ECA urges government to tackle EV charger point 'postcode lottery'

The ECA is calling on the government and local authorities in Britain to urgently address the postcode lottery of public charging points, and for urgent investment in a nationwide charge point network to keep pace with the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads. Annual car sales data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show more electric cars were registered in 2021 than in the previous five years combined. Meanwhile, data gathered by ECA via a Freedom of Information request in late 2021 revealed over half (52%) of local authorities in the UK said electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs) are prohibitively expensive to install, and almost two thirds (66%) of local authorities do not have any plans to roll out EVCPs at all. While some local authorities in London and the South East have invested heavily in EVCP infrastructure, many others across the country, including Wales and the North, do not have enough EVCPs to support the booming EV industry. ECA CEO Steve Bratt says: “Electric vehicles continue to pull ahead as the front runner for the future of UK transport, as we make the journey to net zero carbon. The electrotechnical industry has the people with the skills to make the transition to net zero a reality, but that can’t happen without financial backing from the government.” ECA Energy Solutions Advisor Luke Osborne comments, “Too many local authorities are still lagging when it comes to providing the necessary infrastructure to support the astronomical rise in the number of EVs on the road. “We need much more investment in our national electric vehicle charging infrastructure, immediately. We are in the middle of an automotive revolution, during a global pandemic no less, but we risk being left in the dust of other developed nations. “Not only could this have serious ramifications for the economy, but vital jobs and the future of the environment could also be at risk.” ECA is closely involved with industry groups looking at the skills, knowledge and experience needed to achieve the UK’s electrification agenda. Together with bodies including Actuate UK, it is working to ensure that the road to net zero carbon is achieved without compromising on safety and quality.

Ansell Lighting celebrates 30th birthday

Ansell Lighting celebrates its 30th birthday in 2022 and has a year of events, launches and fundraising planned to mark the occasion. Established in Belfast in 1992 before expanding into mainland UK in 2001, Ansell Lighting is a recognised market leader in the design and manufacture of high quality luminaires for the commercial, domestic, industrial and architectural markets. Headquartered in Warrington, where it has a state-of-the-art showroom, Ansell operates across Europe, with showrooms in Belfast, Dublin and the recently-opened Madrid. As part of the 30th birthday celebrations Ansell will be launching 30 innovative new products across 2022 to underline its commitment to developing and producing high quality products. The first of these products, an addition to the popular Z LED high bay collection, will be launched this month. Throughout 2022 Ansell will be supporting Our Blue Light – a charity that provides mental health and wellbeing support to emergency services and essential services workers. Ansell staff will be supporting some of Our Blue Light’s own fundraising events, as well as creating and holding their own activities with a view to helping the charity reach its fundraising target of £30k for the year. In addition Ansell will be sponsoring a number of high profile music events - providing the lighting at six Classic Ibiza concerts at stately homes across the country in July  and August to showcase its product range. There will be a community campaign launching in April which will enable wholesalers and installers to nominate deserving causes to win a lighting support package so they can enhance and continue their community work. And, in order to recognise the great work done by its partners, the #AwesomeAnsell campaign, which celebrates great projects completed by installers using Ansell products, will be extended. Mark Abbott, Managing Director of Ansell Lighting, says: “Like all new businesses, Ansell Lighting began modestly with a first trading month of just £70 in August 1992. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, enjoying huge growth to become the multi-million pound business it is today. “It is a real achievement to reach our 30th birthday and a great opportunity for us to reinforce our strong growth ambitions for the coming years. We are looking forward to sharing the celebrations – and the new products - with our wholesale customers, installers, colleagues and friends throughout the year.”

New Luceco Lighting Solutions specification guide

Luceco has recently launched a new publication demonstrating the range and diversity of their LED luminaires. They have showcased new fittings servicing the healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, industrial and commercial industry sectors. Notable luminaires include Sigma and Callisto as well as new wireless lighting control systems. Sigma is an installer friendly, direct / indirect recessed luminaire for low glare applications to assist with LG7 compliant designs and Callisto, a linear surface mounted luminaire with an IK10 rating that is at home in semi industrial applications as well recreational facilities, offering both wide and narrow optic distribution. Other features include Luceco’s new two tier wireless lighting control systems. Luceco Platform offers the ability to transform existing lighting installations, creating simple and efficient wireless communication systems for dimming, scene setting, presence and daylight control. The Luceco Elevate Wireless Lighting Controls provides a function rich system, including energy and emergency lighting reports, asset tracking, as well as the functions of Luceco Platform. The Specification Guide has been carefully designed to provide lighting professionals with detailed information segregated into easy to use categories, complemented by Luceco’s website with useful downloads including the new Specification Guide, Industry Specific Lighting Brochures and a suite of BIM Files.

Marshall-Tufflex welcomes new group product manager

Marshall-Tufflex has welcomed Martin Russell as its new Group Product Manager. Martin will be responsible for driving new product development at Marshall-Tufflex, as the business continues to strengthen its portfolio of high-quality cable management solutions. Having worked in design engineering, sales, marketing and product management roles for over 35 years, Martin Russell joins Marshall-Tufflex with a wealth of experience in the electrical and cable management industry. Martin will apply his vast experience to the new position, where he will be responsible for driving forward product management and cultivating new product opportunities for the cable management company. Martin joins a growing department of technical specialists based at the company’s UK headquarters and manufacturing plant in Hastings, with a mission to deliver solutions that provide installers, contractors and merchants with high quality, value, and reliability. On joining Marshall-Tufflex, Martin says: “I’m delighted to join a company that strives to not only deliver best in class solutions, but also lead the way in developing and applying manufacturing methods that incorporate recycled material and reduce environmental impact. I’m looking forward to working with an ambitious team to grow the existing offer and introduce new products to ensure we remain at the forefront of cable management manufacturing.” Jeremy Dodge, Head of Marketing & Commercial Services at Marshall-Tufflex comments: “We are so pleased to welcome Martin to the team. With his extensive knowledge and understanding of the cable management sector, Martin is well placed to develop our existing product range and expand our portfolio to further strengthen our market position. “As part of our strategy, we have made significant investments in our business over the last two years both in capital and in people. Martin as group product manager will be instrumental in helping us achieve our ambitions as we continue to focus on manufacturing with recycled material, whilst ensuring that the company’s offering continues to meet the needs of the electrical industry.”

The name has changed, but the Construction Industry Collective Voice remains inspiring

After nearly two years dedicated to steering the Scottish building sector through the worst crisis in its history, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has changed its name to reflect its expanded remit and ongoing collaborative vision for the future. The unique alliance of trade associations and professional bodies has been rebranded as the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), putting more emphasis on its shared focus and willingness to tackle the many other issues currently facing the construction industry. The move has been hailed as a “natural evolution” for the body, whose range of work now includes Brexit, net zero, supply chain, employment and skills, project bank accounts and the launch of a dedicated Green Home Festival in 2022. Alan Wilson, CICV Chair and Managing Director of electrical trade association SELECT, comments: “The New Year is a time for new beginnings and this change of name is a logical step for a body which has exceeded expectations in every department. “As we have all seen recently, the pandemic can still surprise us, but the strong feeling across the organisation is that it is time to move on from purely COVID-related activity and turn our collective attentions to many other pressing matters. “This new purpose will be underpinned by the teamwork and togetherness which the CICV has generated, as well as the sharing of ideas and information which has worked so well and which has produced such good results. “By retaining the CICV initials which have become so well known across the industry, the body can maintain its respected profile and build on the unprecedented collaboration and co-operation which has changed ways of thinking and working across the built environment.” In another first, the body has also created a new position of Vice Chair, with the inaugural post being filled by Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF). Ms Hodgson says: “I am delighted and extremely honoured to take on this important role and help steer the ongoing work of the CICV through this natural evolution. “As we move on at this time, it is worth reflecting on the remarkable co-operation and collaborative working which the organisation has fostered in an industry which previously has been seen as very competitive, and even confrontational. “One of the great lessons of the pandemic months has been that we are much stronger together and it will be in that spirit that we now devote our efforts to securing the future of a great industry and all the people in it.” Ms Hodgson adds: “The new name recognises that we have become the authoritative voice for the sector, speaking strongly on its behalf and fighting for the future of all its disparate elements. “Our members operate throughout Scotland’s built environment supply chain, and the organisation is still attracting new members, so it is clear that there is a healthy appetite for the services which the CICV will continue to offer as we move forward in 2022.” Since its creation, the CICV has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and speaking directly to Scottish Government on a wide range of issues. Its free resources included vital updates on commercial, employment and health and safety matters, delivering a strong pipeline of relevant, practical and easy-to-understand information that helped steer the sector through the darkest days of the pandemic. The CICV is now committing these considerable joint resources to the long-term health and sustainable growth of a sector which is a major economic multiplier, employing around 175,000 people in Scotland and contributing £21.5 billion to GDP.

New electrical equipment installed in Guildford

New electricity equipment is now in place in Guildford as part of an investment upgrade to serve thousands of homes and businesses. Engineers have installed 21 new switchgear panels inside a new purpose-built electrical switch-house as part of a £7.3 million network investment by UK Power Networks. The scheme is modernising and future-proofing the power network to help maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies for residents for decades to come. Due to the weight of the new kit, moving the equipment was a specialist job, as each unit weighs up to two tonnes. The team used a landing platform then guided the equipment into position on weight-bearing rails. Anthony Griffin, project manager at UK Power Networks, says: “The installation of this equipment is a key milestone in the project and highlights our progress. We received the units through the main doorway into the switch house and installed them on to a rail system, each unit had to be individually installed in a sequenced manner. This was a challenging lift, due to the space constraints on site, completed as a professional, safe and collaborative operation which was successfully undertaken by our contractors and supply partners.’’ The vast majority of the civil engineering elements of the scheme have been completed. Now the activity will shift to pulling cables and making the cable connections and control wiring. The new switchboard is due to go live later this year, providing a series of electrical connections to other substations across the local area. Two transformers will be replaced as part of the overall investment. These step down the voltage so power can be safely delivered to smaller electricity substations and homes. The project which is underway in Guildford is one of several electricity network improvements taking place across the South East as part of the company’s £600 million investment in its networks this year to maintain reliable electricity supplies. With this milestone met, the project in Guildford is due to be completed by this autumn, at which stage residents will benefit from the network upgrade for years to come. UK Power Networks delivers electricity supplies to more than 8.3 million homes and businesses across the South East, London and East of England and operates more than 53,000km of overhead and underground cables in the South East alone.

Meet the new additions to the popular THORNeco range

The Vario family is a range of economical, state-of-the-art LED luminaires designed for both like-for-like replacements of all traditional light sources and use in new installations. Totally versatile, Vario luminaires offer the choice of different colour temperatures to suit the application perfectly. Switch from warm white to neutral white (3000K, 3500K and 4000K) in one product. Simple to install, longer lasting, energy saving, and an ideal replacement for all light sources, there is a Vario luminaire to suit every application, from teaching spaces to offices and outdoor environments. Amy Vario Attractive and versatile, Amy Vario provides the ideal solution for a wide range of applications as a replacement for traditional 1×18W, 1×26W, 2×18W, or 2×26W compact fluorescent downlights. Amy offers three colour temperatures in one product, 3000K (warm white), 3500K, or 4000K (neutral white), and delivers consistent light output with no shadowing. Quick and easy tool-free installation is achieved with an external connector box with a 4-pole push terminal enabling loop-in loop-out wiring. The fully detachable connector allows for first-fix wiring and high voltage circuit testing. At the same time, the luminaire is detached from the connector, and the Just Emergency Plug&Play E3 KIT for three hours emergency operation is available separately. Zoe Vario Zoe Vario is a slim LED downlight with a height of only 26mm to allow incorporation in various ceiling types and a flat surface that makes cleaning easy. IP44 rated Zoe provides a uniformly lit surface with three colour temperatures 3000 K (warm white), 3500K, or 4000K (neutral white), and up to 50% energy savings when replacing conventional downlights. Like other members of the Vario family, Zoe is simple to install with tool-free wiring that enables loop-in loop-out wiring, and the Just Emergency Plug & Play E3 KIT for three hours emergency operation is available separately. Anna Vario Perfect for use in offices and teaching environments, IP44 rated Anna Vario is a recessed LED panel that delivers gentle, soft, and glare-free lighting (UGR <19). There are three colour temperatures: 3000K, 3500K or 4000K to choose from. An even surface makes cleaning Anna hassle-free. Available in 600x600mm and 1200×300mm versions, in 3750lm and 3000lm variants, Anna also has a 4-pole push terminal enabling loop-in loop-out wiring. The fully detachable connector allows for first fix wiring and high voltage circuit testing, while the luminaire is detached from the connector and the Just Emergency Plug & Play E3 KIT for three hours emergency operation is available separately. Tom Vario Tom Vario is a circular IP66 LED bulkhead with a frosted diffuser ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Tom ensures a homogenous lit effect and maximum visual comfort in two different lumen packages, 1200lm, and 2000lm, providing a direct replacement for 2×26W or 2×18W CFL. With Tom you can switch light colour, within one colour. Simply choose between warm white and neutral white to suit the application. Tom is also available with an optional integrated microwave presence sensor to maximise the potential energy savings. In addition to the Vario family, Thorn added two further IP65 luminaires to the THORNeco range, Julie and Lara. Julie An IP65 high quality, low-energy LED luminaire, Julie presents the optimal choice for wet and dusty industrial and commercial applications. Ideal for replacement and refurbishment projects, five outputs are available in 4000K to meet various project demands: 2200lm (19W), 3200lm (28W), 4200lm (38W), 6300lm (55W), 8600lm (76W) up to 116lm/W. The luminaire’s high quality opal diffuser provides uniform lighting, and to ensure easy installation, a CONNECT version with a quick connector is available. There are versions with a presence sensor and corridor function for simple controls. Lara  A circular IP65 LED bulkhead, Lara sports many different looks and is the ultimate choice for a range of indoor and outdoor settings. Lara 800lm LED offers a direct replacement for 1×16W 2D, and the 1200lm LED and 2000lm LED version perfectly replaces 1×28W 2D. A frosted diffuser ensures a homogeneous light effect and visual comfort, packaged in a robust IK08 impact resistance body. Optional trim accessories are available in five designs (bezel, bezel curved, eyelid, eyelid grille, and grille) and four colours (black, white, silver, and chrome). Lara’s optional integral photocell or microwave presence sensor maximises energy saving potential. All in all, the new additions offer a sensible yet exciting alternative to energy consuming luminaires, providing ease of installation, versatility, and good looks.

Energy price crisis: ECA calls for energy levy reform

ECA is calling on the Government and industry to reform and rebalance the energy levy framework. To avoid the looming cost of living crisis, subsidies for fossil fuel energy must be abolished and taxes on electricity reduced. ECA’s Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor Luke Osborne says in a recent video statement: “Because of several interconnected global factors, energy prices are steadily rising. These price hikes are frightening and could act as a flashpoint in the growing cost of living crisis. “Household energy bills look set to rise even more by this spring, up to 50%, threatening to throw millions into fuel poverty. “UK households are feeling the squeeze more than ever, and yet the solution to skyrocketing energy prices may be right under our noses. “We at ECA are calling on the government to intervene now before this becomes a national crisis.” ECA’s statement outlines three ways the Government can act now: 1. Address the inequalities in gas and electricity levies. Levies currently make up 23% of electricity charges and just 2% of gas charges. If these charges were reversed, it would be cheaper for households to switch from gas to electric. 2. Reduce our dependence on imported gas. The Government, and industry, need to invest heavily in new, renewable sources of energy immediately. This includes investment in flexible energy storage systems that will take pressure off the national electrical grid and make renewable energy more sustainable. 3. Reduce VAT on battery storage systems, solar panels, and heat pumps, to encourage uptake and make it even more cost-effective for households to make the switch to these technologies. The more we do to reduce the upfront cost of making the switch, the quicker households will start to feel the benefits of reduced energy bills in the long run.

New finishes add style to Knightsbridge screwless range

Knightsbridge has enhanced its best-selling range of screwless sockets and switches with the introduction of two new finishes: smoked bronze and anthracite. Smoked bronze is an excellent alternative for customers looking for a subtle, cool finish that chimes with the trend for more natural, earthier tones. Anthracite has grown enormously in popularity as a go-to colour for home décor including doors and windows, offering an understated yet high quality feel. Both finishes are available across a comprehensive range of products including grid accessories and a modular faceplate. New multimedia combination plates are also available configured with fast charge A+C USB ports, unique to Knightsbridge, to meet both the commercial – e.g. hotels – and residential need to bring together telecoms, network and charging requirements. Offering a contemporary aesthetic, the two new arrivals provide yet more choice for discerning customers who like wiring accessories that bring a modern twist in terms of style, functionality and versatility. Other finishes in the range include matt white, matt black, brushed or polished chrome, black nickel and polished brass, all crafted to ensure lasting good looks. The discrete lines of the screwless range – a profile of just 4.3mm – with its concealed screw fixing mean that the finished installation looks elegant and unfussy, remains untarnished and adds a touch of class and refinement as well as practicality. Constructed from premium grade components and backed by a 15-year warranty, the Knightsbridge screwless range of switches and sockets promises total peace of mind and outstanding performance.

Help Inside the Hard Hat campaign tours the Midlands

Help Inside the Hard Hat, the latest awareness campaign from the Lighthouse Construction Charity goes on tour on 7th February for a week, to raise awareness of the charitable support services available to the construction industry, allied trades and their families. With the mission that “No construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis” the tour aims to deliver the message directly to frontline workers along with information about the crucial services that the charity provides. The five day tour will visit various locations across the Midlands from 7th-11th February. The charity is asking companies and sites to contact them if they would like a visit from the ‘Hard Hat’ tour team to deliver the charity’s messages directly to those that might need support and there will also be a great range of prizes and freebies up for grabs. The tour will be hosted by three familiar faces in the construction industry media and loyal supporters of the charity, Andy Stevens, Rob Muldoon and Matt Dunleavy. Their down to earth, relatable approach and first hand life experiences are a winning combination sure to make the tour a huge success. Bill Hill, CEO of Lighthouse Construction Charity says, “There is a marked increase in suicides within the trades, machine operators and our unskilled labour force. Over 50% of this workforce are either self employed, agency workers or on zero hour contracts and are often part of the sub contracted labour force on our construction sites. This suggests that communication about the support services we have available are simply not getting through to these workers and they are  the ones that need us the most”. In the UK, two construction workers take their own lives every working day and stress, anxiety and depression account for a fifth of all work-related illnesses. The charity’s Help Inside the Hard Hat campaign has already helped to raise vital awareness of poor mental health within the industry. Over 35,000 posters have been downloaded and sites across the country have shared the campaign message on site hoardings. The campaign has also seen the Help Inside the Hard Hat message on vehicles, mobile working platforms and cranes.