Lease Van provides top five tips for tool maintenance

Lease Van, a company offering affordable and flexible van leasing deals, has named the five things all tradespeople should do to maintain tools and increase their lifespan. After a long day on the job, it may be tempting to skip tool maintenance, but taking care of them ensures projects run smoothly, safely, and to a high standard. Many tradespeople rely on hand tools such as wrenches, hammers and screwdrivers for essential daily tasks, making them indispensable for roles in various trades. As a result, properly storing tools in a clean and dry environment will prevent damage, decrease the chance of rust developing and help keep them in good condition. Here are Lease Van's top five tips for proper tool maintenance: 1. Storage Proper storage will prevent rust and damage, so it is important to keep tools in a clean and dry environment. Invest in shelving, racks and organisers, avoid storing them on the ground, and take steps to protect them from the elements. 2. Lubrication Lubricating tools and equipment will decrease the chances of rust developing and keep the overall mechanics running smoothly. In the long run, it will reduce the chance of friction, wear, and unexpected maintenance costs. Be sure to check lubrication recommendations from the manufacturer, as they could need oils, fluids or greases to ensure optimal performance. 3. Sharpening Regularly sharpening tools, especially those needed for cutting, will prolong their life and stop unnecessary strain. Blunt tools are more likely to break when used, and sharpening will reduce the amount of money spent on replacing blades. 4. Cleaning Tools should be wiped down and cleaned every time they are used, as a job should never start with dirty tools. Not only this, cleaning equipment after each shift will ensure optimal tool maintenance by getting rid of substances which could be corroding or damaging them. It will also help to enhance safety, improve results and cut costs in the long run. 5. Damage inspections Regular inspections for damage to tools will not only prevent accidents and reduce errors, but also prevent further damage and the need for full replacements. Common concerns to look out for include rust, wear or cracks, and spotting this early will help identify potential problems before they occur. Tim Alcock, Motoring Expert at Lease Van, comments, “Properly maintaining tools will save tradespeople time and money in the long run. Simple steps like regularly cleaning and sharpening tools will help to increase their lifespan and prevent small issues from becoming major problems. “Taking the time to check for tool damage regularly will also help to identify potential problems before they occur and cut costs off a full replacement.”

Electrification X launched to transform electrification infrastructure

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched Electrification X, a highly scalable Internet of Things (IoT) SaaS offering to transform electrification infrastructure. Electrification X is the latest SaaS and IoT portfolio of Siemens Xcelerator, developed by Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Building X, the scalable and digital building platform, was the inaugural offering introduced in 2022 as part of Siemens Xcelerator. Following that, Gridscale X, Siemens' advanced grid management software, was announced in February 2024. Electrification X now completes the trio, further expanding Siemens' commitment to innovative technology in the electrification sector. Built on highly scalable cloud services, Electrification X is designed to manage, optimise and automate the challenged electrification infrastructure of commercial, industrial and utility customers, improving efficiency and performance while reducing costs and CO2 emissions. “Our vision is to make our world more sustainable by driving the electrification of everything,” says Matthias Rebellius, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Digitalisation sits at the heart of enabling that vision, and with the addition of Electrification X to the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, we are making it easier than ever before for companies to digitally transform their electrification infrastructure, faster and at scale.” As a part of Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform to accelerate digital transformation and value creation, Electrification X software is developed with the core design principles of interoperability, flexibility, openness, and availability as a service - along with high levels of cybersecurity. At launch, the Electrification X offering comprises Load Management, Network Fault Management, Asset Management, Sustainability Energy Management, and OT Companion. Combining the real world with the digital worlds, these applications will help renewable generators, transmission system operators (TSOs), distribution system operators (DSOs), industries and infrastructure customers to improve productivity, reliability, asset utilisation, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation. Siemens has also announced the first Electrification X pilot customer as Aral AG, a subsidiary of the BP Group. Aral will use Electrification X Load Management to manage its EV charging stations in Germany and Austria. With the expansion of the public charging infrastructure an essential requirement for the acceleration of electric mobility, Electrification X Load Management provides Aral transparency into its EV charging network status and load, alongside EV charging station remote control and dynamic load management. Electrification X offerings from Siemens will be showcased for the very first time at its booth in Hall 9 at Hannover Messe from 22 – 26 April. For more from Siemens, click here.

NICEIC calls for trades to come together to lead retrofit revolution

Amid increased focus on the challenge of improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock, NICEIC is calling on all trades to come together to enable the meaningful collaboration and innovation needed to solve the great retrofit challenge. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the UK’s 30 million homes account for more than 21% of the country’s total carbon emissions. Yet to achieve its legally binding climate change targets, the UK must ensure the near-complete elimination of carbon emissions from UK buildings. This means rising to the challenge of adapting existing stock to improve energy efficiency; and reducing carbon emissions must be prioritised if the UK is to keep 2050 net zero goals in sight. To achieve net zero targets, the UK must ensure all homes reach an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above by 2035. At present, however, 19 million homes currently fall within band ‘D’ or below. NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins, comments, “It’s widely documented that most UK homes are unfit for the challenges of climate change. According to one recent study, in fact, our houses are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe and lose heat up to three times faster than those on the continent. Tackling this by retrofitting low carbon measures and technologies is not only a net zero imperative, but crucial to helping households reduce their energy costs. “With a variety of heating incentives and grants available such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Home Upgrade Scheme and Energy Company Obligation Scheme, installers will continue to see an increase in demand for low-carbon, energy efficient and renewable technologies. This, in turn, provides a huge opportunity for our talented tradespeople to lead the way at the helm of the energy transition, but it will require commitment, focus and investment in training. “With so much low carbon technology available, it is now more crucial that installers invest in upskilling and increasing their knowledge. From solar PV and energy storage systems to ground and air source heat pumps, there’s something to suit every homeowner and help them address soaring energy costs in a more sustainable way. This means that installers need to be fully clued up on the latest and most advanced solutions so that they can not only advise and provide their customers with the right products, but also be skilled on the installation of these new technologies.” To provide a helping hand, NICEIC has developed a new range of qualifications for businesses seeking to ensure upskill their knowledge and competence in key emerging low carbon categories. Delivered by NICEIC leading industry experts, key course topics include electrical energy storage systems (EESS), installation of small-scale solar PV, solar PV maintenance, solar thermal hot water and heat pumps. According to NICEIC, tackling Britain’s inefficient homes isn’t just about upskilling and diversifying, but about relying on trades working together in more meaningful collaboration too. Paul adds, “Ultimately, the retrofit challenge cannot be achieved alone. To ensure maximum impact, installers, electricians, gas and heating engineers, plumbers, and other service providers will need to work together to ensure a holistic approach from inception through to delivery. From a cost perspective, this will help keep installation costs down by ensuring all required technologies are integrated early doors – rather later down the line. And, from a results perspective, it will help ensure best practice efficiency standards are met. “The low carbon transition should be seen as a fantastic opportunity for the trades to come together, recommending work between each other and forging meaningful collaboration to add value and maximise impact.” To discover more about the latest training and qualifications offered by NICEIC, visit niceic.com/training. For more from NICEIC, click here.

SELECT issues free resource about protective devices

Campaigning trade association, SELECT, is continuing its ongoing mission to educate and inform electricians with another important free resource aimed at apprentices and adult trainees. Scotland’s largest construction trade body is distributing vital information about protective devices which outlines the various technologies that learners will encounter as they go through their training and into the world of work. The three posters give clear, concise information and advice on more than 10 devices, including circuit breakers, residual current devices (RCDs) and arc fault detection devices (AFDDs), outlining how and where they should be used. SELECT Membership Representatives are now distributing the posters to the 22 approved training centres with courses run by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), which manages training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB). Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, explains, “The team at SELECT is delighted to have been involved in the production of this latest addition to our suite of learning resources, and we know it will be extremely useful to the target audience. “SELECT has always put training and continuing education at the forefront of its efforts, and this new resource demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the safety and welfare of the talent of tomorrow. “All colleges will soon have a suite of dedicated SELECT resources to help with learning and competency, helping them to draw on all the extensive knowledge and experience that the organisation has to offer.” The protection device posters were produced in partnership with SELECT Associate Member Electrium, which supplied the imagery. Barrie MacKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, adds, “Protective devices are an increasing part of every electrician’s working life, and those who are learning the trade need to be familiar with them. “We would like to thank SELECT for providing another valuable learning tool for apprentices. The industry as a whole is committed to the next generation of talent coming through, and creating a pool of highly-trained, highly-qualified personnel to take the sector forward.” Distribution of the posters also coincides with an update to SELECT’s safe isolation collateral, which was successfully rolled out in 2022 and includes posters, a video and a handy, toolbox-sized flowchart to remind apprentices about safe working practices. It also follows the recent release of the association’s resources on neutral current diversion, which were also shared with training centres and will be the main theme of its 2024 Toolbox Talks tour, which will visit 12 venues in Scotland in May and June. For more from SELECT, click here.

Smart charging rollout set to lower EV charging costs

Following a successful trial last year, Connected Kerb, one of the UK’s leading charge point operators, is rolling out smart charging across its nationwide public network. A first-of-its-kind deployment, Connected Kerb’s smart charging uniquely allow drivers to schedule charging during off-peak hours when energy is cheapest and greenest, which saves money, cuts carbon and reduces pressure on the grid. This is the first time scheduled charging during off-peak hours has become available on a public charging network. The rollout, set to begin in April, will see the majority of Connected Kerb’s charge points activated to be capable of smart charging by 2025, acting as a blueprint for the UK’s rollout of public smart charging. The operator already has 6,000 charge points installed across the UK, with another 4,000 set to be deployed later this year. Connected Kerb’s new public smart charging offering will see lower overnight tariffs of £0.45 per kWh for drivers, extending the full benefits of smart charging to everyone. Thanks to the lower costs, drivers could save up to £222 per year on charging, the equivalent of 495 free EV miles – which is enough to drive from Exeter to Edinburgh. Collectively, this could see an annual savings of £1.5 billion for drivers by 2030. Record numbers of drivers are making the switch to EVs every year, with a projected 11 million EVs set to be on the UK’s roads by 2030. Yet, costs remain a key barrier to mass adoption. Until now, 62% of drivers without access to home charging have not been able to benefit from these lower electricity tariffs at off-peak times. Connected Kerb’s smart charging rollout will make these significant cost savings possible across its public charging network for the first time. Ben Boutcher-West, Chief Digital Officer at Connected Kerb, explains, “Public smart charging is the catalyst we need to create a fairer, greener, and cheaper charging network. We know that just under two-thirds of people in the UK don't have access to a home charger, which is why we’re committed to levelling the playing field between those who can access smart charging and those who can’t. “By increasing the speed of charging when energy is cheapest, we can now offer drivers lower-cost tariffs, maximise the use of green energy and take strain off the grid. Our rollout of public smart charging isn’t just a major milestone for Connected Kerb, but the UK’s EV transition as a whole, bringing our public charging network one stop closer to democratising the gap between those with and without off-street parking.” Today, VAT on the public charging network is set at four times the cost of home charging, meaning that drivers reliant on the public network are faced with additional costs. To accelerate the UK’s shift to electric vehicles at the pace required to address the UK’s transport emissions, tackling the inequities between drivers remains essential. By making smart charging publicly accessible, Connected Kerb’s rollout will play a fundamental role in addressing this imbalance. The first areas to benefit from Connected Kerb’s smart charging rollout will be the regions of West Sussex, Lincoln, Scarborough, Ryedale, and Sunderland. Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Sussex County Council, comments, "All of our residents, whether they have a driveway or not, deserve access to the significant cost savings associated with smart electric vehicle charging. As EV adoption grows across the country, we're committed to ensuring West Sussex is a leader in the provision of intelligent charging infrastructure. "This rollout is a genuine step towards a more equitable and sustainable charging system for West Sussex. Our agreement with Connected Kerb to launch smart charging capability across the county will act as a roadmap for other councils, increasing access to smart charging for all." Drivers can benefit most from Connected Kerb’s smart charging capabilities by scheduling a charge from 7pm onward, any day of the week through the company’s app. Once plugged in and scheduled, charging will begin at midnight and carry on until 7am or until the EV battery is fully charged. The benefits of reduced energy prices between 12am and 7am are directly passed onto the user through a reduced tariff of £0.45 per kWh, 22.4% lower than the average rate of the UK’s fast (7-22kW AC) charging network, providing considerable cost savings for users. Anthony Browne, Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, says, “We want people to be able to charge their EV in a way that works for them, so it’s great to see public smart charging providing opportunities for drivers to save money. “This has been made possible by Government-funded research, which is now translating into new cheaper charging options for those charging outside their home – a prime example of how industry and Government can work together to support greener travel." Smart charging on Connected Kerb’s network will be available to users through its newly launched mobile application, enabling the quick, easy, and convenient setup of overnight charging. The updated app features session tracking, providing users with live updates, so drivers can keep tabs on their charging remotely. The company’s latest app displays recommended charge points, as well as those in use, making it easier for drivers to find the most convenient charge points. The app also features easy registration, simple payments (including both Apple and Google Pay), alongside extra tips and tricks to get the most out of each charging session and encourage best practice. The network-wide rollout of smart charging comes after Connected Kerb’s government-backed trial of public smart charging, Agile Streets, which revealed that peak energy demand could be cut by 240MW by 2030, the equivalent to boiling over 1.4m kettles. Reduction in peak demand for electricity directly reduces the use of fossil fuels to generate energy, which is essential if we are to meet the UK’s legally binding target of net zero emissions by 2050. Juliet Davenport, Non-executive Chair of Connected Kerb, adds, “From heat pumps to electric cars, some of the UK’s biggest emitting sectors are electrifying fast. The deployment of smart charging solutions on the public network is a game-changer for how the EV charging ecosystem supports the national grid. “By allowing drivers – at scale – to charge up when demand for electricity is at its lowest, and energy is at its greenest, Connected Kerb’s network will play bring huge benefits in balancing the grid, and ultimately support a stable and sustainable clean energy future.” This announcement follows the recent news of Connected Kerb’s partnership with South Tyneside Council, with plans to more than double the number of public charge points in the North East. Marking the single largest rollout of chargers in the North of England to date, the partnership will see up to 2,100 charge points installed, providing a major boost to the UK’s target of 300,000 charge points by 2030. For more from Connected Kerb, click here.

City Plumbing unveils newest Doncaster branch

Plumbing, heating and electrical merchant, City Plumbing, is unveiling its newest Doncaster branch, with an official opening taking place on April 22nd at the York Road location. The 5,800 square metre location, which was formerly a PTS branch, is part of the Brunel Trading Estate and is located next to Danum Retail Park. The York Road site is the second City Plumbing branch to launch in Doncaster, with a further branch on White Rose Way opening its doors earlier this year. The new York Road location will house a new branch of The Bathroom Showroom where installers and members of the public can view a wide range of bathroom products on display. Leeds-based plumber and social media influencer, Allen Hart, will officially open the branch at 10am. The launch day will run until 5pm, with tradespeople and members of the public welcome to visit and to speak with City Plumbing colleagues and bathroom showroom specialists. There will also be free food and drink available throughout the day. Representatives from key suppliers, including Ideal Heating, Ideal Standard, Stelrad and ComparePAL will be on hand to meet with installers and provide information on the latest plumbing and heating solutions. In addition, there will also be a charity raffle for Teenage Cancer Trust to win a Bathroom Showroom Golden Ticket, with top prize giveaways of iFlo products worth up to £800. Nigel Walker, Branch Manager at City Plumbing Doncaster York Road, comments, “Our official opening is a great opportunity for us to showcase the new branch and our broad range of products on offer. In particular, The Bathroom Showroom, which is an excellent tool for installers to see products in-situ and help their customers select their new bathroom by showing them various options.” Nigel continues, “The investment at York Road and the addition of The Bathroom Showroom within the branch will make it easier for local installers to get the products they need, when they need them. I have lived and worked within the local area for the past 40 years, and my Dad lives in Scawsby and was a miner at the local pit in Brodsworth. Doncaster is part of my blood, and I'm thrilled to be able to offer more to the local community.” For more from City Plumbing, click here.

Future electricians reach Screwfix Trade Apprentice final

Aspiring electricians, Jindara Scott from Lisburn and Lucas Whelan based in Liverpool, have secured their places in the final of the annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice award. From over 1,800 initial applications, just ten apprentices have made the grade and are heading to the two-day event in London next month. As well as competing for this prestigious award, which aims to highlight the hard work and dedication of trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland, both Jindara, 22, and Lucas, 21 are focused on becoming professional electricians. Jindara is currently studying Electrical Installation at South Eastern Regional College in Lisburn, whilst Lucas is studying Level 3 Electrotechnical NVQ at In-Phase Training. Both hope to impress a judging panel of industry experts for a chance to be named the winner at the event on May 3rd. Jindara was shortlisted for demonstrating her passion, dedication, and ambition for her chosen trade, which shone through during the semi-finals. She would like to encourage more people to get into the industry, and, having personally experienced a lack of encouragement at school to consider an apprenticeship, she is keen to work with both students and teachers on highlighting the wide variety of career options the trade has to offer. Jindara comments, “I can’t believe I have made it to this stage of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024. I’m so glad that my skills, dedication, and achievements have secured me a place in the national final.” Lucas has showcased his impressive trade skills and keen interest in website development in the competition so far. In the future, he would like to design and build a website that can be used as a learning resource, where qualified electricians share their knowledge with those just starting out in the trade. He comments, “I love my trade and I’m keen to inspire other young people to get into the trade as it can be such a rewarding and exciting career. I’m very proud to be representing the hard work and dedication of all trade apprentices and I’m looking forward to demonstrating my passion in front of the judges. To be crowned the winner would be a huge personal achievement and a highlight of my career.” The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024 champion will receive a career boosting trade bundle of tools, tech and training worth £10,000. This year’s judging panel includes representatives from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, the Federation of Master Builders, the National Inspection Council of Electrical Installation Contracting along with Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023 winner, Astrid Arnold. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, notes, “As always, we have been blown away with the calibre of entries, and every one of the finalists has an incredible work ethic. It is no easy feat to make the final of this competition, all whilst maintaining their study and work commitments. They should be extremely proud of making it this far. “It has never been more important to acknowledge the fantastic work of the nation’s trade apprentices. As the industry skills gap continues to grow, highlighting the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of the trade is vital to attracting new talent. “Our previous winners have gone on to be trailblazers in their respective trades. I wish our 2024 finalists the best of luck and I’m sure they too will achieve great things.” For more from Screwfix, click here.

Powerful and scalable building management software introduced

Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching new building management software designed to offer an open, powerful and scalable software solution for buildings of any size. Desigo Optic is powered by FIN framework (developed by Siemens partner company, J2 Innovations) and brings the latest IoT technology to buildings such as schools, sports facilities, smaller hotels and retail outlets. It features a ‘single pane of glass’ interface to visualise and control HVAC, lighting and energy performance functions with a dashboard builder. The open protocol approach ensures easy and seamless integration with Siemens and other third-party building automation systems, IoT devices and IT based applications. Major protocols, such as BACnet, Modbus, KNX and OPC, are all supported. Desigo Optic applies Haystack native semantic tagging to ensure harmonisation of data and fast access to critical building information, typically streamlining workflows by a third. Secure Edge2Cloud remote access technology (removing the need for, and the cost of, a VPN) allows ease of access to data, servicing and upgrading, reducing the requirement for site visits. It can be deployed in two ways: either on a server or on an embedded controller. Ensuring that all building types are not forgotten in finding ways to adopt decarbonisation measures is crucial in the move towards net zero operation. A recent study by Siemens showed that fewer than 50% of organisations expect to meet decarbonisation targets by 2030. Desigo Optic is an important development in helping buildings to not only provide environments which actively contribute to the wellbeing of their users, but also to do so in a more resource-efficient way. For more from Siemens, click here.

Solar PV Training with an ‘Edge'

GTEC, a provider of renewable energy training, has partnered with SolarEdge, a global leader in smart energy solutions, to launch a joint course aimed at advancing expertise in solar energy. The collaboration is designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills crucial for the renewable energy sector's growth. The two, one-day courses (Scholar & Expert) combine GTEC's renowned hands-on training expertise with SolarEdge's technology solutions. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of solar energy systems integration, the course offers comprehensive insights into the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Participants will benefit from a curriculum crafted by experts, covering key topics and scenarios such as PV system design, installation, maintenance, monitoring and optimisation. Through a blend of conceptual understanding and hands-on practical sessions, attendees will acquire the necessary competencies to excel in deploying SolarEdge's innovative solutions effectively. "We are thrilled to partner with SolarEdge in launching this ground-breaking joint course," says Griff Thomas, MD at GTEC. "As renewable energy continues to reshape the global energy landscape, it's imperative to equip professionals with the skills to navigate complexities and drive sustainable solutions. These courses represent our commitment to upskilling electrical installers to thrive in the renewable energy sector." SolarEdge's technology will be integrated throughout the course, providing participants with first-hand experience in leveraging advanced solutions for enhanced solar energy system performance, efficiency, and reliability. With access to SolarEdge's equipment and resources, attendees will gain valuable insights into optimising solar energy systems for maximum output and cost-effectiveness. "We are excited to collaborate with GTEC in delivering this comprehensive course," adds Jason Kirrage, Senior Technical Marketing Manager at SolarEdge. "By combining GTEC's educational excellence with SolarEdge's innovative solutions, we aim to empower professionals with the knowledge and tools to drive the widespread adoption of solar energy worldwide. Together, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future." The SolarEdge courses from GTEC will be delivered from GTEC's approved locations throughout the UK. To register your interest in the new courses, click here.

UK Power Networks makes a £15 million towering investment

UK Power Networks is investing more than £15 million this year in upgrading and maintaining electricity towers across the East and South East of England. The steel towers deliver electricity from the national grid to the distributor’s many substations which provide power for local communities. The voltage is at 132,000-volts when it arrives with UK Power Networks, and is then reduced to 33,000-volts before it leaves and supplies electricity to around six million homes and businesses. UK Power Networks, the largest electricity distributor in the country, looks after 46,000km of overhead lines and has 120,000 substations keeping the electricity flowing to 8.5 million homes and businesses. The multi million-pound investment will also see nearly 10,000 metres of overhead power lines replaced between the towers, to maintain reliability and future-proof the network. Part of the work will include repainting nearly 200 towers across Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent and East Sussex with a special anti-corrosion paint to protect them in all weathers. Work has already begun alongside contractors Keltbray to ensure the towers are delivering a safe and reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses. Engineers are specially trained to climb the 30-metre high towers safely and members of the public are reminded to stay well clear of towers and substations as they carry live electricity in the overhead cables. Colin Barden, UK Power Networks' Head of Quality and Supply, notes, "This work is a major part of an annual programme to ensure that our overhead lines continue to meet the requirements of our customers, as the modern-day usage of electricity increases." The work will future-proof local power supplies, as well as enabling more low carbon electricity generation to feed into the grid. As more people connect renewable energy, heat pumps and electric vehicles to local electricity networks, UK Power Networks plays a critical role in helping to enable the UK’s transition to a Net Zero economy. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.