ERA supports national burglary prevention campaign 

ERA has partnered with Neighbourhood Watch as part of its annual burglary awareness campaign. The initiative, which launches in March and focuses on the acronym WIDE(N), aims to educate home owners and renters on the importance of securing the windows, interior, doors and exterior of their property, in addition to the importance of active Neighbourhood Watch schemes, to deter burglary attempts. Throughout the month, ERA’s team of security experts will share advice on how individuals can adequately protect their homes, through a combination of traditional security systems and smart solutions. This includes ERA’s extensive window and door hardware offering, in addition to its ERA Protect ecosystem of smart alarms, security cameras, video doorbells and accessories, which maximises protection and is manageable via a smartphone app. A key element of the campaign is a smart security webinar, which is being held on 10 March 2022. The interactive session will address the wide-reaching functionality of smart security, whilst also exploring how home owners and renters can utilise connected technologies to achieve the highest standards of protection. ERA is Neighbourhood Watch’s Primary Smart Security Sponsor and the campaign forms part of its long-term partnership with the crime prevention voluntary movement, which has over 2.3million members and aims to support communities in being connected, active and safe, to increase wellbeing and minimise crime. Helen Downer, President of ERA’s parent company, Tyman UK & Ireland, says: “As many individuals across the UK continue to return to their workplace and begin making holiday arrangements, homes are once again being left unoccupied. It is the ideal time to remind everyone about the importance of securing their homes and we are delighted to be supporting Neighbourhood Watch’s campaign, which highlights the importance of taking a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to security. “By identifying potential points of entry and how these can be successfully protected, the campaign encourages a whole-home approach to security, which is ideally supported with smart systems. “Supporting this year’s campaign reflects our continued dedication to crime prevention and we look forward to our ongoing work with Neighbourhood Watch to help keep homes across England and Wales safe and secure.” This year’s campaign will also provide guidance on the importance of ensuring windows and doors are continuously locked and protected by systems manufactured to the latest security standards. John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, comments: “In 2022, Neighbourhood Watch celebrates its 40th anniversary and we are extremely proud to have supported communities in being connected, active and safe for four decades. “Our burglary prevention campaign in partnership with ERA will enable us to provide individuals with the latest advice and support on how they can improve the security of their home and belongings, and we look forward to working together on future campaigns.”

2021 Annual Review showcases role of ECS in upskilling the industry

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has released its 2021 Annual Review. Around 175,000 electrotechnical workers are proud to hold an ECS card, and 2021 was a positive year for ECS as it continued its work with other industry organisations to launch vital services and initiatives to the electrotechnical sector and critically enhance experiences for its valued card holders. The Joint Industry Board (JIB) has worked with industry stakeholders to actively improve its service in three key areas: customer experience, promoting the benefits of being an ECS card holder, and raising industry standards. A new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) digital system was launched, allowing all ECS card holders to record and evidence their CPD directly into their online records in MyECS. Already part of the ECS Registered Electrician Code of Professional Practice, CPD demonstrates the commitment of professionals to enhancing their professional skills throughout their careers. Remote Invigilation services launched to give greater flexibility, saving time and money with industry leading digital solutions. ECS has helped support the development of a new app covering the 38 card schemes displaying the CSCS logo which is set to radically improve the construction industry’s card checking procedures and site safety. The CSCS Smart Check app represents a major step forward as, for the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo can be electronically verified using a single app. This easy and secure smart solution, which will help to verify industry competence across the built environment, is due to launch in April 2022. A major milestone was reached with ECS Check, as the digital system launched in early 2020 passed the 1,000 registrations mark. ECS Check provides a free-to-access digital solution that enables the industry to verify all electrotechnical personnel on-site throughout the supply chain. A number of clients and main contractors such as Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Birmingham Airport, Mace, MOD, Morgan Sindall, National Grid, a number of councils and local health trusts have all registered for ECS Check since its launch. Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, says: “The ECS has been focused on making the electrotechnical industry a healthier and safer place as things start getting back to normal, and we have continued to play an active role in upskilling the industry and in the development of a range of new services to support individuals and employers. This Annual Review is a round-up of the key ECS news, campaigns and the fantastic progress made in 2021. I hope that it will inspire some positivity for all ECS card holders and employers in 2022.”

JTL’s partnership with electrical supplier goes from strength to strength

The annual free toolkit initiative ran by JTL goes from strength to strength as apprentices are presented with free starter toolkits donated by Edmundson Electrical at JTL’s latest centre opening. For the last six years, JTL has been distributing free toolkits to learners who are on a qualifying apprenticeship. Since 2019, JTL has been proudly working with Edmundson Electrical to provide toolkits to learners up and down the country, to ensure that every electrical apprentice is equipped for the job in hand. During the official opening ceremony of JTL’s new dedicated training centre in Birmingham, representatives of Edmundson Electrical presented current first-year electrical apprentices with their free toolkits. Jon Graham, Chief Executive at JTL, says: “Ensuring every electrical apprentice is supplied with a free toolkit during their first year is fundamental to our aim of making every apprentice feel an important part of the profession. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Edmundson Electrical and are delighted that they were able to play such an important role at the opening of our new state-of-the-art centre in Birmingham.” Matt Ward, Head of Training and Development at Edmundson Electrical, concludes: “Edmundson Electrical is delighted to be able to contribute to the development of JTL apprentices as they take their first steps in their careers. All of the apprentices, their valued employers and the premium training and support that JTL provide at such fantastic facilities as these will help guarantee the future of this great industry.”

Self-employed electricians saw rise in earnings at start of 2022

The cost of hiring self-employed electricians during the seasonally slow start to the new year increased by 2% in 2022, according to the construction industry’s biggest payroll provider. Electrical contractors earned an average of £985 per week in January, compared to £965 during the same period in 2021. Month-on-month earnings usually decline in January as sites begin to reopen after the festive break. This year, they decreased by 14.4% against December 2021. The analysis was carried out by Hudson Contract, UK provider of tax status and employment contract services to the construction industry with annual revenues of £1.6 billion and a client base of more than 2,500 construction SMEs. Ian Anfield, Managing Director, says: “A year-on-year 2% rise in earnings for electrical contractors is consistent with general high demand and high rates for self-employed tradespeople. Our clients are saying they are still busy but more than one or two are also telling us it’s not as difficult to find skilled labour and that the 2021 flood of tender documents coming through the door has settled to a steady stream this year.” Commenting on conditions in the wider construction industry, Ian adds: “In the run-up to Christmas, it felt like housebuilders had their foot flat to the floor. They have not exactly put the brakes on since, but they have definitely eased off on the accelerator. It seems housebuilders are concerned about the impact of inflation and the ability of potential buyers to borrow the money to purchase the homes they are going to build.” The overall findings are in line with the latest Bank of England monetary policy report which found that output growth had weakened due to shortages in material and labour while increased costs had weighed on demand in a few cases. The Construction Products Association noted that annual inflation in UK construction materials reached 21.5% in December.

Siemens and Nexii unveil easy-to-deploy and sustainable electric vehicle charging concept

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has unveiled a new sustainable, EV charging concept structure designed for electrifying fleets and high demand charging applications at scale. The new VersiCharge XL concept (UL standard) was created to electrify new or existing parking lots and building structures quickly and efficiently by using a modular, scalable design made in partnership with Nexii Building Solutions using their proprietary, sustainable building material with low carbon footprint in the U.S. The solution, which resembles a modern-day fueling station, was developed in late 2021, and then installed in only three days at Siemens’ research and development hub for Electrical Products and eMobility solutions in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, USA. This innovative product was rapidly developed and co-patented with Nexii, a green construction technology company, and is the industry’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging system to house all necessary electrical infrastructure components that power EV chargers in an above-ground, enclosed, and low carbon structure. The above ground design requires minimal disruption to existing parking lots by eliminating costly, time-consuming, and substantial civics works and reduces on-site construction waste and environmental impact. “The massive growth of electric mobility requires an easy and rapid expansion of a reliable and sustainable charging infrastructure. This specific concept shows how Siemens and its partners are working on new, innovative ideas to help support this growth in the U.S. market. Working closely with partners globally to meet local needs is very important to us and this cooperation embodies that spirit,” said Markus Mildner, CEO of eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. The VersiCharge XL concept (UL standard) leverages proven power distribution technologies used indoors at locations like data centers and industrial facilities and elevates them above-ground in a weather-resistant, outdoor enclosure. With its scaling and versatile capabilities, this concept is designed to be installed to charge large numbers of electric vehicles using either level 2 or level 3 EV chargers in outdoor environments ranging from small office building parking lots to last mile logistic hubs, and up to a stadium parking lot. “Construction and transportation are two of the biggest sources of carbon emissions driving climate change today,” says Stephen Sidwell, co-founder and CEO of Nexii. “Bringing together Siemens and Nexii demonstrates the power of rapid ideation and development of solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems. We’re excited to unveil this initial eV Charger prototype and look forward to even more innovations we can make working together.” The prototype was created using Nexii’s building material Nexiite, which has comparable properties to concrete with significantly less embodied carbon, as the vertical structure to support Siemens Sentron Busway systems that connect to power the EV chargers.

Unicrimp adds Metal Cable Cleats to Q-Fire range

Unicrimp has added a range of Metal Cable Cleats to its growing Q-Fire portfolio of fire-rated cable accessory products. The new Metal Cable Cleats meet BS 7671 (18th Edition) requirements and are designed to prevent cables from premature collapse during a fire and, in doing so, to keep emergency services and the public safe. The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place. Unicrimp’s fire-rated black Metal Cable Cleats are available in 14 different size options suitable for cable sizes from 5mm up to 50mm. The key feature of the product is an oval fixing hole which allows for cable diameter tolerances. To install the metal cable cleat, the electrician just needs to bend the cleat around the cable and fix in place to the designated wall.

Apprentice recruitment up, but skilled electricians still in short supply

The latest sector-wide Building Engineering Business Survey, sponsored by Scolmore, shows that while order books continue to grow following the pandemic, a lack of skilled electrical personnel is hurting electrotechnical contracting businesses. As a result, businesses seem to be hiring more apprentices than ever. Just under half (47%) of respondents to the quarterly survey, which includes data from industry trade bodies ECA, BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF, said that ‘attracting the right calibre of people to the business’ was their biggest worry. Forty-one per cent said their top concern this quarter was to ‘retain existing staff’. However, apprentice employment rates show signs of improvement, with 61% of respondents saying they expect to employ the same number or more apprentices in Q1 2022 than in Q4 2021. Total employment has also increased – 83% of survey respondents said they expected to hire the same number or more direct employees in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021. ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, Andrew Eldred, says: “We have seen record levels of apprentice recruitment this year so far. While skilled personnel might still be in short supply, it is promising to see so many firms picking up the baton. “We still have some way to go to reach the apprentice recruitment levels of our counterparts in Europe, but the right course is being set for the UK to develop a flexible and competent electrical workforce in sufficient numbers to meet growing demand and ultimately help deliver net zero on time.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says: “The skills shortage is an ongoing issue that SELECT and its partner organisations the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) are committed to tackling. “One positive sign is the number of new electrical apprentices and adult trainees taken on in Scotland in 2021. More than 800 new learners enrolled on the Electrical Apprenticeship and Adult Trainee Programmes - the highest figures for 12 years. This shows that people recognise that the future is electric and want to be part of a sector that will play a key part in all our lives.” Most respondents (88%) expect their business’ turnover for Q1 2022 to be the same or higher than the same time last year, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Almost seven in 10 (69%) of respondents said their turnover stayed the same or increased in Q4 2021 compared to the previous quarter. Eight in 10 (80%) expect turnover to stay the same or increase for Q1 2022. Despite this uptick in turnover, exactly a quarter (25%) of respondents highlighted the ability to forecast inflation as their biggest concern. One respondent says, “All our time is being spent trying to calculate how much worse off we are and trying to ask for higher rates rather than looking for new work.” Nearly half (46%) of respondents said they currently have vacancies in their organisation that they are struggling to fill.

Travis Perkins launches real-time nationwide delivery tracking

Travis Perkins has launched nationwide, real time delivery tracking and management for its customers, becoming the first national builders merchant in the UK to do so. The service is designed to take the guesswork out of deliveries, and it means customers will know exactly when to expect their local branch delivery for building supplies and Benchmarx kitchens and joinery products. All account customers can now benefit from delivery options including free delivery from the local branch for their building materials; delivery day of choice; next day delivery; text message and email updates with real time delivery tracking. Aligning with the strategy to deliver best-in-class service to trade customers, users will now receive text message notifications on the day of delivery with a named two-hour timeslot, live delivery tracking, and messaging received when the delivery is in a 20-minute delivery distance, plus proof of delivery email communication. The latest initiative comes as Travis Perkins recently announced 50 new or relocated branches in the next three years and the brand embarks on an ambitious redevelopment, relocation and refurbishment programme, designed to improve the customer experience both in person and digitally. The merchant’s industry leading mobile App for customers was launched in 2021 and was designed in conjunction with customers to revolutionize the way they work by allowing them to order materials in real time and check stock on the go. James How, Travis Perkins Digital Operations Director says: “For our customers, time is money. We wanted to challenge ourselves across our 550+ strong national branch network to give our customers real-time delivery tracking and management. “The industry has been behind other sectors – up to now. Now, we are proud to lead the way for the sector by making sure our trade customers can save time and money with real time delivery tracking.” The initiative has also been rolled out across the wider businesses within the Travis Perkins Group, including Keyline and CCF.

Nexans marks new era in heat-shrinkable joints

Cable joints are an instrumental part of the electrical network, guaranteeing the continual stream of electrical current. Fueled by a passion to electrify the future, Nexans has released JTS, a new heat-shrinkable joint with triple layer tube. The triple layer tube allows installers to heat only one tube instead of three for 12 to 24kV applications, and two tubes instead of three for 36 to 42kV applications. This simplifies and shortens the installation process and minimises the risk of the joint failure. Nexans JTS heat-shrinkable joints bring a range of innovative features and operational benefits, such as a short and slim design, advanced screen connection, armour continuity, and heavy wall tubing for high mechanical strength and impact resistance. It also provides stabilised UV protection and protection against water penetration and chemical aggression. JTS is compatible with single or three-core cables, with copper or aluminum screens. Its standard design was adapted for all types and brands of mechanical connectors. To meet the ongoing evolution of market needs and customer demand, Nexans has been continually investing in R&D to improve heat-shrinkable (HS) technology. Jo de Buyst, Global Segment Manager for Joints at Nexans, says: “Nexans has a strong track record in creating next generation power accessories and building a sustainable future. Our power accessories activity has five industrial sites in Europe and commercial presence worldwide. We continue to set industrial standards and European norms for power accessories. The JTS heat-shrinkable joint range is the latest example of this.” Nexans has several highly respected comprehensive training centres in France, Belgium and the UK, which provide competency certified training for joints, separable connectors, terminations, from 1kV to 72.5kV. Nexans also proposes installers to be trained at their premises or directly at construction sites. Lars Dybdal Hansen, Material Specialist of Nexel, comments: “In our Heat-Shrink accessories tender, we requested a strong product training at ours facilities to ensure our 120 installers are getting familiar with the new products. We finally chose Nexans and its distribution partner Solar, because we’ve been convinced that in addition to a great knowledge of the accessories, they proposed a clever and modern training on-site service, which all trainees finally highly appreciated!” With several hundred installers trained worldwide in 2021 on heat-shrinkable technology, Nexans is driving the market to continue rolling the innovative JTS throughout the world.

Elucian consumer unit range extended with new SPD additions

Following its successful entry into the consumer unit market last year, Scolmore has expanded its Elucian range with a number of SPD populated units. Elucian Switch-Disconnector Units and Combination Units are both now available with SPDs pre-installed, giving installers greater flexibility when working on a range of projects. The Switch-Disconnector Unit range of Metal Consumer Units are furnished with a 100A Mains Switch and a 2 Pole Type 2 275Uc (V~) 40kA SPD, and they are available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 Free Way options. The Combination Unit range of High Integrity Metal Consumer Units are furnished with a 100A Mains Switch, 2 x 80A type A RCDs and a 2 Pole Type 2 275Uc (V~) 40kA SPD, and they are available in 6, 8, 10 and 14 Free Way options. SPDs (Surge Protective Devices) are used to protect the electrical installation, which consists of the consumer unit, wiring and accessories, from electrical power surges known as transient overvoltages. They are also used to protect sensitive electronic equipment connected to the installation, such as computers, televisions, washing machines and safety circuits, such as fire detection systems and emergency lighting. Equipment with sensitive electronic circuitry can be vulnerable to damage by transient overvoltages. With Amendment 2 for BS7671:2018 (2022) being published at the end of March, SPDs are due for review to simplify the process a designer completes to identify if SPDs are needed.