A new generation of Surge Protection Devices
A new generation of Surge Protection Devices brings improved quality and performance with ergonomically designed housings. Available from Specialist distributor Switchtec is the new DAC/DDC range of AC and DC Surge Protection Devices from Citel. Available in Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3, for use with AC, DC and PV applications the SPDs are suitable for use on all earthing system including TN, TT/TN, TNS and TN-C-S. The SPD’s are available in Single Pole, Single Phase, 3 Phase and 3 Phase & Neutral. Citel DIN rail mounted surge protectors are easy to install in any standardized distribution panel or control cabinets. The New DAC & DDC range of SPD’s is born from Citel’s 80 years’ experience in the manufacture of high-quality Surge Protection Devices. With collaboration from Citel’s manufacturing and design locations in France, Germany, America and China, the new range was designed with key design features including Security, Performance, Design & Ergonomics, SPD Knowledge and Warranty. As leaders in Surge Protection, Citel have designed this range to meet the most extreme constraints, beyond that asked by the IEC/EN standards. In order to ensure total safety, the DAC/DDC series are designed to provide a safe disconnection, high resistance to fire and short circuit and built with a high mechanical robustness. The DAC/DDC series utilises technology unique available to Citel, who are specialists in the manufacture of Gas Discharge Tubes (Gas Spark Gap), along with their own design of varistors to obtain the best performance and reliability for their SPD’s. Key performance features of the new DAC/DDC range include an improved ergonomic design, which incorporates a quick release retaining clip for the replaceable SPD modules. Traditionally the modules were retained by mechanical resistance alone, which made them difficult to remove, the new DAC/DDC uses a spring clip, designed into the modules housing which allows for quick and effortless module replacement. Further features include, improved plastic materials used to increase the products strength and rigidity, whilst also taking into account environmental concerns with the use of Halogen free plastics. A larger disconnection indicator allows the operator to easily and quickly identify if the SPD has come End of Life. A green indicator displays a fully functioning SPD whilst a red indicator indicates immediate replacement required. This indicator is in conjunction with the built in remote signal output, a volt free contact, suitable for connection to an external signalling device. Improved identification is also provided by Citel’s use of colour coding the SPD modules enabling the user to easily identify the SPD types and function, Grey for Type 1, Red Type 2, Blue Type 3, Orange for DC applications, and Green for Neutral/PE. Also included on the side of the SPD is a QR code which when scanned will link the user directly to the instruction manual for the product. Citel’s main objective with the new DAC/DDC Series was to design the most efficient SPD which is fully compliant with the current SPD standards but is also future proofed as much as possible to allow it to remain compliant with future amendments to the SPD standards. Citel’s experts are members of national and international standards committees, and as such had first hand knowledge of current and future SPD standards. The DAC/DDC range has been tested in Citel’s own internal laboratories, where they can test up to 240kA, and also recognised by external laboratory including EAC, IEC, VDE and cULus. In order to improve the surge protection efficiency, CITEL has developed a patented technology that combines a high energy varistor (MOV) network and a specific gas tube (GSG). VG Technology is a specialized circuit incorporated in certain SPD’s that can achieve a higher protection level, longer life duration (due to the suppression of leakage current), and continuous operation and power quality (no follow on current). As well as SPD’s for AC, DC and PV applications, Citel have SPD’s for LED and telephone and data applications. The DAC/DDC range will grow over time with more announcements regarding specific components throughout the coming year.
Streamlining electrical components
Variety is the spice of life. But, as anyone who’s tried to throw a curry together without a recipe knows well, you can certainly have too much. When specifyingelectrical components, engineers are often presented with dizzying spreadsheets filled with technical datapoints, for hundreds of devices. Here, Steve Hughes,managing director of electrical component specialist REO UK, explains why REO is streamlining its offerings to improve support for electrical and design engineers. American author Alvin Toffler coined the term overchoice in 1970. This is the idea thatan overabundance of options increases the effort it takes to make a choice. Counterintuitively, it’s been found that more choice is detrimental, as thoroughly researching the options to pick the right one could potentially take days or even weeks. The average person might face this issue in the supermarket when choosing a detergent among the hundreds of ostensibly similar products. For the electrical engineer, however, the problem is far more imposing and acute. For instance, installing an underrated braking resistor in a wind turbine could have catastrophic, potentially explosive results in the event of overspeed or transmission failure. Similarly, an overwhelmed powerline communication filter could cause devices to switch unpredictably, causing unplanned downtime, as well as requiring monitoring and maintenance in the excess. These errors apply both ways. While not actively as dangerous as above, usingoverrated components is simply a waste of time, money and effort. High power components are often less efficient, and invariably heavier and bulkier than their low power counterparts. This decreases efficiency in mobile examples, such as electric vehicles. Somewhere, hidden between these two extremes, lies an ideal component. Yet when presented with a page full of options with complete information, electrical engineers have the unenviable task of finding it. Demystifying this decision is the primary motivation behind REO’s product streamlining.In lieu of providing a buffet of options and leaving buyers to fend for themselves, REO isinstead now offering fewer choices, while providing more comprehensive advice and support. This more effectively supports engineers in making the correct choice, first-time. A sum of the REO parts Another aspect to consider is the current and ongoing electrical component supply chains. Numerous demands, such as the rise of the electric vehicle, have risen dramatically within a short time. While supply has increased to meet these requirements, international tariffs and trade disputes over raw metals have further exacerbated the shortage. The major impact this has for purchasers is to dramatically increase lead times for devices including these components. For instance, many types of capacitors have seen lead times more than double from 15 to over 30 weeks in less than three years. This is another part of the motivation behind streamlining REO’s offerings. By reducing the sheer number and variety of devices on offer, earmarked component stockpiles can be reassigned to where they’re required. REO UK, now in its 30th year of business, looks to lean on those decades of industry experience to provide complete, cradle-to-grave support for fewer, selective and highly focussed products. As mentioned, variety may be the spice of life in many ways, but nobody enjoys wadingthrough spreadsheets of mind-numbing data. We’ve selected the perfect combination of ingredients for your project — just pick up the phone and ring REO at +44 (0)1588 673411.
Guidance paper for shock absorption in transit using caps and plugs
A key component in countless engineering applications, caps and plugs offer shock absorption during the manufacturing process. Aside from this, they help during transportation and storage and altogether ensure a project runs smooth and safely – but it’s often vital they offer shock absorption qualities. Essentra Components explains both the need for shock absorption and damage prevention. Shock and transit damage cause downtime and waste, disrupting the supply chain leading to delays. Essentra Components explain how caps and plugs help in the manufacturing process and how to identify the right material as well as describing the various types available. The guide to shock absorption and preventing damage in transit can be viewed on the Essentra Components website at www.essentracomponents.com/en-gb/news/product-resources/caps-and-plugs-shock-absorption-and-preventing-damage-in-transit. Further information on Essentra Components products can be found on the Essentra Components website – www.essentracomponents.com or contact sales@essentracomponents.com. Follow them on social media: https://facebook.com/essentracomponents/, www.linkedin.com/company/essentra https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD-2g7tiLiKxsDptdC79BNQ
Electrical industry training at Colchester Institute
As the commercial arm of Colchester Institute, CI Business Solutions offers an extensive range of electrical training courses and qualifications including essential City & Guilds accredited electrical training for installers, supervisors and maintenance personnel. As well as an accredited AM2 (Achievement Measurement) Centre, Colchester Institute is also a leading supplier of ACS Gas Training and assessment services and professional industry training for the utilities industries. What we offer • 18th Edition – Level 3 Award in Requirements for Electrical Installation BS7671: 2018 (2382-18) • Achievement Measurement 2 (AM2) JIB qualification and AM2 Pre-Assessment Refresher Training – AM2 endorses the City & Guilds EMTA NVQ Level 3 qualification • City & Guilds 2391-52 Combined Level 3 Award in Inspection and Testing – (initial (2391-50) and periodic (2391-51) qualifications are also available) • Electrical Installations NVQ L3 City & Guilds 2357 – Bolt-On qualification • PAT Certificate of Competence 2377-22 Non-accredited introductory courses in basic Electrical Awareness and PAT Testing are also available. New for 2020 With increasing nationwide demand for new electric vehicle charging points, we have recently introduced the City & Guilds 2919-01 Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation to our courses portfolio. The 2919-01 is for experienced electricians looking to enhance their skills to allow them to carry out the installation and commissioning of electric vehicle charging in a variety of applications. About Colchester Institute As a College we provide first class education, professional development and technical skills training to over 8,000 young people and adults every year. We support individuals to launch or develop their careers and help local businesses to access the skills and talent they need to thrive. Electrical Installations is a big part of our curriculum, with full-time programmes offered at our three main campuses in Colchester, Braintree and Clacton. Our study programmes and courses are delivered by tutors with extensive knowledge of the construction industry and their professional expertise is valued by our students. Learners have access to excellent facilities, with training areas designed to simulate the working environment. The City & Guilds 2365 Level 2/3 Diploma is available on a day-release basis, with successful completion of the level 3 qualification enabling progress towards the City & Guilds 2357 NVQ and JIB registration. Apprenticeships and Work-based learning As one of the largest providers of apprenticeship training in the region we work with a wide range of businesses and companies in the sector, whether they are self-employed/individuals, SMEs or large organisations, offering work-based learning opportunities including apprenticeships and industry work placements. Higher Education University Centre Colchester is the higher education provision at Colchester Institute, and offers a HNC in Building Services Engineering. This programme addresses the national skills shortage within the field of building services engineering, specifically for plumbing/heating engineers and electricians, providing specialist pathways in Electrical Installation and Mechanical Services Engineering. More information about our range of electrical courses can be found at colchester.ac.uk/electrical. To speak to our business development team about industry training call 01206 712727 or email business.solutions@colchester.ac.uk
College students earn their shirts with Dickies
Global workwear brand Dickies is working with colleges across the country to help instil pride in construction students and apprentices through its Earn Your Shirt campaign. Students on construction-related courses at participating colleges are receiving t-shirts from Dickies featuring motivational hashtags relating to their chosen career path as they progress with their courses. These range from #futureplumber and #futureelectrian to #futurebricklayer and #futurelandscaper, for example. “We’re excited to be working with colleges to support students and apprentices in focusing on their goals as they prepare to start their careers,” said James Whitaker, Marketing Director for Dickies. “The construction trades present so many opportunities for rewarding and varied roles and we hope our t-shirts go a little way towards instilling pride in their career choices.” The Earn Your Shirt campaign is the latest in Dickies’ ongoing commitment to inspire the next generation of tradespeople, which also includes sponsorship of the SkillBuild, SkillPLUMB, SkillELECTRIC and APL Landscaping competitions. PHOTO CAPTION: Students at Preston’s College wear their Dickies’ t-shirts featuring motivational hashtags www.dickiesworkwear.com
How The Motherhood Penalty Hurts Self-Employed Women
The gender-pay gap is never far from the news cycle these days and the so-called Motherhood Penalty is just one facet of a wider societal problem that is slowly coming into light after a study finalised by the University of Bristol in November of last year revealed the Motherhood Penalty in all of its ugliness. The study found that, after an analysis of over three thousand couples, fewer than 30% of women return to full-time or self-employed work after giving birth — even three years later. Men were almost unaffected, with nine out of 10 carrying on in with their occupations as normal. Shared Parental Leave & the Law It might be a temptation to blame these figures on personal decisions, but in truth the problem stems from major flaws in legislation passed by the Tory-Lib Dem coalition way back in 2015. Back then the government introduced both Shared Parental Leave and Statutory Parental Pay into the legal system. The proposals had the best intentions — that is, to help new mothers share the maternity period with the child’s father. But curiously both the SPL and the SPP did not include self-employed women and freelancers. Immediately, this left an estimated 1.6 million women out in the wilderness. Another big flaw is that, where women receive what’s called enhanced pay when they go on maternity leave, there is nothing in the legislation that says men need to. The result is that whenever a new father intends on taking parental leave to look after his child, he is paid either 90% of his current weekly earnings or statutory paternity pay of £148.68 (the decision is made on whichever is the lowest amount). Unsurprisingly, with no legal obligations, most companies do not bother to provide enhanced pay to their male colleagues. This reluctance to enhance male pay may also be exacerbated by the reality that the majority (8 out of 10) businesses pay their male colleagues more than their female colleagues. So, a form of paternity leave enhancement pay might cost them more money. The Motherhood Penalty in Action One activist, the self-employed sound-engineer Olga Fitzroy, was so incensed by the Motherhood Penalty that she set up the Parental Pay Equality (or PPE) Campaign to fight against it. She has achieved some success so far, with the government promising to review the current policies in 2020. But along the way her Campaign has continued to uncover disturbing ripples from the Motherhood Penalty. One study that the PPE commissioned found that most self-employed or freelance women (80%) never quite recover from taking maternity leave. That is, most of them take a pay cut and never quite make it back to the earning power they enjoyed beforehand. This may be in part due to the additional stresses of self-employed life, which thrives on fostering stable relationships and networking with clients. How to Abolish the Motherhood Penalty Fitzroy’s Campaign is a good place to start, but the real challenge lies in overcoming preconceptions that are manifest in society. One of these manifestations is the belief that all career breaks — even if they are to have children — are bad for business. Some employers believe them to render job skills out of date. In the worst cases, hiring managers can be discouraged by a female job applicant just because she is of child-bearing age. One way to abolish these discriminatory practices would be to make the duty of care for new-borns equal for all. Then hiring managers would no longer be able to easily discriminate, because men would also be in a position where they could take time off. But men need to know that it is OK if they want to take parental leave, and that this will not hurt their career prospects. A part of this lies in reducing the stigmas that are in place. Obviously, not every expecting mother will want to share all of her maternity leave with a new father — that is also OK as long as it isn’t a forced decision. But we should all channel our inner-Fitzroy and fight, as she has done, for parenting legislation equality, and to end the stigmas that are still impeding change. — This article was written by Eliza Cochrane of Dpack, a direct packaging and packaging solutions business located in Stockport, UK.
The BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020 – the countdown begins
The BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020 competition officially opens on 2nd March and entries are encouraged from all those recognised as an apprentice by their employer, or those working towards qualified status. Two prestigious titles of pitched or flat roofing BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020 are up for the taking. The awards naturally come with a trophy and prize package, not to mention ongoing support from the team at the BMI Academy. This year’s theme is ‘influence’. Those wishing to enter will be asked three questions: How do you feel you influence your peers or team members as part of your apprenticeship? If you won the BMI Apprentice of the Year, how would you influence others? Can you tell us about someone in your life who has had a positive influence on your work and studies? Entry is via a written submission or video which can be submitted online at either: https://redland.co.uk/young-roofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2020 or http://www.icopal.co.uk/Support/Roofers/young-roofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2020.aspx Supporting material can be uploaded, or emailed to AOY@BMIGroup.com. The closing date for entries is 4th May. Entrants will then be selected for the final, which takes place on 1st and 2nd July 2020 at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire. Finalists will receive professional coaching on a range of topics including presentation skills, health and safety and making technical assessments. A selection of leading figures in the roofing industry will be judging the candidates. They will also take part in ‘knowledge-sharing sessions’ over the course of the two days to answer questions and share the benefits of their experience. The two-day final will conclude in the BMI Apprentice of the Year awards dinner – attended by the finalists, their tutors, and judges – where the winners of the 2020 competition will be announced. Alan King, roofing lecturer at National Construction College – South, based in Erith, Kent, believes the competition is a must-enter: “Every apprentice I’ve ever had who got into the final really enjoyed Apprentice of the Year even though it took them right outside their comfort zone and made them think. There is a reward for everyone, even those that don’t win the top prize. They meet people from all parts of the industry, people who have started their own businesses and become successful and they also meet other roofers at the same stage in their career.” Mat Woodyatt, BMI Technical Training Manager, explains: “These awards are part of our commitment to recognise and reward those coming into the sector. BMI UK & Ireland wants to raise the appeal of roofing and motivate more school-leavers and career-changers to get involved. We know that the shortage of roofers is impacting on the overall skills base in the construction industry and we are striving to ensure new joiners to the industry receive the necessary levels of support that they need to develop and succeed – and that was originally one of the key reasons for launching the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition”.
Embrace life safety excellence at FIREX International 2020
Embrace life safety excellence at FIREX International 2020 – 19-21 May 2020, ExCeL London FIREX International is the UK’s largest event dedicated to the fire safety profession, connecting more than 130 suppliers of innovative products and solutions with thousands of engaged visitors from over 70 countries. The event is completely free of charge and its comprehensiveness have established it as an essential global hub for sharing and demonstrating fire safety excellence. With major fire incidents constantly in the headlines, FIREX International is more important than ever for creating a transparent, effective and progressive industry meeting the fire safety challenges of 2020, driven by the show’s guiding ethos of making life safety ‘a right, not a privilege.’ The show is your platform for sourcing the very latest products and solutions across passive fire protection, fire prevention and fire detection, including sprinkler and suppression systems, emergency lighting and more. It is a unique opportunity for you to meet and build connections with major, industry-leading suppliers such as Advanced, Apollo, Hochiki, Kentec and much more. You’ll meet technicians on hand to explain, discuss and demonstrate their solutions, so you can understand whether they fit your fire safety strategy and make the right purchasing decisions with confidence. Your free pass also gives you access to an extensive programme of seminars, workshops and keynote speeches designed to help you increase your knowledge, boost your career, stay aligned with legislation and new developments. Taking place at the Expertise and Guidance Theatre, you can learn from top industry experts and thought leaders covering diverse topics such as the aftermath of Grenfell, recent legislation and best practice. And with thousands of visitors in attendance, FIREX International presents you with an unrivalled networking experience. Each year, the show attracts manufacturers, installers, end-users and consultants eager to do business, ensuring you can get a broad overview of the market, add valuable new contacts to your address book and guarantee a return-on-investment. You can also keep up to date with key industry developments, trends and technologies by meeting key fire safety associations such as the FIA, LPCB, FPA and ASFP, and find out what they have to offer you and your business. One of the most unique aspects of FIREX International is the opportunity you have to engage with an enormous network of professionals and suppliers from related industries at eight free-to-attend co-located shows. You can grow your expertise and find new avenues to expand your business with insights from security, health and safety, facilities management, smart buildings, workplace wellbeing, forensics and emergency services with your FIREX International event badge. FIREX International is an essential date on the fire safety calendar. Make sure you seize this valuable opportunity to learn from experts, share best practice and enhance your ability to protect people and assets and get your free all-access pass now.
The site is alive with the sound of music
Makita has launched the latest addition to its radio range, with the DMR115 Job Site Radio. With Bluetooth functionality and a light weight of 4.8-5.5kg, it is the perfect companion for construction workers. The new DMR115 Job Site Radio is a robust and simple to use DAB/DAB+ radio. IP65 rated, it has a highly durable design with elastomer bumpers to protect against tough jobsite conditions. The Job Site Radio has a powerful Bluetooth sensor to connect wirelessly for audio streaming from mobile devices up to a range of 10 metres away, and includes two stereo speakers and an additional subwoofer to produce high quality sound. In addition, the Multi-Amplifier provides clear hi-fi sound reproduction without decreasing sound quality even when the volume is high. Matt Chilton, Product Manager at Makita says, “Workers often spend long hours onsite, from taking on heavy-duty construction work to fixing snagging – so it’s only right they have high quality, reliable entertainment available to help make even the most laborious of tasks more enjoyable. Benifits of the new Job Site Radio: 6x Selectable sound modes to suit music genre. LED colour indicates the selected mode My Equaliser (MY EQ) Mode: enables user to independently adjust treble, midrange and bass for a desired sound quality Multi-Amplifier system: provides clear hi-fi sound reproduction, without decreasing sound quality even when the volume is high Midrange/treble speakers located on both sides to provide higher quality midrange/treble sounds High quality sound woofer: located on the bottom to provide deeper and richer bass sound Capable of receiving DAB/DAB+ Radio Stations Equipped with Bluetooth class 2 to wirelessly connect your mobile device for playing music with a range up to 10m. Dual power source: AC or Makita batteries. Elastomer bumpers protect against rough handling on a jobsite AUX-IN jack for connecting to external audio source (Connecting cable is not included.) AC adaptor jack USB port allows for charging mobile device. IP65 rated dust and shower-proof construction “We’ve designed our latest DMR115 Job Site Radio to provide not only the best in sound quality, but the best in convenience. The radio is equipped with a dual power source for AC or Makita LXT and CXT batteries, providing flexibility regardless of the power sources available onsite. In addition, the USB slot will allow for mobile charging onsite, so you never need to worry about draining the source phone’s battery. “This, in combination with a high quality sound woofer to provide deeper and richer bass sounds, a My Equaliser (MY EQ) mode to adjust treble and bass and six selectable sound modes to suit various music genres, makes the radio the ultimate onsite companion.” For more information on the site radios available from Makita, please visit www.makitauk.com.
