KNIPEX Crimping Pliers for RJ45 Western plugs

KNIPEX’s Crimping Pliers for RJ45 Western plugs (97 51 13) are designed to reliably crimp shielded and unshielded RJ45 Western plugs (8P8C), and feature an adjustable retaining bracket that can accommodate all common RJ45 plugs with closed and non-closed housings. The Crimping Pliers are ideal for electricians working on RJ45 connectors as part of their duties in installing and maintaining network cabling systems. RJ45 connectors are commonly used in Ethernet networks to connect computers, servers, and other network devices. They are also used in telephone networks to connect phones to wall jacks. As network technologies continues to evolve, electricians may be called upon to install and upgrade cabling systems, including the installation of RJ45 connectors. A reliable and efficient all-in-one tool for cable cutting, stripping, and crimping can greatly aid an electrician in their work, allowing them to complete tasks quickly and accurately. This KNIPEX crimping tool uses a parallel crimp and self-releasing mechanism, ensuring a precise and secure connection. The dual crimping points provide equal and balanced crimping pressure for maximum efficiency and accuracy. The blade enables the quick cutting and stripping of CAT-cables, making the tool ideal for use in the network and Ethernet area. With ergonomic multi-component handles, the tool is comfortable to use and easy to grip, reducing the risk of strain or injury. This tool is perfect for connection technology in the network and Ethernet area and Western modular plugs with 8P8C pin assignment. It is a must-have for anyone who works with cables and needs a reliable, all-in-one tool for cable cutting, stripping, and crimping.

Urban Fox set to revolutionise the EV charging market

Balfour Beatty Investments has announced its entry into the on-street EV charging market with the formation of Urban Fox - through a partnership with Urban Electric Networks. Balfour Beatty Investments expect to invest up to £60 million of capital in the partnership to fund the roll out of up to 35,000 charge points across the UK over the next decade. Urban Fox offers local authorities a whole-life solution to EV charge points: funding, building, operating and maintaining a range of fast, rapid and slow charge points across the counties in which they will be deployed. Its 7kW on-street charge point is the first of its kind to the market, according to the maker. Installed into the pavement, the unit is fully retractable underground - leaving pavements clutter free and accessible when not in use. With 43% of British households without access to off-street parking, and the growing demand and uptake of electric vehicles, Urban Fox’s quick installation and replacement process allows additional charge points to be easily installed as demand dictates. Urban Fox supports local authorities to achieve the green targets as set out in the UK Government’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy ‘Taking Charge’ by creating a sustainable, resilient and convenient network of charge points across the UK whilst supporting local authorities to meet the growing demand for accessible and reliable on-street charge points for the travelling public. The launch of Urban Fox follows five years of rigorous product development and testing of the retractable charging unit across Oxford, Dundee and Plymouth city councils, as well as Staffordshire County Council. The pilots indicated that Urban Fox’s retractable chargers can be installed in 80% of streets. Mark Flynn, Convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, says, “Last year when we commissioned these on street residential chargers through a combination of funding, including local and Scottish Government, we wanted to start breaking down some of the barriers to owning and running an electric vehicle. In particular, recognising that more than half of the city’s homes don’t have access to off street parking by putting these chargers at seven locations spread across the Maryfield, Lochee and West End wards we are making a start.” Gavin Russell, CEO Balfour Beatty Investments, adds, “In order to achieve the government’s 2050 net zero strategy, it’s imperative that alternative energy sources are widely available and accessible. “Balfour Beatty’s close and long-standing relationships with local authorities across the length and breadth of the UK make us well able to tackle the challenge head on; putting our unrivalled capability in providing green infrastructure for communities and our innovative, collaborative spirit to good use.” [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=132wBJvYXjQ&t=4s[/embed]

Klima-Therm appoints Northern Regional Sales Manager

Ranald Stewart has been appointed Regional Sales Manager at Klima-Therm, covering the Midlands, North of England, and Scotland. The move enables the London-based company to expand its operations throughout the UK. Based in Manchester, Ranald will oversee Klima-Therm's HVAC solutions and service inquiries, together with supervising the development of a dehumidification role for Klima-Therm. He explains, “I was keen to work with a dynamic business and Klima-Therm fits the bill perfectly. It is a go-ahead company that works with ground-breaking technologies and displays innovative thought processes, and this really struck a chord with me. “Klima-Therm already has a major presence in the HVAC equipment market, but we want to expand this by moving into dehumidification as health awareness increases, and the need to combat extreme temperatures grows.” Ranald's appointment also heralds a greater emphasis on a solutions-based approach to Klima-Therm's business rather than a product led one. He says, “We are starting to look more at applications, and the solutions that we can offer via a complete package - which includes a full-service offering.” Ranald has a mechanical engineering degree from Harper Adams University. He was previously Sales Manager at a dehumidification company dealing with a range of blue-chip clients in the UK and around the world. Here, he developed skills from devising and developing sales strategies in engineering across multiple industries including food manufacturing, medical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and energy across the UK and Europe. Ranald reports to Klima-Therm's Sales Director, Tim Mitchell, who comments, “We are delighted to welcome Ranald to our sales team. I am confident he will make a valuable contribution to the business by further expanding our offering geographically and in terms of products, as well as encouraging a solutions-focused, goal-directed approach. “Ranald's incredibly strong knowledge and experience will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow and further strengthen the comprehensive range of HVAC solutions we offer to our customers.”

Toolstation helps customers spring into action

Toolstation has launched its latest catalogue, offering hundreds of new deals, brands, and offers to help customers spring into action for the new season. The catalogue, which will be available in over 550 Toolstation stores across the UK from today, arrives after research from Toolstation revealed that one third of tradespeople prefer a hard copy catalogue to browse for tools and hardware. Toolstation has seen unprecedented demand for its recent catalogues, with all print versions of its 94th edition snapped up by customers in late 2022. When asked why they prefer a traditional catalogue, 64% of tradespeople confirmed they find them more practical while on site, whilst 57% find them easier to read through. Toolstation customers will also be able to access the new catalogue online and through the Toolstation app. Customers who are yet to use the Toolstation app can receive 10% off their first order between now and 23 April, with maximum savings of up to £100. Additional information on the offer can be found online. In celebration of the start of spring, the busiest operational period within the trade industry, the new catalogue focuses on helping tradespeople and DIYers get set for the new season with a wide selection of landscaping, power tools, plumbing fittings, lighting and electrical accessories, painting and decorating, construction products and more, making sure customers can complete the job. The front cover features the Hawksmoor 125cc 46cm Briggs & Stratton Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower from Toolstation’s own-brand landscaping range, which will have 13 new products introduced as part of the new catalogue, including a selection of new chainsaws, lawnmowers and trimmers. The new catalogue will also see the arrival of 11 trade quality power tools from Evolution, including a Multi-Material Sliding Mitre Saw, and 36 new power tools from Black + Decker, including an 18V Combi Drill available for just £49.98. Toolstation has also extended its current Milwaukee range with over 70 new lines available, including 60 new power tools and 13 landscaping power tools. To help customers get outdoor-ready, the catalogue features several offers on a selection of landscaping tools, including £60 off an Einhell 43cm Brushless Cordless Lawnmower and £40 off a DeWalt 36cm Brushless Cordless String Trimmer. Trade professionals and DIYers who are preparing for a season of renovation can enjoy a wide range of offers on power tools and accessories, including savings of up to £100 on Milwaukee and DeWalt drills, drivers, grinders and more.

UK Power Networks tests innovative approach in successful field trials

UK Power Networks has prevented the recurrence of more than 150 power cuts in the last year, using smart tech to find and fix faults faster. The company has been field trialling cutting-edge technologies designed to locate and proactively repair faults before they interrupt customers’ supplies. This increases network resilience and reduces customer interruptions caused by transient faults. Specialist field teams have been successfully carrying out preventative cable work and UK Power Networks is stepping up investment in proactive network management technology in the next five years to further increase network reliability and reduce the effect transient faults have on customers. Traditionally, transient faults on low voltage circuits occur several times before faults can be traced and repaired. Equipment is being used to identify 'network disturbances' that are indicative of emerging faults and determine potential fault locations. The new approach in using the technology is enabling proactive detection and intervention, before the fault becomes permanent, improving reliability and customer service. Engineers across several areas are applying: Bidoyngs, devices which automatically restore supplies after a transient fault and provide fault locations VisNet Hubs, real-time low voltage circuit monitoring devices which help with pre-fault detection, fault location, cable condition assessments and the targeted installation of automatic restoration equipment Nick Carey, Operations Manager in the Chilterns, an early adopter of the new approach, says, “We have intercepted 27 faults before they became permanent. I believe this will revolutionise the way we work. “Digging up faults nobody knows about except us, before customers go off supply, could be the future. As the equipment develops even further, we can use these more widely across the network to find a fault, dig and repair it. “The holy grail of proactive network management is to reach the point where a device detects when and where a cable is drawing abnormal current before the cable even blows a fuse.” Jack Howard, a field engineer in Hemel Hempstead, says, “We have had great success this year in the Chilterns with the roll-out of proactive fault repairs and I believe it is working well across the business. We have seen the positive impact on our customers and improved reliability. We have proved the investment in Bidoyngs and VisNet hubs works in our local area.” Chris Lowsley, LV Product Manager at EA Technology says, “It is great to be involved with such a proactive initiative helping UK Power Networks to improve the management of their electricity networks. We are particularly happy to see the VisNet Hub LV Monitoring equipment being used as the eyes and ears of the network in order to detect and locate electrical disturbances in good time before any loss of power occurs. This forms the foundation for the UK Power Networks faults teams to proactively intervene and 'fix before fail' whilst improving the quality of supply to customers. This is clearly the future for managing LV networks.” Jorone Taylor-Lewis, Account Director, Kelvatek says, “We've been working together with UK Power Networks to promote the potential benefits that proactive fault management with our Sapient Service and Bidoyng reclosers would bring, so it has been a real pleasure to see those results come through in these field trials.”

Siemens launches a smart IoT solution to manage smaller buildings

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has launched Connect Box, an open and easy-to-use IoT solution designed to manage small to medium-sized buildings. Connect Box is a user-friendly approach for monitoring building performance, with the potential to optimise energy efficiency by up to 30% and to substantially improve indoor air quality in small to medium sized buildings such as schools, retail shops, apartments or small offices. Connect Box allows users to accomplish essential daily building management tasks from one place via a cloud-based interface with no additional gateway or software. Alarm notifications for potential issues as well as graphics that visualise historical trends provide meaningful insights into the building performance at any time, supporting the optimisation of building operations. Connect Box offers intuitive online access via desktop or smartphone. Installation is fast and easily accomplished via plug and play, so system integrators, technicians and facility managers do not need engineering skills to set up, configure and operate the system. The included library contains more than 500 ready-to-connect field devices and is constantly growing, from both Siemens and third parties. A smart converter supports 11 communication protocols, both standard and proprietary, wired or wireless, including LoRaWAN, BACnet, Modbus and KNX. As an example, the IAQ (indoor air quality) multi-sensor, which Siemens has recently introduced, works as a plug and play solution with Connect Box to provide crucial data on room air quality. The multi-sensor measures air quality in real time, checking key metrics like temperature and humidity, CO₂ saturation, VOC and PM2.5 emissions, as well as light and noise level (dBA). Building operators benefit by getting full transparency on air quality in their building and can make sure that they provide a healthy environment for tenants, visitors or staff. Connect Box offers two licensing models. The Cloud license allows users to store their building data in the Connect Box online database, while the On-premise license enables users to easily integrate the data collected from wired and IoT devices into an existing automation system, building management system, or external cloud. Both variants are managed remotely and updated over the air. IoT paves the way to a healthy and zero emission building stock Even for smaller and medium-sized buildings that have been run without building automation up to now, it is becoming increasingly important to operate in an energy-efficient and climate-neutral way. On the one hand, for intrinsic cost reasons, on the other hand, because more and more regulatory requirements have to be fulfilled which demand sustainable operations. In Europe, for example, the EPBD (Energy Performance for Buildings Directive) is supporting the EU’s goal to achieve climate-neutral building operations by 2050, forcing building owners and operators to take action. From a technical point of view, IoT-based building solutions do not only provide what is needed to implement such requirements, they also pay off energy and emissions savings of up to 30% which are possible thanks to Connect Box's key building management features.

Investment of £29 million into two solar projects

Atrato Onsite Energy plc (ROOF), an investment company focusing on a clean energy generation, has announced two transactions for a combined consideration of £29 million. Both projects are expected to deliver long dated, highly visible, contracted cashflows with inflation linked uplifts. London Road Energy Centre The company has acquired a ready-to-build 28MW ground-mounted solar project in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The project has been acquired from Heliofidem UK, with energisation expected in Q4 2023. The company has also signed heads of terms and an exclusivity agreement with a large multinational food and beverage company for the sale and purchase of electricity generation from this project via a sleeved power purchase agreement. Huntapac Produce The company also announces reaching financial close on a 1MW new rooftop solar project in Preston, Lancashire. The project has a 16-year PPA with Huntapac Produce, one of the largest vegetable producers in the UK. Energisation is expected in Q4 2023. Gurpreet Gujral, Managing Director of Atrato Partners, the Investment Adviser to the company, says, "I am very pleased to announce these transactions. The London Road project is our largest single asset transaction to date, and will be Atrato Onsite Energy's first sleeved PPA deal. Long dated sleeved PPAs with corporates are an exciting development in the UK solar sector and one from which ROOF is naturally very well positioned to benefit."

Building energy management firm celebrates 25-year milestone

One of the UK’s leading independent building and energy management solutions companies is celebrating its 25th anniversary in business with a reflection of its success to date, as well as confirmation of its growth pathway for its next chapter. South Yorkshire headquartered BGES Group was founded in 1998 as BG Controls and has evolved to become one of the largest and fastest growing businesses in its sector. The group is formed of four separate specialist entities; BG Projects, BG Service, BG Net Zero and BG Enterprise.  Between them, these business units deliver a wide range of building technologies and solutions, including building energy management systems (BEMS) smart remote services, energy management, carbon reduction strategies and complex IT infrastructure solutions.  Strength in numbers  Employing 65 staff, BGES has marked its 25th year with the opening of new offices in London as well as confirmation that it has delivered nearly 10,000 projects to customers across the UK since its foundation. The company has also calculated that in the last 25 years, its staff have spent over one million project hours on customer sites, and has built over 7,400 control panels.  BGES Group says that it is proud that its anniversary milestone coincides with a review of its charitable efforts over the last three years - which is calculated to be to the value of £8,000. The main beneficiary of the company’s charity contributions is Sheffield Children’s Hospital, which is an organisation that is close to the hearts of many of the company’s staff.  Supporting young people  Supporting and nurturing young talent has always been a core value of the BGES senior leadership team, and this is evidenced by a recent scheme to enrol three school leavers from Dinnington High School onto a pioneering apprenticeship aimed at delivering smart, low-carbon buildings. The BEMS Controls Engineer Apprenticeship was launched in 2020, borne out of a need to address the industry-wide shortage of specialists in the sector. Buildings account for 23% of the UK’s carbon emissions, and 41% of the global energy demand, so there is huge, untapped potential to drive this number down through efficient control of buildings’ plant and equipment. Post-apprenticeship, there is a clear route for these young people to progress at BGES Group.  Growth plans  BGES Group’s Managing Director, Gareth Barber, says, “From our earliest years and right up to the present day, BGES has benefited from a hardworking and dedicated team that has always put the needs of our customers first. This has helped us to gain a reputation for excellence which has meant we have enjoyed significant - and often rapid - growth. It is extremely pleasing to think that so many of our almost 10,000 completed projects are the result of repeat business and a steady stream of referrals and recommendations. “Our new business pipeline looks extremely promising and we have plenty of exciting and ambitious plans for the next stage in our growth journey. We are very proud of what has been achieved so far - but, the best is yet to come.”

GSHP connects to the world’s first in-road retrofit of ground array infrastructure 

The first resident in the Cornish village of Stithians has had their ground source heat pump (GSHP) connected to an ambient heat network that will draw energy from under the street.  It’s thought to be a world first shared ground array being retrospectively installed in a public highway. The pioneering project, Heat the Streets, is run by Kensa Utilities and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and represents a significant investment in the future of sustainable energy. Each home involved in Heat the Streets will swap either carbon intensive oil or LPG fossil fuels for its own low carbon Kensa ground source heat pump that will provide 100% of the property's heating and hot water year round. Homeowners will pay a monthly standing charge to access the heat network, much like the existing gas connection fee.  The in-road ground source heat pump network, also known as Networked Heat Pumps, in Collins Parc, Stithians, will consist of 42 boreholes, drilled to an average depth of 106m. It allows homeowners to utilise the heat from the ground to keep their houses warm and reduce carbon emissions. The infrastructure emulates the existing gas grid and has been designed to accommodate future connections, allowing households who were not ready to change their heating system to connect at a later date. Unlike traditional district heating, there is no need for a central plant, no heat loss around the network, and customers can still change their energy provider at will, promoting energy independence. Heating accounts for around 30% of the UK's carbon emissions and The Committee on Climate Change estimates 80% of the buildings that will be here in 2050 have already been built. As ground source heat pumps are electrically powered, non-combustion devices that emit no local emissions or air pollution, they will reduce the carbon output associated with heating each home by around 70%.  Wouter Thijssen, Managing Director of Kensa Utilities, comments, “It’s fantastic to have the first heat pump up and running on this landmark project which provides a blueprint for the decarbonisation of heating in the UK. Our model replicates the gas network with a pipe in the ground, a flat rate standing charge to consumers and a little white box in the house. “Just as Burton Upon Trent was the first UK town to convert to natural gas in 1968 – at the time a cheaper, better, cleaner fuel than towns gas – we believe Stithians is the first UK town to convert to the 21st Century equivalent: networked heat pumps. Residents will have access to a network that will provide cheaper and cleaner heat for 100 years to come”.  Some locals have already been connected to a parallel scheme in Stithians which involves drilling a borehole into their front drive. They’re delighted with the results from their Kensa ground source heat pumps. Caroline Bolitho, resident of Stithians who’s heat pump was switched on, comments, “As a grandma I feel that I’m doing my bit for future generations and reducing my carbon footprint by having a ground source heat pump system which is important. I have been using oil heating before this and I feel really privileged and excited to have the system up and running."  Kensa believes that street-by-street deployment of this infrastructure is the most efficient way for the country to reduce the carbon output associated with heating for the lowest overall system cost and that in order to make projects like Heat The Streets easily replicable across the country, effective zoning and the granting of statutory rights for heat networks are crucial.

Fuuse enables confident EV rollout with launch of new FuuseEnergy suite

Fuuse has announced the launch of a full suite of energy products to enable organisations to confidently install and manage EV charging infrastructure, whilst balancing the impact on their site’s energy supply and overall grid demand. FuuseEnergy is a new suite, complementing the core Fuuse charge point management platform, allowing businesses to effectively monitor and manage their EV charging infrastructure, pre and post installation. The launch comes 10 months after the charging software innovators acquired energy management consultancy Envisij, from which many of the latest tools have been developed. “FuuseEnergy is a set of energy solutions for EV charging sites," says Gary Highton, Fuuse Head of Energy. "It provides the link between your EVs, buildings and the energy grid. With increasingly limited electrical capacity in local and on-site grids, there is a greater need to optimise how energy is used. "As EV adoption accelerates, we have released a unique arsenal of tools to help inform site infrastructure and provide more control over how energy is distributed across your sites. We’re enabling organisations to plan, monitor and react to energy consumption and demand.” Amongst the latest tools being launched, Fuuse EnergyMap offers organisations a comprehensive audit of energy usage, to inform infrastructure decisions. Using half-hourly metered consumption data, businesses can now understand site baseline demand and the forecasted affect EV charging will place on that demand. Organisations will have a clear view on their capacity needs when chargers are in operation and make informed decisions to request efficient DNO upgrades where necessary. Fuuse Energy Monitoring is a cloud-based enterprise monitoring solution with options to observe real-time energy usage across a site. Integrating with the Fuuse core platform, Energy Monitoring enables the efficient deployment of Fuuse’s Multi Level Dynamic Load Balancing to protect sites from capacity spikes and prevent contracted capacity tariff penalties, whilst maximising power to EV chargers as needed. Tom Arapura, Head of Product Strategy at Fuuse, explains more, “At Fuuse we’re using technology and innovative software to continually break down barriers for organisations to make the switch to EVs.  Our latest suite, FuuseEnergy, empowers businesses to make educated decisions about their electrical infrastructure. "We’re putting control back in the hands of organisations when it comes to the ‘how’ and ‘when’ of energy usage at their sites. We want customers to transition positively and efficiently, with the information they need to ensure they are not blindsided by any unexpected costs or unconsidered energy constraints. FuuseEnergy is a real game changer for enterprise organisations looking to make a smooth transition to a more sustainable future.” Amongst the early adopters piloting Fuuse’s new Energy products is Islington County Council. Seeking to electrify their fleet of vehicles, Islington is preparing to install EV chargers across multiple sites.  Fuuse EnergyMap has provided Islington with the insights to show how it can best optimise its contracted capacity, for a more efficient infrastructure plan, and make significant savings on contracted capacity costs. The Fuuse innovation team continues to evolve the Energy suite alongside Fuuse’s core platform capabilities, with ground-breaking implications for fleets and EV charging sites revealed later this year.