Aico launches bespoke training for electrical distributors

Since 2019, Aico has supported over 40,900 electricians and contractors through its Expert Installer Training. This Fire Industry Association (FIA) CPD-certified training course ensures attendees have a full understanding of Domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms and how to install them. After the dramatic success of this course, Aico has now launched its Expert Distributor Training. This bespoke course is made specifically for electrical distributors and aims to provide an in-depth understanding of industry standards, regulations and legislation as well as relevant products and technology. This new course is completely free and open to all Electrical Distributor Association (EDA) members, giving attendees 30 minutes of FIA-accredited CPD time. It provides an overview of legislation and grading, alarms and sensor types, and a detailed look into Aico’s full product range, assisting in promoting best practices within the industry. It explores examples of the diverse housing stock in the UK and the possible product specification needs of different end users. With industry technology and products constantly evolving, it is vital that distributors are up to date with the latest legislation, products and devices, providing consumers with the best possible advice and recommendations. This type of training is unique to Aico and ensures distributors are committed to promoting the current best practices and procedures for domestic alarm and sensor installations. This collaboration promotes knowledgeable industry professionals working together to create safer, healthier and more sustainable homes. To read more on Aico, click here.

Enact updates its Solar Design software for installers

Enact, an all-in-one cloud platform, offers remote solar design using high-resolution satellite imagery and generates rapid proposals with detailed pricing, energy and finance analytics.   The company has announced an update to its Solar Design software, aimed at optimising the installer experience. The new software allows auto height detection of roof height and obstacles such as surrounding trees. This streamlines the planning process, making it smoother and more precise, and helps installers optimise shading analysis by identifying roof panels with poor solar-access values. Moreover, Enact proposals equip installers with hourly simulations of solar and storage charging cycles and strategies. Enact also accelerates the contract signing process through custom contracts with e-signatures and dynamic pricing data.   “Our newly enhanced Solar Design software for solar installers transforms how solar and storage projects are planned and executed. By harnessing cutting-edge data-driven analytics, installers can now discuss design plans with homeowners and businesses confidently, minimising errors. This means faster, more accurate implementation for installers and greater transparency for customers,” says Manasij Kar, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Enact.   The new software comes with a planning option to include east-west facing PV panels. This is especially important for European key markets such as Germany and the commercial and industrial (C&I) customer segment. The new version also comes with other features tailored to the needs of European markets, such as the addition of components used in Europe. For example, the German language interface and special financing options.

Rules of the EV road part ways in the UK and EU

Electric vehicle drivers in the UK and EU can expect to see a divergence in how they pay for public charging sessions. The fork in the road is being generated by the different rules in the UK’s Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 and the EU’s alternative fuels infrastructure regulations (AFIR). Both sets of regulations were approved last year and their impacts will be felt in 2024 and beyond. In the UK, it appears that the contactless bank card is going to be the dominant tool at all charge points at or above 8kW.  Apps will still be available as a method but with every new public charge point at 8kW+ needing to offer contactless (either at each charge point unit itself or close by at a card reader shared by several charge points), the bank card or its digital equivalent becomes the default. Meanwhile, on the EU’s roads, contactless payment will also be allowed - in fact, it will be a mandatory option required at 50kW+ charge points. Below 50kW, operators may have the option of using a unique QR code for each charging session, although this is still somewhat undecided. Charge point manufacturers, therefore, have some decisions to make. Include a digital screen capable of displaying the unique QR code and/or a payment terminal capable of communicating with a contactless bank card. Throw in the added complication of potentially having to manufacture different units for the EU and UK markets (an unwelcome complication) and the additional costs begin to mount up. The downside to extra cost and complexity is the potential impact on the roll-out of charging infrastructure. Anything putting brakes on more public charge points diminishes the EV driver experience and risks a knock-on effect on non-EV drivers’ appetites for their transition to electric mobility. For charge point operators (CPOs), the new regulations stipulate an additional series of ‘must haves’ including reliability targets, reporting, e-roaming, 24/7 helplines, data availability and price visibility. Existing UK rapid charge points have a year to be retrofitted with contactless card payment readers. A big question lurking in the background is whether those hundreds of thousands of card readers (and, potentially, QR screens in the EU) will rapidly become redundant with the rise of ‘plug and charge’. The ISO15118 standard primes new charge points for the upcoming V2G (Vehicle to Grid) and V2X (Vehicle to Everything) revolutions, including Vehicle to Grid bidirectional charging and ‘plug and charge’ automatic vehicle identification. As more public charge points and more EVs are capable of ‘plug and charge’, with the charging costs billed to the account linked to the EV, it is likely to become the payment method of choice, thanks to its convenience for the driver. It offers both simplicity and speed. It’s tempting to wonder if we should just leap forward to ‘plug and charge', but the early generations of EVs now on the road cannot play that way and will still need one or more of the old ways to pay for public charging. Daniel Forsberg, CTEK’s Marketing Manager EVSE, says, “In the face of these regulatory shifts, it's imperative for all stakeholders in the EV sector to embrace adaptability. We encourage consumers to stay informed about these changes and how they will impact their charging experiences. “For CPOs and manufacturers, this is a call to action to ensure compliance while innovating for future needs, particularly in embracing technologies like 'plug and charge'. “As we transition to a more electrified future, collaborative efforts and open dialogue across the industry will be key to navigating these changes effectively and ensuring a seamless EVSE experience for all.” To read more on CTEK, click here.

Luceco launches Climate and Luxpack lighting batten ranges

Luceco has launched its two new LED lighting batten ranges, Climate and Luxpack Essence, designed for industrial lighting applications.   The two ranges have been designed to meet the differing needs of the industrial lighting market. Rugged Climate, being IP65 rated, is ideal for outdoor settings such as warehouses and car parks, whilst the Luxpack, with its white aesthetic and IP20 rating, is suitable for indoor spaces such as offices and garages.   Conceived with sustainability at its heart, both Climate and Luxpack are designed to be serviceable, with the LED board and driver units being easily replaced without the need for tools. This modular feature dispenses with the need to replace the entire unit, saving not only time whilst on-site but also reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfills.   Inbuilt power and colour change switches add further flexibility for both ranges with two simple Plug and Play options allowing for configuration on-site and eliminating the need to make decisions ahead of time. Each model or length has the ability to add Microwave Sensor or Emergency packs that simply click into place, providing a host of customisable options.   Both the Climate and Luxpack ranges make the installation process faster and more accurate, thanks to the inclusion of colour-matched connectors and flexible first-fix brackets, whilst the built-in power and colour change options make these LED lights adaptable for any industrial lighting project or space.   Commenting on the new ranges, Simon Shenton, Head of LED Product Development at Luceco, says, ''Our new Climate and Luxpack ranges provide installers with great solutions for industrial lighting applications. Not only are the innovative LED lights quicker and easier to install but they provide multiple lighting options to suit every project. The clever design has been thoughtfully considered to make sure it packs a punch when it comes to sustainability. With Luceco’s Climate and Luxpack ranges, thanks to the quick, tool-free replacement of the LED board and driver units, there is no need to replace the entire fitting at the end of life.   ''In addition, our Climate and Luxpack lighting systems are stringently tested, CE/IP approved and are backed by a five-year warranty to give installers peace of mind.''   To read more on Luceco, click here.

Domus Ventilation attends select Specifi events

Domus Ventilation will be sharing its extensive knowledge with visitors to select Specifi Mechanical Services events this year, enabling them to implement effective ventilation solutions for their projects. Starting on 28 May in Nottingham, Domus Ventilation will also attend Specifi events in Glasgow on 10 June and Newcastle on 17 September. Domus Ventilation personnel who specialise in supporting specifications will be on the stand, ready to impart knowledge on the latest, cost-effective ventilation solutions available for residential and light commercial applications that enable compliance with Building Regulations Part F (ventilation). These solutions, predominantly designed for the new build market, include whole house ventilation in the form of HRXE Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and CMX Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) systems, alongside mechanical fans, Domus ducting systems and an extensive array of accessories. The latter includes the award-winning non-combustible Solis Air Brick that enables compliance with the revised Building Regulations Fire Safety Approved Document B and the NOX-FILT filter, which prevents up to 99.5% of NO² pollution from entering a home. Visitors to Specifi will also be encouraged to sign up for one of Domus Ventilation’s CIBSE CPD-accredited courses on residential ventilation, which have proven very popular amongst specifiers. To read more on Domus Ventilation, click here.

Tungsten Training Centre earns a ‘Good’ Ofsted report

Brighton’s Tungsten Training Centre says that its recent 'Good' Ofsted report goes beyond institutional acclaim; it reflects a deep commitment to fostering excellence and student success in vocational education across three apprenticeship standards: Installation and Maintenace Electrician, Plumbing and Heating and Gas Engineering.  At Tungsten, according to Ofsted, the care of its apprentices is paramount, and its progression within the chosen sector has incurred “an industrious attitude to learning”. Ofsted says that Tungsten has successfully built “an ambitious curriculum” surrounding education quality, student behaviour, personal development, leadership and management. “Employers value the interactions with the provider,” says the report, conveying the institution's commitment to continuous communication and improvement. The quality of learning experiences is actively enhanced by the support and knowledge provided by tutors who strive to “adapt learning to meet individual needs…to overcome barriers and challenges.” ''What sets Tungsten Training Centre apart is its industry-focused training approach, prioritisation of holistic student development, and strong partnerships with local employers," says Managing Director, Dayna Barlow. "The centre prepares learners for successful careers through apprenticeships in highly regulated sectors like installation and maintenance electricians, plumbing and heating technicians and gas engineering operations." According to Tungsten Training Centre, the apprenticeships it offers are bespoke and provide learners with opportunities that can escalate their careers within the construction industry. Whether apprentices are learning the skills for the electrical, plumbing or gas engineering provision, apprentices are taught how to apply their knowledge and skills appropriately within the workplace. For example, “Apprentices studying electrical installations learn the fundamental principles of working safely and the use of hand tools to wire basic circuits before completing more challenging tasks such as fault finding and testing and inspecting their work prior to making it live. Apprentices develop the specialist skills required within the building services sectors,” says Ofsted. "Receiving a 'Good' rating from Ofsted underscores our commitment to excellence and student success," says Dayna. "We are dedicated to providing high-quality vocational education and preparing our learners for rewarding careers in the building services sector."

Innovators to collaborate with UK Power Networks

UK Power Networks has underlined its commitment to innovating for the future by securing funding for a dozen new projects. The projects will enter their initial discovery phase through Ofgem and Innovate UK’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). If successful, they will help customers and the wider electricity sector accelerate their net zero plans, build network resilience, access lower costs and streamline maintenance activities. Building on the 13 projects already underway from SIF’s 2023 funding round, UK Power Networks now runs nearly a quarter of the electricity and gas sector’s SIF projects. The funding allows electricity and gas firms to work in partnership with independent innovators. The 12 newly funded projects will see more than 20 innovators partner with UK Power Networks. The projects include: Electric Thames: Exploring the viability of electric-powered boats on the River Thames and the possibility of boat power feeding the electricity grid to increase energy flexibility and reduce peak electricity demand. KnowMyFlex: A proposal to create Energy Flexibility Certificates, similar to energy performance certificate (or EPC) ratings, to show the existing and future flexibility potential of homes and buildings, helping customers engage with flexibility to reduce their bills. WASH: An advanced study into the ways heat can be efficiently captured from wastewater and used to help district heat networks decarbonise. Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, says, “We’ve made remarkable strides during our first year with the SIF programme and are excited to be heading into a second with a new wave of projects which have exciting potential to make a real impact on both our communities and the way we work. “This funding is allowing us to continue building strong bonds with some of the brightest minds in the sector. Our project collaborators play a key role in helping us deliver tangible benefits for our customers, and we can’t wait to reap the rewards of these partnerships.” Currently, the company has successfully transitioned 58 innovation projects to its business-as-usual workflow, saving customers more than £425 million over the past eight years. Launched in 2021, the SIF fund is expected to invest £450 million by 2026. To read more on UK Power Networks, click here.

BCIA Awards 2024 finalists announced

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced the finalists for this year’s BCIA Awards.   Winners will be announced on 2 May at the BCIA Awards 2024 ceremony and dinner at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.   The shortlisted finalists are:   Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year (Sponsored by Trend Control Systems)   BMSI Crown House Technologies Electracom Projects (UK) Global Associates Learnd and Complete Energy Controls Linear Control Systems   Engineer of the Year   Tony Biddlestone, Crown House Technologies Jack Ciampa, Carbon Numbers Luke Clarehugh, Schneider Electric Paul Holland, Global Associates Gary Smith, Global Associates Bradley Willmoth, E.ON Control Solutions   Young Engineer of the Year (Sponsored by Schneider Electric)   Tom Backhouse, Schneider Electric Aarushi Bhargava, Crown House Technologies Rhys Cutler, SSE Energy Solutions Aidan Driffield, Linear Control Systems Thierry Garvey, Detail Design Engineering Sam Haigh, Westminster Controls James Jackson, E.ON Control Solutions Finbar Kiefer, Global Associates Louis Marr, Schneider Electric Josh Spall, Learnd Christian Webb, DAE Energy Solutions   Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Group Horizon)   Nathan Armstrong, E.ON Control Solutions Ellie Bamfield, Schneider Electric Roman Hlushko, Schneider Electric Jake Jarram, Building Controls Specialists Scott Love, IBT Group Conal McMahon, Crown House Technologies Sachin Penukonda, Siemens Aaron Smith, Learnd Zach Stanley, Kendra Energy Solutions Anya Turner, Schneider Electric   Energy Management Award (Sponsored by Priva UK)   Econowise Drives & Controls, Savills RISE Portfolio Energy Optimisation Kendra Energy Solutions, Francis Crick Institute Learnd and Complete Energy Controls, Perth & Kinross Council BMS Efficiency Project Mitie Energy and Lloyds Banking Group, Plan Zero Nordomatic UK, London Fire Brigade Energy Portal Pilot Group, EMS installation at JA Harrison Pilot Group, EMS installation at musicMagpie   Best Service and Maintenance Provider (Sponsored by Western Automation)   3MSE Carbon Numbers E.ON Control Solutions Global Associates Kendra Energy Solutions Westminster Controls   Technical Innovation of the Year – Products (Sponsored by CIBSE)   Consyst, 700 Series BACnet & Modbus DALI-2 Gateway Distech Controls, Resense Move Global Associates, Smart Compliance – part of the global spaces offering Nordomatic, NHSPS - Honeywell RBM Priva, Priva Digital Services Siemens Building Products, Siemens wireless room solution   Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects   BGES Group collaboration with Savills, Demand-led BACS, metering and EnMS upgrade at 1 Kingsway Carbon Numbers, Time of Flight Sensors E.ON Control Solutions, Bunhill Control System Upgrade Global Associates, PureGym Estate Wide Roll Out Schneider Electric, 150 Holborn (DAR group) Schneider Electric, Gateshead District Energy Scheme   Contribution to Training Award   Group Horizon One Sightsolutions RCC Schneider Electric Digital Energy Training Academy Sontay Academy SSE Graduate Development Program   Outstanding Contribution Award (Sponsored by BCIA)   BCIA President, Stacey Lucas says, “We would like to thank everyone who entered the 2024 BCIA Awards. The judging process proved difficult due to the exceptionally high standard of entries. I am looking forward to hosting the Awards for the first time as President, celebrating with members of the industry and finding out the winners!”   To find out more about the Awards and to book your table, click here.   To read more on BCIA, click here.

Lighting up International Women’s Day with Luceco

Luceco is marking International Women’s Day by lighting up the headquarters of Staffordshire Federation’s WI.   Luceco, with its recent work adorning London’s new shopping and leisure destination at Battersea Power Station, has donated seven 6ft LED battens from its recently launched Luxpack Essence range for the Federation’s headquarters in Stafford.   Supporting the project with his time and electrical expertise is Staffordshire-based electrician Jason Till, owner of Till Electrical Solutions, who fitted the latest technology in Luceco’s LED lighting range for the Staffordshire Federation, which was first founded in the region over 100 years ago in 1919.   Jason says, “I was delighted to help out on this project. Luceco’s latest innovation delivers on many fronts, its LED lighting range designed for industrial lighting applications has been developed to be kind to the environment, and it is simple to install and offers adaptability and sustainability in lighting.”   Chair of the Staffordshire Federation, Helen Mancey says, “It is such a kind gesture and wonderful of Luceco and Jason to help us out in this way.   “It’s a good way to remember this year’s International Women’s Day, and in fact, the WI’s motto is ‘inspiring women’, so a big shout out and thank you to everyone involved.”   To read more on Luceco, click here.

Knightsbridge’s SpektroLED EVO expands downlight options

The new SpektroLED EVO downlight from Knightsbridge is an advanced evolution of the company’s SpektroLED. Building on the versatility and flexibility of its predecessor, EVO offers selectable wattages, colour temperatures and six interchangeable bezel finishes and comes in three versions: fixed, tilt and smart.   When it was launched, Knightsbridge says that the configurable SpektroLED downlight represented a leap forward in versatility and choice for lighting projects; offering unparalleled choice in performance and style in one package, doing away with the need to specify multiple LED lamp types.    Expanding these permutations of wattage, colour temperature and bezel choice, the ultra-low profile SpektroLED EVO Fixed, Tilt and Smart offers a 108-downlights-in-one range solution.   Depending on the required illumination, either 5W (up to 465 lumens) or 7W (up to 795 lumens) can be pre-selected via a switch on the lamp body. Once chosen, there are four CCTs available - 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K - and the desired colour temperature can be selected by a sliding switch. The LED beam angle is 60° and the tilt variant can be adjusted to 90° as required.   Further customisation is possible through the bezel options that allow the lamp to complement or contrast with a room’s decor or colourways. The bezels come in a choice of six stylish finishes, from popular white and matt black to brushed and polished chrome, and brushed and antique brass.   The downlights are fire-rated for solid timber, web joist and I-joist installation for up to 90 minutes depending on the material and are IC-rated for retention of efficiency of mineral wool insulation in the ceiling void. With an IP65 rating from below, EVO is suitable for use in bathrooms and wet rooms.   As implied in its name, the smart EVO can be controlled for colour, temperature and on/off using Knightsbridge’s proprietary SmartKnight app.      Installation, as with all Knightsbridge products, is straightforward. Each unit, which has a low-profile design, features cleverly engineered first and second-fix power connectors with loop-in/loop-out terminals that can be terminated and hidden away while other works are finished.    The downlights can then be simply plugged in to complete the installation after decoration, avoiding the issue of paint-damaged bezels. The connectors also allow the luminaire to be removed for maintenance or even re-programming by simply unplugging them. The bezels for SpektroLED EVO Fixed are magnetic, making installation and customisation even speedier.   For retail, commercial and hospitality applications, a SpektroLED EVO emergency kit is available for maintained and non-maintained use and offers a three-hour emergency duration.   Once installed, SpektroLED EVO will give 50,000 hours of rated LED life and can be used with leading and trailing-edge dimmers should the need arise, although compatibility should be verified beforehand. A five-year warranty guarantees peace of mind.   To read more on Knightsbridge, click here.