The KNIPEX NexStrip - cut, strip and crimp in one tool

The KNIPEX NexStrip is a must-have multi-tool for all electricians. This versatile tool cuts, strips and crimps - three crucial applications all at the same time. It isolates flexible and solid conductors from 0.03 to 10mm² with automatic adaptation to the cable cross-sections; it self-adjusts wire end sleeves between 0.25 to 4mm² /2x2.5mm²; and cuts flexible conductors up to 10mm². It is perfect for domestic installations and helps save valuable time. As stripping pliers, the KNIPEX NexStrip works precisely, automatically adapting to each cable diameter, ensuring consistent stripping lengths, thanks to the adjustable length stop, making it ideal for repetitive work. The fine adjustment enables reliable stripping of flexible and solid conductors between 0.03–10mm² even under special operating conditions, such as special insulating materials or extreme temperatures. The KNIPEX NexStrip is also the perfect tool for crimping. The ratchet crimping mechanism guarantees the exact crimping pressure, so you can expect a consistently high crimp quality. It offers fast and even square crimping for individual wire ferrules in accordance with DIN46228 parts one and four. It is self-adjusting between 0.25–4mm² /2x2.5mm² and allows for quick crimping between different sizes. As a cutting tool, it separates flexible conductors up to 10mm² safely and reliably. The non-slip and ergonomic two-component handles are comfortable to use. Made of glass fibre reinforced plastic, it is a durable and robust all-rounder ideal for electricians working in domestic installations or wiring electronic devices such as programmable logic controllers.

Introducing the new Martindale basic proving units

Safe electrical working requires the use of a voltage indicator that has been proven with a suitable proving device, before and after use, to ensure the instrument is working correctly, in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations. With this in mind, Martindale Electric has launched two new proving units, ideal for electricians and electrical contractors: the PD230SRD and the more advanced PD440SRDX. The PD230SRD Proving Unit is the ideal entry level proving unit, to enable checking of basic voltage indicators. The PD440SRDX gives a higher voltage output of up to 440V and also gives user additional testing features, for use when working with 18th Edition installation testers. The PD230SRD is perfect for proving low and high impedance voltage indicators, test lamps and two pole testers. It includes an MG3 high-strength magnetic hanger, and comes in a tough over-moulded low profile design. It has a long battery life with a low battery indicator and an auto power-off function. Any device that is used for detection of live voltage and proving dead, should be tested before and after use to ensure the safety of the user, and the PD230SRD is the ideal basic proving device for this purpose. With a maximum of 230V output, the PD230SRD unit has three LED thresholds, a DC output mode, low battery indication and is high / low Z compatible. The PD440SRDX has additional features which include precise stepped voltage outputs, tailored to match two-pole tester thresholds reaching up to 440V. For the electrical installer, the unit has the unique CALCHECK function already featured on the existing Martindale PD440SX, for verifying insulation and low resistance ranges on 18th Edition installation testers. It is important to note that most multifunction testers have a maximum voltage measurement capability of 500V. The PD440SRDX 440V device is ideal for proving voltage measurement on this type of equipment within the maximum voltage range. Note that two pole indicators with a higher range, for example, 690V range should be proved at 690V – see other models in the range.

Kensa wins Lighthouse Heat Pump Award

Kensa Utilities has announced that its project, ‘Heat the Streets’, has won this year's Lighthouse Heat Pump Award at the European Heat Pump Association's highly esteemed 2023 Heat Pump Awards. The Heat Pump Awards recognises the most outstanding heat pump projects and attracts entrants from across Europe. The Lighthouse Heat Pump category highlights unique heat pump projects pioneering problem-solving with high levels of creativity. Winning this award shines a light on how large-scale, street-by-street rollout of ground source heat pumps can be achieved using a networked heat pump solution. ‘Heat the Streets’ decarbonised residential heating in new and existing homes across Cornwall by connecting Kensa’s highly efficient ground source heat pumps to shared ground borehole arrays drilled into the roads - a UK first. Lisa Treseder, Director of Business Development, collected the award at the ceremony in Brussels. She says, “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award and for ‘Heat the Streets’ to receive such amazing recognition. This achievement is a testament to the incredible innovation within Kensa, and we are proud to demonstrate European-wide leadership in our approaches to decarbonise heat.” Now installed, the visually unobtrusive boreholes are providing homes with a reliable heat source all year round that will last over 100 years. The ground source heat pumps provide 100% of each property’s heating and hot water needs, meaning that residents no longer use carbon-intensive oil or LPG fossil fuels. The project has successfully demonstrated the scalability and viability of ground source heat pumps connected to in-road infrastructure as a cost-effective and creative solution for rapidly reducing carbon emissions. Wouter Thijssen, Managing Director of Kensa Utilities, comments, “Heating and cooling is the biggest source of emissions across Europe, and heat pumps are naturally in pole position to help address this issue. Especially for streets not quite dense enough for district heating, but too dense for individual heat pumps, our ‘Heat the Streets’ project shows a pathway to replicate the gas arrangements people living in these streets are familiar with. "In the UK this accounts for around 50% of homes (terraced homes and flats), and a similar share is true for other European countries. What we’ve demonstrated in Cornwall could be the blueprint for flats and terraced-like housing across Europe, and we’re really pleased this is recognised through this award.”

Safety issues at top of the tree for UK Power Networks

Safety issues have been top of the tree at the special two-day forum, which dealt with everything from mental health, accidents and climbing techniques to healthy eating and the body language of trees. Following a successful first event last year, UK Power Networks organised a second forum for staff and contractors across its network area. It was held in the grounds of Orsett Hall in Essex and attended by around 250 people whose work involves trees. The days were a mixture of informal indoor and outdoor events with practical demonstrations. Graham Barton, Safety and Compliance Manager at UK Power Networks, says that the first event proved so popular that this year some sessions were made longer to meet demand and new sessions were added. UK Power Networks’ new recruit, Tree Cutter, Andrew Stiff, says, “I, and a lot of other people enjoyed the Medi-arb stand the most. It was useful seeing the bandages being used for intense bleeds, which is more the sort of injuries we are likely to find out on site. "There was also a forestry talk on London plane trees and a new disease threatening them. It’s something all tree surgeons should know to look out for and report as soon as they may find it in this country. Mixing and sharing past experiences and accidents was very useful too.” Among the new professional speakers was Patrick Ball, who shared his life story involving alcohol and drug addiction. Patrick explained that he wanted employees to be able to talk to their managers and to notice if workmates were having problems. Steven Kirby led sessions about recovering from trauma, mental health challenges that arise from accidents and the importance of following safety protocols. Another well attended session was, ‘body language of trees’, where people learned about how to read trees by the scars they bear and how the environment is currently causing damage to tree stocks. Ben Rose and David Daniel from Arbskills, ran practical sessions using a tree in the grounds to demonstrate how to safely self-rescue. Sessions on practical first aid were very popular and included the importance of being proactive with safety rather than reactive and not to consider every day the same. The sessions also stressed how important it is to have the knowledge and skills to deal with an incident.

Revealed: The towns and cities most in need of tradies

The Tradespeople HotSpot Index from MoneySuperMarket Van Insurance has looked at the number of registered tradespeople in major towns and cities in order to find the places most in need of tradespeople and which trades are in the lowest supply. According to the analysis, Sunderland is the city most in need of tradespeople, with just 18.6 registered tradespeople per 10,000 residents. Looking at the types of trades in lowest supply, builders and plumbers were the most scarce with only around three companies per 10,000 residents. Other areas most in need of tradespeople included Belfast, Birkenhead, Southern-on-Sea and Hastings, which all scored significantly below the national average of 51 per 10,000. In comparison, the market town of Bedford scored the highest on the tradespeople index, with approximately 108 registered trades per 10,000 residents. The town also boasts the largest number of builders per capita, at 26 per 10,000 people, more than any other area of the UK. Closely following Bedford were Colchester, Manchester, Barnsley, and Bolton, making up the top five places with the most registered trade businesses per capita. Top 20 towns and cities most in need of tradies Rank City/Town Region Tradespeople per 10,000 people 1 Sunderland North East 18.6 2 Belfast Northern Ireland 21.3 3 Birkenhead North West 21.6 4 Southend-on-Sea East 21.9 5 Hastings South East 22.1 6 Crawley South East 24.3 7 Swansea Wales 25.5 8 Newport Wales 26.2 9 Sheffield Yorkshire Humber 26.3 10 Hartlepool North East 27.2 11 Edinburgh Scotland 27.4 12 Aberdeen Scotland 30.1 13 Blackburn North West 30.3 14 Blackpool North West 30.3 15 Liverpool North West 31.0 16 Cardiff Wales 31.2 17 Reading South East 31.3 18 Coventry West Midlands 31.7 19 Birmingham West Midlands 32.9 20 Kingston upon Hull Yorkshire Humber 33.0   The most in-demand trades Based on business to resident ratio, plasterers are the most in-demand trade in the UK, with just 1.8 registered plastering businesses for every 10,000 people. In fact, our study found plasterers to be in such short supply that in 12 towns and cities this number dropped to less than one per 10,000, with South Wales (Newport, Swansea and Cardiff), having a particular shortage across the region. However, with just 0.5 plasterers per 10,000 people, Woking had the most need overall. Following plasterers were roofers (2.6), gardeners (3.1), and painters and decorators (3.6), while builders, electricians, and plumbers were in the highest supply.

Jefferson Tools launches Multi-Tool Socket Cutter

The new Jefferson Tools' Multi-Tool Socket Box Cutter has transformed the way electricians approach the task of cutting socket holes in drywall. This innovative attachment promises effortless, safe and precise socket box cutting for single, double or even triple sockets. Conventional methods often involve painstaking work with saws or other tools, leading to uneven cuts, dust, and in some cases, potential hazards involving concealed wires or hidden objects behind the drywall. With the introduction of the Jefferson Tools Multi-Tool Socket Box Cutter, these challenges are now a thing of the past. What sets this tool apart is its robust design and ease of use. Engineered for durability and user-friendliness, it is straightforward to operate, giving a clean and precise cut with minimal effort. Even in tight spaces, this tool proves its worth, making socket box cutting a breeze. The technology not only speeds up the cutting process but also dramatically reduces the risk of damaging concealed wires or encountering other hidden objects behind the drywall. Also, the box cutter has a universal shank as well as other Jefferson Tools’ multi-models. Multi-tools are popular power tools across all trades and now electricians can reach for another compatible attachment that makes life that little bit easier out on site.

SELECT and SJIB warn against localised training

Scotland’s leading electrical bodies have warned that training must remain on a national level, and they insist it is essential to take a 'one nation' approach to ensure skills, standards and safety are consistent everywhere across Scotland and the UK Localised training has been suggested as a ‘quick fix’ for teaching would-be electricians new skills, but SELECT and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) say such routes are restrictive and not practical for what is traditionally a transient workforce. Both bodies insist the industry should be looking at the bigger picture, when it comes to standards in a sector which is now crucial to society’s future, not taking a narrow view that is no good for the learner or the wider industry. Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, says, “With emerging technology developing and being adopted at an ever-increasing rate, it is vital to equip the talent of tomorrow with a broad range of in-depth skills to work across the whole of the UK and beyond. “As the electrification of society continues to become a reality, the professionalism and technical expertise of electricians demands a one-nation approach, not piecemeal localised training, which simply doesn’t meet the standards and quality that the industry strives for. “Restrictive local routes do little to enhance the skills or prospects of the coming generations of electrician or enable the freedom of movement of highly trained, competent and safe-working trades people.” Fiona, who is also Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, says it was vital that the sector continued to promote and follow national routes, “In Scotland, we manage training through the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to ensure quality, standards and safety are consistent and to ensure apprentices can pass the industry’s assessment of competence, the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA). “We also work with colleagues across the other UK nations to ensure that same standard and quality is maintained to enable free movement and highly trained, safe-working electricians. “Localised training claims to be meeting the needs of local communities, but the existing system already does that far more efficiently. Through SECTT, the SJIB national training programmes engages with 21 local colleges across Scotland, including the islands. “By feeding the colleges with local learners, we aim to have apprentices employed and trained in the communities in which they live, and also equipped with the skills they need if they ever wish to broaden their horizons."

St Mary's Retail Park surges ahead with EV charging hub

Glenbrook Investments has partnered with Be.EV to install four new ultra-rapid electric car chargers at St Mary’s Retail Park in Rochdale. The eight bay charging hub is equipped with cutting-edge Kempower chargers, which can charge a typical EV to 80% in as little as 20min, compared to four to six hours on a 7kW fast charger. Thanks to the site's two 550kW power banks, the site is 10 times faster than the chargers currently available in Rochdale. The state-of-the-art chargers keep track of the charge level for each vehicle and use load balancing technology to distribute power to those that require it the most. Each charger is equipped with a QR code, which allows drivers to monitor their charge levels from their mobile whilst shopping at nearby Carpetright and Dunelm Mill. Switched on and now available for use, the project sees Glenbrook join the largest public EV charging network that is connecting communities across the North of England and boasts impressive reliability (99.6% operational availability across the entire network). The installation will bring benefits to both local residents and commuters passing through Manchester. The retail park is conveniently located just off the A58, approximately 10 minutes away from the M62 and en-route to Rochdale Infirmary.

What new fire safety guidance means for trade businesses

BigChange has shared insights on what the new guidance will look like and what it means for trades businesses. The introduction of phase three of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme will be on 1 October, meaning new fire safety guidance and requirements will be issued across the UK. Simon Field, Business Development Manager, and Fire Security Expert at BigChange, shares, “Phase three will further strengthen fire safety in all FSO (Fire Safety Order 2005) regulated premises, by requiring businesses to do more, when it comes to recording and sharing safety information, as well as making it easier for enforcement authorities to take action against those who are non-compliant. “In particular, these new changes will see improvements made to the cooperation and coordination between those persons responsible for fire safety, ensuring a cohesive approach to fire safety throughout a building. “For example, if a building changes hands, or a new organisation becomes the responsible person, then whomever is handing over the responsibility must share all fire safety information with those taking over. Surprisingly, this wasn’t a requirement beforehand, but will allow for a continual record of fire safety throughout a building’s lifespan and will be called ‘The Golden Thread’. “Guidance to support responsible persons in understanding and meeting the new requirements will be shared before they come into force, so for now businesses need to monitor for updates as and when they’re released, and prepare relevant persons for a more thorough approach to fire safety, ensuring they have the skills required to comply.”

Survey reveals how tradespeople and clients feel about each other

Hiring a tradesperson to work on your property has often raised questions about how to approach the working relationship. Should you engage in conversation or let them focus on their task? Should you offer refreshments or let them handle their own needs? To shed light on these etiquette matters, Toolstation spoke to both tradespeople and clients to get their opinions. The survey delved into client preferences regarding interactions and hospitality with tradespeople. Almost half (45%) of client respondents indicated a neutral stance on having a chat with tradespeople, while a quarter (24%) welcomed friendly conversations with tradespeople. Generally positive worker-client rapport is favoured, a minority or homeowners expressed a preference for minimal conversation, with 17% of homeowners not wishing to talk much to tradespeople while their on a job. The survey towards trade people indicated that tradespeople may be friendlier than the clients they are working for, with the majority (71%) of tradespeople not minding a chat with a client, and 22% like it. Only a very small amount (7%) of tradespeople did not like having a chat. Having a casual chat throughout the day is something both sides can mostly agree on, as most results for this are positive. But what kind of behaviour annoys both clients and tradespeople? Asking clients: What are the most complained about things tradespeople do? The responses included: 33% voted for leaving a mess in their work area and not cleaning up 26% voted for showing up late to work 23% voted for raising the price after one was already agreed Asking tradespeople: What are the most complained about things clients do? The responses included: 46% voted for clients not paying on time 35% voted for clients attempting to reduce the agreed payment 33% voted for when client had not cleaned the work area before they arrival 25% voted for when clients asked for additional services which was not agreed ahead of time 21% voted for when clients lingered around and watched them work Clearly breaking financial agreements and keeping an area tidy are things that annoy both clients and tradespeople, as the results reflect. In the full study, Toolstation asked both sides more questions on the matter of etiquette, such as how tradespeople feel about pets near their workspace, and how clients feel about offering food and drink to their workers. It also shows which cities in the UK give tradespeople the best tips.