Carhartt’s Force technology beats the heat

When you need to beat the heat and stay cool, Carhartt’s Force technology has got your back. It is the ideal range for summer, engineered to fight sweat and dry fast, so you stay cool and comfortable 24/7. Carhartt Force is lightweight, tough and designed to keep you cool and comfortable however high the mercury hits. Force gear comes with Carhartt's patented FastDry technology that wicks sweat away from your body, keeping you cool and dry from dawn to dusk. The range also has anti-odour protection that eliminates unwelcome work smells so you can stay confident on the job. The gear is lightweight and versatile, keeping you at the optimum comfort level all day long. The women’s Relaxed Fit Midweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-shirt (105415) is an everyday T-shirt designed to keep you cool and dry during work or play. Made from midweight cotton jersey, it efficiently wicks away sweat and dries quickly, while the mesh sleeves and back provide optimal airflow, ensuring you stay cool during heat. For men, the Relaxed Fit Midweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt (104616) delivers exceptional performance. Available in a range of colours, including cherry tomato and azure blue, this tee combines moisture-wicking properties, odour-fighting capabilities and side mesh panels to promote air circulation. The Block Logo T-Shirt (105203) is a sweat-wicking, quick drying cotton jersey with vented side panels that allow air circulation. It also features the Carhartt logo on the chest. If you want to go smarter, Pocket Polo (103569) is the perfect choice. With FastDry technology that combats moisture and odours, this polo features a soft midweight knit that resists stains, ensuring a clean and professional appearance. Visit Cahartt's website to check out the range.

BigChange launches dashboards for electrical contractors

BigChange has launched a series of analytics dashboards to display critical business information for electrical contractors. Big-screen graphs and tables provide an instant view of performance, such as job costs, productivity, customer service and finance. The dashboards receive live data from across the business, including job updates from field service operatives equipped with mobile devices, giving managers and staff complete visibility of all aspects of the business. The new analytics dashboards are 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. As a cloud-based system, it can be accessed anywhere through any internet connected device. The dashboards give a live snapshot of business performance so are ideally suited for display on a large screen in the office. Currently the company has developed seven different dashboards covering job performance, resource utilisation, customer service, sales, invoices due, quote status and job profitability. Behind the easy to view graphs and tables is a comprehensive business information management system that analyses and processes data from across the business. “With digitisation, workforce management systems generate vast amounts of data that are of little use by themselves,” says Jonathan Isaacs, Product Marketing Manager, BigChange. “The challenge is to extract and analyse the plethora of data and then report in a meaningful way. Companies have typically used spreadsheets and software to produce individual reports, but this can be cumbersome and limited as nothing is connected together. “BigChange now incorporates a powerful business information engine that pools from across a business, generating almost 14,000 points of data every minute. The resulting business information is then presented visually through the dashboards.” Each dashboard shows performance metrics immediately highlighting potential issues such as poor resource utilisation, productivity or job profitability. Those viewing a dashboard can click on graphs and drill down to identify any performance issues. Managers can then make better decisions to improve performance based on full and current insight.

Siemens expands 3WA circuit breaker series

Siemens has launched two new additional versions of its Sentron 3WA Power Circuit Breakers, alternatively known as Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs). Series 3WA3 meets the requirements of UL 1066 and IEC 60947-2 standards, which enables customers to use it worldwide. This is particularly advantageous for switchgear manufacturers and OEMs producing systems for both standardisation areas – IEC and UL. The 3WA2 series is designed exclusively for the UL 489 market. The two new ACB model series complement the 3WA1 version for IEC markets, launched in the autumn of 2020. Siemens offers a full range of ACBs which are based on a consistent system and offer great flexibility for applications around the globe. The Sentron 3WA Power Circuit Breakers are part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.    As a core element of low-voltage switchboards, ACBs reliably protect electrical installations in buildings, infrastructure and industrial facilities from damage caused by short circuits, ground faults or overload faults. This is also essential for critical infrastructure, such as hospitals or data centres. The new circuit breaker follows the company’s tradition of high reliability ACBs that are built to perform over the lifetime of a facility. At the same time, it supports software-based planning and engineering, digital testing and monitoring, and seamless integration in automation and IoT systems. Upgrades can be completed 100% digitally. Users simply have to download new features and add them using an app.     When technological requirements change, it is easy to add new features to the electronic trip unit (ETU600) installed in the Sentron 3WA air circuit breakers using the Sentron ‘powerconfig’ commissioning software and a USB/communication port. For applications without a need for measuring functions or scaling options, they can also be configured with an ETU300 for easy standard protection.     The new trip units also have more standard features, such as the integrated arc energy reduction feature (Dynamic Arc Flash Sentry, DAS+), which ensures that Sentron 3WA ACBs trip more rapidly in the event of a fault during work being carried out in the immediate vicinity of live parts. In this way, the arc energy and the energy released in the power distribution equipment room is reduced. This technology complies with the National Electric Code (NEC) for the US market. It is designed to protect service technicians from serious injury resulting from arc flash hazards.    The Sentron 3WA ACB UL series 3WA2 and 3WA3 are available in three frame sizes with rated current ranges from 800-5,000A.

AEI Cables clinches prestige Hong Kong project

AEI Cables has clinched a contract to supply its low voltage power, control and fire performance cables to a major extension of the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Working with its partners, Cornwall Contracting, it had supplied the cables to the existing sports complex from 2011 to 2013. The major extension involves the facilities development building, which is located in front of the indoor swimming pool and rowing boathouse, comprising a three storey building area. This will feature a multipurpose training hall, scientific conditioning facilities, sports medicine centre, sport psychology, sport biomechanics, sport nutrition and monitoring centre, and sports residence area. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, says, “This is a major development of the institute and we’re thrilled to be working on such a prestige project with our partner to ensure the highest quality of cabling is installed.” The consultant engineer is WSP Hong Kong and the electrical sub-contractor is Cornwall Contracting. The Hong Kong Sports Institute is a major sports complex located in Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, offering training to athletes and academic qualifications in the field of sports training. Using the latest technology and science, AEI Cables’ specialist, Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear.

The Kensa Group announces new CEO appointment

The Kensa Group has announced the appointment of Tamsin Lishman as its new Chief Executive Officer from the beginning of October, and the planned departure of Dr Matthew Trewhella, current CEO. Tamsin’s appointment as CEO designate has been confirmed by the company’s Chairman, Lord Taylor, following a rigorous selection process. Tamsin will go through a transition period from the start of September. Dr Matthew Trewhella will remain CEO in the meantime, continuing to focus on delivering the Kensa vision and strategy. He will work closely with Tamsin to ensure a comprehensive handover and a smooth transition. Matthew will take up the position of Director of Strategic Business Development prior to his planned departure. Tamsin is a visionary leader with an excellent track record of building high performing businesses. An Oxford graduate of Engineering Science and fellow of the Energy Institute, she will join from her previous role as Chief Revenue Officer at ENERGYNEST. In this role, she has developed customer offers to provide green, reliable and affordable industrial heat, specialising in thermal energy storage and power to heat solutions across the UK and EU. Prior to that, she held senior positions at Northumbrian Water Group, Centrica, and BP. Tamsin Lishman, CEO designate, The Kensa Group, says, “I am delighted to be joining Kensa and to be part of a strong, successful and purpose led team. The mass deployment of Kensa’s networked ground source heat pump solutions is the 21st century alternative to gas, enabling the transition from fossil fuels and supporting energy security. Kensa’s offer of affordable, decarbonised heat and cooling to keep our homes and buildings comfortable is an essential part of the energy transition and I’m excited about leading the company in the next stage of growth.” Dr Matt Trewhella, who has been with the Kensa Group since 2013, has announced that he will be stepping down from the position of CEO. The decision comes after Matt’s considerable years of dedicated service and tremendous contributions to the organisation, recently affirmed by a £70m investment into the company by Octopus Energy and Legal & General Capital. Through Matt’s tenure, the technology and The Kensa Group have gone from niche to mainstream, with the realisation of networked ground source heat pumps and shared ground arrays becoming a credible alternative to the UK's sustainable and affordable transition away from gas.

Logic4training launches a new course

Logic4training has launched a new course, covering the added extras that will ensure plumbing, heating and domestic electrical installers complete works to a high standard, leaving customers' homes in a tidy and ‘finished' state. The five day Basic Site Skills course is ideal for small businesses who want to bring an apprentice of trainee up to speed on common tasks, experienced plumbers, heating engineers or domestic electrical installers looking to provide a more complete customer service. The course delivers practical site-based skills that enable tradespeople to complete all aspects of a job to a high quality standard, including the finishing touches such as tiling, plastering and carpentry. Available as an add on to its new entrants' courses for plumbing and heating engineers, the course can also be taken by candidates already working in building services trades. Trainees will develop competence in problem solving alongside specific building and construction techniques, correct use of power tools and site safety. Installers who complete the course will be able to ‘make good' on any disruption caused by core business activities, such as lifting floorboards or damaging plasterwork, without the need for supporting trades. Specific skills are taught by experts and include: Safe site working (locating cables and pipes). Building structures, materials, components and fixings. Building regulations (altering, drilling and notching structural areas). Safe use of hand and power tools. Basic wall fixing methods and materials. Basic carpentry (lifting floorboards, creating access hatches in floors and ceilings, drilling and notching timber joists). Chasing solid brick and block walls for pipes and cables. Plasterboard wall repair and access. Ceramic tile repair, cutting around electrical sockets and switches. Mark Krull, Managing Director at Logic4training, says, "The new Basic Site Skills course is a welcome addition to our new entrants' training courses, offering building services engineers the opportunity to refine their customer service by delivering a complete and tidy job. "We recognise that being a plumber, heating and hot water engineer or domestic electrical installer is about more than the technicalities of specification and installation. There are always secondary tasks to complete that, in the eye of the customer are just as important, things like repairing, panelling or re-plastering walls. The ability to safely locate cables and pipes minimises the risk of costly mistakes. "Business referrals are key to success in the building services engineering sector, so the importance of customer satisfaction should never be underestimated. This course enables engineers to become multiskilled, delivering a complete, customer focused service that results in greater customer satisfaction and positive business reputation."

ElectricalDirect extends its commercial lighting range

ElectricalDirect has extended its unbeatable range to offer more commercial lighting solutions from leading brands, including JCC and Integral LED. High bay lighting The company has introduced over 40 new commercial lighting products from the trusted JCC brand, including the JCC Toughbay 150W LED High Bay Dimmable Light with 21,750 lumens and the 30,000 lumens JCC Toughbay 200W LED High Bay Dimmable Light with microwave sensor. IP65 rated and suitable for extreme operating temperatures between -40 to +40°C, these lights provide wide and even light distribution, perfect for use in commercial refrigeration units, cold storage warehouses and leisure centres. LED battens To offer even more choice to customers, the online supplier has also added over 50 new products from Integral LED, including its Lightspan Batten range. Ideal for indoor commercial spaces where bright task lighting is required, these battens provide an energy efficient alternative to T8 fluorescent tube fittings. Operating at up to 130lm/W, these products can also offer significant cost savings compared to equivalent fluorescent fittings. For long lasting performance in tough environments, ElectricalDirect has also introduced products from JCC’s durable IP65 rated ToughLED Pro Weatherproof LED Batten range. A number of options are available, including models with a microwave sensor and dimmable variants, as well as emergency options, all in various sizes. The range benefits from a five year extended warranty on fixtures and batteries. The 90° lock in place side clip design keeps clips clear during installation and the final result is a sturdy unit providing uniform illumination across large spaces. Emergency lighting For emergency lighting applications, the specialist retailer has extended its stocked range to include solutions for both maintained and non-maintained operation. The line up includes the JCC 3W Emergency Maintained/Non-Maintained LED Bulkhead Light. Supplied with directional arrow/left/right running man legends as standard and visible from a distance of 18m, these fixtures are crucial for a quick and safe evacuation. Carrie Earl, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect, says, “We are delighted to announce the latest additions to our product range, giving tradespeople a wider range of top quality lighting solutions for commercial projects. It’s all part of our trusted to deliver promise to provide customers with a huge range of products in stock to meet the different demands of each job. In total, we have added almost 100 new commercial lighting products from Integral LED and JCC alone, with more products being added to our website every week.”

Schneider Electric launches contractor program

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of a new partner program in the UK and Ireland. The Contractor Program offers online resources and digital tools via mySchneider portal to help contractors quickly and efficiently meet customer demands. It also offers opportunities to generate more business and training to support sales activities, as well as advice on sustainable solutions. In addition to the above, it includes the following benefits depending on whether the contractor is a registered, premier or premier plus customer: Personalised news, information and promotions. Advanced commercial and technical support. Digital platforms and tools. Training and education resources. Invitations to local partner events. Partner locator listing. EcoXpert badge eligibility. Hands-on training. A new world of energy The launch is part of Schneider Electric’s strategy to mitigate the energy crisis by calling on its customers, partners and suppliers to reduce the amount of energy used in their day-to-day operations and buildings and to select more sustainable solutions. In response to the ways in which the energy landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, it has developed the mySchneider Contractor Program to answer the following challenges: demands for more electrification to reduce the usage of fossil fuels; an increase in cybersecurity; and demands from the market for multidirectional energy supplies. In the long term, the convergence of electric and digital brings disruptive new possibilities for contractors. It enables them to harness the potential for efficiency and sustainability, and more critically, in the near term, to directly impact energy security, an issue that has been front of mind for the UK and Irish governments and their citizens in recent years. David Williams, Vice President of Transactional Business at Schneider Electric, says, “As a global business, we understand the challenges our contractors and partners are facing around the world in light of the economic and political landscape and energy crisis. With the launch of the mySchneider Contractor Program, we are giving our partners priority access to our global partner ecosystem. We hope that by rewarding our contractors in this way that they will be empowered to stay ahead of the competition by offering the latest sustainable solutions to their customers.”

Zumtobel offers advanced lighting solution

Zumtobel's lighting infrastructure has now integrated High Accuracy Positioning (HAP) technology, enabling real-time location tracking of objects with unparalleled accuracy. This advancement brings transparency and significantly improves retail, industry and logistics efficiency. HAP is the digital foundation of a building's infrastructure in conjunction with Zumtobel's TECTON continuous-row lighting system. By transforming lighting into an intelligent network, HAP provides access to various Internet of Things (IoT) applications with minimal effort and investment. It employs tagging technologies and bluetooth devices to detect the movement of goods and people. Integrating HAP tags into the lighting system enables real-time tracking down to the nearest metre, thereby enhancing efficiency. Incorporating digital applications into lighting design ensures future readiness while delivering substantial cost savings. Compared to a new installation, HAP luminaires can reduce infrastructure expenses by up to 20%. Additional benefits include simplified cable routing and lower service costs. Added value in production and logistics Zumtobel Industry Analytics leverages the collected position and movement data to represent the real world digitally. Production and logistics companies can utilise it to visualise and analyse workflows in a digital model. This data-driven approach enables monitoring, analysis and documentation of stock levels, goods movement and tool/equipment location. These insights facilitate a comprehensive understanding of industrial processes, improving product quality and minimising downtime. Optimise store layouts and product positioning By analysing the routes of shopping trolleys and baskets, retailers can utilise the asset-tracking solution offered to understand customer interactions with their surroundings and products. Insights into customer behaviour and sales data enable retailers to optimise the layout and product positioning according to goods categories, departments, aisles, end caps and promotional areas. Tailored specifically to the retail sector, it addresses the needs of various departments at both strategic and operational levels. The system provides valuable data and support services, empowering merchandising and category managers to make strategic decisions based on customer journey analysis and conversion rates. Store managers can anticipate patterns in the till area, optimising staff shifts and shortening queuing times. Marketing managers gain a deeper understanding of customer behaviour and engagement with offers, enabling them to fine tune their marketing plans based on these findings.

CEDIA opens nominations for board of directors

CEDIA has announced the opening of global nominations for its Board of Directors. The association is seeking to fill three open positions for the 2024-2026 term. Nominations will be accepted through 4 August at 8pm ET. Integrators employed by CEDIA member integrator companies may be nominated for review by the Governance Committee. Employees of other member companies, including trade suppliers and industry-related professionals, may be nominated, vetted and selected for appointed seats by the Board. The Governance Committee will work to evaluate the needs of the Board to best serve its members, extensively research all potential candidates and interview the nominees. Once this process has concluded, the committee will propose a slate of three well qualified and vetted candidates to the membership for a vote. Voting will begin on 2 October and commence on 13 October. All member types including integrators, manufacturers and service providers are invited to nominate and vote. Self-nominations will also be accepted. To view the CEDIA Board of Directors eligibility criteria and nominate a candidate for an open seat, visit the CEDIA Board of Directors elections page.