Schneider Study Reveals Struggle To Be Sustainable

Schneider Electric has launched a report that reveals 87% of UK organisations surveyed find themselves torn between doing the right thing for the environment and meeting the business objectives of today. The Secret to Sustainable Success study has found that while businesses understand the need to become more sustainable in the face of increasing energy demands, nine in ten UK organisations are primarily focused on the short-term economic outlook with only one in ten focused on delivering transformational change. According to the report, energy consumption is expected to increase by a factor of 1.5 in the next 40 years. To meet climate targets, CO2 emissions must be halved, says Schneider Electric. Although 79% of organisations feel confident that they can overcome the challenges presented by the increased demand for energy and create a sustainable business for the future, only 13% feel well prepared to address the rapid growth in energy demands. When looking at how they can address these coming mega trends, 71% of decision-makers believe they will need to go through a period of tougher economic times to deliver a better, more sustainable business. The report illustrates that the mindset around energy usage needs to fundamentally change to deliver against sustainability objectives. According to the report, almost half of the organisations surveyed are targeting this change through innovation projects – whether it be to use less energy by finding efficiencies in operations, embracing robotics to address the skills gap or adding sensors to identify maintenance needs before they occur. Additionally, 70% of the businesses surveyed are actively considering digitising operations moving forward. This consideration is triggered by a reduction in energy usage (89.%) and overhead costs (89.9%). Another 69% of the decision-makers within these business expect to see a noticeable rate of return for digital investments within the first 12 months.    

ACI Concerned With High Level Of CPR Mistakes

Just two months since CPR became a mandatory requirement for cables, the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) believes non-compliant Declarations of Performance (DoPs) and inaccurate marketing material are misinforming and confusing the marketplace. Despite extensive campaigns from the ACI and many in the cable supply chain there is evidence that DoPs and CE marking on labels are being incorrectly drafted and applied, potentially rendering them invalid. Peter Smeeth, of the Approved Cables Initiative, says: “At this stage it is too early to assess whether such discrepancies are due to lack of knowledge or whether there are elements of deliberate misinformation. We have spent many months educating the market place on CPR and since July 1 we have been monitoring the UK cable market for any infringements. “Already we are seeing labels with no unique identifier, incorrect reference to the intended use of the product, incorrect classification marking and some instances where no DoP number is shown. We are aware of one cable manufacturer that has examined many DoPs during the first month of CPR and has found fewer than 20% to be correct.” CPR places strict requirements upon all manufacturers and suppliers (including those importing cable into the EU): All relevant products must be tested and classified. Relevant DoPs are to be drawn up and made available to cable purchasers. Relevant product labels must carry the CE marking, the class of performance, unique DoP reference number, scheme of assessment and ID of the relevant Notified Body. Where a DoP is not valid then the cable must not be placed on the market or sold through the supply chain. Wholesalers and distributors are also reminded that under CPR they are required to ensure that relevant cable bought and sold is CPR compliant – failure to do so could mean they face legal action from Government enforcement agencies. To comply, cables must have a declared classification, a DoP and be CE marked and labelled. Where it is believed a cable does not comply it should be withdrawn or recalled. “The ACI is also aware of discrepancies in the description of EN 50575 on DoP labelling as well as the classification of cables, and there are several examples of misleading marketing material in circulation. Whether this is accidental or deliberate, it is bringing added confusion to the market. Where such instances are brought to our attention we will inform relevant authorities,” continues Smeeth. “This however raises a further issue concerning the ability of the authorities to conduct effective market surveillance and we would support any improvements that can be made to strengthen the ability to find falsely declared products, and to enforce their withdrawal from the market quickly.”

Goodlight Turns The Spotlight On ED&I

Goodlight, the award-winning brand by LED Eco Lights, is launching a brand new architectural range of LED ceiling panels alongside the new Chroma, an all-in-one multi-purpose integrated LED downlighter at the ED&I Expo, NEC this September (Stand 67A). Register for free for the show at the official website. Visitors can also see the GX LED range of robust luminaires, including Linear Battens, High and Low Bays, the G360 SON replacement lamps, T8 and T5 Tubes, 2D Bulkheads and a range of commercial, industrial and retail LED lamps and luminaires. The new Goodlight architectural range of LED ceiling panels, the Luxe and the Avant, have been designed to deliver a stylish lighting solution based on efficient, low maintenance LED technology with up to 70% energy savings. They are specifically designed to replace outdated and energy hungry fluorescent fittings and offer more softer, natural light that integrates into high-grade office environments as easily as into retail, healthcare or educational applications. The Luxe LED Panel, with twin opal diffusers, provides a uniform 90° light spread. It delivers low glare illumination and is well suited for use in Cat A / B fit-outs as well as any areas requiring an LED upgrade for a standard Cat 2 modular fitting. The Luxe panel draws 32W, and has a colour temperature of 4000K (natural white). The Avant LED Panel has various mounting options, and includes a microprismatic diffuser for glare-free lighting performance achieving UGR <19. The Avant provides 117Lm/W and includes battery-back up emergency options as well as dimmability (DALI). The Avant LED Panel features an integrated driver with super-fast installation, allowing you to connect straight to the mains. [caption id="attachment_12877" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Avant has been designed to deliver style and efficiency[/caption] More new products Also new at ED&I is the Goodlight Chroma Integrated LED Downlight, an all-in-one multi-purpose downlighter available in four popular sizes and wattages. This downlight is designed with multi-colour white LEDs to produce a switchable white colour temperature, which allows for adjustment from warm to natural to cool white within the same fitting. With energy savings of up to 75% and maintenance savings of 95%, the maker says the Chroma is a perfect retrofit replacement for CFL luminaires. Prominent on the stand will be the hugely popular Goodlight GX range (GX1 LED High and Low Bay and the GX2 Linear LED High Bay) which offers a wide choice of luminaires that switch on and off instantly, making them a strong partner for use with occupancy sensors, and DALI and other lighting control systems. They are fully controllable, and can be dimmed up or down to exactly the level required. For external applications, Goodlight will also be showing the G360 LED SON replacement lamps that can be retrofitted in place of traditional metal halide or SON lamps and also the 2D LED bulkhead luminaires, rated IP65 to prevent dust and water ingress. Goodlight’s robust, impact resistant and glass-free T8 and T5 LED tubes will also be showcased. The manufacturer says they retrofit easily into existing fittings and feature 90° rotatable pins for precise lighting. Visitors to stand 67A will also be invited to enter a competition where 5 lucky winners will win a Dash Cam.  

Hamilton Gets Smart With A New Brochure

With smart technologies becoming increasingly popular, Hamilton has released a new brochure to showcase its latest smart control technologies for contractors looking to expand their footprint in this expanding part of the market. The new publication turns the spotlight on Hamilton’s smart lighting control, multi-room audio and control plate solutions, which are now available in a wide variety of finishes. The brochure is designed to deliver a handy overview of the products and solutions that tech-savvy customers are now demanding and contractors can now deliver. Hamilton explains that this latest brochure contains valuable information to help installers select the right solution for a wide range of projects as well as explaining the benefits of each choice for the user. Contractors can download a PDF copy of the Hamilton smart controls brochure from the Hamilton website.

Eric Bodley Named As 2017 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

CEDIA is pleased to announce Eric Bodley, president and CEO of Future Ready Solutions and Bodley and Associates, has been named the 2017 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. He will be honoured at the CEDIA Awards celebration hosted on the USS Midway on Wednesday September 6 2017. The CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has exhibited outstanding, creative, innovative, and visionary leadership in the growth and advancement of the residential technology industry. Nominations are submitted by industry professionals and evaluated on the basis of achievement and service within the industry. For the past 40 years, Eric has worked in nearly every aspect of the consumer electronics industry. Early in his career, he developed the custom installation division for specialty electronics retailer Sound Advice in Florida, and then, after forming Bodley & Associates, trained hundreds of sales associates with his IHAVS (In-Home Audio Video Specialist) programme. From 1995 – 2009, he launched a myriad of products and programmess for Monster Cable Products and started Florida Home Entertainment Design, a CEPro Top 100 Integrator and CEDIA member. In 2009, he was recruited to launch the revolutionary Perfect Path brand of Locking HDMI Cables by PPC, and most recently founded Future Ready Solutions — a national distributor of digital connectivity and fibre cable products for the commercial, residential, and retail markets. "Eric has set the bar when it comes to mentoring in this industry. He's groomed countless business owners, sales people, and installers, helping support the overall growth of our channel. Moreover, Eric has participated at every level with CEDIA and continues to be incredibly generous with his time and talents volunteering for the organisation," comments Dennis Erskine, CEDIA chairman. Eric is a past president of CEDIA (1993 - 1994); is a CEDIA Fellow; served as a judge on this year's CEDIA Awards; and is a member of the CEDIA Advisory Council. Additionally, Eric is a past-chairman of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Small Business Council; a past member of the CTA Board of Industry Leaders (BIL); and the 2015 recipient of the CTA TechHome Leadership Award. Tickets for the CEDIA Awards Celebration are available through the CEDIA 2017 registration system. CEDIA 2017 will be hosted at the San Diego Convention Centre on September 5-9 2017.

simPRO Promises To Cut Quote Time By 70% at ED&I

Can quoting time really be reduced by more than 70%? Well simPro says yes and is promising to prove it at ED&I! ED&I takes place on September 6-7 at the NEC, Birmingham and is the UK's new national trade show for the electrical contracting and wider electro-technical industry. The show will combine a packed exhibition floor and a full two days of informative seminars led by main sponsor the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) Sign up for free right here  The company wants to offer a robust and simple solution to the growing number of electrical contractors who are turning to job management software to help manage their businesses. The company says simPRO Software has been dealing with trade contractors in the United Kingdom and across the world for years and what customers say is strikingly similar. They are looking for more control, greater transparency and streamlined daily tasks with little or no paperwork. Ian Lucas, from Kaluca Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical, is a simPRO customer and has been able to achieve a huge saving in terms of time and of course money, he can now do a quote that used to take 90 minutes, in just four. Initially, Ian trialled simPRO Service. When it was time to upgrade from Service to simPRO Enterprise, he baulked at the cost required for training. However, simPro reports he soon changed his mind. Ian says: “When there was a cost involved in training I was reluctant and wary, however, it’s the best money I’ve ever spent." simPRO says its training isn’t just about the software, it’s a business service for the trade industry, an opportunity to spend time with an expert who has trained hundreds of others. The company says simPRO trainers thoroughly understand when users should bend to fit the software (which is based on industry standards and many years of development based on customer feedback) and when the software needs to bend to suit your requirements. In the field with simPRO Connect Ian’s staff are on board, in fact, Ian says they’re raving fans having all the information they need literally in their hand, including all the details of the job at hand. For the full story, check out the video above. simPRO Software will be on Stand 63 at the show and staff will be giving live demonstrations of the software works and giving advice and support on how you can streamline your business.

Get Hands On With Klauke UK At ED&I

High quality manufacturer and distributor Klauke UK will be at ED&I showcasing several key lines from its handheld range of problem solvers. ED&I takes place on September 6-7 at the NEC, Birmingham and is the UK's new national trade show for the electrical contracting and wider electro-technical industry. The show will combine a packed exhibition floor and a full two days of informative seminars led by main sponsor the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) Sign up for free right here  Beat your competitors to the punch  Klauke's innovative Speed Punch System has been introduced to reduce the operation time when punching a hole in mild steel, plastic and aluminium sheets up to 3.5mm thick - by up to three times, says the maker. Users of sheet metal hole punching systems on the market today will be well-aware of the neat finish, exact size, minimal (if any) deburring and clean working benefits. The process of drawing a punch and die together on a threaded draw stud have been used for many years producing professional results. Recent technological advances have been seen in the hydraulic pulling tools, moving from foot and hand pumps, to modern lightweight battery-operated solutions, which bring speed and accessibility benefits. Klauke says the new Speed Punch system brings innovation to the ‘cutting edge’. The longest process of using hole punching tools is threading the punch onto and off the draw stud. Speed Punch eliminates this threading by using a threadless draw stud and robust ‘Speed Lock’ clamp. Assembly and disassembly becomes simple and is up to three times faster than conventional punching systems. Speed Punch is available for ISO sizes 16 - 63 and is compatible with all existing pulling tools. The punch and die have been sized to eliminate the need for spacers, requiring fewer parts and without threads, so less to go wrong. When combined with a battery hydraulic punch driver e.g. LS50L-flex, the manufacturer says this provides the fastest punching system on the market. For square and rectangular hole punches, the same benefit can be achieved with Speed Nut. This only requires a new draw stud and Speed Nut which works with existing punches, bringing the same benefits in installation time. Cut down on crimping fatigue Klauke’s micro battery operated crimping tool will also be highlighted. The light weight design is powered by a 9.6V Li-ion battery providing a solution for panel builders or any application where high volume or high handle loads are present. Repetitive Strain injuries (RSI) from crimping are addressed as the pre-clamp feature allows the user to feel the connector and position it correctly before the ‘Powersense’ technology takes over to complete the crimp. The Micro can be used to replace manual ratchet crimping tools for pre-insulated connectors (0.5 – 16mm2), Cu tube connectors (0.5 – 25mm2) and cable end sleeves/boot lace ferrules (0.14 – 50mm2). The resultant crimp is controlled to ensure full closure of the jaws which means more crimps can be made with repeatable results. The Micro features the Klauke Intelligent Pressing System (IPS) which allows the user to download usage data from the tool, detailing how many crimps have been made, the date and time they were completed and the fact that they were all completed to full jaw closure. Used with the Klauke iPress Freeware it creates time and date stamped quality certificates which improves traceability. The wider range of the maker’s ‘Next Generation’ battery crimping and cutting tools will also be put under the spotlight after under-going a complete redesign. Ergonomics have been enhanced, including soft grips and better balance and there are more powerful batteries up to 5.0Ah for longer working between recharge. The construction has been made more robust and weather resistant for reliable, trouble free operation, well suited to hard use in tough environments. An LED display allows pressures, battery life and user profiles to be directly read from the tool. Data transfer for QA certification is now more easily achieved via the new Klauke app, linking any smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. There are Next Generation solutions from the compact basket tray cutter (6mm steel rod), to cutting steel armoured power cables in Cu and Al up to 105mm diameter. Crimping tools range from 6mm2 up to 630mm2 which the maker says are the most powerful and compact solutions on the market today. Used with the complementing Klauke cable lugs, these new solutions are designed to provide peace of mind and secure certified electrical connections. Get networked Klauke is also one of the companies underlining the benefits of networked tools. Using GPS tool tracking and remote interrogation, the on-line Klauke connectivity applications give users information about the physical location, condition of the tools, how much work they have completed, as well as when the next service is due. Combined with an inventory management system which can alert when service intervals are expected, this software is a powerful ally for those with large inventories. Remote interrogation allows for theft protection as tools can be disabled if stolen. Smart modules also mean that standard tools can be upgraded to the ‘Connect’ variants at any time.

Bullseye! Marshall-Tufflex Puts Dudbridge On The Oche For ED&I

Cable management specialist Marshall-Tufflex is supporting the inaugural Electrical Design and Installation expo (ED&I) at the NEC, Birmingham, with a host of product launches, a special edition 75th Anniversary catalogue, and the chance to play against world-class British darts player Mark Dudbridge and win a Virgin Experience Day. Sign up for free to the UK’s only national electrical trade show at the official website here. East Sussex based Marshall-Tufflex hit the bullseye with the announcement that it is sponsoring Mark, as UK sales director Jon Chamberlain explains: “Mark has been a firm fixture on the UK and World darts stage for many years and we are delighted to be sponsoring him. He has played alongside darting greats such as Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow and beaten some of the world’s best players, including John Part, Peter Manley and Ronnie Baxter. “We are very excited to have him on board. Given Mark’s tremendous darts pedigree, we thought it would be a brilliant opportunity for visitors to our stand at ED&I to play against him with the chance to win Virgin Experience Days.” Mark will be appearing on Marshall-Tufflex Stand 74 on the both days of ED&I (September 6-7). Visitors to the stand will also be able to see a full range of the manufacturer’s PVC-U, steel and aluminium trunking solutions together with its new underfloor-to-desk range and Wire Basket including Cablelay. Keep an eye out for more news on what the company will be offering at the show.

Win Big At ED&I With Quickwire!

Quickwire will not only be introducing visitors to the new Quickwire pre-wired junction box, but also rewarding those brave enough to take on the brand’s wiring challenge competition at ED&I. ED&I is held on September 6-7 at the NEC in Birmingham and is the UK's new national electrical trade show sponsored by the Electrical Contractors' Association Sign up for free right here. The Quickwire pre-wired junction box is the latest product from the designer of the flex7 lighting connection and control system. The maker says this innovative new product offers dramatic time savings compared to traditional junction boxes. Quickwire's junction box is pre-wired and has been designed to help electricians save significant installation time on site, all four connections can be wired in as little as seven seconds. Simply strip the wire, then push it into the push-fit connectors for quick and easy, screwless termination. The push fit design negates the need for fiddly screws, clamps, clips or covers. [caption id="attachment_12710" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Quickwire will be on stand 90 at ED&I[/caption] Quickwire is prewired with clearly labelled entry points for error-free wiring and its compact design means it will fit through a 32mm diameter hole in the ceiling. If it becomes necessary to disconnect one of the cables, that’s not a problem. The simple disconnection tool allows for quick and easy disconnection, making Quickwire reusable. There are 2 products in the range so far. Use a single Quickwire Switch & Load for a lighting circuit with a single luminaire, connect power, load and switch by pushing the cable into the labelled cable inlets. The remaining power inlet can then be used to feed another lighting circuit. A Quickwire Splitter can be used to increase the number of ‘load’ outputs on a Quickwire Switch & Load. Simply connect the load inlet of a Switch & Load to one of the four load inlets on a Splitter. Both products use the same push-fit design, for quick and easy connection. Visitors to the stand can get an idea of just how easy the products are to use by entering the Quickwire wiring challenge. There will be a £50 Amazon voucher up for grabs every two hours over the two days going to the quickest time to wire a Quickwire junction box. Competitors, start the countdown, connect the cables as fast as they can and then press the buzzer to record their time, not forgetting to flick the switch to check its been wired correctly. The current record is 04.48 seconds, but there’s always room for improvement! To enter, visitors need to get along to Quickwire on stand 90 at ED&I.  

Aico Supports ED&I Exhibition

Aico, one of the market leaders in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection products, will be exhibiting at Electrical Design and Install Expo (ED&I) this September on 6 -7 at the NEC, Birmingham. The exhibition is working with the ECA to bring together Electrical Contractors from across the country and to promote best practice throughout the industry. Sign up for free right here. Aico’s impressive double decker stand will feature interactive panels and live demos of its innovative products and technologies. These include the Ei2110e Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, the Ei160e Smoke series, award winning AudioLINK data extraction technology and RadioLINK+ wireless interconnection with alarm monitoring and remote extraction functions, along with a host of alarm system accessories. In addition, one of Aico’s new fully fitted Mobile Training & Demonstration Units will be at the show, which features similar product panels and enables Aico to deliver detailed product and alarm technology information, plus its CPD accredited Expert Installer training, right to customers’ doors. Contractors visiting the exhibition will get the opportunity to take part in taster training sessions throughout the event and have the chance to sign up for further training. Aico’s highly trained and experienced staff will be on hand at the show to not only discuss products, but to also provide invaluable advice on alarm specification, installation best practice and latest regulations. For contractors who want to stay ahead of the latest technological developments, Aico will be presenting a seminar at the show: A Gateway to Safer Connected Homes. Presented by Andrew Speake, Aico’s IT manager, the seminar looks at the technological advances that are transforming the way domestic life saving devices are used, from cloud based monitoring systems to intelligent multi-sensor alarm features. The seminar runs from 14:15 – 14:45 on the Wednesday. “The ED&I exhibition provides Aico with an opportunity to reach a wide range of existing and potential customers,” states Michael Wright, Aico marketing manager. “We work closely with electricians and electrical contractors across the UK and a show such as this enables us to demonstrate our latest products and discuss fire and CO safety solutions.”