Five things every electrician needs to know before they buy an electric van

With the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vans looming large over the horizon, you may be wondering if now is the right time to make the switch to electric. Electric vans are more expensive to buy than their diesel counterparts, but they offer significant long-term savings when it comes to fuel, tax, and maintenance costs. Electric vans are easier to drive and more refined than their diesel rivals too, which means they tend to be more comfortable over a long journey. The latest crop of electric cargo carriers from Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeot will also deliver a heavy-duty load carrying capacity that will easily match the latest diesel vans. However, before you ditch your diesel, there are some important things you should be aware of. Dan Powell, Editor at Desperate Seller, reveals the top five things you need to know before joining the electric revolution. Work out your mileage How many miles do you drive a week? Does your daily commute involve long motorway trips or are you a local electrician who covers lots of short journeys? Before you set foot in a van showroom, you’ll need to work out what your daily and weekly mileage is (then add 20% to cover those unexpected site visits and trips to the local wholesaler). Once you have an idea of your mileage, you can start shortlisting vans. The Ford E-Transit will cover between 166 and 196 miles on a full charge, while the Vauxhall Vivaro-E is advertised with a maximum range of 205 miles. It’s important to note the ‘real world’ range may be slightly lower than the advised figure as things like air conditioning and heating will require power from the van’s EV battery. Do the maths An electric van could save your business thousands every year. Charging the 75kWh version of the Vivaro-E will cost around 28p per kwh and give you around 200 miles of range. A diesel van that returns 47mpg will cost at least £37 to fill (at 191p-per-litre) and you could save even more if you charge your van at home on an overnight tariff. Electric vans are more expensive to buy than their diesel rivals, The Vivaro-E, for example, is around £5000 more than the standard diesel model. But road tax is free and electric vans also have fewer moving parts than diesel vehicles, which means maintenance and servicing costs tend to be lower. Many supermarkets and public car parks will also let you charge your van for free and electric vans are exempt from clean air zone charges, like the London ULEZ. Take charge Obviously, if you buy an electric van then you’ll need somewhere to charge it. And a home charger is the cheapest and most convenient way for your business to operate an electric van. Charging your van via a three-point plug will take all day, so invest in a home wall box if you have a driveway, as this will cut the charging time to six or seven hours. There are more than 33,000 public EV charging points in the UK and more are being added to this figure every day. Some public charging stations are free to use. Rapid charging is the most expensive way to charge your van, but is useful if you get caught short, boosting your battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. Check your weight Electric vans tend to have lower towing capacities than their diesel counterparts. The Vivaro-E, for example, will tow a braked trailer up to 1,000kg - so always check the spec if you need your electric vehicle to tow tools or equipment. Payload capacity and load space is generally the same as in diesel and petrol vans. In 2018, the government changed licensing laws to make it easier for people to drive electric vans. This means you can operate an electric van weighing up to 4,250kg with a standard driving licence (instead of the 3,500kg you’d normally be limited to with a petrol or diesel vehicle). Take a test drive Have you ever driven an electric van before? If you haven’t, you’ll probably find the experience a little strange at first because electric vans are silent and don’t have a manual gearbox. Electric vans also use regenerative breaking, which recovers energy to top up the battery when you slow down. This means the van will lose speed when you lift your foot off of the accelerator much quicker than a standard diesel vehicle. As a result, we’d recommend taking an electric van for a lengthy test drive so you can see if it is something you feel comfortable with. www.desperateseller.com

Uncrimp expands sleeving solutions

More toolbox essentials have been added to Unicrimp’s Q-Crimp fixings range with new Self-Amalgamating Tape and multi-colour Heat Shrink Tubing now part of the collection. These new launches will offer installers and wholesalers an even more comprehensive range of sleeving solutions. Self-Amalgamating Tape is a non-tacky silicone-rubber tape, which when stretched and wrapped around cables, electrical joints, hoses and pipes combines or unites itself into a strong, seamless, rubbery, waterproof, and electrically insulating layer. Unicrimp’s Self-Amalgamating Tape is available in black in a 19mm x 10mm roll. The new Heat Shrink Tubing is available in multi-colour packs and in a variety of sizes - 4.8mm, 6.4mm, 9.5mm, 12.7mm and 19.1mm widths and all in 225mm lengths. In general, heat shrink tubing is used to protect and insulate electrical components from external factors such as moisture, dust, abrasion, and sharp objects that might otherwise cause damage. These new products will sit within Unicrimp’s existing insulating tapes range. www.unicrimp.com

Toolstation helps fund creation of Redditch Youth Club

Toolstation has completed its latest project with the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) social enterprise, helping fund the repurposing of vacant units in Redditch town centre into a Youth Hub. Wise Youth Centre officially opened its doors to members of the community on August 15th. The renovation project, which began on July 18th, and was delivered in partnership with youth services provider Young Solutions and North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, took 14 days to complete and was taken on by 17 volunteers from youth support organisations in the local area, including: YMCA Redditch Bromsgrove District Council UP Foundation Volunteers were challenged with converting two existing units into one. The indoor space has been repainted and refurbished with a new kitchen and storage facilities for future communal events and classes, whilst the outdoor space has been renovated with outdoor seating and will host regular sporting activities. The Youth Hub will also feature a kitchen area for young people to learn cookery and provide free meals to people participating in sporting activities. By completing the construction project, 12 Level 3 City and Guilds accreditations were awarded in carpentry, health and safety and painting and decorating. The City and Guilds accreditations, skills training, and mentoring of the volunteers was funded by Toolstation, with match-funding from Sport England and materials donated from local branches of Travis Perkins and a Benchmarx kitchen. The initiative is helping more young people learn trade skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry. The VIY programme combines DIY with volunteering and challenges young people to help repair and refurbish community facilities while learning vocational trade skills on the job, helping them to become more employable in the construction sector. The construction of a new Youth Hub in Redditch is the sixth VIY project which Toolstation has helped to fund, with previous projects including the construction of a communal space in Wembdon, the creation of an outdoor social and exercise space for Coventrians RFC in Coventry, the rejuvenation of a community centre in New Malden and the refurbishment of Southbrook community centre in Daventry. Toolstation plans on helping to fund further VIY projects throughout the year and aims to help over 100 young people gain qualifications and consider a career in the trade. Lesa Stanton, PR and Charity Manager at Toolstation, says: “We’re delighted to continue our support of the VIY team by helping refurbish a fantastic community space at the Youth Hub in Redditch. This project will encourage young people to develop confidence and learn practical trade and building skills, helping them to earn a qualification.” Tim Reading, CEO and co-Founder of VIY says: “This is a prime example of a VIY project where young people from the local area are not only learning hands-on trade and work-readiness skills, but transforming a safe space to call their own that they'll use and benefit from. We're proud to be back in one of our key hub regions, transforming communities here in the West Midlands." Luke Maguire, Enhanced Youth Support Officer for Young Solutions (Redditch) says "I can't praise the VIY mentors enough. They were able to generate a relationship with these people within three days and help contribute towards the ambitions of the young people we work with, helping them want to work, learn and grow, which usually needs weeks or months to make inroads. “One key example for me was a young man who had recently gone through substance misuse and alcohol addiction and looked unlikely to complete our course, then came in and said, ‘I decided not to get wrecked last night, I wanted to come in today fresh and not get buzzed out.’ By day three, this young man had actively decided against taking a substance the night before and he made a decision to go down path A and not B, all because he wanted to come in, complete his work and take ownership of what he was tasked with that day. This project potentially influenced a young man to make a decision that could have saved his life. That's the true impact VIY can make." www.toolstation.com www.volunteerityourself.com

Whitestar Solutions doubles productivity with TREND Networks

Whitestar Solutions has doubled productivity since replacing its existing cable certifier fleet with LanTEK IV testers from TREND Networks. In 2020, the company’s fleet of testers were due for renewal. Upon finding a superior and more cost-effective solution in LanTEK IV cable certifiers, Whitestar Solutions opted to update its fleet by partnering with TREND Networks. “The first job we used the LanTEK for was one at London Business School,” says Gavin Atkins, Project Supervisor for Whitestar Solutions. “There were over 4000 data points to be installed, but with LanTEK on our side and helping us through, the job ran smoothly and was a complete success.” LanTEK IV is easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and simple user interface. Moreover, it saves significant amounts of time, as it enables the user to test and save a Cat6A link in just seven seconds. “We now have the LanTEK certifier, capable of testing within seven seconds, which is twice as quick as anything we have ever had before. That means our productivity on site has literally doubled overnight,” says John English, Managing Director for Whitestar Solutions. Gavin continues: “When you’re testing thousands of data points, every second counts and that combined with the VisiLINQ reduces the time spent on any job.” VisiLINQ Permanent Link Adapters enable technicians to work smarter, not harder. They make it possible to initiate testing and view the results, all without needing to carry or touch the tester. Users simply press the VisiLINQ test button and wait for the coloured light to indicate the result. “When you’re testing in a noisy environment you can see the green light flash and, without having to waste time looking down at the screen, you know that it has passed and you can go on to the next project,” says Gavin. Another productivity boosting feature which has benefitted Whitestar Solutions is the TREND AnyWARE Cloud, the fastest cloud test management system in the world. Project Managers can also pre-configure all project information in the TREND AnyWARE Cloud for field technicians to download, helping improve accuracy. “Before the cloud, our engineers would be responsible for inputting their own test IDs, which meant that, on occasion, a mistake could happen,” explains John. “One digit out, could mean that a 1000 test project would need to be manually changed in the office, which would add time to the project.” The TREND AnyWARE Cloud also allows real time collaboration between Project Managers and Field Technicians, making test reports quicker to produce. John continues: “With our previous supplier, when it came to issuing test results, we either had to send the testers back to the office, or the engineers saved test results to the USB stick, both of which were very time consuming from an admin point of view. But now with LanTEK, the results are seamlessly synced to the cloud and our project managers can issue test reports to the clients on the day the project is completed.” Even if Whitestar Solutions’ technicians do not have access to WiFi, they can easily connect the LanTEK cable certifier to their phones. This means that wherever they are working in the country, they can transfer the test results to the office for sign off with minimal fuss. “Working in the education sector, time and speed are of the essence. With our previous supplier, when we had a tester go in for calibration, we could sometimes be a tester down for one to two weeks,” says John English. “With TREND, the tester goes in one day, and we’ve got a loan unit the next. Downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.” TREND Networks also provides a lifetime support promise, to offer calibration and repair for the LanTEK IV cable certifier for as long as it is in use. Technical support is also available globally, with a two-hour response time promise, to further help maximise productivity. “Our previous supplier wanted the large investment all in one go, whereas TREND Networks were buying into our beliefs, which was building a partnership and providing that financial flexibility,” says John English. “We are planning to grow over the next three to five years and we’re confident that we can depend on TREND Networks to come on that journey with us.” www.whitestarsolutions.com www.trend-networks.com

GoodWe launches new range of solar PV panels

GoodWe is launching a new range of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar panels into the UK market. The new range of panels are designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture and aesthetics of a building and available in three variations designed for specific applications. The Sunshine series is an easy-to-install 92W panel offering 170W per M2, making it ideal for residential homes, hotels, community, and public buildings. Aesthetically, the Sunshine series is compatible with traditional roofing tiles, replicating their visual appeal, colour and shape to enable the panel seamlessly to integrate within the roofing structure. The Sunshine series has a toughened double-glazed structure that is self-cleaning with a Class A fire rating and able to withstand hurricane force winds. It is also equipped with heat ventilation and a heat dissipation structure, along with dense drainage technology. The Polaris series is a lightweight 3000W panel with a modular design, made for a quick and easy installation that can be used in various applications, including carports and flat-to-sloping roof conversions. The reinforced double glass has excellent impact resistance and can generate 184W per M2. Like the Sunshine series it is capable of withstanding hurricane force winds. The Starlux zero carbon sunroom panels can be used on conservatory and sunroom structures to achieve a balance between health, comfort and energy savings, with the panels providing both shade for the sunroom and energy generating capabilities. The Starlux is a modular ultra-slim design using a 50mm frame that can be removed and redeployed on alternative structures. The new BIPV range forms part of GoodWe’s EcoSmart Home solution that uses three key components - BIPV panels, battery technology with EV charger and smart energy management system - to build an intelligent power ecosystem designed to deliver all the electricity requirements of a household. Eugene Lucarelli, Strategic Marketing Manager at GoodWe UK, says: “The BIPV range of panels enables GoodWe to offer a complete solar PV solution - panels, inverter, battery and smart management - from one supplier. For the homeowner, building owner and installer there is the peace of mind that all the components are designed to work seamlessly together creating a total EcoSmart Home solution.” www.goodwe.com

Unicrimp turns the screw

Unicrimp continues to develop its product offering to satisfy demand from installers. The latest additions are within the Q-Crimp fixings range, with new Squarelock Roundhead Screws and Pozi Panhead Machine Screws now part of the collection. The new Squarelock Roundhead Screws will sit alongside the original Squarelock Flathead Screws and are ideal for hardwood, softwood, chipboard and fibreboards. They feature a square recess which allows for greater rotation and a more positive fastening than conventional cross and slotted screws. The fully hardened bright zinc plated steel screws are available in 8mm and 10mm head diameters and in a variety of sizes to cover all requirements, from ¾in to 3in. The Pozi Panhead Machine Screws are fitted with a Pozi Drive, which was designed to allow greater drive engagement and increase torque transmission. They are available in M4, M5 and M6 thread sizes and in a variety of lengths - 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50mm. www.unicrimp.com

Versatile Vasco is latest addition to Ansell line up

Offering huge versatility, Vasco is the latest addition to Ansell Lighting’s commercial lighting range. A bi-directional suspended linear pendant, it has been produced in both 1200mm and 1500mm lengths, but can be adapted to create longer or different shaped pendants when installed using innovative continuous linking or corner connectors. Sleek and modern in design, the rectangular luminaire has been constructed from a robust aluminium and is available in both black and aluminium finishes to meet market demand. Bi-directional, it delivers a 30% upward to 70% downward light ratio as standard but comes with the added option of directional light selection if required. Suitable for a range of applications including educational, commercial and retail settings, Vasco is also CCT selectable, enabling users to set colour temperatures between 3000k, 4000k and 6000k and is dimmable as standard. Easy to install, Vasco has an integral driver and features adjustable suspension points. It is pre-wired with a 1.5m cable length, giving plenty of scope for individual hanging heights. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “We’re really excited about the launch of Vasco and cannot wait to hear what our customers think of it. It looks great when installed as an individual fitting, but also gives installers the versatility of creating continuous strips of lighting in large spaces or creating shaped pendants depending on project requirements. “Aside from its design benefits, Vasco is also a highly functional luminaire, offering users full control over practical lighting settings such as colour temperature and lighting direction.” www.anselluk.com

Product Safety Conference to focus on sustainability

This year, Electrical Safety First’s annual Product Safety Conference has named its theme as ‘Safe and Sustainable’. Chaired by Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor at The Times, and with a keynote speech by the Minister for Small Business, Consumers, and Labour Markets, it will explore the safety and sustainability agenda and how our move to net zero might impact consumer behaviour and safety. Sessions will range from discussing current and forthcoming legislation on the safety of smart products, to how right to repair can be effectively and safely operated. The event, which has a history of bringing key emerging issues to the fore, attracts a wide range of delegates and leading experts from government, industry, enforcement bodies, and beyond. Morning sessions include the ever popular ‘Ask Us Anything’ regulators panel, with senior representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), as well as the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The next session will then consider what drivers might help consumers adopt a more sustainable approach to electrical products, with Whirlpool and OPSS presenting the outcomes of its behavioural research into these issues. In the afternoon, the winners of the Safety Innovation Award - which recognises those who put safety, sustainability, and innovation at the heart of product development - will be announced. This will be followed by a review of how technological integration can enhance safety and sustainability, and whether the connectivity of products might alter how we use them. Then, in the last session of the day, panellists will discuss how different business models are responding to the move from a sale to a rental, or service economy. For example, should manufacturers develop products which are easily recycled or easily repaired? And how might this impact on consumer behaviour and safety? Martyn Allen, Technical Director of Electrical Safety First, says: “During a period of unprecedented technological change - and heightened awareness of the need for sustainability - consumer protection and trust in the safety and lifecycle of products and services are critical. That’s why we have given this year’s conference the title Safe and Sustainable. Our aim is to ensure that the industry and key stakeholders have the information they need to deal with current and future change while ensuring consumer safety.” Electrical Safety First’s Product Safety Conference, Safe and Sustainable 2022, will be held from on Wednesday 23 November 2022, Church House, Westminster, London. www.electricalsafetyfirst.com

Power company unveils device to keep builders safe around live cables

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor has unveiled its DigSafe device, a new learning tool designed to reduce accidents where builders come into contact with electrical cables. UK Power Networks has produced a special cable strike set, using a shovel that was previously involved in a real-life incident, which lights up and creates a realistic bang when an exposed mock cable is hit. The building trade was involved in the highest number of cable damage incidents in the past year. UK Power Networks calculated that nearly a quarter of all such accidents with its networks (23%) involved builders. The new educational tool is designed to prompt conversations about safety and is used as part of a set which can also be converted to show similar dangers around overhead cables. Staff follow up the demonstration with advice around the importance of careful planning. Builders are urged to request cable plans in advance when carrying out building, construction and excavation work using diggers, lifting equipment, ladders, pneumatic drills and hand tools. Nathan Hughes, a safety advisor at UK Power Networks, says: “Working as a builder near high voltage electrical equipment, whether that means underground cables, overhead lines or electricity substations can place employers and employees at risk of serious injury - if the risks are not properly considered and time is not taken to plan ahead. “We regularly focus on safe working with professional and industry groups at events, but it has helped us hugely to have a simple but effective learning tool which demonstrates the impact of a cable strike with such clarity. The set uses a shovel that has actually been involved in a real cable strike and has the scorch marks on it to prove it. “Alongside this is a model digging site with a safety barrier, where an exposed electricity cable can be deliberately struck. Every time the cable is touched, it sets off a massive bang and flash to replicate what contact with electricity can look and sound like. “We got a really positive response when we tried out the new set at a recent event, it was a big success and everyone appreciated the importance of the safety message behind it.” www.ukpowernetworks.com

Introducing the Lindy 100m USB-C

Fibre optic USB extenders allow USB signals to be connected far beyond the limits of traditional copper cable solutions. The Lindy 100m fibre optic USB 3.2 Type C Extender supports SuperSpeed transfer rates of up to 10Gbps. This Extender is a complete and compact two-part hardware solution comprising of a transmitter that connects directly to the user's computer and receiver that connects to the USB peripheral, using ‘off the shelf’ LC duplex fibre cabling. The extender is ideal for long distance use with remote desktop links, industrial control systems, surveillance control rooms and external storage applications. This device is fully compatible with and can be used to extend signals from 4K USB webcams and video conferencing systems. Utilising fibre optic transmission, this extender provides high resistance to EMI and RFI, perfect for use in ‘noisy’ areas such as hospitals, large retail installations or industrial buildings. The fibre optic USB 3.2 Type C Extender is supplied with a USB Type A to Micro-B cable which can be attached to a second USB port or to a USB power supply (not included) should additional power be required. With a two-year warranty this easy to install solution is available from the Lindy website. www.lindy.com