to learn in my opinion. It gives both practical and theoretical ways of learning all in one - the best of both worlds.” Edward Barber, National MES Apprentice of the Year, commented on receiving his award, “It’s great to have the recognition of winning an award for taking the risk to change careers and follow it through. “I’m looking forward to continuing where I’m working and seeing what internal progression I can take on with my dual qualification.” Dammy Ajibade, the winner of the Paul McNaughton National Electrical Apprentice of the Year, enthused, “I’m really honoured to have been chosen for this award and am very grateful to all the people who have helped me along the way, such as my training officer, my company and the wider team at JTL. “Next in my career, I’m planning on learning as many new things as possible and expanding my knowledge of the electrical industry further.” JTL’s National Awards scheme assesses each nominee against four key elements which make up the apprenticeship framework – their practical work onsite, theoretical knowledge, key skills and industrial test scores. For more from JTL, click here.