High-power electrical connectors for the future

In recent years, we are seeing a rapid increase in the rate of electrification in industry, with fossil fuels being phased out in favour of more environmentally friendly power options. As a result of this trend, there is growing demand for high-power electrical connectors that offer high performance, even in harsh operating environments. Here Shaun Findley, European Director of Product and Purchasing at electrical connector specialist PEI-Genesis, discusses some of the key areas of demand and the high-power connector solutions available for these applications. To tackle climate change, Nationally Determined Contribution objectives have advised that the global demand for electricity will increase by 80 to 90% by 2050. These objectives resulted from the Paris Agreement in 2015, an agreement made at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Renewable energy sources could produce more than half of the world’s electricity by 2035 and do so at a fraction of the cost of fossil fuel, according to reports from McKinsey & Company. As the world continues to push for greener energy sources, industry is adjusting how it sources its energy. Take electrical connector manufacturers for example, in this industry there is increasing competition to gain market share for increasing the power distribution capability of connectors. Electrification impacts many markets across the interconnect industry, such as the military and industrial sectors. Electrification and the Military Market The global military vehicle electrification market size and share revenue are expected to grow from $4.8bn in 2020 to $8.6bn by 2025 at a 13% annual compound annual growth rate from 2021-2026, according to a market research report by Facts and Factors. This growth has been attributed to both demand for new technologies and a push to go green. Countries worldwide are beginning to invest in electric military vehicle research to improve the stealth, speed and power of vehicles, and many are noticing that autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles — which depend heavily on electrification — reduce human loss on the battlefield. Furthermore, countries can leverage electrification to reduce military spending by investing in longer-lasting, environmentally friendly energy sources. The European region is expected to lead in the military EV market because of its strict emissions regulations. Electrification and the Industrial Market The Environmental Protection Agency reports that roughly 23% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States come from the industrial sector. It is estimated that electrification can replace almost 50% of the fuel sources used by industrial companies, according to McKinsey & Company. However, this level of electrification requires rugged, dependable high-power industrial connectors. The Amphenol ecomate RM series of circular, metal connectors are ideal for electrification across military and industrial applications. These circular connectors have an IP67 rating when mated, and a maximum current rating of 300A. They are available in both standard and high amperage versions and are equipped with a user-friendly bayonet coupling system. These connectors are also available in kits, available with the connector, required contacts and the appropriate Backshell or gasket for your application. This simplifies the ordering process for end users so they can focus on getting up and running as quickly as possible.

Mayor of Birmingham opens JTL's new training centre

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Muhammad Afzal, has officially opened JTL’s new training centre in the city. The new, Aston-based centre, which was formally opened on Friday 11th February, is the 10th dedicated training facility operated by the not-for-profit training provider and is set to deliver a variety of qualifications. Following a £4 million investment, courses on offer at the centre will include Electrical and Plumbing & Heating apprenticeships. Traineeship qualifications and JTL’s Fire and Security apprenticeship will also be available at the centre, in addition to continuing professional development courses offered by Develop Training, the leading accredited provider of Compliance, Technical and Safety training, which was recently acquired by the JTL Group. Joined on the day by local employers, Councillor Afzal was given a tour of the training facilities as well as the chance to meet both JTL staff and current apprentices, to learn more about the opportunities the new centre will bring to the local area. Set within buildings on a site of roughly two acres, the 30,000 sq. ft. centre consists of several modern classrooms and fully equipped electrical and plumbing workshops, as well as a refectory area. Jon Graham, Chief Executive at JTL, says: “We were delighted to have Councillor Muhammad Afzal join us at our Birmingham centre and to have him officially open what is JTL’s 10th dedicated training facility. It was wonderful to spend the day with local employers, current apprentices and JTL staff and to fully see first-hand the excitement and enthusiasm everyone feels about this opening and the amazing opportunities it will bring to individuals within the local area. “The official opening of this brand-new, state-of-the-art training facility came at a significant time for JTL, as we not only celebrated National Apprenticeship Week and its 2022 theme, ‘build for the future’, but JTL’s rich, 30-year history. We have achieved many milestones during that time, not least in supporting over 60,000 learners through their journey to qualification. If there’s anything we have learnt as a result of that, it is that we truly have the ability to build futures and change lives, and that it all starts with opportunities like this.” Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Muhammad Afzal, adds: “It was a great pleasure to join JTL in officially opening its new Birmingham training centre and to be able to bear witness to what will be an exciting new chapter and opportunity for many individuals within the region. JTL’s ties with Birmingham have been long-standing, and this brand-new, state-of-the-art training facility will only enhance the positive impact JTL has already had on the city. By investing £4million into the future of local individuals and offering high-quality apprenticeship and Traineeship qualifications, JTL is empowering talented people within the region to gain the priceless skills they need for a prosperous career and future.”

REWE Markt sets new standards in sustainable logistics

REWE Markt is setting new standards in sustainable logistics with its 85,000 square metre Central Warehouse North. The plan is for the building to be certified Gold under the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). An important component: the lighting. As a framework contract partner of the REWE Group, the ROMBERG Group is responsible for consulting, conception, planning, and implementation of the logistics hub's complete LED lighting - and relies on customised solutions from TRILUX. Across all logistics areas, 20 km of E-Line NEXT LED continuous rows provide tailor-made, high-quality, and energy-efficient LED lighting. The ground-breaking ceremony took place in spring 2020, with completion scheduled for mid-2022. Conveniently located on the A7 motorway, perfectly integrated into the region, and with an exemplary building concept in terms of energy, the new REWE Central Warehouse North in Henstedt-Ulzburg is part of REWE's sustainability strategy, leading the way to green logistics. The 85,000 square metre complex includes a logistics and administration centre, multi-storey car park, and outdoor areas. The overall sustainable building concept, scores highly for its self-generated electricity through photovoltaics, combined heat, power, and cooling (CHP) from a combined heat and power plant (CHP)and low power energy-efficient LED lighting. All in all, they are working towards one goal: a GOLD standard certification according to the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). "Short transport routes, perfectly coordinated spaces and processes, and a highly efficient building, make the new logistics location a showcase project in terms of sustainability," is how Jochen Vogel, CEO of REWE Region North, sums it up. The regional warehouse supplies REWE food stores in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein with fruit, vegetables, chilled goods), meat, dry, frozen, medical, and non-food produce. Different logistics areas: one continuous-row lighting system  As a framework contract partner of the REWE GROUP, the ROMBERG Group is responsible for consulting, conception, planning, and implementing the logistic centre's LED lighting. The challenge: to illuminate the various logistics areas, which have ceiling heights between five and 32 metres, and operate in temperatures ranging from -24°C to + 26°C, with precision. The lighting solution of choice: E-Line NEXT LED from TRILUX. The continuous row can be flexibly adapted to each application in regard to lighting technology, protection, and mounting type - all with an efficiency of up to 190 lm/W while providing a high-quality and sustainable light. A total of 20 km of E-Line NEXT LED is installed in continuous rows throughout the logistics area. To date, 50 percent of the luminaires have been installed. Each area has a customised version. In the refrigerated warehouses, E-Line NEXT LED protected to IP64 is used; in the other zones, the IP20 version has been selected. Customised lighting technology ensures perfect lighting everywhere; for example, in the 32metre high halls, the E-Line NEXT LED with deep-beam optics and approx. Eight thousand lumens is the ideal solution. To increase the overall energy efficiency of the lighting, the luminaires are networked and combined with sensors for presence detection. Detlef Iseken, the ROMBERG Group, explains, "Each continuous row segment is self-sufficient and controls and monitors itself." Holistic project, sustainable implementation   The E-Line NEXT LED installation is complemented by 500 Oleveon Fit LED moisture-proof luminaires in the logistics and intralogistics areas, the specialist areas, and the loading bay. TRILUX lighting solutions have also been used in other building areas - a total of 2,000 Siella LED recessed ceiling luminaires in the offices and conference rooms. 136 Mondia wall-mounted and surface-mounted luminaires in corridors, ancillary spaces, and recreation rooms. 300 Sonnos LED downlights light the staircases and WCs. In addition, the car park will be equipped with 152 Oleveon Fit LED moisture-proof luminaires. Despite the enormous scope of the project, there was a tight schedule to meet, in which all trades had to be aligned to ensure a smooth process. "The TRILUX LED Shuttle is a beneficial tool for large-scale projects; it speeds up the process considerably, and at the same time greatly reduces the amount of waste," explains Nicolas Kraft, Head of Key Account Management at TRILUX. Instead of shipping the E-Line NEXT LED modules individually packaged or as a project bundle on pallets, the luminaires are preassembled specifically for the project- in a five-meter-long transport system with wheels - and delivered to the construction site, almost without any packaging, by truck. "This not only significantly simplifies unpacking and reloading onto the working platforms, but also saves enormous amounts of packaging waste," Detlef Iseken confirms. So here, too, the company is acting in the spirit of sustainability. "We are pleased to be able to make a significant contribution to REWE's sustainability strategy and the Group's Green Building concept with our energy-efficient LED solutions," Nicolas Kraft is pleased to say.

Knightsbridge reaches new highs with low bay LEDs

Knightsbridge is continuing to meet demand for high-efficiency commercial and industrial LED fittings with the introduction of a low bay LED suite of products. Warrantied for five years, the new low bay fixtures are perfect for retail, educational, leisure and other applications where ceiling heights – typically under 6100mm (circa 20’) – demand shallower reflectors and manageable outputs. Two low profile, dimmable fixtures are offered – the 90W LWB90 and 165W LWB165 – which can be either surface mounted or suspended as required. The luminaires are supplied with 0-10V dimmable drivers (0-10V dimmers are required) and suspension hooks and chains as standard; while optional accessories available include surface mount brackets, and sensors. Both fixtures offer very efficient high lumen outputs of 140lm/w, with the LWB90 providing 12,800lm and the LWB165 23,200lm. LED Colour temperature for both luminaires is 5500K, the equivalent to the light of the midday sun, which provides for excellent colour definition, and LED lifetime is 50,000 hours. The versatile optional accessories allow for easy configuration of the fixtures into sensor-operated or emergency versions, bringing convenience to the installer and reduces the number of finished units needed to be carried by the wholesaler. Two sensors – either microwave or PIR – can be paired with the fixtures according to preference. The LWB 360° Microwave Dimming Sensor has, along with its 360° detection field, an optimum range of 8m when installed at a 6m height. It operates at an ambient lux level which is adjustable from 2 to 120 lux or it can be disabled, with a hold time at full brightness ranging from five seconds to 30 minutes. It offers corridor dimming function with its 0 to 10V output range and provides a ‘standby period’ at dimmed light level from 10 seconds to constant. Finally, sensitivity is adjustable from 50% to 100%. Also with a 360° detection field, the LWB 360° PIR Sensor has a choice of lenses to adjust optimum detection range, a hold time from 10 seconds to 30 minutes; ambient lux level adjustable from 10 to 300 lux with an option to disable; and sensitivity adjustment from 20% to 100%. Finally, the new low bay products can also be accessorised with an emergency kit with an included inverter and battery pack that provides cover for three hours at 700lm.

Positive signs for UK construction as value of orders reaches four-year high 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, says: “Last year saw yet more turbulence for UK construction, but the latest figures show that the industry ended 2021 on a real high. “The value of new orders rose by 9.2% between Q3 and Q4 to an impressive £13.3bn, which is the highest figure in over four years, since Q3 in 2017. “It also represents a 35% increase year-on-year, up from £9.9bn in Q4 2020, showing a real surge in momentum. “The infrastructure sector drove the largest rise in new orders; at the end of 2021, the value of new orders rose by 23% from £1.7bn to £2.1bn. “The private industrial sector also performed well and reported the second most significant increase (22% - up to £1.9bn). “They still have some way to go to catch the highest value sector though, with private commercial construction rising 14% to remain in the lead (£3.8bn). “Not all sectors saw growth, however, with housing in particular having a slow end to the year. The value of new public housing projects dropped by 19%, from £426m down to £345m, and private housing was also down (-0.4%, down to £3.7bn). “As well as variation between sectors, the figures also contrast dramatically across the UK. By far the largest increase was seen in the North East of England, where the value of new orders trebled (200%) from £575m to £1.7bn. “In London, the value fell by 15%, but at £3.8bn, the capital remains top of the list for regions. “Overall, the new data shows that UK construction is in a really positive place. With expensive new orders being placed all over the country, it’s a clear display of confidence in the industry. “Hopefully this trend will continue into 2022.”

Minister declares UK is ‘hungry for skills’, urging employers to back apprenticeships

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Alex Burghart MP declared the UK economy is “hungry for skills” at a construction and engineering conference during National Apprenticeship Week. Mr Burghart praised Capital City College Group (CCCG), which hosted the event, and employers for providing valuable careers and training opportunities when he spoke on 9 February. CCCG’s apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training (CCCT) works with 950 employers to provide high-quality training to 2,000 apprentices each year. Around 50 representatives from the construction and engineering industries attended the event at Westminster Kingsway College, which is also part of CCCG along with City and Islington College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL). Companies and organisations in attendance included Alstom, Ardmore, Hitachi, CBRE, CITB, Denbre, Berkeley Group, North London Waste Authority, Mitie, Peabody, AECOM, Bowmer and Kirkland, Taylor Woodrow, Vistry Partnerships, Wates, McLaren, TfL, Perfect Welding, Building Heroes, the Greater London Authority, Enfield Council, Islington Council and the Royal Academy for Engineering. CCCT works with employers across London to offer apprenticeship training in brickwork, plumbing, electrical installations, engineering and rail engineering. Mr Burghart says: “It’s been a real pleasure for me going around the country meeting scores of people in different stages of their careers and lives who are really benefitting from this extraordinary way of working, whose time is really coming again. “I don’t remember a time in my lifetime when the economy was so hungry for skills. We’ve got over a million vacancies out there, we’ve got a huge host of opportunities for people to take advantage of, and it’s going to be apprenticeships that are going to help people make the jump into those opportunities.” Dr Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, called on employers to support the development of T Levels and apprenticeships, and spoke of the need to recruit a more diverse and inclusive workforce. He says: “We have to make these qualifications work, they are here to stay. I hope you will continue to work with CCCG and the wider education sector to embrace these qualifications and support our young people, who really need to help with the net-zero skills challenges and the economy.” Construction and engineering apprenticeship training predominantly takes place at CONEL’s large, fully equipped workshops at its centres in Tottenham and Enfield. The college’s Enfield Centre is home to the London Rail Academy and new London Welding Academy run in partnership with Paddington, part of construction giant Ardmore. Adrian White, General Manager at Ardmore, comments: “Ardmore Group has long been committed to providing opportunities for local people to train in well-paid, highly-skilled jobs, and the London Welding Academy is a brilliant example of that. “We’re delighted to have been able to open this academy within a matter of months, meaning we can develop our own committed and motivated workforce.” The London Rail Academy provides apprenticeship training with large employers including Alstom, Hitachi, Eurostar, Docklands Light Railway and London Underground. CONEL also provides rail track maintenance apprenticeships with London Underground. Alstom has been training apprentices with CONEL for more than four years on its rail technician training programme. Alstom apprentice Brandon Hargreaves, 23, says: “Working with the teachers at CONEL has allowed me to learn so much and excel in a subject I am passionate about. Being thrown into the reality of the working world in London has been an amazing experience.” Lee Bird, Learning and Development Apprenticeship Manager at Alstom, adds: “What makes CONEL different from other providers is that they listen to our requirements and have the expertise to modify the apprenticeship content and delivery to meet our business needs.” CONEL has recently partnered with Enfield Council and Vistry Partnerships to run a new Skills Academy to provide construction training for the Meridian Water regeneration project, which will build 10,000 new homes in Enfield. CCCT’s provision also includes employability courses with organisations including Women into Construction to provide more opportunities for women to enter the sector.

Aico initiative volunteering activities for 2022

Aico recently announced that they will be supporting Shrewsbury-based charity, Little Stars Baby Bank for 2022 through their Charity of the Year initiative. This support began on 04th February with Aico colleagues volunteering to spend their day transporting the charity’s donated items from a small storage unit in Shrewsbury to a spacious area within Aico’s Headquarters in Oswestry. This facility will allow Little Stars Baby Bank to widen its reach to families with young children with the provision of essential items such as school uniforms and shoes enabling the charity to save on storage costs that can be used for the funding of the important work towards the growth and expansion of the charity. Matthew Powell, Marketing Executive for Aico volunteered to transfer the charity’s donated goods comments “It is always great to get involved with any volunteering opportunity at Aico but commencing 2022 helping out our Charity of the year is fantastic. Having been introduced to Leanne and the great work she was doing last year; we are all excited to see the charity build on its already great work this year.” Additionally, a second group of colleagues supported Little Stars Baby Bank on 07th February through the organisation of the items in the new area. This allows for an organised system and streamlines the process to ensure the families receive the important items they need. Regional Specification Manager, for Aico, Dan Thomas says “A few of us helped Leanne organising stock including clothing, prams, toys and other essential items into the storage area at our Headquarters. It has been many years since I’ve assembled prams and cots and I’ve forgotten how difficult it is! However, it was enjoyable giving something back to such a worthy cause like Little Stars Baby Bank. Many people have been and are struggling to make cope therefore, for such a charity to exist is amazing…a massive credit to Leanne’s work.” Little Stars Baby Bank was established in 2020, to provide support to families in need of essential baby items through generous donations from the local community. It is evident that a significant number of local families were in desperate need of this support system and the team at Little Stars Baby Bank wanted to aid this cause, helping to give children the best possible start to life. Leanne Simcoe, Founder of Little Stars Baby Bank comments “Little Stars is incredibly lucky to have the support from Aico and to now have a bigger space to operate from at their Headquarters is going to change how Little Stars can operate moving forward. This extra space will allow us to continue and build on the foundations of the charity but also takes the pressure off from worrying about much needed space for donations.”

CityFibre works with Stewart Milne Homes for digital inclusion in Aberdeen

CityFibre has partnered with Stewart Milne Homes to help future-proof homes at its Abbotswell Road site in Aberdeen and ensure residents are able to take advantage of some of the fastest and most reliable internet available in the UK.      CityFibre has connected 130 homes on the site to its state-of-the-art full fibre network, which it is currently building across Aberdeen as part of its £59m full fibre rollout to homes and businesses across the city. By working with Stewart Milne Homes from the planning stages, CityFibre has been able to connect the properties during the construction phase, enabling residents to sign up for full fibre broadband as soon as they are ready, with no further work required at their homes.    Hillcrest Homes is operating the properties on the site, leasing them out as affordable housing. This is the latest housing association project CityFibre has worked on in Aberdeen, as it continues to engage with housing providers to make sure its network reaches as many as possible across the city.      Allan McEwan, CityFibre’s City Manager for Aberdeen says: “It was a pleasure to partner with Stewart Milne Homes, allowing us to provide the very best digital infrastructure to this new development.    “Abbotswell Road was a first for us in the city, but we are now working with multiple developers across numerous sites. CityFibre is making a significant investment to upgrade Aberdeen’s digital infrastructure on a citywide basis and we are eager to ensure all new build developments have access. We will continue to engage with housebuilders and housing associations in order to make even more new homes full fibre ready and drive forward digital inclusion. We look forward to residents reaping the many benefits that a full fibre connection brings.”    Neil Thomson, deputy managing director of Stewart Milne Homes Scotland, comments: “Over the last two years, digital innovation has accelerated rapidly with more and more people using their home internet for work and to keep in touch with loved ones. At Stewart Milne Homes we understand how important connectivity is for everyone and our partnership with CityFibre has allowed us to give hundreds of residents access to a fast and reliable connection.      “We are constantly looking at ways to enhance our developments, homes and experiences for our residents and our partnership with CityFibre is a great example of the benefits of industry collaboration.”      With work complete in areas across Aberdeen, including Woodside, Garthdee, Ruthrieston, Mannofield, Kincorth, Broomhill, Ferryhill, Northfield, Rosehill, Hazlehead, Airyhall, Hilton and Torry, residents can now join the network through one of CityFibre’s partner Internet Service Providers (ISPs). In Aberdeen, services are available from launch partner, Vodafone, TalkTalk, Zen and GraniteGiG by Converged, with other ISPs set to join the network during 2022.   

LEW Bury moves! 

LEW Bury is delighted to announce that it has moved to Dumers Lane on the Bracken Trade Park. LEW Bury officially opened in its new home on Monday 20th December. The new branch location is off the A56 Manchester Road which is one of the main link roads between Bury and Manchester. LEW acquired the Bury branch from a previous business back in 2015, and was the first LEW branch to serve the Greater Manchester area. Since then, LEW Bury has gone from strength to strength each year, achieving fantastic growth. The new premises include a larger warehouse meaning greater stock levels can be held, better parking for customers and easier access from improved road links. There is also a training centre in the branch which can be used to host various types of training for customers. There are also plans to recruit more warehouse and sales staff as part of ambitious growth plans. LEW Electrical currently has 15 branches across the North West, Midlands, and Yorkshire. Their presence in the North West is nicely complemented by their Warrington branch which opened in 2019. “The motivation behind the move is to offer an expanded service to customers. We’re hoping the new location will appeal to customers with the benefit of improved road links with both Bury and Greater Manchester. This means customers can drop in, get their goods and get on with their projects. We’ve had a great start to life here we’re having to extend our opening branch promo offer due to popular demand,“ says John Potter, Group Manager, LEW Bury.

Revealed: Van theft is on the rise and is set to increase 62% by 2030

Comparethemarket.com has predicted future levels of van theft could double to 20,000 in the next decade after research found an 81% increase from 2015 to 2019. The research also highlights the makes and models of vehicles that are most at risk and the most frequently stolen contents from a break-in. During 2015, 12 vans were being stolen each day across the country, rising to 33 vans during 2022. Comparethemarket.com predicts that the level of theft could reach as high as 56 thefts per day by 2030, equating to 20,000 stolen vans annually. The lowest levels of theft have been reported in the North of England, followed by West Midlands, South West of England and Wales. Unsurprisingly, Greater London has the highest rate and could see over three thousand van thefts during 2030 alone. Daily levels of van thefts across the UK Rank Region Daily Van Thefts in 2019 Predicted Number of Van Thefts in 2022 Predicted Number of Van Thefts in 2030 1 Greater London 1,504 2232 3,827 2 East Midlands 188 280 479 3 Yorkshire and Humberside 145 215 368 4 North West England 112 166 284 5 South East England 110 163 280 6 East England 104 154 263 7 Wales 79 117 201 8 South West England 65 96 164 9 West Midlands 61 90 154 10 North England 59 87 149 The van models most at risk across the UK During 2019, the vans most at risk were Mercedes Sprinter models, this remains the same in 2022, as predictions show the Mercedes Sprinter 313 CDI will be the most stolen van model, increasing to 66 more annual thefts in just three years. Rank Company  Model  2019 Thefts 2022 Predictions  1 Mercedes SPRINTER 313 CDI 1460 1526 2 Mercedes SPRINTER 314CDI 1135 1402 3 Ford TRANSIT 350 712 1300 4 Ford TRANSIT 125 T350 RWD 772 1012 5 Ford TRANSIT CUSTOM 290 ECO-TECH 280 511 Tools, equipment and personal items are the most stolen from break-ins Over 67% of break-Ins include having tools stolen, and research shows that only 1% are ever recovered due to their high resale value, leaving a devastating impact on tradespeople and their ability to do their job. Rank Item % chance of being stolen 1 Tools 66.7% 2 Equipment 55.6% 3 Personal items 41.7% 4 Electronic devices 25% 5 Sale goods 16.7% 6 Customer supplies 13.9% 7 Van equipment and parts 13.9% 8 Cash 5.6%