Yorkshire expansion for QUEST Electrical

Electrical contractor and facilities management provider, QUEST, has expanded into Yorkshire with two key appointments paving the way for a Yorkshire division. Based in Burnley, QUEST has strengthened its offer to the Yorkshire market with Rose Brothwood and Jen Thorpe taking up roles as the new Commercial Manager and Business Development Manager for the region. Rose, a qualified electrician and electrical estimator, and Jen, with a background in professional services and business development, will be handling QUEST’s many Yorkshire-based customers from a base near Leeds. The pair will be speaking to businesses in Yorkshire and will also be bringing on-board a team of local electrical engineers to offer an even more efficient service. Dominic Miller, Technical Director at QUEST, says, “We already work with some excellent businesses in Yorkshire but this is a great opportunity for us to provide an even better service to customers old and new in the region. “Rose and Jen bring skills, years of experience and a dynamic presence to QUEST and I look forward to seeing these top class professionals help customers get the best possible service from our highly trained electrical engineers.” For more from QUEST, click here.

Aztec to complete solar project for Poole Hospital

Having recently become a Centrica Business Solutions energy partner, Aztec Solar Energy has announced that it will complete its first solar PV design and installation project at Poole Hospital in Dorset. The installation is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust’s transition to net zero. The project involves five interconnected roofs on one building and will have 470 PV panels, five SolarEdge inverters and 261 optimisers. Estimates show that it will generate circa 200,000 kWh annually to save in the region of 50 tonnes of CO2 a year. Aztec Solar will connect, commission and test the new solar PV system just two days after installing the panels, inverters and other equipment over the preceding weeks. Phil Bryant, Head of Public Sector Sales for Centrica Business Solutions, says, “Aztec Solar is an excellent addition to our energy partner programme, and given its experience in the health sector and its expertise in installing solar PV systems on commercial buildings, it was the ideal company to partner with for the delivery of the project at Poole Hospital. “We’re seeing an uptick in demand from public sector and commercial organisations looking to take advantage of the space above their heads for solar schemes. This provides cost certainty and a source of green power, supporting long-term sustainability ambitions.” Stuart Lane, Sustainability and Carbon Manager for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, adds, “We are delighted to announce successful project completions with Centrica Business Solutions and Aztec, overcoming site constraints and height access challenges. “We are implementing a new roof-mounted photovoltaic system to advance our commitment towards achieving net zero carbon targets. Upon completion, this installation is projected to generate circa 200,000 kWh of power or approximately 5% of Poole Hospital’s power demand and offset approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 a year. “The solar panel arrays are situated atop the Phillip Arnold blocks and the Dorset Cancer Centre. This partnership underscores our commitment to embrace solar energy as we decarbonise our estate - enhancing healthcare facilities and services for our community.” Commenting on the project, Chris Cowling, Commercial Director at Aztec Solar, notes, “Becoming a Centrica Business Solutions energy partner is an important step in our business’ growth in designing and delivering commercial solar PV installations. Poole Hospital is one of many healthcare buildings that we have provided solutions for, so we understand how important it is to work closely with Centrica Business Solutions to minimise the effects of our installation and the electrical shutdown on patient wellbeing and medical equipment.” For more from Aztec Solar Energy, click here.

Van drivers can be charged £300 for overloading their vehicles

Motoring experts at Lease Van have offered advice to van owners on how to safely secure goods in their vehicles to prevent steep fines and help reduce the risk of potential accidents. Under Section 41B of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it’s a serious offence to drive an overloaded vehicle which exceeds weight restrictions and requirements. Motorists found to be breaking the law could see fines of up to £300 as well as penalty points on their licence - depending on the amount overloaded. Drivers may also face serious consequences if an overloaded vehicle has put other road users at risk of danger or injury, Lease Van says. The motoring experts are urging all van drivers to double-check that their goods are safely secured and that the van itself isn’t heavily overloaded with equipment. They advise spreading loads evenly to keep the vehicle steady, making sure nothing can slide too far out of position and using safety equipment like rope hooks to keep goods tightly secure. Van drivers should also ensure the vehicle they’re using is a suitable choice, and plan the loading process to make sure all goods are distributed evenly to avoid the van from tipping to one side. Carrying out a risk assessment before setting off and walking around the van to ensure everything is strapped in is also essential to prevent overloading incidents. An overloaded vehicle can become difficult to steer and control, posing a significant safety risk to other drivers. If a load begins to shift, the official advice is to slow down and look for a place to pull over so van drivers can adjust their items safely. Tim Alcock, Motoring Expert at Lease Van, explains, “Driving an overloaded vehicle is a serious offence, and the restrictions are something all van drivers need to be aware of. Not only will it cost fines of up to £300 and add points to your licence, but it potentially puts other drivers at risk of harm or injury due to carelessness when loading up a vehicle. “Before setting off on the road, we strongly encourage all van owners to double-check that items are securely fastened into position and to invest rope hooks for extra reassurance. If you do find yourself on the road with a shifting load, first check your mirrors and begin to slow down. Then, when it’s safe to do so, pull over into a suitable area where you can readjust the equipment and tightly secure it to prevent any moving loads. “All van drivers must take extra care and precautionary measures to ensure they aren’t breaking the law, prevent causing harm to other road users, and to avoid serious penalty charges.” For more from Lease Van, click here.

Instrotech launches 40th anniversary test equipment competition

As part of its ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, Instrotech, a supplier of test equipment, has announced the launch of a brand new competition. The company previously revealed it will be hosting various prize draw competitions throughout 2024, giving entrants the chance to win test equipment prizes - and with the first competition complete and the lucky winners receiving their prizes, the second event officially commenced on 1 May 2024. This time around, Instrotech is asking entrants to take a test and measurement themed quiz. To be entered into the prize draw, entrants are required to answer three simple questions - which can be found by clicking here - before filling in their contact details. For this round of the contest, the first prize is a Chauvin Arnoux PEL51, single phase PQ logger (ideal for consumption monitoring), with two Chauvin Arnoux celebratory indoor weather stations (thermometer, barometer and hygrometer) serving as the runner-up prizes. The competition ends on 30 June 2024, with the draw taking place on 2 July 2024. Instrotech says it will be hosting further competitions throughout 2024. For more from Instrotech, click here.

SureDuct safety cutting disc keeps power cable workers safe

SureDuct, a safety tool that protects power cable maintenance workers around electricity cables, has been launched in the UK with a training programme at a major Distribution Network Operator (DNO). SureDuct is a set of modified cutting discs that enable workers to quickly and safely cut ducting to the exact depth needed to expose a cable for maintenance – but no further. Each hard-wearing, colour-coded anodised disc is fitted with an ‘incision precision’ limiter, set to a specific depth of duct. Workers identify the depth of the duct, choose the relevant disc and then use it to cut through the duct more quickly and more safely than traditional methods. Following successful trials, SureDuct discs are already in use by hundreds of workers trained at UK Power Networks, which maintains power networks across London, the South East and East of England. Drew Bartlett, Inventor of SureDuct, says, “We’ve worked with electrical contractors for a long time, and after several years of research and development, we are proud to launch SureDuct and to see it already in use by the UK’s biggest electricity DNO. “The primary reason we developed SureDuct is to keep workers safe. However, it also has significant benefits in increasing the speed, costs and service downtime. We believe every contractor who works with cables should be issued with SureDuct, just like they are required to use gloves or a hard hat.” Luke Perkins, Health and Safety Advisor at UK Power Networks, adds, “The safety of our employees and the public is our top priority and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to further increase the safety of our operations. “SureDuct helps our teams to quickly and safely open ducts in the ground with electricity cables running through them. We’ve received positive feedback from our teams.” SureDuct can provide sets of cutting discs directly to DNOs so they can be rolled out to contractors across the workforce. SureDuct can also be supplied to other operators, contractors and individuals as required.

Judges announced for ECN Awards 2024

ECN is delighted to announce the panel of expert judges for the ECN Awards 2024. All eight judges are specialists within their field and we are thrilled that they are sharing their expertise with us in judging the 23 ECN Awards. The judges of the ECN Awards 2024 are: Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer – NAPIT Paul Collins, Technical Director – NICEIC Ruth Devine MBE, Managing Director – SJD Associates Richard Harvey, Electrical Installation Safety Engineer – Electrical Safety First Chris Horne, Electrical Lecturer – Riverside College Carl Murray, Director – TClarke Gary Parker, Senior Technical Manager – ECA Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions – CEF Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer – NAPIT Frank has been an integral part of the electrical installation industry for over four decades. Initially starting out in the Scottish electrical contracting industry, Frank moved to London in the late 1980’s to begin specialising in inspection and testing. As NAPIT Chief Technical Officer and Trade Association Chairman, Frank sits on a wide range of influential industry committees, including the BSI/IET Wiring Regulation Committee JPEL/64 and Sub Committee A, BSI Committees, EAS Management Committee, Electrical Safety Roundtable, and the Electrical Safety First Technical Committee. Paul Collins, Technical Director – NICEIC Paul started his career as an electrical apprentice in 1990. He moved on to become a NICEIC Qualified Supervisor and gained vast experience in the electrotechnical, gas, plumbing, heating, and renewable sectors before joining NICEIC in 2009. Paul has held a number of positions within NICEIC, including Helpline Engineer, Head of Consulting, Head of NICEIC, Head of Operations and, most recently, Head of Technical Services. In his role as Technical Director, Paul continues represent NICEIC on various committees and working groups. Ruth Devine MBE, Managing Director – SJD Associates Ruth Devine MBE owns SJD Associates, a high-growth, industrial electrical contractor based in Milton Keynes. She is Chair of both The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) and ECA’s Skills Committee, supporting occupational competence, valid training routes and industry career pathways. Ruth is a founding member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) Construction & Built Environment Route Panel, responsible for the approval of occupational standards for apprenticeships and technical education products. She is also a member of the Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee, with functions including monitoring industry competence and helping industry to improve competence. Richard Harvey, Electrical Installation Safety Engineer – Electrical Safety First With a robust foundation of over 30 years in the electrical industry, Richard’s career is a tapestry of diverse experiences across multiple sectors. His journey began in 1991 as an apprentice with a local contractor. His expertise spans a wide range of projects, including industrial, agricultural, commercial, domestic, hazardous areas and renewable energy. Richard established his own electrical contracting business, steering it to success for more than 10 years. His transition into the educational realm saw him imparting his vast knowledge to adult learners and apprentices, fulfilling the role of a lecturer at a Further Education college and a private training provider. As an Electrical Installation Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First (ESF), Richard is instrumental in the development and enhancement of the organisation’s Best Practice Guides. His expertise is crucial in spearheading dialogues with prominent industry figures, championing the progression of electrical safety standards. Additionally, Richard holds esteemed positions on the JPEL sub-committee panels B and D. Chris Horne, Electrical Lecturer – Riverside College Chris Horne is an Electrical Lecturer from Warrington and has been teaching for over 20 years. He commenced his electrical apprenticeship in 1979 with a local electrical company and worked for local companies after gaining his electrical qualification. He started his own business as a local electrician within Warrington and carried all aspects of electrical work over the next 10 years. During the recession of 2008, he decided to end his business and start a career in teaching electrical installation at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale. This was followed by a placement at Warrington Collegiate and Chris now teaches at Riverside College in Widnes. Chris describes teaching as his true vocation and last year he was voted eFIXX College Lecturer of the Year 2023. Carl Murray, Director – TClarke Carl Murray is a Director at TClarke, which is one of the leading building services providers in the industry. Carl covers the south of the UK and leads multiple technical projects with a hands-on approach. He has over 25 years of experience which stems from his trade background to his current role – within this time he has gained knowledge in all aspects of the construction sector. With a proven track record in the full life cycle of projects, he excels in the objectives of the industry and values the professional community. Carl has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about promoting the industry and carbon reduction.  Gary Parker, Senior Technical Manager – ECA Gary Parker, ECA Senior Technical Manager, has over 25 years’ experience in electrical contracting, standardisation and membership organisations. He is an experienced and practical engineer, having worked in heavy industry, water treatment, medical locations and general electrical contracting. Gary is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the IET and a Member of CIBSE, and represents ECA on numerous British and International Standards Committees. Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions – CEF Darren started his electrical apprenticeship in the mid 90’s for a small electrical contracting company in Cambridgeshire. There he completed his training and managed many large-scale projects such as senior school refurbishments. After several years on the tools and in offices managing projects, Darren was invited to apply for a position at Bedford College, this saw him learn to become a college lecturer. After a number of years with Bedford College, Darren was leading the Electrical Installation Department and taking on new courses such as Part P and Solar PV. Darren was then encouraged to interview for a Technical Position with NICEIC. Whilst at NICEIC, Darren hosted the organisation’s technical events across the UK and represented its registered contractors’ interests at industry committees. Darren now heads up all customer facing events for CEF.

Fire safety plan experts launch fire mimic technology

Rochdale-based QDOS, an expert in fire safety and a trade supplier of bespoke fire safety plans, has announced the launch of an innovative new product named dynamicZM. Designed to transform fire safety management, dynamicZM is an alternative to traditional LED fire zone mimics, operating as a third-party, dynamic zone mimic and compatible with a range of fire alarm control systems. This innovative solution, which has been four years and a six-figure investment in the making, utilises a large LCD screen to automatically display an active fire alarm zone plan during an alarm event - but it can also be programmed to display other media when not in active use. This eliminates the need for user intervention and ensures clear identification of the zone(s) in alarm condition, allowing for excellent visibility during emergencies. The dynamicZM system can be used in any commercial environment, QDOS says, but it is particularly suited to education, hospitality, office and retail settings due its ability to display company, sales or marketing messaging. The system is also well suited to industrial environments, allowing crucial health and safety information to be displayed and kept up-to date. In the event of a fire alarm activation, dynamicZM can automatically display the origin of the alarm clearly, aiding rapid response and evacuation. Developed by Damian Linley, Founder and CEO of QDOS, and Fire Alarm Technical Expert, David Greenwood, dynamicZM represents a culmination of over 40 years of industry experience. The company tells us that David's extensive knowledge and respected standing within the fire safety industry were instrumental in the product's development. Damian comments, “dynamicZM is a significant leap forward in fire safety technology, providing clear and immediate situational awareness during fire emergencies. This technology empowers facilities managers, building occupants and fire safety professionals to take decisive action. “Traditional LED mimics have been around for decades, with few innovations, but dynamicZM offers something different with no limits to media updates. It’s easily adaptable to any environment, doubling up as a sales or information display screen yet automatically displaying clear information in the event of an emergency, eliminating any confusion for staff, customers or visitors.” Product specifications: • Compatible with both conventional and addressable systems • Allows siting of fire alarm panel to an alternative location • Large 21.5” LCD display • Sleek unobtrusive design • Displays active fire zones during an alarm condition without user intervention • User configured media display • Built-in fault output for monitoring • Smart power saving mode conserves battery power during a mains failure • Remote key switch test facility QDOS will be showcasing dynamicZM on Stand 4/M23 at The Fire Safety Event 2024. The event offers a unique opportunity for fire safety professionals to discover innovative solutions and connect with industry leaders. dynamicZM will be available via the QDOS approved installer network across the UK Q3 2024.

LeaseVan seeks changes to double yellow line laws

If a new campaign from motoring groups is successful, van drivers could potentially be allowed to park on double yellow lines. This is because experts at Lease Van are calling for tradespeople to legally be able to park on double yellow lines throughout the day when on site or attending a maintenance job. The campaign comes after the news that 3.5 million parking fines were issued to tradespeople last year - costing them a massive £177 million. Currently, tradespeople are only allowed to stop on double yellow lines if making a commercial delivery or drop off. Even then, there are time restrictions in place, which is typically 40 minutes for HGVs and 20 minutes for LGVs - and the driver must be constantly unloading/loading whilst parked up. Although some local authorities offer tradespeople certain parking permits to use spaces and avoid receiving a fine, these are often hard to manage, confusing, and don’t cover the right location, LeaseVan says. Now, the company's experts want tradespeople to be able to legally park on double yellow lines and in restricted parking bays for as long as is necessary whilst completing a job. Tim Alcock from Lease Van comments, “Allowing tradespeople and van drivers to park in restricted areas or on double yellow lines whilst attending a job will not only make the workplace a safer environment, but it will help towards speeding up the completion of a job. “Currently, tradespeople may be forced to park far away from their site and spend time looking for a suitable parking space, which only decreases the amount of time they can spend working. They may also feel pressured and rush to unload or reload heavy materials and equipment to ensure they stay within the time restrictions. “After the news that 3.5 million parking tickets were issued to tradespeople last year, we want to encourage the government and local authorities to rethink the parking restrictions for those working essential maintenance jobs for households and businesses across the country. “Removing parking restrictions for tradespeople, where safe to do so, will ensure workers do not need to worry about receiving hefty fines and penalties for trying to do their job in a safe manner and to a high standard.” Furthermore, LeaseVan believes that if tradespeople and LGV and HGV drivers are able to park without restrictions or the worry of receiving a fine and further penalties, the workplace would subsequently become a safer environment. The company believes that unrestricted parking would reduce the risk of tradespeople rushing to unload and load goods, and stop the need for heavy equipment to be carried for a longer distance than necessary. For more from LeaseVan, click here.

Andale announces community partnership with Leeds United

Yorkshire electrical contractor, Andale Electrical, is celebrating its tenth year in business by joining the Leeds United Community Partnership. In a deal brokered by sports right specialists, Eleven Sports Media, the community partnership will enable Andale Electrical to elevate its brand through powerful digital displays and fan engagement platforms installed throughout Elland Road. These will reach fans in the stadium via a pitch-facing LED, a crowd-facing LED and a mid-tier LED, and these will also reach television audiences watching across the UK. Further branding opportunities will be made available to Andale Electrical through Eleven’s award-winning StadiumTV and StatTV, a dedicated club channel for fans, which significantly increases brand visibility to supporters in attendance throughout the entire matchday. The company will also be invited to attend the end of season awards and VIP partner events, giving its directors the opportunity to connect with fellow community partners. Dale Morris, Managing Director of Andale Electrical, comments, “As a Leeds-based company, we jumped at the chance to position ourselves alongside Leeds United, with the club and its fans. Connecting with the local community is paramount to the ongoing success of our brand and we are proud of the status the Leeds United Community Partnership provides us with. It’s going to be a real buzz to see our brand gracing Elland Road on matchdays.” From its Leeds office in the heart of West Yorkshire, Andale Electrical provides complete commercial, industrial, and domestic electrical services throughout the North of England. An NICEIC approved contractor, Andale Electrical has worked across all sectors from retail and leisure to manufacturing and commercial. From bespoke design and installation to everyday maintenance, Andale offers a full-service offering from a team of highly qualified professionals who put customer care first.

Industry urged to have its say on IET Wiring Regulations

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and BSI are calling on the electrical industry to have its say on an amendment to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, which will go to DPC (Draft for Public Consultation) on 8 May 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 the summer, where it will be free to view on both the IET’s and BSI’s websites. Comments on the DPC can be submitted through the BSI’s Standards Development portal until 5 June 2024. IET’s Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations, comments, “When issues arise, it’s important that standards take on the necessary changes as quickly as possible. This fast-track route to amendment will allow designers and installers to quickly get the information out to their clients and promote safety in electrical installations.” BSI’s Dan Palmer, Associate Director, Committees, adds, “We welcome public comments on BS 7671. Having your say can help shape the changes introduced in this new amendment and will help electrical professionals keep up to date with new and innovative technologies. We have been partnering with the IET on the wiring regulations for more than 30 years, ensuring amendments are introduced to maintain the safety of electrical installations.” The IET and BSI jointly manage JPEL/64, the committee responsible for BS 7671. More information can be found at theiet.org/updates. For more from The IET, click here.