IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect donate over £5,000 to charity

IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect have raised £5,483 in aid of Basildon Mind. Employees at the Essex-based companies took part in a number of fundraising activities across the year in support of this very worthy cause. Basildon Mind is a local, independent mental health charity, affiliated with but not funded by the national charity, Mind. The organisation relies on donations to run its services and support people in Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford experiencing mental health difficulties. The WOW Team at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect recognised the vital role undertaken by the charity to help people in need and selected Basildon Mind as part of its mission to help local causes. “The WOW Team is a group of employees who represent each department and work together to organise company events and charity events, and are the voice for all employees across the business,” explains Steve Macpherson, Head of WOW for IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect. “Giving back to the community is integral to who we are as a business, and we are very proud to be supporting Basildon Mind this year. The charity was chosen as our partner due to the fantastic work they do in providing advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem in our local community.” By hosting various fundraising activities, the company raised a combined total of £5,483 for the charity. Their efforts to raise money for Basildon Mind included an employee Christmas raffle, with prizes donated by the companies’ suppliers, and a silent auction, the proceeds of which contributed significantly to the final total. Denise Kent, at Basildon Mind comments, “We want to thank all the staff at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect for supporting us and raising this fantastic sum of money to help our cause. Their efforts will enable us to keep vital services such as our Side By Side initiative running and provide people in need with support and information about help in their area. Side By Side is an online peer support community that means no one has to face their mental health struggles alone - an invaluable resource for many people, which is made possible by generous donations like this.”

Helping residents feel safer in Prospect Park

Tower Hamlets Council recently decided to light the popular circular loop in Prospect Park, opting for British manufacturer Acrospire's solar grid-free Defender luminaires instead of traditional lanterns, saving cost, energy and helping its residents feel safer after dark. Parks are essential to urban communities, providing green spaces for recreation and relaxation. They promote physical activity and mental wellbeing and play a vital role in bringing people together. Lighting is a crucial aspect of park safety, especially during the darker hours, and can make a significant difference in promoting their usage. Tower Hamlets Council recently undertook an improvement project for Prospect Park, where residents shared their ideas to enhance the park's facilities. One of the key objectives of this project was to install lighting to promote safety and encourage park usage. As the area was previously unlit, the council faced significant challenges with lighting the park, primarily due to the absence of cabling and the high civil and trenching costs. The cost of traditional lighting infrastructure would have severely strained their already tight budget. The council needed a low-cost, energy efficient, and reliable lighting solution that would provide the right amount of light to ensure users feel safe. Acrospire's Defender 55 solar grid-free streetlights were the ideal solution for Tower Hamlets Council's lighting requirements. Defender is an energy efficient, low-carbon LED light powered by solar panels. The installation of these lights required no civils work, making it a cost-effective solution. Seven Defenders were installed on 6m columns, providing all-night operation, with the lanterns set to operate at 2W all night, boosting to 8W when its PIR detects movement. The scheme complies with Category P4, ensuring Eav of 5lx and Emin of 1lx. The new solar lighting has enabled the council to promote safety and encourage park usage without expensive cabling and trenching. The lights provide an energy efficient, low carbon and cost-effective solution for the council that can be easily maintained. The council's decision to install Defender lights saved the council budget and ensured that the park remains an essential asset to the local community. LB Tower Hamlets Lighting Engineer, Jason Minette, says, "We are over the moon with the new lighting. The Acrospire Defender solar streetlights have not only enabled us to provide our locals with safer routes at night but also allowed us to do so in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. The installation was straightforward, and their performance exceeded our expectations. We are thrilled with the result and believe they will make a real difference to the local community's safety and enjoyment of Prospect Park."

Assistance alarm kits from ESP

ESP’s assistance alarm range is part of the company’s Beacon product range, which includes disabled refuge and assistance alarm products. The assistance alarm kit is designed to meet the criteria of care standards that are set out in Part M building regulations BS 8300. The Beacon assistance alarm range includes two kits, as well as a number of individual products that can be bought separately. The simple to install three-part kit comprises an Indication Module, Pull Cord Module and Reset Module and features a battery back-up function (battery included). The kits are available in a choice of white or stainless steel finishes. The Indication Module includes an 80db distinctive tone alert sounder with clear LED alert triangle indication for when the alarm has been triggered. The Pull Cord Module features an anti-ligature mechanism and has a distinctive red pull cord supplied with two handles, including an LED alert triangle. The Reset Module features a clear LED alert triangle indication with internal sounder to reassure the user the alarm has been raised and assistance is on the way. The alert triangle acts as push button to reset the alarm and is clearly indicated in tactile lettering on the module. The modules that make up the standard white kit are manufactured to include antimicrobial properties - making it useful in hygiene sensitive applications. The modules are also available to purchase as separate items. The compact design makes the products suitable for many interiors and the system is expandable to include additional indication and pull cord modules if required. All three modules are designed to fit a standard one-gang box.

Frankie prepares to cycle for the Electrical Industries Charity

A big-hearted Scottish training officer is saddling up for the cycling challenge of a lifetime to raise funds for an industry charity which helped him face his own mental health issues. Frankie Greig, who oversees apprentices for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), is preparing to pedal a gruelling 200 miles from Venice to Milan in the Italian Lakes Cycle Event 2023 to raise money for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The 41-year-old will push his way from the Adriatic Coast through searing plains and up forested hills past the famous Lombardy lakes of Como, Garda and Iseo, testing his legs on climbs of more than 750m as he aims to smash his £2,200 fundraising target. Frankie says, “The EIC is wonderful and supports so many people, and indeed helped me on my own journey to better health and wellbeing, so I wanted to do something in return and also raise awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide in our industry. “I’ve been battling mental health issues for a number of years and also lost my best friend to similar issues some years ago, so it’s vital for people to know that help is out there if you need it. “There really are some wonderful, caring people who are more than willing to guide you through the tough times. It’s so important to take that first step and speak to someone - there’s nothing so bad that it can’t be fixed, and I’d rather hear someone’s problems than read their obituary.” He continues, “I still have a ton of work to do so I’m taking personal training sessions at my David Lloyd gym in Hamilton and am also following a nutrition plan as well as attending spin classes to keep the legs moving. “Before I started, I was the heaviest I’d have ever been, but I want to get my weight down considerably and change my way of life entirely. I know there’s a tough road ahead, but I have to do it for the sake of my family and ensure I have a longer and healthier life.” SECTT has donated to Frankie’s fund-raising efforts along with SELECT. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “We are very happy as an organisation to support Frankie in his challenge, and we applaud his personal courage in being willing to speak out about issues which sometimes, tragically, remain hidden. “The electrical sector, and the construction industry as a whole, has become much more aware of the importance of mental health, especially since the pandemic, and has redoubled its efforts to support our people and maintain their wellbeing. “Frankie has taken on a big task, but he has the heart and spirit for it, and we are sure he will meet his targets - and enjoy a nice cappuccino in Milan.” Frankie adds, “As well as my mental health issues, I also have a lifelong disease called ulcerative colitis and last year almost lost my dad to heart issues at the same time as my mum went into full-time care because of her Alzheimer’s. “I’ve hit so many obstacles and heartbreak, but I knew enough was enough and I had to make a drastic change and do something before I become a statistic too. “I’ve learned that it’s important to take time out for yourself and do the things that you enjoy. For me it’s my bike and after coming back from a long ride I feel mentally refreshed and happier.”

Ovia adds new Suspension Cable Kits to lighting accessories range

Ovia continues to invest in new and enhanced products and the latest development sees the launch of a new Suspension Cable Kit designed for the Inceptor A-Lite and Inceptor B-Lite linear battens. The adjustable stainless steel cable allows installers to easily hang lighting safely and securely, at the height that is required. The B-Lite compatible kit is a standard Suspension Cable Kit comprising of two 1,500mm of cable, two screws and two plugs. The A-Lite compatible kit is a Y-Shaped Suspension Cable Kit with two 1,500mm of cable, two screws and two plugs. In each case, simply feed the wire through to adjust to the required length. Inceptor B-Lite is a range of 4ft, 5ft and 6ft linear batten multi-current LED fittings, available in standard, microwave sensor, emergency sensor and microwave and emergency sensor versions. They are a direct replacement for conventional battens and boast many features. A security wire, pre-attached to the base of the product, allows the diffuser to be hung from the base and means the installer doesn’t have to remove the cover and place it aside during installation. The diffuser can be easily pulled apart from the steel base with the help of spring clips, allowing for quicker and easier installation. Inceptor A-Lite is a range of College LED linear battens available in standard, microwave sensor and emergency versions and in two sizes 1,200mm (4ft) and 1,500mm (5ft). A choice of wattages is offered - 17W, 25W, 32W, 50W and 60W - and all models include a CTA (colour temperature adjustable) switch - a built-in, three position switch which allows for instant change of the colour temperature, from warm white (3,000k), to cool white (4,000k) to daylight (6,000k).

Brits valuing sustainable elements over aesthetic changes to their homes

It may still be true that for many their home is their castle, but if so, it better be a well-insulated castle, as new research shows that Brits increasingly value energy efficient and environmentally friendly houses. A survey from Hive revealed that the top selling points on a dream home for modern Brits are related to sustainability, with solar panels (68%) and good roof insulation (67%) valued more than design features such as natural lighting (53%), wooden flooring (22%) and reclaimed woodwork (21%). Smart home technology such as a smart heating system (62%), a smart energy meter (48%) and an EV charger on the driveway (39%) were also top considerations. Over half (55%) agree that making our homes sustainable is something that everyone should be thinking about and almost half (47%) have already made changes to their current home for the purpose of making it greener. Installing a smart meter (37%), adding energy efficient lighting (34%), upgrading their roof insulation (33%) and installing a water meter (26%) were the main changes. Whilst only 4.5% of the UK own an electric car, with the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being banned in 2030, four in 10 (39%) said they would like to install an EV charger onto their driveway if they could afford to - demonstrating the move towards making the home more sustainable and fit for a green future. When it comes to being more sustainable, a third (32%) say they would be willing to pay an extra £11,730 for a home that was eco-friendly. It’s not just those looking for new homes that desire a greener property. Over two thirds of Brits (69%) would be willing to invest in their current home to make it more sustainable as it can help save them money and increase the resale of their home. In fact, data has shown adding smart elements like an EV charger to your home can increase the value by up to £5,000. When it comes to installing more efficient elements into the home, those surveyed were particularly interested in smart technology, with 87% of Brits saying they would love to introduce more smart devices into their homes, citing increased control of energy costs (67%) and being able to better track energy usage (63%) as the top reason for this change. “This research shows how important sustainability is in the modern home,” says Gavin Murray, Hive and EV Director at British Gas. British Gas commissioned the study to promote the launch of its new EV charger. “It’s clear that Brits are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency in their home over aesthetic changes so that they have greater control over their emissions. And there is true value in making these changes as net zero technology from solar panels to smart thermostats and EV chargers is helping customers to better track their energy usage, set schedules and keep costs down. As electric cars increase in popularity, at home chargers, like our new EV charger, will likely become the norm and worth investing in now.” Whilst people are interested in installing chargers to their home, common perceptions are putting people off from making the switch. Concerns that EVs aren't able to cover enough miles without recharging (27%), that it takes too long to charge (25%) and that the price of electricity will soon overtake the price of petrol (21%) were all reasons cited. Formula E reporter and British television presenter, Nicki Shields has partnered up with Hive to combat these myths and share why an at-home charger is worth considering. She says, “Being able to charge from home is not only super convenient but can actually help you to save money in the long run - costing around 55% less than public charging and 35% less than running a petrol car. If you go for a smart charger, like Hive’s new EV charger and exclusive British Gas PeakSave tariff, you can also have greater control over your charging via the smart Hive app where you can schedule and track your usage.”

Ultimate flexibility with Click GridPro

The GridPro range by Click Scolmore was developed with speed and ease of installation at its core. The extensive range of interchangeable mounting plates and modules offers installers the ultimate in flexible, modular grid solutions, allowing them to create multi-function 1-24 gang plates which integrate with Scolmore’s vast Click wiring accessories range. Unique to GridPro is the screw attachment feature, which means that no yoke is required for any modules when using 1-4 gang plates - the modules can be simply screwed directly on to the plates.  This has the added benefit of allowing the installer to use standard back boxes. Additionally, all GridPro modules have a clipping feature, which makes for easy removal and assembly. The versatile GridPro plate can be populated to perform multiple tasks using a combination of GridPro and New Media modules. As well as a wide range of modules to choose from, all of Click Scolmore's switch modules are 20A rated, making them ideal for both domestic and commercial applications. A brochure with details of the full range of GridPro products and solutions is available to view on the Scolmore Group website and can also be downloaded from the Scolmore Group app.

Stelrad unveils detail of electric radiator series

Stelrad has taken another major step in meeting the demands of its customer base across the UK and Ireland with the launch of a range of electric radiators - its Electric Series. The range will include a dozen or so different models with a number of sizes of each model available, with standard radiators for any room along with a selection of towel rails specifically targeted at bathrooms and en-suites. As well as offering effective, functional heating in the home, the radiators in the Electric Series are aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home, coming with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a two-year warranty on the electric components. The new range will include a number of exciting new products - like the Stelrad Electric Column design - a rounded vertical tube column radiator available in three sizes in both white or anthracite grey. There’s the Stelrad Electric Agata and the Agata E-Flow - a straight, flat tube towel rail design, featuring five banks of three tubes with spaces between each bank, available in three sizes in both white and anthracite grey. It combines modern design with functional heating and energy saving features. The E-Flow towel rails in the range feature a fan heater at the base of the towel rail and include manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a three-in-one unit. On the aluminium front, there’s the Stelrad Electric Alu Simple Dry and Simple Fluid - available in three sizes in either white or anthracite grey. The matching colour digital thermostat is included with each model along with its remote control. It’s a sassy design for any style room - that looks at home in any surroundings. There’s the Stelrad Electric Cloud - a fashionable, smooth fronted, curved faced steel radiator comes in four models, in white and anthracite that offers a chic heating option for any room in the house. Exceptional warmth and remarkable energy efficiency wrapped up in a single solution. And the Stelrad Electric Cobalto and Cobalto E-Flow - a trendsetting flat tube towel rail combines captivating good looks with exceptional heating efficiency and offers a sensational solution for heating in the home. An answer to those selection headaches when seeking a modish addition to the home’s décor, the Cobalto is simply stunning, says Stelrad. As with the Agata, the Cobalto E-Flow towel rails feature a fan heater at the base of the towel rail and includes manual controls for individual use of the towel rail or the fan heater, or both together as a three-in-one unit. Not to be overlooked, there is the Stelrad Electric Fantasia a mirage of a tubular towel rail - available in white or anthracite to match or contrast with colour schemes and designs in the home - which offers the kind of clarification demanded by designers looking to unravel the complexities of style and opulence. Quite simply the tubular solution of choice. Chris Harvey, Stelrad’s Head of Marketing for the UK and Ireland, says, “The new range offers a selection of radiators and towel rails with Stelrad’s quality and design to suit every area in the home and to match or contrast with décor in every room. The selection includes radiators that are dry, dry stone and fluid filled offering a full choice of options within the technology. As you would expect, the new range offers a variety of energy saving and comfort enhancing features with fitted controls. Some of the new radiators will be ‘three in one’ options, featuring a fan heater at the base of the radiator and manual controls that allow you to use the towel rail and the fan heater individually or together if you wish. Colours will be white for all radiators with the option of anthracite grey and chrome for some of the models. “Amongst the features you’ll find on these new radiators you will discover the ‘open window’ function that enables the appliance to automatically detect when a window is opened near the towel warmer and to switch to ‘anti-freeze’ mode to prevent unnecessary heating and to avoid wasting energy. Similarly, it can detect when the window is closed and restore the operating conditions set previously. The appliance comes on automatically at ambient temperatures below 7°. And when the ‘child safety’ function is activated, the surface of the appliance is cooler than in normal operation in the currently active mode to avoid the risk of burns caused by brief accidental contact. These are just a few of the features - these are intelligent radiators that are designed to provide heating in the most flexible and energy effective - and as a result - cost effective way.” Chris continues, “We pride ourselves in being a one stop shop for all things radiators and the arrival of the electric series builds on that claim still further. Full details of the new range will be unveiled in the next couple of months and will be available to order from September.”

Q-Crimp: the comprehensive cable accessories range from Unicrimp 

Unicrimp offers an extensive range of cable accessories under its Q-Crimp brand. The company continues to develop and expand its offer to provide electricians with everything they need when working on the tools. Today, the Q-Crimp range incorporates more than 19 different product categories including Cable Clips, Cable Cleats, Cable Glands and Cable Ties, Fixings, Earthing Rods, Tape and Sleeving, as well as Trade Tubs of fixings and clips in handy, durable and re-sealable plastic tubs. Recent additions to the range include Nylon Meter Tail Glands and Catenary Kits. The 32mm and 40mm White Nylon Meter Tail Glands with Plug are designed to house incoming cables on a metal consumer unit. A blanking insert plug is also supplied as standard for optional use should no earth wire be present. The Catenary Kits comprise one 30m length of the 3mm steel wire rope, one zinc plated strainer, four 3mm steel wire rope grips, two 3mm steel wire eyelets, one hook wall plate and one wire ring plate.  Catenary wire is used to create an overhead catenary to support pipes, banners, cables and lighting, for example.

Vent-Axia offers help with building regulation compliance at InstallerSHOW

Vent-Axia will showcase its latest continuous ventilation solutions at this year’s InstallerSHOW at the NEC, Birmingham (27-29 June 2023). Located in the BEAMA1 Village, visitors to Vent-Axia’s stand will be able to discover simple solutions designed to remove the risk to installers when retrofitting ventilation by ensuring compliance with the latest Part F (Means of Ventilation) of the building regulations. On show will be a range of continuous ventilation including Vent-Axia’s app-controlled Lo-Carbon Svara, its highly efficient Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C, and the Vent-Axia PureAir Sense with odour sense technology. A key addition to Part F for installers is a new sub section - Installing Energy Efficiency Measures - in existing properties. Here it sets out that: 'When carrying out energy efficiency measures to an existing dwelling, an assessment should determine what, if any, additional ventilation provision is needed, based on the estimated impact of the work.' In homes, this new positive move will help protect health and wellbeing and protect buildings from damp, condensation and mould caused by moisture being unable to escape. For installers this means reconsidering the ventilation they install and moving from intermittent to continuous ventilation to ensure compliance. Part F provides two options for calculating these new ventilation requirements, the first is the simplified method which covers most properties, the second is seeking expert advice. With the simplified method energy efficiency measures are counted and classified whether they are minor or major and depending on the number are then allocated to category A, B, or C. The category determines what ventilation is required. Installers should be aware with category C natural ventilation does not comply with Part F without a full design by a competent person. The simple solution to comply with Part F is to choose continuous ventilation for existing homes since it is compliant with both category B and C and is the easiest and safest way of complying. “Over the last few years, we have all seen the real consequences of sealing up homes and insulating them to make them more energy efficient. It has resulted in indoor air pollution. Amended Part F has started to redress the balance of ventilation with energy efficiency, however, not everyone is aware of the changes or how to comply with them. At Vent-Axia we are happy to speak to installers in the BEAMA Village at the InstallerSHOW to explain exactly how moving from intermittent to continuous ventilation is the easiest and safest way of complying every time,” says Natasha King, Product Manager at Vent-Axia. When calculating ventilation requirements, installers need to consider the energy efficiency measures that have been made since the home was first built, as well as ones that are planned. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly how many energy efficiency measures may have been added over the years to a dwelling. This could lead to an installer inadvertently fitting intermittent ventilation in what they think is a category B home but instead is a category C and as a result it will not provide sufficient ventilation to protect the occupants’ health, risking poor IAQ, condensation and mould. A simple solution to ensure compliance with amended Part F every time is to install continuous ventilation. There is a wide range of different types of continuous ventilation to choose from to ensure exactly the right solution. For example, Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Svara offers condensation control which helps improve IAQ and is backed up by easy installation, quiet operation and is controllable via a smartphone. Meanwhile, Vent-Axia says that its PureAir Sense is the UK’s only bathroom fan with Odour Sense technology that increases airflow when the air is poor, helping ensure a comfortable living environment. Alternatively, there are de-centralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) units, such as the Lo-Carbon NBR dMEV C, which is efficient with its low Specific Fan Power (SFP) values as impressively low as 0.08 w/l/s and provides almost silent operation at 7.4dB. Meanwhile, for installers aiming to help landlords tackle condensation and mould and improve IAQ, Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Revive, an intelligent filter-less unitary fan, boasts powerful, quiet and efficient ventilation, and features an adjustable trickle speed. Alternatively, the intelligent Lo-Carbon Response 7 from Vent-Axia is a filterless unitary fan that features an ultra-low profile for discreet installation; increased airflow performance; a digital control menu; as well as a seven-year guarantee. With four models, the range boasts flexibility built into the digital control menu allowing it to meet the variety of needs encountered in social housing properties by offering continuous ventilation, as well as constant volume and SELV options. Another solution for deeper refurbishment of properties, including bedrooms and living rooms, that will be on show on Vent-Axia’s stand combines continuous ventilation with heat recovery. The Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution range consists of three different de-centralised Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (dMVHR) units, which can be used on a room-by-room basis or used together to help maximise energy savings. DMVHR uses the heat from stale air that is being extracted to warm up the fresh air coming in. Therefore, bringing in fresh but pre-warmed air, providing ventilation while also saving energy. The range comprises: the Lo-Carbon Heat Save, Lo-Carbon Tempra and Lo-Carbon Calido - by using these units together as a Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution it will help maximise energy savings by introducing heat recovery to the property.