ABB unveils big plans for smart homes

With spending on smart home services, including home automation, expected to reach $100 billion (£80bn) by 2020, ABB has big plans to expand its presence in the sector and showcased its latest developments at this year’s IFA show in Berlin. The new introductions are designed to provide the next level of safety and comfort for residents and unlock the potential of ABB’s new open API platform. Highlights include the new ABBfree@home Alarm-Stick and the certified integration of Sonos with ABB i-bus KNX. ABB also demonstrated the potential of its new open API platform, which gives scope to integrate hundreds of third-party apps and solutions with ABB’s technology. The company is keen to show how its new open API platform will provide a central portal to attract developers to work with different APIs that integrate with ABB Smart Building’s ecosystems. Oliver Iltisberger, Managing Director of ABB’s Smart Buildings business, says, “ABB has been at the forefront of accelerating progress in smart home technology for decades. We know that when it comes to people feeling at home, security and comfort are two of the most important factors. That’s why we’ve developed new and improved solutions to take smart home living to the next level, so that customers rely on ABB technology for a safe, smart and sustainable way of living.” Key launches Amongst the key platforms for the company is its ABB-free@home app, which already has almost five million components installed worldwide. With the app, all ABB-free@home functions can be controlled remotely with the geofencing function, allowing predefined scenarios to be set when the homeowner enters or leaves a defined area. The home automation system provides over 60 functions and can integrate up to 150 devices per system. With possibilities for wired and wireless connectivity and ABB’s new open API, which is now available for integration with third-party systems, ABB-free@home is designed to make home automation easier than ever. Hazard detection For a holistic fire protection solution, ABB is also launching its new Alarm-Stick, which integrates ABB’s smoke, heat and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors into ABB-free@home. The Alarm-Stick connects to the ABBfree@ home System Access Point via USB and communicates wirelessly to the detectors, using the VdS 3515 certified detector protocol, making the integration process easy. Should a fire alarm go off, all detectors in the house will sound and a push notification will automatically be sent to the owner’s mobile phone, informing them of the cause of the alarm (fire or carbon monoxide), as well as which room the incident was detected in. It also provides the option to take additional measures including switch on all the lights or opening the blinds. Off-site notifications are also possible with a subscription to the MyBuildings Portal remote access service. The company also showcased upgraded connectivity as ABB’s new System Access Point 2.0 can connect up to 150 wired and wireless devices in one simple, easy-to-use ABB-free@home system. It provides a commissioning interface and full visualisation for homeowners, from lighting to heating and ventilation and enables the use of cloud services. Also on show is ABB-secure@home, billed as a user-friendly intrusion and alarm system for residential properties. As a complete wireless security system, it is designed to protect homes from the inside and the outside, including from intruders and incidents, such as flooding or fire. Configuration is done via the ABBsecure@home central unit, which sits at the heart of the system and can be used in combination with the ABB-free@home app. The anti-intrusion system is based on wireless technology using 868.3 MHz. It features a proprietary protocol that uses a 128bit encryption together with a unique rolling code for all arming and disarming controls. KNX enhancements ABB’s Busch-ControlTouch KNX app solution has now been officially certified for integration with Sonos wireless speakers. ABB says the easy-to-use app for iOS, Android and Windows not only turns smartphones, tablets and PC’s but also the Apple Watch, into practical remote controls for KNX systems. With the text-to-speech function, commands typed into the Busch-ControlTouch device can be read by the Sonos speakers. The Sonos speakers can turn down the volume or play a defined tune when a certain event takes place, such as the doorbell ringing or the presence detectors sense someone approaching. ABB says this is the first ‘Works with Sonos’ KNX product which also delivers integration to support voice over and text-to-speech functionality. In addition to this new Sonos integration, the device offers other features including a new visualisation with room pictures and small button controls, 16 internal room temperature controllers and an easier way of commissioning thanks to the build-in wizard. Besides dimming and switching lights, controlling blinds and using scenes, the Busch-ControlTouch KNX also offers the possibility to integrate IP cameras, Sonos speakers and Philips Hue lamps. Developed and manufactured in Germany, ABB is also introducing a new generation of switch actuators. The new portfolio offers reliable switching of different electrical loads in ABB i-bus KNX installations. Beginning with the launch of the Combi Range, ABB has combined flexibility with compact design. The new Combi Actuators offer both switching and shading functionality in a compact device and are ideally suited to dynamic requirements found in residential projects. This range includes devices with a rated current of 6, 10 and 16 A, each with 8, 16 and 24 switching outputs. These digital ready components allow future feature extension for a smarter tomorrow. Greater visibility. For smart buildings, data transmission to the cloud through the new ABB i-bus KNX IoT Dashboard will provide greater clarity on how the system is performing. It is possible to control all building functions, from lighting, blinds, and heating, through a single, dashboard. Any further KNX functions can be realised using ABB’s open API. This is designed to make life easier for installers and, ultimately, end users and also offers the possibility to integrate thousands of brands and applications into a smart building. Also new are ABB-Welcome IP – ABB-VideoControl – ABB-AccessControl solutions which use IP connectivity to provide a holistic door entry system with easy commissioning and usage for enhanced security and communication. They provide interaction between door entry, access control and video surveillance. What is more, the solutions integrate smart home and soon also building automation control through our the ABB-Welcome IP Touch 7in panel. The system can scale to manage 900 connected buildings with up to 2,000 apartments per building. With the upcoming ABB-VideoControl, the video surveillance system works with different cameras to stream videos 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accessible remotely. Videos can be stored on the local Network Video Recorded (NVR) or in the cloud. Additionally, remote access to door locks will be possible. With the future launch of ABB-AccessControl, doors can become smarter as an embedded RFID chip will enable doors to open remotely, via an app or automatically according to time settings. ABB argues that comprehensive access rights management, together with time profiles and logging information makes ABBAccessControl the system of choice for your individual access solution. The company is also introducing enhancements to its existing MyBuildings portal powered by ABB Ability to allow installers to easily select the right components for their requirements. In 2019, ABB’s MyBuilding portal will offer new services including remote control and management for ABB-Welcome IP and cloud storage for ABB-VideoControl. This will enable remote operation and video streaming together with the online storage of CCTV video and project data. ABB also extends support for installers with the launch of its Smart Home Configurator with country specific versions. This configurator app facilitates the selection of light switches, sockets, and components for ABB-free@home. ABB says its new open API platform doesn’t just unlock potential in the smart home arena. It will also be a key innovation for the smart building sector, providing unlimited possibilities to integrate third party apps easily and seamlessly with ABB solutions in the future. Oliver concludes, “With this latest raft of enhancements, ABB now offers the most comprehensive range of smart home solutions in the marketplace. Through the launch of our new open API and links with our well-established partnerships, including Sonos, Amazon Alexa, B/S/H, Miele and Signify with its Philips Hue products, we are well placed to take smart home automation to the next level, so that we make our living spaces more comfortable, welcoming, environmentally friendly and secure for the future.” Certainly not the first big company to launch into the smart home market, but make no mistake - ABB is very serious about creating a place within the sector, particularly in the new build sector. An advantage it does have over some systems is that its supply of many other components that go into the construction of a building, may give it an advantage in getting its smart home concepts in front of developers, before other systems are even considered. Its progress over the next couple of years will tell the tale.

Introducing NAPIT’s new publication, On-site Solutions

NAPIT has announced the release of a brand new publication, titled On-site Solutions - Practical Solutions to Electrical Installations in accordance with BS 7671:2018. NAPIT’s publications and technical team have been working hard writing a new guide which provides practical and useful solutions for a number of different installation types, and it seeks to give electrical contractors the knowledge they need to comply with the requirements of BS 7671: 2018 (18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations. Covering Parts 1 to 7 of BS 7671, the new guide includes useful solutions for: Electric vehicle charging installations Surge protection devices Smart home installations Outbuildings RCD selection Consumer unit considerations Selection of equipment Designing circuits Safe isolation of electrical supplies Inspection, testing and certification Documentation On-site Solutions also covers the main requirements of the Building Regulations associated with electrical installation work in England and Wales, covering relevant health and safety legislation. NAPIT’s Group Chief Executive, Mike Andrews, says, “On-site Solutions has been developed by NAPIT’s senior technical team with contributions from a range of cooperating individuals and organisations who are professionals/experts in their field; ensuring it’s one of the most useful and trustworthy guides available, and a must-have for all electrical contractors”. NAPIT members can pre-order a copy for just £19.50, while non-members can purchase the publication for £21.50. Copies can be pre-ordered at www.napitdirect.co.uk

Win an electric van and charging point with Schneider

Schneider Electric has teamed up with Rexel to offer customers the chance to win an electric van and charging point, worth £30,000. To enter the competition, electricians simply have to spend £50 on any Schneider Electric products at Rexel. Products on offer include the Easy9, Acti9 Isobar P, PowerPact 4 and ikQ circuit breakers. Additionally, with every £50 spent, entrants will be re-entered into the competition and earn another chance to win the prize. Since 2015, the number of ultra-low emission vehicles has quadrupled. As the market continues its rapid growth, there is growing expectation that electricians not only understand the technology, but invest it in. The competition aims to reward a customer with not simply an efficient model of transport, but also a means to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. The competition will close on November 30, with the prize winner being announced on December 6. Tim Barber, Distribution Programme Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric, comments, "We are delighted we can offer our customers the chance to win an amazing prize. Transport is a significant expenditure for electricians across the country. Being able to help with that cost, while promoting sustainability, is something we’re very proud to be part of".

Goodlight launches high performance LED Batten Pack

A new design-driven LED Batten Pack that offers a sleek and sophisticated lighting solution based on long life, energy efficient LED lighting technology has been added to the Goodlight range. Designed as a direct drop in replacement for fluorescent tubes and battens, the LED batten pack delivers over 130 Lm/W providing optimum light output, leading to direct energy savings up to 65%. Minimalistic in its design, the batten pack is a point-for-point retrofit replacement for outdated fluorescent tubes and batten fixtures. Available in two sizes, the 4 foot LED Batten draws 25W or 40W and provides 3,000lm and 5,200lm of light output respectively. The 5 foot LED Batten draws 30W and delivers 3,600lm, or 50W providing 6,500lm. The new Goodlight LED batten pack has been cleverly designed as a single body, incorporating the LED light source, diffuser, end caps and LED driver. Installation is quick and straightforward thanks to its unique hinged tray which allows access into the rear of the fitting, enabling it to be mounted securely into place on the wall or ceiling. Once installed and the hinged tray closed, it is ready for use. The LED batten pack has been uniquely designed with multi-colour white LEDs that produce switchable colour temperatures where the output can be selected from daylight (5,500K) through to natural (4,500K) to warm (3,000K) within the same fitting (ideal for stockists – three sales options within one product). Operating in temperatures from -20° to +45°C makes it the ideal choice for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, including offices, retail outlets, car parks, amenities, cold storage, refrigeration, healthcare and food and drink production. Additionally, it is suitable for work stations and VDU usage due to its glare-free, opal diffuser. Goodlight LED technology offers a flicker-free alternative to standard fluorescent fittings, and its extensive range of LED lamps and luminaires reach full brightness instantly with no ballasts or starters needed. They are virtually maintenance free, with a lifespan of 50,000 hours and are guaranteed for five years. These high performance LED batten packs are available now, and qualify for pay-as-you-save purchase through programmes such as the Bright Plan Leasing Scheme.

Heatrae launches 'Love Your Cylinder' campaign

As installers plumb their way through the busy bathroom season, Heatrae Sadia is launching a Love Your Cylinder campaign, starting with an online quiz which seeks to address some of the common misconceptions surrounding hot water cylinders. Bathroom renovation season is unsurprisingly a busy period for installers, and according to recent research from Safestore, boilers and bathrooms bring the biggest boost to a home’s value. This presents a prime opportunity to encourage homeowners to complement their new bathroom by upgrading their hot water system. Andy Workman, Sales Director at Baxi Heating UK, comments, “In order to confidently answer any questions that customers might have, installers need to make sure they know the ins and outs of all things cylinder. We’ve noticed a few misconceptions that come up time and again, such as the idea that they are only suitable for large premises, or that they don’t need to be serviced. “We want to help installers make those extra sales, which is why we’ve created this online quiz. We know that they’re busy, so we want to help them quickly identify potential gaps in their knowledge, and improve their overall capabilities to upsell bathroom renovations with a new hot water cylinder.” By taking part in the quiz, installers will not only increase their understanding of cylinders, but also stand the chance to win a prize. All entrants will be in with the chance of winning a £50 Amazon voucher, and the person who answers the most correct questions in the quickest time will win a Megaflo cylinder. It forms part of a wider Love Your Cylinder campaign, which will provide installation tips, tutorial videos, and the opportunity for installers to share their best projects. Workman continues, “Love Your Cylinder is exactly what the name suggests – an effort to get everyone loving their hot water cylinder, whether they are an installer or a homeowner. “Alongside initiatives such as Megaflo Rewards, this online quiz stands as a representation of our commitment to giving installers the necessary tools to improve their businesses and make those extra sales.” To take Heatrae Sadia’s Love Your Cylinder online quiz, visit https://www.heatraesadia.com/quiz

The importance of individual competence in the electrical industry

Competence is a hot topic in the electrical industry, with a focus on the individual coming under more scrutiny than ever before. But why is it so important? The obvious reason is one of safety. If the electrician working on an installation is truly competent, then the installation is more likely to meet safety requirements. As not every notifiable job can always be checked by a QS, this immediately gives both employers and customers peace of mind about the work being carried out. It also saves time and money on re-work. Having confidence that a job has been done properly the first time around reduces the risk for contractors and their clients of spending precious budget and missing deadlines, due to costly re-work needing to be undertaken to fix mistakes made by under-qualified or under-experienced employees. How can you measure individual competence? A simple way to approach this is to assess an individual against a recognised benchmark.  The IET has years of experience in this area, working with the Engineering Council (the regulatory body for the UK engineering profession) to award professional registration, such as Chartered Engineer (CEng), to our members who meet a strict set of criteria known as UK-SPEC. Once the agreed criteria are met and an application is successful, an engineer can use letters after their name (e.g. CEng) to prove to employers and their industry colleagues that they have met the standard. The IET has taken this concept and make it relevant to the electrical industry. A new category of professional registration, Electrician EngTech, is now available to anyone in the industry who wants to demonstrate their competence by being registered as an Engineering Technician (EngTech). Electrician EngTech works to a slightly amended version of UK-SPEC, considering the qualifications, experience and routes into the industry that are specific to the electrical profession. Applications are assessed by a peer-review panel – other electrical professionals who have already been awarded professional registration – to verify that the applicant’s experience and/or qualifications are suitably relevant to demonstrate their professional competence. Those who have simply undertaken a week-long course are unlikely to meet the necessary requirements. Like the other engineering registration categories, Electrician EngTech works as a benchmark. The public, employers and their clients can trust that a registrant’s competence has been peer-assessed and meets UK-SPEC. It improves career prospects and employability by showing employers an individual’s commitment to maintaining their knowledge and skills. Does Electrician EngTech provide ongoing competence assessment? Yes! To maintain a category of professional registration, registrants must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. This can include anything from attending a training course to reading news and articles to keep up with industry developments. It can even include volunteering for an industry body (such as the IET) or a local organisation in your spare time. Anything that develops your professional or vocational skills counts towards your CPD. And, of course, you must keep up with industry standards, such as BS 7671. To help employers realise the benefit of professional registration for their teams, and for anyone wanting to explore their options further, the IET is running a series of complimentary workshops covering the qualifications/experience needed, the application process and how to get started. A technical expert will also be on hand to answer your questions on BS 7671. If you want to demonstrate your professional competence, stand out to employers and your peers, or if you would like to arrange a complimentary workshop for your team, visit theiet.org/elec-engtech-ecn or contact electechs@theiet.org

CEF launch second priced trade catalogue

CEF has launched its second priced trade catalogue now containing almost 30,000 products all at everyday value prices. Featuring over 2,600 new products from exclusive in-house and leading brand suppliers, issue two of the CEF trade catalogue provides customers with an even greater choice of products including cable and cable accessories, CCTV and security, heating and ventilation as well as power tools, smart home technology and wiring accessories. The catalogue also highlights CEF’s lowest priced trade essentials range and an xcite LED essentials insert, packed full of exclusive lighting products ranging from battens and floodlights to downlights. Building on the success of the first edition launched earlier this year – which brought much needed pricing consistency and transparency to the electrical wholesale market – issue two of the CEF trade catalogue further enables customers to benefit from a fully integrated multi-channel experience supported by a nationwide network of 391 stores across the UK. "Our priced catalogue, website and nationwide network of 391 stores means CEF customers not only have a greater choice of products they also have more choice over how and where they buy – be it online, in store, by phone, via an account manager or through our catalogue,” explains Andrew Moseley, CEF’s Commercial Director. “Time and convenience are increasingly important to customers – along with consistent and everyday value pricing. We know our customers use a combination of offline and online channels when they buy, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for them to shop with CEF. We are striving to deliver the same consistent customer experience, regardless of how and when customers choose to buy from us." All products in the catalogue and online are available for either next day delivery or to ‘click and collect’ from the local store so customers are able to find what they need, when they need it. Orders placed online before 8.00pm are delivered next day and the carriage paid order value is just £50. Customers can also view and reserve stock for collection at the nearest store, knowing that when they do visit their order will be ready to take away. Issue 2 of the CEF trade catalogue is available to pick up from any of CEF’s 391 stores nationwide from September 9, 2019, or you can request a copy from the website.

Precision illumination for a unique shopping environment at Fortnum & Mason

Speirs + Major, a UK lighting design practice, have chosen Reggiani’s Yori Evo Box luminaires for use on the newly refurbished ground floor of a prestigious London department store. Fortnum & Mason are renown for their exquisite hampers, unique gifts, wines, teas, coffees and much more. In order to capture the quintessentially British spirit of the brand and make it relevant to the modern customer, the efficiency and aesthetics of the Yori precision spotlight have assisted Speirs + Major with producing a high-quality lighting scheme. The flagship store, which has been on the same site at 181 Piccadilly for over 300 years, has been undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment which recently saw the transformation of the ground floor space. The specific Fortnum & Mason brief for the lighting was to create a scheme offering the best possible colour rendering along with precision illumination focused solely on the product. Speirs + Major soon identified Reggiani’s Yori Evo Box luminaire as the ideal tool for the task and offered it to Fortnum & Mason along with two other alternatives. The store itself quickly homed in on the Yori Evo Box as the perfect choice because of its very high CRI and tight, controlled beam angles. More than 300 75mm Yori spotlights equipped with a 24W LED and precision optics were subsequently installed. With precision control being of paramount importance, Speirs + Major aspired to create a balanced lit effect on the target merchandise with no overspill. This they achieved through the informed use of the Yori Evo Box which was supplied with a diffusive lens to gently spread and soften the beam angle where required and a honeycomb louvre to eliminate glare where projection was required over longer distances. The entire scheme was then finely balanced by means of the on-board dimmers so as to achieve total uniformity irrespective of the location of the luminaire on the existing track layout. The sharply-defined spread of light successfully provides visual drama for each individual display gondola. The flexibility afforded by the Reggiani Yori system also meant that all the luminaires could be directly retrofitted onto – and were fully compatible with – the existing track, thereby greatly reducing the requirement for supplementary three-circuit track. In this way, the unique flexibility of Reggiani’s Yori Evo Box luminaire and accessories, combined with the artistry and foresight of the Speirs + Major scheme designers, have together resulted in a perfect focus on visual merchandising within the Piccadilly store, enticingly designed to delight the customers and show the high-end merchandise at its consummate best.

Cable cleat installation with an innovative twist

Ellis has given cable cleat installation an innovative new twist that will significantly reduce installation time and costs, and simplify the ordering process. The cable cleat manufacturer has designed and developed a twist foot fixing mechanism for use on all sizes and types of its best-selling standard cable cleats, Emperor and Vulcan+. The twist foot cleats, which are supplied pre-fitted, are suitable for all installations using cable channel and ladder with inverted rungs. There are single footed versions for cables in trefoil up to 58mm, and double footed versions for cables with diameters ranging from 59mm to 128mm. The single version locks in place with nothing more complex than a 90 degree turn and the tightening of the integral securing bolt, while the double footed version is secured with tabs that are simply rotated 90 degrees to engage the channel nut, before the securing bolt is tightened. Stephen Walton, Ellis’ Technical Director, says, “Emperor and Vulcan+ have been the best-selling cable cleats in the world for years, but as a business that never rests on its laurels and always strives to innovate, we are always looking at ways to improve on everything – even the very best. “Making installation easier is something we’ve done a lot of work on, and the twist foot could be a real game changer. Not only does it slash installation cost and time, and signal an end to installers hunting around for the right nuts to go with the right bolts, but it means everything needed to install and fit a cable cleat can now be ordered as one product part.” Ellis’ innovative approach to product development recently saw the company enhance another of its best-selling products, with its cable hangers being redesigned by its in-house engineering team – the end result being a product that is not only stronger, but cheaper to manufacture and buy. For further information on Ellis’ Twist foot Emperor and Vulcan+ cable cleats and its innovative approach to product development, visit www.ellispatents.co.uk or call 01944 758 3965. You can also follow Ellis on Twitter at @ellispatents.

KNX UK publishes new Code of Conduct

The KNX UK Association has published a Code of Conduct that ensures customers will always benefit fully from the open, flexible and scalable foundations that are KNX’s core strength. End users, developers and consultants can be assured that members of KNX UK Association have committed to compliance with the new Code as a condition of their continuing membership of the Association. In addition to stipulating the general principles of good conduct, best commercial practice and fair dispute resolution, the new code pre-empts issues that could arise from the growing use of custom - and often proprietary - software wrappers that could restrict the client’s freedom to further develop the software foundations of their installation. Any such restrictions would, of course, be inconsistent with the principles that underpin open standards such as KNX. The new KNX UK Code of Conduct draws on the cumulative experience of integrators working at the top of their industry, developing and deploying ‘Best Practice’ throughout a broad range of KNX projects and budgets. The Code of Conduct provides a gold standard definition of good conduct for designers and integrators in our industry and clarifies principles of best practice acceptable to all our professional colleagues. Key among these practices is the comprehensive documentation that protects both client and integrator through the key stages of the design and development of a KNX based project. Additionally, KNX supports the process of formal notification, sign off, handover and acceptance of an installation, along with the provision of competent support documentation, as-built drawings as well as a formal operations and maintenance package. Responding to developments in the worldwide controls and installation industries has been a central motivation in the development of the Code of Conduct, especially with regards to providing copies of all non-proprietary software and programs as source code on the satisfactory completion of projects. Additionally, a dispute resolution mechanism is in place, and the Code makes absolutely clear that failure to abide by the strict standards set by KNX UK may result in the loss of membership of the Association. "It’s important that we leave customers in no doubt as to how KNX UK regards the maintenance of industry best practice," comments Neil Grant of The Harris Grant Group, who has overseen the development of the Code of Conduct in his voluntary role as a member of the KNX UK Board. “The KNX UK Code of Conduct should provide an absolute and professional reference to all of our members, as well as comfort and confidence to their clients and suppliers.” The KNX UK Code of Conduct can be viewed at www.knxuk.org