‘Speed networking’ set to inspire young engineers

Young engineers of the future will be inspired by a series of events being held by the country’s largest electricity distributor - including a webinar that is open to any primary school in the UK. Designed to encourage new talent, the events take place across National Careers Week (6-11 March) and British Science Week (10-19 March). The Powerful Futures event will be held at Harlow Library on 10 March, where 60 local Year 10 pupils will take part in an all-day event which will include presentations, a Q&A panel and a speed networking session. Students will have the opportunity to find out more about the electricity industry and get to meet some of the people involved with safely delivering their power. During a speed networking session they will move around the room in groups to talk to UK Power Networks employees, finding out about a range of roles and their career journeys. Still encouraging new talent, the company will host a webinar for Key Stage 2 primary school students from across the country on 15 March. The theme is connections, and UK Power Networks staff from the company's London headquarters will be talking about how they keep communities connected with their electricity network. It will include what the electricity industry could look like in the future. On 8 March, 60 young girls from London schools will be welcomed into the company’s HQ at Southwark for International Women’s Day. Sophie Motte, Head of Asset Strategy will be opening the event, as an opportunity for pupils to meet female employees at all stages of their careers and find out more about their roles and the types of skills needed to be successful in their field. Women involved in all aspects of the company from engineers working out in the field, to designing and managing projects, will be part of the day. UK Power Networks recently launched a new Digital Academy in February with up to 400 spaces available over five years for employees including new recruits, on 20 new apprenticeship courses focused on digital and technology skills.

BEAMA releases its latest underfloor heating efficiency test results

BEAMA’s Underfloor Heating Group has released the latest results from its collaboration on the BEIS DEEP project at Salford University Energy House, providing further evidence that lower flow temperatures can support heat sources to operate more efficiently. The tests are conducted on response times of various underfloor systems, with the key aim of providing BRE and SAP, with figures reflecting current installation practices. The test site in Salford University allows for laboratory-level monitoring of the system and room temperatures over current SAP standard time profiles. The data is derived from the tests of three typical underfloor heating construction types in line with BS EN 1264. The data analysed so far has shown that response times of all floor constructions significantly improved on the current SAP assumptions for underfloor heating systems - coupled with the figures to prove that lower flow temperatures also result in the more efficient operation of the heat source. Kevin Ray, Portfolio Manager for the BEAMA Underfloor Heating Group comments, “As a group, we are constantly looking at ways to provide the latest, data-driven information and updates on underfloor heating and how it can support the industry to progress to a zero carbon future collectively. “These latest test results prove why low-temperature underfloor heating is the primary technology for heating systems in the UK. As the analysis of this latest data continues, we look forward to sharing more information and updates.”

Businesses urged to take advantage of charging grants

A Midlands-based car charging company is encouraging landlords and businesses to take advantage of government grants currently available to help towards the cost of electric vehicle charge points. The Car Charging Company has just helped one landlord save thousands of pounds on the cost of installing seven charge points for tenants at an apartment building in Warwick. As an authorised installer for the Government Office of Zero Emission Vehicles, the Car Charging Company can apply for grants on behalf of clients and carry out the entire installation from groundworks to software set up. It has installed thousands of car chargers across the Midlands and further afield. This particular project was carried out in collaboration with Driveawayelectric.com. The Car Charging Company Director, Dominic Longley, says, “There are some really great grant schemes available for people to take advantage of at the moment if they want to install electric vehicle charge points, particularly for landlords and businesses. “As approved government installers, we know what grants are available, and the various eligibility criteria. We even fill out the paperwork and apply on our customers’ behalf. We then work with our customers to identify what chargers will be best suited to their needs and organise the entire project, including groundworks, installation of the charger, internal electrics and setting up the software. “In this recent case, we successfully applied for electric vehicle charge point and infrastructure grants for landlords, totalling £850 for each of the seven charge points. “This was made up of £350 for each charger and £500 for the infrastructure, and saved the client thousands of pounds, while adding real value to their property by having electric vehicle charge points. “There have been many government grants over recent years, but they do come and go, so I’d encourage any landlords or businesses who might be considering facilitating electric in the near future to take advantage of the grants while they are available. “With the infrastructure grant, you can even just install the infrastructure now and add the charger itself later. “There’s also the Workplace Charging Scheme available for businesses currently. We’re happy to talk it through with anyone who is not sure what grants they might be eligible for.”

Rako launches new and sustainable brochure

Rako has introduced its new environmentally friendly 2023 brochure. Packed full of insights, innovative products, technical information and inspirational case studies, the brochure truly has it all covered. It offers an overview of the Rako product range including multiple user interfaces, from the refreshed app to the extensive choice of keypads available. The application of Rako’s products and wired and wireless systems are also demonstrated through helpful illustrations and project examples. “This brochure means a lot to us,” comments Paul Wafer, Director at Rako. “A lot of hard work has gone into creating it, and careful thought has been put into how it has been printed. Sustainability is important to our customers and to their clients, and it has made us think about what we are doing ourselves - not just for the brochure but as a company as well.” Conscious that print material can be less desirable these days, it was vital that Rako produced a considered piece that was sustainably produced whilst portraying the luxury and quality of the Rako brand. The finished brochure is printed on recycled paper stock and is a carbon neural print product. It is also wrapped in a compostable sleeve which can be disposed of with food waste or in a compost bin. Within the brochure, Rako has highlighted the ongoing initiatives it is doing to lessen its impact on the environment, which include removing polystyrene chips, bubble wrap and plastic tape from its consignment packaging and replacing them with recycled paper alternatives. Currently, 79% of the company leased vehicles are either fully electric or hybrid and the company offers employees a ride to work scheme to support employees who are within cycling distance. By spring 2023, solar panels will also be installed across Rako’s offices and manufacturing facility increasing its use of green energy.

Stahlin covers listed in Product of the Year eBook

Stahlin Enclosures has announced that its SolarShield HMI Cover has been selected for listing in the Control Engineering 2023 Product of the Year eBook. The new, patent-pending SolarShield HMI Cover protects HMI screens from the sun, dust, water (rain, sleet, snow), sand, flames, oils, chemicals, grease, dirt, foreign objects, and other harsh environmental conditions that cause corrosion and damage. Simple and functional, the SolarShield HMI Cover fits standard 10in by 8in and smaller HMI screens and maintains a NEMA 4 or 4X rating when paired with a NEMA type 4 or 4X HMI device. The SolarShield is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use with all enclosure material types, and it is the industry’s only non-metallic HMI cover with side shields that provide easy, hands-free viewing regardless of the angle of the sun. It delivers protection in diverse, demanding applications including oil and gas, equipment manufacturing, industrial machines, water/wastewater, marine, and food and beverage. The HMI Cover’s impact resistant, lightweight opaque polycarbonate cover and base, constructed with UV inhibitors provides a long dependable life in harsh conditions, while the robotically applied foam-in-place seamless polyurethane gasket ensures a reliable seal. Installation of the SolarShield is simple and easy with the use of common tools and the included stainless steel hardware kit.

TRILUX provides lighting solution for Scotch & Soda's distribution centre

TRILUX is proud to announce its collaboration with Kromwijk Elektrotechniek to provide a WELL and BREEAM certified lighting and management scheme for the newest distribution centre of fashion brand Scotch & Soda in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. The new distribution centre has 16 loading docks, a large office, and a car park for 100 cars under the building. In line with the BREEAM and WELL guidelines, TRILUX provided all the lighting solutions for the distribution hall, the offices, the parking garage, and the building surrounds. To ensure high sustainability and achieve WELL and BREEAM certification, the lighting scheme exceeded the standard requirements for workplace lighting. TRILUX's experts and project leaders supported the installer in creating a lighting design to meet the end client's wishes and needs. Raymond van Dijken, Sales Manager at TRILUX Benelux, says, “From the start, we have worked with Kromwijk to jointly get a clear picture of the end customer's wishes. With this information, we went to the drawing board and completely worked out the lighting concept. We have installed our highly efficient light line system E-LINE NEXT in the hall, the robust waterproof solution ARAGON FIT in the parking garage, the JOVIE in the outdoor areas and various functional and design luminaires in the offices and circulation areas.” The TRILUX LIVELINK Premium light management system, links all the luminaires in an intelligent system to ensure maximum energy savings and to maintain flexibility during operation. For example, the lighting specialist has exceeded the requirements with higher-performing luminaires that deliver more lux to the work surface than necessary. Raymond says, “We have dimmed these luminaires using LiveLink to extend their lifespan.” He continues, “We are pleased to have successfully completed this project and shown great cooperation between the installer and end customer. Despite the turbulent market, everything was delivered on time, and the installer and end-user are very satisfied with the new building.” [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvxYIA2xGds[/embed]

AEI Cables sends message on Category 3 Control cables

AEI Cables has made an appeal to individual decision-makers in the electrical supply chain, including building managers, to ‘Make yourselves more aware of the dangers of not using approved cabling for Category 3 Control fire performance cables.’ The company has been communicating the dangers of not following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard. Now, it has sent out a message to those individuals through the supply chain who make decisions or handle these cables for critical applications as specified under the revised version of BS8519: 2020. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, says, “We have had a great response to our campaign, but we want to get the information into the hands of the individuals who make decisions about cable selection. “If these systems fail because the cable is not able to function properly, then the consequences are apparent. Lives and properties are at stake here. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire.” The systems powered by these cables - including smoke and heat extraction systems - assist fire services in fire-fighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. To date, the awareness campaign has received support from MP Sharon Hodgson and industry bodies including Electrical Safety First and fire safety membership body, The Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO). The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings - including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping centres and stadia. The new code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers, including building control bodies, fire authorities, health and safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. The code gives guidance and recommendations on the selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems that need to maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting on international projects. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999 and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. It also makes reference to three categories of circuits required to maintain their circuit integrity under defined fire conditions for varying fire survival times of 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes. Appropriate cable tests are identified for each cable category derived from applicable British Standards, assessing cable performance under conditions of fire as might be expected in an actual fire incident. BS 8519:2020 also aims to ensure that the level of circuit fire integrity is not compromised by other components of the whole electrical distribution system, including cable glands, terminations, joints and cable support systems. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those using these striking new buildings can move about safe in the knowledge that they are safe. The wider fire safety industry and professionals have also welcomed the message including the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO). AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear.

The Carter Rugged Flex Waterproof S3 Pull On Safety Boot

Carhartt’s Carter Rugged Flex Waterproof S3 Pull On Safety Boot (F702935) is designed for workers who need a perfect fit without sacrificing safety, durability, or style. ‘S3’ is a safety footwear certification that indicates the boots have met certain safety standards established by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), and provide protection against a wide range of hazards, including water penetration, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces. A steel or composite toe cap, an antistatic sole, energy absorption in the heel region, and resistance to fuel oil are also requirements of S3 certification. Additionally, S3 certified safety footwear must have a water-resistant upper, a puncture-resistant midsole, and a cleated outsole for enhanced grip. The Carter Rugged Flex Waterproof S3 Pull On Safety Boot meets all of these requirements while looking great, and provides protection and durability for tradespeople. An inbuilt fiberglass safety toe is lightweight yet robust enough to provide protection against falling objects and other potential hazards on the construction site. Featuring the company’s Rugged Flex technology, this flexible boot makes it easier to move around on the job site, providing the necessary suppleness to work efficiently. The Storm Defender waterproof breathable laminated membrane and Spotex waterproof membrane (WR) keep your feet dry and comfortable even during heavy rain or snow. The hydro-treated full-grain leather, combined with a water-repellent synthetic padded collar and TPU abrasion toe cap, ensures that these boots are both sturdy and durable. The mesh lining allows your feet to breathe, reducing moisture and odours for greater comfort. The Carter Safety Boot also features a removable, fully cushioned footbed and has antibacterial, thermo-regulating, and antistatic properties, keeping your feet fresh and comfortable all day. The anti-penetration G zero textile plate protects your feet from sharp objects, while the polyurethane injected midsole and lightweight stability shank reduce fatigue and provide excellent support during long workdays. The Vibram outsole is a high-performance, durable brand with excellent traction, grip, and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for all kinds of outdoor terrain. The rubber outsole has anti-static, oil resistance, and heat resistance up to 300C° (HRO), heat insulation (HI), and slip resistance (SRC), providing maximum protection against slips, falls, and other hazards out on site. The boots meet both AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 and EN ISO 20345:2012 (S3) standards.

Above and Beyond Awards 2022 winners

The Electrical Safety Roundtable is delighted to announce the winners of the Above and Beyond Awards 2022. The awards were created to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who go above and beyond their legal duty as they strive to enhance and improve electrical safety in the workplace. With four categories, applications were very varied and the judging panel’s discussions concluded the following winners, as well as issuing two highly commended awards. Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year: South Tyneside Homes, Post Occupancy Electrical Safety Check The initiative saw an electrical inspection being arranged one to two months after tenancy begins, which allowed for continuity testing of high load circuits and for white good appliances to be checked against the Electrical Safety First product recall list. This also meant tenants could have face to face time with electricians in case of any queries. The judges agreed that the development and implementation of the structured solution - following the identification of an increase in electrical oriented domestic fires - was highly successful, and the initiative helped improve awareness of electrical safety through greater customer engagement. Product of the Year: LINIAN, NanoClip The NanoClip is LINIAN’s smallest cable fixing and is designed to prevent the premature collapse of cables, as well as to protect firefighters in the event of a fire. The NanoClip, launched in October 2021, was specifically designed for use with fibre optic cables and other small diameter cables, and the judges agreed that the product had enabled a safer way of working on or around electrical systems. Changemaker of the Year: Louise Adamson To decide the Changemaker of the Year award, Louise Adamson had to step out of the room due to her position as a judge. The judges unanimously agreed that the telling of Michael’s Story, together with how Louise continues to promote this message tirelessly to all levels of the industry across the UK, has been inspirational in raising the focus on electrical safety and safe isolation. Derek Thompson Industry Service Award: Gary Hayers The Derek Thompson Industry Service award was created in honour of Derek Thompson, a strong advocate of enhancing electrical safety for decades, who sadly passed away last year. The judges agreed that Gary Hayers was a worthy recipient of the award for his GSH Electrical YouTube channel. The channel is a highly effective and popular online resource for learners, with over 113,000 subscribers and 700 training videos. Highly Commended: Mark Allison and believe housing The judges issued two highly commended awards to recognise believe housing for its Electrical Safety Week in the Electrical Safety Initiative of the Year category, and Mark Allison in the Changemaker of the Year category for his work with Apprentice 121. The Electrical Safety Roundtable has thanked all those who applied for the Above and Beyond Awards, along with the judges for their work on deciding the worthy winners.

Contradictions on heat pump policy raise concerns

Comments made by Lord Callanan around gas boiler and heat pump policy has led to a need for urgent clarification on government policy. In a newspaper article, Lord Callanan states, ‘Nobody’s going to be forced to ditch their boiler’ and that forcing ‘households to replace gas boilers with heat pumps would be against the British character.’ While agreeing with the statements, EUA’s CEO Mike Foster points out that it is current government policy for fossil fuel boilers to be replaced by heat pumps. Following the comments, made in the Sunday Telegraph, Mike has written to the minister asking for urgent clarification of government policy. Mike says, “Lord Callanan’s words are welcome. We agree with them. Nobody should be forced to ditch their boiler and to force a heat pump onto households does go against the British character. But the minister’s own department are pursuing a policy that directly contradicts what the minister has said. “In the Heat and Building Strategy it is clearly stated that from 2026 those homes off of the gas grid will not be allowed to install a new oil or LPG boiler. This forces households to ditch their boiler. Yet, now the Minister says he is against his own policy. “Officials in the minister’s own department have described off gas grid homes as ‘low hanging fruit’, easy to pick off and have a heat pump installed to replace a boiler. For those currently using a gas boiler, the Heat and Buildings Strategy identified 2035 as the date after which a gas boiler could not be installed. Has this deadline now been scrapped to? “We need to clarify the situation urgently. Consumers need to know what the future holds for them, as does industry. One minute gas boilers are being banned, the next it is against the British character to do this. It’s chaos. Whether you make boilers, heat pumps or both, confusion is the very last thing needed.”