Amendment to 18th Edition to spark renewed focus for electricians

On 1 May the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) announced a consultation to amend BS7671: 2018 - the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations - for the third time. The consultation, which was launched on 8 May 2024, was triggered by a technical bulletin issued by BEAMA which aims to address the requirements for the correct connections of unidirectional and bidirectional residual current devices (RCDs) and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs). Welcoming this next amendment as a positive and essential step forward for the industry, electrical expert and Technical Manager at Bureau Veritas, Martin Sampson, stresses the need for electricians to remain on top of the frequently changing regulations to ensure utmost safety for end-users. Martin takes up the story: "This new focus on connection of unidirectional and bidirectional RCD and MCBs comes at a relevant time for the industry, as we’re seeing a marked rise in the demand, installation and use of renewable energy solutions. The introduction of renewable technology such as solar PV, electric vehicle charging or battery storage systems means that we must now consider the safety implications and likelihood of parallel supplies within a single installation. "An RCD is a safety device designed to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire, caused by earth faults; it essentially identifies a fault in an electrical system and switches it off. A unidirectional RCD will therefore only identify a fault when electricity is flowing in the one direction it was designed for. Newer technologies such solar, EV and battery storage may require bidirectional devices. The designer and installer must refer to manufacturer’s advice on where to connect these within the distribution board. "The regulations are being updated to keep pace with the advances in technology and the relevant manufacturer's guidance. "However, also important to note is the significance of yet another amendment to the wiring regulations. As the demand and scope for renewable energy sources continues to grow and develop, so too will the regulation that sits alongside it. This proposed emergency amendment to the IET 18th Edition Wiring Regulations marks the third review of the document in six years - a notable increase in frequency compared to previous versions. The BEAMA report accelerating this evolution of the regulations. "I don’t expect there to be a slow-down in regulatory change either, as technology will continue to evolve on the race to net zero, and we learn new things about the technological advancements aiding us to achieve this. This is simply just the start. For example, EV charging guidance is changing quickly with the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation, moving onto edition five in 2023 - only 11 years after publication. "As outlined in the BEAMA report, electrical installation designers will need to decide on which method to use for new installations to ensure that, going forward, they utilise the correct connections for unidirectional and bidirectional RCDs and MCBs. "Time will only tell exactly what this third amendment of the 18th edition will bring, and industry leaders now have the opportunity to comment against the proposed changes, until 5 June, with the final amendment due to be published in summer 2024. "Bureau Veritas offers a range of testing and certification services to support customers in managing compliance around electrical safety in general for new and existing installations or for specific areas, solar PV panels, battery storage plants and EV charging points." For more from Bureau Veritas, click here.

Electrical apprentice set to compete at WorldSkills Competition

Scotland’s leading electrical bodies are congratulating a talented young electrical apprentice who will take on the best in the world at a prestigious global skills competition in France later this year. Danny McBean, 21, from Dufftown, Morayshire, will face the challenge of a lifetime after being chosen to represent his country at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon this autumn. The apprentice, who is employed by Grants (Dufftown) and attends UHI Moray College in Elgin, made the world finals after scooping gold in the 2023 SkillELECTRIC contest last November. And his latest achievement has been highly praised by Scotland’s largest construction trade body, SELECT, and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), which manages apprentice training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB). Industry skills specialist Fiona Harper, who took over as CEO of SECTT in April, says, “It is terrific news that Danny has been chosen to represent Scotland and its electrical industry at such a huge international event as WorldSkills. “Young people like him are an example of all that is good in the sector and of the value of the training that is on offer to them – ensuring a healthy pipeline of talent for a future which is so clearly electric. “Working in partnership with SELECT, the SJIB and Unite the Union, SECTT is established as the premium provider of electrical apprentices, and achievements like this demonstrate the extremely high standards that we instil in all learners across Scotland.” Danny will now join 1,500 competitors from more than 65 countries and regions in Lyon in September, where they will showcase a range of 59 skillsets in front of 1,400 business experts and more than 250,000 visitors. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, notes, “Danny has already proved that he is a force to be reckoned with following his convincing performance at SkillELECTRIC, and we know that he will put up a tremendous fight against the best in the world in Lyon. “Scottish apprentices have performed consistently well at SkillELECTRIC and beyond in recent years, and it is great to once again see the cream of Scottish talent take its place at the highest level on the world stage. “Electrical apprentices are the talent of tomorrow and it is essential that they receive a proper and thorough grounding to ensure the ongoing electrification of society is conducted safely and competently.” Danny – whose father Iain is a lecturer at UHI Moray College – comments, “I was over the moon when I was named in first place in the SkillELECTRIC contest. But to be selected to go to WorldSkills in France is a dream come true. “I am continually grateful for the quality of the training I have received through SECTT and SELECT, which has given me the skills to be able to compete at this level and now against the rest of the world. “As I look forward to Lyon in September, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Dad, who is also my lecturer, and my employer for giving me the time off to practice and take part.” Organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET), SkillELECTRIC 2023 was one of 50 WorldSkills UK national finals held in Greater Manchester last November, with competitors gathering for a special medal ceremony hosted by TV presenter Edith Bowman. As well as returning with the SkillELECTRIC title, Danny was also awarded the Rab Sherry Trophy for being the best SECTT apprentice of 2023. The award was created in memory of SECTT and SJIB Trustee Rab, who was a Unite the Union official and a huge supporter of electrical apprenticeships until his death in 2022. For more from SELECT, click here.

The North-East gets charging with SyncEV

Businesses in the North East of England have been fitted with BG SyncEV chargers thanks to trusted BG SyncEV installers, Get Charging. One such business is Auto Electrics (Teesside) in Stockton-on-Tees - an electrical specialist for the vehicle, plant and marine industries - which has three new electric vehicle chargers for its fleet of company vehicles. With assistance from the Government’s EV infrastructure scheme, three BG SyncEV chargers were installed at the company’s headquarters; two being installed outside and one being installed inside the working garage space. “When choosing what EV charger is right for the job, we look at what the client needs and how we can match that to a charger,” says Get Charging’s Sam Armanios. “With Auto Electrics Teesside, we chose to use the BG SyncEV charger because of its versatility and its integration with the EV management platform Monta, which makes the charging process simple and very straightforward for our clients. It is compact and can easily integrate into any environment and fit the branding of the company with interchangeable faceplates. “We have a specific aesthetic when installing our chargers which includes custom trunking and wall mounting and BG SyncEV is a great option to match this. With Auto Electrics Teesside, we chose to use a blue trunking on the outside of the building and a silver metal trunking on the inside to match each space. The BG Sync EV charger also has base and rear entry points, so we have multiple options for installation.” Sam continues, “Another way the chargers are versatile, which benefitted the business in this instance, is the availability of RFID key fobs. This means that staff can easily use the chargers without having to download an app to control them, so when they are swapping and using different vehicles each day, the available key fobs make charging simpler and easier.” BG SyncEV chargers can be customised to fit any home or business with two different power output options - 7.4kW Type 2 or 22kW Type 2-phase, with either a socketed or tethered connection - and they can be connected through Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi and 4G, Wi-Fi and RFID, or all three – Wi-Fi, 4G and RFID. Sam adds, “We included BG SyncEV as one of Get Charging’s charge point options because we wanted something reliable, quick and that looks good. The BG SyncEV chargers look neat, aren’t bulky and the design makes them less intrusive than some other charge points.” Auto Electrics (Teesside) received a government grant as part of the EV Infrastructure Grant Scheme for the installation of the EV charging points. The EV Infrastructure Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing electric vehicle charge point sockets at their sites. The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the installing future infrastructure for EV charge points with £500 towards each future parking space and £350 for each charge point installed. Eligible applicants can include businesses, charities, public sector organisations, and small accommodation businesses. All charge points must be installed by an OZEV certified installer, like Get Charging, and an authorised charge point, of which BG SyncEV models are included. Mike Wilson, Co-Owner of Auto Electrics (Teesside), comments, “We are really happy with the installation or our EV charge points, and the product is great. We use the chargers for our company vehicles, but we also have the option to use them for customer vehicles, if necessary, thanks to the ease of access of where they are installed around our site. “We found out about the EV Infrastructure Grant Scheme through Get Charging who explained the whole scheme and helped us with the application. This really subsidised the costs and allowed us to have these chargers installed for the future of our business.” For more from SyncEV, click here.

Q-Nect IP junction boxes with semi-transparent lids from Unicrimp

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, offers a range of IP66-rated, weatherproof junction boxes with semi-transparent lids. The addition of the semi-transparent lid takes the IP box to the next level, allowing you to see the inside connections without compromising the integrity of the enclosure. The Q-Nect IP66 junction box is designed to make installations more efficient. It can house four of the three port lever connectors using the 360° detachable cradle and with a curved lid, it provides additional space for wires. The lid is locked using quarter turn fasteners. The semi-transparent lids are available on the IP66 Weatherproof Enclosure that is furnished with four three-way lever connectors. The junction box features 10 membrane entry points. Protection against moisture and dust is enhanced with the self-sealing membranes which provide a faster and more secure cable entry whilst at the same time maintaining the IP66 rating. Installers have the option of using up to eight M20 cable glands with the junction box. The M20 threaded entries with membrane ensure that the IP rating is maintained without needing to use any tools or locknuts. Multiple fixing options are available – either fixing directly to a wall using four screws into the pre-moulded holes in the base or using the detachable wall clip which requires just two screws. The new junction boxes with semi-transparent lids are available in a black or anthracite grey finish, with the anthracite grey colour option designed to match the Click Scolmore Aquip66 weatherproof socket and switch enclosures, which are also available with the same semi-transparent lids. A comprehensive Q-Nect brochure can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website – www.unicrimp.com - as well as from the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Garden lighting range available from Ovia

As we approach the warmer days and longer evenings, Ovia has a range of garden lighting products to help your clients get their outdoors summer ready. A collection of wall lights, spike lights and bollards make up the range, ensuring all areas of the garden can benefit from a new lease of light. The majority of the range is available in cool white 4000k and warm white 3000k colour options. With warm white a very popular choice for external garden lighting schemes due to its softer light source, Ovia is experiencing high demand for this collection. The range sits within Ovia’s Amenity Lighting category. There are seven different wall light designs in the range including: Twist – an innovative IP65 11W up and down wall light which makes a stylish addition to an outside space. Finished in grey, it is available in warm and cool white options and designed to illuminate up and down to highlight a pathway or feature wall. Verta – 6W and 12W options for this IP54 cylindrical up or down LED wall light, finished in black and available in warm and cool white options. Centuri – 7W IP54 boxed LED wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation, in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options. Orna – 7W IP54 square, up and down LED wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options. Quadra – 10W IP54 rectangular LED backlit wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options. Avori – 15W max, IP54 boxed wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation. Finished in grey with a tinted lens. The Spear spike light is a 7W IP65 LED in a grey finish, that can be easily positioned at various locations to highlight a feature or path. It is available in warm and cool white options. The Tribus 7W IP54 LED bollard is available in a mini (350mm height) or maxi (750mm height) version to provide flexibility. They come in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options. Ovia’s Amenity/Garden Lighting collection can be viewed in full on the Ovia website at www.oviauk.com, or by downloading the latest Ovia issue 5 catalogue by clicking here. For more from Ovia, click here.

ABB opens energy-efficient factory in Belgium

ABB has opened a new €20 million (£17.2m) injection moulding manufacturing site at Evergem, near Ghent in Belgium, to meet the growing demand for safe, smart and sustainable electrification solutions in Europe. The modern plant has been developed to meet the latest energy-efficiency demands through the installation of new injection moulding machines, digital technologies, and automation solutions. It replaces an existing facility that joined ABB as part of its acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions in 2018. The site will produce power distribution enclosures which serve as protective housings for electrical distribution components such as circuit breakers, fuses, switches, and meters, ensuring the safe distribution, metering and control of electricity throughout residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The global electrical enclosure market size is projected to grow from $7.42 billion (£5.9bn) in 2024 to $13.15 billion (£10.5bn) by 2032 due to increasing demand for new buildings, the modernisation of existing buildings with more efficient and reliable electrical systems, and advances in electrical distribution. The new Evergem site is part of ABB’s Mission to Zero initiative towards significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of ABB sites, while supporting customers to reduce their GHG emissions by providing a decarbonisation roadmap that they can implement. The initiative is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by more than 6,700 tonnes and energy consumption by more than 9,400 MWh annually compared to 2019 at the previous facility. The measures are anticipated to result in approximately €2.5 million (£2.1m) in energy cost reductions annually. Equipped with energy-efficient machinery, it is expected that 10% of energy required at the site will be generated by 1,330 on-site rooftop solar panels, with the remaining sourced from certified green energy supplies. LED lighting, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, heat pumps, cooling water circuits and a new air ventilation plant are also contributing to the energy and carbon emissions reduction. The Evergem site will continuously monitor and optimise energy usage, leveraging ABB's own digital solutions such as the ABB Ability Building Analyzer, which tracks buildings data and utilities in real-time and provides actionable insights to optimise energy efficiency. This, coupled with the use of green energy and heat pumps, also facilitates the reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Additional digital technologies, such as a building management system, will be introduced in the coming months to further support the energy efficiency achievement. "The Mission to Zero approach at Evergem is a significant example of our aim to enable a lower-carbon society and of our commitment to accelerating the transition to more sustainable manufacturing,” says Mike Mustapha, President of ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings division. “This advanced site is designed to fulfil future demand, not just current needs. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative processes that can optimise efficiency and productivity now and in years to come will provide a training ground and sustainability roadmap for our people and customers. We will continue to combine digital technologies with measures to reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy sources at Evergem in 2024 and beyond." To enable a low-carbon society, ABB is taking a rigorous, science-based net-zero targets approach in line with the Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). ABB partners with customers to avoid emissions and ramp up renewables. A scalable programme, Mission to Zero, covers energy generation, energy management and building automation for industrial and commercial operations. For more from ABB, click here.

Gripple receives prestigious King's Award for Enterprise

A Sheffield-based firm on a mission to revolutionise the construction industry through innovation has been singled out for the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Employee-owned manufacturer, Gripple, which works across 85 countries worldwide - including seven sites in South Yorkshire - is one of only 59 businesses in the UK to be chosen for this year’s King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. Awarded for Fast Trak, its innovative pre-fabricated bracket system, which is used to suspend mechanical and electrical services in construction applications, the award recognises Gripple’s dedication to driving efficiency and sustainability in construction, helping customers do more with less by solving real-world challenges with simplified engineered solutions. Its innovative design allows for easier, faster and safer installation than traditional rod and strut, making it invaluable in supporting major construction projects. Ed Stubbs, Managing Director at Gripple, says, “Gripple is all about doing more. That means empowering our people to push boundaries and deliver better solutions for the markets we service. “Innovations like Fast Trak, designed by engineers, for engineers, are crucial to driving the industry forward. Solving the challenges facing our customers and delivering efficient and sustainable solutions is what drives us. Success for them means success for us. “We are delighted to have been recognised for this commitment by his Majesty the King. It is testament to the hard work of each and every one of our employee-owners and our commitment to excellence in design innovation and manufacturing.” Gripple’s Fast Trak system is made up of specialist track and prefabricated slotted brackets, which use patented cartridges to help make installing electrical containment, pipework, ductwork or other mechanical services easier and faster. The award is the sixth time Gripple’s products and initiatives have been recognised in the UK’s Queen or King’s Awards for Enterprise, and the third time it has won the Award for Enterprise in Innovation, recognising its continued commitment to delivering game-changing innovations in the markets it services. The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of his late mother by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The award programme, now in its 58th year, celebrates businesses in four categories; International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity, focusing on social mobility. This year, only 257 awards have been handed out despite there being 5.5 million businesses registered in the UK - making it one of the most coveted business awards in the country. Gripple, which employs over 950 people globally, is a purpose-driven business, 100% owned by its employees. This approach to business means they are passionate about investing in people, innovation and sustainable growth. For more from Gripple, click here.

No subscription fees with ESP’s Fort Smart Security Doorbell

As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets, consumers are making every effort to keep a cap on their outgoings. With recent news reports citing huge hikes in the subscription fees of some video doorbell providers, ESP is reminding its customers and installers that with its Fort Smart Security Doorbell, there are no subscription costs or any additional fees to pay. The Fort Smart Wi-Fi Doorbell offers full 1080p (2MP) HD live view, two-way audio, recording and visitor notifications. It is powered by rechargeable batteries, with up to 750 activations on full charge, and it comes with a plug-in RF chime included. Additional features include IP54 rated ingress protection, 5m infrared LED illumination, 3m PIR detection range and 130° wide angle camera view. It offers clear two-way audio and motion activated video recording (storage included). The smart security video doorbell is part of the comprehensive Fort range of smart security products, which also includes a smart alarm, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single app – the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ app from Scolmore Group, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform. The Fort Smart Security range offers accessibility and simplicity for both the installer and end user and has been designed to bring simple, smart solutions together for a safer and more comfortable home. The range features contemporary styling and has been designed to be simple to install, maintain and use and provide a hassle-free security solution.

Interns celebrate full-time roles with UK Power Networks

Five interns who took part in a four-week 'Power Among Us' course have now been offered full-time roles with UK Power Networks. The quintet who showed outstanding promise has been offered apprenticeships in craft attendant roles across the London power network. The ‘Power Among Us’ programme by UK Power Networks worked in conjunction with multiple youth groups across the capital to offer work experience for young people from communities that are so far under-represented in the energy industry. The initiative was inspired by the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, where significant levels of unemployment are being experienced in London. Opportunities were given to nine individuals not in employment, education or training (aka ‘NEETs’). Participants spent two weeks in UK Power Networks’ offices where they developed their soft skills whilst gaining an understanding of how the company operates. The second half of the programme saw them go out with highly trained engineers to see first-hand how the power network is maintained. UK Power Networks aimed to provide interns with employability skills that can be transferred into multiple parts of the industry. Power Among Us’ first cohort proved to be a success, with every intern displaying skill and determination to learn about the industry. Those who stood out and exceeded UK Power Networks’ expectations have been offered full-time roles. The Top 50 Inclusive Employer has made a concerted effort to give opportunities to those who have traditionally not considered, or had difficulty, in accessing careers in the electrical engineering industry. As a result of the programme's success, the firm now plans to expand the initiative to the South East and East of England. Natasha Paramasamy, STEM Outreach and Development Specialist who co-ran the initiative, says, “The progress and maturation observed in our interns is commendable. They have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly, embracing an open learning mindset throughout the programme. The presentations they delivered at the conclusion of the programme reflect not only their remarkable journey but also the positive influence the programme has had on their personal and professional development.” Patrick Clarke, Director of Network Operations, who began his utility career as an apprentice, says, “I think the industry has got some way to go. It's still not seen as an attractive industry to some young people, and certainly not to young people from diverse backgrounds. “To make this change, fishing in many different pools is essential, so when we cast our nets there will be interest from all types of people - because the best candidates come from every part of society. Additionally, when they arrive in the industry, we must ensure the work environment is welcoming and flexible.” Kamron Nicely, one of the interns involved, comments, “The skills that I've developed is learning the difference between being an electrician and an electrical engineer. If I wasn't offered this opportunity, I would be doing voluntary work for an electrician, which is what I was doing before this. I would say this will have a good impact on my life and change my life because, hopefully, I can get to a place where I want to be. “It's going to impact my future by giving me the experience to come across business people, working class people and build networks in the future. I'm ready and excited to start at UK Power Networks right away.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Net Zero Lighting Conference urges a holistic approach

Achieving net zero for lighting must encompass everything from supply-chain sustainability and logistics to customer engagement. This was one of the key messages to come from the Net Zero Lighting Conference in London. The event was organised by The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Recolight, the UK's leading scheme for WEEE compliance and recycling of lighting products. It brought together 120 delegates and speakers for a comprehensive review of the challenges around the decarbonisation of manufacture in the industry. Lighting manufacturers Ledvance, Whitecroft, Stoane Lighting, and Knightsbridge, shared some of the strategies they have adopted to reduce carbon emissions. “What’s clear to me is that moving towards net zero and sustainability is not a tick-box exercise, but more about changing the culture of your organisation,” said Conference Chair, Ray Molony. “And when you change that culture, good things flow. For instance, staff, especially younger members of the team, become energised and engaged in a way few management initiatives can achieve. “A number of companies said that they gained enormously from beginning their sustainability journey. Far from being a burden, gathering and analysing data on their processes such as their energy use and their supply chain, helped organisations identify waste and potential cost savings. In some cases, the savings were dramatic. Bob Bohannon, Head of Policy and Sustainability at The LIA, gave a comprehensive overview of the wide range of certification schemes that manufacturers can use to measure, set targets and give clear evidence of their actions towards net zero. Bob said, “Manufacturers need to choose the right one that best fits their company’s size and position on their sustainability journey, with particular consideration given to scope: some schemes are focused on carbon emissions, others cover a wider range of environmental, sustainability and governance parameters, whilst others are full life cycle assessments of a product’s impacts. What I would say is don’t wait, choose a scheme based on clarity and science and start your net zero journey as soon as possible.” Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, commented, “It has been inspiring to hear of the work some lighting manufacturers are now undertaking as they start to decarbonise their operations. Nobody should underestimate the challenge this involves. But the commitment to make change was tangible, and the number of delegates confirming that they would implement changes as a result of the conference was very encouraging.” Lastly, Ayça Donaghy, LIA CEO, noted, “It’s evident that the journey towards sustainable lighting products and operations is both urgent and ongoing. Our discussions underscored that this isn't merely about reducing emissions - it's about reimagining how we operate across every aspect of our business. From enhancing our product designs with sustainability at the core to engaging deeply with our supply chains and customers, every step we take is critical to achieving our goals. As we continue to set transparent, science-based targets and improve our practices, the commitment from every stakeholder across the industry will be essential for turning these ambitions into reality.” For more from Recolight, click here.