Warmup updates its DCM-PRO Heated Decoupling System

Warmup has announced a new update to its renowned DCM-PRO Heated Decoupling System. It is a popular electric underfloor heating solution with installers around the world, due to its innovative anti-fracture protection and ease of installation. To provide even greater versatility, it has been redeveloped with an optimised castellation design and two different membrane options, the classic peel and stick, featuring a self-adhesive backing, and a new fleece-backed option for use with traditional adhesives. The electric underfloor heating system for damp and uneven subfloors The new membrane has been designed to use with adhesives on uneven subfloors, offering a more conventional floor heating installation method. The fleece-backed membrane means subfloors are not required to be smooth before fitting the heating system, saving time on additional preparation. It is ideal for installation with adhesives during the colder months of the year, as it can be installed over damp floors, facilitating a secure bond with the subfloor despite difficult environmental conditions. And since tile adhesive typically takes some time to dry, the membrane can be adjusted during the initial installation so any laying errors can be quickly corrected with little stress. Updated membrane design for an even smoother installation The next generation of DCM-PRO features an updated castellation design for an even smoother installation. Fitting the heating cable by hand within the castellations is easy and the softer material used for the membrane will provide less strain during installation. Its fleece-backing allows for a wider selection of levelling compounds to be used too. It is approved by Instarmac for use with S1 adhesive, level IT 2 and level IT ultimate levelling compounds, offering versatility for underfloor heating installation. Energy efficient technology – reduces energy usage by up to 35% The updated version retains an ultra-low profile, so it will still have a negligible effect on floor build up heights, making it the perfect heating solution for both renovation and new build projects. It is available in clear, convenient sizes and can assist in reducing energy usage by up to 35% compared to traditional radiator systems. And with a choice of two heating cables, customers can specify the system for standard wattage projects of between 112.5W/m²-225W/m² and low wattage projects of between 41.3W/m²-82.5W/m².

UK Power Networks hires new apprentices

UK Power Networks has announced that 26 new apprentices have joined its workforce to gain skills that keep power flowing, while helping more low carbon technologies to connect. The company is recruiting 54 apprentices in 2023, developing new skills to keep the lights on, as experienced staff retire and serve the low carbon economy. The apprentices will spend the next two years learning traditional skills to rigorous standards, maintaining a reliable electricity network for 8.5m homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England. Their work will support power infrastructure, which will enable people to use an estimated 4.3m electric vehicles and 650,000 heat pumps by 2030. Recruits will train to become experts as either electrical linespeople, fitters or jointers and learn how to repair, maintain and connect overhead lines, substations or underground cables. Practical skills taught in the company’s dedicated training centres, in Suffolk and Kent, will be put into practice during on-the-job training where they will live, work and serve their local communities. Demand for places was high, with nearly 700 applications for 26 roles. The training scheme, accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, has a high retention rate of 98% and 25% of recruits achieve distinction. The apprentices train in Level 3 Apprenticeship standards. Cairo Hyde, 19, from Lewisham, London, is training to be a cable jointer at Camberwell. He says, “I studied electrics at college and this was the career route I wanted to take, so I’m excited and can’t wait to get started. I’ll work on underground cables that connect power to the area. I’m proud of the work I’ll be doing because I’m going to make a difference. “I enjoyed maths at school and considered where I could implement maths in a career, so I looked at engineering. I did an internship with UK Power Networks, working on electrical design. I enjoyed it, but realised I like being hands-on, rather than working in the office. I feel comfortable here, it’s a very welcoming and open company. They help you when you need help, but they also make sure you can stand on your own two feet.” Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “The next decade is set to be a transformative time for the electricity sector as Britain progresses towards achieving net zero. We are investing in training local talent to make sure we have the pipeline of essential skills necessary to continue providing a great service to our customers. “Our craft apprenticeship programmes ensure a high quality, well trained workforce fit to maintain reliable power supplies and serve our communities. UK Power Networks is recognised as a great place to work, and successful apprentices can look forward to secure jobs and exciting career development and training prospects. We would also like more women to apply and reap the benefits from these rewarding career opportunities.”

Marshall-Tufflex launches new CPD course

Marshall-Tufflex has launched a new CPD course that details the recycling and sustainability properties of PVC-U cable management systems. The new course is accredited by the CPD certification service. With over 80 years’ experience in manufacturing PVC-U, the company is a trusted authority on cable management solutions. The launch will ultimately form part of a series and highlight its commitment to supporting continued professional development at specifier and industry level. The new CPD course also forms part of the Hastings-based manufacturer’s campaign, which is to emphasise the need to reduce the estimated 120 million tonnes of waste produced by the construction industry each year, and instead re-use PVC-U material for manufacturing rather than going to landfill. Delivered in person at a preferred site or customer premises, it provides an overview of how recycled material is used within those systems and how its use can aid sustainability and the circular economy. Martin Russell, Group Product Manager at Marshall-Tufflex, comments, “We are actively engaged in developing new and innovative cable management solutions that use recycled materials. We are delighted to launch our first CPD with the aim of increasing awareness about sustainability and the circular economy and making those solutions more accessible. “After completing the CPD seminar, delegates will understand more about the different types of PVC-U, as well as their properties, and how they can be recycled and used to manufacture new products. The course will also provide guidance on the best practices for specifying PVC-U cable management systems, increasing their understanding and confidence for future projects.”

New domestic electrician EWA now available

Domestic electricians who need to formally recognise their skills and experience will now have a dedicated Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route available to them. The domestic electrician EWA is based on the same content as the domestic electrician apprenticeship standard, so both new entrants and existing workers are assessed and accredited to the same industry standard. To be eligible for the assessment, candidates need to be currently working as a domestic electrician with over three years’ experience. They must also hold at least a Level 2 electrical technical qualification listed in the EWA ‘skills scan’, a document that has to be completed during the application process for training providers to verify if the candidate has the relevant skills and knowledge to successfully complete the process. Once enrolled, learners will have to achieve the Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker Qualification, which comprises five practical performance units, plus the BS 7671:2018 and full inspection and testing qualification. A key benefit of the EWA is that existing qualifications can count towards the assessment and do not need to be repeated. After the qualification is gained, learners must undertake the AM2ED assessment, which mirrors the AM2D end point assessment taken by domestic electrician apprentices at the end of their training. The assessment follows the footsteps of the EWA, for installation and maintenance electricians, that was launched in 2020. Both were developed by an industry group comprising The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), Certsure, ECA, ECS, NAPIT, City & Guilds, EAL, the IET and Unite. It will be recognised in the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification as equivalent to the domestic electrician apprenticeship. Achievement of the qualification, along with the AM2ED assessment, meets the qualification criteria for an ECS Domestic Electrician gold card application. The EWA is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from accredited EAL training centres from City & Guilds centres.

Professional LED lamps are now under LEDVANCE

LEDVANCE has established itself in innovative LED solutions in just seven years. The new branding of OSRAM will offer a complete range of lighting solutions under the name LEDVANCE. The company provides a variety of LED lamps, LED luminaires, LED strips, light management systems and human centric lighting. Under its slogan of ‘Advancing Light’, it offers LED replacement solutions for almost every application across Europe, from retrofits and conversions to new luminaire installations. The brand will offer lighting products in the superior, performance and value classes, which are familiar from its luminaires. Clear naming makes it easy to find all the important product information, including the segmentation, at a glance. Although the names and EANs of the lamps are new, they are linked to the previous products, making them easy to find in the online product catalogue. The new packaging shows that many of the professional LED lamps have become even more powerful to coincide with the change of brand. However, lamps from the residential sector, such as the Vintage Edition 1906 or the LEDinestra range, that will be further offered under the proven OSRAM brand, will continue to provide the same quality, performance and efficiency. The company also supports the sustainability targets of its partners, not only with future-proof efficiency but also, for example, with products made from recycled materials and with luminaires with replaceable components to help support the circular economy. The company’s holistic commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the silver medal award from EcoVadis.

JIB announces a new wage agreement

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and Unite the Union have agreed on a new two-year wage deal from January 2024, for the electrical contracting industry under the JIB collective agreement. Some of the key changes to be implemented include: First year (from 2024) 7% increase to rates. £20 increase to weekly sick pay for all grades during weeks 3 to 24, therefore providing, £210 p/w for a technician £200 p/w for an approved electrician £190 p/w for an electrician £180 p/w for others as defined in clause 1.3 note(a) in section 9 of the JIB Handbook. £10 increase to weekly sick pay for all grades (as above) during weeks 25 to 52. Second year (from 2025) 5% increase to rates. £10,000 increase to death in service benefit, therefore up from £30,000 to £40,000. A ‘recoupment’ arrangement for sick pay – an arrangement to reimburse the second week of absence after an employee has been off sick for eight weeks. 50p-£2 responsibility money, increased from 10p-£1. Other points agreed:   Lodging allowance will be increased on the anniversary dates in line with the usual process between JIB and HMRC using a formula set out by HMRC. Agreement to review the level of remuneration payable to electrical installation apprentices and the position of electrical contracting wage levels. There is an agreement to include wording in the handbooks to outline the current statutory pension arrangement; and There is also an agreement to amend the current wording in section 4, clause 6 of the JIB Handbook to reflect a broader range of training courses. ECA Chief Negotiator, Andrew Hutchins, says, “I am pleased with the outcome of the negotiations. The last few years have been difficult, and it is beneficial to have some certainty at a time when the wider economy is unpredictable. This agreement gives us an opportunity to work with Unite on longer term ambitions to update and modernise the industry to improve skills for a low carbon economy.” Unite National Officer, Jason Poulter, says, “Unite members have voted to accept a two-year agreement, which will create economic certainty for them for the lifetime of the deal. Our members recognise the benefits of direct employment and collective bargaining delivering enhanced sick pay, private medical cover, and insurances to give essential peace of mind. We will continue to work with the ECA and our reps to ensure electricians are recognised as an essential part of the skilled workforce needed to achieve net zero ambitions and that they are provided with and maximise the scope on the whole package of terms and conditions in line with their in depth training and high skilled status.”

Toolstation announces electrical and lighting sale

Toolstation has announced the start of a new electrical and lighting sale, offering up to 30% off over 1,600 lines. The sale means that customers can stock up on electrical and lighting products at great discounts ahead of autumn and can upgrade their electrics for a fraction of the cost. Customers can save up to £88.50 from brands like Swan, Luceco, Hive, Phillips, Wessex and more. It means that tradespeople and DIYers can save big on a variety of products, including CCTV cameras, LED lights, smart lighting, outdoor lighting and torches. Offers are available while stocks last on selected lines. For more information visit the website or check the Toolstation’s app. Some of the deals include: Description Price Swann 1080P CCTV System 8-Channel 4-Camera Was £294.99, now £206.49, saving £88.50 or 30% Yale Home View WiFi HD Security Camera Was £43.48, now £30.44, saving £13.04 or 30% Google Nest Hub Max Was £219, now £196.99, saving £22.01 or 10% Yale HD 1080P All in One Camera SV-DAFX-W Was £119.98, now £104.98, saving £15  or 30% FireAngel Pro Mains Heat Alarm HT-230 Was £31.99, now £22.39, saving £9.60 or 30% Google Nest Audio Was £89.98, now £80.98, saving £9 or 10% Philips LED Robin Outdoor Hanging Wall Lantern IP44 4.5W White 430lm Was £25.49, now £17.84, saving £7.65 or 30% Hive Lighting Bundle 2 x Dimmable B22 Smart Bulbs & Motion Sensor – Hubless Was £59, now £51.63, saving £7.38 or 12.5% Ring LED Rechargeable Torch and Lamp 150lm Torch 100lm Lamp Was £19.49, now £13.64, saving £5.85 or 10% Wessex LED PIR Floodlight IP65 10W 800lm White Was £12.48, now £8.94, saving £3.46 or 25% Wessex LED Floodlight IP65 30W 2400lm Black Was £16.98, now £11.84, saving £5.15 or 30% Wessex LED Floodlight IP65 10W 800lm Black Was £8.48, now £5.89, saving £2.59 or 30% Wessex LED PIR Floodlight IP65 30W 2400lm Black Was £18.15, now £13.39, saving £4.76 or 25%

myenergi ranked 26th in The Sunday Times 100

myenergi has been listed in The Sunday Times 100 once again. Run in partnership with Barclays Private Bank and DHL Express, the initiative celebrates entrepreneurial achievement, commercial success and exponential growth. myenergi ranked 26th in the 2023 league table, reporting revenue of £67m until May and average annual sales growth over three years of 125%.   Founded in 2016, by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton, the company is best known for pioneering the world’s first solar compatible electric vehicle charger, zappi. Headquartered in Stallingborough, Lincolnshire, with subsidies in Germany, Australia, Ireland and the Netherlands, it is regarded as a fast growing eco-smart home tech firm.   Recently shipping its 500,000th unit, myenergi has invested in state-of-the-art production facilities and product range. In 2022, the company launched its smart home battery, libbi.   Lee Sutton, Co-Founder and CEO of myenergi, comments, “When we founded myenergi, the purpose was simple – to remove the barriers to a greener future by pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy. We started with nothing, apart from a few good ideas and a serious passion for change. Today, we’re widely considered one of the sector’s fastest-growing companies.   “Being named in The Sunday Times 100 for the second year in a row is a real honour. The accolade is testament to everyone who has supported our innovation, achievement and exponential growth.”

A new policy to combat false alarms in Scotland

Fire alarm systems provide an early warning of fire and are one of the most effective ways to keep people and property safe from fire. But unfortunately, many fire alarm signals are false, triggered by cooking fumes, dust or lack of maintenance. This means fire crews are called out unnecessarily for unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS). A policy change has now become necessary, as 98% of alarm activations which the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) is currently summoned to, are false alarms. As a result of the change, duty holders with responsibility for commercial premises, will need to safely investigate a fire alarm before calling 999, as control room operators will ask for confirmation of an actual fire or signs of fire, prior to sending the nearest resource. This change however, does not apply to sleeping premises, such as hospitals, care homes, hotels or domestic dwellings. To accompany these changes, the FIA has published ‘Guidance on Safe Investigation of Fire Alarm Signals in the Absence of the Fire and Rescue Service’ to assist duty holders investigating fire alarm signals at premises prior to summoning the SFRS. It states that given the new policy “… dutyholders for premises in which people do not sleep should discuss, with their alarm system provider or maintainer and/or any company monitoring their fire alarm system at an ARC, more technologically advanced arrangements.” Fortunately, there are now advanced addressable fire panels available, that offer investigation and verification solutions to help combat false alarms. Neil Parkin, Regional Sales Manager of North and Ireland at Advanced, says, “In the UK, false alarms cost £1bn a year, with annual false alarms in Scotland representing approximately 57,000 unnecessary blue-light journeys for the SFRS alone. These unnecessary callouts have an impact on resources available to attend real fires and the time available for fire crews to undertake other valuable work. False alarms have other detrimental effects too, by affecting business continuity and causing alarm complacency, which can put lives at risk in real fire situations. “However, there are technologically advanced solutions available to help. The latest addressable fire panels feature false alarm management capability, such as our AlarmCalm software, available as standard on our MxPro 5 and Go ranges of addressable panels. AlarmCalm delivers unprecedented control of verification and investigation delays, substantially reducing the risk of false alarms and giving duty holders peace of mind.” Advanced’s AlarmCalm allows total control and configurability of the false alarm strategy across any site. Fire systems offer two lines of defence against the issue. The first is based around detector technology, which functions by screening false signals in the detector heads themselves. The second focuses on the fire panel, analysing the signals received from sensors and interpreting this to determine if the signal is real, before taking further action. Advanced provides flexibility in false alarm management, thanks to its approach to programming cause and effect. By dividing sites up into virtual false alarm ‘building areas’, independent of fire zones, users gain more precise control and reduction strategies that exactly fit the needs of each part of a building. Virtual building areas can cover multiple zones, partial zones or even single points for precise application of false alarm strategies based on risk per area. It comes with both options, often referred to as Type A, B or C dependencies in line with EN54-2, section 7.12. Alarm verification is used to automatically check if an activated device is genuine, before a fire condition is displayed on the panel. This is ideal for when the designated responsible person is not available on site. Here, the system will work independently and can verify the alarm without human input. The system is flexible, accommodating many timing options and scenarios. This reduces false alarms since the verification delays check whether there is genuine reason for the alarm to activate. It also features investigation delays, which allow an occupant to physically check if an activated device is genuine after a fire condition is displayed on the panel. This option is ideal when there is a responsible person on site. Human input brings certainty in identifying the cause of the alarm.

Win a dream trip to Australia - Last chance to enter!

CU Phosco Lighting is celebrating its 100th anniversary by offering people the chance to win a two week vacation for two to Sydney, Australia. It is the birthplace of its Founder, Charles Marques, M.B.E. The prize includes:  Round trip flights to Australia 14 unforgettable nights in Sydney for two people A luxurious stay at the DeVere Hotel To enter, simply answer the following question: Name a film set to which CU Phosco has supplied lighting. Handy hint: The answer is in the '100 Facts about CU Phosco Lighting' blog.  The competition is open to its specifiers and customers. The winner will be randomly selected and notified within one week of the contest’s closing date.  "We are thrilled to celebrate our centennial year with this giveaway," says Matt Murray, Sales and Marketing Director, CU Phosco Lighting. "We are grateful to our customers and partners for their support over the past 100 years, and we hope this trip will give one lucky winner a chance to experience our founder's home and all of Australia's beauty and excitement."  The competition closes on 22 September 2023. Enter here: https://www.cuphosco.com/100-yr-comp