Ovia welcomed as a member of Relux

Ovia has announced that it has been welcomed as a new member of Relux – a software application for professional lighting planning. Relux has specialised in the development of lighting planning and product presentation software for more than 20 years and is recognised by the LIA (Lighting Industry Association) which offers Relux lighting software courses. Relux provides its users – lighting consultants, designers and specifiers - with access to more than one million luminaires and sensors from leading manufacturers in order to guarantee the maximum possible quality in their lighting calculations. It enables designers to plan their projects with accurate and complete product data. RELUX applications are noted for their precise calculation values and compliance with standards, plus an intuitive user interface. Whether daylight or artificial light, interior or outdoor areas, street or tunnel lighting, or sensor planning, Relux supports users in their professional lighting planning and contributes to bringing projects to a successful conclusion. Becoming a Relux member is a huge achievement for Ovia coming just three years after the company was first established as an independent lighting company within Scolmore Group. It means that the extensive Ovia lighting directory of products and all its photometric data is now embedded in Relux and can be accessed free of charge. Relux currently has over 200,000 users worldwide. Commenting on this latest achievement, Mike Collins, Director of Operations at Ovia, says: “It is down to the hard work and determination of our team of LIA qualified lighting designers here at Ovia that we have achieved Relux member status. It will open up access to our extensive range of lighting products to a vast audience of lighting designers, planners and specifiers. It will also prove highly valuable to a number of our customers who have their own internal lighting design departments and are already utilising the Relux software application. It means that they can now incorporate the Ovia range into the lighting schemes that they are developing for their contractor customers’ projects.” Relux is a high-performance, intuitively operated application for simulating artificial light and daylight. It is a powerful visualisation tool that allows for simulation of lighting and sensors in real time for detailed renderings, and an extensive results section to provide a comprehensive report on lighting designs. It can calculate absolute values, national and international standards, and is compatible with CAD and BIM systems, plus a great deal more. Relux database plug-ins are electronic catalogues which enable the user to select and use a manufacturer’s luminaires within their designs. Leading international manufacturers make around one million product versions and items of measurement data available through Relux’s online platform ReluxNet. The program also allows users to import luminaire data in the form of EuLumdat and IES data files from compatible sources. The software supports the following standards for indoor, outdoor and road lighting: Indoor lighting - EN12464-1:2021, EN1838:2013 Outdoor Lighting - EN12464-2:2014, EN 12193:2018, GR to CIE 112 (1994) Road lighting - EN13201-2:2015 Maintenance factor calculation to CIE97 and ISO/CIE TS 22012:2019 In-house testing It is just over a year since Ovia invested in testing equipment and a cutting-edge photometry luminaire testing scheme, to bring the company’s light testing facility in house. The company purchased its own Goniophotometer device and signed up to the revolutionary Gonio photometry luminaire testing scheme, created by the LIA, together with its partner Acal BFi, to enable lighting manufacturers to offer efficient third party certified luminaire performance testing. Full photometric scans can take from as little as two minutes and once ready, the data is sent securely via a dedicated cloud server to the LIA Laboratory for validation. The LIA Laboratory will then be able to issue third party reports without the need for product samples to be transported around the country or the world. As well as radically speeding up the testing process for Ovia’s lighting products, the scheme also offers reassurance when it comes to validating photometric measurements such as Lumens per Watt and related performance claims. It is the photometric data produced by Ovia’s in house Gonio that is supplied to Relux.

Ansell Lighting launches £5,000 community campaign

Ansell Lighting has launched a new campaign to recognise and reward the work of community projects across the country. The Ansell Shine A Light campaign will highlight projects and initiatives, many of which have provided vital support and services in the last couple of years, with the winner receiving a lighting installation worth up to £5,000 to help them improve their facilities. Ansell is calling on its customers and partners, from wholesalers to installers and end-users, to support the campaign by nominating their local projects and spreading the word about the competition. Whether it is a grass roots sports club that needs pitch-side lighting to extend its usable hours, a foodbank that needs better lighting for its storage and distribution areas or a community village hall that needs smart lighting to suit everything from a toddler group to a counselling session – the campaign is open to all. The prize will include lighting consultation and design, products and a contribution of up to £2,000 towards installation by an approved electrician. Nominations are open now, until Friday September 2nd. Judges will then compile a shortlist, which will be out to a public vote, with the winner announced in October. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says: “In our 30th birthday year we wanted to give something back to communities. The last couple of years have been tough on everyone and community projects have done an amazing job in providing support, entertainment and leisure activities to people who needed them. “The prize is intended to help the winning project to transform its premises in order to continue and expand its good work. We hope our customers and partners will join us and put forward projects and initiatives to be considered for this campaign and in doing so shine a light on some of the fabulous work that goes on in our communities.” Projects and initiatives should be owned, developed and led by the communities they serve. Nominations can come from the project or initiative itself or from other members of the community.

JTL has named winners of the JTL National Apprentice Awards 2022

JTL has named Tommy Rice, Alex Jolley and Michelle Robinson as its winners in this year’s National Apprentice of the Year awards, which took place at The Victory Services Club in London on the 20th July. Leicestershire-based Michelle, who works for Electract’s inspection and testing team since finishing her apprenticeship with them, was named the winner of the JTL National Apprentice of the Year Award for 2022. While York-based Tommy who works for JDL and Lincolnshire-based Alex who works for Dornan Engineering Services, were named the national winners of the Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) and Paul McNaughton Electrical (formerly Electrical Apprentice) awards respectively. After being crowned winners for their academic and practical progress at JTL’s Regional Awards earlier this year, Michelle, Tommy and Alex went on to compete against eight other regional electrical and MES winners at JTL’s National Awards ceremony. As part of the selection process, each finalist was invited to be interviewed by National Delivery Director Judi Wheeler. Once completed and reviewed, it was agreed that Michelle, Tommy, and Alex should be named JTL’s national winners at its annual apprentice awards ceremony. As the recipient of JTL’s National Apprentice of the Year Award 2022, Michelle was presented with the winner’s silver cup, and £1000 cheque from JTL. Tommy, meanwhile, received a voucher from UK Plumbing Services, whilst Edmundson Electrical donated a Megger multi-function tester for Alex. All three also received engraved glass trophies. Paul McGuire, Interim Chief Executive at JTL, says: “Our awards are a great opportunity to recognise the excellence of our top apprentices and it’s been a pleasure getting to learn about the experiences of Michelle, Tommy and Alex, as well as the other finalists as part of this process. Our apprentices and their experiences will always be at the heart of this company, and that is exactly what makes these award ceremonies so exciting. “We treat these events as an opportunity to emphasise the unique nature of each apprentice’s journey and the many routes which can bring about triumphs like today. I wish the very best to each and every one of our finalists, and I am sure they will excel at whatever comes next for them.” Michelle, JTL’s National Apprentice of the Year for 2022, says: “I was teary when watching the video during the awards ceremony announcing I had won, you don’t always get to see behind the scenes and all the hard work put in – it’s really special to have that recognised. All the hours, all the time spent away from my son, it’s all been worth it in the end. It’s all finally come to fruition.” JTL’s Paul McNaughton Electrical award winner, Alex, comments: “I feel fantastic, it’s such great closure for my apprenticeship and just a proud moment for me overall. It’s been brilliant to meet the team from JTL and it’s really put into context the number of apprentices put forward, and how significant this win was.” Tommy, the winner of the MES award, adds: “It was such a lovely ceremony, honestly, watching all the other happy finalists and JTL staff members, winning an award myself was just the perfect round-off. I’m delighted to accept the MES award and really excited to make use of my prize, I’ve started planning out what to do with it already!”

New industrial light enters market with a bang

Set to make a noise in the marketplace, Thunder ECO is a new high performance LED batten light from Ansell Lighting. Suitable for industrial and ancillary applications, the robust Thunder ECO is built for heavy duty use. It is made from a durable, non-corrosive polycarbonate and has a dust-tight and water jet resistant IP65 rating. Available in 600mm, 1200mm and 1500mm lengths, Thunder ECO offers high levels of efficacy and is also power selectable, with high and low output options in each size. The luminaire is also available in two different colour temperatures - 4000k which emits a cool white shade and 6500k which gives a daylight glow, providing a choice of hue dependent on the application. Each product also has two selectable wattage choices, giving the installer more flexibility. Designed with installers in mind, the Thunder ECO is easy to fit. It has a twist off end cap providing easy access to cable entry points as well as push and fit terminals at each end to aid fast installation. The luminaire is also supplied complete with versatile stainless steel mounting clips which can be located anywhere along its spine. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “The Thunder ECO is a great addition to our industrial lighting range. Highly robust, it is able to withstand harsh environments and comes with a three-year warranty. The Thunder ECO also delivers strong efficiency levels and will support customers striving to reduce energy costs and carbon use.”

Choc-a-block with ESP CCTV solutions

Having lain empty for more than a decade, a large, double-fronted property on Stone High Street in Staffordshire has been refurbished, repurposed and reopened as a chocolate shop. Chocbox brings to the small market town a huge selection of chocolates and chocolate-related goodies from around the world, including more than 100 different real chocolate pick n mix items and 100 different fine Belgian chocolates to choose from. As part of the five-month refurbishment project, business owners John Holmberg and Kay Woods were keen to ensure the new premises, staff and valuable contents were well protected and they turned to ESP to provide the security system. Martyn Walley, Managing Director of Hide, the electrical contracting firm hired to undertake the security installation, looked to his experience from working with ESP security products to provide the best solution. ESP’s HDView 5MP IP eight channel CCTV system, along with eight cameras, was installed to provide full protection around the exterior of the premises as well as inside the shop to cover all areas of stock and the tills. Business owner John had already had previous experience of ESP’s 5MP IP CCTV system at his licensed business premises and was impressed with the quality of the system and images generated which proved valuable throughout the pandemic limitations helping him to monitor trading and report on customer levels. The CCTV system installed is part of ESP’s IP POE CCTV range which is designed to offer superior, reliable and straightforward installation solutions for a range of applications from domestic through to larger and more complex commercial projects. The range features POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) which enables the camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100m without the need for additional power, which makes installation much more convenient. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the HD digital feed, with just one cable per camera, and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected to. Processing power, an abundance of features, versatility and high resolution IP CCTV all combine to make this the superior choice over traditional analogue systems. There are two distinct IP ranges available from ESP - the HDView IP 5 Megapixel range used at Chocbox, which is aimed at larger applications with a wide choice of NVR and camera selection - and the REKOR IP 2 Megapixel range which is tailored for the domestic market. All NVRs are packed with features, such as remote monitoring via the ESP View App, H265 compression, motion record activation and they are supplied with quality surveillance hard drives for peace of mind. Commenting on the security installation, John says: “The CCTV system at Chocbox has already been put to good use when a mobile phone belonging to a member of staff was stolen in the shop. The ease and speed of accessibility of the video footage and the quality of the images played a key role in helping to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.”

Electricians increased earnings despite Jubilee bank holidays

Self-employed electricians increased their earnings during June despite site closures during the national Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to the construction industry’s biggest payroll. Analysis shows average earnings of £1,085 during June, an increase of 1.3% month on month. Year on year, earnings increased by 5.1% compared to June 2021. Ian Anfield, Managing Director of Hudson Contract, says: “Electrical contractors managed to increase earnings in June even though they took a couple of extra days off to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with their friends and family. Sectors like tourism, leisure, retail and hospitality will have benefited from the bank holidays but there were hidden costs for construction, as our analysis suggests.” Ian adds: “More generally, market conditions are levelling off. Some of the housebuilders are reporting fewer completions and will slow down their activity if they are not making the same margins. Anecdotally, smaller clients are saying residential customers are thinking again about home improvement projects because of costs. Insulation is twice the price it was a year ago. Timber prices have relented but are still at record highs. Fewer merchants are discounting because they know builders are desperate for materials.”

HellermannTyton continues expansion into renewables

HellermannTyton has boosted its FCT convoluted tubing range. Its brand new FCT UV is an enhanced UV-resistant conduit used to route and protect wiring and is designed to withstand high levels of UV exposure. As the first UV-resistant conduit to join HellermannTyton’s FCT range, it is ideal for the renewables market. From solar installations to PV power plants, the FCT UV is suited to any external applications where additional UV resistance is needed. Manufactured using UV stabilised PA6 Nylon in black, the FCT UV is designed with the highest UV resistance capabilities and a minimum of 25 years of UV protection in northern hemisphere conditions. Available from August in the UK, the FCT UV meets all testing certification requirements and is UV stabilised tested to ensure that it can withstand the temperature conditions in northern Europe where it will be available from September. Such tests show that after prolonged exposure to UV light, the conduit has improved tensile load and extension break properties compared to a standard black PA6 product. Jodie Thomas, Product Manager for HellermannTyton comments, “We are delighted to expand our FCT range with our first UV resistant conduit to serve the renewable energy industry. Having previously introduced UV-resistant products to several of our other ranges, the addition of the FCT UV only goes to show our commitment to supporting the growing solar and renewables markets as more industries turn to green energy. “In many cases, products can be identified as being UV resistant based on the materials used rather than actual testing. At HellermannTyton, our customers do not merely have to take our word for it. All of our UV resistant products have test data documents to prove that they will stay structurally sound when used in applications of high UV exposure.” Created halogen-free, the FCT UV is lightweight, flexible, and intended to protect cables from external exposure and crush damage. With an operating temperature of -40ºC to +125ºC and available in nine sizes from 6.9mm to 26mm, the FCT UV can be made to order to suit any outdoor application, including bespoke lengths and slit versions for cables that need to be retrospectively fitted.

CTEK offers free Skillbase training for UK installers

CTEK is offering a series of free training sessions for installers looking to specify and install electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and network management solutions for their customers. The CC2 installer training is based around CTEK’s popular Chargestorm Connected 2 (CC2) EVSE. The sessions include a full overview of product features and benefits as well as how to specify and install the CC2 and associated solutions such as NanoGrid dynamic load balancing, and configuration of the CC2 with third party software to ensure full compliance with UK smart charging regulations. The training is being delivered by CTEK’s dedicated Skillbase team – comprising of Viktors Nikolajevs and Tony Zeal − who specialise in providing external and in-house training for CTEK. The training is structured to give installers the skills and information they need to specify and install EVSE for their customers. Having already delivered numerous sessions during the first half of the year, the training is already well established, and attendees are reaping the educational and commercial benefits. The training is conducted via an online meeting platform and is open to any installer in the UK. Viktors Nikolajevs, Skillbase/Content Manager for CTEK says: “Through these training sessions, we are aiming to make to the whole process of installing EVSE as simple and straightforward as possible. And it’s not just about how to put a box on the wall, we are focused on working with installers to develop complete, future proofed EVSE solutions including software applications, load balancing, integration with a customer’s own systems and remote, online system management, along with advice on available Government grants. “Regular communication is at the heart of our business, and these training sessions are part of our ongoing commitment to supporting installers, giving them the help and advice they need for a successful install that delights their customers.” “When it comes to EVSE, CTEK are the experts to talk to, and we are always willing to help and advise.” There are limited places available for each course, so installers must register to reserve a place. The webinars are up to four hours in duration and delivered via Microsoft Teams. Sessions will next take place as follows: 9am-1pm 4 August 9am-1pm 1 September 9am-1pm 13 October 9am-1pm 10 November 9am-1pm 8 December   To register your interest in the CC2 Installer training, e-mail skillbase@ctek.com.

Stadium tour is highlight of BCIA’s Young Engineers Network event

The second BCIA Young Engineers Network event took place on 7th July 2022 at the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Launched in April, the Young Engineers Network has been set up to provide help and guidance for young people who want to progress in the building controls industry. It also provides an opportunity for them to showcase projects which they have been involved with and discuss the technical challenges which they face on the wide variety of activities they are working on. At the latest event, 20 young engineers were given a tour of the stadium, which was opened in April 2019 and has topped the Premier league sustainability table, produced by the UN-backed Sport Positive, for three years running. The delegates were also given a behind-the-scenes guide to the Plant and Control spaces, before enjoying a networking session with refreshments at The Corner Pin pub nearby. Some of the delegates later explained the value of the Young Engineers Network and the useful experience they get from these events. Josh Parkin, Assistant Building Management Systems Engineer at Durham University, says: “I really enjoyed the event, it was amazing to see such a well-engineered building inside and out, seeing behind the scenes in the plant rooms as well as by the pitch side. It was my first time attending a BCIA Young Engineers Network event and I felt very welcome. It was a great way to meet and network with others in the industry - I would definitely recommend it to other young engineers.” Bradley Mackfall of InTandem Systems comments: “I absolutely loved the experience of the tour, which had lots of great, innovative ideas of how the stadium was put together. The BCIA Young Engineers Network provides a fantastic way to meet people who are delivering similar projects. Unfortunately, we do live in a world of screens that envelope our lives and our social interaction is left to texts. These face-to-face events force some out of their comfort zone but with a common theme and it will be great to keep these going.” Jen Vickers, who leads the Young Engineers Network, says: “It was fantastic to see another great turnout from our Young Engineers who enjoyed an informative look at one of the most iconic examples of modern architecture. The stadium tour was a great success, and it was also excellent to see so many people asking questions of the team from Schneider Electric who were involved with the project and provided plenty of discussion among the delegates.” Graeme Rees, BCIA President, adds: “Environmental sustainability is such a vital part of modern sporting venues and they can provide some real inspiration for young people looking for a career in which they can play their own part in creating a carbon neutral future. Our Young Engineers’ recent outing will have provided a real eye opener for the exciting opportunities that potentially await them.”

Sparking change: a greener era for electrical safety

For most electrical professionals, the world of work will have changed considerably over the last few years. There are several reasons for this: the global climate crisis, new energy efficiency legislation, not to mention rapid advances in technology. Sustainability is now at the forefront of everyone’s mind. To meet the UK Government’s Net Zero by 2050 obligations, urgent action will be needed in the way our buildings use energy. As such, greater use of electricity as a power source will be the cornerstone of meeting the UK’s environmental obligations, presenting the electrical industry with ample opportunity to grow and diversify their income stream. To reflect these new industry needs, the amendment to the IET Wiring Regulations, BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, not only enhances the safety of electrical installations, but also now covers prosumer electrical installations (PEI). This change to the Wiring Regulations is an exciting step into the future of managing renewable sources of energy and their integration into our lives. The future of electrical installations Along with other important electrical safety changes, the new 2022 amendment to BS 7671 contains a new chapter on prosumer’s low voltage electrical installations. This new chapter covers energy efficiency measures, the interface with the smart grid, the management of electricity consumption, the management of renewable sources of electricity, and energy storage. The concept of the PEI has been developed to answer the needs of the end-user, making them both a consumer and a producer of electricity. For example, where a PEI has a storage capability, the user could take advantage of low demand to store energy when its price may be lower. With active energy management, the end-user should be able to permanently monitor and control his or her own electricity consumption and production. One of the key components of a PEI is its electrical energy management system (EEMS). The objectives of an EEMS are to control the connection of the PEI to the smart power grid; to manage, locally, the electrical energy production; to manage electrical consumption; and to manage the energy procurement from the grid or supply network. This is carried out using meters and measuring equipment, to communicate the correct electricity parameters to the EEMS and the direction of the energy flow. Early adopters of PEI technologies, such as renewable energy and energy storage systems, will reap the benefits in this under-skilled but rapidly growing part of the electrical industry. BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 outlines the latest industry best practices in this emerging area. The role of the electrical professional is changing, but the future could be brighter than ever for those who adapt. BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 is currently available to buy from the BSI Shop online. Get your copy of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 today.