FLEXIPower BASEC approved
Within the UK market for commercial builds there has been a mixed bag over the years of different cable types used for fixed wiring applications, such as flat Twin & Earth (T&E), Flex, singles in metal or plastic conduit and Steel Wired Armoured cables (SWA). In many instances SWA and cables in metal conduit can be an over engineered installation, not least they are not the easiest and are labour intensive installations. Where T&E has really been recognised as a cable primarily used for domestic housing and Flexes were designed for use with appliances, i.e., where the cable will be frequently moved in conjunction with the appliance and not in a fixed position, but both have foundthemselves being used in commercial fixed wiring systems. Over the years alternative European cable constructions such as SY, CY, YY and NYY have been used. SY, CY and YY cables are not made to any specific recognised national standard, but market demand led to BASEC developing in 2019, an inhouse PVC and LSHF standard to give confidence to installers and specifiers that manufacturers make consistent quality cable that meet the cable’s performance requirements, but primarily they are control cables. The uptake todate of BASEC approved cables to their BA standards has been one overseas manufacturer for PVC based SY and CY constructions! NYY cable are not based on British standards but German VDE 0276 and IEC 60502-1, they are designed for fixed wiring Power and Control applications, but only made using PVC materials. Amokabel UK have recognised that there was a gap in the UK market for a specific non-armoured British designed and manufactured fixed wiring cable and came up with Flexipower to complement their well-known Flexishield range of cables. Flexipower is BASEC approved under the organisations Certificate of Approved Design (CAD), CAD 038, it is a 90oC rated cable and therefore has increased current carrying capacity compared to 70oC or 60oC rated cables, providing it is installed in accordance with the Wiring Regulations BS 7671. As you would expect of a new cable design Flexipower is designed with Low Smoke Zero Halogen materials, so it meets the Flame Retardant, Acid Gas and Smoke emission requirements required in modern buildings, it also has a good level of Reaction to fire as outlined in the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) with a Declaration of Performance – classification of Dca. Whilst Flexipower is a fixed wiring cable used predominantly for indoor use, it has a UV stable sheath and so suitable for outside use as well. The range of cables consists of 3 to 7 cores, sizes from 1.0 to 6.0mm2, using either class 2 stranded or class 5 bunched copper for increased flexibility, core colours to suit the application for power cores and or Dali control cores as required in lighting systems.All in all, Flexipower is an easy to use truly versatile fixed wiring non-armoured cable for use in all commercial buildings either as a traditional install or part of a modularised wiring system. For more information, please contact Amokabel on 01623 645007 or enquiries@amokabel.co.uk
Discover ground-breaking fire safety innovation and the latest in legislation at Europe’s biggest fire safety event.
As an integral part of the fire safety community, FIREX is the perfect place to connect face-to-face with the entire fire safety supply chain and network with companies across passive fire protection and prevention, fire detection and emergency lighting. “Every visitor will come away with knowledge and inspiration to help make your buildings comply and approach your projects more efficiently.”- Event Director, Gerry Dunphy Over 3 days, you can come down to ExCeL London to meet over one hundred of leading fire safety suppliers, from the like of C-Tec, Kentec, Advanced, Rockwool, HAES Technologies, STI Europe, Vimpex, Detector Testers, Warrington Testing & Certification, Aico, PlanRadar, Baldwin Boxall, Quelfire, Uptick, and many more. Why attend FIREX? FIREX has taken the decision to fully commit to only supporting and promoting third-party approvals, independent accreditation and competency for construction products and services. This means all exhibiting companies with relevant fire protection or prevention systems and materials will need to hold recognised third-party approval on their products to participate. NEW TO 2023 – IFSEC & FIREX will be introducing the brand-new Distributor Network in recognition of the pivotal role distributors play in the professional fire and security sectors. Visiting customers can meet leading distributors such as ADI Global, DVS, CIE-Group, COP, Dynamic CCTV and Oprema to discuss product solutions from market leading suppliers. “I am incredibly proud to represent the only event in the UK which makes accreditation a condition of exhibiting. Neither you nor your customers take chances – so why should we? FIREX remains the biggest and best annual opportunity to stay up to date on the latest trends, developments, and opportunities .” Event Director, Gerry Dunphy Together with IFSEC, the shows will continue to provide a platform where security and fire safety professionals can come together to discover new technologies and solutions as well as meet up with friends and colleagues from across the sector. IFSEC will be hitting a significant milestone in 2023 as it celebrates 50 years of providing the industry with an unmissable diary date to meet its customers and showcase the very best in video surveillance, access control, intruder detection, perimeter protection and training. A key theme for this year show will be sustainability as the show will aim to be carbon neutral by 2024 in line with Informa’s strategy of being the most sustainable event organiser in the world. This year FIREX has also partnered with a leading mental health and wellbeing charity, Gerry said: “We are delighted to partner with Mates in Mind this year – since they launched in 2017, Mates in Mind have been committed to improving mental health across the construction industry. Their target is to reach 75% of the industry by 2025 and we are thrilled to be working with them to help spread their message within what has been a traditionally very difficult audience to break into.” 4 shows, 1 ticket: Enhance your fire safety strategies with solutions from health and safety, facilities management, security & smart buildings. FIREX also grants you free access to the co-located IFSEC, Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo. Register & get your free ticket.
Electrical Training Courses That Work Around YOU
XS Training provides ONLINE TRAINING COURSES for electricians at all stages in our industry. From beginners, to improvers, to experienced workers looking to attain their ECS/JIB Gold Card. Since 2011 XS Training Ltd have delivered NVQs, 18th Edition and AM2 preparation training throughout the UK and are now the UK’s number one online training provider for the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation. To be eligible to undertake these NVQ’s you must already have prior experience and qualifications and be currently working in the industry. Upon successful completion of your NVQ qualification, you become eligible to apply for the highly prized contractors’ ECS Gold Card and JIB grading. These NVQs are completed online with their efficient and easy to use e-Portfolio system, OneFile. This means that you can complete the NVQ at a time of your choosing and in the comfort of your own home. Most people comfortably complete their NVQ between three and eight months. You will be supported by a team of highly experienced trainers and assessors who will provide you with support, advice, and guidance on how to successfully complete your NVQ. The NVQ courses they currently offer include: NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrical Installation (Experienced Worker)NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrical Maintenance (Experienced Worker)NVQ 2357 Level 3 Electrical Installationand also the 18th Edition Course With all the NVQ courses they offer a BESPOKE ONLINE TRAINING SYSTEM, EASY APPLICATION PROCESS, MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS, IMMEDIATE START, REMOTE VIDEO ASSESSMENTS and DEDICATED EXPERIENCED ASSESSORS to help & mentor you through the process. XS Training Academy Courses As well as providing ePortfolio based assessor assisted courses in all NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualifications XS Training now also offer additional online electrical courses created through their XS Training Academy. Courses currently available include the popular AM2/AMS2/AM2E Preparation & Revision course which has had excellent results in boosting the number of candidates passing their AM2 Practical Examination (Unit 399) at the first time of taking to over 85%. All their online courses are based around a series of video training with a multiple-choice quiz at the end to test your knowledge and understanding. Other bespoke courses currently available include; C&G 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Beginners Foundation Course)C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical InstallationsC&G 2391-50 Initial VerificationC&G 2391-51 Periodic Inspection & TestingC&G 2391-52 Initial Verification & Periodic Inspection & TestingC&G 2919-01 Electric Vehicle Charging Point InstallationPAT – Portable Appliance Testingand courses on how to comprehensively complete the E.I.C, E.I.C.R, & M.E.I.W.C reports. As a fully qualified installation or maintenance electrician you will be secure in a trade with a never-ending demand for your services. Take the first step in finding out more about becoming a qualified installation or maintenance electrician – contact XS Training today. Website: https://www.xstraining.comEmail: enquiries@xstraining.comTelephone: 01535 657059
Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
Research proves that rising electricity charges are pushing up energy bills, with analysis suggesting that UK household bills could go up by 7.2 billion pounds over the next two years. With such a prospect, everyone is looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce their electricity usage and lower their bills. Unfortunately, all providers are in the same position and refusing to accept new customers, so switching energy company isn’t an option. The way to reduce your bills is to make concerted efforts to change your habits and consider your usage in order to save yourself some money. Take matters into your own hands and don’t leave everything to the mercy of energy tariff providers. Take action by following the 5 tips below and you’ll likely see a positive impact on your energy bill. 5 Energy Saving Tips That You Can Implement to Reduce your Electricity Bills
A quarter of UK tradespeople now offer payment plans to help with the cost of living
A quarter (25%) of UK tradespeople now allow customers to pay for work in instalments, as a way of helping homeowners afford renovations throughout the cost-of-living crisis. New research by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, surveyed tradespeople across the nation and found that almost two in five (39%) have been asked about payment plans in recent months. Younger workers are leading the trend and are more than twice as likely to accept staggered payments as the older generations. A third of millennial (25-34) tradespeople allow instalments (33%), compared to just 14% of over 55s. Certain trades are also more likely than others to offer such schemes. More than two-thirds (67%) of roofers allow their clients to pay on finance, ahead of bricklayers (57%) and locksmiths (50%). The UK tradespeople most likely to offer payment plans to customers are: # Trade % 1 Roofer 67% 2 Bricklayer 57% 3 Locksmith 50% 4 Window Fabricator 40% 5 Joiner 36% 6 Builder 35% 7 Building Surveyor 26% 8 Electrician 22% 9 Caretaker/Maintenance 21% 10 Landscaper 21% 11 Painter Decorator 18% 12 Plasterer 15% 13 Carpenter 15% 14 Scaffolder 10% 15 Plumber 9% Payment plans offer advantages to both tradespeople and customers – more than a fifth (21%) of workers think they’d help attract more business – but precautions need to be taken to ensure financial security. To help tradespeople who are thinking of allowing staggered payments, IronmongeryDirect has partnered with Rick Smith, managing director at Forbes Burton, to share advice on how to stay protected. 1) Financial feasibility: “Tradespeople should assess the financial viability of offering payment plans and ensure that it won’t negatively impact the business’ cash flow.” 2) Legal compliance: “The payment plan needs to be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection laws, truth-in-lending laws, and debt collection laws, as well as considering if the offering falls under the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority.” 3) Terms and conditions: “Ensure you define the terms and conditions of the payment plan, including the amount to be paid, the payment schedule, the interest rate (if any), and any late payment fees.” 4) Processing and tracking: “Establish a system for processing and tracking payments, including a method for monitoring income, handling delinquent accounts, and reporting to credit bureaus.” 5) Collection plans: “A good debt collection system is crucial. Make sure you can collect what you are owed and understand how to take things to court if necessary.” Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The cost-of-living crisis means many Brits are more cautious about big money purchases, and that includes home improvements. As a result, tradespeople are having to adapt to maintain their workflow, and offering payment plans is one way of doing this. “However, you should take extreme care if you decide to go down this route, as there is always the danger that you could miss out on the full amount, either due to awkward customers or simply through paperwork errors. That’s why we’ve partnered with Forbes Burton to create a thorough guide for those considering this option.” For expert financial advice on customer payment plans, including the benefits and the best ways to protect yourself, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/financial-advice-for-tradespeople-considering-payment-plans
Ring introduces new, brighter colours for its inspection lamp
Ring, the leading inspection lighting brand for mechanics and technicians, is now making its lamps available to electricians and other tradespeople. Tradespeople who work on site, off grid and need light to work, can now have access to award winning inspection lamps from Ring, via national engineering wholesale groups. In addition to the existing classic black, Ring’s MAGflex Mini LED Inspection Lamp, RIL6100, will now also be available in blue and yellow, so tradespeople can easily and quickly find it. Not being able to quickly lay their hands on a work lamp because it isn’t distinctive enough in a working environment is a common frustration for electricians, engineers and other trades when needing a light source. To combat this issue and make them easily spotted, Ring has ingeniously introduced two new colours for it’s Mini LED Inspection Lamps, blue and yellow, so they stand out. The RIL6100, which is a popular lamp due to it’s small size and magnetic base, is designed with the professional in mind. It projects 250 lumens, is robust to withstand tough working conditions and has multi angle positioning, so that users can rotate the lamp to point it at the exact spot needed. Helpfully, the lamp has a fantastic battery life, with up to six hours operating time from just a single charge, but also features a charge level indicator so the electrician can see when it needs to be recharged. Available for Troy and NMBS Electrical and engineering wholesalers.
Get up to speed with solar energy and battery storage at InstallerSHOW
InstallerSHOW is delighted to announce that it will be offering a dedicated solar zone, designed to give visitors the tools and information they need to succeed in this crucial sector. Supported by Solar Energy UK and MCS, it will incorporate interactive demo sessions to boost knowledge of solar technology, battery storage, inverters, finance for the market, upskilling opportunities, and more. Cherry Parker, Director of Business Development at Solar Energy UK, said: “Our goal is to build a clean energy system for everyone’s benefit, and our commitment to working with InstallerSHOW gives us a great opportunity to further that aim.” Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, added: “With UK homeowners quite rightly worried about the cost of living amid rising energy costs, we are seeing more solar installations registered on the MCS Installations Database. What’s more, our certified contractor base continues to grow as more companies than ever before are diversifying into solar as more new entrants also join the industry, capitalising on the huge rise in solar. “There is a constant need to upskill the industry and meet increasing levels of demand and as part of our ongoing commitment to green skills, we are working with SEUK and InstallerSHOW to reach and support as many potential solar contractors as we can – there’s never been a better time to get into solar.” Mike Costain, Managing Director at Lyrical Communications, added: “Harnessing and storing solar energy is an essential part of our energy future, and our partnership with Solar Energy UK and MCS gives us a platform to deliver core information to InstallerSHOW’s visitors.” Registration for this year’s InstallerSHOW, taking place at NEC Birmingham from 27-29 June, is open now. Sign up for a free visitor pass here In addition to Solar Energy UK and MCS, exhibitors at InstallerSHOW covering solar and battery storage include: CEF, SKE, SolarEdge, Fronius, Midsummer Energy, Huawei , Van der Valk , Nuenta, Soltec, NIBE, Viessmann, myenergi, Effizency, City Plumbing, Green Building Renewables and more.
The Electrics Behind Solar Power
For those working in the electrical industry, it’s a well known fact that things are forever changing. Standards are regularly assessed, techniques are revised and improved, technology makes leaps and strides in advancements. With such change happening all the time, it’s not always easy to keep up. Hence, the role of any individual working in the field of electrics come with the knowledge that constant education and training is needed. You have never learned everything you need to know about the industry! One technological advancement that is changing the game of electricity is that of solar power. While it’s been in usage for many years, it’s now that the innovation is starting to pick up momentum. The climate crisis is one influencing factor behind this, as many businesses and individuals strive to make positive changes to reduce their carbon emissions and switch to renewable sources of energy that don’t damage the planet in the way that traditional sources like coal and gas too. On the other hand, the economic crisis is playing a role in pushing people towards solar power. As the cost of living continues to rise and fuel bills continue to increase, solar power is becoming increasingly more attractive due to its cost efficiency. Commercial solar solutions installer Western Industrial, says that the use of solar power is growing in popularity in recent years due to the benefits it provides. Evidently, changes in the world’s scene are influencing changes in the electrical field therefore it’s paramount that industry professionals stay abreast of these changes and confident in their understanding of it. How Does Solar Power Work? So, how exactly does solar power work? How does technology turn the rays from a burning start 93 million miles away into usable electricity that can power a home, a business, or even a car? The renewable energy source of solar power is captured by solar panels. These solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells which absorb the sunlight and the created energy generated electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field. This causes electricity to flow. The captured rays from the sun can thus be converted into direct current electricity (DC). Then, this electricity can be further converted into alternating current (AC) in order to be used in a household setting. With the variety of solar panels that are currently developed and available, people can find a solution for any size of need or application. While a rooftop solar array could power a hone, a small portable solar panel could be used to charge a mobile phone. The applications are endless, so it’s up to electrical experts to improve their knowledge and understanding of the solution so as to confidently advise clients and assist them in their purchases and installation. A common misconception is that solar panels can only generate power on bright sunny days, but only a small level of daylight is needed to capture the sun’s energy. Furthermore, the installation process is not as complicated as people may be lead to believe. The DC wiring from the panels that are installed is run into the building. Inside the building, it is the responsibility of a qualified electrical to connect the inverter in the building’s electricity supply. He can than install any safety equipment necessary to make the installation safe. Powering the Future The sustainability of solar power is the driving force behind the innovation, offering financial and environmental benefits that are hard to ignore. To contribute to a better personal life and to the health of the planet, it’s expected that more and more people will endeavour to turn towards sustainable energy lie solar power. Therefore, it’s time to get clued up and filled in on the electrics behind solar power!
Schneider Electric and Ryse Energy work together to bring better renewable energy supply to UK and European businesses
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has partnered with Ryse Energy, the global leader in decentralised renewable energy systems, to design and implement a new standardised control system using proprietary intellectual property (IP) for small wind turbines, providing the ideal innovative solution to connect energy users to the grid. Ryse Energy is an innovative and fast-growing primary manufacturer of small wind technology with manufacturing capabilities in the UK, Spain, and India and has one of the most diverse and advanced technology portfolios across the renewable energy industry. It offers wind and solar as standalone technologies, either grid-connected or off-grid with energy storage and creates bespoke and reliable hybrid renewable solutions to help decarbonise a variety of sectors, including community power for rural electrification. Building better connections to the grid Through its R&D partnership with Schneider Electric, Ryse Energy has been able to leverage cutting-edge hardware, software, and expert insights to design a new, proprietary, standardised control system for its 11kW small wind turbine, encompassing all panel components such as sensors, limit switches and capacitor banks for improved power quality. The turbine is typically used in the agricultural sector and light industrial settings or to power residential communities, helping to deliver greener, more affordable and more secure energy from a decentralised and renewable source. By integrating Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Machine Expert within the control panels – one of the market’s most modern and powerful tool-based software platforms – energy users benefit from more active management of their energy use, including the ability to store any surplus energy generated for future use, or even to sell onto the grid. Ryse has already deployed more than 4,000 small-scale wind turbines across all seven continents and is currently working with Schneider to connect 25 new wind turbines in agricultural settings across the UK & Ireland using the new standardised control system. Ryse Energy and Schneider Electric are working with BPX, Schneider Electric’s UK Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distribution partner, driving the Integrated supply chain strategy and providing the technical support for the successful project implementation. “The next ten years will be known as the “electric decade”, promising a low-carbon future powered by a reliable and resilient supply of smart and clean renewable electricity. However, that is only possible if we invest in technology to cater for the growing demand for clean electricity and a growing supply of decentralised renewable generation. The energy crisis has injected much more urgency into reaching this, not least in energy-intensive industries such as agriculture where we have seen a significant increase in enquiries from across the UK and Ireland,” said Mark Yeeles, Vice President, Industrial Automation UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric. Ryse Energy has brought its intellectual property in-house, reduced its reliance on third-party supply chains and taken advantage of opportunities to upskill its existing workforce. “Through our partnership with Schneider Electric and the creation of an internationally compliant solution, we aim to expand our global footprint and pave the way for transforming the power sector. We share the same vision and values and there is a huge opportunity to work together to increase access to clean, affordable, and reliable renewable power globally,” said Richard Caldow, CEO of UK, Europe & Americas at Ryse Energy.
