Stahlin introduces PolySlim low-profile polycarbonate enclosures

Stahlin Enclosures has announced the availability of PolySlim low-profile polycarbonate enclosures. These extremely durable enclosures are designed for OEMs and installers for the purpose of solving application challenges. PolySlim enclosures accommodate existing panel designs, eliminate unneeded depth and material, optimise installations, and save space and cost. The low-profile design of PolySlim makes these enclosures ideal for use on building exteriors and in tight spaces. They reliably protect equipment in non-hazardous industrial and commercial applications, where space is a premium, and safeguard network components such as routers and switches in harsh conditions. These are well-suited for electrical control, wireless communications, measurement, monitoring, and security applications with minimal-depth equipment. PolySlim polycarbonate enclosures are available in seven sizes from 10” x 8” x 3” to 24” x 24” x 6” and can be configured as a hinged/screw cover or a hinged/ latched cover. High-impact rated yet lightweight for ease-of-installation, these enclosures feature a non-metallic hinge that does not penetrate the inside of the enclosure. Thick, robust, smooth side wall construction eliminates side wall flexing and maximises fitting mounting space. The low-profile design meets aesthetic requirements when mounting in visible areas on or inside buildings. Moulded-in mounting feet with added mounting cross and holes, and added embosses in the back for DIN rail mounting, provide ease-of-installation and reduce costly on-site modification. Additional benefits include inhibitors that provide effective protection from UV degradation. An ABS Back panel option is available to optimise wireless signal transmission. Latch options include fully non-metallic or stainless steel. Cover options are available in clear or opaque. Larger sizes are compatible with the new, innovative Stahlin SolarShield HMI Cover. PolySlim enclosures provide an operating temperature rating of -40°F to +248°F (-40°C to +120°C) and an outdoor UV exposure (UL 746C) (f1) rating. Resin has passed tests for UV exposure and water immersion. Additional ratings include cULus per file #E319779 Type 1, 3R, 4, 4X, 6P*, 12 as well as UL50, UL50e, UL508A and IEC 60529: UL listed per file #E362920 IP66, IP68*. Certifications and compliance include: cULus, CE, REACH, and RoHS. Click here for more latest news.

BDR Thermea Group acquires 25% stake in G.I. Holding

Baxi’s parent company, BDR Thermea Group, has acquired 25% stake in G.I. Holding. Headquartered in Latisana, Italy, G.I. Holding manufactures and markets a range of heat pumps, liquid chillers, air handling units, rooftop-packaged units and fan coil units under the brand names of CLINT, KTK KLIMATECHNIK, and NOVAIR applied in comfort and process applications. The company also offers tailormade cooling systems for server rooms and IT cooling applications under the brand of MONTAIR, and specialises in the use of low-global warming potential (GWP) and natural refrigerants. In the partnership, the company and its brands will continue to operate under their existing names. Since 2020, BDR Thermea Group has been offering G.I. Holding’s medium to high capacity heat pumps under the BAXI in Italy, Spain and Portugal. The strategic partnership enables BDR Thermea Group to expand its offering of commercial, industrial and multi-dwelling residential heating and cooling solutions and provide G.I. Holding’s technology to customers in more markets. The companies will also collaborate in R&D to expand their portfolio of energy transition solutions for customers. For Baxi’s commercial and industrial customers, the acquisition is set to provide the UK with enhanced capability in renewable technologies, including heat pumps and specialist climate control applications. Click here for more latest news.

Valuable resource for contractors from Scolmore Group

Scolmore has extended its Contractors Booklet to cover products from all divisions in the Scolmore Group, as it is already a highly valued resource among contractors seeking the best wiring accessory products for their installation projects. In addition to the well-known Click wiring accessories range, the expansive 63-page booklet now covers lighting and lighting controls solutions from OVIA; fire, security and emergency products from, ESP; heating controls and time switches from Sangamo; and cable accessories from Unicrimp. First released in 2008, the Contractors Booklet has always had the same aim, to provide contractors with a valuable, accessible resource to make life easy when choosing the right products for a vast range of installation projects. The booklet is divided into sections which cover each of the four main Scolmore Group companies – Click, Ovia, ESP/Sangamo and Unicrimp. Each section provides an at-a-glance overview of the main products offered, along with the main features and benefits that will help guide installers on the job. The Click section features the extensive wiring accessories range, which includes the popular Mode, GridPro and MiniGrid range, whose modular design allows contractors unprecedented flexibility in creating dedicated wiring solutions for whatever project they are working on. Also featured, is the Elucian Consumer Unit and Protective Devices range added to the portfolio in 2022, the Aquip66 range of weatherproof wiring accessories, and ClickSmart+ home security solutions. Covered in the Ovia section is Flow – a combination of connectors, hubs and management boxes designed to help contractors complete complex lighting installations quickly, easily and safely. Also showcased, is a selection of lighting products suitable for a broad range of projects in a variety of sectors, including domestic, commercial, industrial, utility, amenity, emergency lighting and floodlighting. The lighting offer is further enhanced with the inclusion of a full range of lighting control solutions that will optimise energy saving credentials. The ESP portfolio of products covers the growing Fort range of Smart Security solutions, the MAGDUO fire panels and MAGfire conventional and addressable fire alarm systems, and the Aperta door entry solutions, including the latest IP ranges. Also highlighted, is the Beacon range of disabled refuge and assistance alarm products, the comprehensive Duceri emergency lighting range of independently tested products, as well as the extensive range of Sangamo time switches and heating controls. To compliment all of these is the vast array of cable accessory products from Unicrimp, which includes the Q-Crimp and Q-Fire ranges, as well as the recently added Q-Nect range of lever connectors and connection boxes that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions. Also featured, is the number one sealant and adhesive brand, OB1, which is exclusively distributed by Unicrimp. The new Scolmore Group Contractors Booklet is available to download from the app or website.

New campaign to promote electrical safety

NICEIC has announced the launch of a new campaign aimed at educating householders about making safe choices when it comes to their home electrics. With a clear mission to raise awareness about the risks associated with DIY electrics and the importance of using NICEIC certified businesses, the campaign aims to influence consumer behaviour at critical moments. Kicking off in September, the month-long, UK-wide activity will focus on householders who are 'searching for an electrician in their local area' and those who are venturing into the risky business of 'searching for online electrical DIY tutorials'. Covering multiple online channels, campaign content will be shared across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Google. NICEIC's very own 'how-to videos' which are intentionally designed to resemble other online tutorials. However, the presenter prepares to demonstrate the task in question, he stops and states the safest way to perform the job is not to do it at all. At this point, the NICEIC 'Find a Trusted Tradesperson' tool appears on screen showing viewers how to search for their closest NICEIC certified business. NICEIC's Marketing Director, Amanda Faulkner, says, "By disrupting consumer behaviour at key moments, we aim to not only make householders think twice about undertaking DIY electrics, but also to consider the smart and safe choice, which is to search for an NICEIC certified business." With a two-pronged approach, the campaign will also target those actively searching for an electrical business in their area. Research shows that these individuals typically end up on comparison sites. By focusing on popular search terms used by householders in key geographical locations, the campaign will ensure that NICEIC's content is displayed at vital moments, directing householders once again to NICEIC's Find a Trusted Tradesperson tool. Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, lent her support to the campaign, adds, “Carrying out electrical work in your home without the knowledge, skills and experience puts you and your family’s safety at risk. “Using a certified business such as those registered with NICEIC is always the safest choice. We’re therefore delighted to support NICEIC’s campaign, which aims to protect the public and promote electrical safety.” Several compelling insights have driven the development of this campaign: Year-on-year search volumes for DIY electrical jobs have surged from 168,000 to 228,000, possibly due to economic pressures and lingering pandemic effects. (Similarweb) A 2022 study by the National Electrical Contractors Association indicated that over 10 million UK residents turn to YouTube for electrical DIY tutorials. (NECA's 2022 State of the Electrical Industry Report) A British Electrical Contractor's Association survey unveiled that 60% of UK adults have attempted electrical DIY, with only 40% feeling confident in their abilities. (Electrical Contractor's Association survey) A staggering 62% of respondents believe they can undertake some or all electrical work at home. (Electrical Safety First survey) Click here for more latest news.

Click Scolmore adds life-saving device to Mode collection

Scolmore has continued to develop and expand its Click wiring accessories range to meet the needs of an evolving sector and has just added a new RCD socket to its popular Mode range. RCD sockets have a built in residual current device, which is designed to trip and cut the power if a fault with the current is detected. This helps to protect both appliances from damage and users from electric shocks if a bare wire is touched. Mode was conceived and developed as a high quality, flexible and modern solution for virtually any domestic wiring requirement. The smooth, contemporary lines of the Mode accessory plate will fit easily into traditional and contemporary designs alike, and the modular design allows installers unprecedented flexibility in creating dedicated wiring solutions to deal with specific wiring needs. All products in the Mode range are manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde, which has similar inherent properties to antimicrobial additives that inhibit the growth of infectious diseases. When independently tested, all products achieved a 99.99% kill off rate across all four types of the strains of bacteria – MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Klebsiella Pneumonia. Various independent testing previously undertaken has also shown the products to have anti-viral properties against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses and to have achieved a 99.98% kill off rate against Influenza A (H1N1) after a 24-hour period. Click here for more latest news.

Scotland’s young sparks awarded SJIB Apprentices of the Year

Two young electricians have been recognised for their exceptional talent in the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year Awards, in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical. John Baxter proudly lifted the 2023 trophy after impressing the judges, while fellow Ben Wardrop received the 2022 award in recognition of his achievements, with both also being presented with a cheque for £1,000. Fiona Harper, Secretary of the SJIB, says, “The SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrate the best new talent in our industry and reinforce the fact that apprentices are the sector’s great hope for the future. “John and Ben are both remarkable young electrical professionals who have demonstrated tenacity and determination to succeed in their chosen careers and have now acquired skills which are not only future-proofed but internationally transferrable. “They have both shown both ability and dedication throughout their training and we are delighted that they have now been recognised for their exceptional talent.” John, from Macduff, Banffshire, works for Muirton Control and Automation in Fochabers, Morayshire, after completing his studies at North East Scotland College’s Fraserburgh Campus. He was presented with his award by Alick Smith, Leader of the Employers’ side of the SJIB National Board and Convenor of the SELECT Employment Affairs Committee. He says, “Undertaking my apprenticeship has been a great challenge, but also a terrific opportunity and to have my hard work recognised in this way is more than I could ever have hoped for. “I would like to thank not only my lecturers, whose patience and understanding was very reassuring, and my employers, who have been unfailingly supportive, but also all the time-served tradesmen I have worked with. Their good-humoured support has been crucial.” Fellow winner Ben, from Stirling, works for Ross-shire Engineering in Muir of Ord, after studying at Forth Valley College in Falkirk. He was presented with his award by Scott Foley, Leader of the Trade Union side of the SJIB National Board, Chair of the SECTT Board of Trustees and Regional Officer at Unite the Union. He says, “Electrical apprenticeships are more vital than ever and I’m very pleased not only to have completed my learning but to also have been awarded this tremendous accolade. “With this award, I really feel that I’m on the start of a career path which could take me anywhere. I feel a debt of gratitude to everyone who backed me and showed faith in me.” Click here for more latest news.

BigChange portal connects businesses to field service contractors

BigChange has launched a new customer portal allowing its users to give its customers an easy way to book and track jobs online. The portal provides an immediate insight into the current status and history of any jobs, with access to everything from bookings to job cards and images, to quotes and invoices. Customers can even track the engineer on route and their likely arrival time. Used by facilities management companies, electrical contractors, heating engineers and plant hire firms, BigChange is increasingly being used by companies to make the switch from paper to digital working. The customer portal allows any of its corporate customers to access their own account online to provide all the job information they need, instantly from any connected device, 24/7. “BigChange is proving particularly popular with service companies that want to expand and win larger contracts,” says Jonathan Isaacs, Product Marketing Manager, BigChange. “With the introduction of digital working and a very flexible app, they find they can meet the most stringent demands of larger corporate and public sector clients. The portal provides a transparent, easy-to-access and real-time view of all jobs and finances, it’s exactly what their customers want.” The new customer dashboard is part of the company's job management system which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management and business intelligence. To book a service, whether an emergency call-out or a new installation, a customer completes an on-screen booking form with a calendar to select and request a time slot. Once confirmed, the job is assigned and scheduled. Its software can then automatically generate notifications such as reminders and job completions. The customer can meanwhile check a job’s status via the portal, with instant access to job cards, quotes and invoices. BigChange has been developing the portal together with its customers and recent developments have focused on accessibility, customisation and ease-of-use. The portal website conforms to international accessibility standards to make it as accessible for people with disabilities and be user-friendly for everyone. “We realised that the customer portal would be, in effect, the public face of our customers, in the eyes of their own customers. So, we set out to make it as professional and easy to use as possible, as well as seamlessly integrating into their clients own working practices and branding. And to ensure there are no barriers to its use, we’ve also made sure it meets the most demanding standards, such as offering very high levels of accessibility,” Isaacs explains. Click here for more news.

ARMD provides tool theft solution for tradespeople

Reheat has found a powerful ally in ARMD, a service designed to protect tradespeople from the rising threat of tool theft. The heart of Reheat's success lies in the tools used by its engineers, which like most tradespeople, makes them a prime target for thieves. "Tools are our livelihood, and I think heating and plumbing installers need more tools than most other trades," says Matt Green, Founder. "Along with our phone number, those things together make or break businesses." The unfortunate reality is that van and tool theft has become an increasingly prevalent concern for tradespeople in recent years, with a staggering 150% increase in van break-ins within the UK over the past two years alone, averaging one every 19min. Shockingly, 86% of the culprits go unpunished. Plumbing and heating professionals, due to their abundance of valuable tools, are particularly vulnerable. The impact of tool theft extends beyond the financial aspect. Insurance settlements often take weeks or months to process, and without their tools, tradespeople are unable to work, leading to an average daily income loss of £350. Some installers have even been unable to file claims due to not meeting specific policy requirements. Despite Matt's awareness of the risk of tool theft and his efforts to secure his vans, his company fell victim to theft when one of his engineers parked his van in a supermarket car park during the early evening, only to return and discover it had been broken into. The thieves made off with expensive and vital tools, resulting in a significant financial loss and operational disruption for Reheat. Facing these challenges, Matt Green turned to ARMD, a service tailored for tradespeople. ARMD's user-friendly app, smart van alarm and tracker, in combination with innovative insurance, offer comprehensive protection in four key ways: recording, protecting, insuring and replacing. ARMD's tool insurance is specifically designed to assist tradespeople in swiftly recovering from theft incidents, providing comprehensive coverage 24/7 so eliminating the need to remove tools from vans at night and. In the event of a claim, tradespeople can automatically submit a claim report directly from the app, streamlining the process and minimising business disruptions. The ARMD GUARD Smart Van alarm and tracker offer an added layer of protection, notifying users of break-ins via a phone call and enabling immediate action. GPS tracking aids in the location and recovery of stolen vans, giving peace of mind to business owners like Matt Green. Click here for more latest news.

Introducing SLOTLIGHT Infinity II

As a future-proof, human-centric lighting solution, the SLOTLIGHT Infinity II light line family has paved the way for buildings to serve generations with enjoyment and prosperity. This assurance springs from its sustainable design in alignment with Zumtobel's Circular Design Rules and the system's remarkable adaptability and modular versatility. These light lines can be effortlessly installed in configurations such as continuous lines, around corners, or creative arrangements like X or T shapes. Moreover, they can be equipped with an IP54 protection rating and emergency lighting upon request. Reliable for a broad spectrum of applications The SLOTLIGHT Infinity II is a forward-looking light line family designed to be as straightforward and intricate as needed. To enhance versatility, it is also backwards-compatible with the SLOTLIGHT Infinity I, and it can be utilised as a surface-mounted, recessed, or pendant luminaire, suitable for indoor and sheltered outdoor settings. These are packaged to minimise material usage while ensuring complete protection during delivery. The 100% cardboard packaging can effortlessly be reintegrated into the raw materials cycle, further advancing sustainability. The design has been reduced to three core components: the channel, LED batten and optics. The channel shapes the luminaire and is available in three versatile versions: An installation channel with a surrounding frame An installation channel for drywall construction A surface-mounted channel that can also be suspended The latter accommodates indirect LED modules for uniform ceiling illumination. By reducing the number of channels from eight to three, complexity is significantly diminished, simplifying product selection and installation. The empty channel, devoid of integrated drivers or loop-through wiring upon delivery, allows flexible on-site customisation. The LED batten houses high-quality, high-performance lighting technology, including control gear and a LED module. SLOTLIGHT Infinity II offers five distinct optics: An opal cover An office cover A minicell cover An asymmetric beam cover The innovative drop diffuser The drop diffuser minimises repeated refraction, resulting in up to 15% greater light efficiency and reduced glare perception. It also incorporates an indirect light component of 10%, illuminating the ceiling, structuring the room, and expanding the space. The latest LED chip generation elevates luminous efficacy by over 10%. Depending on the configuration, SLOTLIGHT Infinity II offers up to a 25% increase in light efficiency compared to its predecessors, achieving a luminous efficacy of up to 150lm/W, depending on the chosen options and optics. It is also available with stableWhite (3000K, 4000K) and tunableWhite (2700 to 6500K). What sets it apart is the ability to combine these options, adjusting the balance between direct and indirect light. Additionally, tunableWhite can now be employed for indirect lighting. The updated product configurator allows the combination of different parameters. A foundation for light and infrastructure SLOTLIGHT Infinity II enables not just parallel lines but also louvre or cross-shaped lighting installations, thanks to newly designed connection modules in L, X, and T shapes and 90-degree corner connectors. This light line serves as the basis for an advanced lighting infrastructure that can be seamlessly integrated with downlights, spotlights, or sensors for digital services in the future. It utilises a seven pole terminal, incorporating three phases and two lines each for DALI and emergency lighting. Conversion kits for straightforward light retrofitting are available. Zumtobel has integrated loop-through wiring into the LED batten, significantly reducing the required screws. Only the ballast is now affixed to the batten. This streamlined approach simplifies assembly and facilitates disassembly, particularly during renovation projects. Secure and always protected With its IP54 protection rating, it is fully shielded against splash water and dust from all angles along its entire length. A new foldable end cap gasket ensures a dependable seal, even in the joint areas. Additionally, SLOTLIGHT Infinity II can be equipped with emergency lighting functionality in 250mm increments, ranging from 1-2m. Whether in an office building or educational institution, emergency power generators and battery packs guarantee the safety of building occupants.

CharIN launches new Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce

CharIN has launched a Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce initiated by Siemens AG, WiTricity Corporation, and MAHLE. The Taskforce aims to drive the adoption and standardisation of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles worldwide to enable seamless wireless charging experiences. Industry experts are invited to participate. The Taskforce started this September. The founding of the Wireless Power Transfer Taskforce stems from the need to enable seamless wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles. Currently, there are remaining gaps in standardisation that pose challenges to vehicle OEMs and the imminent deployment of wireless charging. The Taskforce seeks to close these gaps in a timely manner, ensuring the successful integration and utilisation of wireless power transfer technology in the evolving electric mobility landscape. The Taskforce will actively work towards harmonising standards in wireless power transfer (WPT) technology for charging vehicles while focusing on a static 11kW charging system. By resolving open points in existing WPT standards, it aims to create a foundation for seamless, efficient, and universal wireless charging solutions. Defining the respective applicability of wireless charging will play a crucial role in its integration into diverse EV platforms. By defining rigorous test procedures and certification guidelines for interoperability, it also aims to ensure that wireless charging solutions are reliable, efficient, and compatible across different platforms. Additionally, it will focus on clearing the coexistence of relevant technologies for wireless power transfer, fostering a cohesive ecosystem for the future of EV charging. "Through the establishment of our new CharIN Taskforce, we pave the way for a new era of smart charging. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, we propel the seamless integration of wireless charging solutions, energising the future of EVs worldwide," says Claas Bracklo, Chairman of CharIN EV. "We initiated this Taskforce to make convenient wireless charging available to end customers very soon," says Thomas Wuerz, Taskforce Lead, Siemens AG. The Taskforce has invited both CharIN members and non-members to participate actively in shaping the future of wireless charging technology. Click here for more latest news.