Cornish fruit farm branches out with sustainable housing development

A new-build development, forming part of an existing fruit farm in Cornwall, will soon see more than fruit coming out of the ground, it will also be extracting heat. Coastline Housing’s scheme of 26 affordable houses and flats in the small village of Mitchell near Newquay, will be heated by Cornish-manufactured Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pumps and installed by sister-company Kensa Contracting. George Gillow, Business Development Manager for Kensa Contracting says, “It is a pleasure to be involved in a project which will bring affordable, low carbon heating to local families." [caption id="attachment_17267" align="alignleft" width="300"] One Kensa Shoebox Heat Pump will be installed into each home at the Mitchell development[/caption] Currently under construction, each home will have its own heat pump, which will be connected to a series of shared borehole ground loops. The Kensa Shoebox can provide low cost heating by either underfloor heating or traditional radiators, in this case the efficient houses will be heated by radiators with a 45°C flow temperature. The low carbon, energy efficient heating system will be eligible for the government’s non-domestic renewable heating incentive (RHI), which will give the Redruth based housing association valuable extra income over the next 20 years. The homes are being built by South West building company EBC, based in Newton Abbot, which will be offered to local people for affordable rent and shared ownership. The development was made possible thanks to funding of just over £1 million from Homes England. Amy Jenkin, Development Manager at Coastline Housing, adds, “We’re very happy to be working with Kensa to install ground source heating into one of our new build developments for the first time, giving our customers guaranteed access to efficient, sustainable heating.” The development will work in harmony with the continuation of the family run Mitchell Fruit Garden, operating since 1977.

ABB showcases plans for smart homes at IFA 2019

With spending on smart home services, including home automation, expected to reach $100 billion (£80.1bn) by 2020, ABB has big plans to expand its presence in the sector and is set to showcase its latest developments at this year’s IFA show in Berlin. These 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 will also demonstrate 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 is also showcasing 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 PCs 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 16A, 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 2000 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.

New lighting control system for UWE Bristol

Zumtobel Lighting has supplied a new, efficient lighting solution - which includes a lighting control system and a central battery system - for the new Faculty of Business and Law at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Working to a brief that included energy efficiency, aesthetics and low maintenance, Zumtobel has created a stylish installation with maximum performance using Mellow Light V, Slotlight infinity, Lincor and Panos evolution luminaires throughout the building. UWE is Bristol's landmark £55m, 17,200m2 Faculty of Business and Law and comprises of Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School. Both of which provide a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, higher research and professional courses. Serving 5,500 students and containing 148 offices over seven floors, the landmark academic building is located in the heart of the new developments on the UWE Bristol Frenchay Campus. Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School educate future professionals in all aspects of business and law – from entrepreneurship, management, leadership, strategy through to economists, accountants, marketing and human resources. In addition to academic law courses, they also train barristers and solicitors and provide relevant research into important business and law issues that confront both businesses and society. In an installation carried out by Whitehead Building Services, Zumtobel has created a lighting solution similar to that of natural daylight in all the circulation spaces, with their Panos evolution luminaires. The LED downlight range has a colour rendering index of Ra>80, a choice of three luminaire luminous flux packages with 1000lm, 1800lm or 2400lm, and either warm (3000K) or intermediate (4000K) colour temperatures. The unobtrusive Panos evolution disappears into the architecture, providing powerful and efficient illumination. The restrooms are also illuminated with Panos evolution. Slotlight infinity lights are also installed in the circulation spaces, creating an excellent, continuous flow of illumination with no shadows, providing an eye catching, streamlined strip of uniform light. Lincor Direct/Indirect pendant luminaires illuminate the office spaces and mock court suites. With its slim and unobtrusive design, the Lincor LED luminaire draws an elegant line through the room, and its contemporary minimalism enhances room axes and architectural concepts. Efficient LED technology takes full effect in a section of only 63mm square, resulting in high-quality indirect/direct lighting. Mellow Light V has also been installed in office areas, providing perfectly dispersed LED points that deliver well-balanced illumination of the workspace, helping to prevent glare and the so-called ‘cave effect’. The result is an eye-catching, contemporary installation with engaging spaces that work in unison with the new, refreshed facility. It also offers pleasant colour temperatures and the option to adjust them to an individual’s preference to support users with all activities.

Aico partners with the EDA to support apprentices

Residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm specialist, Aico, has announced that its apprentices have commenced the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) Product Knowledge programme, starting with the customer service module. At the end of this module, the apprentices will understand what constitutes great customer service, why getting it right the first time is critical, and how to speak with more confidence to your customer. The EDA has invested in the development of a brand new set of 12 distance-learning product knowledge modules. Created for anyone working in the electrotechnical supply chain, the modules are suitable for both new entrants and anyone who wants to improve their product skills. Each module delivers professional training on an electrotechnical subject or product area, with businesses free to choose the number and combination of modules that best suits their team. Aico is an affiliate member of the EDA and Michael Wright, Product Development Manager of Aico, has contributed to the content of the ‘Fire, Safety and Security Systems’ module, which apprentices will be undertaking next. They will also be studying the ‘Introduction to the Principles of Electricity’ and ‘IT and Data Infrastructure’. EDA CEO, Margaret Fitzsimons, explains why providing professional training is so important for the sector and how the development of this new programme has been central to the Association’s work over the last two years. She explains, “With more and more products flowing through the supply chain, it is important for businesses to have access to professional training that helps them deliver greater value. There is no doubt that there is much to be done to promote career opportunities in the electrotechnical sector, but for our sector to attract and retain talent, a bespoke, rigorous and flexible training programme that helps to build skills and knowledge is essential; and that is what the EDA programme is all about.” Samuel Marston, Technical IT Apprentice of Aico, adds, “I am enjoying the EDA training as it is building my confidence and communication skills. The distance learning model is great, as I can manage my study around my work and home life”. Colin Thaw, Managing Director of SBC Training - which is supporting Aico with its Apprenticeship development programme - notes, “The use of the EDA product knowledge modules further support the existing off the job training provided and we see this as a great opportunity to help provide synergy across the range of apprenticeships that we provide for Aico. We are delighted that Aico have chosen to further invest in the development of their team in this way.”

J S Wright secures contract for the Silk District

Building services provider, J S Wright, has secured a contract worth in excess of £17 million to fit out one of London’s biggest residential developments. The Birmingham-based company, which has an office at Trafalgar Square in London, will design and build all the mechanical and electrical services for the first phase of The Silk District in Whitechapel. J S Wright will provide the services for a total of 412 homes and communal areas that make up the first phase of a larger development that will see a total 648 homes being built on the site of a former storage facility, for joint venture partners Mount Anvil and L&Q. The company will provide the services for The Jacquard and The Georgette, two buildings of 20 floors and seven floors respectively that also include a residents’ workspace, cinema room, gym and a 24-hour concierge. Their total of 412 studio, one, two, three and four-bed apartments will comprise 303 for private sale and 109 affordable homes to be managed by L&Q. The mechanical works will include providing each apartment with low-pressure hot water heating via a mixture of either thermostatically controlled underfloor heating or radiators fed via a heat interface unit from a combined heat and power system in a central plantroom. The heat interface units will arrive on easy to fit utility cupboards manufactured offsite by J S Wright’s in-house prefabrications department, saving construction time and reducing the number of trades required on site. The company will also install a boosted cold-water tank room and distribution network to enable all the homes to receive instant domestic hot and cold-water services. In addition, J S Wright will equip both buildings with a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system that will reduce energy costs. It will also supply and install sanitaryware, an internal rainwater system and above ground drainage, along with building management system controls. The brief also includes installing domestic sprinklers, smoke and environmental ventilation, and wet and dry risers in all areas including underground parking. J S Wright will also carry out the electrical installations, including the installation of lighting, fire alarm, power and TV infrastructure in each apartment. It will also install an M-Bus credit metering system to record energy consumption. The company will also reduce building energy costs by installing solar photovoltaic panels contributing over 150KW, offsetting electricity demand, as well as provide residents with added security by fitting CCTV and an access control system. Work is scheduled to begin on site later this month (September), with completion scheduled for September 2021. J S Wright is already in the process of fitting out Mount Anvil’s new 598-home Keybridge development in Vauxhall with mechanical and electrical services as part of a record-breaking contract worth more than £27 million. Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, says, “We are delighted that our long-established and highly successful partnership with Mount Anvil has led to the opportunity to play a major role in the regeneration of a vibrant area of east London.” Founded in Birmingham in 1890, J S Wright designs, builds and maintains mechanical and electrical services for the hotel, residential, social housing, student accommodation, leisure and commercial sectors. The company recently launched a new residential maintenance company, Wright Maintenance, serving property managers and homeowners across London.

Safety footwear, part and parcel of protective workwear

Nowadays, good safety footwear is part and parcel of a comfortable day’s work on-site – just like good working clothes and quality hand tools. Combining maximum comfort and protection with a robust and durable design, Solid Gear’s Onyx is available as a shoe or a boot and ideal for different types of on-site work. This EN-accredited footwear has a modern-looking style that integrates a seamless upper and cordura reinforcements with a poured polyeurethane midsole, a breathable footbed and strong rubber outsole for maximum grip on slippery and uneven surfaces. Metal-free protection comes from the fiberglass toecap and penetration board for extra personal safety. What’s more, the unique BOA Closure System – used on many top-brand sports shoes – distributes the pressure of the fastened shoe evenly across your feet to ensure a glove-like fit all day for maximum comfortable protection. For further information visit solidgearfootwear.com

Snickers Workwear launches new range of AllRoundWork stretch trousers

With a range of new AllRoundWork stretch trousers available throughout the UK, there’s plenty of flexibility for every professional craftsman and woman to stretch their performance on-site comfortably. The new stretchy work trousers for men have a loose fit for a classic Snickers Workwear look and feel, with stretch cordura for increased durability as well as improved ventilation and close quarter mobility. What’s more, the new slim-fit work trousers for women are shaped to fit the female anatomy. The ergonomic ‘women’s fit’ includes wider hips and a narrower waist for a street-wise, fashionable look with optimal comfort and freedom of movement built-in. So, check out these newest designs – the optimal choice for craftsmen and women who need to get their jobs done comfortably on-site.

New C.K cable and wire stripping tools

Always looking to introduce exciting new and innovative products, C.K is launching a high-quality range of cable and wire stripping tools. Stripping cables has never been easier, with the new C.K cable and wire stripping tools combining fantastic features and benefits that offer simple, fast, effortless and precise solutions, whatever the job. Not using the right tool can be time consuming and damage cables. Using trimming knives to strip cable can also be dangerous, causing injuries if you slip, with cuts potentially becoming serious by using an exposed blade. Manufactured in Germany to the highest standards for safety and long-life performance, these top-quality cable and wire stripping tools provide a great range of options to suit your needs. Take a closer look at what’s on offer: Automatic wire stripper (T1261): designed for stripping solid and stranded wires from 0.2 – 6.0mm² (24-10 AWG) these clever wire strippers provide automatic wire size adjustment for convenience. Automatic cable & wire stripper (T1260): designed for stripping flat cables up to 12mm in width, this superb cable and wire stripper quickly removes both the external sheathing and internal conductor insulation. An automatic size adjustment makes for added convenience, plus an integrated wire bending hole for termination preparation. Universal Cable Stripper (T1270): provides razor sharp, pre-set stripping blades for fast, precise and damage free stripping of all common round cables with 8-15mmØ.  Two stripping notches with length stop for stripping conductors – suitable for stripping wires of 1.5 and 2.5mm² (16 & 14 AWG). Coax Cable Stripper (T1271): razor sharp pre-set stripping blades, for fast, precise and damage free stripping of all common coaxial cables. Suitable for stripping cables of 4.8-7.5mmØ, as well as stripping 3-core flex. Cable Stripper (T1280): blade repositions for cutting both around and along cable sheathing; adjustable cutting depth to prevent damage to inner conductor titanium-nitrade (TIN) coated blade to prolong blade sharpness and a handy spare cutting blade stored within the handle. More information on the wide-range of cable and wire stripping tools, here.

Design and verification funding now available

Electricians working for JIB member companies can now gain funding towards the Level 4 Design and Verification of Electrical Installations qualification. Via the JIB’s Skills Development Fund, up to £1,000 can be secured towards the qualification cost. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be directly employed by a JIB member company, a JIB-registered apprentice or a registered unemployed operative who holds a valid ECS card. In addition to now accepting the Design and Verification qualification, the Skills Development Fund has increased its overall annual grant limit from £20,000 to £30,000, meaning even more people can benefit from financial support to upskill. The amount of funding available per grant can be up to 75% of the course fee, with potential support ranging from £750 for Level 3 qualifications to £1250 for degrees. "With design and verification now on the list of funded qualifications, we hope this will encourage more JIB employees to upskill and further their career,” says Andy Reakes, JIB Head of Operations, Employment and Skills. “It’s also great news for JIB member companies, who can gain financial support across a wide range of occupations to improve the skills of their employees and assist with their career progression.” To find out more about the Skills Development Fund, visit www.jib.org.uk/sdf

Nominees announced for Select Awards 2019

The shortlist for this year’s Select Awards has been revealed after a record number of entrants put their names forward for the annual event. The final winners for 2019 will be announced at a ceremony held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on October 11. The judging panel faced a tough task to narrow down so many excellent entries when they met at The Walled Garden on July 25. Copies of the submissions were sent to judges beforehand, and they were asked to nominate their top entries in each of the seven categories. After plenty of discussion, the final shortlist of nominees was drawn up. A round of face-to-face judging with another independent judge will now follow before the awards are presented at a gala dinner, where more than 400 guests will enjoy a dinner dance and top-class entertainment. As well as the established categories – including best small, medium and large contractor – there are awards for apprentice of the year, best new product and lifetime achievement. Chair of the judging panel, Stan Johnston, says, “Judging was extremely tough due to the high standard of all entries. Each nominee has shown extremely high levels of dedication, commitment and skill. We look forward to speaking to them all and revealing the winners on October 11.” The 2019 nominees are as follows: Best Delivery of Customer Service, sponsored by MacRoberts LLP Electrical Solutions Network (Ayr) Gordon Eason Electrical (Kirkcaldy, Fife) Matt Burton Electrical  (Newton Stewart, Dumfriesshire) Safe Building Scheme (Edinburgh) Best Health & Safety Initiative Award, sponsored by Electrical Safety First EDI-Aberdeen (Aberdeen) Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) (Edinburgh) J S M Electrical Services (Perth) Best Visual Promotion, sponsored by Connect Communications Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) (Edinburgh) I-Protech Technology (Inverurie, Aberdeenshire) Matt Burton Electrical (Newton Stewart, Dumfriesshire) Best Use of Training (sponsor to be announced) J F M Electrical (Bellshill, Lanarkshire) John Noble Electrical Contractors (Bonnyrigg, Midlothian) Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractors (Connel, Oban, Argyll and Bute) Westside Electrical Services (Shetlands) Best Small Contractor (up to £250k turnover), sponsored by EC Insurance Company Aberdeenshire Electrical Services (Aboyne, Aberdeenshire) Gordon Eason Electrical (Kirkcaldy, Fife) R H Electrical (Aberdeen) Best Medium-Sized Contractor (from £250k to £1m turnover), sponsored by Rexel Electrical Solutions Network (Ayr) Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) (Edinburgh) Interlink Lighting & Electrical (Glasgow) I-Protech Technology (Inverurie, Aberdeenshire) Best Large Contractor (over £1m turnover), Sponsored by Megger Booth Welsh (Irvine, Ayrshire) E Fraser Electrical (Orkney) As well as the seven main awards, four other awards will be made on the night: Best New Product, sponsored by City Electrical Factors (CEF) Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by SJIB and Edmundson Electrical EDA Scottish Section Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by EDA Apprenticeships Plus Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Schneider Electric The 2019 Judging Panel Stan Johnston, Chairman Alan Wilson, Managing Director, Select Iain Mason, Head of Membership and Communications, Select Sarah Wolstencroft, Editor, CABLEtalk Ken Lewandowski, Former Clydesdale Bank Chairman Wayne Mackay, Electrical Safety First Anne Vessey, Head of Marketing & Communications, EDA