Switchtec expands its STX range of Beacons
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 3rd produces 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 diameterand 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 theyare 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 STXLED beacons are available Ex-Stock from Switchtec.
FLEXIWork Stretch Shorts – For Cool Comfort This Summer.
Work Shorts for the flexible working environment – designed to deliver superior comfort and freedom of movement introducing the FLEXIWork Stretch Shorts! While Fabric, Functionality and Fit are hallmarks of Snickers Workwear, it’s the innovation and fabric technology in the design of the new FlexiWorkStretch Shorts for men and women that really set these new garments apart. These shorts are great for working in the warmer months. Delivering superior flexibility and comfort, these lightweight work shorts come in a hi-tech body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating stretch fabric with Cordura reinforcements for all-round mobility and durability when you need it most. As well as being street-smart with men’s and women’s designs, they’re packed with comfort and functionality and specially designed for the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and always delivering top class work on site. For professionals who rely on their gear in demanding environments, they’re a must for everyone who wants the ultimate in cool comfort this summer. To get more information about the FLEXIWork Stretch Shorts or on what’s right for you in the Snickers Workwear range, visit the website at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk alternatively, call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788.
Balancing UPS Cost and Resilience
Protecting critical power properly with a UPS system, means you need a system with a high level of availability. Availability is the probability that a system is operational as and when required – in other words, providing power when the main power source is interrupted or even fails. In addition, for mostorganisations, efficiency is also high on the UPS tick list in order to keep costs under control. The most modern, scalable, and flexible modular type three-phase UPS systems that combine class-leading availability and efficiency are perfect for use in small, medium and large datacenters. However, not every application requires a modular UPS and for these organisations, a stand-alone UPS can be a cost-effective solution. These days, stand-alone UPS systems are readily available, but not every stand-alone UPS offers the same benefits and quality of power protection. CENTIEL’s PremiumTowerTM, for example, uses the same innovative technology incorporated in CENTIEL’s 4th generation modular three-phase UPS system and has an unbeatable on-line operating efficiency of 96.6% which minimizes running costs. PremiumTowerTM is currently available in power ratings of 10kW – 120kW, its built-in battery reduces the footprint to ensure it can fit into even the smallest comms room. Aesthetically matchingUPS cabinets can also be added if long autonomy times are required. So, when it comes to selecting a stand-alone UPS how can organizationsensure they have the best power protection for their business-critical applications? It is not just the quality of the UPS system itself which will influence levels of reliability and availability. A system needs to be easily and properly maintained to remain both efficient and reliable and therefore available. The most modern systems will not continue to operate optimally without regular maintenance, repair, and support. Key questions to ask when purchasing a UPS are therefore: who will be responsible for maintenance and support? What are the details of the service level agreement (SLA), including guaranteed response time? What is the schedule of preventative maintenancevisits? Is there a 24-hour support hotline? It is also necessary to find out if labour, travelling, and expenses are included and the cost of replacement parts. Who is the warranty held by? is also an important question. Smaller ‘vendor neutral’ UPS providers source technical solutions from multiplemanufacturers. They may have many years’ technical experience and, due to low overheads, can offer a price competitive service, however, customers can end up paying in other ways. Think of it like buying a car from a local dealer. The salesman got you the cheapest deal and it seemed to match your specifications and it’s fine until there is a problem. Then, it turns out that the local supplier isn’t responsible for the warranty and head office don’t want to know as they didn’t sell you the vehicle. The whole purpose of the UPS solution is to protect the critical load and if there is no valid warranty or proper maintenance and support contract, the whole power source could be compromised however good or cost-effective the initial technological solution. As well as selecting a suitable maintenance and support contract and a comprehensive warranty, opting for the best technology itself also requires due diligence. Cost reduction has become a big driver and criteria for winning contracts, but if cost-cutting compromises the availability of the UPS then again, the critical load will not be properly protected. Sometime ago, we were called to advise a healthcare facility which had imported a large number of stand-alone UPS units from another manufacturer. A number of these UPS units were simply not working, there had been problems in commissioning the units from day one, the local supplier was having problems communicating with the manufacturer, etc etc… . This is an extreme example, but with a significant proportion of the UPS units needing to protect the load in individual operating theatres, people’s lives could potentially be put at risk. Fortunately, the healthcare provider was quick to recognise the issue and address the problem. This is a simple real-life example where up-front cost-cutting could have directly compromised theavailability of the UPS system and meant the critical loads were not properly protected. The good news is that UPS technology has improved significantly over the past few years. Worldwide sales of transformerless UPS technology has matured and overtaken transformer UPS. Modular UPS offers the newest technology in the UPS evolution and offers real CAPEX and OPEX savings. The challenge for any manager is to balance the cost of a UPS system and its resilience. Generally, with UPS solutions, as in life, you get what you pay for, so it is important to study the technical submittals evaluation documentation carefully. At CENTIEL our design team have been working with data centres for many years at the forefront of technological development. We are the trusted advisors to some of the world’s leading institutions in this field. For this reason, we have developed both standalone and modular UPS systems which offer industry-leading availability, with low total cost of ownership (TCO) through Maximum Efficiency Management (MEM) and low losses of energy. For more information about this and our full range of UPS solutions please see: www.centiel.co.uk
Innovative new DIRAK hinge launched by FDB Panel Fittings
The new DIRAK hinge Pr01 now launched by FDB Panel Fittings marks an innovative approach to the time-saving installation of IP65/67 hinging for specialist enclosures. DIRAK believe that to meet the requirements of industrial applications, panel hinges must be sturdy, robust and durable. Additionally, they should offer simple assembly, high strength and flexible usage. Consequently, for these applications they have developed a novel new hinge with fastening bracket, which ensures a precise fit in the rectangular cutouts and allows for easy installation using only one screw per side. Additionally, the seals on the hinge provide protection against the ingress of water and dust. The stepped mounting surface on the back of each hinge half allows for easy alignment in the cutout and the gasketed fastening brackets can be tightened with a single screw, allowing for easy hinge positioning. This 180° opening hinge for nested doors (LH/RH) has been designed to require only one screw on each hinge flap. The hinge is moulded to fit rectangular cutouts on the door and frame with clamping backplate incorporating a gasket seal and positive location which enables a degree of adjustment and uses a single screw either side to clamp securely. The design is configured to fit doors of thickness up to 4mm using the standard M6x12mm screws supplied. With longer screws then thicker panels may be accommodated. The Pr01 series is available in 50x40mm, 54x50mm and 60x60mm sizes. FDB Panel Fittings and sister company FDB Electrical share their online shopping website at www.fdbonline.co.uk. Further information on FDB products and services may be found at: www.fdb.co.uk. Find the latest information on the DIRAK hinge Pr01 and news on the FDB blog – www.fdbnews.co.uk, or follow them on twitter: www.twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting – also see www.youtube.com/fdbpanelfittings.
ASFP launches online passive fire protection training course
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection has launched a new e-learning Passive Fire Protection course designed to equip installers or new entrants to the sector with a basic knowledge of passive fire protection and its role in the overall fire strategy of a building. Consisting of 13 short online videos, each of around 10-15 minutes in length, the ASFP Introduction to Passive Fire Protection is also ideal for all those involved in building maintenance or follow-on trades such as electricians or plumbers who may damage existing compartmentation and fire resisting walls in carrying out their work. As well as providing a broad understanding of all types of passive fire protection systems, the learner will gain an understanding of: Fire safety in buildings; Human behaviour in fire; Fire testing; Contractor responsibilities; and the role of active fire protection. It provides a detailed introduction to all types of passive fire protection systems, including: Fire protection to the structural frame of a building Fire resisting walls, floors and ceilings Fire stopping and penetration seals, cavity barriers and the building envelope Fire resistant ducts and dampers Fire resistant doors, shutters and associated hardware Successful completion of the e-learning course will enable delegates to better understand the role of the various fire safety measures in the built environment, and particularly passive fire protection. Each delegate will also receive a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate for a total of 3 CPD hours. For those who wish to obtain a more detailed understanding of passive fire protection and to obtain formal qualifications, the ASFP also offers class-room based Foundation Courses in Passive Fire Protection. Individuals who undertake the 7-day course can study towards an examination leading to a Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection. Those undertaking the 4-day course can study towards a Level 2 qualification. The Foundation Course aims to equip candidates with the knowledge required to demonstrate competency, while also offering a route for progression and academic recognition in this key fire protection specialism. The qualifications are examined and awarded by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) awarding organisation, which is regulated by the qualification regulators Ofqual and CCEA The ASFP’s range of courses allow learners to choose a course tailored to their learning needs, roles and responsibilities. The courses are suitable for all involved in the construction industry from installers and follow on trades, to designers and specifiers, contractors and specialist installers, as well as building owner occupiers, risk assessors and enforcement agencies. For further information or to book the Passive Fire Protection course visit https://www.asfptraining.org.uk/
LEDVANCE takes to the road at ELEX Exeter
At ELEX Exeter the LEDVANCE Truck will be making a guest appearance at the venue. With a variety of products on-board, the truck offers visitors a unique way to discover first-hand the latest comprehensive range of energy efficient lighting solutions London, UK, 18 April 2019. At ELEX Exeter this year, the popular orange LEDVANCE truck will be situated outside the Westpoint Arena throughout the show, from 25-26th April 2019. Featuring an extensive range of the latest energy efficient, intelligent lighting solutions, lamps and modern LEDs, the truck addresses both indoor and outdoor lighting requirements. LEDVANCE experts will be available throughout the show to discuss the latest industry developments and offer advice to help visitors find the ideal solutions for lighting in offices, industrial, retail, hospitality and domestic installations. Visitors will be invited to step on-board the truck for a hands-on experience of the latest luminaires including downlights, spots, floodlights, tubes, linear and panel LEDs, intelligent and connected lighting solutions, and the retro Vintage 1906 range. Popular luminaires include the Damp Proof range, with a high IP rating making them ideal for damp and dusty locations and offering simple installation, excellent efficiency and a long service life. With classic styles being on trend, the 1906 range from LEDVANCE offers an energy efficient retro look for any space. Using the classic lamp shapes and colours, the Vintage Edition 1906 range create atmospheric decorative lighting yet feature the latest LED technology, offering up to 80% energy cost savings compared to conventional products, and have a life span of 15,000 hours. The TruSys flexible trunking system from LEDVANCE offers energy-saving uniform illumination for large areas. This versatile system consists of mounting rails and flat linear lighting inserts that installers can quickly and easily click into position, either mounted on the ceiling surface or suspended. The ELEX shows offer a great opportunity to connect with experts and discover new products and solutions. Join the dedicated LEDVANCE team on the truck throughout the show to discuss your latest projects and requirements. For more information about the LEDVANCE Truck please visit https://www.ledvance.co.uk
EucoLight Conference adopts positions on eco-modulation
High on the agenda for the EucoLight annual conference this month were non-compliance of product sold through online marketplaces, impact of open scope and eco-modulation of WEEE fees. The 4th EucoLight annual conference held this year in Copenhagen was attended by 70 delegates from 19 lighting WEEE compliance schemes. External speakers providing additional insight and debate were; Joe Papineschi (Eunomia), Maximillian Kling (Ramboll), Christophe Roeland (European Commission DG GROW), Alexander Goldberg (EWRN), Malte Becker (AiDUP consultancy) and Emmanuel katrakis (EuRIC). Key outcomes from discussions Online non-compliance remains a major issue to be tackled – – A legislative solution must be put in place to avoid the sale of non-compliant products through online marketplaces, putting compliant operators at a competitive disadvantage. The EucoLight preferred solution is that online platforms are regarded as the ‘producer’ of all products for which they facilitate, by whatever means, the import or entry into the Member State territory. Strengthening compliance with EU product rules is essential – Christophe Roel and from the European Commission presented new legislation on market surveillance and compliance of products (the “Goods Package”). This defines useful tools that reinforce the ability of national enforcement authorities to take action. Relevance of eco-modulated fees for lamps questioned – the modulation of WEEE fees paid by producers are intended as an incentive for producers to design products that are better for the environment. EucoLight members concluded that the eco-modulation of fees will be ineffective in the lampsmarket. Existing Eco-design requirements, and powerful market forces are already having far more effect at driving producer and consumer behaviour, as they move from fluorescent to LED lamps. Better harmonisation of EEE scope in lighting– The conference agreed to adopt pan-European definitions of a lamp for WEEE purposes. These definitions had been developed by EucoLight and LightingEurope.\ For more information about WEEE compliance schemes please visit www.eucolight.org
Market-leading duo reaches out to global fire safety
Leading independent manufacturer and distributor of fire alarm evacuation and building infrastructure products and accessories Vimpex, will be featuring their market-leading and Fire safety ranges of evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories at this year’s Firex International (18-20 June Excel London) on Stand FX940. All UK manufactured by Vimpex, the Identifire range of 50+ evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories – offering flawless functionality combined with sleek design – ensures easy installation. Fire-Cryer voice enhanced sounders are proven to reduce delay and response rates in evacuation times and are as simple to install as electronic sounders. Fire-Cryer Solo providing the clearest, unambiguous voice message for communication at critical times. Vimpex is the UK’s leading independent manufacturer and distributor of Fire Detection, Alarm and Evacuation products and accessories, manufacturing and distributing a wide range of high quality Evacuation, Signalling and Building Infrastructure System products. For more information about fire safety please visit https://www.vimpex.co.uk
MSP Clare Adamson backs campaign to regulate electricians
Clare Adamson, Convener of Holyrood’s Cross Party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety has become the latest member of the Scottish Parliament to back the campaign to regulate electricians for Electrical Safety and supports SELECT, the electrotechnical trade association, for raising awareness by campaigning for recognition of Electricians as a Profession. Clare, who is the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, has added her name to the Wall of Support, a striking graphic representation of the ever-growing numbers of organisations and individuals backing the campaign. Clare said: “I am very aware of the importance of Electrical Safety. Consumers deserve the assurance that when they engage the services of an electrician that the person is qualified and accredited to complete the work safely and to the highest industry standard. SELECT’s campaign to have the trade of Electrician recognised as a profession has shone a light on this issue and I support the progress being made in regulation of this industry to ensure that my constituents are protected and can have confidence going forward.” Ms Adamson’s endorsement of the campaign adds to widespread backing across the construction industry for the move which is also backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union. The Wall of Support illustrates vividly the strength of feeling across a huge range of disciplines that being an electrician is a highly-skilled and professional occupation and that those who practise it must be suitably qualified. Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “The Wall shows in a dramatic fashion the strength of feeling that exists within the construction sector about the issue of professional recognition. We would like to thank Clare for backing us in such a public manner. Our aim is that in future no one in Scotland should have to tolerate the anxiety and upset to which she and her family have been exposed.” Bodies which have contributed a brick in the Wall include: Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); the Scottish Association of Landlords; the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group; the Association of Electrical Safety Managers; Energy Action Scotland; BAM Construction; the Scottish Building Federation; the Federation of Master Builders; and the Energy Saving Trust. For more information about Electrical Safety please contact Alan Wilson, Acting 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. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk
