Megaman lights up equestrian farm

When West Kype equestrian farm in Lanarkshire, Scotland needed to replace its existing floodlights due to an overheating issue, Megaman, a manufacturer of low energy light bulbs, provided the ideal solution in the form of its Ensio integrated LED floodlights. After listening to the farms requirements, the lamp manufacturer provided an energy efficient fixture with a lower heat output than the previous lighting solution, and an asymmetric light distribution design which reduces shadows that can often spook horses. It is essential for an organisation like West Kype Farm to host high quality events. The site has become a go-to venue for a number of training and competitions events held by the nation’s leading dressage and show-jumping organisations. In addition to this, the farm also hosts its own events, running regular show-jumping and dressage competitions. With such a busy agenda, it is important that the farm works to avoid disruption and can run events as smoothly as possible. As such, it is essential that items like the farm’s lighting units are in full working order. Unfortunately, this was not the case last year when a major overheating issue caused the farm’s floodlights to break. The lack of light severely hampered the farm’s ability to host night shows and rendered the outdoor arena, which was used as a warm-up area during competitions, unusable. Prior to installing Megaman’s LED lighting solution, the farm attempted to use sodium halide lights as floodlights. The units used too much power and caused the farm’s power circuit to trip, causing blackouts. Not only did the blackouts make events difficult to run, but the lights took a long time to cool down after tripping. This solution was unviable, as it was neither cost nor energy efficient. Linda Anderson, owner of West Kype Farm, spoke of the ongoing lighting issues, saying, “It wasn’t ideal, especially when it came to hosting night shows where light was essential for the riders’ and horses’ safety. We spent a few months trying to work around the issue, but it quickly became obvious that we needed to upgrade our units. As such, I decided to reach out to a number of lighting suppliers to see if I could secure a solution tailored to our needs.” During this process, Linda connected with Lindsey Morrison, Business Development Manager at Megaman UK. Aware of the farm’s issues, Lindsey put forward some of Megaman’s high lumens, low energy LED floodlight solutions. She recommended that the farm reach out to wholesaler, Holland House Electrical in Kilmarnock who could facilitate the order. In the end, the farm decided on four of the company’s Ensio 180W LED Floodlights across the centre. The outdoor, integrated units are perfect for metal halide floodlight replacement and deliver a lumens rating of 22,000lm and an IP rating of IP66. Speaking on the project, Lindsey says, “Away from my work, one of my big hobbies is horses so, on a personal level, this was a great project to be involved with. Prior to the Megaman installation, the lighting units were inefficient and unreliable. We’re delighted to have been able to assist with this and to help get everything running smoothly once again.” Linda was similarly pleased with the new solution, adding, “It was great to connect with Megaman and to upgrade our existing floodlights. The centre has now been fitted with four of the company’s units, which all sit alongside one side of the arena on posts. We’re very happy with the new lights, which are really bright. The LED units turn on to their full brightness very quickly and aren’t giving us any issues. What’s more, I was able to install the units myself as the process was so straightforward, which saved me additional time and money.” Designed as a true replacement for metal halide lamp floodlights, Megaman’s Ensio 180W LED Floodlights have helped West Kype Farm to overcome a major operational issue at its site and reclaim its position as the premiere equestrian centre in Scotland. Thanks to the homogeneous illumination afforded by the integrated unit things have returned back to normalcy at the centre and competitions are running routinely once again.

J S Wright to fit out first phase of Paradise

Mechanical and electrical building services specialist, J S Wright, is to fit out the first phase of the Paradise Birmingham development. The company, which has its headquarters in Birmingham, has been awarded a contract exceeding £4m by BAM Construction for the M&E infrastructure, basement and external services for two new Grade A office buildings, One and Two Chamberlain Square. The wide-ranging mechanical works will include installing rainwater and above ground drainage, a chilled water plant with distribution to serve the neighbouring Birmingham Town Hall, and car park ventilation systems. J S Wright will also install commercial landlord systems, including sprinklers, general ventilation services for the plant room and communal areas, and a boosted mains cold water plant for distribution, including landscape irrigation. All of the services will be controlled by a central building management system (BMS). The electrical works will involve the installation, testing and commissioning of the mains distribution network, including an uninterruptible power system and commercial landlord switchboards, along with submain distribution cabling and small power distribution. J S Wright will also provide lighting and emergency lighting, access control, CCTV equipment, door security and fire alarms, and car park lighting. Work on site is scheduled for completion at the end of 2019. Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, says, “We are delighted that our expertise and experience in delivering M&E services to multi-million-pound regeneration projects, primarily in London and the Midlands, has resulted in a commission that will eventually transform our home city of Birmingham.”

Industry insights and innovations showcased at CEF Live

CEF Live 2019, which recently took place at the Birmingham NEC, delivered two days of industry insights and trends, new product launches, NICEIC tech talks and special deals to almost 4,000 electrical professionals. The show returned for the third time this year, with the organisers declaring it to be bigger and better than ever before. Those in attendance from across the electrical community had the opportunity to interact with more than 55 leading electrical brands -  including Schneider, Aico, Dimplex, Philips, Scolmore, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Nest and Hive - which exhibited their latest products and offered 'on the day deals'. Across both days, CEF Live provided insight into the latest innovations, industry developments and opportunities, featuring seminars from industry experts and the NICEIC. Jaguar LandRover took to the innovation zone to explain how the iPace was born, while Philips Signify introduced connected lighting. Meanwhile, fire and carbon monoxide protection expert, Aico, discussed how changes to BS5839-6:2019 will affect the industry; and lighting solutions manufacturer, Tamlite, explained the health and wellbeing benefits of installing LED lighting. Topics within the tech talk zone, led by the NICEIC, included a Q&A session on the biggest changes within the 18th Edition, as well as presentations on SPDs, AFDDs, smart technology and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Growing interest in the EV charging opportunity was clear, with the tech seminar filled to capacity during both sessions. CEF’s brand new EV Charging Guide, featuring products, technical information and industry insight, was launched at the event; and it proved just as popular, with attendees looking to take advantage of this lucrative new market. Free calibrations were also offered on-site, as well as more than 100 exclusive 'on the day deals'. Visitors who had registered online beforehand received a £50 voucher upon arrival, to spend on future purchases of £100 or more at cef.co.uk. Andrew Moseley, CEF's Commercial Director, comments, “CEF Live is the biggest event in the electrical industry calendar, and this year, it proved to be bigger and better than ever before - with more exhibitors, more products and more deals. “As your electrical experts, CEF is committed to helping our customers keep up-to-date with the latest regulations and trends in our sector, so our tech talk and innovation zones were designed to ensure our customers learn what lies ahead for the future of the electrical industry. “It really was an invaluable day out for electrical professionals to connect with new or existing suppliers, and pick up some of the latest and essential products at unbeatable prices.” “The show was a huge success, and another step up from the previous two CEF Live events we held in 2017 and 2015. It was great to see customers and exhibitors’ enthusiasm for the event: there was a palpable buzz across both days, as people from all aspects of the electrical industry got together to discuss challenges, opportunities and new innovations. We are thrilled with the turnout, and the positive feedback we have received from our customers, our suppliers and the press.”

Survey reveals high job satisfaction amongst UK tradespeople

Despite working long hours and regular weekends, almost three-quarters of tradespeople in the UK are happy in their work, according to a new survey carried out by the country’s largest online supplier of ironmongery, IronmongeryDirect. The poll, completed by over 950 tradespeople, saw 72% of respondents rate themselves as ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ in their current role, with 70% saying they would recommend their job to others. This was despite almost half (46%) of those surveyed working over 45 hours every week, 54% regularly working weekends and almost a third (29%) taking less than two weeks holiday a year. The findings are in contrast to the overall decline in job satisfaction across the UK, highlighted by a recent survey which found that workplace happiness has dropped steadily over the past three years, with only 41% of staff reporting being happy most of the time at work. Commenting on the survey findings, Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director of IronmongeryDirect, says, “For too long, academic professions have been portrayed as the aspirational career routes to pursue, while occupations in the trade sector are viewed as second class. This couldn’t be further from the truth. “There are a huge number of benefits for those taking up a trade, and the results from our survey show just how fulfilling and rewarding a career on the tools can be. With acute skills shortages felt across the whole construction sector, it is the perfect time for young people to pursue a trade career and join this flourishing industry.” Skills shortages (reported by 64% of respondents), which are compounded by record employment levels, mean a trade career is likely to offer long-term job security. With 10% of the UK construction workforce made up of overseas workers, the issue could be even further exacerbated if immigration is restricted under the terms of Brexit. Furthermore, 22% of current tradespeople are aged over 50, while 15% are in their 60s, so new talent is urgently needed to replace those nearing retirement. Trade skills can lead to lucrative careers, with half of the survey respondents earning £30,000 or more. There are also good prospects for self-employment, which offers added flexibility, control and the option to be selective when taking on work. This is reflected in the survey, with 78% of self-employed tradespeople rating themselves as ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ at work.

Legrand launches guide to energy efficiency

With a continuing focus on energy efficiency, Legrand UK has launched a new guide that outlines the key efficiency drivers and the range of products and solutions on offer, to help specifiers to select from the options available to them, relative to their budget. The eight-page guide, titled ‘Navigating through the energy efficiency maze’, explores the key drivers of energy efficiency, providing a simple four-step vision of how to approach an energy efficiency plan, before going on to explore some of the key technologies that can help to make it happen. Mitra Goodger, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Manager for Legrand UK and Ireland, explains, “Lean growth is at the heart of the UK Government’s industrial strategy, and Legrand has many products that can help businesses to reduce their energy usage in everyday tasks.” From lighting management distribution systems, to electrical power distribution via busbar technology and on to cast resin transformers - providing both cost and environmental advantages - there are numerous products available to meet the needs of each and every application. Goodger continues, “For specifiers and those working throughout the construction industry, understanding the importance of efficiency in buildings is a vital part of day-to-day operations, but keeping abreast of all the available products and potential payback that they can bring can be difficult, and often requires a phased approach.” This paper is designed to arm specifiers with the information they need to find the right solutions for a project. From the basics of energy efficiency to an outline of the technology that can help them to achieve increased energy savings and greater efficiencies - the guide is designed to help. Legrand also offers an energy efficiency CPD seminar. To download the new guide, or to sign-up to the CPD, please visit www.legrand.co.uk/energy-efficiency

Schneider Electric offers food for thought with a free Greggs

There may not be such a thing as a free lunch, but Schneider Electric’s ‘food for thought’ promotion may just come in close. Over the summer, Schneider Electric will be offering electricians the chance to win a £3 e-voucher to spend at Greggs when they spend £50 or more on qualifying products. Within the promotion, distributors are able to choose from a wide range of products and bundles including, wiring accessories, consumer units, 18th Edition clips and cable management solutions -- all of which are discounted. For every £1,000 +VAT of promotional product ordered by a distributor, 30 Greggs code cards will be dispensed for them to give to their customers. Customers spending £50 or more in one single transaction will then be able to claim their e-voucher, alongside a range of support and training materials designed to help them make the most of renovation opportunities in homes, schools and factories. Schneider Electric says its food for thought promotion bundle is aimed at electricians and small contractors, designed to help highlight further opportunities for them to e-learn and sell-up to their customers. The promotion is valid until August 30, 2019, with no restriction on the number of promotion orders that can be placed within this timeframe. Tim Barber, Distribution Programme Manager at Schneider Electric says, “It’s important to us to be able to offer these kinds of deals to our customers – both new and existing. At Schneider Electric we recognise that there are lots of products on the market – but often there is no support on how to best use them. This promotion is a great opportunity for us to engage with our customers on how to best succeed in every renovation, offering our top tips and best practice advice”. “We’re confident that our customers in the electrical industry will leap at the chance to claim their free Greggs – and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this instant gratification to them,” Barber continued.

Aico launches new website designed by customers

Aico Ltd, a manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide alarms in the UK, has announced the launch of its brand-new website which has been designed around customer feedback to enhance user experience. In order to do so, Aico says it dedicated a significant amount of time to speaking with its customers; finding out which current features work well and what users would like to see moving forward. According to the company, one of the key features on its new website is the filter options which allow customers to be able to search for specific products such as, series; technology; power sources; accessories. The new website also includes a specific product search function. With a new navigation system, Aico’s website has also been built to make it easier for the customer to find what they are looking for rather than spending unnecessary time trawling through to find it. Michelle Duffy, Sales Office Manager, Aico comments, “It is important to us that our customers can navigate their way around our website with no complications.  The feedback process was vital to us to make this process as easy as possible.” In addition, an events calendar has been added to the site for customers to be able to see where Aico will be exhibiting in advance of each show. With the recent updates to legislation, the ‘technical support’ page has also been made clearer and more informative. Andrew Speake, National Technical Manager, Aico adds, “Supporting our customers with best practice is essential, and with the latest changes to BS 5839-6:2019 we have provided these changes on the website in a clear format”. Key elements of the services that Aico provides have also been brought to the very front of the website, making it easier for customers to locate what they need in order to become an expert installer.

DPD appoints Rolec to roll out national EV charging network

Rolec EV, a manufacturer of EV charging points, has been appointed by DPD to design and provide a smart electric vehicle charging network across over 60 of its nationwide sites. By 2021, the parcel delivery brand expects to add over 550 EVs to its fleet. In order to coincide with the arrival of this new fleet, Rolec EV will install in excess of 600 charging points across the UK. Kieron Alsop, Managing Director of Rolec EV, comments, “We are delighted to have been chosen by DPD to design and roll-out our EV GroupManager system across its 60-strong network of UK distribution centres.” “EV GroupManager is a cloud-based back office smart system that works in conjunction with Rolec’s EV SecuriCharge charging units, and the pre-issued EV driver RFID keyfob. This system then enables DPD to monitor and record all EV charging activity, historical data, and vehicle migration across its 60 sites, then feed this information back to its HQ for analytic evaluation.” Kieron continues, “Having already deployed a significant number of EV charge points across DPD’s distribution network we are continuing to work closely with their management and engineering departments to further increase and strengthen their EV charging network.” Mark Wilkes, Director of Technical Services for DPD UK, comments, “DPD has always had a strong and focused environmental philosophy and the introduction of hundreds of EVs into our fleet continues to emphasise the company’s desire to minimise its impact on the environment.” Mark continues, “DPD’s aim is to be the most responsible city centre delivery company in the UK and we are fully behind the electric vehicle revolution that is taking place at this very moment.” “Having undertaken significant EV charge point manufacturer research, along with a comprehensive due diligence process, we are delighted to have appointed Rolec EV as our electric vehicle charge point partner.” “The initial rollout of charge points across our network has gone very smoothly and we are now looking to significantly increase EV charge point deployment across the UK over the next 12 months to coincide with the delivery of our new EV fleet,” he adds.

Luceco lights up Manchester Central's car park

Manchester Central Convention Complex, a venue in the heart of Manchester, has been an iconic city feature for over 130 years. The complex was originally Manchester Central Railway Station, one of the city's main railway terminals. With the capacity to handle large-scale conferences and exhibitions, good car parking and traffic management is of great importance. Luceco recently supplied over 550 Climate luminaires to relight the parking facilities. With cost-effectiveness in mind, as well as striving to improve the complex’s carbon footprint, ageing T8 fluorescent fittings were removed and replaced with energy efficient six-foot twin output LED luminaires. Luceco was chosen above other lighting manufacturers due to the performance of the climate luminaire and the significant energy savings that could be achieved. Climate Extra is a robust LED IP65 rated luminaire offering an efficacy of 140 Llm/cW with increased performance for improved energy efficiency. Available with integral microwave sensors in on/off or 10% corridor function or batten fit PIR sensors, Climate Extra is also available with DALI drivers and emergency back-up variants, including self-test. An opal diffuser enhances appearance and uniformity, and a polycarbonate construction with stainless steel anti-tamper clips ensures a sturdy luminaire that is a cost-effective alternative to traditional fluorescent luminaires for many industrial applications.

18th Edition lights the way for further reforms

As we approach six months since the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations were introduced, Bureau Veritas has revealed that the new framework is helping to raise safety standards in surge protection, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy efficiency. In January 2019, the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations came into force, applying to all new and rewired installations. The regulations set out a number of significant changes and guidance on protection against overvoltage, EV charging point installation and ensuring the energy-efficiency of electrical installations. According to electrical safety expert Bureau Veritas, following implementation, such areas are facing major updates. For instance, in surge protection, education of a new risk assessment method is currently underway via industry accreditation bodies via CPD. Meanwhile, new guidance on the installation of EV charging points offered in Section 722 has lead to the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installations moving on to its third edition. Michael Kenyon, Technical Manager at Bureau Veritas, says, “Electrical safety and compliance has always been an evolving process, and over the last six months, the introduction of the 18th Edition regulations has ushered in a new era of best practice for surge protection, EV charging point installation and energy efficiency. “We’re seeing a greater focus on the need to protect against overvoltage, particularly in public sector buildings, such as hospitals, where surge protection devices could potentially save lives. As for electric vehicles, although installing charging points is currently a huge growth area for electrical contractors, installers and inspectors of such infrastructure need to have a clear and detailed understanding of the different types of equipment and how to test them.” Although Part 8 of the 18th Edition regulations, which was due to focus on energy efficiency of electrical installations, was consigned to appendix 17 at the time of implementation, it is expected this will become Part 8 and play a much greater role in subsequent amendments. Kenyon adds, “Looking ahead, we expect energy efficiency to play a greater role in electrical standards, with Part 8 - which sets out guidance on lessening environmental impact, reducing energy losses through greater adoption of smart solutions, such as power factor correction. This marks a significant change as, until now, the wiring regulations have traditionally focused on safety alone. “We understand that keeping up to speed with ever-changing rules and regulations can be difficult, but our advice to the duty holders and electrical contractors is to always lead the way in best practice by achieving compliance alongside regular improvements and routine inspections - particularly in these areas which will only grow in importance in the coming years.” Bureau Veritas offers a range of testing and certification services to support customers in managing compliance around electrical safety, in general, for new and existing installations or for specific areas, such as electric vehicle charging points.