Double award win for MK Electric's speedy switchsocket

The MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix double switchsocket, a first-of-its-kind wiring device that cuts installation time by up to 45%, scooped not one but two prestigious award wins at the Electrical Industry Awards 2021 – claiming the top spot in both the ‘Commercial Product of the Year’ and ‘Residential/Domestic Product of the Year’ categories. Launched in August 2021, the MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix double switchsocket incorporates tool-less, spring-loaded cable clamp terminations that provide safe, secure wiring connections that won’t degrade over time, are easy to install, and offer substantial time-saving opportunities over traditional screw connections. The MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix was commended by judges for the innovation and cost-saving benefits it offered to installers. By turning its attention to the back of the socket, MK made alterations that drastically improves the efficiency of installing a socket and sets a new precedent for wiring device installation methods. “We are delighted that MK Logic Rapid Fix was awarded both the Commercial Product of the Year and Residential/Domestic Product of the Year by the Electrical Industry Awards,” says Colin Marshall, chief technology officer, MK Electric. “Rapid Fix is a revolutionary product that is setting a new precedent for wiring device installation methods – helping to save electricians valuable time whilst confidently providing users with quality products that are associated with the MK brand.” The MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix has no termination screws – instead using spring-loaded clamps or levers to accommodate all cable types for small power circuits, including up to 4mm stranded cables. While many electrical installers had questioned why this technology had not been used in wiring devices before, bringing this to the market required more than simply swapping out screw connectors for the spring-loaded clamps. As each cable requires its own three-point entry terminal, it alters the footprint of the rear of the product, meaning a complete redesign was needed before it could be thoroughly tested to British Standards. Input from electrical installers and contractors at each stage of development was a vital part of the MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix design process, with individual cable entry and incorporated colour-coded terminals helping to make installation easier without compromising on product performance. The upward-facing design and ability to hold cables in place easily while connecting wiring makes it well suited for any job, but particularly in challenging environments such as void spaces, corners and under cupboards. Independent testing demonstrated that MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix can reduce installation time by up to 45% when compared to standard switchsockets that include screw connections. In addition to the installation benefits, the MK Logic Plus Rapid Fix switchsocket has a 30-year product guarantee, antibacterial and antiviral properties with kill rates of over 99.99%, plus a three-pin operated ‘child resistant shutter system’ and double-pole switching for user safety.

Lighting Industry starts progress towards a Circular Economy

The series of Recolight Circular Economy webinars has been attended by over 1,000 individuals over the last two years, with attendees from right across the industry. Participants have shown a great deal of enthusiasm and many practical issues and suggestions have been raised. Commenting on the outcome of the webinars, Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight says: “It has been really encouraging to see the discussions move beyond ‘what needs to be done’ and towards ‘what is actually happening’.  There is clearly still a lot to do – but it is starting to happen.  That gives me hope that we will increasingly play our part in tackling to climate crisis.” Simon Fisher of F Mark added: “its clear that there are many challenges to overcome to achieve a truly circular lighting industry. However, there has never been a better time to embrace circularity in terms of client awareness of the environment and the need to make significant changes.” Ray Molony of Build Back Better Awards reminds us that: “The transition to lighting for the circular economy is shaping up to be as profound and disruptive as the transition to LEDs in the 2000s. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of the challenges – and opportunities – it will generate.” Practical steps to move towards a Circular Economy With over 40 experts from across the lighting industry joining the webinar panels, many recuring themes were discussed: Resource depletion will begin to drive up the cost of raw materials, leading to more use of recycled materials. Recycling is not always the best solution! Several companies, including Recolight, have introduced new services to facilitate the reuse and repair of fittings. Remanufacturers have indicated they will provide warranties and certification of reused product. Maintenance and manufacturing companies have an emerging opportunity to offer to remanufacture or reconditioning services. Specifiers have a crucial role to play in educating end users about the importance of using products which embody Circular Economy principles. “The shift towards a circular economy in lighting is a challenge but also a great opportunity. For specifiers, this is our time to take clients and collaborators on the journey with us, to awaken an appetite for re-use and re-purposing of luminaires. For all of us, there is an opportunity to re-assess our relationship with lighting, that could lead to a greater appreciation of it, and a greater understanding of the real cost of making a new luminaire.” comments Ruth Kelly Waskett,  Senior Associate at Hoare Lea and President of the Society of Light & Lighting. BS8887 (the new draft luminaire remanufacturing standard) and TM66 (method to assess compliance of luminaires with circular economy principles) will both help end users and specifiers make the right product choices. The industry will benefit from guidelines that identify best practice. The LIA have since created a task force and published a technical statement: The Circular Economy interim guide. Reforms to the WEEE Regulations will incentivise re-use, and circular business models. Defra is considering setting separate targets for re-use.

Teeside set for a digital boost as CityFibre announces full fibre rollout

CityFibre has named Hartlepool and Redcar in Teeside as the next UK towns in line for a multi-million-investment in their digital infrastructure. With CityFibre’s full fibre build already underway in Middlesbrough, this move will see the Tees Valley become one of the best-connected regions in the UK. Nationally, CityFibre is building new and better digital infrastructure for up to 8 million homes and businesses through its up to £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme. It is set to invest £32m in a new network across both Redcar and Hartlepool that will bring full fibre connectivity – the best technology for the job – within reach of every home and business. A full fibre connection 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, driving a range of economic benefits by providing near limitless bandwidth and ultra-reliable connections. Full fibre networks enable increased business productivity, underpin economic growth and unlock the smart transformation of local services making this project a key infrastructure element in the drive to level up the region. Showing their support for the project, Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, and Hartlepool MP, Jill Mortimer, met with City Manager Steph Carter-Smith who will lead the delivery of the project across the region. Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, comments: “I’m delighted CityFibre is investing tens of millions of pounds as part of their plans to deliver full fibre broadband to local people and businesses across the Tees Valley. It’s more important than ever that we deliver the digital infrastructure that local people rightfully demand. “This investment is not just important so that local people can enjoy reliable, high-speed broadband at home, it’s also crucial for unlocking the full potential of small and medium sized businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy, meaning more good-quality, well paid jobs for local people.” Jill Mortimer MP, Member of Parliament for Hartlepool, adds: “I welcome CityFibre’s fantastic investment into our town. Full fibre is essential in attracting investment and ensuring both businesses and the people of Hartlepool and the wider region have access to a reliable internet service.” Construction work on the full fibre network will begin in early 2022 across both locations, beginning with Hartlepool. As work is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘lights up the network’ with some of the fastest and most competitive broadband packages available in terms of both data and price. Steph Carter-Smith, City Manager for Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar says: “This is an exciting time for the region as our teams get set to begin work on our transformative Full Fibre network – and we think people will be blown away by the difference it will make, both now and for generations to come. We cannot wait for residents and businesses to see what is possible with digital connectivity that propels you forward, rather than holding you back.” In the region, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans, TalkTalk and Zen, with other providers expected to join the network in the future.

The key to the perfect turkey is checking your electrics ahead of Christmas

With the nation reuniting with loved ones this Christmas, checking your household electrics could be fundamental to preventing any festive melt downs. And it is the first time Christmas hosts in their 30s who are most concerned about finessing the perfect Christmas roast. Hexo Electrical Testing commissioned a poll to gauge consumer attitudes on keeping home electrics healthy and safe. When asked what the most important task was for getting the house ready at Christmas, 19% of the nation state that they get their electrics checked to prevent anything from going wrong with the oven when cooking for family and friends. 27% of individuals check their fire alarms and carbon dioxide levels, whilst 47% make sure there is enough food in the house to feed the family. Within the poll, 44% of mums are most concerned with having enough food in for Christmas and 44% want to make sure that they have cleaned the house before the guests arrive. When it comes to roasting the perfect turkey, 30% of participants who check their oven electrics ahead of Christmas are aged 18-34, whilst a mere 10% are aged 55+. According to the research report, participants from London (36%) are the most concerned about checking their electrics at Christmas, in comparison to 0% from Northern Ireland. But it is not just the Christmas roast that needs to be monitored - with the announcement of 20,000 electrical fires damaging homes in 2021 almost 40% of mums state they have learnt how to check for faulty electrics this year with 19% who have already booked in their electrical testing ahead of Christmas. When asked what they prioritised when it comes to keeping their homes safe from hazards, a staggering 38% cited checking their electrics as top of their list of safety measures at home. And the pole states that participants aged 35-44 are most concerned about checking their electrics to make sure their home is safe from hazards. Michael Evans from Hexo Electrical Testing, states: “It’s great to see homeowners having a greater understanding of electrics in the home. Having accidents in the home can happen any time and as we rely increasingly on electrical goods and gadgets to enhance especially during Christmas, regular electrical testing is a quick win to ensure your family and your home is kept safe from potential dangers.” Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors ranked higher on the list of priorities to check, with 24% of respondents believing these to be the key to alleviating home hazards. A spokesperson from Hexo Electricals continues: “We would suggest a check every five years to ensure that your electrical systems are healthy and in full working order. That way, we can pick up any issues before they cause a problem in the home.” A staggering 19% were unaware of any electric hazards in the home, such as risk of shock from damaged sockets or fire hazards from loose connections. “We would urge people to be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to Christmas, when greater demands are placed on our electrical systems thanks to the increase in Christmas lights, cooking and even having additional people staying in our homes.” Advice for checking electrics at Christmas: Check for damaged wires and cables. Keep cables and wires properly stored, and away from children. Unplug devices and appliances to repair, adjust or clean. Don't overload plug sockets. Allow air to circulate around electric appliances – don't block vents.

The highly flexible and sustainable downlight range – now available in three sizes

The Cetus downlight range offers a solution that fits. Universally designed and easy to install or tailor to individual needs, it is the perfect option for both new installations and refurbishment projects. Thorn Lighting is pleased to introduce the new Cetus range which provides increased flexibility and performance. Alongside the Lumen Colour Select (LCS) feature, there’s also a greater focus on sustainability. Lumen output and colour value selection made easy With the Lumen Colour Select (LCS) feature, colour temperatures and lumen outputs can be chosen after the luminaire has been installed. This means that with Cetus, the use of a space can be defined last-minute, or even changed over time. This is done simply and quickly by using a screwdriver to rotate an inner plate which features embossed preset values. When doing this, there are two lumen outputs to choose from (800lm and 1500lm for the small variant, or 2000lm and 3400lm for the medium and large versions) and three colour temperatures (3000K, 3500K and 4000K). The downlight range that always fits Available in three different recess sizes (small, medium or large), the Cetus downlight range is extremely flexible. Fitting or covering all ceiling cut-outs from 95 to 230mm, project needs can be met while at the same time, remaining aesthetically consistent across a project. Tolerances of ceiling cut outs of 30-40mm can be covered without the need for retro-fit rings, making Cetus the perfect choice for refurbishment projects. A recessed depth of just 100mm also means that Cetus is well suited to installation in ceilings with shallow voids. The design of the Cetus is minimal, but it’s performance is not – with outputs of up to 3400lm. A step towards sustainability This new range has a focus on sustainability – with efficacy up to 140lm/W and a lifetime of L80 50,000 hours. In addition, Cetus is aligned with the Single Lighting Regulation (SLR) which now requires that lighting products comply with ecodesign requirements. Ulrich Juergenschellert, Product Manager Downlights, says: “The new Cetus range is low in complexity and high in flexibility. From the Lumen Colour Select feature which enables temperatures and lumen outputs to be chosen post-installation, to the plug and play driver and three size options - we’ve created this product for simplicity. Whether it’s a completely new project or a renovation and replacement of existing luminaires – Cetus provides an easy, consistent solution.”

Bumper new catalogue from ESP

ESP has released the latest update to its comprehensive product catalogue, bringing together all products from its extensive portfolio in one, easy to access reference guide. This latest edition features a raft of new additions across the company’s portfolio, including the recently launched Fort Smart Security range. Available to download from the ESP website, the new 232-page catalogue is more than twice the size of the previous edition and provides wholesalers, contractors and specifiers with a valuable resource to help them locate the right products and solutions for a variety of projects. The catalogue is divided into seven main product categories – Smart Security, CCTV, Access Control, Fire Protection, Emergency Lighting, Essentials and Sangamo. Neil Baldwin, ESP managing director, comments: “Despite the numerous challenges the industry has faced since March 2020, ESP has continued to invest in its teams, infrastructure and product development programme. In the last 12 months alone, we have been able to bring to market a brand new range of smart security products marketed under the Fort name, relaunched the Sangamo timers and heating controls and revamped the Rekor 2MP CCTV range. This is all in response to growing demand from our customers and the contractors using our products and reflects the changing nature of the electrical industry which continues to embrace new technologies and adopt smart solutions.” With its investment in the Fort Smart Security range, ESP has brought to market a complete range of smart security products which includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras. They all operate under a single APP – the ‘Click Smart+’ APP – which is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ APP from Scolmore, users have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform.

CMD prepares for growth with key promotions

CMD has made two significant internal promotions to prepare the business for delivery of an ambitious growth plan. The CMD leadership team has been strengthened by the promotion of former internal sales manager, Jamie Cox, to the new role of head of operations. His new role includes warehouse management and regulatory compliance. Jamie has responsibility to support the delivery of the company’s strategy by developing CMD’s supply into new and existing markets, whilst updating CMD’s structures and processes. Jamie joined CMD eight years ago from a project management background and has already been involved in numerous compliance, standardisation and efficiency improvement projects at the company. The internal sales and customer service teams will continue to report into Jamie and he will report into CMD’s general manager, Jon Holding. Former design engineer, Jonny North, has been promoted to the new role of design manager at CMD, with responsibility for driving new product development and ensuring both customer feedback and commercial considerations are embedded in the product development journey. His new role is part of wider changes for CMD’s design and innovation capability, bringing together the bespoke solutions and new product development expertise in a single team. A key element of Jonny’s role will be to connect the product development and sales functions within CMD to ensure the customer’s requirements are prioritised in the design process. Jon Holding, general manager of CMD comments: “We have a talent tracker in Jamie who has been on our radar as a candidate for increased responsibility and promotion for some time. His attention to detail and organisational skills are exceptional and will be pivotal in delivering our strategy for both developing our core markets in the UK and extending our exports. “Jonny is not only a very talented designer, he is also an excellent communicator, which makes him an ideal person to develop a customer’s brief, present our concepts to them and collaborate with them as designs progress. His can-do approach, ability to operate under pressure and track record for getting things done also make him the perfect fit for this new role. He has enviable situational leadership skills that enable him to work effectively with both clients and every individual on the CMD team, which will help us deliver a number of the major projects currently in the pipeline.”

Close in on style with the Knightsbridge shaver light

Meeting the demand for charging points wherever in the house, Knightsbridge has designed its latest shaver light with a concealed dual USB charger as well as an integral dual voltage shaver socket. Displaying elegant curves to complement modern bathroom tastes, the SL6USB LED Shaver Light is available in three finishes: chrome, white and matt black (SL6USBC, SL6USBW and SL6USBMB). [gallery columns="2" ids="27865,27864"] Constructed from robust polycarbonate, this 230V 6W shaver light is easy to clean and produces a warm white light and is rated to IP20. It complements the SLULED, a 230V LED shelf light with a USB port and a single voltage shaver socket. The glass shelf can support loads of up to 2kg for the usual shaving paraphernalia (plus your smartphone whilst it’s set to charge), while the unit itself has a polished chrome finish and an opal diffuser. And, if no USB is required, Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading brands of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – offers the SLIGHT2, a white polycarbonate LED light with a dual voltage socket, covering all the essentials.

Vodafone anchors CityFibre’s Full Fibre rollout to 8 million homes

CityFibre and Vodafone have agreed a major expansion of their strategic partnership. The deal establishes Vodafone as CityFibre’s anchor customer nationwide, making long-term volume commitments across CityFibre’s entire eight million home target rollout as part of its £4 billion investment programme. CityFibre’s rollout will deploy dense Full Fibre infrastructure in 285 cities, towns and villages across the country by 2025. More than one million homes are already able to receive Full Fibre broadband over its network. The expansion builds on a landmark strategic partnership agreed in November 2017 in which Vodafone committed to market ultrafast consumer broadband services across a one million home CityFibre footprint in 12 cities. The deal makes Vodafone the UK’s largest retail provider of Full Fibre to consumers. It also marks Vodafone’s continued support for the expansion of Full Fibre networks across the UK and determination to encourage wholesale infrastructure competition at scale in the market. Since launch, the companies have worked together closely to develop the market and maximise take-up. This has resulted in Vodafone’s market leading “Gigafast” services achieving twice the rate of take-up over CityFibre’s footprint compared to its market share in other parts of the country. Anchored by the increased commitment from Vodafone, CityFibre is making a substantial investment into a new National Access network, connecting its rapidly growing footprint of local Full Fibre networks. The new network will make it far easier, faster and more cost effective for Vodafone and other wholesale partners to bring services to market across its nationwide footprint. Using the new National Access network, Vodafone and other wholesale partners will ultimately be able to provide Full Fibre services to any premises on CityFibre’s networks. Each new customer ordering a service from a partner will be offered an installation date within just 5 working days of placing their order Ahmed Essam, Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone UK, comments: “We want to see a competitive market that brings the benefits of full fibre to more people. We’ve had a very successful partnership with CityFibre since 2017, and we look forward to continuing working together to connect more of the UK to Full Fibre. Through our partnership with wholesale providers, we’re going to be bringing Full Fibre to more homes than any other retail provider.” Greg Mesch, Chief Executive Officer at CityFibre, says: “Through our strategic partnership, Vodafone has made a powerful decision to back CityFibre and help establish wholesale infrastructure competition for the UK. Thanks in large part to its continued support, CityFibre has now emerged as the nation’s leading independent Full Fibre platform, with the best wholesale products, attractive economics and a network scaling rapidly across the UK. We’re delighted that Vodafone continues to have full confidence in our network and is now anchoring our entire Full Fibre rollout nationwide.”

ESP has CCTV design covered

ESP has been supplying CCTV solutions for the professional installer market for over 25 years. The company has continued to invest in its CCTV range to provide contractors with systems that harness the latest technologies, are quick and easy to install and boast a raft of features and benefits to attract a wider range of clients for installers. ESP has established itself as a reliable CCTV provider by ensuring consistency of stock, with high-end pre and aftersales support. Commercial applications requiring comprehensive IP POE or analogue systems are available to meet a wide range of requirements. Included in the range is a host of cameras with contemporary housing alongside vandal resistant options for vulnerable sites. Different lens specification for tailored viewing angles are also available including motorized control, fish-eye and PTZ solutions. Also available through ESP are essential accessories such as license free remote viewing software, POE extenders and switches for extended cable runs, deep camera bases for convenient system connections and simple to use test monitors for set-up and troubleshooting. With access to ESP’s comprehensive range of CCTV systems as well as the support of a highly experienced technical team, contractors can now take advantage of ESP’s specialist design service. A team of dedicated design engineers will work with professional installers to assist with specifying the right system for project-based systems. For CCTV projects that require larger systems and specific cameras, the ESP team believes that pre-planning is vital and that producing and working to a professional design will mean the best possible system is specified to get the best results on site. The design service is able to generate computer generated models of a system’s live view from the cameras, a useful tool to ensure a client will have a good understanding of the camera angles and views before committing to the system. As well as providing computer generated previews from the camera locations, the service will provide recommendations for the total amount of cable required for installation, suitable Hard Drive capacity and will also highlight the record duration, resolution and ESP camera part number required - making specifying an installation simpler.