Bosch Launches D-TECT 120 Bosch Professional Wall Scanner

The new D-Tect 120 Bosch Professional Wall Scanner is described as an electrician’s must have. If you’re looking for accurate results to boost your professionalism and save time, then this is the tool for you. The intuitive and user friendly detector provides a more detailed and accurate understanding of objects hidden behind surfaces. It brings more confidence and safety when carrying out electrical installations and reduces costly mistakes on the job. The radar scanner for all materials The Bosch Professional D-Tect 120 Wall Scanner is a high performing radar scanner for a variety of materials, including live cables (maximum depth of 60mm), steel and copper (maximum depth of 120mm), wooden stud (maximum depth of 38mm) and water filled plastic pipes (maximum depth of 60mm). It is the ideal detector if your daily work involves: Tracing power supply lines across surfaces that link with sockets whilst avoiding dangerous drilling into live wires. This is facilitated by the informative active current warning symbol on the display. Finding convenient locations to fit light switches and sockets, then the traffic light LED warning signals can help give you a clear indication of available areas to install. Avoiding drilling into water filled plastic pipes that could result in costly consequences. Locating appropriate positions to fit in large and complex fuse boxes. The tool is extremely user friendly with clear visual and audible signals and a high contrast display enabling even beginners to accurately locate cables, and ideal spots for electrical installations. Professional detection with diverse functions Detection Modes The D-Tect 120 detects up to 120mm and can be used to meet a variety of electricians’ application needs through its three detection modes. The illuminated buttons enable users to choose between the drywall, universal or concrete operating modes, increasing the accuracy for different application scenarios. The detection depth varies within the different detection modes in order to optimise accuracy. Universal mode: the default detection mode identifies metal, live wires and water filled plastic pipes the easiest. It offers a maximum detection depth of 60mm, covering the majority of existing wall scenarios and applications. If the detected material is unknown, then this is the mode to use. Drywall mode: a mode optimised for materials such as plasterboard and wallboard giving an accurate detection depth up to 60mm. This is the best mode to detect wooden studs whilst equally as accurate for metal, live wires, and plastic pipes. Concrete mode: has the highest detection depth of 120mm and is optimised for concrete and other homogeneous materials, e.g. to be used when searching for rebar. Main features Centre finder and object tracking function When an object is successfully located, an audio signal will be heard as well as a visual display signal. These features are extremely useful when not only locating objects, but identifying safe areas to drill. The centre of an object is easy to determine thanks to the Centre Finder function. The orientation arrows that appear on the display give the user clear direction to the centre of wires, water-filled plastic pipes, wooden studs and many more. With the object tracking function, you can easily avoid costly mistakes. The D-Tect 120’s clear display screen indicates the positioning of detected objects behind surfaces through its informative direction arrows offering vital guidance for new Electricians. Spot measurement function The innovative radar technology enables spot measurement for precise detection even in the most compact of spaces – there is no need to move the tool back and forth, as results are displayed as soon as the tool comes into contact with the surface. Dual power source The D-Tect 120 combines flexibility with convenience in the workplace with its dual power source, being operable by either alkaline batteries or a 10.8/12V lion battery, from the Bosch Professional Power Tools range - bringing versatility to detection. The Bosch Professional D-Tect 120 Wall Scanner is the perfect electrician’s tool for reducing costly mistakes on the job whilst improving your professionalism and customer satisfaction. The reliability of this tool will never leave you asking questions of what could have been done better on that job. You can upgrade your one year warranty to three years for free if the D-Tect 120 is registered within four weeks of purchase on the Bosch Professional website, making this a long lasting tool for all Electricians. The D-Tect 120 can be purchased from the Bosch website here: https://shop.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/product/detector-d-tect-120-wallscanner--43656--0601081300.

Europe Electric Underfloor Heating Market to Mark Ascending Growth by 2026

According to a new Graphical Research growth forecast report, the Europe Electric Underfloor Heating Market is predicted to mark ascending growth by 2026. The European electric underfloor heating market is predicted to grow on account of adverse impact of climate change pertaining to which European and other Nordic countries are experiencing extreme cold winters. These units have become a necessity across the household and commercial establishments. It is a central heating system which facilitates flexible and convenient installation on walls or ceilings without demanding extra space and works on either electricity or a hydraulic system to facilitate optimal indoor temperature via techniques like convection, conduction or radiation. Key product functions, including advanced heating and temperature control coupled with enhanced aesthetic product design and health benefits will facilitate mass product adoption. For instance, Norway has the highest number of patients suffering from osteoporosis, which is a condition leading to bone mass loss and will result in increased rate of incurring serious bone fractures. The heating system helps in relieving such patients and helps in combatting respiratory allergies by carrying fine dust particles upwards owing to circular motion of convention currents. Increasing deployments across new building establishments owing to low maintenance, the ability to work well with any kind of flooring and its potential to increase the property value manifolds will drive the business growth. Tax credit initiatives adopted by respective governments has addressed the financial hurdle towards making the product affordable. Furthermore, strict environmental norms have shifted the customer focus towards energy efficient and reliable heating systems. The commercial electric underfloor heating market is set to grow, owing to key benefits including product flexibility and energy efficiency. In addition, other advantages including quick drying of spills, restriction of circulation of dust and the non-corrosive nature of its heating elements, have made it preferred options for hospitality sector and other such public spaces. Increasing adoption across the large-scale establishments to combat the increased heating load will further encourage the product adoption. Thriving tourism along with adverse climatic conditions will fuel the France electric underfloor heating market size. The country is targeting to cater to 100 million international visitors in 2020 and therefore is significantly investing in hotels and hospitality sector along with provision of luxury and extreme comfort to customers. Moreover, pressing norms of EU’s circular economy seeking for sustainable developments along with ongoing government focus toward green building development will positively enhance the industry outlook. Source: https://www.graphicalresearch.com/press-release/europe-electric-underfloor-heating-market

Aico becomes an EIC Champion

Over the last few years, Aico has partnered with the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), with the aim of strengthening and supporting the electrical industry. Aico is proud to announce that it is now recognised as an Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) Champion. As an EIC Champion, Aico is helping to support the only charity which is specifically for people working within the electrical industry and their families. Aico will also have exclusive access to health presentations created by EIC, which explore the different topics which affect the electrical industry, such as mental health, brain injury, financial wellbeing, and self-identity issues. An Aico colleague will be nominated as the internal EIC Champion representative. They will have the opportunity to discuss these health topics with a qualified member of the charity welfare team before delivering presentations to their Aico colleagues. Aico and the EIC have recently joined forces to help educate and increase understanding of mental health awareness with virtual, online training. These sessions will be run by a qualified EIC trainer and aim to provide an understanding of what mental health is, knowledge on some common mental health issues and encourage challenging of the stigmas associated with mental health. This initiative will help educate in ways to look after your own mental health and to support someone who may be in distress. The EIC is an industry charity that, for over 100 years, has recognised the importance of providing the right support and meeting the wellbeing needs of individuals to create better workplaces and industry communities. As a member of the electrical and energy sector, you are entitled to all the support the EIC has to offer. This assistance is facilitated by a free and confidential helpline manned 365 days a year by the EIC’s dedicated welfare team. They offer support on things like family or relationship problems, financial or legal worries, emotional or mental health problems, and ill health or disability. Commenting on Aico becoming an EIC Champion, Aico Managing Director, Neal Hooper, said: “The Electrical Industries Charity is more important than ever, especially with mental health support during this crisis. Becoming an EIC Champion means we can help in every way we can, such as facilitating mental health awareness training.”

Underfloor heating and smart control questions answered

Contractors must be prepared for the growing popularity of smart control technology in residential and commercial building heating systems, according to Warming The Next Generation, a new downloadable guide from polymer specialist REHAU. With space heating methods continuing to change and develop as efficiency and sustainability becomes an increasing priority, REHAU’s new guide focuses on smart controls and its role in this shifting landscape. Specifically, it explores the use of underfloor heating (UFH), and its flexibility in commercial and residential properties when combined with such smart technology. The guide explores trends in modern space heating requirements in multiple environments, including co-working spaces and home offices. It goes on to outline the growth of smart controls within the heating and energy markets and offers practical advice for developers and contractors looking to implement smart control and underfloor heating technology into their projects. “We are moving towards a smart future and the role of technology in our everyday lives is increasing exponentially,” says Franz Huelle, Head of Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “With guides such as Warming The Next Generation, we aim to raise awareness of this ongoing trend, the factors behind it, and what it means for building professionals. Equipped with clear, concise information about the future of UFH and smart controls, contractors and developers can ensure they are best placed to react to this growing demand for greater levels of modular control within residential and commercial buildings.” Referencing the introduction of 5G and the ever-growing smart technology market, the guide goes on to highlight the importance of keeping abreast of the latest smart innovations as the construction sector moves toward a connected future. Using REHAU’s own NEA Smart 2.0 UFH smart control as an example, it explores how internet connectivity, machine learning and geofencing technology can optimise space heating, simplify installation and maintenance, and give any building heating system flexibility and adaptability long into the future. Huelle continues: “Alongside government bodies and contractors, suppliers have a major role to play in ensuring the country’s building stock is sustainable and efficient, and this guide is part of our commitment to achieving this. We want to show construction professionals that, regardless of their project’s size or complexity, expert advice and comprehensive, flexible solutions that improve overall sustainability are available.”

SELECT helps blaze a trail as industry unites to promote fire sector skills

SELECT has helped shape a new Occupational Qualification Structure by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry that will lead to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Card recognition. Aimed at promoting high standards and skills, the new structure has been developed by an industry-wide working group formed by SELECT and other leading trade associations and employer representatives including: British Security Industry Association (BSIA) FESS Employer Group Fire Industry Association (FIA) Fire & Security Association (FSA) Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) 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 while also addressing the need to recognise the training, experience and qualifications of the current workforce. This new pathway 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. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, said: “This new development is a significant step forward as it recognises existing professionalism and also blends upskilling and training with formal and structured assessment. “SELECT particularly welcomes its introduction as it dovetails perfectly with our own ongoing contribution towards modernisation of the ECS in Scotland. Ensuring the FESS workforce of tomorrow has the correct qualifications with meaningful assessments also reinforces the importance of our campaign for protection of title, to ensure only properly qualified individuals build an electric future for us all.” Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, said: “I’m delighted to have worked alongside the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems industry who collectively represent over 3,000 companies with over 80,000 employees who will benefit from the introduction of the new Occupational Qualification Structure and the new suite of ECS cards which recognise the skills of the entire FESS workforce. “A key strength of ECS and its partnership with CSCS is that it provides assurance that cardholders working across sites in the UK have a high level of skills and experience.” There are now four sector disciplines recognised by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) in the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry which include: Fire Fire and emergency lighting Security (Including access control, intruder and CCTV systems) 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. These FESS ECS occupations replace the existing Fire Detection & Alarm Systems and the Emergency & Security Systems cards. The FESS requirements will become compulsory in early 2021 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. From summer 2021, all card renewals will also need to meet the FESS requirements and hold a pathway specific FESS assessment.

Electrical Safety Roundtable launch 12 Steps to Safe Isolation Infographic

The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) in the workplace met for the first time at the beginning of 2018, with the overarching aim of improving Electrical Safety in places of work. Representatives of the electrical industry who are responsible for electrical safety within a workplace convened to thrash out what the biggest causes of concern regarding electrical safety in the industry were and decided to initially focus on ‘safe isolation’. Worrying statistics shows that one in five installers do not carry a lock out kit in their van or tool bag, and 25% of electricians rarely or never use a lock out kit to isolate the electrical supply they are working on. In response to the evident need to raise awareness of safe isolation within the workplace, the group created a 12 Easy steps to Safe Isolation infographic. We see ourselves in unprecedented times right now, and although there is uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, electrical work is still going ahead, and therefore electrical safety is still very much an essential priority. This new guidance aims to provide support to ensure that workers on site are not exposed to the potentially fatal danger of live electricity. Safe isolation is a necessary process undertaken by competent electrical installers which safely isolates electrical circuits or equipment, prior to completing electrical work. The ESR created the safe isolation infographic with the assistance of Louise Taggart. Louise sadly lost her brother Michael in 2005 as a result of an electrical incident at work, which should and could have been prevented if safe isolation measures were used. Michael's story has had a massive impact throughout the sector and ESR's goal is to promote this infographic extensively and make safe isolation common practice to avoid devastating accidents like this happening in the future. Paul Meenan, chair of the ESR’s in the Workplace group said “It has been an honour to work with everyone to create the 12 steps to safe isolation infographic. Many accidents are due to the lack of awareness around safe isolation procedures, or the process not being carried out correctly. 33% of electricians who don’t use a voltage tester think they are experienced enough not to make a mistake; it is imperative that we change this outlook going forward. This was an obvious place for our group to start and make a difference and I would like to thank all the members of the committee for their first-hand knowledge and technical expertise throughout the process of creating this.”

Schneider Electric launch mySchneider Panel Builder program

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of the mySchneider Panel builder Program, a new platform to encourage transformative projects within Schneider Electric’s energy management ecosystem. With the mySchneider Panel Builder program, Schneider Electric is empowering its panel builder network to drive profit and growth by staying ahead of the competition, simplify their life and develop its internal teams through digital interaction and innovations. The mySchneider Panel Builder program will provide partners with: A best-in-class digital ecosystem enabling today’s panel builders to stay ahead of the curve Providing dedicated partners with exclusive access to a range of business insights and solutions can help them gain market share and expand business opportunities. Most importantly, Schneider partners can be solution providers, bringing the combined knowledge of the ecosystem to projects. Upskill their workforce with our curated learning path The agile and intelligent platform provides Schneider partners with the essential skills needed to keep their business and employees fully updated in the global marketplace - including the latest in ramping up business and preparing for new normal, managing projects, IoT-enabled products and more. Stay updated and future-ready with the latest industry trends The program delivers the latest and most relevant industry developments - both from a global and local perspective. Access Schneider’s deep and relevant industry-specific knowledge base through a certified partner program invested in a project’s lifecycle.

Emergency lighting is now more important than ever

Now that many businesses have re-opened their shops and buildings after a long period of inactivity, it is time to keep on top of the vital emergency lighting maintenance, re-charging the batteries for all types of emergency luminaires, whether an emergency bulkhead, an emergency exit sign or a simple fire exit sign. Integral LED offers emergency lighting solutions that re-charge pretty quickly and so will help with speeding up getting exit lights and escape route lighting back fit for purpose again. No business owner wants to slow down re-opening their premises after the lockdown period, by having to spend a substantial amount of time on a building's maintenance but is worth being aware that when properties are left empty or unoccupied for a long period of time, the correct functioning of the emergency lighting fittings may be compromised. Many of the UK’s offices and shops have been suddenly left empty for months due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Some have been permanently moth-balled and some temporarily vacant. As the economy gets back to normal, and people get back to work, it is important to make sure that the emergency lighting and battery supply alike are working properly to protect staff and customers in the case of fire or another reason. If the mains power of the buildings has been turned off or it has experienced a power failure, maybe a power cut, it is possible that the emergency lighting batteries or battery backup will have discharged themselves, so it is vital that all battery-powered LED emergency lights are checked, re-charged and inspected to confirm compliance. Many different battery technologies exist and are used in emergency lighting products such as Ni-Cd (which can take 24 hours to re-charge), LiFePo4 or Lithium-Ion which are more modern and take minimum 12 hours to charge. Integral LED recommends a full discharge test is completed and batteries re-energised again to be fully compliant and ensure the buildings are in A1 condition for re-occupation. The company's emergency lighting solutions take a minimum 12 hours to energise, minimising the timings for making a building compliant.

Schneider Electric and RS Components launch initiative to drive industrial digital transformation

Schneider Electric has launched a joint initiative with RS Components (RS), the global industrial and electronic products and solutions provider. The partnership extension sees the introduction of the latest Schneider Electric automation and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) innovations and technical knowledge to RS, including the Modicon M262. A PLC and motion controller, the M262 brings together factory control, monitoring and cloud computing, without peripheral equipment and complex programming, securely and cost-effectively. In total, RS will be adding more than 3,000 Schneider Electric solutions to its platform as part of the ongoing initiative. Products include robotics, motor control, and safety devices from across the Schneider Electric IIoT range. Whilst the company will provide engineers with access to Schneider Electric’s broad industrial technology range, stocked in-depth and available for 24-hour delivery across the EMEA region, the partnership will also enable RS to extend its knowledge of key IIoT innovations and pass on its benefits to customers. With the initiative, Schneider Electric is broadening its customer base, bringing its new launched IIoT innovations to a wider field. While increasing its reach, the extension also enables the company to ensure the highest level of service is provided to users. By taking a more active role with RS, Schneider is effectively up-skilling the industry to improve decision-making and specification. “We want to be the first choice for every customer requiring industrial control devices, whatever their demands. That means we have to have the ability to specify and support, as well as execute,” said Kristian Olsson, Vice President of Industrial Automation and Control at RS. “Having Schneider Electric’s expertise directly embedded into our company, effectively allows us to provide the best possible technical advice and help customers make the best possible decisions.” “Working together for 30 years and across 25 countries, RS is a valued and trusted industrial partner. Investing in them effectively expands industry knowledge and raises the level of its solutions,” said Martin Walder, VP of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric. “With our suite of products and service experience, we are uniquely positioned to help the end user choose and maintain their industrial solutions. We hope the initiative will help grow the RS offering and enable us to bring our expertise to customers.”

Megaman launches new full lighting range catalogue

Megaman has launched a new lighting catalogue to showcase its range of low energy fixtures, integrated luminaires, LED lamps and smart lighting technology. With products suitable for retail, office, residential, hospitality and even farm environments, Megaman’s diverse portfolio of products can accommodate a wide range of applications. The catalogue includes details of Megaman’s integrated LED battens, bulkheads, ultra slim panels, louvres, fire-rated downlights, floodlights and dual beam track lights. Its INGENIUM ZB smart lighting and home automation solution is featured as well as its extensive range of LEDs. Megaman also introduces the new TEMPUS range of emergency lighting solutions within the catalogue. This new series includes ultra-discreet recessed LED downlights and spotlights, high quality IP65 LED operated emergency exit signs, as well as LED light box and bulkhead solutions with optional pictogram exit signs. Also available are lightweight, self-contained emergency packs suitable for use with LED light panels, Megaman’s GU10 LEDs and TEGO fire-rated downlights. The catalogue offers insight into another of Megaman’s new spotlight products, the RENZO integrated modular LED bulkhead. Available in three different sizes, RENZO comes with built-in dual colour change technology (CCT), meaning it can be easily switched between 3000K and 4000K colour temperature to suit the requirement. Easy to install with a plug-and-play modular design, RENZO offers an average lifetime of up to 50,000 hours and comes with a five-year warranty. Micaela Abbott, National Sales Manager at Megaman UK commented: “With a number of new products due for release over the coming months it was an ideal time for us to launch a new user friendly, comprehensive lighting catalogue. Whatever you are looking for, at Megaman we have a solution and we are now better placed to demonstrate that as the catalogue contains everything needed by contractors, wholesalers and specifiers alike to make an informed product selection.” To request a copy of the new lighting catalogue please email sales@megamanuk.com or contact your local Megaman business development manager.