MCS and Benchmark make heat pump commissioning faster and simpler

Heat pump commissioning through Benchmark Online and certification via the MCS Installations Database has been set to be integrated. This will result in a single point of data entry for the first time to simplify the process for Benchmark installers employed by the nearly 1,700 MCS certified heat pump contractors. Benchmark transformed its previous paper-based checklist into an easy-to-use app over two years ago. The addition of heat pumps was made to reflect the growth of the sector and support the UK with its transition to net zero. Combining Benchmark commissioning and MCS certification is a first for the industry. The partnership will see an integration of Benchmark and the MCS Installations Database (MID) to save installers time and effort. Benchmark commissioning engineers will be able to start the process of MCS certification creation with a single click. The MCS Product Directory, representing the more than 100 manufacturers’ MCS certified heat pump products, will remain the source of product data, again ensuring a single point of data entry and ensuring a consistent reference for products tried and tested to robust safety standards. The changes will remove the existing requirement for multiple pieces of paperwork to separately commission and certify a system, with an automated process sharing the information between both platforms. Ultimately, this means installers will only have to input installation information a single time in a single place. There will be no room for error as Benchmark, MCS, and the installer will all have access to the same information about an install. In the latest version of Benchmark Online, usability, and the resulting time saved by the new interface puts the installer first. The heating engineer simply fills out all available information on the app before the MCS certified company completes the remainder of the form and issues the certificate. There is now one fewer barrier to installer best practice. The new integration will be being demonstrated by Benchmark and MCS at PHEX South, where visitors to the stands will be able to understand the latest updates and ask questions about the new service available to them. MCS and Benchmark will be attending PHEX South at Stamford Bridge Stadium on 22-23 November. Join them on stands nine and seven respectively to learn more about the integration and watch the demonstration of the first live registration on the app at 12pm on Wednesday 22 November. To find out more and download the app, visit the Benchmark website here.

Schneider Electric partners with ArcelorMittal on low-carbon steel

ArcelorMittal and Schneider Electric have announced a partnership whereby ArcelorMittal will supply Schneider Electric with XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel for its electrical cabinets and enclosures.  Produced at ArcelorMittal’s site in Sestao, Spain, XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel is made using a very high proportion of recycled steel in an electric arc furnace, powered with 100% renewable electricity. This results in CO₂ emissions which are close to 70% lower than the same product made without XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel.    ArcelorMittal’s XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel will be used by Schneider Electric to manufacture the new PanelSeT SFN floor-standing enclosures built to protect large electrical panels for industrial automation, power distribution and electronic applications. As these enclosures are built to withstand tough operating environments, the XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel is also coated with Magnelis, a metallic coating offering high corrosion protection.   The partnership is the result of several months of technical partnership and collaboration between ArcelorMittal Steel Services Centre Europe and Schneider Electric, to find the right grade of steel and coating for the project. Earlier this year, Schneider Electric announced the opening of a new roll-forming workshop at its Sarel factory in Alsace, France to prepare the low-carbon emissions steel enclosure parts that are assembled at Schneider’s Capellades factory near Barcelona, Spain. The low-carbon emissions steel used in these plants is supplied by ArcelorMittal Steel Service Centres Europe from its distribution centre in Reims, France.   "At Schneider Electric, sustainability is at the core of our mission, driving us to innovate and create a more sustainable future. We call this Electricity 4.0, meaning the integration of digital technologies with electrification for sustainability. In this effort, we recognise the power of partnerships to make an even greater impact on our journey to net zero,” says Rohan Kelkar, Schneider Electric's Executive Vice President of Power Products Division.  According to its net zero commitment validated by the Science-based Targets initiative, Schneider Electric plans to be 'net zero ready' across its operations with an absolute carbon reduction target of 25% across its entire value chain by 2030. The company has set specific targets to increase to 50% the volume of green materials – including low-carbon steel – used in its products as part of the ongoing 2021-2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact program. Schneider Electric is also a member of the Responsible Steel Initiative for responsibly sourced and produced steel.   ArcelorMittal Europe has a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 35% by 2030, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Unicrimp expands Q-Crimp accessories range

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, has continued to expand its popular Q-Crimp range of cable accessories to provide installers with an increasing number of problem-solving products. The latest additions are three and four-part BW armoured industrial brass glands. The new three and four-part Brass Glands now include a brass olive which allows for different sizes and grades of steel wire armour. They are each available in four different sizes – 20(s)mm, 25mm, 32mm and 40mm – and they come supplied as a pack of two. The Unicrimp catalogue which showcases the entire range of Q-Crimp accessories can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website as well as from the Scolmore Group app.

Voltage optimisation specialist set for further investment

Powerdown220 has successfully overseen the largest voltage optimisation rollout in UK history in the past year and is expecting further large projects to follow. Powerdown is now celebrating a year of unprecedented success. The Macclesfield-based energy company, founded in 2017 by Stuart Hawkwood, has seen its turnover rise by 800% in just over a year and has more than doubled its workforce to expand its position in this niche market. Leveraging its close relationship with manufacturer GWE and installers Ashcrofts, Powerdown220 has rapidly emerged as the leading supplier of voltage optimisers in the UK, measured by quantity supplied. Key to the company’s recent success has the been the appointment of James Goodby to the position of Director. James helped secure a contract with Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK’s largest pub and restaurant chains, to provide voltage optimisers across its 1600-site estate. The voltage rollout, which is currently close to completion, is by far the largest project of its kind undertaken in the UK. “Our year of growth puts us in a unique position in the UK market,” reflects Stuart. “There are only two or three companies specialising in this area and we are the only company in the country with the experience of deliver large projects of this kind.” Having begun as a company supplying one or two machines per project, the recent success marks the Powerdown220’s transition to a specialist in multi-site projects. The most recent project included installation of voltage optimisers at over 1,100 UK sites. The increased revenue resulting from recent successes is being used to plan for future growth. “We’ve got specialist technical departments and specialist engineers now,” Stuart explains, “and the massive increase in turnover is allowing us to invest more in data and technology.” Another factor that has underpinned Powerdown220’s recent growth has been rising energy costs, which have encouraged companies to find more ways to reduce their bills. “Voltage optimisation is not a new technology. Unfortunately, not enough businesses are aware of it but we are trying to spread the word. Those who do know about it are increasingly finding the case for adoption more compelling in the current energy climate.” Powerdown220 has also recently launched a shared-savings model, allowing high energy consumers to invest in voltage optimisation technology without paying up front for the cost of the optimisers. In total, the company is planning to give away £1 million of equipment for free.

New Elucian 100A Single Phase Energy Meter from Click

Scolmore has continued to expand its Elucian consumer unit range to provide electricians with the broadest possible 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. This new energy meter provides a versatile and reliable solution for monitoring energy consumption in residential, solar PV, industrial and utility applications. Featuring a high efficiency white backlit LCD display which provides a clear indication of measures 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 are supplied with a three year warranty. The Elucian by Click range can be viewed on the Scolmore Group website.

Scenariio reports increase in callouts as UK firms look to control energy usage

A Derby smart building and IT infrastructure firm has experienced an increase in inquiries from companies wanting to monitor their energy use 'on a granular level', including right down to an individual kettle, as bills rise and more staff return to the workplace. Scenariio says it is now visiting a growing number of firms who want to know how smart technology can help them better understand their energy consumption by pinpointing exactly where and how their electricity is being used. The upswing comes as UK firms brace themselves for increased running costs during the approaching winter months due to continuing high energy prices. And it comes in the wake of news that UK staff are returning to the workplace in larger numbers to avoid having to use their own heating and run appliances during the day, according to a survey carried out as part of the recent Virgin Media 02’s Business Movers Index. Scenariio is a UK pioneer in the use of sensors designed to monitor energy use and its technology can provide up-to-the-minute data on how much power is being used by measuring the electricity flow on individual circuits. Among the 200 sensors it has fitted across its own offices are devices which indicate when someone boils a kettle, switches on the air conditioning, turns on a light or a monitor or even uses one of a number of electric vehicle recharging units outside. All the information is fed through in real-time via the internet to a dashboard, which is visible on a screen in the office or can be viewed via a mobile phone. This gives Scenariio a better understanding of how much each device costs to run and where staff can help to save money by switching off monitors or boiling less water every time they make a drink. Scenariio has supplied the technology, which could save larger companies thousands of pounds each year, for a number of years, but Rob Pritchard, Managing Director, says rising energy bills has prompted UK firms, both based locally and elsewhere, to take action. He says, “We are definitely seeing greater interest from organisations wanting to better understand their energy usage. “Historically they know what their buildings use through the traditional/smart electric meters, but they only tell you how much, and not where and when, so as companies aim to improve their energy efficiency and ultimately cut their costs, they need to measure their usage at a more granular level. “This data then needs to be visualised to allow them to make better informed decisions on how to make efficiencies, which they can do via our dashboard. Seeing the data in front of them makes the case for changing their approach and people’s behaviour even more compelling. “Knowledge of data is power and huge savings can be made simply by having a better understanding of energy usage. Now that winter is nearly here and more staff are returning to their desks, companies can use technology to make sure they are aligned with their efforts to drive down energy costs and achieve their net zero targets.”

Sparky scoops Tradesperson of the Year at On The Tools Awards

In a phenomenal ceremony on 9 November 2023 at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, On The Tools has celebrated the best of the best in UK construction at the On The Tools Awards with headline sponsor, Jewson, awarding trophies and prizes to participants in 19 categories. Nuneaton-based, Mike Humphries, an electrician at Green Hawk Construction, walked away with the top spot in two categories: Electrician of the Year, sponsored by Checkatrade and Tradesperson of the Year, sponsored by Jewson. Entries were scored by a panel of judges on three criteria: Expertise in their craft, contribution to the trade, and passion for their work. The judging panel was comprised of a number of industry experts, including previous winners Naima Ben-Moussa (Special Recognition 2022, Plasterer of the Year 2022), and Ricky Howell (Electrician of the Year 2022, Tradesperson of the year 2022). A highlight of Mike's entry was a description of his "proudest moment to date", where he supported a couple in their late eighties who "unfortunately fell victim to a rogue electrician". Mike says he wanted to help as much as he could, he completely rewired the house, being mindful of the couple's health complications as the job progressed, even removing an entire wall free of charge. He reassured the couple, who were initially feeling defeated and embarrassed. Eventually, Mike repaid more than double the amount of money the couple had been conned out of. Lee Wilcox, CEO and Co-Founder of On The Tools, says, “A well-deserved win in both categories! Mike is a tradesperson who uses his voice to amplify issues that are impacting the trades - a fantastic role model for our industry.” Mike Humphries, winner of both Electrician of the Year and Tradesperson of the Year, expresses his joy at the win, "A massive thank you to those who voted for me to be Electrician and Tradesperson of the Year. I was genuinely blown away by it and I am extremely proud to represent this industry. "For me personally, it's definitely a career high point and I would like to take this opportunity as far as I can to prove to people who are struggling with mental health that it is possible to be successful and recognised by your peers for doing good things." A full list of winners can be found here: https://www.onthetools.tv/winners-of-the-2023-on-the-tools-awards-revealed/

Yule love the all-new Screwfix Christmas jumper

With the festive season just around the corner, Screwfix has launched its very own Christmas jumper for tradespeople and serious DIYers looking to add some fun to their wardrobes this year. For the first time ever, Screwfix customers can buy a tool-themed colourful Christmas jumper with 100% of the proceeds from all sales going to The Screwfix Foundation, meaning those who purchase the branded jumper can not only look good but also feel good too. Ideal to wear or gift to a loved one, the Christmas jumper retails at £19.99. Its eye-catching design combines a traditional yuletide pattern, with a quirky visual take on the range of tools available from Screwfix. Available in a variety of sizes, from small to XXL, the jumper can be ordered online or via the app, 24/7 call centre or in store. All proceeds generated from sales of the limited-edition jumper will be donated to The Screwfix Foundation, a grant-giving charity with a clear purpose to support projects that improve, repair, and maintain homes and community facilities used by those in need across the UK. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director for Screwfix, says, “Our customers have told us how much they’d love a Screwfix Christmas jumper, so it’s great that we’re not only able to fulfil their Christmas wish lists this year, but in doing so, we’re also able to raise much needed funds for The Screwfix Foundation. “We hope our customers love it as much as we do!”

adi Group doubles manufacturing capacity with new production facility

adi Group has announced the opening of a new facility adjacent to its Birmingham headquarters, allowing the firm’s Automation division to double its manufacturing capacity. Due to an increase in demand for the company’s services, with a variety of new clients coming onboard, the new building was a much-needed addition to allow it to boost its production capability. As a UL-certified control panel manufacturing facility, the new building will enable the division to build UL-certified control panels, significantly enhancing its product offering. Commenting on the launch of the new facility, Managing Director of adi Automation, Kevin Parsons, says, “We are thrilled to be able to boost our manufacturing capacity to such a considerable extent. “Our UL certification will allow our company to reach new heights within our business growth plan, and to deliver even more exceptional solutions for our clients.” Housing around 30 people, the new facility will also serve as a training facility for both staff training and external training, offering relevant resources to help its clients to better understand the systems adi Automation utilises and also the services the rest of the group provides, further enhancing the adi and client relationship. The building will allow for staff training at all levels and for a variety of purposes, creating new exciting ways for adi apprentices and employees to work towards their professional goals. “Our outstanding new facility has been designed for the training and upskilling of all adi employees in mind, from apprentices, to engineers, to managers and directors,” says Kevin. "The addition of the new building shows the sheer growth and development of our company, but also that we are prepared to evolve to meet the changing needs of clients, and the industry. “By recruiting new engineers as well as upskilling our employees, with our new facility, we are actively investing in the future of engineering. We are committed to helping grow the industry and continue to deliver the very best products and solutions to our customers, and this is yet another vital step in the right direction.”

BGEN launches school STEM and sustainability partnership

BGEN has launched a STEM and sustainability partnership with nearby St Vincent's Catholic Primary School in Warrington. Through interactive curriculum-linked classroom lessons, inspiring site visits and the donation of 20 Chromebooks, pupils will be introduced to real-life examples of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects in action. BGEN’s experts are working with St Vincent’s staff to develop the programme and have met with the School Council (made up of pupils) to share details of the partnership. The collaboration supports BGEN’s ongoing commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) and its strong community engagement. It will bring engineering to life and shine a light on the breadth of exciting future careers young people can enjoy in the industry. BGEN will also help the school improve its energy efficiency and carbon footprint, whilst reducing its running costs, by making a significant contribution towards its switch to an LED lighting. This is expected to reduce the school’s energy costs by more than £2,700 a year and cut its annual CO2 emissions by two thirds. “We’re delighted to kick off our Sustainability and STEM partnership with a school located just a stone’s throw away from our Penketh site,” says Oliver Groarke, Head of Future Markets at BGEN. “STEM education encourages curiosity, exploration and inspires a lifelong love for learning. We’d like to think that perhaps we'll see some of the pupils become engineers in the future – maybe at BGEN.” Dominic Vernon, Headteacher at St Vincent's, says, “Environmental education is very important and we know that STEM subjects provide the foundations and tools for future employment opportunities. The launch of this partnership – which combines both areas of learning - makes for a very exciting start to the school year and for many more to come. “With fascinating learning modules in and out of the classroom, and the very generous donation of thousands of pounds towards IT equipment and a smarter lighting system, we’re very grateful for the many opportunities this partnership will provide.”