Lane Electronics appointed distributor for LEMO Connectors

Lane Electronics is pleased to announce their appointment as a franchised distributor for LEMO. LEMO's connectors are found in a variety of challenging application environments including motorsport, defence, medical, industrial control, test and measurement, audio-visual and telecommunications. LEMO has been designing precision connectors for seven decades. Offering more than 75,000 combinations of product that continue to grow through custom specific designs. Nick Wheeler, Sales Director of Lane Electronics, says, “LEMO connectors strengthen our product portfolio allowing us to offer their products to our customer base, especially in the UK Motorsport and Defence markets. We will be adding our usual benefits of high levels of customer service, technical support and a dedicated stock profile to make this great product range even easier to access and use” Lane Electronics will initially be targeting and supporting customers with the market leading LEMO M and F series of circular connectors, which are their most popular ranges for these applications. M Connector Series - for harsh environments, featuring a ratchet screw system with multiple alignment keys enabling quick and secure coupling of the connectors. F Connector Series – compact self-latching multipole connectors, with multiple alignment keys and suitable for harsh environment. Lane Electronics is an ideal source for all key connector types including circular, filtered, RF, coaxial, sub – miniature, backshells and adaptors, D connectors, aerospace, test & measurement, IDC, PCB connectors, edge connectors and connectors for rack and panel applications. With a multi-million-pound connector and piece-part stockholding and next-day delivery, Lane Electronics are the preferred source across many industry sectors including motorsport, defence, avionics, marine, communications, medical, test &measurement, general industrial and geophysical.

Electrical Safety Roundtable: 2021 Round-Up

2021 has seen the continuation of challenging times, but the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) has not let that stop its progress. Our significant accomplishments this year demonstrate participant commitment and dedication to improving electrical safety standards and encouraging technical excellence. Our first Virtual Conference, Shining a Spotlight on Initiatives Impacting Electrical Safety in Homes and Workplaces, took place in May 2021 and was a huge success. Speakers included Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, and Lorna Stimpson, Chief Executive Officer of LABC, among others with the event attracting nearly 200 guests. Many people from the industry, including local governments, electrical contracting companies, manufacturers, and government officials, attended the event, which was kindly sponsored by NAPIT and Megger. Clive Betts, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, commenting on the conference says: “I was very pleased to be invited to speak at the Electrical Safety Roundtable’s first Virtual Conference and welcomed the opportunity to share highlights from the Housing, Communities and Local Government’s pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Building Safety Bill. I look forward to continuing to engage with the work of the Roundtable in the future and value the positive impact on enhancing electrical safety which has been made since its inception in 2012.” Chris Bielby MBE, our wonderful chair of the ESR in the Home Group for the past ten years, stepped down in 2021. With his wealth of industry knowledge and experience, as well as a career dedicated to improving safety, the Roundtable thrived under his leadership. Commenting on his time as Chair, Chris Bielby comments: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair of the Electrical Safety Roundtable. It has been a pleasure to work with such a variety of knowledgeable and passionate industry stakeholders. I wish the ESR continued success in the future and will follow its progress with interest.” Chris Pack, a previous participant of the Electrical Safety Roundtable while working for BEAMA, stepped up as the Home Group's new chair in November and chaired his first meeting in December. Commenting on his new role, Chris Pack says: “I was delighted to become Chair of the Electrical Safety Roundtable in the Home group. Although I have only been Chair for a few months, I am looking forward to 2022 and am committed to helping the ESR in their mission to improve Electrical Safety.” In October, our Social Housing Sub-group chaired by Martin Simmonds published a new guidance document, How to Manage Electrical Systems in Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB). Created to assist those responsible for managing electrical risks within HRBs, its launch event was attended by 90 people from more than 50 different organisations. The guidance was commended by Dame Judith Hackitt, Government-appointed Independent Advisor on Building Safety, who states: “I am very pleased to see this guidance on managing electrical systems in higher-risk buildings published. It shines a spotlight on the importance of electrical safety in higher-risk buildings and the complexity of effective management. I encourage all those involved in the management of buildings to use this guidance.” Commenting on the last year, Martin Simmonds says: “It has been an honour to chair the Electrical Safety Roundtable Social Housing Sub-Group this year. The publication of the How to Manage Electrical Systems in Higher-risk Buildings Guidance document was extremely well received by the wider industry and I’d like to note my thanks to the participants of the group for their efforts and commitment. I look forward to continuing to represent the Social Housing sub-group at stakeholder meetings and l am excited to see what we can achieve in 2022.” Looking ahead, this year the Electrical Safety Roundtable’s work will continue to focus on improving electrical safety and standards within the industry. Building on the success of the two virtual events in 2021, we look forward to delivering another engaging event in 2022 to further enhance electrical safety.

CityFibre works on March’s digital foundations with £5m investment

Work to bring full fibre connectivity within reach of thousands of homes and businesses in March gets underway today as CityFibre breaks ground on a new infrastructure rollout that will futureproof the town’s digital needs for generations to come. Construction of the £5m town-wide full fibre network has begun in March and is being delivered by Granemore Group on behalf of CityFibre. The team will use a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Fenland District Council and local communities to deliver a fast rollout while minimising potential disruption. Each area will usually take a few weeks to complete, however, construction teams will typically only be outside each home for two to three days. As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘light them up’ with some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available in the country. The network is not yet live, but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services as well as TalkTalk, Zen and other providers. Speaking of the project, Rebecca Stephens, Regional Partnership Director and CityFibre’s City Manager for March, says: “I’m immensely excited and proud to see work getting underway in March. This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the town as it gets ready to thrive in the digital age. It’s important to remember that any short-term disruption will pay off tremendously in the long-term - once the network’s built, it will serve the community’s connectivity needs for decades to come.” Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download, near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on. A full fibre connection also goes far beyond simply enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed. As an essential digital utility, full fibre boosts households and businesses alike, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as making us more productive and innovative. Commenting on the CityFibre project, Steve Barclay, Member of Parliament for North East Cambridgeshire, says: “Access to good broadband connectivity is an essential part of modern life and CityFibre’s £5m investment in full fibre for March is a huge boost that will make it one of the best connected places in the UK, drive economic benefit and complement existing improvements planned for the town.” Cllr Chris Boden, Leader of Fenland District Council, says: “It is fantastic that CityFibre is now ready to start delivering its £5m infrastructure investment programme in March, which will deliver a town-wide network that will benefit residents, businesses and services alike. This is a once in a generation upgrade that will futureproof our network infrastructure at a time when connectivity has never been so important.”

CEF revs up for 2022 with great deals and a supercharged competition

CEF powers into the new year with hundreds of new products, even more electrifying deals, plus a high-octane competition that’s sure to thrill motorsport fans. The latest edition of the CEF Trade Catalogue showcases over 400 new products with even more pages full of offers, including an amazing value deal on the Dewalt 18V XR Brushless 2 Speed Compact Combi Drill for only £169.95 + VAT. Win a Ducati sports bike One lucky winner will be riding away with a Ducati Panigale V4S superbike worth £25,000 in CEF’s latest competition in partnership with Hager. As well as this thrilling first prize, there are some incredible weekly and daily prizes on offer. How about the chance to race high-performance cars on an exclusive track day with PalmerSport? Or enjoy a Greggs or Costa treat? All these prizes are up for grabs when customers buy Hager products from one of CEF’s 390 stores nationwide or online. Plus, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) will benefit from a £2 donation each time customers buy a selected product from the Hager range. More electrifying offers in a new Deals paper CEF is also launching a brand-new Deals paper packed with the latest, greatest and best value deals on the biggest brands. With 10 issues planned for 2022, the campaign starts with a bumper issue with deals running until the end of February. Customers can pick up a copy in-store or download online. “Quite simply, we are committed to offering our customers better value than ever before,” states Andrew Moseley, CEF’s Commercial Director. “Alongside our exclusive in-house brands and the leading brands we offer at everyday value prices, we’re delighted to be able to offer even more great value through our new Deals paper.” “We know that our customers love our competitions, and we can’t wait to see the lucky prize winner ride away on their amazing Ducati Panigale V4S superbike. We also look forward to welcoming more of our customers to an unforgettable day driving some incredible high performance cars on the track, alongside supporting the EIC and the work they do in looking after people from within the electrical industry.” Accelerating EV As more and more electric vehicles hit the roads, CEF has again extended its EV product range, with the addition of wall chargers and accessories from Garo, alongside other big name EV brands including MyEnergi, ABB, Rolec and ICS, together with new PME boards from Proteus that can be installed without the need for separate earthing.

Aico announces an official awards ceremony

Aico is delighted to announce the launch of its very own awards ceremony – the Community Awards. Designed to recognise excellence within social housing and the local community, the Aico | HomeLINK Community Awards have 11 different categories, all of which are now open to entries - from College Initiative of the Year to the Rising Star Award, the Women in Fire Safety Award to the Best Distributor of the Year, including a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative award. Entries close on Thursday 31st March 2022, with finalists announced in early April, ahead of the awards ceremony taking place in May. The inaugural ceremony will be held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham with host George Clarke, architect, and TV presenter, renowned in the industry. With an evening of celebration, recognition, and entertainment, the Aico | HomeLINK Community Awards will celebrate the achievements of inspirational individuals and organisations working within social housing and the local community; innovating, demonstrating excellence, and putting people first. Managing Director Neal Hooper comments: “We are passionate about supporting the sector as well as our communities, and showcasing inspirational people, organisations and initiatives is a great way to champion excellence, share knowledge and collaborate in the creation of safer homes. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is such a crucial focus for Aico | HomeLINK, forming a key part of our ethos, which is also why we have launched these awards. It is vital that CSR is advocated, encouraging more involvement from people and organisations in supporting their local communities.” All colleagues are very excited about the inaugural Aico | HomeLINK Community Awards, and Neal goes on to say: “We are very much looking forward to seeing all of the entries celebrating the achievements of inspirational individuals and organisations working within social housing and the local community; innovating, demonstrating excellence and putting people first.” To find out more about the Community Awards and to enter, please visit: www.aico.co.uk/events/communityawards2022/    

Knightsbridge’s towers of power bring FASTCHARGE to the home

Knightsbridge has boosted its collection of pop-up and FASTCHARGE chargers with the introduction of innovative pop-up ‘towers of power’ that come in a choice of cap finishes and combine sockets with USB outlets. Ideal for mounting in worktops, desks, communal workplace areas and home offices where a discreet power option is required, the units are ingress rated to IP54 when closed, meaning they are limited against dust ingress and splashes of water – perfect for wet areas like kitchens or where spillages might occur, such as conference rooms. The towers comprise three 13A sockets – operated by an on/ off backlit rocker switch – with in-built dual outlets that supports both Type-A USB and Type-C charging compatible with QC3.0 (Quick Charge) and PD FASTCHARGE. Suitable for Android and Apple devices supporting QC2.0/QC3.0 and/ or USB-PD; the ports charge 80% faster than a standard 5V DC 2A charger and can deliver up to 50% charge in under 30 minutes with compatible phones. With compatible QC devices, the outlets deliver up to 12V at 1.5A, although only one port can activate FASTCHARGE at any one time with the alternative port reverting to a maximum of  5V DC 1A. Unlike competitor units that rely merely on seals, the towers have a secure clip that lock the units upright when in use and won’t degrade nor see the tower slide closed even when fully laden with plugs and cables. The towers can also be closed down with cables plugged in thanks to their inverted socket positions and innovative cable management caps. Fitted with 2m cable and BS plug top, the towers plug straight into existing sockets and don’t require any special wiring. The ingot style die-cast metal top cap finishes in polished chrome, brushed chrome and black nickel make it possible to tie the towers in with other Knightsbridge accessories in the same finishes for a seamless, integrated aesthetic, while the body casing is manufactured from aluminium.

Schneider Electric launches new range of PrismaSeT LV switchboard

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of the new PrismaSeT LV switchboard for its EcoStruxure Power architecture. PrismaSeT is the optimised, tested and BS EN IEC compliant solution, based on more than 30 years of experience in low voltage switchboards. In response to the need for superior operational safety, the new PrismaSeT switchboard is designed to enhance fire prevention with BS EN IEC 61439-1 & 2 type-tested functional units, and optional, innovative PowerLogic HeatTag sensor. The robustness of the new panel has been significantly improved to gain efficiency at every level and provide peace of mind to panel builders, electrical contractors and facility managers. Reinforced frame and doors make it easier and safer to operate and maintain the LV switchboard and ensure its durability in any environment. The new design of PrismaSeT is elegantly minimalistic and modern to increase customer satisfaction. To improve on sustainability at all levels, Schneider Electric has eliminated the use of plastic packaging for PrismaSeT switchboard. The new green packaging decreases the quantity of waste and its disposal cost by using only recyclable cardboard. By offering customers new and simple architectures for switchboards, Schneider Electric is striving to provide increased safety, power availability, and sustainability through actionable insights. The goal is to provide customers with modularity in installation, where design and technological upgrades are simple to deploy, to ensure the continuous improvement of their buildings. Thanks to modular design, PrismaSeT switchboards can be modified easily to integrate new functional units as needed.  New generation of ComPacT breakers Schneider Electric recently unveiled a new generation of its trusted ComPacT molded-case circuit breakers, featuring a refreshed design tailored for operational excellence and major simplification of maintenance activities. The ComPacT range is now connectivity-ready, and modular plug-and-play accessories expand the capacity for advanced monitoring capabilities. This design breakthrough comes in a unit that is the same shape and size as its predecessor — making it easy to retrofit breakers already in use and giving customers the option of expanding the capabilities for ComPacT trans-generationally to unleash digital intelligence. An additional improvement to the design is the introduction of a semi-transparent front faceplate. This innovation makes it easy to see at a glance that all components and auxiliaries are correctly installed. Connectivity also revolutionises and enhances installing, maintaining, or upgrading the all-new ComPacT range. New wireless auxiliaries give users improved insight into their electric distribution system to maximise power availability. By putting data in the hands of users anywhere, anytime, for increased monitoring and decision making, this advancement redefines how we work in the IoT age. PowerLogic HeatTag The PowerLogic HeatTag sensor is a revolutionary new product designed to provide fire prevention for switchboards. Its proactive heating detection technology drastically reduces the risk of fire. Through an artificial intelligence algorithm, this wireless sensor continuously analyses the air inside the panel in real time to detect any cable overheating. When an anomaly is detected, long before a fire starts or smoke even appears, a notification is instantaneously received by the facility manager, on their smartphone or Building Management System. A simple, but very effective way to drastically improve the safety of buildings and facilities that takes full advantage of being connected to the Schneider Electric cloud.

SELECT welcomes organisations as founder members of Associate Membership scheme

SELECT has launched a new Associate Membership scheme that will give manufacturers and service providers the chance to become part of Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Eight leading industry organisations have already signed up as founder members of the new scheme rolled out by the campaigning trade body for the electrical sector in Scotland. As well as offering Associate Members a wide range of benefits, the initiative will also allow them to build beneficial relationships with SELECT’s 1,260 member businesses, who between them have an annual turnover of around £1 billion. Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, says: “Associate Member schemes are frequently used by modern trade associations to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners. “Designed to accommodate organisations who don’t meet the usual criteria of membership, our new scheme will give some of the industry’s biggest names the opportunity to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body. “At the same time it will allows us trade to build stronger relationships with organisations that can offer relevant and useful services to our members.” The eight founding members of the new SELECT scheme are: Aico – European market leader in home life safety Flexel – manufacturer of innovative electric heating systems and accessories Linian – innovative UK manufacturer of cable-fixing products Luceco Group – global manufacturer and distributor of high-quality electrical products Megger – industry leader in electrical test and measurement simPRO – leading job management software solution for service, project and maintenance contractors Tala Training – leading provider of health and safety training and consultancy services Thorn Lighting – internationally leading supplier of integral lighting solutions. Mr Mason says: “The response to our new category of membership has been extremely positive, with these leading enterprises enthusiastically signing up well before the official launch. “We are delighted that so many well-respected industry names have already joined us and we look forward to welcoming many more in the weeks and months to come.” The scheme, which was formally launched on January 1, is open to service providers, manufacturers and any other commercial organisations related to the electrical industry. They do not have to be UK-based and may have a European or international remit. Among the benefits are a prominent logo and biography on a dedicated section of the SELECT website, networking and promotional opportunities, the chance to host webinars and events and the ability to promote goods and services via a wide range of member communications. Associate Members will also be eligible for preferential discounts on advertising, sponsorship and events, including the association’s popular Toolbox Talk roadshows, which are due to tour Scotland in May and June after a two-year absence. Mr Mason adds: “SELECT has always been a strong advocate of collaboration and cooperation within the construction sector and we believe this new initiative will allow members and Associate Members alike to enhance and expand their networks to everyone’s benefit.” Founded in 1900, SELECT was first trade association in the world to serve the electrical industry and is today regarded as an exemplar in the construction sector, especially in the fields of training, technical skills and communications. It delivers a wide range of services to around 18,500 professionals and apprentices, trains more than 3,500 electricians each year, and is committed to regulation of the electrical industry for a safer Scotland.

Toolstation includes Construction Industry Helpline in latest catalogue

One week ahead of Blue Monday, Toolstation will launch the latest edition of its catalogue. The 91st edition will include a free 24/7 number for the Construction Industry Helpline which is managed and funded by the Lighthouse Club. The helpline provides confidential support for those in the construction industry who need access to emotional, financial and physical support. The initiative is the first phase of a campaign that will see Toolstation help address mental health issues in the construction industry. The move comes as research found that workers in the construction industry are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. A May 2020 Chartered Institute of Building report found that 26% of construction workers who responded to their survey had experienced suicidal thoughts, while 97% had experienced stress over the past year. The advert for the helpline means that tradespeople will be able to privately chat with a trained expert from the Lighthouse Club. The helpline is aimed at those who need advice on mental wellbeing and occupational health. It also helps to provide emergency financial aid to construction families in crisis and support on legal, tax and debt management matters. Toolstation are developing a campaign to support this across its channels over the coming months to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to seek the support offered by Lighthouse Club. This follows Toolstation’s winning entry into Ocean’s annual digital creative competition last October for bold out-of-home advertising with ‘The World’s Most Supportive Poster.’ The entry helped to address mental health issues in the construction industry. Bill Hill CEO of Lighthouse Club, says: “No construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis. Our charity provides many free emotional, physical and financial support services for our industry community in need. One of our biggest challenges is getting our message of support to the trades and the self-employed. Toolstation can really help us reach the part of our workforce that doesn't even know we exist and let them know that we are there for them 24/7.” Greg Richardson, head of marketing at Toolstation, says: “Those who work for smaller organisations or are sole traders in the construction industry might not have easy access to mental health support, so this move is an important first step in raising awareness that everyone in the industry can quickly talk with someone who can help. The Construction Industry Helpline provides an invaluable service to those in the sector so we’re happy to be supporting it.”

JTL launches new animation to showcase the importance of functional skills

JTL has recently launched a brand-new animation to showcase the importance of Functional Skills – a set of capabilities that are designed to enable learners to develop confidence and fluency in maths and English. JTL’s forward-thinking animation demonstrates what could go wrong when an apprentice does not obtain their Functional Skills qualification. Functional Skills is an essential part of every apprenticeship program for learners who do not have GCSE Grade 4, as without prior achievement of maths and English qualifications, apprentices are unable to sit their End Point Assessment. The new animation showcases a range of scenarios that could occur when an apprentice fails to gain the relevant knowledge from the course; the consequences could result in anything from incorrect job quotations to serious personal injuries. In order to complete the Functional Skills qualification, employers need to allow their apprentices time away from work to access the remote learning plan, which focuses on practicality. The animation focuses on the importance of employers supporting learners to complete the qualification. It is recommended that apprentices complete their Functional Skills in year one of a four-year apprenticeship as the skills gained impact positively on future assessments and real-life work situations, which will in turn meet the needs of their employer. Lorraine Hall, Head of Quality, Teaching, Learning & Assessment at JTL, says: “It is vital now more than ever that employers understand the importance of Functional Skills as not only is it a necessity for any apprentice looking to complete their programme, but it is also crucial for ensuring that learners have the correct knowledge and skills to work in a safe, professional manner. We hope that our new Functional Skills animation will bring attention to the possible dangers of not achieving the qualification, and consequently encourage employers to support their apprentices in carrying out the course.” [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH7jVwBVoM4&t=3s[/embed]