Click Scolmore adds new Elucian 1P + Switched RCBO

Click Scolmore has introduced a new range of compact 1 Pole + Switched Neutral True 6kA 30mA Trip (Type A) RCBOs to its Elucian consumer unit and protective devices portfolio. Available in B Curve and C Curve and 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A and 45A options, the new switched neutral RCBOs come complete with 450mm Neutral out tails, and they are supplied with a three-year warranty. They form part of the Click Elucian range of RCBO protective devices which are all Type A rated, offering a resilience when DC current is present. A single pole switched neutral RCBO is a device that has overcurrent protection only on the line conductor, but residual current protection on both the line and the neutral. It also switches off in the event of a fault, or a manual operation. The Elucian RCBO protective devices range now comprises: • The new Type A 1 Pole + Switched Neutral RCBO B Curve – 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A,40A and 45A • Type A Single Pole B Curve – 6A,10A,16A, 20A, 25A, 32A and 40A • Type A 2 Module Double Pole B Curve – 45A, 50A and 63A • Type A Single Pole C Curve • Type A Double Pole C Curve. The comprehensive Elucian by Click range can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website – www.scolmore.com – as well as on the Scolmore Group app. For more from Scolmore, click here.

Four in five UK tradespeople experience mental health problems

More than four in five (82%) UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work-related issues, a new study has found. The research was commissioned for Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) by IronmongeryDirect, and the results have been published in the fourth edition of the company's annual industry report, Mental Health in the Trades. It found that more than half (56%) of tradespeople experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, every month; and sadly, more than a quarter (27%) feel symptoms every single week. However, in more positive findings, both statistics are lower than this time last year. Once again, the ongoing cost of living crisis is the leading cause of stress, with more than a third (34%) saying it’s affecting their mental health, but this has also dropped slightly compared to the 2023 report (39%). The rising cost of materials remains the second main stressor (32%), but new entries on the list include the poor work-life balance (24%), the physical demand of jobs (12%) and a lack of recognition (10%). According to the study, the top 10 most common causes of stress for tradespeople are: 1. Cost of living crisis (34%) 2. Rising cost of materials (32%) 3. Finances (25%) 4. Poor work-life balance (24%) 5. Too much work (17%) 6. Tensions with customers (15%) 7. Tensions with suppliers (14%) 8. Physical demand (12%) 9. Lack of recognition (10%) 10. Long workdays (10%) Unfortunately, despite the benefits of doing so, almost nine in ten (88%) tradespeople don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their feelings. Just one in ten (10%) have spoken to friends or family about their mental health over the last year, which is down from previous studies (17%). Furthermore, 7% of workers worry what their colleagues would think if they told them what they were going through, and more than a quarter (26%) feel they can’t take time off work for mental health reasons. Bricklayers are the most likely tradespeople to feel stressed or anxious on a daily basis (35%), but overall, mental health problems are most common amongst joiners. Almost all of those surveyed (92%) say they have experienced issues. The trades that are most and least likely to experience mental health issues due to work are: 1. Joiner (92%) 2. Bricklayer (90%) 3. Builder (87%) 4. Caretaker (87%) 5. Carpenter (87%) 6. Building Surveyor (85%) 7. Plasterer (82%) 8. Electrician (79%) 9. Landscaper (77%) 10. Painter Decorator (72%) 11. Plumber (70%) As part of their campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst tradespeople, IronmongeryDirect has donated over £13,000 in recent years to Basildon Mind, a mental health charity, to support its vital services. Denise Kent, CEO at Basildon Mind, comments, “Thank you to IronmongeryDirect for the wonderful research piece. One of the survey results that stood out to us was that so many workers, nine out of 10, didn’t know that our local Mind, and the other 103 local Minds all over the country, are here to provide the support, respect and help for everyone experiencing a mental health issue. It shows that the battle continues for mental health awareness, and we urge everyone to join the fight so that there is a future where everyone can get quality mental health care when they need it.” Ellis Osborn, Ecommerce Manager at IronmongeryDirect, adds, “This is now the fourth year we’ve conducted this research, and it’s clear that mental health problems continue to be a real issue across the industry. “However, it’s encouraging to see some of the statistics dropping compared to previous studies. Hopefully the stigma around mental health is starting to reduce, and tradespeople feel slightly more willing to speak up when they have difficulties. “There is certainly a long way to go though, and we urge everyone to reach out and talk to someone if they are feeling stressed or anxious. Opening up can feel daunting at first, but it can be the first step towards improving your mental health situation.” To read IronmongeryDirect’s Mental Health in the Trades: 2024 Report in full, click here. For more from IronmongeryDirect, click here.

CEF to bring popular TechTalks to Ireland

Electrical wholesaler, CEF, is bringing its popular TechTalks to four locations across the Republic of Ireland. The free and informative technical seminars aim to educate trade professionals by including the latest news and regulations with CPD-accredited training. The new series will plug into current industry trends, with seminar topics including meter tails considerations, thermal imaging, new emergency lighting standards and domestic fire and CO requirements. At the end of the TechTalk seminars, a technical Q&A will be offered where members of the CEF team will be available to answer questions and offer further insight into industry training and products. The talks will also comprise of 19 exhibitors, including headliners EI Electronics, Hager, MyEnergi, Click Scolmore, ESPI and Ovia Lighting. Attendees can view and trial a range of CEF supplier’s latest products and innovations, equipping trade professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to address their customers’ needs. CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth, says, “TechTalks give us the opportunity to connect with our customers and colleagues, face-to-face, across the UK and Ireland with informative and helpful events. Each event is designed to help our customers be at the forefront of regulations, tools and technology, enabling them to leave with the insights and inspiration needed to operate successfully with their own customers. It’s so important to us at CEF to continuously give back to the trade we know and love.” Alongside the seminars, trade professionals will receive a CPD certificate and TechCards, which act as a handy reference to the seminar topics and provide the chance to connect with supplier brands. Entrance is free to the events, and complimentary breakfast and refreshments will also be served. The talks will commence on Tuesday 14 May at Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club, and will continue across different locations in the Republic of Ireland including Limerick, Waterford and Dublin. For more information and to secure a place, visit your local CEF branch or register for free by clicking here. For more from CEF, click here.

Red Arrow acquires license to distribute Osram luminaires

Osram, a provider of sensing, illumination and visualisation technologies, is joining forces with Red Arrow, as the UK-based lighting manufacturer becomes the partner of choice and exclusive licensed distributor of Osram Professional General Lighting luminaires, which will soon be available via Red Arrow's RA PRO range. With 70% of the global lighting market dedicated to LED sales (a figure which seems likely to increase over time), users and buyers of LED lighting products have more choice than ever over the luminaires they acquire. Equally, their expectations for LED are evolving. Not only do LED luminaires need to demonstrate exceptional performance and controllability, but they also need to be adaptable and energy efficient. Those that are will be the choice for architects, specifiers and electricians in installations that have two priorities for businesses and the built environment – sustainability and energy security. In this regard, the partnership between Osram and Red Arrow will be complementary, as both Red Arrow (through its RA PRO range of products) and Osram share a steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, excellence in design and unmatched performance. In addition, Osram's range of luminaires will complement those manufactured and distributed by RA PRO, with standout products including the Pursos floodlight (with options for DALI and DMX controls for sports and concert venues respectively) and the LEDTouch cylinder downlight (with a 50,000 hour lifespan and 50% energy savings compared to traditional downlights). Speaking on the new partnership, Graham Lewis, Sales Director at Red Arrow, comments, “RA PRO is excited to showcase its luminaires alongside Osram’s Professional luminaires, and both ranges have been manufactured with the intention of promoting excellence. “The Osram and RA PRO ranges complement each other in many ways, with a seven-year warranty and a two-year on-site warranty being a benchmark of the RA PRO range. Working together in collaboration will bring a new strong partnership into the lighting marketplace that above all, values the lit environment.” The full suite of commercial LED luminaires offered is available in a dedicated catalogue, which can be read by clicking here. For more from Red Arrow, click here.

JTL named as finalist at British Training Awards

JTL, one of the leading apprenticeship providers in England and Wales, has been announced as a finalist at the prestigious British Training Awards. The learning provider has been shortlisted jointly with Titus Learning in the Learning Platform of the Year category for the bespoke platform LEDA (Learn, Educate, Develop, Advance). LEDA was launched in 2022, as a result of work between JTL and Titus Learning. The platform provides an online learning system for the entire JTL Group, which also consists of certification scheme, CompEx, and compliance, technical and safety training provider, Develop Training. Across the JTL Group, LEDA currently has over 13,000 users - with elements available in 44 different languages and used across six continents. The platform offers a range of courses and modules for users to conveniently access. JTL apprentices can use LEDA to complete modules during their apprenticeship, before continuing their career journey with tailored pathways through CompEx and Develop Training qualifications. Martin Lidyard, Head of Digital Learning at JTL, comments, “We’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for this year’s British Training Awards, and especially pleased to see LEDA recognised among such high-calibre fellow nominees. “We’re continually looking at ways we can evolve the learning experience that we provide for our apprentices, and LEDA is a crucial element of this as it supports the journey not just during the apprenticeship process, but with lifelong learning options.” The British Training Awards take place on 19 June in London. For more from JTL, please click here.

Morrison Energy Services wins place on Great Grid Partnership

Morrison Energy Services, a part of M Group Services Energy Division, has won a place on National Grid Electricity Transmission’s construction framework – The Great Grid Partnership. This framework creates a collaborative approach to delivering highly complex large-scale infrastructure across England and Wales. Integral to support the drive to net zero, Morrison Energy Services’ Electricity Transmission will support National Grid as it works to connect homes and businesses to offshore renewable energy across the UK. This will enhance Morrison Energy Services’ existing 90-year relationship with National Grid, having already constructed a major proportion of the existing network, and extends this relationship for up to a further 12 years. Offering a significant opportunity for Morrison Energy Services’ Electricity Transmission, the framework will see the business continue to grow, developing its workforce for the future, supporting local communities and working collaboratively with National Grid and the other partners to leave a positive legacy. David Maddocks, Managing Director at Morrison Energy Services Electricity Transmission, says, "We are delighted in gaining a place on the National Grid Partnership framework, which represents a strengthening of our relationship with National Grid and a great opportunity for us to support the UK's transition to net zero. “With more certainty of work in our extensive portfolio, this marks the start of a major opportunity for us to grow and develop our workforce, sustainably for the long term, to meet the complex demands and challenges that this period will bring us. “We look forward to working with National Grid and our enterprise partners to leave a positive legacy that will be felt for decades to come." Carl Trowell, President, Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, adds, “The announcement is another significant and exciting milestone in the delivery of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in decades. The scale and pace of this upgrade requires us to unite as an industry and to think and act differently. “This Great Grid Partnership is a ground-breaking initiative from National Grid that places our supply chain partners at the heart of our infrastructure upgrade programme. All our chosen partners have an established history of successful collaboration in delivering major projects and enabling innovation to thrive. “By sharing best practice and collaborating across nine of our critical major ASTI infrastructure projects, we will set the gold standard for future infrastructure projects in terms of driving innovation, shoring up capacity across the skills base, operating responsibly and sustainably and getting the best value for consumers.” For more from Morrison Energy Services, click here.

UK Power Networks Services builds renewables portfolio

Energy solutions company UK Power Networks Services is expanding its renewables portfolio with the acquisition of UU Solar, from SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust LLP (SEEIT). The deal with SEEIT sees UK Power Networks Services taking ownership of 70 solar, wind and hydro energy plants, generating 68.7MW of electricity for United Utilities Water (UUW). The portfolio is underpinned by a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with UUW. UK Power Networks Services has a long history of successfully and efficiently managing large asset portfolios for clients with critical national infrastructure and this investment will represent another strategic addition to its broad portfolio. Director of UK Power Networks Services David Mitchell says, “Our vision is to deliver sustainable, reliable energy and we see this renewables portfolio as a natural fit. Our long-term objective is to grow our technology and geographic footprint in the renewables sector.” “We have been building our capacity in this sector in recent years and recently delivered one of the largest solar car ports in the UK. This acquisition has been carefully negotiated to achieve a good price and is another example of us investing in large portfolios of key renewable UK assets.” Read more from UK Power Networks here.

ECN Awards 2024 early bird tickets on sale now!

The ECN Awards are coming back to the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry on 5 December 2024 and early bird tickets are on sale now! You can take advantage of the early bird rate to make massive savings on tickets for the evening. The offer applies to single tickets or whole table sales. You can get a seat for just £95* per person, saving £15, or a full table of 10 for just £900* – that’s an incredible £100 off! The evening will consist of a fabulous drinks reception, three-course meal, entertainment, dancing, and the presentation of the 23 awards. The ECN Awards are dedicated to recognising the very best of the electrical contracting industry and are built on integrity and transparency, making them the gold standard of electrical awards, with the winners chosen by a panel of independent industry experts. You'll need to act fast to secure these tickets as the early bird rate is only valid until 5pm on Thursday 28 June. Order now and ensure you are present on this special night to celebrate the best the industry has to offer. You could even host your company’s Christmas party at the ECN Awards 2024! Purchase your tickets here. If you prefer to be invoiced for your ticket, please email Kelly Byne at kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com. *The prices shown exclude VAT.

ECA prepares members for Wiring Regulations amendment

ECA is preparing its Members and the wider industry for Amendment 3 to the current edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022). The IET and BSI are calling on the electrical industry to have its say on an amendment to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, which will go to DPC (Draft for Public Consultation) from 8 May to 5 June 2024. The amendment follows a bulletin from BEAMA which aimed to clarify the differences between connections for unidirectional and bidirectional RCDs and circuit-breakers. The amendment is due to be published in summer 2024, where it will be free to view on both the IET’s and BSI’s websites. Comments on the DPC can be submitted through BSI’s Standards Development portal by 5 June 2024 at 5pm. Darren Crannis, ECA’s Technical Manager, says, “This is a welcomed proposed amendment to the Wiring Regulations. We encourage all ECA Members to review the proposed changes once the DPC is released on 8 May and make comments via the BSI portal or to the ECA at technical@eca.co.uk. “We will be ready to support ECA Members and the wider electrotechnical community with the proposed changes as more details are published in due course.” The IET and BSI jointly manage JPEL/64, the committee responsible for BS 7671, of which ECA is a key member. ECA’s industry-leading technical team offers support across a wide range of electrotechnical activities. ECA Members can access exclusive application guides, editable certificates, guidance notes, technical bulletins, and access to the ECA technical helpline. For more from ECA, click here.

CEDIA begins selection for 2024 lifetime achievement recipient

CEDIA, the association for smart home professionals, has opened submissions globally for the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Honoured annually at the three worldwide CEDIA Smart Home Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has exhibited outstanding, creative, innovative, and visionary leadership in the growth and advancement of the professional smart home industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award is open to any individual from a CEDIA member company. Nominations are judged by the CEDIA board of directors and based solely on the content provided in the application. To honour the recipient, CEDIA will produce a tribute video highlighting their life’s work and provide a platform for them to address the industry during a speech at the 2024 CEDIA Smart Home Award ceremonies. “As we embark on the search for our next Lifetime Achievement recipient, we look to honour not just a person, but a legacy of innovation and leadership that has shaped the professional smart home industry,” says CEDIA Global President and CEO, Daryl Friedman. “We encourage nominations from all corners of our global community, recognising that true vision knows no boundaries.” For 2024, CEDIA has also introduced three individual awards categories to spotlight people who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields: Best Newcomer, Best Technician, and Best Sales Representative. These new categories join CEDIA’s existing manufacturer awards, integrator awards, and hall of fame. To nominate a deserving candidate for the 2024 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award or any of the three individual awards, visit cedia.org/awards. Submissions for the Lifetime Achievement Award close 24 May 2024. The deadline for all manufacturer, business, and individual awards is 1 June 2024. For more from CEDIA, click here.