Paul Spence calls for caution when it comes to heat pumps

Following a new report from Nesta, ‘Insulation impact: How much do UK houses really need?’ which suggests the fabric first approach, such as making homes as energy efficient as possible, is not an essential part of the UK's current stage in the heat pump roll-out. Paul Spence, Technical Manager at heatly, urges installers and heat pump customers not to take this as a cue to view energy efficiency upgrades as less important. Nesta's report focuses on carbon reduction and ripping out fossil fuel heating and replacing it with cleaner, greener heat pumps, which will, in turn, reduce the UK's carbon footprint. Paul claims that for the majority, comfort and the cost of living feature far higher on their agenda than cutting carbon. He states that even as a fan of heat pumps, he cannot endorse the idea that homeowners should move improvement of the UK's woefully damp and draughty housing stock lower down the list, in favour of banging in heat pumps as quickly as possible. This approach could serve to dent the reputation of heat pumps, ignoring the consumers of gas who are not able to make the switch. As an installer, Paul views first-hand the problems arising when heat pumps are installed in inefficient homes. One of the main problems is over-specification, which leads to higher costs and future problems. If heat loss is high, the size of the heat pump required to keep a building warm, increases. The bigger the heat pump, the more expensive it is. If, in the future, the homeowner makes energy efficiency upgrades, the heat pump and ancillaries (pipes, circulators, pumps etc.) can end up being over-specified, leading to systems that use too much power and are difficult to control. Nesta's report states, ''While better insulation is always beneficial with any kind of heating system, it is not an essential prerequisite for getting a heat pump. The key factors affecting a heat pump's efficiency are system design and adequately sized radiators. While insulation plays an important role in reducing heat demand and can sometimes make heat pumps operate more efficiently, it is not the key factor in heat pump efficiency. Instead, having a well-designed heating system, with correctly sized heat emitters which enable a lower flow temperature, is the most important factor behind a heat pump's efficiency.'' According to Paul, this is all true but if the energy efficiency of the house changes, as is most likely the case in poorly insulated properties, the original design will no longer be suitable. Crucially, without a fabric-first approach, energy bills will be prohibitive. One of the arguments Paul has seen to counter this is raising gas prices and reducing the cost of electricity. Everyone wants the latter to happen, but not at the expense of gas customers. Currently, 26 million homes are on natural gas, many of which are not able to switch to heat pumps, it seems unfair that they should be penalised for something beyond their control. This type of policy masks poor housing and poor heat pump installation by economics. Paul states that we should strive for a future where COP 4+ is the norm. According to him, ‘fabric first' should always be the way to go. Suppose carbon reduction using a swift switch to heat pumps is the only goal. In that case, homeowners and landlords will need larger subsidies than currently available and the industry must be prepared for greater numbers of dissatisfied customers. For the low-carbon sector to thrive, quality is key - happy customers in warm homes that cost less to run. Paul expresses excitement to be working with heatly because it will make a big contribution to this goal; improving heat pump specification and installation accuracy, simplifying the associated processes for installers and making the benefits of heat pumps and supporting energy efficiency upgrades easier to understand for consumers. To read more on heatly, click here.

NICEIC will attend the ELEX show at Alexandra Palace

NICEIC has announced that it will attend ELEX 2024. NICEIC Event Manager, Sarah Hunter, expresses her enthusiasm for the trade show, “We are thrilled to be attending ELEX 2024. The NICEIC stand will provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to access the industry's best technical minds and resources, and to learn more about our services. Our technical team will be on-site to offer advice and answer questions about the NICEIC assessment process, products, and training. We look forward to meeting you.”    Visitors can expect NICEIC’s stand to be the go-to place for expert technical advice. The brand will be running two CPD-accredited seminars on each day of the show, covering top tips for successful electric vehicle charging point installations.   Those interested in exploring prosumer installations can check out NICEIC’s demonstration rig. Visitors can learn how to integrate battery storage systems with new or existing installations and discover the benefits of producing and consuming self-generated energy. Additionally, exclusive discounts will be offered on NICEIC publications and training courses.    To read more on NICEIC, click here.

EnOcean Bluetooth module with doubled radio transmission power

EnOcean has introduced the second-generation Bluetooth switch module PTM 216B. This energy-harvesting module builds upon the success of its predecessor, the PTM 215B. EnOcean claims that it is setting industry standards for mesh network lighting control solutions, the new PTM 216B signifies a leap forward in technological innovation. With the new EnOcean PTM 216B module, customers can now address more applications, thanks to the use of the latest generation kinetic harvester ECO 260. The combination of the new harvester with the latest generation system design allows for more radio transmission power compared to its highly successful predecessor, the PTM 215B. This significantly increases the usable communication distance. The enhancement enables control of high-bay lighting, expanding the application areas to include warehouses and architectural projects with high ceilings. PTM 216B brings flexibility in terms of installation locations and repositioning capabilities. In modern offices with adaptable layouts and flexible walls, the elimination of wiring significantly streamlines the installation process. NFC technology for quick and easy integration EnOcean devices, such as PTM 216B, can be configured quickly using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. NFC is a short-range wireless technology that enables communication between devices nearby, typically within a few centimetres. It allows two devices equipped with NFC capabilities to establish a connection by bringing them close together, triggering data exchange. A common use is for making contactless payments. The integration of EnOcean devices into networks via NFC provides a simple, quick and reliable way of setting up lighting installations.  Simple: no qualifications are required to set it up.  Quick: optimised installation time.  Right first-time: no need to revisit a site to correct any parameters.  Many different designs, thanks to a partner network Thanks to the extensive EnOcean partner and OEM network, energy-harvesting switches based on the PTM 216B and other EnOcean switch modules are available in a wide range of designs from multiple switch manufacturers around the world, all of which blend well into any environment. The company states that the unique combination of these features makes PTM 216B an ideal choice for lighting control and building automation use cases. Official switch OEM partners make use of the 'Battery-free by EnOcean' brand, ensuring it contains genuine technology from EnOcean for maintenance-free operation in the field. EnOcean at Light + Building This new module will be featured at the EnOcean booth at Light + Building in Frankfurt from 3-8 March 2024. At the show, EnOcean will focus on sustainable IoT for green and healthy buildings. New energy harvesting products, as well as IoT solutions and smart servers that help analyse the collected data and make informed decisions to optimise building performance will be at the heart of the EnOcean show. To read more on EnOcean, click here.

Martindale Electric releases a new safety catalogue

‘Electrical Safety at Work: Safe Isolation’ is the new short-form catalogue from Martindale Electric. The 44-page catalogue contains a complete range of products designed specifically for executing safe isolation procedures. Implementing safe isolation is essential to achieve compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations, there to ensure that workers on site are not exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems. The new Martindale catalogue helps you select the right tools for the job, featuring the key components critical to implementing an effective procedure to stay safe during the installation and maintenance of electrical plants and equipment. From an individual electrician working on a domestic installation to a maintenance team working on an industrial site, Martindale offers solutions with a wide portfolio of safety products available as individual items or within a handy kit. The range includes lock-off devices, warning signs, proving units, voltage indicators/testers and other accessories, all detailed in the catalogue. Industry-focused kits are also included and designed to contain everything needed for specific customer safety requirements. These include kits for general electrical work, utility applications, domestic installation or to enable gas service engineers to securely lock off circuits. To read more on Martindale Electric, click here.

Sainsbury’s launches a new ultra-rapid service - Smart Charge

Sainsbury’s has launched Smart Charge, a brand-new, dedicated EV charging business that will give drivers access to ultra-rapid EV charging points across its stores.    In new research commissioned by Sainsbury’s, 80% of EV users admit to avoiding long journeys because of not wanting to charge at public EV charging stations, describing the main frustrations as chargers being broken (40%), not enough charging bays (36%) and speed of service (33%). Designed to mitigate these frustrations, Smart Charge will initially feature over 750 cutting-edge ultra-rapid charging bays rolled out across more than 100 stores by the end of 2024, putting Sainsbury’s in the top five providers of ultra-rapid charging in the UK.   Ultra-rapid is the fastest type of EV charging currently available on the market but 32% of EV drivers surveyed said they have yet to benefit from using it. Designed to be speedy, reliable and easy to use, Sainsbury’s 150kW Smart Charge bays allow users to fully charge their vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, providing enough power to travel up to 200 miles. Many of the chargers can also charge even faster if a driver’s vehicle battery accepts higher charger speeds, up to 300kW.   Smart Charge also offers a solution for the 32% of EV drivers who expressed frustrations at waiting with nothing to do with public chargers. With Smart Charge, customers can make the most of the speedy service and the option to pop into a Sainsbury’s store to pick up some groceries or grab a coffee while they wait.   While 74% of EV users currently use multiple EV charging brands, 94% said they prefer to use just one trusted and reliable brand. When asked why, the top reasons included reliability (63%), convenience when planning long trips (54%) and awareness of cost upfront (53%). Recognising the desire for a trusted EV charging brand in the UK and the benefits for customers of being able to charge their vehicles while doing their shopping, Sainsbury’s believes the convenience, speed and reliability of Smart Charge will represent a game changer for EV users.   Already available at more than 20 Sainsbury’s stores, Smart Charge offers spacious, accessible bays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and compatible with fully electric vehicles. New charging hubs will be added to the Smart Charge network throughout the UK regularly.    Smart Charge is available at around 200 ultra-rapid charging bays at just over 20 Sainsbury’s locations. The charging technology and equipment are provided by Kempower. The service is intended to help advance the uptake of electric vehicles in the country, supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The launch represents another step in Sainsbury’s ambitious commitment to achieving net zero across its value chain by 2050.   To read more on Smart Charge, click here.

Ansell launches largest strip lighting range on the market

Fuelled by the ever-increasing popularity of strip lighting, Ansell Lighting has unveiled its brand-new LED Cell strip range. Ansell’s LED Cell strip range is the result of significant investment and offers solutions for a diverse range of applications.  The launch consists of eight different product collections, addressing every project need. Colour choices are well catered for, with RGBW, RGB, RGBTW and single-colour options available across the ranges. In addition to IP20, IP65 and IP67 durability ratings. Supplied with a self-adhesive back, all of Ansell’s LED strip lights are easy to install and require no additional adhesive or fixings. All of Ansell's strip lights are also OCTO-compatible and come with a three or five-year warranty. The first collection in the strip range is C-CELL – a COB continuous output strip delivering an enhanced aesthetic appearance. The company claims the C-CELL gives out seamless and continuous light, so it is dot-free, ideal for residential, hospitality and retail applications. D-CELL is a range of dim to warm strip lights providing applications with great versatility. When undimmed, the 3000K colour temperature is ideal for task lighting. However, when dimmed, the 1800K output provides a more relaxed and intimate aesthetic. Providing an economical option, E-CELL is a traditional LED strip ideal for general use, whilst H-CELL is a high-efficiency option that delivers strong levels of illumination and provides great energy-saving benefits. The fifth product in Ansell’s new LED strip range is K-CELL. It is suitable for high-end residential, hospitality and retail applications, and features small cutting points that enable users to get an exact cut to the length required. Designed for peak performance, P-CELL is a professional LED strip with high efficacy, helping to reduce overall energy consumption in large-scale installations. It also features the most extensive range of colour temperature options and power options of all Ansell strip products. Ideal for internal and external installations where power supply locations are few and far between, U–CELL is an ultra-long LED strip available up to 50m in length, whilst Z-CELL is a flexible LED strip that bends so it can be used on installations featuring corners or bends without breaking or being damaged. Helping to simplify the process of choosing the correct strip and accessories, Ansell has developed and will soon launch an online Code Builder to help navigate the vast array of products there is to choose from. Users will simply enter their specification requirements into the Code Builder, which will be hosted on the Ansell website, and all the necessary parts required will be worked out automatically - even calculating what drivers and accessories they need. This information can be downloaded for use. To read more on Ansell, click here.

Customer behaviour causes tradespeople to walk away

According to research from Direct Line, 47% of tradespeople say they have walked away from a job due to a customer’s behaviour. The study revealed the average value of each job walked away from was £1,062. Four in 10 (41%) tradespeople report arguments with customers because of their behaviour, with the most common issue being late payment (62%). It is a key issue for the industry and can significantly impact cash flow, as tradespeople are owed an average of £6,984 in outstanding payments. Other reasons for arguments include customers trying to tell tradespeople how to do the job (57%) and customers adding additional jobs on top of what had already been agreed (39%).  The top 10 most annoying customer habits, according to tradespeople # Annoying habit % 1. Late payment 62% 2. Customers trying to tell you how to do your job 57% 3. Adding additional jobs on top of what you have agreed to do 39% 4. Customers nagging you to finish faster 39% 5. Customers checking up on you or hovering over you while you work 36% 6. Customer indecisiveness or changing their mind about something 33% 7. Children hovering over you while you work 31% 8. Not keeping pets out of the way while you work 29% 9. Not being able to start at the agreed date 27% 10. Customers trying to get involved or help 26%   With 42% of Brits struggling to find a tradesperson to do work in their home, the survey also revealed the ‘red flags’ that cause professionals to decline some jobs. On average, tradespeople turn down five jobs a year due to ‘red flags’ they have identified. The most common ‘red flag’ was a customer telling them that they could get someone else to do the job for less (49%). This was closely followed by dictating how much a job should cost (47%) or how long it should take (41%), wanting to cut corners to reduce cost such as using cheap materials (45%), and asking for a discount with a sob story (43%).  Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, comments on the issue, “We’ve all had to manage challenging situations and people that have tested our patience. While tradespeople understand that often customers' questions are about trying to understand a task that sits outside of their general knowledge, frequent questions and demands can make for a difficult working environment for tradespeople. It bodes well for customers to remember that the person they’ve hired or are looking to hire, is an expert in their field. A tradesperson relies on word of mouth and a good reputation, so ultimately, they want to make sure that they do a good job, on time and at a fair price for the work they’re doing.” To read more from Direct Line, click here.

Local authorities in the UK rely on Mer’s EV expertise

Mer, an electric vehicle company, is helping public sector authorities to make strides towards meeting their electric mobility, EV adoption and net zero goals. Alex Hinchcliffe, Interim Managing Director at Mer UK, says, “Mer’s work, most recently with Eastleigh Borough Council, Breckland District Council and Hart District Council are just a few examples of our commitment to working with public sector bodies to build a strong public charge point network. Working with installation partner Joju Charging, we are delighted to be supporting the growth of the EV market by optimising and expanding our networks with local authorities in line with driver demand, bringing charging to new pockets of the UK, and helping councils achieve their ambitions for reaching net zero.” Mer’s work with Eastleigh Borough Council began with installing charge points at four sites. Due to growing demand, phase two of the partnership is already underway, including further charge point installation at new sites across the borough and the expansion of the phase one site. This ensures the public charging network in Eastleigh remains fit for purpose as usage increases. Andy Brennan, Climate Change Manager at Eastleigh Borough Council, says, “Mer has provided our district with future-fit EV charging infrastructure. Following the success of phase one, which included installing a mix of fast and rapid charging at Romsey Road Car Park, Places Leisure, Channon Retail Park and Chestnut Avenue Retail Park, we are thrilled to be expanding our network with Mer.” Mer is also working with Breckland District Council, initially building a mix of rapid and fast-charging infrastructure in several locations, with plans for a charge point rollout shortly. Helen Crane, Executive Member for Waste, Environmental Health, Licensing and Sustainability at Breckland District Council, says, “We are working with Mer to enhance the electric mobility experience in our area so the community will see a reliable EV charging network come to life. The move will enable our residents to have greater accessibility to electric vehicle charging ports and is another step towards becoming a more carbon neutral district.” Recently, Mer was awarded a contract to work with Hart District Council through a competitive tender process. The Council has set climate goals, including becoming a carbon-neutral authority by 2035 and a carbon-neutral district by 2040. It has incorporated the reduction of CO2 emissions in Hart at the centre of policies and formal decision-making. Following a site survey and application for power through the District Network Operator, it plans to deliver several EV charge point bays with the Council. To read more about Mer, click here.

Former government ministers support SELECT’s campaign

The groundswell of opinion in favour of the campaign for protection of title for electricians has continued into 2024 with a New Year declaration of support from another four prominent members of the Scottish Parliament.   Former Business and Trade Minister Ivan McKee and ex-Transport Minister Kevin Stewart have both shown their backing for the regulation of the industry by signing up to the Wall of Support, spearheaded by SELECT.   The duo has been joined by Conservative MSPs Craig Hoy and Oliver Mundell as the long-running campaign continues to attract cross-party support from all political factions.    Ivan says, “Our future heating and energy demands will be met by technology such as solar panels, battery storage and electric heating, which means that electricians will play an ever-increasing role in all our lives.   “Regulation would provide the reassurance that someone calling themself an electrician was qualified to undertake such work and would also enhance the profession's status and reputation. That’s why I am backing SELECT’s campaign to regulate electricians by introducing protection of title for the profession of electrician.”   SELECT's Managing Director, Alan Wilson says, “As we enter another year in our long-running campaign, it is particularly heartening to receive even more support from prominent parliamentarians, particularly those who have served in a ministerial capacity.   “AT SELECT, we feel there is a growing understanding of the validity of the case that is being made for electricians, who will be the professionals we turn to as we transition to net zero and an electric future.   “The campaign, which focuses on safety in the home and businesses, has been a long, hard road, but there is a sense that we are entering the end game and we will continue to focus all our efforts on bringing it to a successful conclusion.”   By putting their names on a virtual brick in the Wall, supporters are taking a public stance that underlines their backing for legislation in Holyrood, which would make it an offence for someone to call themselves an electrician when they have inadequate qualifications.   SELECT has been leading the campaign for years with other industry bodies, including the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), ensuring that those who work in the industry do so safely and competently.   As well as more than a third of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group and the Energy Saving Trust.    Read more about SELECT here.

It is safety first for QUEST with a key appointment

QUEST (Quality Electrical Supplies and Technology) has appointed an in-house health and safety lead to ensure customers receive a bespoke and responsive service. Burnley-based QUEST has recruited James Bullock to the role of health and safety manager. With a background in health and safety in previous roles, James has experience managing compliant, safety-conscious working environments and implementing thorough policies that strictly adhere to regulations. This appointment gives QUEST customers the unique benefit of having safety inspections carried out by a trusted, in-house expert for every step of the installation process and beyond. QUEST will be able to offer a faster and cost-effective service with tailored risk assessments from a member of the team available for customers whenever they require assistance. Andrew Wood, the Managing Director at QUEST, says, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of James as our new Health and Safety Manager and we are sure that our customers will see a benefit almost immediately. “Health and safety is at the forefront of everything we do at QUEST and James will be able to give our customers the reassurance that every stage of their relationship with us will be handled with professionalism and care.”