Domus Ventilation launches non-combustible Solis Air Brick

Domus Ventilation has launched the new Solis Air Brick range of low resistance, non-combustible metal air bricks that are fully compliant with the revised Building Regulations Fire Safety Approved Document B.   Changes to the Building Regulations, which came into force in November 2020, requires “Ductwork penetrating through the external cavity including termination to be non-combustible” when above 18m in England and 11m in Scotland, although it is expected the more stringent 11m rule will eventually be applied throughout the UK.  The new Solis Air Brick is made from 1.5mm galvanized steel (fire class A1) non-combustible material to meet these changes to the regulations and ensure compliance.   The Domus Ventilation Solis Air Brick comes in three options: 204x60 single metal air brick, and 220x90 and 220x126 double metal air bricks.  They are suitable for use with all external wall types and come with a wide range of stylish architectural grilles in a choice of colours for internal and external use.  They are fully compatible with Domus rigid ducting ranges and Domus Thermal duct insulation, a patented system that significantly improves the thermal insulation of round and rectangular ventilation ducting, thus reducing heat loss and preventing the formation of condensation.   The Solis Air Brick is the latest addition to Domus Ventilation’s Building Regulations compliant ducting fire protection products. The company has a range of Fire Sleeves and Fire Collars which prevent the spread of fire where ventilation ducting penetrates fire compartment walls.  To achieve this, Domus Fire Collars and Sleeves are made using a flexible galvanised steel shell containing graphite based intumescent material to ensure impressive fire ratings and have been tested to BSEN 1366-3: 2009.    For customers wishing to find out more about the recent changes to Building Regulations, a Domus Ventilation Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited course on “Residential Ventilation Principles and Building Regulations” has recently been launched.  

Practical Guide to Grade D Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems

The Practical Guide to Grade D Fire Alarm Systems has been published by Tim Benstead Associates to support the designer, installer, commissioner and maintainer of Grade D fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings. The book addresses the following: Competence Fire risk assessment Design Installation Commissioning and certification Maintenance Data is generated by the fire and rescue services for England and is published by the Home Office. Some key elements are highlighted as they relate to fires: Of the 243 fatalities in the year to March 2020, 199 occurred in dwellings Of these 199 fatalities, 175 occurred in single occupancy dwellings Data published in Scotland follows similar trends to the rest of the UK. Data from the last 20 years shows that following the introduction of smoke alarms within dwellings, there has been a significant reduction in fatalities. However, Home Office data (Fire statistics table 0703) shows that the failure rate of battery-powered smoke alarms remains stubbornly fixed at 38%, and has varied very little for the last 10 years. Similarly, whilst the reliability of mains-powered smoke alarms is better than that of battery-powered alarms, the failure rate again is stubbornly set at 21%. Yet again this figure has not varied within the last 10 years. The reasons for such failure rates may be complex, but include inappropriate design, incorrect positioning and the failure to maintain fire alarm systems. With landlords looking to ensure compliance with current legislation and electricians needing independent credible support when designing and installing fire detection and fire alarm systems, this book is a timely publication. Tim spent many years with Certsure LLP (operating the NICEIC brand), and as the Principal Technical Author was responsible for its technical publications including books, Connections articles and its Technical Manual. Tim Benstead MSc, MIET, MCIBSE, Bed (Hons) sits on FSH12/1 the BSI Committee responsible for, amongst other things, BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6. He is also Chair of JPEL64/B and sits on JPEL64 and now runs Tim Benstead Associates as an independent consultant offering independent support for the electrical installation industry. The publication is distributed by www.docs-store.co.uk and major electrical wholesalers.

Ledvance launches street lamps for retrofit solutions

Ledvance has launched a new range of OSRAM NAV LED retrofit lamps to provide impressive street lighting in replacement of high-pressure sodium vapour lamps (NAV). The OSRAM NAV LEDs offer an efficient LED alternative in terms of consumption and maintenance, leading to efficient light, lower costs and simple replacement. The range is the perfect retrofit solution for the direct replacement of conventional NAV lamps in pedestrian zones, parks, area lighting solutions and streets. Commenting on the new range, Nelo Neves, Managing Director of Ledvance UK, says, “The new OSRAM NAV LED retrofit lamps are designed to target efficiency through careful attention to consumption and maintenance. Not only do these lamps consume less energy than conventional high-pressure sodium vapour lamps, but they also reduce maintenance costs with an impressive lifetime. We’re thrilled to be launching this retrofit solution to ensure that outdoor spaces are safe and well-lit to be enjoyed by all.” Ledvance NAV LED retrofit lamps offer a very high efficiency of up to 185lm/W with a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours. There is potential for additional savings through compatibility with CCGs (conventional control gears) and igniters without additional rewiring, leading to the opportunity for night-time switching and dimming during hours of low traffic density. The lamps consume up to 52% less energy than conventional high-pressure sodium vapour lamps, whilst still offering a similar light distribution. The lamps also come with IP40 protection and high surge protection of up to 4kV. Ledvance street lighting solutions come in environmentally friendly cardboard packaging with all relevant product information immediately visible on the outside of the box.

A statement from the BSIA: Tony Allen

It is with sadness that the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) announces the death of Tony Allen, Chairman of the Association’s wholly owned subsidiary Skills for Security and supporter of the BSIA for over 40 years. Tony was 75 and had been ill for a short while. A physics graduate and a one-time technical lecturer, Tony held senior positions at Scantronic and was a founder of Dycon, as well as holding many board positions across the industry, including BSIA SEMs chairman and most recently as Director and Chairman of Skills for Security. Simon Banks, Chairman, BSIA, says: “Tony brought a unique combination of talents to the roles he was responsible for. His considerable commercial experience combined with his own brand of discipline gave him a passion for understanding the systems and processes of the security sector. “In his last major role as Chairman of Skills for Security these talents, combined with strong communication skills, meant he was instrumental in steering the company out of the poor financial position while also relentlessly driving quality improvements to course content and delivery. It was Tony’s tenacity and persuasion that convinced me to become Chairman of the BSIA over three years ago. He genuinely believed in the Association and saw the value of a professional security industry where others didn’t. Our thoughts are with his family.”

HiKOKI wins an iF Design Award for its cordless jigsaws

HiKOKI Power Tools has won a prestigious iF Design Award 2021 for its 12V Peak Range and cordless jigsaws CJ36DA and CJ36DB. The expert international jury for the award recognised the outstanding design of the products and the benefits they bring to professional users.  HiKOKI is no stranger to awards for innovation, having previously won the IF Design Award in 2018 for its cordless framing and finish nailers, for which users do not need air hose, compressor or gas cartridges. “Professionals, rightly demand that their tools not only perform well but are well balanced and ergonomically designed. The CJ36DA and DB are great examples of this and being awarded another IF Design award is testament to our brilliant engineers in Japan,” explains Nick Chan, Marketing Manager for HiKOKI UK “Our high-performance Multi Volt battery and unique brushless motor power these cordless jigsaws that offer best-in-class cutting speed and beautiful, clean cuts. The CJ36DA and CJ36DB jigsaws can smoothly and rapidly achieve the quality finish required by any professional user.” With the CJ36DA and CJ36DB cordless jigsaws, HiKOKI has taken into account trade-specific requirements through different shapes. The CJ36DA is equipped with a top handle and enables precise work in hard-to-reach places. This makes it an all-rounder that is valued by many tradespeople. Likewise, the CJ36DB with a barrel handle fits particularly well in the hand when it is guided below the workpiece. This guarantees an exact cut without torn-out edges on the surface. Both devices are equipped with powerful Multi Volt batteries and brushless motors. Multi Volt batteries have the same size and weight as the 18V battery, but it’s the technology inside that provides you with the improvements you need. The double voltage contributes to an optimal power, without the hassle of cords. Also, the Multi Volt is compatible with almost every HiKOKI cordless tool, which means you can easily switch from one power tool to another, regardless the voltage. So, you’re just a simple click away from maximum performance.

amBX announces innovative new features for SmartCore platform

Smart lighting and building software expert, amBX, has announced the details of the latest updates to its smart lighting control platform, SmartCore.     Representing the latest in smart building technology, SmartCore is a unique software that takes intelligent lighting to new levels of capability, efficiency and interoperability. The latest SmartCore update includes a wealth of new and exciting features that open up additional opportunities for users.  Users will now be able to add Smart Emergency Lighting Control to their SmartCore platform. The new amBX Emergency Lighting Monitoring Dashboard will allow users to input and manage test results, check scheduled fixture tests and record and monitor ongoing actions needed to achieve compliance. Results can be exported to provide a hard-copy records. This will aid with supporting regulatory compliance while simultaneously making the audit process easier.   [embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKwv6-QfKJ4[/embed] The update has also introduced a number of new protocol support options to SmartCore, including publishing data to MQTT topics for IoT applications to access. This allows for connectivity to the cloud and provides lightweight, efficient and reliable data management. On the control and sensor side, a range of new gateway products are supported, including BACnet to DALI solutions such as Tridonic’s SceneCOM and BACMOVE DALION, native BACnet device control and sensor reading is now possible and Xicato Wireless Mesh is also added to the list. To further support these protocol additions, SmartCore now supports D4i, the status and monitoring extension of the Dali 2 standard.   Adding to the list of new functions is a scheduling and event tool, a switch behaviour designer tool, a monitoring tool, and an updated commissioning capability. All of these updates further increase the intelligent capabilities of SmartCore, delivering a better experience for those using a building and those responsible for its deployment and management.   Completing the list of new and innovative features is the localised Dusk and Dawn function. This helps to ensure minimal light pollution and makes buildings more ‘dark sky’ friendly. SmartCore delivers more energy-efficient buildings as it ensures artificial light is only used when needed, and the light levels match the intensity required by the occupants wherever they are in the world.   Introducing the new features, David Eves from amBX says: “At amBX, we are very proud of what we have achieved with SmartCore, and we are always looking for innovative ways to offer even more from the platform.  “SmartCore is ever-evolving, and it is ready to meet the demands of the future, which is why we are excited to launch these new features to bolster the already impressive software.  “We see ourselves as an enabling technology; we work with our clients to solve their smart-tech challenges and strive towards a fully connected, digitised future.” 

New ECS card renewal requirements for fire, emergency and security

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has issued a reminder to ECS card holders that from 1 July 2021 anybody renewing an ECS Fire Detection & Alarm Systems or an Emergency & Security Systems card for the industry will need to meet the new requirements for Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) ECS occupations. There are now four sector disciplines recognised by the ECS in the FESS industry, which include Fire; Fire and Emergency Lighting; Security (Including Access Control, Intruder and CCTV systems), and Fire and Security. Each sector recognises three disciplines which include Systems Operative, Systems Technician and Technical Manager. In addition, the occupations of Labourer, Trainee and Apprentice are recognised by ECS. ECS Fire Detection & Alarm Systems or an Emergency & Security Systems cardholder that completed a recognised industry apprenticeship will be able to continue to renew their ECS card. The new Occupational Qualification Structure introduced by the FESS industry and leading to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card recognition is aimed at promoting higher standards and skills and advancing the standards of professionalism and competence in the sector. The new structure has been developed by an industry-wide working group formed by leading trade associations and employer representatives, including British Security Industry Association (BSIA), FESS Employer Group, Fire Industry Association (FIA), Fire & Security Association (FSA), SELECT, Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) and the Joint Industry Board (JIB). Uniquely recognising the introduction of the FESS Trailblazer, the new structure sets the standard for new entrants to the market at Level 3 whilst also addressing the need to recognise the training, experience and qualifications of the current workforce. From 1 January 2021 the new requirements for Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) ECS occupations became compulsory for all new (initial) card applications, meaning that all new applicants will be required to hold a pathway-specific FESS assessment for the ECS occupation being applied for. Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, says: “The changes brought in at the start of 2021 will take competency standards in the FESS industry to a new level of professionalism. The new pathway also recognises the differences in training, experience and qualifications for those already in the industry, which critically identifies a minimum standard for those who install and maintain fire, emergency and security systems. I am in no doubt that this will be of huge benefit to the future of the FESS workforce.”

CityFibre begins future-proofing the digital infrastructure of Bath

Work to bring full fibre connectivity within reach of almost every home and business in Bath has now begun, with CityFibre breaking ground in Weston. The UK’s largest independent full fibre platform is investing £25m in a city-wide network that will future-proof Bath’s digital needs for generations to come. Along with its build partner, Kier Group, CityFibre is working in close partnership with Bath & North East Somerset 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. CityFibre will be in touch with residents by post ahead of work starting. The overall project is expected to reach completion by 2023 but the first services will go live for people to take advantage of much sooner. As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will begin delivering some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available in the country. In Bath, services are not yet live but will be available from a range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services, with TalkTalk and other providers expected to join the network soon. People interested in giving their home broadband a boost should enter their location in our postcode checker to see when they will be connected. They can also submit their details to be kept up to date on progress and discover who they can get gigabit services from once their street is connected. Speaking of the project,Neil Madle, CityFibre’s City Manager for Bath, says: “Bath is a historic city most often associated with the likes of Jane Austen and its Roman Baths, but it’s also a forward-looking area with one of the fastest growing tech economies in the UK. I’m immensely proud to see work getting underway in Bath today as it means businesses and residents will soon have access to the best infrastructure available. 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 and underpin the city’s digital ambitions.” 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.

SELECT President salutes ‘collaboration and cooperation’

The President of SELECT has praised the “spirit of collaboration and co-operation” shown by the campaigning trade association and its members during the pandemic. Donald W Orr said Scotland’s largest construction trade body had “played a vital role” as it helped contractors, the public and the wider construction industry overcome the dual impact of COVID-19 and Brexit. His comments were echoed by Managing Director Alan Wilson, who says SELECT “is at the forefront of bringing about real and positive change” through its campaigning work on many issues. The comments came in SELECT’s official Annual Review of 2020/21, which was released ahead of the association’s AGM this week. The report highlighted the ongoing success of its long-running campaign for regulation of the industry – and also revealed that membership of SELECT had increased during the pandemic as professionals recognised the benefit of belonging to a successful trade association. Mr Orr – who was re-elected President at the meeting on Wednesday June 2 – says: “When it comes to working together, the last year has shown the great advantages that collaboration and cooperation can bring. “As well as our regular contact with colleagues at ECA and other trade bodies, I’ve been heartened that we have joined the new cross-industry alliance Actuate UK and hit the ground running on skills, building safety, carbon reduction and commercial issues. “Another great example of working together is the wealth of work we have done via the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. I’ve been hugely impressed by the huge amount of advice and information produced and how SELECT has helped it become a principal information hub for all COVID-related issues. “Finally, I’m extremely pleased to see SELECT playing such a vital role in the work of EuropeOn, the organisation that represents electrical trade bodies across Europe. “None of us could have known the uncertainty and upheaval that COVID-19 would bring, but I’m proud of how our association stepped up and adapted to every challenge. By continuing to work together, we can all help the construction industry recover, rebuild and face an uncertain future together. Mr Wilson echoed the President’s words, adding that electricians will be indispensable in the battle to meet the Scottish Government’s renewables targets, providing the skills and expertise necessary to help the country achieve its net-zero carbon targets. He says: “SELECT will continue to pursue the aims of our recent election manifesto, pressing the new government for regulation of the industry, improved procurement, fairer payment conditions and support for training to meet the growing green agenda. “SELECT is at the forefront of bringing about real and positive change for our industry and safeguarding the future of the people who work in it. We will continue to make it our mission to achieve the objectives in our manifesto and encourage others in government and across the sector to do the same.” Among the milestones in the Annual Review, SELECT revealed that since its previous AGM in September 2020, along with sister organisation the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) it had: Answered 6,405 telephone enquiries Delivered 133 online training courses to 945 delegates Issued 3,708 ECS Grade Cards Registered 500 apprentices and adult trainees Attracted 33,074 website visitors Seen subscribers to the SELECTcerts digital certification service rise by 40% Shared 74 updates via its dedicated COVID-19 hub Produced 20 employment guidance documents Processed 3,334 grading applications Created 3,410 ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessments Grown its social media audience by 45% on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Post-COVID boost for small businesses

The UK’s biggest electricity distributor has led the way in reaching out to support thousands of SMEs in the communities it serves to help combat the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses are at the heart of the UK’s economic recovery as COVID-19 restrictions ease this summer – and one utility firm is helping make the sector bounce back better. UK Power Networks estimates there are more than two million Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across London, the East and South East where it delivers electricity, and staff have found new ways to help them overcome challenges which have intensified over the past year. Electric vehicles: As part of its work with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Mayor of London’s EV Taskforce to support the wider move towards Net Zero, UK Power Networks engaged 1,200 SMEs and 88 representative bodies about Electric Vehicles. Many wanted to make the switch to EVs but lacked the time and expertise to prepare - making them the most likely group to get left behind in the transition to low carbon. The one thing most business owners wanted was a central, trusted source of real-life EV examples, to help them weigh up the costs, savings and practical implications. So in the run-up to the COP26 global climate conference, experts at UK Power Networks are collaborating in the Zero Carbon Business Partnership with the FSB, to develop a central online advice service packed with case studies, helping small businesses wishing to decarbonise. Power supplies: The company was the first distribution network operator (DNO) to design a customer-driven definition of SME vulnerability. This means an SME business where a single power cut, even if short, has a significant impact on the lives and wellbeing of its customers and staff. It also covers small businesses who suffer a proportionally significant financial loss from a single power cut and those where the main point of contact has an impairment or communication need requiring adjustments to ensure all communication is accessible. Power supplies are 99.9% reliable, but those businesses most at risk can now receive additional, tailored help if a power cut ever happens. More than 13,500 SMEs have signed up to the company’s Extra Care Register, which launched last year. During the pandemic, UK Power Networks prioritised repairs for critical businesses providing essential services during a power outage. These included GP surgeries and COVID-19 testing and vaccination centres – by using more temporary generators and offering business owners updates by text message. During 2020 the company also gave payment holidays to businesses which were due to pay for repairs, after damaging the network’s power cables. Ian Cameron, head of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, says: “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a host of significant new challenges for SMEs, and we were determined to ensure none of them were left behind as we build back better and support our communities to decarbonise. “We are helping to enable the switch to EVs, and we recognised very quickly that the impact of any power cut on SMEs had increased hugely during any lockdowns and, even more so, in the periods they were able to start trading. “Through our Extra Care Register and wider engagement we have worked closely with SMEs through online surveys and discussions to better understand what difficulties they face in the event of a power cut and how we can best tailor our support to meet their needs and deliver for them. It was action, not just talk.” David Savage, managing director of Savage & Sons Electrical Ltd in Bedfordshire, says: “I’ve been thinking about switching to electric transport for years. I firmly believe it’s an important step and it’s only going to become more necessary in the future. “For small companies to be interested in EVs, it is vital they understand the potential financial benefits and get extra support, especially during the challenges we are facing right now. It’s great to hear about projects like this aimed at helping companies like ours.” Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) comments: “Small businesses are committed to sustainability, and a gradual, affordable move to electric vehicles will be an important step along this journey. “It is very welcome that UK Power Networks gained a detailed understanding of their needs and the support which will be necessary both to help as many as possible transition to electric vehicles in the future where the available technology allows, and to make sure the infrastructure they will need alongside that will be provided.”