Recolight Celebrates a year of Circular activity
During 2022, Recolight has been working hard to help get sustainability and climate action higher on the agenda. In January they set a target of reducing their carbon emissions by 10% in 2022. In March their 2022 webinar series started. Topics covered included “How to be a sustainable lighting manufacturer”, “Remanufacture of lighting equipment”, and “Six lights for a sustainable future”. Hosted by Ray Molony, they were attended/listened in by over 1500 delegates. In April their first ever training workshops were launched “Lighting product design for a circular economy”. Developed and delivered by Simon Fisher of F-Mark, the workshops ran on 6 occasions with 64 delegates, including two company-specific events. Recolight launched the Circular Lighting Report in June. Edited by Ray Molony, it is a dedicated, independent information channel covering all matters related to sustainability for the lighting industry. In six months there have been over 100 posts, and 1500 followers on LinkedIn. In September Circular Lighting Live was a sell out success with 225 delegates, 25 panellists and speakers, and 15 corporate sponsors. The packed agenda covered: EU and UK legislation, environmental metrics, including assessments of circularity (TM66), embodied carbon (TM65), environmental product declarations, life cycle assessments, and practical discussions included how to encourage more remanufacture and reuse in the lighting sector. During the course of the year 21 companies joined the Recolight WEEE scheme for compliance in 2022 and/or 2023. Commenting on the year, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said “I am thrilled by the way the Recolight team has helped to drive sustainability up the agenda for the lighting industry. And the response from the industry has been just as encouraging: we have seen more specifiers, producers and customers putting sustainability at the heart of their strategies.” “My one disappointment is that despite setting a target to reduce the carbon emissions of our waste lamp collection service by 10%, they actually increased slightly. That was caused by a highly inefficient retail project which required us to collect small volumes from a large number of stores across the UK. We are determined to do better in 2023, and will set ourselves another ambitious target.” “And 2023 is already looking very promising: More growth in our WEEE scheme. Launch of TM66 services working with industry expert Helen Loomes and Simon Fisher. Another webinar series. Circular Lighting Live 2023 in September. And a new Re-use & Remanufacturing conference in April.” Visit the Recolight website www.recolight.co.uk or follow Recolight on Twitter @Recolight
Heavy-Duty Anti-Static Floor Mat from First Mats
When working with sensitive electrical equipment, it’s essential to reduce the chances of it being critically damaged by a sudden electrostatic discharge (ESD). A great way to do this is with an Anti-Static Floor Mat, and a new model is now available from Birmingham-based matting specialists First Mats. The primary job of an Anti-Static Mat is to protect workers and equipment by safely dissipating static electricity, preventing it from building up and discharging, which can damage circuit boards and other sensitive equipment. However, the new ESD Deck-Mat from First Mats also makes for a great Anti-Fatigue Mat. Workers who spend most of their working day on their feet will be all too familiar with the aches and pains caused by long periods of being stationary on their feet, but Anti-Fatigue Mats can make their work significantly more comfortable, leading to better well-being and productivity. The new Deck-Mat features a soft, foam-based centre that helps relieve discomfort from standing, whilst a conductive vinyl top surface provides durability and protection for operatives and components from static discharges. It’s also resilient against many industrial chemicals and has a diamond pattern on the surface to boost grip underfoot. The ESD Deck-Mat is available in full 18.3m long rolls in widths of 90cm or 120cm or in custom lengths, which are cut from the roll and professionally finished with ramped edges and a 10mm male stud for earth wire connection. “The Deck-Mat provides the best combination of durability, comfort and static dissipation,” states First Mats Director Richard O’Connor, “making it a fantastic addition to our existing range of high-quality Anti-Fatigue and ESD floor matting.” Visit the First Mats website to learn more about the Deck-Mat or the other Anti-Static Mats in the range.
STIEBEL ELTRON introduces expertly designed HOT water tap
Since 1924, STIEBEL ELTRON has revolutionised domestic hot water heating, and continues to do so with its launch of its new instant hot water tap, broadening its range of sustainable and energy saving appliances. With contemporary kitchen trends focusing on simplicity, the tap will be ideal for homes, offices, and public buildings such as doctor’s surgeries and dental practices, STIEBEL ELTRON said. The HOT 2.6 N Premium 3in1 Set provides a fast and convenient way to achieve very hot water instantly, with the equipment able to maintain a constant water temperature of up to 95°C to allow users to quickly prepare hot drinks and food without the waiting time of using a kettle. Consisting of a space saving automatic boiler which can be placed under the sink, and a 3in1 kitchen tap, the tap includes a mixing lever for cold and hot water as well as a special lever to draw off almost boiling water from the appliance. The ‘push’ and ‘turn’ mechanisms of the tap lever for boiling water ensures everyday safety, as well as the hot water being drawn off with minimal steam or splashes. Meanwhile, the high-grade thermal insulation also promises low energy losses. STIEBEL ELTRON provides efficient solutions with green technologies for hot water, heating, ventilation, and cooling, through electricity from the sun, wind and water, the business ensures self-sufficiency, security of investment and a sustainable future. The manufacturer has always had a clear focus on technological progress, committed to developing and producing innovative products at the highest quality, and this launch marks another step in the brand’s range of product offerings, as well as their commitment to improving the environment credentials within the property sector.
PIRs – is there really anything more to say? Presence and absence detection: Timeguard has it all covered
Easy to install and easy to adjust – just as you’d expect from Timeguard Timeguard’s new presence detectors with flat lens design are easy to adjust with clip on cover to hide the controls when you’re done. Presence and absence detection options in a single device. Include picture of IR remote control Looking for DALI compatible presence detectors? Timeguard has it covered. Linkable mini-PIRs are especially easy to install as masters and slaves, with simple RJ11 connectors Automatic PIR switching will be in demand more than ever with the way energy prices are going, with timely switching OFF as important as ON! The installers our tech team talk to every day are telling us that people are willing to invest more in energy saving they want to know about new features. Profiting from PIRs should be low hanging fruit for everyone in the channel this year and if you stock a full range of options that enables installers to tailor installations and upsell, then everyone can enjoy healthier margins. Is there really anything to tell between one PIR and another or are they just commodity products? The bottom line is that cheap ‘white label’ PIR detectors delivered by the container load are always going to be a false economy. Probably the biggest measure of a PIR is price vs performance: is the specification good, do the devices really meet it, are the prices fair, and is the manufacturer’s guarantee worth having? No surprise then that the best outcomes still come from the brands. Branded quality is an assurance that these devices, by definition, never the easiest to get at and replace, will perform to specification and last the course. The very nature of the market competition means that the brands are forever refining and improving their designs, Timeguard even has dedicated production facilities with full-time staff on site in their factories. For Installers that choose Timeguard, they receive key benefits with every purchase, including: branded quality, easy installation, easy setup and high product performance and great technical back-up. These benefits provide installers with assured confidence that they can use these devices in so many applications, including a single PIR switch (single or dual channel) as the control hub for multiple lights up to a total of 600W or a 250W HVAC fan and, with the optional IR remote control available on the PDFM361/362/PDSM361 models, tailoring the installation to your customers’ requirements couldn’t be easier. Looks matter too and flush or surface mounted, PIRs ought to be able to blend into the décor. New flat-lens designs certainly take aesthetics to the next level. Accurate controls determine detection fields and lux levels to avoid nuisance switching, as well as determining how long lights stay on when rooms are emptied. Clip-on covers, a thoughtful detail, camouflage the controls. Presence and absence explained Today’s users expect the accuracy of presence detection and, increasingly, the extra option of absence detection. As you’d expect, Timeguard’s range makes it easy. Presence detection is fully automated: switching on and off are both done without user intervention. They will be mainly installed/used in areas that are likely to have regular and/or high people traffic, and most likelihood of lighting or HVAC otherwise being left on in empty spaces. Presence detection, once only affordable for prestige projects, provides that extra level of sensitivity that will sense someone who is hardly moving at all – the most common example probably being someone sitting at an office desk making only small hand movements. The accuracy of presence detection means that lighting and HVAC are switched off only when users are really gone, with users choosing how long after people vacate the area the light and/or heating go off. As soon as this extra presence sensitivity technology became commercially affordable, Timeguard was quick off the mark to add it to our mainstream wholesaler channel offer. Absence detection is semi-automated: people still need to switch the light on manually at the wall switch and then, as with presence detection, the lights turn off automatically when the area is vacated. So, for instance, lights in classrooms, in meeting rooms or break out areas in open plan spaces won’t switch on just because someone walked by or popped in just to pick something up from the desk. Combining presence and absence detection in one device, as Timeguard has done, enables contractors to design a really flexible set up to match the changing ways people occupy and use their premises. www.timeguard.com Your PIR checklist: • Easy set up and reconfiguration should rank high on your list. Time is money for installers. • Ratings everyone can really trust, especially if the manufacturers are claiming to be able to switch bigger loads. • Good looks are important. Office rents and interior fit outs aren’t cheap. People won’t appreciate ugly accessories! • Functionality: be sure to cater for both presence and absence detection. • Will there be a clear ‘view’ of the detection area? Do stock HF microwave detectors that ‘see’ through partitions. See the full range at www.timeguard.com.
fuelGenie+, a brand new fuel card from fuelGenie, launches with Shell
fuelGenie has expanded its petrol station network significantly with the launch of fuelGenie+, which can be used at most Shell forecourts. fuelGenie+ provides fleet users and small businesses with a convenient network of around 2,200 locations to top up their tank for less, including on the UK’s main transit routes and in towns and cities including over 900 Shell sites as well as at Tesco’s, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. Among the other benefits fuelGenie+ includes more access to 24/7 petrol stations for drivers, higher forecourt canopies for larger vehicles or vans, and the opportunity for customers to collect Shell Go+ rewards when they fill up. Additionally, Shell locations include free Wi-Fi, comfortable rest areas and Jamie Oliver Deli by Shell. Tony Burgess, Director, Merchant Network at fuelGenie, commented: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Shell and launch of this new service. fuelGenie+ provides existing and new customers with a dramatic increase in convenience enabling drivers to minimise route deviation and thereby save time and money. “fuelGenie+ provides the best of both worlds in one card; a convenient network backed by leading brands as well as the ability for customers to access some of the UK’s lowest fuel prices through supermarkets.” Customers and drivers can also find the nearest participating fuelGenie+ petrol station by using the fuelGenie app or visiting the website petrol station finder at https://www.fuelgenie.co.uk/fuel-cards-uk-locations/find-nearest-petrol-station/ Indeed, the new partnership with Shell also follows fuelGenie mobile app updates which provide even more card detail and invoice functionality to help SMEs and fleets, freeing up even more administrative time, and which is also now available to fuelGenie+ customers. Aisha Anderson, Shell Head of Fleet Solutions UK, also commented: “With busy and demanding schedules to meet, having access to a comprehensive refueling network is essential for fleets – and helps them to optimise their time on the road. “We are so pleased to offer fuelGenie+ customers access to most of our growing network of refueling stations and amenities along with the Shell Go+ loyalty programme – enabling them to earn rewards as they benefit from easier and more efficient journeys with seamless refueling.” For more information about fuelGenie+ visit https://www.fuelgenie.co.uk/?utm_source=fuelGenie2022PR&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Press-release-Nov-2022, while for more information about Shell visit https://www.shell.com/.
Controlling Christmas lights with WiFi
Outdoor displays are the first sign that Christmas is coming, but it would be a shame if the cost-of-living worries were to dampen the collective ‘holiday spirit’ too much. So, why not help people keep the magic alive with timed, energy-saving control from the comfort of indoors? With Timeguard’s weatherproof WF10 Wi-Fi Outdoor Controller connected in line and within range of the home router, app-based control is extended to outdoor devices. They can then be controlled by a smartphone or tablet using the free, global TuyaSmart App, which also offers voice control via Amazon Alexa or Hey Google. Setting daily, weekly or countdown timing is straightforward, as is the manual override. With 10A (2300W) switching, this neat device is an easy-install solution with its large terminals and two PG11 cable glands included. Not just for Christmas, this is an all-year-round solute not controlling outdoor power. See the full range at www.timeguard.com Smart homes for all What does the term ‘smart home’ mean to you? On the one hand there are the mega mansions with everything from high security to home cinemas. At the other end of the scale, we see the automatic doorbells and cameras (for example “off Amazon”), usually DIY installation but that may do little more than let you watch what’s going on. However, the DIY approach can also go horribly wrong, as one man found out in court last year, when a judge agreed that the positioning of his cameras had placed a neighbour under continuous visual surveillance and awarded damages against him. Neatly bridging the gap is the new generation of smart Wi-Fi controls for professional installation. So, look out for smart wall sockets, in-line adaptors and fused spurs with Wi-Fi control at the wholesalers and win the business that’s there for the taking. ♣ Twin Wi-Fi wall sockets can offer daily and weekly timing programmes and countdown timing, with each socket under individual control. ♣ Smart fused spurs are easy replacements forbasic spurs, especially as the mains wiring is already in place. They can provide remote time control to wall and immersion heaters, towel rails, appliances like washing machines and dryers, and outdoor or display lighting. ♣ Timeguard has Wi-Fi controlled security covered too with its integrated Wi-Fi camera, built to simply plug into any of its NightEye outdoor LED floodlights. It’s an approach that doesn’t require any extra wiring. Customers’ eyes are open to the possibilities of smart control, but they are wary of the downfalls of inferior specification. After all, no-one wants the hassle that comes along with poor quality, inadequate specification, vague instructions, and lacklustre support. So, it makes great sense to look for trusted brands like Timeguard with guaranteed quality and expert control using a stable, proven app like the global leader ‘TuYa’. Yes, whether it’s to save energy & save money, or improve security, or simply for added peace of mind, let’s all benefit from being ‘smart’. www.timeguard.com
Flat lens PIR detectors from Timeguard
Automatic PIR switching will be in demand more than ever with the way energy prices are going, and it can be a profitable business with the latest generation of ceiling mounted PIRs. Leading the way are new Timeguard devices that offer more user-friendly control and capacity to control even more lighting with a single PIR switch – all at prices that will please your customers. Most people will be familiar enough with the basics of what PIR automatic switching devices can do, but are you still selling basic specs or are you profiting from advances in technology? The days of simply detecting relatively big movements are long gone. Today’s affordable ‘extras’ include the accuracy of both motion detection and presence detection. New flatter lenses make these new PIR occupancy detectors as attractive to interior designers as they are to contractors. With Timeguard’s trusted brand assurance, these stylish, energy saving devices are easy to install, can be relied on to perform to specification, and will give many years of trouble-free service. Motion is detected over a 12m field with more-sensitive presence detection over a 3m diameter. Adjusting time ON, sensitivity and lux level is straightforward, (see picture) and the new flat-lens design is available for flush or ceiling mounting. They will switch up to 600W LED lighting or a 250W fan and can be wired in parallel to tailor coverage for individual spaces. You can also offer the option of absence detection. While presence detection is fully automated – where switching on and off are both done without user intervention – absence detection is semi-automated. People switch the light on manually at the wall switch and then, as with presence detection, the lights turn off automatically when the area is vacated. So, for instance, lights in classrooms, meeting rooms or break out areas won’t switch on just because someone walked by or popped in just to pick something up from the desk. Within the Timeguard range, both options ae available from a single device, making choosing the right specification for a flexible workspace easier See the full range at www.timeguard.com. New flatter lenses make these new PIR occupancy detectors as attractive to interior designers as they are to contractors. With Timeguard’s trusted brand assurance, these stylish, energy saving devices are easy to install, can be relied on to perform to specification, and will give many years of trouble-free service. Motion is detected over a 10m field with more-sensitive presence detection over a 3m diameter. Adjusting time ON, sensitivity and lux level is straightforward, (see picture) and the new flat-lens design is available for flush or ceiling mounting. They will switch up to 600W LED lighting or a 250W fan and can be wired in parallel to tailor coverage for individual spaces. See the full range at www.timeguard.com.
REBBAL – Repair socket back boxes quickly and easily
REBBAL (Replacement Electrical Back Box Attachment Lug). Repair socket back boxes quickly and easily without wall damage. REBBAL gives the movement and adjustment of the original sliding lug with added strength. As an electrician and business owner, I grew frustrated with the process of arriving on site for second fix and finding back box lugs damaged or missing. In most cases, this meant the back box had to be replaced. As any electrician will know, the process of changing the back box and making good – sometimes involving other trades – will turn a five-minute job into a few hours, at least. The additional time was not only frustrating, but meant an added cost. It was at this stage that we decided to do something about the issue. I believed there must be a way to repair or replace the faulty back box without damaging the wall, a solution that could save electricians time and money. We wanted something that can be fitted quickly and easily, and that could be easily carried around alongside spare screws. Importantly, it also needed to be stronger than the original and built to last. Strength is important because of the development of 3.5mm fixing screws. These were previously manufactured from electroplated brass, meaning if you over-tightened you would likely strip the screw thread, but not the lug. Today, modern 3.5mm fixing screws are often made from steel, moving the weak point from the screw to the lug. That is why we designed the REBBAL to be made of 2mm thick metal. This provides more internal threads and reduces loading, therefore cutting down the chance of stripping threads and other damage. It has been designed for use on metal back boxes from 25mm deep upwards, though you may need longer 3.5mm screws if set back deep within the plaster. We designed REBBAL to solve a frustration felt by electricians all over the UK. After you have used it once, you will always carry a REBBAL in your toolbox with your spare 3.5mm screws. It is a quick and easy solution to a problem that would otherwise take hours of labour to repair. Best of all, it is a cost saver. Compare the cost of REBBAL against labour time to change a back box and the hassle it causes. Each white box contains two REBBAL’s plus various fixing screws. The smaller REBBAL lug can be used on any depth of back box from 25mm up wards, just requiring the correct length 3.5mm screw. The larger REBBAL lug can be used on boxes 35mm and 47mm deep, and has been designed when side entry is used. The design still allows for the lug to have movement and be adjustable, even if a brass bush or lock ring was used. The smaller REBBAL may not fit flush to the side if a lock ring or brass bush is used on the back box. Watch the REBBAL product demonstration video on our website www.baileystc.co.uk For more information about REBBAL, contact sales@baileystc.co.uk. Currently on sale at: Edmundson Electrical Wholesalers, Aylesbury. Grant & Stone Electrical Wholesalers, UK.
UK’s first ever sustainability conference for lighting a sell-out success
The Circular lighting live conference and exhibition sold out over a week before the event was due to take place. With 250 registered attendees from specifiers, manufacturers and suppliers, the one day conference, which took place on 22 September, discussed how the lighting industry can make the circular economy a reality. Chaired by Ray Molony, Editor of Circular Lighting Report, the packed conference room heard key presentations on forthcoming EU and UK legislation, and the plethora of different environmental metrics that exist, including assessments of circularity (TM66), embodied carbon (TM65), environmental product declarations, and life cycle assessments. Practical discussions included how to encourage more remanufacture and reuse in the lighting sector. The pivotal role of the specifier in encouraging more sustainable lighting was tackled by two panels, both composed of five experts, drawn from across the industry. The conference was complemented by a vibrant supplier exhibition including a 3D printing demonstration from Platinum sponsor Signify, and other stands from Gold sponsors ASD Lighting, DW Windsor, Lucent, Orluna, Primelight, Silent Design, and Trilux. Commenting on the event, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said “We have been thrilled by the level of energy and commitment expressed during Circular Lighting Live. It really does seem that we all get it: The really significant changes we need to make to address the climate crisis, and to improve material efficiency.” “We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. So we’ve already announced that Circular Lighting Live 2023 will take place on 21 September 2023. We will be at a bigger venue, so we will be able to welcome many more delegates and sponsors.” Gareth Davies, Principal Lighting Consultant at Stantec said “Great to see this coming to the forefront of the industry. I think this has opened a lot of eyes to the magnitude of the task ahead, and also shown that it is not an impossible goal. A lot of people have realised we are not where we’d like to be and we need to start/accelerate our movement in the right direction. The conference offers a great chance for people to journey together and support one another in this critical area.” One of the main takeaways of the event was the value of TM66, the CIBSE and SLL specification for circularity in the lighting industry. TM66 is increasingly being seen as a helpful tool to allow specifiers to identify lighting products that are properly designed with circular economy principles. Nigel Harvey added “Recolight was proud to host Circular Lighting Live. It aligns perfectly with our ambition to desire to support and encourage our industry to become more sustainable. And we did our best to practice what we preach: the programme, delegate list, and feedback form were emailed rather than printed. The venue chosen favoured public transport, rather than travel by car. And even the food was vegetarian, to reduce the carbon footprint.” Related article
