Electrical professionals not up to speed with smart home technology
A poll carried out by online wholesaler ElectricalDirect, has found that despite the ever-growing popularity of smart home products, many tradespeople are unprepared for the increasing customer demand and are not up to speed with smart home technology. The poll, which was conducted in the lead up to Smart Home Week (20- 26 May), found that 82% of tradespeople have never undertaken any form of training in smart home technology. This figure remains largely unchanged following results from the same poll in 2018. Research has shown that 40% of UK homeowners now own at least one smart home product, a rise of 13% compared to this time last year. This is reaffirmed by ElectricalDirect, who have seen sales of smart technology products increase by over 50% in the past year. However, despite continued growth, the number of tradespeople improving their knowledge and skills in this area remains disproportionately low. Now in its third year, Smart Home Week aims to raise the profile of smart home technology and to inform, educate and reassure consumers about the benefits and opportunities of living in a smart, connected way. Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director of ElectricalDirect, said: “We’re living in the age of rapid technological development, and it’s easy to see why people are investing in smart technology to bring comfort, convenience and added security to their homes. However, with a huge range of smart devices available, and new products being developed all the time, it is important that electrical professionals do their research and make a conscious effort to stay up to date on the latest news and trends surrounding smart home technology. “There is of course still a demand for traditional products, but these new smart alternatives should not be ignored. There are some brilliant products currently on the market, whether you want to specialise in lighting, heating, security or household appliances.” ElectricalDirect stocks a variety of products including smart sockets, LED lamps, wireless switches and smart heaters from a wide range of brands including Lightwave,Energenie, Steinel, Ener-J, Haverland and ERA. The customer service team are available from 7am-8pm 7 days a week and can help with any questions or queries electrical professionals may have about smart home technology. At ElectricalDirect, electricians can choose from a wide range of over 8,000 products, all of which are in stock ready for next day delivery, all over the UK. For more information about Smart home technology, visit ElectricalDirect.com or call their team of specialist advisors on 0808 168 22 77.
Rolec To Roll Out New National EV Charging Network
Rolec EV, one of the UK’s leading EV charge point manufacturers, has confirmed it has been appointed by DPD to design and provide a Smart EV Charging Network across over 60 of its sites nationwide. DPD, the UK’s leading parcel delivery brand, has announced that it is planning to add over 550 EVs to its fleet by 2021, and as a result is aiming to install in excess of 600 EV charging points across the UK to coincide with the arrival of this new fleet. MD of Rolec EV, Kieron Alsop, commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen by DPD to design and roll out our EV GroupManager system across its 60-strong network of UK distribution centres. EV GroupManager is a cloud based back office smart system that works in conjunction with Rolec’s EV SecuriCharge charging units, and the pre-issued EV driver RFID keyfob. This system then enables DPD to monitor and record all EV charging activity, historical data, and vehicle migration across its 60 sites – and feed this information back to its HQ for analytic evaluation.” Kieron continued: “Having already deployed a significant number of EV charge points across DPD’s distribution network we are continuing to work closely with their management and engineering departments to further increase and strengthen their EV charging network.” Mark Wilkes, Director of Technical Services for DPD UK, commented: “DPD has always had a strong and focused environmental philosophy and the introduction of hundreds of EVs into our fleet continues to emphasise the company’s desire to minimise its impact on the environment. DPD’s aim is to be the most responsible city centre delivery company in the UK and we are fully behind the electric vehicle revolution that is taking place at this very moment. Having undertaken significant EV charge point manufacturer research, along with a comprehensive due diligence process, we are delighted to have appointed Rolec EV as our electric vehicle charge point partner. The initial rollout of charge points across our network has gone very smoothly and we are now looking to significantly increase EV charge point deployment across the UK over the next 12 months to coincide with the delivery of our new EV fleet.” For more information about the Rolec EV Charging Network go to www.rolecserv.com, email rolec@rolecserv.co.uk or call 01205 724754.
SELECT prepares to mark another successful year
A year of successful campaigning on behalf of Scotland’s professional electricians will be marked at the 107th AGM (next month)(June 5, 2019) of SELECT, the trade body for the electrotechnical industry in the country. SELECT’s long-running campaign for Protection of Title for electricians has gained a high profile in the Scottish Parliament over the year and support has increased from all quarters, including from senior parliamentarians. 2018/19 has also been an outstanding year for SELECT’s industry-leading training programme which has seen record numbers of attendees at courses all over the country. The meeting, which is being held at the Grange Manor Hotel in Grangemouth, will see the appointment of Kevin Griffin as President of SELECT and Donald W Orr as Vice-President and will feature a Technical Update presented by Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services. Dave’s technical update will focus on the new Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems in Dwellings regulations. An amendment to BS 5839-6 this year brings changes to standards for fire detection and fire alarm systems. In Scotland, further changes are coming due to the extension of the tolerable standard and updated guidance on the repairing standard that will see the introduction of enhanced fire safety requirements across Scotland’s housing stock. SELECT managing Director, Alan Wilson said: “2018/19 has been an eventful time for the organisation and I think it is fair to say that we have stepped up our efforts across a number of fronts, maintaining and improving the profile of companies and individuals within the industry. We are particularly pleased to have been able to cope with record demand on our training offering, especially for our BS 7671 (18th Edition) courses. We are also encouraged with the steady progress of our campaign for recognition of the profession of electrician which is gaining significant momentum and is attracting the attention of decision makers at the highest levels.” For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Managing Director at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. F: 0131 445 5548. Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
Over 1,000 successes on 18th Edition
Centrica Business Solutions has reached more than 1,000 candidates to successfully pass the 18th Edition qualification, with the latest number of passes standing at 1,265. Since the new BS 7671 wiring regulations were launched last July (2018), their dedicated tutors have travelled the length and breadth of the country, delivering 18th edition courses to engineers nationwide. During this time, more than 150 18thedition courses have been delivered, consisting of a mix of the full 3-day course and the 1-day update course at Centrica’s training centres in Rotherham, Salford, Birmingham, Sevenoaks, Newbury and Glasgow. Many of the courses have also been delivered on-site, suiting individual operational requirements. This fantastic number of achievements gives Centrica Business Solutions an outstanding pass rate of more than 92% for the City & Guilds course. Ray Garrow, Senior Electrical Tutor said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to support over 1,000 candidates in achieving their 18th edition qualification. Delegates successfully completing a course is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a tutor and it’s great to help them to use and understand the requirements of the latest regulations.” The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations came into full force on 1st January 2019 meaning all electrical installations that are designed from now on must comply with BS7671:2018. To maintain Registered Electrician Status, engineers are required to have the new qualification by 1st July 2019. The City & Guilds 2382-18 courses run regularly at Centrica’s UK training venues. For more information on the two courses on offer and to book your place, visit: 18th Edition Full Course 18th Edition Update If you have a large team of engineers who require 18thedition training and would prefer onsite training, you can call Centrica Business Solutions on 0800 980 8150.
Switchtec expands its STX range of Beacons
Switchtec expands its STX range of Beacons to include Dual “Flashing or Continuous” LED version. Addressing the need for a compact, competitively priced, low profile LED beacon, Switchtec has developed from the “Ground Up” the STXLED beacons to meet the demands of control panel manufacturers and those in the field of factory automation. Switchtec has expanded its popular STX range of Xenon beacons to include the STXLED range, a Dual output Flashing or Continuous LED beacon. Addressing customer demand for a Continuous output was not possible with Xenon technology. Utilising LED Technology, Switchtec has been able to develop the STXLED range which offers a Dual Flashing or Continuous output LED Beacon by the selection of 2 of the 3 connection cables. The STXLED beacons have 3 x 550mm connection cables coloured for easy recognition. Connecting 2 cables produces a continuous output, and connection of the 3rdproduces a flashing output. The beacons can be surface mounted using the fixing plate supplied or panel mounted using the two mounting studs and nuts provided. STX Beacons have been designed to produce an optimum level of output but with a 76mm diameter and with a height of 49mm panel mounted or 65mm for surface mounted. They are available in two voltage versions; 24DA which will operate from 10V to 28V AC or DC and 230A which will operate from 115V to 240VAC. Colours available are Red, Green, Amber, Blue and Clear/White and are fitted with 3 ultra-bright coloured LED’s that delivers a bright eye catching 6 Lux output. The flashing output flash rate is 1 Hz (Once per second) Dust tight and able to stand jets of waters, the STX beacons have an ingress protection of IP65. STX beacons can be safely installed inside or outside as they are fully weatherproof units. The STX beacons will be of great interest to those in the fields of control automation, factory automation, panel building and those operating in applications such as security and hazard/warning applications. Xenon beacons still remain a popular go to product for manufacturers looking for a competitively priced flashing beacon, but LED Technology offers the additional benefits of Dual Flashing or Continuous Light output, longer operational life, lower power consumption and a greater resistance to vibration. Both the LED and Xenon versions of the STX beacons are available Ex-Stock from Switchtec.
How Field Management Software Can Elevate Your Business
What is field management software? A field management software is a technology created with field service companies in mind. These platforms, which are usually accessible via anything from a smartphone to a laptop, have been designed to help run these businesses in a better way, the result being a more streamlined working process. Effective field management software has all the features that an electrical business needs to complete jobs efficiently and effectively through one simple platform. By using a field management software correctly, you can increase your businesses productivity and job completion rates by 50%, elevating your business’ success! Problems faced by electrical businesses Time wasted completing admin tasks Reduced access to information in the field Multiple platforms that don’t speak to each other Reduced productivity due to inefficient scheduling Lack in communication between the office and field How field management software can help Less admin – A complete field management system is an all-in-one solution for your business’ management. As such, all the information relating to invoices, quotes and signed documents is processed through it. What’s more, these platforms are created to make the job of electrical workers easier, so a field management software will use the information it already has access to self-populate forms. This is a task which would usually fall to admin staff. Using an effective field management software means that they have more time to complete other jobs, such as checking in with customers. Easy access – A big problem for a lot of field workers, including electricians, is accessing the information they need when out on the job. This is something made much easier if workers have access to documents like invoices, contracts and more when out on the job. That’s why good field management software operates using cloud. By using a cloud-based software, your electricians will be able to access everything they need to get the job done anywhere and at any time. What’s more, with a cloud based system, any edited information is automatically updated. This means that everyone, from the staff in the office to the workers in the field, are always kept in the loop. Better scheduling – With employees always out in the field, there’s a lot to account for when planning. Sometimes jobs get done faster or slower than expected, and it’s in these situations that you need a field management system. With a professional field management software, you’ll be able to reschedule your teams’ tasks accordingly through a simple yet effective scheduling system. What’s more, because many field management systems are cloud-based, they’ll get these updates instantly. GPS Tracking – With a team who’re always out on the job, you and your office staff can be left in the dark when a customer calls asking where your electrician is! With GPS tracking through a field management software, you’ll be able to communicate ETA’s with your customers accurately, and plan your routes according to traffic hold ups and diversions. Why invest in field management software As you can see, there’s a lot that field management software can do to help the day-to-day running of your electrical business. But this does come at an additional cost, and one you might think you can manage without. But rather that seeing the cost of a field management software as just another outgoing, it should be seen as an investment. Although there is a small cost involved with software of this kind, the increased productivity that you achieve as a result means that it could even end up saving you money! You might be thinking that this is all well and good but your team won’t use the software to its full potential. However, field management platforms have been designed with this in mind. Their features are intuitive and user-friendly, so anyone can get to grips with them in a matter of minutes. Try it out! There’s bound to be at least one or two of the few features mentioned here that your electrical team could benefit from. If you’re not 100% convinced, then why not sign up for a free trial? A lot of field management software providers offer non-obligatory free trials so that you and your team can try out the platform for yourself. Once the trial’s up, you can either take out a contract or cut your ties. So, whether you think your team would love a new approach or are sceptical about how much they’d use it, there’s no excuses not to give it a try! For more information about Field Management Software please contact Lauren Smithson who is part of the product development team at Workforce.FM, a field service management software designed for electricians and other field service providers.
CEF launches priced trade catalogue and improved website
CEF, the UK’s leading electrical wholesaler, has launched a new, priced trade catalogue and improved website to provide customers with a more transparent, consistent and convenient shopping experience. The new trade catalogue, which features everyday value prices is a first for the industry and brings much needed pricing consistency and transparency to the electrical wholesale market. Featuring more than 26,000 electrical products including cable and cable management, heating and ventilation plus lighting, lamps, wiring accessories, switchgear, industrial controls, and not forgetting hand tools, site equipment and test instruments, the CEF catalogue is certain to become an essential part of the electrician’s toolkit. All products are available for click and collect or next day delivery wherever customers need them, and with thousands more available at cef.co.uk, installers are sure to be able to find what they need, when they need it. “Traditionally, pricing in the electrical wholesale industry is complicated, time consuming and inconsistent” stated Andrew Moseley, CEF’s Commercial Director. “Our new priced trade catalogue is a direct response to customer feedback and part of a wider commitment from CEF to bring pricing transparency and consistency and improve the level of service we offer to our customers.” The catalogue also highlights CEF’s new lowest priced everyday Trade Essentials range and features Connected Living products from the company’s recently launched Get Smart, Get Connected campaign. To support the launch of the new catalogue, and create a multi-channel customer experience, CEF have also enhanced their website to include the same transparent catalogue pricing and improved the search functionality and guest checkout, allowing customers to select and purchase the products they need quickly and easily. Customers can browse more than 32,000 products online and can check stock availability at their nearest store before they ‘click and collect’ or order for next day delivery at a location convenient to them. “Our customers want to buy the products they need as conveniently and easily as possible,” added Moseley. “With the new priced catalogue and website, CEF customers not only benefit from knowing exactly what the price is when they shop with CEF, they also have more choice over how and where they shop – be it online, in store, by phone or through our new catalogue. Anybody looking to buy electrical products can get them at their convenience and will have the same consistent experience wherever and whenever they shop at CEF.” The new CEF trade catalogue is available to pick up from any of CEF’s 391 stores nationwide, or you can request a copy at www.cef.co.uk/request
Hamilton Litestat are approved to become a CEU Provider
Hamilton Litestat has been approved by international home technology trade association CEDIA to become a CEDIA Continuing Education Unit, CEU Provider. Hamilton’s training course ‘Essentials in Smart Lighting Control and Audio Systems’, which is run at its facilities in Mere, is now a CEDIA-endorsed training programme, contributing 4CEUs towards this training requirement – CEDIA-certified professionals are required to obtain at least 30 CEUs within three years. “As the authority on custom-installed home technology, we’re thrilled to have received approval from CEDIA for our ‘Essentials in Smart Lighting Control and Audio Systems’ training course,” said Gavin Williams, Hamilton Litestat’s Head of Marketing. “This accreditation recognises the investment Hamilton has made in its training courses and educational efforts, particularly around smart controls, as well as ensuring our product range is suited for simple through to complex smart control requirements. We look forward to working even closer with the custom installer industry following this esteemed recognition, and hope to add further courses to the CEU programme to demonstrate our commitment to training and best practice.” Hamilton became a member of CEDIA earlier this year. The trade association brings together over 3,700 companies and 30,000 industry professionals around the globe that design, manufacture and install technology for the home. For more information about Hamilton’s ‘Essentials in Smart Lighting Control and Audio Systems’ training course, please visit: http://www.hamilton-litestat.com/training-courses Completion of the course by CEDIA members can be registered by entering Course Code: CEU829 in the CEU portal: www.cedia.net/education/submitceu.
New ABB UK service facility to enable faster response time
The ABB Electrification Service facility in Coleshill demonstrates a commitment to customer experience, enabling faster response for investigation, repair and refurbishment of ABB’s Electrification portfolio. ABB Electrification’s business is extending its service capabilities for electrical vehicle charging systems, solar, low- and medium-voltage electrical systems with a dedicated service workshop located at Coleshill, Birmingham. The new facility will enable ABB to provide a faster and more efficient turnaround on maintenance, investigation and repair of electrical vehicle charging stations, solar inverters, low- and medium-voltage circuit breakers, low-voltage panels and other electrical apparatus including uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and emergency lighting. In turn, this will help operators of electrical power distribution systems in utilities, infrastructure, transport and industry to minimize the risk of unplanned outages by ensuring critical assets are returned to service as quickly as possible. Stephen Gibbs, Service Manager for ABB’s Electrification Business in the UK, said: “By opening a centralised, dedicated service centre in Coleshill, ABB is able to give a better response to customers and provide a more efficient turnaround on repairs and maintenance of critical electrical assets. Our facility has an extensive workshop, space to stock spare parts and an office-based support team to deliver excellent customer service for ABB and third party installed base electrical equipment.” As a dedicated service facility, the Coleshill workshop will have two bays to refurbish the full product portfolio, including a large open plan area for low voltage panel modification and testing. As well as being the permanent working location for the service workshop repair technicians, a back office support team will provide project management, order handling, logistics and customer support to ensure the best possible customer service levels. The service engineers are trained and certified to maintain, repair and refurbish equipment from ABB, GE and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The facility has combined the services capabilities that were previously offered by several individual workshops. As a result of this centralised approach, customers benefit from a single point of contact for their projects, a wider pool of resources and in-depth knowledge across multiple technologies. ABB have also developed the site for the additional role of hosting customers for technical training and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) programmes which, would have previously been carried out in ABB factories outside of the UK. This brings ABB closer to its customers and allows for improved flexibility during project execution. Its location in Coleshill was selected for proximity to other ABB facilities nearby, including the UK distribution centre for Low Voltage products at Hams Hall, which will ensure smooth supply chain management for spare parts and consumables. In addition, it has excellent transport links, being close to Birmingham Airport, as well as the main motorway and rail links. For more information about The ABB Electrification Service facility please visit https://new.abb.com
