Ansell Lighting introduces new luminaire ideal for healthcare

Tailored specifically for healthcare projects, Hope Asymmetric Linear is a brand new luminaire from Ansell Lighting. Designed for patient well-being, it features an angled polycarbonate diffuser, which delivers precise asymmetric light distribution down and outwards. This feature allows it to be mounted at the side of the ceiling space, preventing overhead glare and safeguarding patients during transportation by hospital trolleys. Power selectable, it offers users a great deal of flexibility with a choice of two different outputs suiting varying healthcare settings. It also boasts an efficacy of up to 120 lumens per watt, ensuring optimal illumination with minimal energy consumption. CCT is selectable between 3000K, 4000K and 5000K, as the asymmetric luminaire allows for colour temperature to be tailored to the specific requirements of the space. For example, a welcoming ambience can be created in corridors and waiting rooms by setting CCT to 3000K, whilst in clinical spaces such as treatment rooms, cooler tones of 4000K or 5000K can be employed to promote a focused environment. It also boasts an IP40 rating, ensuring protection against dust and offering durability for long-term use. Simple to install, the asymmetric linear is a lay-in ceiling fixture and so can be easily mounted into drop or suspended ceilings. It also supports plasterboard installation with the purchase of separate installation clip accessories. A comprehensive solution for healthcare lighting, the luminaire is also OCTO-compatible for seamless integration with smart lighting systems. A five-year warranty is also provided with all models. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “This new Asymmetric Linear is a testament to our commitment to precision, efficiency, and excellence in healthcare lighting. It is an ideal solution for healthcare projects thanks to the flexibility, energy efficiency and precise asymmetric light distribution it delivers.” To read more on Ansell Lighting, click here.

Kensa unlocks gas-free home heating for the masses

By 2050, millions of UK homes will need to decarbonise their heating, and with the launch of its small and powerful Shoebox NX Ground Source Heat Pump, Kensa says it is unlocking a proven, net zero-ready solution. Kensa’s solution - Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps - replicates the familiarity and accessibility of gas networks and enables the mass rollout of heat pumps in the UK, bringing low-cost renewable heating and cooling to almost any type of home, whether it's a new build, a 19th century Victorian terrace, a tenement or a high-rise urban flat. One-third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heat and 6.5 million homes are estimated to be in fuel poverty. Kensa's solution will boost heat pump installations, shielding millions from unpredictable energy costs by replacing imported gas with domestically produced renewable electricity. Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa Heat Pumps, says, “This is a game-changing heat pump designed for the UK. Until now, achieving mass heat pump rollout has been a complex challenge, but with the launch of our Shoebox NX, we’ve engineered a small, high-performance heat pump that’s ready to replace gas as the main home heating choice. “When combined with our Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps solution, it unlocks cosy homes in the winter and cooler homes in the summer for almost anyone, and at low costs to the consumer. “For 25 years, Kensa has been pioneering Ground Source Heat Pump technology, and with the Shoebox NX, we’re ready to deliver heat pumps for everyone, cut household carbon emissions and make green home heating a reality.” John Bromley, Managing Director - Clean Energy Strategy and Investments at Legal and General Capital, says, “Housing requires some of the most substantial and immediate overhauls of any industry to improve standards, reduce running costs for consumers, and reach net zero. The Kensa Group’s highly efficient, networked ground source heating and cooling will play a key part in this transition. “As an experienced energy transition investor, we are proud to be supporting Kensa’s growth and we are delighted to see the launch of its latest ground-breaking Shoebox NX heat pump, a culmination of years of expertise and development. “We share Kensa’s ambition to deliver reliable, efficient heating solutions for consumers, developers, housing providers, and more - taking us a step closer to decarbonising UK properties at scale.” For more on Kensa Heat Pumps, click here.

Hendy announces new partnership with myenergi

Hendy, a family motor group, has announced myenergi as its exclusive partner for EV home chargers. As part of the agreement, Hendy will promote the myenergi zappi as its home charger of choice, with the two companies working closely together to accelerate the transition to electrification. From 1 March 2024, customers who purchase a new or used pure electric, or plug-in hybrid vehicle from any of Hendy’s dealerships across the South of England will be offered a myenergi zappi at a highly discounted rate. There will also be options available to wrap the purchase and installation costs into their vehicle finance agreement. Paul Hendy, CEO of Hendy Group, says, “We’re delighted to announce myenergi – a brand renowned for its pioneering smart tech – as our exclusive partner for EV home chargers. By doing so, we aim to make the transition to electrification easier and more cost-effective than ever before for our customers. “After all, with more than 80% of all EV charging said to take place on the driveway, providing our customers with access to the best home charging product on the market is an important step in ensuring an outstanding customer experience.” The myenergi zappi is described as a smart EV charger with a difference. Not only does it operate as a standard EV charger, but also features optional charging modes to utilise 100% self-generated renewable energy from a customer’s home. Paired with the myenergi app, drivers can set timers to take advantage of economy tariffs, use the boost function and monitor multiple devices. Jordan Brompton, Co-Founder and CMO of myenergi, adds, “As one of the largest dealership groups in the South of England, we’re looking forward to working closely with the Hendy team to offer new EV drivers with the industry’s original and best eco-smart charger. Discounted rates on zappi devices will save drivers hundreds of pounds in purchase costs alone, offering yet another reason to make the switch to electric!” To read more on myenergi, click here.

0800 Repair secures significant project from Karbon Homes

0800 Repair, part of PHS, has been awarded a significant project from Karbon Homes to carry out hundreds of EICR tests across the North East.    0800 Repair will carry out electrical installation and condition reports (EICR) for 450 homes, which have been either built or are currently managed by Karbon Homes, to ensure the homes’ electrical infrastructure is up to date and safe.   The multi-year contract has been awarded following 0800 Repair’s appointment to Lot 1 of the Decarbonisation Retrofit Framework.     North East-based Prosper, which specialises in procurement and new build solutions, developed the framework, which reassures organisations that 0800 Repair has been pre-assessed and approved for its experience, technical and professional ability.   The framework aims to provide an innovative and compliant route to delivery through appointed principal contractors, complementing projects supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2 and ECO4 works. During each inspection, 0800 Repair will inspect the homes’ electrical installations, checking for issues such as overloading, defects and hazards.   Phil Pallister, Managing Director at 0800 Repair, says, “We are delighted to be partnering up with Karbon Homes and begin servicing hundreds of homes across the North East.    “Securing a place on this framework, developed by Prosper, demonstrates our commitment to delivering high standards and, more specifically, our ability to meticulously assess electrical installations.”

Industry celebrates ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week

Scotland’s electrical bodies say the industry is leading the way with skills and training to help power the technology of tomorrow and are urging others to follow in its footsteps to ensure Scotland makes a successful transition to net zero.   SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) have released a new video ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week that reinforces the range of renewable training currently being undertaken by apprentices.   The film shows how young electricians are receiving a thorough grounding in a wide range of green skills, enabling them to cater to future heat and power needs, including working with electric vehicles, battery storage, solar panels, air source heat pumps and more.   The bodies also insist, however, that the government, homeowners and wider construction sector must embrace the opportunities offered by renewables and work together to ensure that the transition to net zero becomes a reality.   Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “This video aims not only to inspire young learners to become electrical apprentices but also to show that the electrical industry is at the heart of the move to the electrification of society.   “However, we also need to persuade those in our industry to be equally committed to the adoption and uptake of green technology to ensure that this training is not in vain and that the electricians of tomorrow emerge into a country that is willing to embrace renewables.”   Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT and The Secretary of the SJIB, adds, “To ensure that there is a sustainable and healthy pipeline of work for this next generation of electricians, we need the government, the Scottish people and the construction industry to use renewable technology and join us on the transition to net zero.    “Such a transition needs to happen now, and we all need to face the reality that we must do it sooner rather than later if we are to secure an energy-efficient future for our children and our children’s children.”   Running from 4-8 March, this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week will again celebrate the value and importance of apprenticeships, with this year’s event focusing on skills generation.   Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, says, “The electrical sector in Scotland is taking the lead in skills generation, with 2,500 young people currently receiving the training necessary to cultivate complex skill sets and lay strong foundations for a long and rewarding career.   “However, the vast depth of knowledge needed to become an electrician can only be obtained by completing the Modern Apprenticeship, and there are no shortcuts to equipping electrical professionals with the skills they need to power our country for decades to come.   “If we are to make the transition to net zero safely and securely, it is of the utmost importance that the electricians of tomorrow spend a minimum of four years learning their trade properly and completing a dedicated, tailor-made apprenticeship.”   To read more on SELECT, click here.  

Climate crisis spurs demand for backup power

Rising temperatures have crossed the critical 1.5°C threshold and are just one negative effect of global warming. An increasing number of extreme weather events are leaving millions without electricity every year, sometimes for days. In the future, such extreme weather events and consequent blackouts will affect even more people. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that power outages are becoming more frequent, as well as more severe. Given these facts, it is becoming more prudent to invest in an alternative power source. Diverse options to prepare for a power outage From generators to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or even a power-generating exercise bike, there are many options to power a home in the event of a blackout. Every device has its pros and cons, and which one is the best depends on specific needs and available budget. Generators, for example, can provide enough energy to power all of a home’s appliances, but they are expensive and can cost thousands. A more budget-friendly option may be portable generators. These can generate from a few to 10kWh of energy, which would be enough to cover basic needs, such as powering a fridge, lights, or router until electricity is restored. However, most portable generators emit pollutants that are harmful to human health and the environment. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, a generator must stay outside of the home, meaning that it might not be a good option for people living in an apartment. Generators also emit foul-smelling fumes and noise. For those who prefer more sustainable solutions, solar generators would be a more suitable option. They are eco-friendly, safer and easier to maintain. The same can be said about UPS or backup battery systems. However, the UPS and backup battery systems have limitations in terms of battery life, and prolonged outages may exceed their battery capacities. Generate electricity by pedalling There is another eco-friendly solution that at first glance doesn’t look like a tool designed to assist during power outages. This is the exercise bike and power-storing device, HR Bank, which generates electricity by pedal power. “Knowing that fossil fuels, the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions, still account for over 60% of total global electricity generation, it is important to use green energy, even in the event of a power outage. That’s why in the HR Bank we combined three different methods of storing green electricity,” says Aurelijus Jaškulis, the Co-Founder and COO of Tukas EV, a Lithuanian startup that created the device. HR Bank has a 2kWh battery that in the event of a blackout can power home appliances. Only seven minutes of pedalling the device can generate enough electricity to charge a router for one hour while pedalling for 15 minutes is enough to fully charge a phone. According to Aurelijus, a good illustration of how HR Bank could be used to produce electricity was a recent play in the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, where two such devices were deployed to generate lighting for the entire 1.5 hour performance. Similarly, HR Bank can be utilised to generate lighting at home in the event of a blackout. The full battery of this device provides enough energy to keep lights on for a whole week or to microwave 100 meals. Aurelijus stresses that power outages are just one of many ways how the HR Bank can be used. Since it is foldable, it can be taken to a camper, vacation home, or countryside house and charged with green energy or a car generator. Simultaneously, while the HR Bank is being pedalled or charged from an external source, it can also power any connected device, thus in total generating around 4-5kWh of electricity every day. “Each person will experience the benefits of the HR Bank differently. Someone may use it to build a zero-emission home and power it with an HR Bank, or maybe a person will have a solar panel (portable, stationary, or other) on their balcony and will connect their HR Bank to a metropolitan apartment, and will be independent of the grid. In any case, the device can also be used in the event of a power outage,” says Aurelijus.

Calls for tool thieves to face stricter punishment

Calls are being made for criminals to face stricter punishments for robbing tradespeople of their van tools. The motoring team at Lease Van are calling for offenders to have harsher sentences in hopes of reducing the amount of tool thefts in the UK. Under the Theft Act 1968, a maximum sentence of seven years can be given to someone found guilty of breaking into a van. If the amount stolen totals under £200, the maximum sentence they can face is six months. However, the problem many van owners face is that not all criminals are caught and convicted, meaning they can be left thousands of pounds out of pocket. Tradespeople also face the chance of uncaught thieves returning and stealing the newly replaced equipment. Tool thefts have been on the rise over the last few years, with London alone facing a 25% increase, making matters worse for van owners. The experts believe introducing stricter punishment for tool thieves can help to reduce the number of offences committed as harsher sentences may deter them from committing it in the first place. Tim Alcock, motoring expert at Lease Van, says, “A van is like a second home to tradespeople and having it broken into is a devastating experience as it severely restricts their work routine. Stolen tools can also cost thousands to replace and this can be even worse if there’s damage to the van itself. “What’s shocking is that if a criminal steals under £200 worth of tools, the maximum sentence they can receive is six months. This is only the maximum, so in a lot of cases, this sentence won’t even be applied. “While van alarms, CCTV and padlocks can help deter thugs from stealing the tools, it can’t guarantee that the equipment won’t be stolen. Tool thefts have been on the rise in recent years meaning the problem isn’t going away anytime soon. We believe increasing the maximum sentence will make people think twice before breaking into someone’s van and stealing their hard-earned resources.”

Luceco sparks the next generation of electricians

Luceco is supporting the next generation of electricians, with colleges close to the firm’s office benefitting from its products.    Apprentice and T-Level students studying Electrical Installation courses at Stafford College and Walsall College can now use a range of Luceco products, including electrical and wiring accessories, circuit protection ranges, and sockets and switches, in their practical training.    Jeremy Hayes, Lecturer at Stafford College, says, “We are grateful to Luceco for providing our students with high quality, market-leading products for them to practice on. After opening our new purpose-built facility for our electrical, plumbing and building students, this donation will help make sure they receive the best education possible.”   Andrew Duffen, Walsall College Lecturer, says, “Thanks to Luceco, our students have been able to improve their practical training on a new range of products to prepare them for their future careers as qualified professionals. This has given them the chance to consider sustainable electric products and think how best they could be used.”   Sarah Thompson, Communications Manager at Luceco, says, “We are fortunate to be able to work with Stafford and Walsall Colleges, along with other training providers across the country. Our commitment to support the next generation of electrical contractors is very important to us and we hope that by donating a range of our products, students can learn that by electrifying the UK we can create a sustainable energy system for the future.”   To read more on Luceco, click here.

Evolve light switches and sockets from BG Electrical

The Evolve range of decorative switches and sockets from BG Electrical combines end-user demand for style and value with easy, quick fitting and ‘no-return’ reliability.   This range is suitable for both domestic and commercial applications, and the range, according to BG Electrical, is the perfect way to ensure all essential power points enhance decor rather than detract from it. The slimline switches and sockets are designed with screwless face plates, which easily clip on and off to make decorating easier.   Launched by Luceco under its specialist wiring and accessories brand BG Electrical, the Evolve range boasts eight different colours, including brushed steel, black chrome, matt blue, satin brass, polished copper, matt black, matt grey and pearlescent white.   The range includes switches, sockets and power points, fast charge USB sockets, Wi-Fi range extenders, cooker controls, shaver sockets, dimmer switches, Grid range extension and Euro module range extension combining power, data, TV, telephone and audio. There are 25-year warranties, and the range design ensures a right-first-time approach to any wiring installation.   Commenting on the range, BG’s Product Manager, Hazel Whittingham says, “The Evolve range has been designed around installer feedback and market demand, so we are very confident of the opportunity it provides for installers to generate new business, upsell the offer and lock in end-users for the long term.”

Stratosphere leap year jump for Macmillan in Vegas

A Luceco employee is preparing to jump off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas – all in the name of charity. The Stratosphere is a 1,149ft hotel and casino that towers above the famous Strip and features three well-known hair-raising amusement rides at the top - but now there's a fourth. Claiming the title of the world's highest commercial decelerated descent, the SkyJump takes thrill-seekers on an 855ft ‘controlled free-fall’ at 40mph. Nigel Davis, a company merchandiser from the Luceco Group, will be queuing up for his safety lesson on 29 February, suited up and hooked up to a patented ‘descender machine’, before leaping off the small platform. Nigel, based in Luceco's central office and distribution site on Stafford Park, will be the first employee to hit the fundraising trail to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity chosen by employees recently at the global electrical, lighting and power business. Nigel says, “The SkyJump, a cross between a bungee jump and a zip line, has become the premiere attraction among the thrill rides offered at the Stratosphere. From jump to landing, it takes about 17 seconds, with two terrifying seconds of free fall at the start. “When I announced I was off to Vegas and considering doing the jump, we had just chosen our charity of the year, and it made perfect sense to do the jump to raise money for Macmillan. “So, I’m looking forward to being whisked by elevator to the observation deck on the 108th floor of the Stratosphere Tower and jumping off, but not until I have raised a few pennies in the process.” To read more on the Luceco group, click here.