VIDEO - Self Test Emergency Lighting Saves Time and Money

Neil Baldwin, Managing Director at ESP, looks at the self test area of the emergency lighting sector and how it can save building owners time and money. The video at the end of this page introduces the company's new emergency light test switches. Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in almost every building, with one simple, life-saving task: to provide light if a power outage shuts down a building’s standard operational lighting. It is the responsibility of building owners and responsible persons to prove that the emergency lighting systems they are responsible for are working correctly and are regularly maintained so that they are in full working order. All emergency lighting installations must have routine tests carried out, with each system luminaire the subject of daily, monthly and annual testing. These tests should all be documented with the results including maintenance and rectification results all held on file. Whilst the testing of emergency lighting does not take much effort and isn’t difficult, manually inspecting every single lighting luminaire for lamp starting, operation and duration performance can be can be a very labour intensive and therefore expensive task. However, with the latest improvements in technology, routine testing can be simple, automatic and therefore much less expensive. It is now possible for building owners to take advantage of emergency lighting equipment that ‘self-tests’ in accordance with the relevant standards. Installing self-test emergency lighting units can reduce the burden of testing emergency lighting installations as they perform all mandatory testing automatically, removing the need for manual testing to be carried out by the user or building owner. The resulting reduction of labour time leads to inevitable cost savings. Whilst the initial costs for the products may be higher, overall they will provide a very short payback period - making them an ideal option that should be given consideration at the beginning of any project. The benefits of self-test emergency light units include ease of installation, with no need for key switches, data cables for example. Convenience is also a major plus, with mandatory tests carried out without disruption to the normal use of the building, and any faults identified. The self test units identify faults in luminaires and any faults are then highlighted to maintenance personnel, saving them the time and effort it would take to search the building in question for faults. Self-test units use an accurate internal clock programmed to interrupt the permanent mains supply at set intervals, initiating emergency lighting tests. Short duration weekly and monthly tests and annual full duration tests are automatically activated with the results shown via an LED indicator on the light. The responsible person only needs to check the indicator and it means that only lights with reported faults will need to be attended to by maintenance personnel. During initial power up of a self-test unit, an automatic commissioning stage will begin. The internal clock will commence at a random time between 0 and 24 hours – this avoids the luminaires all going into test at the same time. After the initial charge up time (up to 72 hours), the unit will carry out a full duration test. After all initial tests are completed successfully the inbuilt processor will start the standard programmed test schedule, reporting failing functions via the status LED. In addition it is also possible to initiate a manual test on self test emergency lighting fittings for extra peace of mind. Monitoring results the results is straightforward. A single bicolour LED indicates the system status. A green LED on constant with a pulse once every minute shows that the micro-processor is active and functioning. A battery low status will be indicated by an amber LED flashing and internal buzzer which sounds for 10 seconds every four hours. If a fault clears, the LED indicators will return to green. During the test periods, the following statuses will apply: Green LED on constant Passed test – LED returns to green Failed test – Red LED flashing As a leading supplier of safety and security products through the electrical wholesale channel, ESP continues to develop its Duceri range of Emergency Lighting to meet the latest standards and to keep up with the latest technology. The company has recently added a range of Self Test Emergency Light Fittings which offers numerous benefits over standard fittings by reducing the costs and time associated with manual testing and inspection. There are five new self test products to its growing Duceri Emergency Lighting range. 3W LED Maintained Emergency Self-contained Downlight with Self Test and Interchangeable Open and Corridor Lens. 3W LED Emergency Open Lens Downlight with Self Test 9W LED IP65 Non-Maintained Emergency Twin Spot with Self Test 3W LED IP65 Maintained Emergency Bulkhead with Self Test 3W LED Maintained Emergency Exit Box with Self Test The new Self Test range of products has all been tested and complies with the latest standards.  They are easy to install and offer convenience and reduced maintenance time and costs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amtjVaEx1jQ For further information contact ESP on 01527 515150, email info@espuk.com or visit www.espuk.com.

2020 Apprentice Of The Year Competition Cancelled

NICEIC and Elecsa have confirmed that the grand final of the 2020 Apprentice of The Year competition has been cancelled. The move comes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been taken in conjunction with event partners, including Scolmore Group, to ensure the health and safety of all concerned. Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Presenter, NICEIC & ELECSA, explains, “It is with deep regret that we have decided to halt this year's Apprentice of the Year Competition. Although it is without doubt the right thing to do given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we recognise the amount of work each apprentice has put into the process thus far and how disappointing this decision will be. “The competition has been running for five years and is an important activity in our calendar; it underlines our commitment to unearthing homegrown talent and instilling technical excellence at the heart of our industry. “2020 was shaping up to be our best year yet, with a high number of applicants demonstrating an exceptional level of competence. Unfortunately, we will not be able to name an overall winner. Still, we would like to thank all of the apprentices who applied and encourage each of them to remain focused on developing their skills and succeeding in this trade." The following eight finalists, who battled two intense rounds to make it into the final, will each receive prize bundles to mark their achievement: Archy Oliver, Lowe Electrical – Leicestershire Cameron Moss, Scotts – Belfast Jamie Goulder, AW Electrical – Devon Oliver Jordan, Lowe & Oliver – Eastleigh Katie Harvey, Darke & Taylor – Oxford Sean McNamee, Capitol Engineering Services – Surrey Blair Manderson, Fife Government – Fife James White, Faradays - Eastleigh

Watch Five New AM2 Top Tips Videos

A series of top tips videos to help those taking their AM2 or AM2S assessment have been launched by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) as part of a comprehensive website redesign. With five separate videos covering each section of the AM2 – safe isolation, installation, inspection and testing, fault finding and the online test – the films highlight some of the common areas where candidates fail, pitfalls to avoid and advice on how best to approach the tasks. Elsewhere on the new website, guidance for candidates, training providers and employers is available to give advice on undertaking an industry End Point Assessment or Assessment of Occupational Competence, how best to prepare and what to expect. The AM2 has been the means of independently assessing the occupational competence of electrical apprentices for more than 30 years. Following the introduction of the new electrotechnical Apprenticeship Standard in 2015, NET developed the AM2S to meet the new requirement for an ‘End Point Assessment’ for each apprentice. In addition to its work on AM2 and AM2S, industry charity NET supports other specialist and emerging electrotechnical areas with assessments of competence, including the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) End Point Assessment and the Cable Jointing assessment. “Preparation is key with the AM2 and AM2S and so we hope that the new videos will help candidates go into their assessment with some key hints and tips for success,” says Carolyn Mason, NET Chief Executive. “Teamed with the Readiness for Assessment checklists, also available on the NET website, candidates and their training providers can look closely at what skills will be needed for the assessment and gain greater confidence before they attend.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIqyFm3gVlI&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_Zla6_kkhE&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6_KtOQpO2o&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBc-8TeIFMM&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0a8ymRUs2Y&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8SveMUa2DY&feature=emb_title    

What Are Landlords’ Electrical Safety Responsibilities During The Pandemic?

NAPIT has launched Guidance for Landlords on the new Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector, England, which come into force on July 1 2020. The Regulations coming into force are for new specified tenancies which require private landlords to ensure their properties are subject to electrical inspection and testing, resulting in a satisfactory report, carried out by a qualified, competent person at intervals not exceeding five years. This will apply to all existing specified tenancies from the 1st April 2021. Despite these challenging and uncertain times, the regulations will still be introduced as planned, with the Government issuing guidance making it clear that Landlords are still responsible for providing safe homes during the pandemic, but that if they can show that they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with their duties under the regulations, they are not in breach of the duty if they cannot comply. Mike Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of NAPIT comments, "As the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers, we see it as our duty to provide accurate, consistent and easy to understand Guidance for landlords on these new Regulations. Electrical Safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and we have worked hard on this guidance to make it easy for Landlords to understand their requirements. We have also launched a dedicated online search facility on our website helping landlords search for competent and qualified tradespeople that they can trust to carry out their electrical inspections. As well as this we have created a new Landlord Electrical Installation Safety Record for our members to use which provides a summary of the often lengthy Electrical Installation Condition Report. We will continue to support both our members and Landlords during this period of adjustment." For a detailed breakdown of the new Regulations and for more information on the issue of compliance during lockdown and answers to questions including: ‘Do I have to have another full electrical installation safety report carried out if my first one is unsatisfactory? How can I ensure the Electrical Inspector I use to undertake the Electrical Inspection and testing of my electrical installation meets the requirement to be qualified and competent? Does my electrical installation need to comply with the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations?’ - read this specially developed Landlord Guidance, which explains the Regulations.

Select To Refund 30% of 2020 Membership Fees

Select is giving its members a significant discount on membership fees to help ease some of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The trade association for electrical contractors in Scotland has informed its 1,246 members that they will be receiving a 30% discount on their 2020 subscription fees. Members who have already paid their subscription in full will receive a refund, while those who pay by direct debit will only have seven of their 10 instalments collected. Select President, Kevin Griffin, explains, “This financial support package is unprecedented, but we are living in unprecedented times and we believe this decision will offer some much-needed financial assistance to members. “Select's Central Board is made up of working electrical professionals, all of whom are facing the same challenges as their fellow members. We therefore understand first-hand the issues our sector is experiencing and want to do everything we can to help each other. “Also, as a not-for-profit organisation, we are purely here to assist our members and put their needs first – so that’s exactly what we are doing.” Alan Wilson, Select's Managing Director, adds, “As we begin to come out of the immediate crisis and to return to work, Select will continue to ensure that it does as much as possible to support its members in a host of different ways.” The move is just one of a number of emergency measures that Select has introduced to help members weather the pandemic. Others include online training, advice webinars and a dedicated COVID-19 hub, updated daily with the latest employment, financial and contractual information. The association is also playing a leading role in the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, a collective of Scotland’s largest trade and professional bodies who are currently gathering intelligence, sharing advice and speaking directly with government on a variety of vital COVID-19 issues. Select Director of Finance and Resources and Association Secretary, John McGhee, comments, “This financial assistance is the latest in a host of measures we have taken to ensure our members are fully supported. Our advice and information system has been unrivalled in the construction sector and our staff have supported us magnificently in all sorts of ways.” Alan Wilson concludes, “While it has not exactly been ‘business as usual’, the Select offices have remained open in a virtual sense throughout the crisis and dealt with hundreds of queries from members. “We have added virtual training courses and online digital drop-in meetings, as well as updating our website and social media channels daily with the most comprehensive guidance and advice available. This support will continue long after the pandemic has subsided, as we continue to put the needs of our members first.”

UK Fire And Rescue Services Adapt To New Safety Threats

According to figures released today by power management company Eaton, fire and rescue services (FRS) across the UK are introducing new training in line with the changing nature of risk today.  This new data was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, issued to 50 fire and rescue services across the UK, with 41 of them responding.  Over a third (36%) of fire and rescue services reported an increase in the number of individuals they have rescued due to fire, flooding or any other safety risk or threat from a non-residential building compared to five years ago.  The data also revealed the steps many fire and rescue services have taken to better prepare for the changing nature of risk today. The majority – 34 fire and rescue services – have gone as far as to introduce specific operational training to improve the operational response to rescuing individuals from buildings, planning for newer threats such as terrorist attacks in addition to ‘traditional’ threats like fire and flooding. Marc Gaunt, segment lead, commercial buildings, Eaton comments, “Fire and rescue services are actively adapting processes to address the changing nature of risk today. While this is extremely positive, individuals’ safety within buildings cannot rely on fire brigades alone. Building owners and facilities managers must also understand the new risks to occupants and infrastructure in UK buildings today, as well as taking steps to mitigate these threats. “Building and occupant safety is becoming more challenging as we face a number of non-traditional threats, from power outages to terrorism. The changing profile of risk today requires building owners and facilities managers to constantly re-evaluate safety strategies for those who use their premises.”  In addition to new risks, more traditional risks remain prevalent. Over a quarter (27%) of FRS have seen a rise in primary fires in residential buildings ignited by 'white goods'. Additionally, almost a third (31%) reported an increase in primary fires in residential buildings ignited by an electric fault or caused by a problem with electrical distribution compared to five years ago. This leap in primary fires has also led to an increase in the number of people fire brigades have had to rescue from buildings due to electrically-ignited fires or fires stemming from electrical distribution compared to five years ago. In fact, 24% report an increase for these rescues from residential buildings and 26% confirm an increase in these rescues from commercial buildings.  “The number of electrical devices in the home and at work has increased significantly as technology has advanced,” says Gaunt. “While this may explain the increase in electrically-ignited fires, technology advances have also led to solutions which can mitigate the risks of these fires and offer better protection to individuals – whether they are on commercial or private premises. “Facilities managers and building owners must continually educate themselves on the newest technologies, from Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) that prevent electrical fires to the latest adaptive evacuation technology which can ease congestion or help guide people safely out of a building when trying to evacuate. In addition to easing reliance on our fire and rescue services, this will improve building safety for everyone – whether that’s staff in an office, students within a university or sports fans in a stadium. “The FOI findings reflect the expanding breadth and severity of safety risks in buildings. Safety is a key focus for facilities managers and building owners but as they navigate this complicated threat landscape, it’s vital that they explore the technology that can reduce risks. Many electrically-ignited fires can be prevented before they start. Evacuation processes can be streamlined to get people to safety more quickly. This new era of risk requires new and forward-looking defence mechanisms. Without them, we risk failing to protect what matters most. Building owners and managers must re-evaluate the way they protect people and property in line with the changing nature of risk and risk mitigation today.”  

NICEIC Invites Approved Contractors To Opt-in To New PRS Register

NICEIC has invited all Approved Contractors to enrol on a new Government endorsed register ahead of key legislation introduction. Designed to assist landlords and their agents, the new register identifies competent electrical contractors who can undertake mandatory electrical safety checks in private rental properties in England. The move responds to new PRS legislation, which comes into force on July 1, 2020, and reaffirms NICEIC's commitment to technical excellence and raising safety standards.  Under the new legislation, which comes into force on July 1, 2020, private landlords will be required to ensure their properties are subjected to mandatory electrical installation testing at least every five years. Official guidance will soon be released signposting landlords, and their agents, to the Competent Persons Electrical website.  Here they will be able to search for qualified, electrical contractors able to undertake electrical safety checks in their properties. The NICEIC requires Approved Contractors to 'opt-in' should they wish to be included on the list.  This can be done by clicking here. During this process, registrants must confirm they meet all scheme requirements which include, having the correct professional qualifications, operating in compliance with best practice guidelines as set out by Electrical Safety First and holding professional indemnity insurance cover. "We have taken the decision to ask our Approved Contractors to 'opt-in' as opposed to registering them by default for two reasons," says NICEIC Technical Director, John O'Neill "The first relates to raising standards; we must make sure all NICEIC contractors are fully aware of their obligations under this new scheme. By adding in an additional layer of accountability, we are taking responsible measures to ensure this essential piece of legislation delivers the required safety improvements for all. "The second respects contractor choice and promotes consumer satisfaction. While this legislation is both needed and welcomed, we appreciate that not all of our Approved Contractors work in the Private Rented Sector. By operating an 'opt-in' model, we aim to avoid frustration and ensure landlords, and their agents can quickly identify the right NICEIC contractor for the job." NICEIC contractors operating under the Approved Contractor scheme automatically meet the professional qualification criteria for the Competent Person Electrical Register. Contractors who are registered under the NICEIC DIS and ELECSA Part P schemes will need to take additional steps in order to qualify. For more details, click here.

Schneider Electric Spearheads Net Zero Home Programme

Schneider Electric has partnered with Sustainable Ventures in a bid to help create the carbon neutral home. According to the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the UK will not meet its zero carbon goals without almost entirely eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from Britain’s 29 million homes.  Schneider Electric has created the Net Zero Home Programme in partnership with Sustainable Ventures to boost innovation and help accelerate time to market for sustainable smart homes and ‘plant to plug’ solutions. From May 11 2020, start-ups and SMEs in the sustainable home and net zero sector can apply to undertake trials and proof of concepts (PoCs) using their innovations with Schneider Electric. Sustainable Ventures will host the competition call and shortlist entries.   Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a Net Zero Home workshop before pitching to Schneider’s Innovation Team and Mike Hughes, President of UK&I. They will each receive a £5,000 cash Net Zero Home Grant, along with access to Sustainable Ventures’ flagship site (Bankside, London) complete with co-working space, event space and testing facilities.   From August 3 2020, the top three companies will work with the Sustainable Ventures team for three months to fully explore the potential impact of their technology in developing net zero homes and plant to plug solutions, with design and cost trials, before presenting a business case for funding to Schneider Electric. The successful start-up will work closely with Schneider Electric to develop and scale their solution and achieve mass-market deployment, with access to Schneider’s extensive channel and partner network. “As net zero targets draw closer, electrification will continue to grow. By 2050, electricity use in homes is set to more than double, outstripping industry, as well as commercial and transport use combined. This growth will see bills increase, pilling pressure on consumers as well as national infrastructure,” says Katie Mills, Head of Innovation at Schneider Electric. “To meet this challenge, the net zero home is needed today. Homes must become smarter, more connected and more efficient. Consumers, businesses and governments need to be able to optimise household energy use, from heating and lighting to energy generation, consumption and storage. We’re developing our business to meet these challenges and ensure that we’re best placed to create the net zero home – we want to work with cutting edge innovators to make this vision a reality.”  Arsha Branson, Head of Innovation Services at Sustainable Ventures comments, “The Net Zero Home Programme represents an unmatched opportunity for cleantech start-ups and SMEs to achieve mass-market deployment of their innovation. Access to our deep venture development expertise as well as Schneider Electric’s global reach of 250 million homes and 205,000 trained electricians, is unparalleled. We believe that this programme could have a lasting impact on the industry and inspire the next generation of sustainable solutions.”

Zumtobel Transforms BDP With LINETIK Luminaires

Zumtobel Lighting recently undertook a turnkey project for the supply and installation of its LINETIK luminaires at architect BDP’s offices in Clerkenwell, London together with project management and assistance with the commissioning.  Zumtobel worked to the lighting designer’s brief which required the retention of existing track, the addition of new track and installation of special variant LINETIK pendant luminaires with neutral white uplight and slightly warmer downlight - so as to coordinate with the existing illumination strategy.  Located in a converted brewery in the heart of Clerkenwell, BDP’s London office is their largest, with an interdisciplinary community of 350 architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. The building also serves as a hub with flexible meeting, restaurant, event and exhibition spaces.  Zumtobel developed a pendant variant of LINETIK with a track-mounted control gear enclosure so it could be mounted to existing and new lengths of three-phase universal track.  LINETIK has a minimal form with advanced LED optics and integrated sensors, making it a good choice for a workplace luminaire with visual comfort. LINETIK has a discreet form that uses unique lighting technology to deliver direct/indirect illumination for maximum effect. The uplight and downlight components were customised for this job at 4,000K and 3,500K, respectively. This high-performance design with a luminous flux of around 6,000 lumens ensures that light is distributed evenly across shared workplaces. With EN12464 compliant luminance distribution this lighting solution features anti-glare characteristics. With 60% of the light output being indirect, a comfortable and stimulating room brightness distribution is achieved. DC String technology by Tridonic has also been used on the installation and allows power and data to be transferred through the cable, along with separate control of the direct and indirect components. The wireless solution allows adjustment of the lighting with complete flexibility to suit the space, the suspension distance and the reflectance of the ceiling.

Introducing SolderM8 - An Innovation To Aid LED Strip Lighting

Connleth Mulholland, of San Francisco-based Mulholland Electric, explains the problems with installing LED strip lights, the costly faults that can develop, and how they have solved a common problem. About 10 years ago, LED strip lighting was thought of as a luxury choice, or a passing fashion; however, there are no signs of any decline in demand for this look. In fact, the opposite is now the case. LED strip lighting has become a part of the mandatory code here in California and it is now more or less a standard element in the majority of residential and commercial projects throughout Europe and further afield. Along with this, however, has come one of the electrician’s most fiddly, time-consuming and very often the most frustrating task of the trim phase. The problem is that the process of installing these strips remains to be fully developed in order to enable the electrician to present a professional and robust finish that they can be confident will not cause them expensive call-back problems due to faults developing. Having spent a lot of time installing the strips, I have noted that most electricians choose to use connectors. These little gadgets are great in the unskilled DIY setting - and yes, they are a handy option for some electricians - but we found they were often the reason for costly call-backs. Mulholland Electric My brother and I set up ‘Mulholland Electric’ in 2008 after recession hit and we found ourselves laid-off from the large company we had been working for. From those shaky beginnings of the recession days, we are now a well established small contracting firm employing a handful of qualified electricians and apprentices. The approximate split in our work is 75% residential and 25% commercial, and I’m proud to say we have earned a reputation for providing high standard jobs and a professional service. However, like every small or large firm, it is vital to keep a close eye on those all-important costs. Our LED Experience When we began installing LED strip lights, like most of our colleagues we used connectors which were bulky and added to costs, and - to be frank - we found that they were often the reason for being called back to a project some months later. We identified this as a problem which could quickly make that particular element of any job unprofitable. We found that when called back, the problems were mainly due either to the connector becoming faulty or the connection within it becoming unstuck. We concluded that these faults were going to be inevitable because the heat generated by the lights being turned on and off eventually breaks down the plastic connector. So we had to face facts and admit that soldering was the only real answer which would provide the home or business owner with a mechanically sound connection, a professional looking finish and, more importantly, one that is going to stand the test of time and not eat into profits by having to return to correct recurring faults. Sometimes I hear, "But soldering is only for the experienced electrician. We can’t give that job to an apprentice; it’s messy and time consuming." I agree - it is all of these things, but it is also the method that ensures durability and - let’s face it - it’s the method that provides a high quality professional finish. Truthfully, electricians find themselves between a rock and a hard place every time they install LED strip lights. Either you pay for bulky connectors which don’t give the best finished look and that you know in your heart of hearts that, in about 50% of cases, you will have to fund a call-back; or, you spend the money paying your most experienced employees to solder. Profit margins in both scenarios will be hard to find! The biggest problem we as electricians face when soldering strip lights to each other or to the feed is that it is not always possible to lay both ends on a flat surface. This is the reason most people avoid it and go down the connector route. After we had one very expensive episode in which our best apprentice spent two full days messing up six solder joints on an LED strip - which admittedly were particularly awkward as they had to be installed above a picture rail - we then had to pay an experienced electrician to redo each connection. As you can imagine, there was no profit left on that part of the job. Clearly, we could not afford to have this sort of thing happen too often, and yet we were not willing to compromise on the quality of the work we produce. Determined to solve the problem, I set about creating a tool which had to be easy to use, light and portable for the toolbox and something that could be used in any location where you find yourself installing LED strip lights. Using these criteria and spending a lot of time trying out various designs, learning about patenting, getting prototypes made and tested, we have now finally arrived at a simple solution which we are really excited about sharing with our colleagues in the trade. We decided to name the tool ‘SolderM8’ because, put simply, this compact, economical little gadget will be a great mate for any professional electrician to carry with them. A bonus is that it is simple to use, so we discovered that even our least experienced apprentice was soldering expertly in a very short space of time. So how does ‘SolderM8’ work? Firstly, the gadget will stick to any surface regardless of the texture or angle you are working at. It has an almost magical underside - which I spent a long time researching so I could get it right - it even works upside-down! You then insert both ends of the tape or wire and it holds it firmly while you dab on your solder and, hey presto, it's job done. We are now able to finish full lengths of soldered strips in a fraction of the time and which looks sleek and professional. Best of all, we can do this without the frustration, tantrums and call-backs. My latest news is that having tested the tool thoroughly and being delighted with its performance, the first batch of SolderM8’s for sale has now arrived from the manufacturer. You can find out more, watch a demo video and order your own at www.SolderM8.com.