NSI Announces Extensive Programme for IFSEC and FIREX International 2022
With less than two weeks to go until the long awaited IFSEC and FIREX International return to ExCeL London, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced an extensive programme of activity to ensure installers/integrators and those interested in gaining Third Party Certification have plenty of reasons to attend and visit the NSI stand at IFSEC (IF4050). As the UK’s premier UKAS accredited certification body for the security and fire safety sectors, NSI will once again have a significant presence at IFSEC, the UK’s longest running industry event (this year being its 49th edition) and is encouraging those attending to take full advantage of the expertise on offer to visitors both on and off its stand. On the first two days of IFSEC (17th and 18th May) at 14:00, NSI will host an informal 30 minute session on-stand for security system and/or fire detection and alarm installers interested in becoming NSI Approved, and finding out about the application process. Max Linnemann, NSI’s Director of Certification Services will give insight into: Key things you need to know when you apply The due diligence process and eligibility criteria How to ensure your application progresses as quickly as possible (avoid the common mistakes!) Installers are warmly invited to come along to these sessions. No pre-booking is required. For companies already holding approval with the Inspectorate, NSI is joining forces with IFSEC to host ‘Boardroom Talks’, an hour long session on Tuesday 17th May at 11:30, behind the show floor, in South Gallery S13, followed by refreshments and lunch for attendees. With an agenda curated specifically for senior leaders the session will cover two specific topical business issues: Changes in Procurement Rules, Outsourcing Services and Social Value Jo Kenny, Commercial Lead at the Crown Commercial Service. Meet the Sustainability Challenge: How to Embed Social Value and Net Zero Sunil Shah, Founder of Acclaro Advisory NSI approved companies wishing to attend the ‘Boardroom Talks’ are requested to register in advance via marketing@nsi.org.uk and places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors attending FIREX on 18th May are invited to join John Davidson, NSI’s Approval Schemes Manager (Systems) who will present “Fire Safety in Your Building: The most common and serious issues fire risk assessors are coming across right now” at 11:15 in the FPA InfoZone Theatre. The highly-respected Engineers of Tomorrow Competition for security and fire installer apprentices will once again be a key feature at this year’s event. Now part of WorldSkills (the final will be taking place in November this year), apprentices will compete to demonstrate their technical abilities and understanding in front of their peers and industry colleagues to secure a place in the final. NSI auditors will again be part of the adjudicating team, providing independent appraisal of those competing. NSI encourages all visitors to support the industry’s future engineers and watch them in action. A much anticipated and key attraction on the NSI stand will be ‘Cash’, NSI’s well-loved Turkmenian Eagle Owl who will be at IFSEC on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th May. NSI is encouraging visitors to ‘Swoop in for a Snap’ with Cash – those who share their photos on social media and tag NSI on Twitter or LinkedIn will receive a free gift on the day. Richard Jenkins, NSI Chief Executive “As the longest running industry event going back nearly 50 years, IFSEC’s presence in the industry calendar is always greatly anticipated. Despite the pandemic forcing a break since its last in-person event in 2019 we are delighted to see IFSEC return with such a compelling programme to bring the industry together. We look forward to welcoming industry colleagues old and new to our stand and to partnering with IFSEC in the ‘Boardroom Talks’ which we are jointly hosting for NSI approved companies.” Visitors attending IFSEC International are invited to a Reunion Drinks Party taking place at Indigo, The 02, at 18:30 on 17th May 2022, where they can enjoy two complimentary drinks on entry. Access is via the Emirates Air Line cable car. Register here to attend IFSEC International and its co-located events: FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, Facilities Show and Intelligent Building Europe.
Home Appliance Sourcing Strategy in 2022 and How to Ensure Quality & Compliance from Industry Experts
This article is a summary of latest HQTS webinar “Sourcing Home Appliance from China: Ensuring Quality and Compliance”, with Vestel General Manager Ulas Ozcan and HQTS Quality Control Consumer line specialist Sam Caan as speakers, you can watch the webinar for free clicking here. China’s Home Appliance Market Overview China’s home appliance industry has become globally competitive in production scale and export volume despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Only in 2021, the country exported over 3.87 billion sets of home appliance products, an increase of 10.1 percent year on year, and the total value of the exports surged 22.3 percent year on year to around $98.72 billion. In a market with such potential, the opportunities are as many as the challenges: increasing regulations, custom complexity, high competition, adjusted returns, and quality issues are familiar terms for anyone involved in the industry. From 2020-to 2021, most people around the world stayed at home, ate at home, and cooked at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the home appliance sector has continued to grow despite the challenges met by COVID-19, especially cooling-products, as people needed more storage to store groceries and frozen food. In 2021, the domestic and significant appliances sectors grew around 12% globally, excluding North America. Minor, domestic and major appliances are still going strong this year, along with IT electrical products. During the pandemic, people were chasing the best, lowest, and most competitive prices. Vestel has benefited from many people needing to use local sourcing, ensuring customers receive their products quickly, which has been a must-need over the last few years. 2022 has been a turbulent year; in 2021, everyone tended to place orders earlier, pulling demand forward. Therefore, by the end of 2021, it was expected that 2022 would see a drop in demand, which has been the case. Material costs, oils, lithium, steel, aluminum, copper, and plastics prices have increased throughout this year, putting pressure on supply chains across Asia and the rest of the world. Increasing shipping costs has been another issue this year. Two-thousand-dollar containers have increased up to around 10,000 dollars, this creates significant cost factors, and this issue doesn’t seem to be improving yet. It may not improve in 2022, primarily due to the recent lockdown in Shanghai. The number of cargo ships waiting at the port in Shanghai compared to 2020-2021 is three times larger, and this can take up to one yearly-quarter to recover from. Also, it is predicted that the Chinese RMB will get slightly weaker as the year goes on, estimated at around 6.55 by the end of this year, and the Euro is also expected to lose value against the US Dollar narrowly. China Home Appliance Exports Chinese exports globally in 2021 on white goods had a 20% value growth and 8% quantity base growth. Kitchen appliances also grew to around 30-35%. However, this year has seen weakness in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Europe has impacted the needs across Europe and exports from Europe to Asia. Therefore, this year has been slightly weaker, and we may only expect a 2-5% growth. Overall, Europe has many challenges due to rising energy and shipping costs. May, June, and July should increase slightly, and demands should improve a little, but August, September, and October are quieter. Sourcing Strategies Suppose you are trying to increase your business in the Chinese market. In that case, it’s crucial to know who you are working with and understand the supplier you are choosing, whether they are a manufacturer or a trading company, to ensure they are well equipped within their chosen specialty. It’s vital to know that they can deal with any issues during production or supply chain materials. Ensure you get different offers from different regions and places and weigh up your options before making a final decision. A professional supplier audit is a key element when choosing and dealing with new suppliers or launching new products. Ensuring Quality and Compliance Home appliances are relatively complex products, they involve machinery materials and electronic parts, if the production enterprise lacks knowledge, the technology and the quality control discipline, the products could be prone to various defects such as fire hazards, electric shocks or chemical risks etc. In 2021 in the EU, the unqualified, dangerous and defected rate of batches of domestic kitchen and bathroom electrical products was just over 10%, in addition home appliances are products with high use frequency and consumers usually do not have the professional knowledge to know how to use them properly if there is a defect. In order to prevent and control product quality and safety, inspection testing is compulsory for product safety. Quality Control Quality control is crucial and customers’ demands should always be the priority and the number-one focus. If the customer doesn’t like the quality standards, the business will not succeed. Locating defects and scrap is essential, these defects usually show up in the end product, and if they are found they can make the whole procedure inefficient and that particular batch cannot be sold or used, which increases businesses defect rates. Reducing variabilities in materials is also key, it’s impossible to get the exact same materials all the time, therefore you should be able to identify inconsistencies. As an importer, manufacturer or end-user; electronics quality control is an integral part of the production process, quality control matters because it determines the operating costs and the lifespan of the products, how long they will remain functional for the end-user as it can be very costly if the product fails or ends up in recalls. Electrical appliances had 23 recalls in March 2022 and in 2021 in Europe 2091 products were documented as risks such as, injuries, chemical risks, choking and electrical shock. In the USA, in March 2022 they recalled 21 products, 4 of which were electrical products. How to Avoid Issues Registering your products is vital, ensuring you can be directly informed if
Counterfeiters target C.K Tools
C.K Tools, the hand tool specialist, is warning the electrical trade to watch out for fake versions of its top-selling Cable Cutter (3963) after being targeted by counterfeiters. Carl Kammerling International, the parent company of C.K Tools was alerted when a loyal customer questioned the quality of a recent purchase, sourced through an independent seller. Having been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing for more than 100 years, C.K Tools is asking all trade professionals to be vigilant and double check any cable cutter before purchase, to ensure they get the quality product they are used to. Although the printed packaging is reasonably convincing the fake is easy to identify – the handles are a brighter red than the genuine C.K Tools item and have a grey collar at the top. Additionally, it has ‘CR-V’ forged on the head, does not have a black finish and the blade geometry is poorly designed. Tom Meyerratken, Managing Director at Carl Kammerling International, said: “Whilst imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we are concerned that trade professionals across the country are being cheated by these poor-quality rip-offs. “The counterfeits have been traced to a single distributor in the south of England and at the time of writing legal action is in process, but it’s not known if they have made their way to other parts of the country. Therefore, in the immediate future please do double check the cutter handles and head as per our guidance before completing any purchase.”
Schneider Electric launch EVlink Pro AC for residential buildings
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the launch of EVlink Pro AC for residential buildings. As building owners and housebuilders continue to navigate changing regulations, the connected EV charging station is designed specifically for buildings and makes installation simpler while offering superior flexibility and reliability for residents living in multi-family homes. The flexible, easy to use and safe product is set to empower housebuilders, property developers, property owners and installers with the right technology and solution to help fight against climate change. It also answers a need to make installing multi-dwelling charging facilities less complex and expensive for building owners. Key features include: Advanced interoperability which connects to EcoStruxure EV Charging Expert, Schneider Electric’s load-management system, helping to ensure reliable power availability while minimising costs for electrical network upgrades. This also contributes to minimising electricity bills for users, the value of which has never been more important. Simple installation through the eSetup app for easy commissioning, operation, and maintenance. Embedded protection inside the unit also simplifies installation while ensuring maximum safety for the installer and EV driver. Compliant to the latest EV ready standard, an embedded RCD Type B-EV reduces nuisance tripping, while an under-voltage tripping auxiliary cuts power in case of contactor damage. The EVlink Pro AC provides an intelligent solution to a common problem experienced by residents in multi-dwelling buildings as it is packaged in an intuitive and user-friendly way: Through an RFID/NFC reader, multiple users in the same complex can share the chargers, while a dedicated mobile app allows users to access and remotely monitor charging status. The EVlink Pro AC also helps to drive down energy costs for consumers through high-precision metering, ensuring accurate and fair cost allocation by user. Nico van der Merwe, VP of Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric, said, “Schneider Electric provides the technology to achieve government mandates which make delivering the UK Net Zero strategy a reality. The EVlink Pro AC is brought to the market in line with the UK government regulations which came into force in 2022, mandating that all new homes, as well as those under renovation, will be required to have electric vehicle charge points. He continues “With the growing demand for more sustainable methods of transport and the supporting infrastructure, EV charging for multi-family buildings is a crucial enabler of the transition to smart, sustainable homes. With this announcement, Schneider Electric is demonstrating its commitment to all stakeholders in the smart home journey by creating reliable, flexible solutions that make homes work smarter.”
Knightsbridge is up to the task with new kitchen lighting
Knightsbridge, one of the UK’s leading brands of wiring devices, accessories and lighting, has introduced convenient all-in-one dimmable LED kits for lighting under kitchen cabinets. Ideal for providing accent or task lighting, the easy-to-install kits comprise three 2.5W downlights, a six-way connector and a dimmable remote driver. Flexible in its offering, these contemporary low-profile lights can be either surface or recess mounted. As well as coming in the handy kit with three lights, the stylish LED fittings – pre-wired with 2.5m of cable – can also be bought singly (without driver), allowing the installer or end user to easily expand the lighting array to up to six lights per driver. The lights also come in a choice of integral bezel finishes – brushed chrome and white – matching the most seen colours in modern kitchens. The lighting output includes warm white and cool white options, which again allows users to make a selection best suited to the overall aesthetic of their kitchen. Delivering a quick and convenient solution to lighting under cabinets in kitchens, the UNDKIT3 all-in-one dimmable LED kits bring easy task and accent lighting to these overlooked and often underlit spaces in people’s homes. For further details of Knightsbridge’s innovative wiring accessory and lighting products, please visit www.mlaccessories.co.uk or call 01582 887760.
Search for ‘hero’ tradespeople begins in second annual ‘Local Hero Awards’
£1000 prize on offer as SGS Engineering launches second annual nationwide search for tradespeople who have helped their communities through kind acts Local heroes can be nominated via a dedicated entry form, open now. A national ‘local hero’ will receive a £1,000 cash prize. There will also be up to five regional winners. Further information on how to enter here: www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/2022-sgs-local-hero-awards/ Brits are encouraged to nominate the kindest and most deserving tradesperson they know to become the second winner of SGS’ Local Hero Awards! Last year, hero builder Graham Nash of Pinnacle Builders in Leeds was voted the winner in our public poll (with 39% of the 2,000+ votes), after his fantastic work correcting errors made by cowboy builders when working on the homes of ordinary people and making the corrections completely free of charge. The second edition of the Local Hero Awards have been launched by UK manufacturer and retailer SGS Engineering this week and are designed to celebrate the most generous and thoughtful plumbers, builders, electricians, joiners, gardeners, and mechanics who offered valued help to those in need. One national winner will be awarded a £1,000 cash prize, while up to five regional winners will each take home cash prizes worth £250. Dave Gordon, General Manager at SGS Engineering explained: “We heard about so many wonderful tradespeople during the first awards, including those who took elderly customers for a fish supper, some who worked for NHS staff for free in the height of the pandemic, and many others who went above and beyond. “We believe that these selfless people and their acts should be celebrated, and that’s why we’re delighted to launch the second edition of the ‘Local Hero Awards’. “If you know of a tradesperson who has done everything in their power to make the world a better place then let us know – a £1000 cash prize could be the perfect way to thank them for their generosity!” Nominating someone for a local hero award is free and easy to do via the dedicated entry form. Those making a nomination are encouraged to share information about the tradesperson who helped them (or a friend/family member), what they did, and when they did it. Entry closes at 11:59pm on Friday 15th April 2022. Expert industry judges from SGS will be reviewing all entries personally. A shortlist of finalists will be contacted and then revealed publicly on Tuesday 19th April 2022. A poll will then be opened, enabling the general public to vote for an overall national winner and up to a further five regional winners, which will be crowned on Thursday 28th April 2022. Prizes include: Overall national winner: £1,000 cash prize Regional winner (Scotland): £250 cash prize Regional winner (Northern England): £250 cash prize Regional winner (Midlands & Southern England): £250 cash prize Regional winner (Wales): £250 cash prize Regional winner (Northern Ireland): £250 cash prize Further information about the Local Hero Awards can be found at: www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/2022-sgs-local-hero-awards/
Class, Comfort and Control – C.K Tools launches new products and updates
C.K Tools is continuing its promise to produce high quality tools that meet the most demanding needs of trade professionals, with new offerings and updates across its crimpers and wire strippers. The hand tool specialist’s new Pass-Through Modular Crimper 8P (T3853),Automatic Wire Stripper Pro (T3943) and improved two-component handle across both products and their accompanying ranges, will ensure every trade professional has the highest-class product for the job, with improved comfort and control. For over 100 years, C.K has been at the forefront of hand tool manufacturing and develops its products in collaboration with trade professionals, ensuring they are engineered for long-life performance and safety, including VDE accreditation on select items. The all-new Pass-Through Modular Crimper 8P (T3853) The biggest headache when working with 8P Modular Plugs? Getting extremely thin wires cut to the correct lengths and inserted in the correct sequence to ensure no missed connections at the point of crimping – and a poorly designed crimper never helps the situation. Not only do C.K Tools’ new crimpers include a deadlock system and high compression for easy, safe and precise crimping of 8P Pass Through Modular Plugs, they also cut, strip and trim wires making them the perfect multi-tool for the job. In keeping with C.K Tolls’ prestige, the crimpers have been produced with precision engineered dies and made from carbon alloy steel for strength and durability – combined with 40,000 test cycles and you’ve got a quality crimper you can trust to deliver safe connections every time. Moreover, they also come with a new, unique two-component handle which is more comfortable to use and enables you to apply more efficient pressure without the fear of hand strain. Extra Crimper comfort across the whole range And that two-component handle now also features across C.K Tools’ entire crimper range thanks to the multiple benefits the new design provides. Providing greater ergonomic support and combined with an auto-stop ratchet system which releases when the correct pressure is applied, the unique handle design ensures reliability, accuracy and more importantly protection for muscles and joints from the over-application of compression. Strip away with ease There’s a reason why C.K Tools is the trusted choice for trade professionals and the all-new Automatic Wire Stripper Pro (T3943) is giving everyone another reason to add it to their tool bags. With extended stripping capacity and automatic adjustments from 0.05 – 8mm², the Automatic Wire Stripper Pro now also features C.K Tools’ new two-component handle for fatigue-free wire stripping. The handles are also shatterproof so can withstand the toughest of working environments and new hardened and fully replaceable stainless-steel blades ensure reliable and efficient, enabling long-term use of the stripper. C.K Tools is available through select major electrical and industrial merchants and wholesalers, as well as major online retailers including Amazon. To find you nearest stockist visit www.ck-tools.com/find-a-stockist.
ECS welcomes Trevor Jenks on to Steering Committee
The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is delighted to welcome Trevor Jenks on to its Steering Committee. Trevor is the National Training Manager for the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and he has been a main player in security and fire training since 1986. As well as being a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development (MCIPD), Trevor represents SSAIB on the national Trailblazer body and various sub-committees – in addition to working as a systems auditor. Trevor has been involved with the work of ECS for a number of years and was part of the group which updated the standards for Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) operatives and technicians, including recognition of the apprenticeship routes in England and Northern Ireland and the development of Experienced Worker Assessments. SSAIB the inspectorate for professionals providing security systems and services, fire detection and alarm systems, and monitoring services. SSAIB is a Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved certification body – in respect of the SIA Approved Contractors Scheme – that operates within the UK. The ECS Steering Committee ensures the strategic outlook for the scheme and each representative volunteers their time and expertise to ensure not only that standards are being improved where applicable, but also that ECS is positioned well for the future, adopting the right technology and working collaboratively with industry for a safer built environment. Representatives on the committee come from a range of organisations spanning the entire electrotechnical industry, including contractors and electricians together with representatives from Unite, ECA, SELECT, IET, Electrical Safety First, SSAIB and the HSE. Trevor said: “It is a great honour for me to be appointed on to the ECS Steering Committee and I look forward to helping it continue with its vital work in making the electrotechnical sector a safer and fairer environment for anybody who operates within it.” Phil Wilbraham, Chair of the ECS Steering Committee, said: “With his illustrious track record and industry experience Trevor is a fantastic addition to the ECS Steering Committee and I am delighted to welcome him on board. His wealth of knowledge and commitment to the cause will add to the committee’s increasing combined strength and help us on our journey to achieving our objectives.” For further information please visit: www.ecscard.org.uk
Essentra Components accelerates electric machine rollout
Essentra Components has begun phase two of its electric machine replacement programme after 2021 saw 21 new machines installed across EMEA, US and APAC, seven more than initially planned, after significant improvements in phase one. The second phase of the replacement scheme is expected to see 20 new electric machines installed throughout 2022 with seven already ordered in February this year. Some 39 hydraulic machines have been replaced to date, either at the end or final stages of their lifecycle. With the initial goal to replace its entire portfolio, with a more energy efficient one by 2031, Essentra Components now expects the overhaul to be completed closer to 2028, thanks to the success it’s seen and the onboarding of new machine suppliers in local markets across APAC. The new machines are already proving their worth with energy savings cycle-to-cycle being reported of between 21% and 31% across the four sites in the UK, Brazil, the US and China where machines were replaced in 2021. The changes have resulted in an average Co2 reduction per machine of 2.41 tonnes, roughly 45 tonnes per year in total. Due to global logistical challenges, Essentra expects the newer machines to be in place by June of this year. These new machines, some already in development and some yet to be ordered, will be replacing machines across the UK, the US and Spain. Phase three is slated to start in May this year to counteract possible future lead time extensions and mitigate any potential disruptions in deliveries and installations. Chris Butler, Divisional Engineering Manager at Essentra Components says the first year of the machine replacement programme has been a great success: “We have managed to deliver seven more machines than we originally budgeted for. “We are starting to see the benefits in reduced energy consumption, improved quality performance and reduction in cycle times. With the benefits being felt across the entire business, we’ve prioritised and increased the original scope to hopefully reduce our original timeline by two years. Whilst this is ambitious, the reduction of carbon emissions is a key focus for the business and indeed the sector.” The original budget for the second phase has been increased by £500,000 to meet the growing demands of the business and the need for new equipment. In total, Essentra expects to invest close to £7 million on the initial three phas
