HiKOKI launches new Rotary Hammer Drill

HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the DH40MEY2 SDS-max Rotary Hammer Drill, which the company believes will set new benchmarks for performance, comfort and safety in its class. With an impact energy of 9.2 Joules, this tool is designed to deliver fast, precise drilling and demolition work. The DH40MEY2 is not just powerful, but also light - weighing just 6.5 kg - which significantly minimises user fatigue during extended use. It features an advanced User Vibration Protection system that maintains a low vibration level, dramatically enhancing operator comfort. Together with the Low Vibration Handle, this tool is engineered for optimal comfort and grip, ensuring maximum control and minimal strain. Safety is paramount with the DH40MEY2, HiKOKI says. The Reactive Force Control technology is a critical safety feature that automatically stops the motor if the tool bit is suddenly overburdened. This intelligent mechanism prevents the twisting of the main unit and potential injuries, making it a safer choice for heavy-duty applications. Constant speed control means the drill can deliver extra power to maintain speed under load while variable drilling speed settings allow users to adjust according to the task requirements. Developed with a brushless motor, the DH40MEY2 will stay stable even during voltage drops, and it's fully compatible with engine generators. This feature ensures uninterrupted productivity, especially valuable for off-the-grid projects. Available in two versions, the DH40MEY2J1Z 240V with side handle and injection case, and the DH40MEY2J2Z 110V, these tools are a must-have for professionals who want efficiency, durability and safety in their drilling and demolition operations. For more from HiKOKI Power Tools, click here.

Deadline extended for Edmundson Apprentice of the Year entries

The entry deadline for the 2024 ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award has been extended to Friday 21 June 2024. For over 45 years, the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award has been widely recognised as one of the most prestigious training awards in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. It aims to showcase the very best talent across ECA’s Member businesses. The winner will receive an array of prizes including £3,000 cash, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a unique study trip in Dornbirn, Austria, sponsored by manufacturer Thorn Lighting. They will also receive a Certificate of Commendation and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner. There are also prizes for two runners-up, including a £2,000 cash prize, a state-of-the-art toolkit and a certificate of commendation. Finalists will not only have good technical skills, but also be role models for others in the industry. This award is only open to apprentices employed by ECA Member businesses. The apprentice must have passed the AM2/AM2S since April 2023, and have completed their apprenticeship. The winners’ employer will be awarded a year’s subscription to the BSI library and a year-long licence for Electrical OM software, as well as increased company profile, press coverage, and two VIP tickets to the 2024 ECA Awards dinner. The runner-up’s employers will also be awarded a year-long Electrical OM licence, increased company profile and press coverage.

Lease Van reveals tools most likely to be stolen from tradespeople

Van drivers and tradespeople are being urged to keep equipment safe after it was revealed that £98 million worth of tools have been stolen. The team at Lease Van has revealed that powered hand tools, standard tools, mechanical hand tools and building materials are all being actively targeted by criminals. The data shows that 44,514 thefts were reported to the police last year. Tool thefts have also been on the rise yearly, with incidents being reported every 12 minutes during 2023. This also has a knock-on effect on workers trying to earn a living, as tradespeople have been said to have lost an estimated £82 million worth of jobs in 2023 due to stolen equipment. In the year before, the total value stolen was £66 million, with powered hand tools topping the list as the most sought after by thieves. Lease Van is now warning drivers to be on high alert, as 38.5% of these tools were stolen directly from vans. Tim Alcock, Motoring Expert at Lease Van, comments, “It’s extremely alarming to learn that £98 million worth of tools has been stolen and the number seems to only be increasing every year. “We want to warn van owners they must take extra precautions in order to keep their equipment and vehicle safe from thieves who are actively targeting commercial vehicles. If you must keep equipment in your vehicle overnight, make sure you install extra locks on your van. Also, park in a safe spot overnight; if possible, in view of a camera for extra security. Sensitive vehicle alarms can also help to deter criminals. “We also advise never to leave tools unattended, even during the daytime, as there may be a thieving opportunist waiting around the corner to make a quick steal and sale.” For more from Lease Van, click here.

Engineering services firms continue to struggle with labour shortage

The latest quarterly survey of the UK engineering services sector, backed by leading trade bodies ECA, BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF, reveals that electrotechnical businesses continue to be held back by slow growth, partly blamed on a shortage of adequately skilled workers. The survey paints a picture of an overriding issue which has been of consistent concern for the last four quarters. Half of all survey respondents (48%) said they currently have vacancies in their organisations. Half of these (50%) said they have trouble filling these vacancies due to an insufficient supply of applicants. Just under half said that applicants lacked the right attitude or behaviours (46%), and that applicants’ pay expectations were too high (45%). Over eight in 10 (85%) survey respondents were SMEs – meaning they employ 250 or fewer people. These findings underscore ECA’s ongoing work to improve skills in the sector, including the ECA Recharging Electrical Skills Charter. This highlights the significance of the electrical contracting sector and electrical skills to the economic opportunities and practical delivery of the UK’s net zero goals. ECA COO, Andrew Eldred, comments, “Through further action at national and local levels, we need to bring the number of electrical apprentice starts up to a sustainable level. We should also expand appropriate green upskilling opportunities for already qualified electricians, using the industry’s own ‘Electrician PLUS’ kitemark. “Policymakers need to start listening to engineering services SMEs and reshape the skills system to deliver training routes which real-world employers value and recognise. This is essential if we are to build an appropriately sized workforce with the right qualifications to install low-carbon technologies efficiently and safely.” Electrician PLUS was launched by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) in August 2023. It is a skills framework that focuses on the core competence of a qualified electrician as a foundation from which to upskill and train in low carbon installation. With regards to finances, when it comes to being paid on time, 63% of survey respondents said commercial clients and main contractors took 31 to 60 days to pay for work. 13% said this can take 61 to 90 days. Half (49%) of respondents said public sector clients can take 31 to 60 days to pay – and 13% - over one in 10 – said they can take 61 to 90 days. Lastly, almost three in five (58%) of respondents said between 1-10% of their turnover is currently being held in retentions.

Breathing Buildings’ provides ventilation to carbon negative offices

Breathing Buildings, a provider of controlled hybrid ventilation systems, has supplied ventilation to ECO MEP’s carbon negative headquarters in Ashford, Kent. Recently purchasing the building, ECO MEP is a mechanical and electrical contractor that focuses on delivering lean, sustainable solutions to commercial clients. In line with these values, the company's objective was to ensure that its own new offices were a beacon of sustainability; and thus specified Breathing Buildings’ innovative NVHRe Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery to provide energy efficient ventilation. ECO MEP was committed to creating a carbon negative operational workplace. The offices are located in a new build industrial unit with the fit out requiring specification of the most efficient products. NVHRe comprises both natural and mechanical ventilation, as well as heat recovery. Two NVHRe C+ 1100 units were therefore installed in the first-floor open plan office space above the acoustic rafts, as an exposed installation. The NVHRe C+ 1100 units additionally feature a coil with the ability to provide heating or cooling for year-round comfort and full temperature control. The heating and cooling coils meant air conditioning and radiators were not required for the office, offering a more sustainable solution for the project. Paul Hooker, Owner and Managing Director of ECO MEP, comments, “Working with energy efficient goals every day and having knowledge of the range of products available meant we knew that there was no comparison to better deliver the requirements of our new office building”. The key difference between Breathing Building’s original NVHR range and the new Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe) is an addition of a low resistance heat exchanger cell within the unit. This allows the unit to benefit from both heat recycling and heat recovery, reclaiming even more heat than previous models, saving more energy, providing greater occupant comfort, and allowing users to include the heat recovery efficiency within the building energy assessments (SBEM). “We were delighted to supply our NVHRe C+ 1100 units to ECO MEP’s offices and are excited to be involved in a project where the objective is creating a carbon negative operational workplace,” says Louse McHugh at Breathing Buildings. “Our NVHRe takes all the benefits of energy efficient hybrid ventilation one step further by providing natural ventilation with heat recycling and heat recovery. The addition of a heating and cooling coil then ensures year-round comfort and temperature control.” Boasting the lowest energy consumption for a hybrid heat recovery ventilation unit in the industry, the NVHRe combines 46% heat recovery efficiency with low Specific Fan Power (SFP) of 0.075 W/l/s to help maximise a building’s energy savings. In addition, the NVHRe has several different operating modes to minimise energy use, enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) and improve occupant comfort. An intelligent hybrid system, the unit automatically decides when and if mechanical operation is required, ensuring it only operates when absolutely necessary. Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, the NVHRe is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. The inclusion of the low resistant aluminium cross plate heat exchanger to the unit lowers energy costs by reducing the reliance on space heating to maintain thermal comfort in a room. It operates during colder external temperatures, typically below 7ºC when mixing recycled air alone is not enough to maintain the desired temperature for occupants. The range also includes units that can be the primary source of heat; needing no radiators, as well as a system that can offer further cooling, such as the units used at ECO MEP’s offices. The British designed and manufactured units come in three models with product variations to suit every need with the standard NVHRe 1100 an NVHRe+ 1100 which includes a heating coil and is ideal for buildings in cooler areas; and an NVHRe C+ 1100 which features a heating and cooling coil for year-round comfort and full temperature control. The NVHRe hybrid ventilation system’s ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural and hybrid ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains, with the addition of heat recovery to deliver thermal comfort and IAQ. Hybrid ventilation focuses on the vital balance of IAQ, thermal comfort, and efficiency by choosing the most appropriate mode of ventilation based on the internal and external conditions, allowing the NVHRe to be in the most energy efficient mode possible at all stages. Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer, with the addition of heat recovery to bolster winter thermal comfort, minimising the need for a primary source of heating for the space - in return, reducing energy costs. Supplied with an external temperature sensor, and an internal temperature and CO2 sensor (as well as an intelligent controller), the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing. NVHRe optimises IAQ, comfort and efficiency by automatically switching between natural, hybrid and mechanical ventilation, maximising benefits. The unit has four modes: Summer Natural Mode, Summer Mechanical Mode, Winter Mode: Mixing and Winter Mode: Mixing with Heat Recovery. The Summer Natural Mode enables the unit to maximise the benefits of passive ventilation by opening the high-quality motorised damper and ventilating with zero cost. The Summer Mechanical Mode enables the hybrid technology to maximise ventilation by working in conjunction with other openings and providing cooler air. In Winter, the Mixing Mode and Mixing with Heat Recovery strategies can offer significant heating-bill savings as they recycle and recover heat while providing ventilation to ensure excellent IAQ and thermal comfort that enhance occupant comfort, health and productivity. In addition, the NVHRe features a dedicated control panel mounted on the side of the unit for easy access on-site. This is pre-configured and the PCB board for each unit records operational data for up to 15 years on the micro SD card that is included free of charge. The data can easily be exported for analysis. Manufactured using high quality components, the unit is designed to be easy to install and maintain. All core components are easily accessible with access gained from beneath the unit. Each component can be serviced in-situ to ensure it operates efficiently and for as long as possible, enhancing the overall longevity of the unit - rather than needing to replace a whole unit. Breathing Buildings has given careful thought to the entire lifespan of the NVHRe, ensuring that all key components are recyclable at the end of use.

SELECT President issues warning about rise of rogue tradespeople

The outgoing President of SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, has issued a stark warning about the rise of rogue tradespeople masquerading as qualified electricians to take advantage of the boom in domestic renewables technology. Alistair Grant, who ends his two-year tenure at the organisation next week, said there is increasing concern across the industry about the dangers of incorrectly installed technology such as electric vehicle (EV) charge points and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Alistair says that as demand from consumers increases, SELECT members are reporting an alarming rise in shoddy and dangerous workmanship that needs to be urgently remedied by qualified and fully-trained electricians. He explains, “With governments driving the transition to net zero, and homeowners being urged to play their part, we’ve seen an increase in ‘green energy experts’ coming forward to take advantage of demand, yet it’s obvious that a lot of these so-called experts have no wider knowledge of electrical best practice or safety. “Electrical installations these days are very complex and the fitting of technology like domestic EV charge points, battery storage and solar panels needs to be carried out by professional electricians, not people who’ve merely done a short course. “The needs of every home are unique and complicated when it comes to electrical installations, yet we are hearing numerous reports of SELECT members being called out to rectify work that is not only shoddy, but downright dangerous.” More than 140,000 households have installed solar PV panels, and 4,000 public EV charge points are already in place, with Transport Scotland estimating that the nation will need around 30,000 charge points by 2030. Alistair adds, “As demand grows, some fellow members have told me ‘it’s like the Wild West out there’, with rogue companies literally knocking on doors and offering to install renewable electrical equipment for a knockdown price. “Unfortunately, in the current cost of living crisis, consumers are often making decisions purely on cost alone, not realising that they could face a much higher bill later for getting the work put right and made safe. “Even more worryingly, they might not realise anything is wrong at all, and end up paying the ultimate price further down the line when any hidden faults cause a fire, or worse.” Alistair pointed to a survey carried out by Electrical Safety First in conjunction with Loughborough University in which out of 1,700 homes examined, 80% had electrical faults - 50% of which were critical. He adds, “One solar installation which I was called out to recently had direct current cabling running from the roof, directly through a pile of children’s toys in the loft and into a cupboard in the home – the potential for a disastrous fire was obvious to see. “This is typical of the kind of things we are seeing, and just emphasises why consumers should always use a full-trained and qualified electrician from a SELECT member company for every electrical job.” Alistair will hand over the Presidency of SELECT to current Vice President, Mike Stark, at the SELECT AGM on Thursday 6 June, and said his two-year term had been “hectic, but thoroughly enjoyable”. He said he had enjoyed attending meetings across the UK as well as spearheading two successful President’s Lunch events, and paid tribute to the excellence of the staff in the background at SELECT who maintain the organisation’s high standards. Alistair concludes, “Despite the proliferation of rogue tradespeople, I am very optimistic about the future of the electrical sector and the industry is doing a great job in a society which depends more and more on electricity. “I’m also confident that electrical contractors of all sizes will continue to be expertly supported by the team at SELECT, who work tirelessly behind the scenes on their behalf to create a safer electrotechnical industry and, ultimately, a safer landscape for consumers.” For more from SELECT, click here.

Apprentices commended at Screwfix Trade Apprentice finals

Jindara Scott, a 22-year-old apprentice electrician from Lisburn, and Ethan Wynn, an apprentice gas engineer from Buxton, were both ‘highly commended’ at the national final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024, held in May. With an incredibly high standard of finalists in this year’s competition, for the first time, the judges decided to award two highly commended honours – in recognition of Jindara and Ethan’s hard work and dedication to their trade. During the two-day event which took place in London, Ethan and Jindara presented to an esteemed panel of industry judges, including representatives from Screwfix, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Jindara’s drive and ambition to improve standards and workplace culture in the industry made her stand out to the judges. Jindara wants to encourage others to follow her footsteps into a trade career and, in the future, would love to give opportunities to other young apprentices. She says, “I love the variety that comes with being an electrician, and the ability to make a real difference to people’s homes and businesses. After all, if we didn’t have electricians, we would all be in darkness! “I was in complete shock when they presented the highly commended award to me at the final. I now want to use my platform to work with vulnerable kids from diverse backgrounds like my own and give them opportunities to enter the industry. Eventually I would like to have my own company where I would aim to foster the right culture that includes vital values such as inclusivity, positivity, and encouragement.” Meanwhile, Ethan shone throughout the final with his dedication to learning about his chosen trade and how he had overcome personal challenges to pursue his passion for plumbing and heating. Representing apprentice gas engineers working in rural locations, he clearly articulated the challenges facing areas such as Buxton when it comes to deploying renewable solutions for a more sustainable future. Ethan’s innovative approach to the pre-final task, in which he was asked to design a tool that would make a tradesperson’s life easier, saw him create a 3D printed prototype of a ‘Cut and Clean Pipe Slice’ invention, which impressed the judges. He comments, “To reach the final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice was a great achievement, but to be awarded 'highly commended' made it especially memorable. I’m immensely proud of my achievements, and to have had the opportunity to represent the hard work and dedication of all trade apprentices. I absolutely love my job and, in the future, want to help others looking to build a career in the plumbing and heating sector.” Simon O’Mahony, Director of Marketing Communications for Screwfix, presented the highly commended awards to Jindara and Ethan, who will also receive a prize bundle worth £1,000. He notes, “We are now in the tenth year of Screwfix Trade Apprentice, an important award that recognises the very best trade apprentices in the UK. This year more than ever, the calibre of entries was particularly high. Every one of our finalists is a credit to their trade and the future of the industry. “All the judges believed that Jindara and Ethan were worthy of recognition. Their personalities, approach to learning and desire to encourage others, as well as their technical skills, made them stand out finalists. Both demonstrated a genuine curiosity for their respective trades and were fantastic representatives for trade apprentices. We continue to need to address the skills gap across the construction industry, and supporting new talent such as Ethan and Jindara will be key to achieving this.” The winner of Screwfix Trade Apprentice was Matthew Rutherford, a 19-year-old apprentice carpenter from Bangor, County Down who is currently employed by Laird Contracts. Matthew walked away with the coveted trophy and a career-boosting prize bundle of tools, tech and training worth £10,000. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Hispec launches in-house CPD training for electrical contractors

Hispec, a Chorley-based supplier of fire detection and lighting products and a sponsor of this year's ECN Awards, has announced the launch of its new in-house Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited courses. The new course will provide electricians with comprehensive training while informing them about life-critical safety systems. Hispec’s CPD course will be split into a three-part series called ‘An Introduction to Life Safety Systems’, with modules in Intelligent Emergency Lighting, Connected Fire Detection and The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide. Chris Loughlin, Managing Director of Hispec, comments, “It has always been a dream of mine to be able to offer added value as a business to both our loyal wholesale customer base and the contractors that now install our products daily. “We will provide contractors with the skills to ensure they have the vital knowledge needed to help protect people in buildings across the UK. By doing the CPD training course, electricians will have peace of mind that they have up to date understanding and insight of regulations as well as new products and guidance.” Sam Cox, Client Relationship Director, adds, “We have created a CPD training course like no other. We all know that learning on top of doing the day job can be tedious. That’s why we have really put time and effort into our courses and how we deliver them – from videos, Q&A sessions and an upbeat and fun environment. I can’t wait to meet and guide lots of individuals up and down the country.” Hispec was established in 2002 and supplies a diverse range of products that include fire detection, air quality and emergency lighting, with the goal of making homes and buildings safer for everyone. Anyone interested in taking Hispec's new series of CPD training can reserve their spot by contacting Sam Cox via sam.cox@hispec.co.uk. For more from Hispec, click here.

JTL announces winners of 2024 Employer Recognition Awards

JTL, a leading apprenticeship provider in the building services engineering industry across England and Wales, has announced the winners of its Employer Recognition Awards for 2024. The annual awards celebrate apprenticeship employers that have shown significant levels of support and commitment toward their JTL apprentices. This year, JTL has recognised five winners amongst its significantly large base of over 3,800 employers that it works closely with. This year’s winners are as follows: National - Fortem Solutions Northern region - Intelect UK Southern region - E.W.Gee Eastern region - GRS Electrical Services Western region - Lloyd Morris Electrical National winner, Fortem Solutions, specialises in property repairs and maintenance, and delivered a total of 117,461 routine, urgent and emergency repairs between January 2023 and April 2024. The nationwide company, which has 15 locations across the UK, works closely with JTL training officers to ensure all aspects of the apprenticeship qualification are supported. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive at JTL, says, “At JTL, we understand that delivering high-quality apprenticeships is a two-way street. Our success is credit to the fantastic network of employers we collaborate with across England and Wales, and the winners of our 2024 Employer Recognition Awards exemplify this perfectly. “All five winners have created exceptional learning environments for JTL apprentices, going the extra mile to support them towards their qualification completion.” For more from JTL, click here.

Zumtobel releases DC version of its continuous row lighting system

'Zumtobel, an international supplier of integral lighting products, is seeking to revolutionise the lighting industry with the introduction of a direct current variant of its popular TECTON continuous row lighting system. This move not only promotes the use of DC networks but also unlocks the full potential of renewable energy, the company says. By harnessing energy from local renewable sources without conversion losses, the TECTON DC continuous-row lighting system is designed to offer companies a more sustainable lighting option. Energy-intensive industrial sectors, in particular, can look forward to up to 4% additional energy savings with the direct current version, Zumtobel states. When renewable energy sources are used, fluctuations in the mains voltage can never be eliminated. However, industrial plants rely on a fail-safe power supply and reliable lighting to ensure uninterrupted production. TECTON DC can be fitted with a battery buffer and an emergency light function to address this. This means that the light line can compensate for power failures or fluctuations in the mains supply, improving safety in industrial applications. Like the alternating current version, TECTON DC also offers the option of infinitely variable power tapping along the entire length of the continuous row. A unique safety concept ensures that the assembly and installation of the lighting unit are completely safe, even at a high voltage of 650 volts. TECTON DC is equally suitable for retrofitting or as a next generation standalone luminaire. Conversion is straightforward, so existing TECTON users can benefit from improved sustainability and safety in their operations with little effort. Only the input source and the light insert need to be adapted. Conversion involves replacing the TECTON ballast with a DC-compatible driver, which processes the input voltage directly and without loss. The track does not need to be replaced, making the upgrade sustainable and future-proof. With TECTON DC, the illuminated sections are potentially extendable and can be continued over more than 50 metres – which Zumtobel believes is a huge advantage, particularly for large industrial sites. TECTON DC can also be seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem of a building at a digital level. TECTON DC delivers valuable real-time data on lighting performance and power consumption based on the DALI-2 and D4i standards. This information makes it easier to manage buildings digitally and, in keeping with Zumtobel’s concept of 'human sustainability', helps to control light in an even more targeted way, protecting resources more efficiently. As a member of the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA), Zumtobel works with key players from industry, science, and research to develop a future-proof power grid based on direct current. This provides Zumtobel with the advantage of technical expertise, which it uses to continually expand its range of DC luminaires. For more from Zumtobel, click here.