Fort - the complete smart security range from ESP

Fort, a complete range of smart security products, includes intruder alarms, video doorbells, video security lights, sensors, and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single app– the ‘Click Smart+’ app – which is subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. At the heart of the Fort smart security range is the smart intruder alarm, which supports up to 32 RF devices whilst providing remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ app. The range also includes a Smart Alarm Keypad positioned in entrances and hallways. The keypad requires the Smart Alarm Hub and provides users with arm, disarm, home mode and panic functions. The Wi-Fi Smart Alarm Hub includes an inbuilt siren, a backup battery with up to eight hours of standby time and a GSM backup facility (SIM not included) for additional system security. The Hub is compatible with a range of battery powered RF devices controlled to provide whole home security in and around a property. In addition, the Fort range includes Wi-Fi security devices such as a video doorbell, video security light and a selection of 1080p cameras, all supported on the same app and do not require additional subscription fees other than a Wi-Fi connection. Accessories include a remote keypad, pet friendly PIRs, a vibration sensor and an optional solar-powered or wired external siren for an additional intruder deterrent.

New Elucian 100A Single Phase Energy Meter from Click

Scolmore continues the expansion of its Elucian consumer unit range by providing electricians with the broadest range of units and protective devices to cater for all installation requirements. The latest addition to Elucian is the new 100A Single Phase Energy Meter. The new energy meter provides a versatile and reliable solution for monitoring energy consumption in residential, solar PV, industrial and utility applications. It features a high-efficiency white backlit LCD, which provides a clear indication of measure values in all light conditions. The new energy meters can be DIN rail mounted into any of Elucian's consumer units. They are single tariff MID certified with two pulse outputs and RS485 Modbus communication protocol offering import and export energy measurement. They come with a three-year warranty.

Aperta IP single-way door entry solution from ESP

ESP’s Aperta IP PoE access control range brings market high spec door entry solutions that are quick and easy to install whilst making it suitable for a wide range of projects. From domestic dwellings to commercial properties, the range has been designed to offer more flexible installation and improved performance in contrast to traditional ‘2-wire’ and ‘4-wire’ systems. A solution for private dwellings and commercial projects is the Aperta IP Single Way Outdoor Station, which offers a range of features and benefits, including an HD camera and full duplex audio. In addition, the outdoor station includes a combined keypad and proximity reader enabling door access for users. The simple PoE installation and IP65 ingress protection make this compact outdoor station an ideal solution for domestic and commercial applications. The system offers a quick and easy installation solution for customers looking to enhance the security provision on their premises. The Aperta IP system is powered by the ClickSmart+ app, which allows full control of the whole Aperta IP range. On the Aperta IP HD 7” monitors, the single-way door station can be viewed. The monitors are available in a black or white housing option and feature a slimline, contemporary design. They offer Wi-Fi and LAN connections to support the various functions of the ClickSmart+ app, including the ‘Call Divert’ feature, which transfers calls to the app when a visitor calls from the outdoor station. The monitors incorporate a user-friendly touchscreen GUI monitor and offer full High-Definition live view from the outstation’s camera, including duplex audio. They also include a record function stored internally (microSD card required), requiring no additional subscription changes All devices are connected via PoE switches, making installations convenient by removing the need for a power supply per device, and, unlike other options on the market, the Aperta IP door entry system does not require programming software to configure the system.

Unicrimp adds Metal Cable Cleats to the Q-Fire range

Unicrimp has added a range of Metal Cable Cleats to its growing Q-Fire portfolio of fire-rated cable accessory products. The new Metal Cable Cleats meet BS 7671 (18th Edition) requirements and are designed to prevent cables from premature collapse during a fire, keeping emergency services and the public safe. The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place. Unicrimp’s fire-rated black Metal Cable Cleats are available in 14 different size options suitable for cable sizes from 5mm up to 50mm. The key feature is an oval fixing hole which allows for cable diameter tolerances. To install the metal cable cleat, the electrician needs to bend the cleat around the cable and fix it in place to the designated wall.

Ovia adds LED Wall Packs to its Floodlight range

Ovia’s floodlight range includes the Inceptor Murus – a range of LED Wall Packs with CTA Switch and a robust IK10-rated housing, making them ideal in outdoor settings. It is designed to be fast and simple to install, thanks to the Push Fit/Piano Key Terminal Block. In addition, the floodlight can be Besa box or trunking mounted. The IP66-rated Inceptor Murus is available in 15W and 25W options and with a choice of standard, photocell and emergency versions. The photocell version can assist with energy saving by allowing the light to turn on and off at set lux levels. Inceptor Murus will turn on when the lux level is below 10-30 lux. All models include a CTA switch, allowing the product to change colour temperature between Warm White 3000K, Cool White 4000K and Daylight 6000K. Inceptor Murus is available in anthracite grey or light grey finish. It comes with a five-year warranty.

Knightsbridge launches next-generation CCT fire-rated downlight

With the choice of three colour temperatures and five bezel finishes, the CFR5CCT fire-fated downlight from Knightsbridge – a manufacturer of wiring accessories and lighting – can adapt lighting to fit the demands of every location. Providing a versatile three-in-one lighting solution, the CFR5CCT features tri-CCT providing three colour temperatures: 3000K, warm white; 4000K, cool white; and 5500K, daylight. The product is supplied with a white bezel as standard, the CFR5CCT can be accessorised with interchangeable bezels in five finishes – brushed chrome, matt black, polished chrome, white and brass. Robust, durable, and quick to install due to push-fit terminals for loop-in/loop-out connections, the downlight meets fire safety standards, being rated for 30/60/90min in solid timber, 30min in web joist, and 30min in I-joist (Staircraft). Providing up to 115lm/W, the CFR5CCT downlight is also acoustically rated, minimising noise interference, and is insulation contact-rated, as well as rated IP65 for dust and water tightness. It has a three-year warranty and is designed for use with Trailing Edge dimmers.

That’s a wrap for THE WIRE 2023

 NICEIC has concluded its popular webinar series THE WIRE for 2023.   This CPD-accredited webinar series hit a new record of 100,000 views. Among the most popular topics were the Corrigendum to BS 7671: 2018 + A2, best practices for consumer unit replacement, and everything you need to know about SPDs.    This free series, available exclusively to NICEIC-certified businesses and their teams, provides valuable insights and guidance on the latest regulations, technologies, and best practices in the electrical industry. The webinars give viewers the chance to ask questions of the NICEIC experts.    “THE WIRE webinars are part of ongoing efforts to support NICEIC-certified businesses and drive technical excellence and standards,” says Paul Collins, Technical Director of NICEIC.   An exciting new series of THE WIRE will be back in early 2024, with a fresh range of hot topics, including:    Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector.   De-escalating difficult conversations.   Understanding the adiabatic equation.   Electrotechnical assessment: supervision and training requirements for your business.   Top tips for completing certificates and reports.  

Kings Cross’ ‘Heatropolis’ to lay the foundations for widescale district heating

One of London’s most high-profile regeneration zones is set to play a key role in decarbonising heat across the UK.  UK Power Networks’ trailblazing Heatropolis project aims to create a blueprint, showing how the decarbonisation of the King’s Cross heat network could scale up for millions of buildings across the country. It is being carried out with energy management company Passiv and district energy network expert Metropolitan.  ‘Heat networks’ use a single supply source to distribute heating to multiple buildings and could make up over 18% of the UK’s heating supply by 2050. The King’s Cross heat network currently delivers heat and power to over 40 commercial buildings, including Google and Nike’s UK headquarters, a university and more than 2,400 residential units.  Supported by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, Heatropolis will uncover the potential options heat networks nationwide can take to decarbonise while delivering reliable heating efficiently.  The smart management of these networks is set to become an increasingly important asset in the wider energy system. The ability to shift the electric heating load over the day could reduce peak demand and the potential need for network infrastructure upgrades.  In the project’s initial discovery phase, Heatropolis began to quantify how smarter low carbon heat networks can use design innovations and innovative control strategies to maximise the use of existing network capacity.  Alongside the potential carbon savings of 1,500t of CO2, a better understanding of how efficiently green heat networks can operate flexibly could also help save customers as much as £35 million in total, by 2050.  In the next phase, the project explores what commercial methods are needed to help unlock this value and test the feasibility of new technologies.  Ian Cameron, Director of Customer Service and Innovation at UK Power Networks, says, “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to decarbonising heat. Understanding the best approaches to decarbonising heat networks is about creating a series of blueprints that can be implemented on a national scale. Millions of people could benefit from the efficient decarbonisation of heat networks. We want to make sure these networks have every possible opportunity to decarbonise district heating.”  Andrew White, Managing Director at Metropolitan, says, “We are delighted to have secured funding for the next stage of this project, which is essential in understanding how heat networks can help reduce grid reinforcement and provide valuable flexibility services whilst lowering carbon emissions from heating homes and businesses.” 

Texts to mental health helpline doubles

Band of Builders (BoB), a construction charity, has seen a 105.5% increase in messages to its text helpline after launching an initiative to extend the mental health message to construction sites and estates teams across the UK. Hays, the construction recruitment specialist, joined forces with BoB in October, taking the lead on visiting sites and reaching out to bosses and operatives to discuss tackling the industry’s mental health crisis and signposting support that is readily available, free and accessible. In the last three months, the Hays team has visited more than 500 sites – with the company pledging to continue visiting more construction sites and estate teams in 2024. The push to raise awareness has prompted a 105.5% jump in messages to the text line to help tradespeople and construction workers. It is a worrying number although it showcases that more people are seeking help. The latest figures from the helpline show that texts about depression, financial difficulties or relationship issues accounted for 52.9% of messages. Fortunately, the number of cries for help from construction workers considering taking their own lives has decreased from 30.4% to 13.1% in the last three months. The statistics come at a notoriously worrying time of year, with a spike in calls and messages from people in construction seeking help – where the suicide rate is significantly higher in contrast to other sectors. CEO of BoB, Gavin Crane praised Hays’ commitment to taking the mental health message to sites as part of the services it offers to managers and candidates it places on temporary or short-term contracts. “Hays is uniquely placed to take the mental health message to sites, and the fact that the number of messages to our text service has more than doubled in the last three months highlights the impact they are having in signposting members of the construction community to that all-important first step in asking for help,” he says. “It’s vital to keep signposting where construction worker can get help if they are struggling with their mental health: they can text BOB to 85258.” The launch of the initiative was timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day in October. The frontline staff at Hays have been visiting construction sites to discuss mental health with staff and to promote the work of BoB, which also runs the Big Brew- a campaign that has raised sufficient funds to provide access to free mental health and wellbeing services. As part of the initiative, Hays has invested in BoB-branded merchandise, which is left at each site to reinforce the message and signpost where support can be accessed. This includes posters that have gone up on site noticeboards and in canteens, which are visible to many workers on site. Providing signposting and support for construction workers who might be struggling is essential to ensure that mental health is openly spoken about within the construction industry and that workers receive the support they need,'' she concludes.

Aico announces an exciting new promotion for 2024

Aico is excited to announce the launch of its exciting new promotion, 'The Great Escape - Shop Aico to Go!' for 2024. The company is offering its supply chain the chance to win dozens of prizes throughout January and February as a thank-you for all its continued support in 2023.  This promotion offers an incredible opportunity to win a series of thrilling getaways and exciting days out, including trips to Las Vegas, Dubai, and across Europe. Plus, there are vouchers for days out throughout the UK. To participate, simply purchase Aico products between 1 January and 29 February 2024. Distributors can scan their invoices to accumulate entries, while installers can input codes found on selected products. The more Aico products you purchase, the higher your chances of winning. Picture yourself strolling along the shimmering Las Vegas Strip, where iconic casinos and dazzling shows await. Envision yourself sipping a refreshing beverage amidst the towering skyscrapers of Dubai, a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Aico is giving you the chance to experience these dream destinations firsthand. For those who prefer the charm of Europe, imagine venturing through the labyrinthine streets of Barcelona or stepping into the enchanting world of Disneyland Paris.  For a taste of home, there are short stays in the picturesque Lake District, a stunning area of mountains, lakes, and forests, and the vibrant city of London, rich in history and culture. Whether seeking exhilarating theme park thrills or an immersive cinema experience, there's something for everyone. Alex Garmston, Marketing Manager at Aico, comments, "The Great Escape - Shop Aico to Go! promotion is our way of showing appreciation to our valued supply chain partners for their unwavering support throughout 2023. We are excited to see the grand prizes being won, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with our supply chain in 2024."