Gira nominated for 7x Electrical Wholesaler Awards
Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management is shortlisted for an Electrical Wholesaler Award 2019, and gains seven award nominations across four categories: Best Energy Saving Product: eNet SMART HOME heating control with tado° Gira X1 & S1 Best New Product: eNet SMART HOME heating control with tado° Gira X1 & S1 Gira Studio Design Line Best Safety/Security Product: Gira Smoke Alarm Dual Q Best Overall Supplier: Gira The Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2019, is an established platform for the recognition of excellence and achievement across the electrical wholesaling sector, and it takes place on Thursday 9thMay 2019 at The Towel Hotel, London. The winners will be decided via a two-part election process, where a panel of experts combined with results from an online industry poll have equal share of the vote, ensuring that the final winners are awarded for both technical and practical excellence. VOTE ONLINE FOR GIRA TO WIN HERE: www.electricalwholesalerawards.co.uk/vote/ Voting closes Friday 29 March, 2019 “The 2019 edition of the Electrical Wholesaler Awards marks the introduction of a number of brand new categories designed to reflect the changing face of the industry and a revamped decision-making process, which will ensure that only the very best take home a trophy” says Datateam Business Media, publisher of Electrical Wholesaler magazine. Mark Booth Managing Director, Gira UK says: “To be shortlisted for an Electrical Wholesaler Award, let alone seven, is a real testament for both brand and business: nationally and internationally. We’re so proud to be positioned at the forefront of design and innovation for the ‘Smart Home’, allowing the modern property to convene with lifestyle, personal preferences and daily routine. As the population adapts to technology at an upward pace, we are working in tandem to influence, guide, support and importantly, offer quality solutions to the market that promote optimum design and excellence.” eNet SMART HOME heating control with tado° Gira collaborate with tado° to create a smart heating control system for the eNet SMART HOME. Convenience for maximum living comfort, the eNet SMART HOME heating control with tado° wireless technology enables convenient control of radiators and underfloor heating all via the intelligent networking of a Gira eNet wireless wall transmitter or the eNet SMART HOME app on the Gira G1 or a smartphone. Gira X1 & S1 Achieve secure building intelligence with the Gira X1 Compact Smart Home Server combined with the Gira S1 Remote Access Module to enable users to remotely connect to their KNX smart home with total security. The cornerstone of the intelligent home, the new Gira X1 compact Smart Home Server allows the user to switch lights on and off, raise and lower blinds, as well as manage home temperature settings for optimal comfort: from anywhere in the building or remotely. The new Gira S1 ensures that all communication is encrypted and adheres to German data protection standards to ensure all Gira customers are fully protected with safe and secure technology. Gira Studio Design Line A dynamic switch collection with 3 installation variants, the Gira Studio Design Line is defined by its new characteristics that interplay between function and design where a square becomes a circle. The Gira Studio Design Line will awaken the static nature of a bare wall to elevate a space to new degrees of form and function and break new ground within the electrical design market: epitomising luxury specification at the highest level. Offering more than 300 functions, Gira Studio is designed to complement the Gira System 55 range. Gira Smoke Alarm Dual Q Twice as safe by measuring both temperature and scattered light, the new Gira Dual Q smoke alarm device is equipped with two detection processes and marked with the Q quality seal. Attaining twice the level of safety, Gira Dual Q visually identifies small smoke particles before the situation gets too dangerous. In addition, thermal sensors measure temperature changes within the room. In this way various types of fires, such as liquid fire, can be registered more rapidly and reliably identified. For even more safety, convenience and efficiency, the functions of the Gira Dual Q smoke alarm device can be networked and expanded through optionally available devices: up to 40 devices. If you have any questions about Gira, please contact: Miss. Emily McCullagh – Associate Director, Publicity Engineers, Suite 2, 1-3 Western Road, Romford, Essex RM1 3LD, United Kingdom Phone +44 (0)1992 478 109, Mobile: +44 (0)7572 505 713 E-mail: emily@publicityengineers.com, www.publicityengineers.com
Innovation in UK Electric Highways
BMT is proud to have joined forces with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), owners of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, to help the British energy giant plan energy highways of the future by exploring the impact of an increasing number of electric vehicles on our roads. Noel Tomlinson, Transport, Energy and Infrastructure Business Development Manager at BMT said: “We’re extremely proud to have been appointed to work on this innovative research project. It builds on our extensive expertise delivering first-class studies examining how technologies will evolve to meet future requirements across land, air and maritime domains. We look forward to working in close collaboration with NGET’s team to deliver a best in class solution.” Energy highways are normal motorways that have been constructed for energy storage and have electric vehicle chargers integrated into their design. With the number of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles increasing each year, we will work with NGET to carry out an innovative energy highways project. The project will use a number of BMT tools and processes to investigate the infrastructure required to support the electrification and thereby de-carbonisation of transport. Our team of specialists will create a series of concept designs along with providing high level analysis of the performance, risks and opportunities of each energy highway proposal. As part of the work we’re also looking into the electrification and charging infrastructure for both naval and commercial shipping sectors. The research will review the naval industry, the electrification of ships, and will assess what charging facilities might be needed across Great Britain in the future to support the increased electrification of shipping. BMT is an independent consultancy providing engineering and technical support to a variety of government and commercial customers. With a strong background in design and engineering consulting we have established a significant presence in both the military and civil domains, leading to a wide range of forward looking studies to examine how technologies will evolve to meet future requirements across land, air and maritime domains, as well as across ‘smart, sustainable cities’. For more information about BMT please click here
How Personality Assessments Improve Workplace Safety
Each year, accidents and work-related illnesses cost billions of euros in needless business expenses, enter the Hogan Safety Assessment. In 2017, Europe lost more than €476 billion – an amazing 3.3 % of the European Union GDP. That figure can be reduced with better occupational safety and health strategies, policies, and practices. The easiest way for companies to reduce these costs is to assess and predict potential candidates’ likely workplace safety behaviour during the recruitment process. In traditional job interviews, candidates present the best versions of themselves, and this may not accurately portray their day-to-day behaviour. In safety conscious industries—e.g., oil and gas, construction and medicine—being able to evaluate and predict a candidate’s safety behaviour is crucial. Hogan Safety Assessment has been developing selection solutions for companies worldwide since the early 1970s. Hogan provides different assessments for different business needs; organisations wanting to recruit safety-minded staff will benefit hugely from the company’s Safety Assessment. The associated Safety Report evaluates candidates’ suitability for employment in safety-critical work environments. The Hogan Safety Assessment aims to improve workers’ safety awareness and behaviour by scoring applicants on six components of safety-related behaviour. Safety conscious individuals are compliant, resilient, cheerful, vigilant, cautious, and trainable. Individuals who are safety risks are defiant, panicky, irritable, distractible, reckless, and arrogant. The Safety score predicts the likelihood that an applicant will engage in certain behaviours that tend to make accidents more likely. Hogan has assessed more than 40,000 people across Europe specifically with a focus on safety-related behaviours, leading to the following outcomes: € 64,260,000.52 – Approximate workplace injury and accident costs to employers saved € 1,605.50 – Approximate amount per report saved by employers 5,255% – Approximate ROI for European employers 1,728 – Approximate number of production days saved These results show that the Safety Assessment prevents unnecessary accidents when companies recruit safety-minded employees. It also improves training and creates awareness around safety issues when employees understand how their behaviour impacts workplace safety and how they are accountable. This builds a safer, more engaged culture which prevents accidents, saves time, and improves overall employee satisfaction on the job. Dr Robert Hogan, President of Hogan Assessments, said: “Without the proper workplace safety culture, a company puts its employees and revenues in danger. The Hogan reports allow organisations to identify safety-minded candidates and recognise and repair safety-related gaps in the company culture. As a result, the assessment saves clients time and unnecessary costs while making the workplace a safer environment for everyone.” For more information about the Hogan Safety Assessment please click here
Access Hardware Guide from Essentra Components
The Essentra Components series of guides now includes their new issue covering Access Hardware solutions to keep equipment secure. The guide covers access solutions from security to noise reduction in industrial applications such as building outdoor cabinets, generators, machinery, electrical cabinets and HVAC units where there are lots of factors to take into consideration. When it comes to access hardware, security and material choice are key – this guide is designed to give readers an introduction to the differences and effects of modifications in material, specification and customisable features to add depending on requirements. Topics covered include quarter-turn and cam locks – since cabinets can be susceptible to tampering and ingress of dirt or liquids. IP65 rated locks offer protection with unrivalled ease of motion and functionality, providing peace of mind for enclosure builders and their customers while cam locks offer added security in sensitive applications with options for keys to prevent tampering – keeping cabinets fully operational. Regarding hinges often a full, restricted or controlled range of door motion is required when accessing an enclosure or cabinet. Using the right hinge can provide maximum accessibility for end users, while easy opening latches and catches are important in maintaining ease of access and saving time in a busy environment. Hinges, latches, catches and locks are usually found together with gaskets – for when cabinets are needed to prevent ingress of dust or water – or to isolate noise and vibration in industrial environments. The Essentra Components Access Hardware Guide is available free from here Further information on Essentra Components products can be found on the Essentra Components website. Follow them on social media: https://facebook.com, www.linkedin.com, https://www.youtube.com
Introducing A new global manufacturer, Jaquar
Jaquar is a premium bathroom supplier with presence in over 45 countries across Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the SAARC region. Its products remanufactured in six state-of-the-art facilities in India and one in South Korea. Jaquar is a relative newcomer to theUK market and is looking to expand throughout the UK and into Ireland and Europe via a network of retailers. The company has just opened a flagship showroom in Milan with one to follow in London later this year. As part of Jaquar’s commitment to quality, it has been certified by: CE WRAS ISO SASO BIS KIWA PZH SON ZNAK-B TISI This means products meet worldwide technical and legal requirements for safety, design, packaging and insurance. It has also recently joined the BMA (Bathroom Manufacturers Association). Jaquar is exhibiting at the ISH 2019 bathroom show in Frankfurt (11-15 March). It will debut its first designer collaboration: the Laguna collection,designed by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez. For interviews with UK national sales manager Darren Chisholm, please get in touch. For more information about Jaquar please click here
Power to the People: Getting back online after the collapse of civilization
The apocalypse is a common theme in literature and TV, some of the most disturbing include The Death of Grass by John Christopher (in which all of the worlds plant food dies) and Alas Babylon by Pat Frank, which depicts a nuclear war. In both cases human beings survive, but civilization as we know it has ended. If our civilization ended in a similar fashion tomorrow, what could we do to get things back on track again? Carl Sagan once warned that we are living in a society increasingly reliant on science and technology, despite almost no one knowing anything about how it works. Here’s how, in brief, we could bring power back to the people after an apocalypse: Re-discover electromagnetism (in the library) The Europeans knew about the ‘magical’ effects of electricity and magnetism for centuries before they understood it. They used it for trivial things, including tricks at children’s parties. For example, society had batteries without really understanding how they worked. It was the discovery of electromagnetism and its equations, by Michael Faraday and James Maxwell, which changed the world forever. Faraday and Maxwell understood that an electrical force generates magnetism, and that a magnetic force, in turn, generates electricity. This simple reciprocal relationship is the foundation on which the modern world today is ran. For example, you can generate as much electricity as you like by spinning a magnet inside a wire coil, or vice versa. A strong magnet alongside a wire can also generate a ‘motor effect’ – the motors that drive much of our industrial machinery operate in this way. Re-invent the windmill and the waterwheel: crafting food, architectural steel, and clothing The Romans invented terribly inefficient watermills in antiquity. They are the very first known application of gearing to transfer power; the earliest roots of mechanization. The windmill, the earliest harnessing of wind power, works in a not-too-dissimilar way to the watermill, with the advantage that its beneficiaries don’t have to be located near a water source. The earliest watermills operated with right-angle gears and the windmills with cam mechanisms. These gears and mechanisms were fundamental in the pressing of olives, linseed and oils, wood—boring and glass polishing, and the pounding of the very first architectural steel into shape. In other words, everything society needed before the great industrial leap. Only they didn’t have the advantage that a civilization looking to re-boot has. In our case, we could retro-fit these windmills and waterwheels with electric motors. The knock on effect: re-appropriating more and improved architectural steel With the increased efficiency of the motor-led watermills and windmills, humanity will have more time to up its game. To make the mills even moreefficient a good grasp of aerodynamics is needed, to get the most out of the energy-conversions of the wind and water entering the mills. Many of these inventions will only be possible with greater architectural steel production – something the motor-led mills would be increasingly able of producing. A Pelton turbineis a watermill made out of metallic scoops. It would be a great ‘leg-up’ on the journey back to civilization. Re-discovering steam We talk about the age of steam like it is over. In reality, about 80 per cent of all the electricity we use today is generated from steam power, whether it is in a coal plant or a nuclear reactor. Producing heat is easy (try it right now: rub your hands together), but turning heat into power is tricky. Well, that’s where steam comes in. As our civilization gets to its feet again, we can again modify our mills into steampowered mills. Steam is very efficient and produces lots of energy – again, the steam revolution will be our ticket into a new modern age. Re-establishing an AC distribution network One of the biggest things we take for granted is electricity. Mainly, how we don’t have to hug a power plant to benefit from it. In order to truly give power to the people, electricity needs to be portable. A rapidly cycling alternating current (‘AC’) is what we would need to do it. Electricity generated from an AC is generated in the coil swings from positive to negative and back again, so the current it drives also reverses direction, moving back and forth in the wire like a rapid tide. The beauty of AC is that it allows the voltage to be moved up and down with the use of transformers. Transformers are essentially just large coils of wire positioned alongside each other. They tone down wasteful high electrical currents – which are also dangerous – and help to transport electricity over long distances. With the establishment of an AC distribution network, civilization should find itself in a position similar to early twentieth century Europe. With easily accessible electricity to fuel heat, lighting, and computers, any survivors of the apocalypse should comfortably be able to say they’ve “made it”. The Death of Grass was written by Jack Derbyshire. Jack is a copywriter for Weldwide, an architectural steel fabricator based in London.
Van maintenance 6 top tips for a happy and healthy Van
Not only will proper maintenance of your van keep you safe for the long miles on the road, it will also increase the value, should you come to sell says Moneybarn. Doing simple maintenance tasks yourself could prevent larger issues which result in a visit to the garage and could save you a lot of time and money. So, here are the Moneybarn top tips for keeping your van road-ready… Tyre Maintenance A van’s tyres need to be checked more often than a car, as the extra weight of a van and its contents means more burden on tyres. Too little pressure increases wear and tear, but too much pressure increases the chance of a blow-out, so aim to check tyres once a fortnight to ensure they are safe and performing well. Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the weight of the load, so refer to your handbook to check you have the right pressure for your van. Tyres at the right pressure will also be more efficient, so you will save money on fuel and help the environment. Look under the bonnet You should check fluids, including oil and coolant levels, are sufficiently topped up once a week. Low oil levels can break an engine completely, leading to a highly costly replacement. It’s also illegal to drive without at least minimal levels of fluids. Pay special attention to transmission fluids and brake fluids; if they are going down quicker than they should be, you may have a dangerous leak. Check your battery It’s particularly important to check your battery in the winter, as cold weather can have a negative impact on battery life. If your battery is not fully charged, or it has been adversely affected by the cold, there is the increased chance of stalling or your van not starting at all. While you are checking the battery, look at the cables and terminals for worrying signs like cracks or breaks. If you spot any, make sure you take your van to the garage to get these professionally looked at. Don’t forget your MOT Once your van is three years old, by law it needs an MOT. The test ensures your vehicle meets the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards. An MOT is crucial as not only could it be dangerous, you can’t get your vehicle taxed without it which may invalidate your insurance. Aesthetics are everything Although keeping your van clean won’t help its performance, it could reduce the chances of rust appearing and increase the potential re-sale value. If you’re using your van for business, keeping it clean and well-presented will also help your public image. While often its unavoidable for the interior of a van to stay spotless, especially if your profession means dirty clothes and shoes, you should still take precautions such as seat protectors to ensure the cars condition is preserved as much as possible. Let there be light Not only is it dangerous to have a broken light, it is also against the law. Lights are an essential safety feature and should be checked regularly and bulbs replaced immediately if broken. Vans in particular collect dust and dirt which can affect the light’s performance, so make sure you clean your lights regularly. For more information from Moneybarn please click here
SELECT welcomes Bill to Regulate Electricians
Introduction of a Member’s Bill aimed at regulating the profession of electricians has been welcomed by SELECT, Scotland’ electrotechnical trade association. Last week, Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston began the process by introducing a Member’s Bill to the Scottish Parliament as a first step towards the regulating the profession of electrician. Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “This is a very welcome step and encourages us in our long-running campaign to make it illegal for anyone who is unqualified to call themselves an electrician in Scotland. Over 100 professions are currently protected in law, including gas engineers, but not electricians. Jamie Halcro Johnston is leading the way in highlighting the serious dangers that work carried out by unqualified electricians can create.” The issue of Protection of Title has been considered by a Working Group set up by Scottish Government but as yet no decision has been made about introducing protection for the profession. Alan added “We recently met Jamie to provide him with an update on the last Working Group meeting and we see the work he is doing on protection of title as part of a package of measures which will be necessary to protect the Scottish public”. Mr Halcro Johnston has met Scottish parliamentary officials to begin the process of introducing a Private Members’ Bill and he said: “The Scottish Government has dithered around the regulation of electricians. It has been discussed and discussed again, without any real commitments ever seeing the light of day. Electrical safety is vitally important. Every year, there are incidents of shocks and fires caused by electrical malfunctions. It is important that people carrying out electrical work are qualified and able to do so”. Mr Halcro Johnston’s move has had widespread backing across the construction industry for which is also backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union. As part of its work in promoting this important issue, SELECT has created “A Wall of Support” which vividly illustrates 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. Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB said: “Support for the “Wall of Support” campaign is growing on a day by day basis and it shows in dramatic fashion the strength of feeling that exists about the issue of professional recognition. As well as a number of MSPs and Electrical Safety First, Surveyors, housebuilders, professional bodies and trade unions have all lined up behind SELECT’s stated position that Regulation of Electricians is an issue of public safety and that the profession should be protected by the full weight of the law. For more information 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.
Global Electrical Steel Market to Cross 25 Mn Tons Consumption By 2025
According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Grain-oriented electrical steel is expected to reach USD 22.5 billion by 2025 Growing demand for hybrid vehicles, rapid industrialization and increasing building & construction sector should stimulate electrical steel market growth. These products offer effective magnetic properties which increase the fuel efficiency and electric machines performance. Rising demand for energy, exponential rise in power distribution network and increasing preference for high horsepower and speed to ensure efficient performance in racecars is further expected to boost electrical steel market demand. U.S. non-grain oriented electrical steel market demand should record gains of about 5.5% by 2025. It finds usage in electric hybrid vehicles for efficient magnetism and optimum electricity conversion. It imparts high efficiency, control harmful gases emission, thus hep in significant contribution to environment protection and are thereby used in industrial, aerospace and medical applications. Grain-oriented electrical steel market demand from distribution transformers was valued at over USD 1.4 billion in 2018. These products offer reliability, durability and efficiency required in commercial and industrial applications. These transformers can be used indoor as well as outdoor owing to their portable size. Rising government regulations pertaining to emissions and investments by manufacturers in R&D activities is likely to boost market growth. Grain-oriented electrical steel market size from small transformers may witness favorable growth during the forecast timeframe. These products convert energy into power voltages which is then utilized in various industries and power generation systems. Rising demand of electricity in rural and urban areas as they are economically feasible for various networks and are suitable for remote and rural areas, further accelerate industry demand. UK non-grain oriented electrical steel market size from automotive applications was valued at USD 45 million in 2018. High anti corrosion properties and stringent government regulations to reduce VOC emissions will enhance the existing automotive infrastructure which in turn will boost domestic steel market growth. Technological advancements, increasing demand for e-vehicles and government support are key factors that will optimize the overall electrical steel market growth. China grain oriented electrical steel market demand from household appliances is estimated to account over USD 95 million by 2025 pertaining to the new innovations in the manufacturing of household appliances like refrigerator and washing machines. Rising standard of living and per capita income of consumers has resulted in increased power distribution network in the region. Increasing consumer electronics sales and rising demand in end-use industries should accelerate electrical steel market growth. Cogent Power Ltd, Aperam, Voestalpine, Tempel, Thyssenkrupp and KOBE are the key industrial participants catering to the industry. Manufacturers are engaged in strategic mergers & acquisitions to enhance their regional presence and improve product portfolio. Companies are expanding their collaboration network to develop innovative products which should accelerate the electrical steel market growth. Browse key industry insights spread across 300 pages with 450 market data tables & 21 figures & charts from the report, “Electrical Steel Market Size By Product (Grain Oriented [By Application {Large Power Transformers, Distribution Transformers, Small Transformers, Power Generators, Audio Transformers}], Non Grain-Oriented [By Product {Semi Processed, Fully Processed}]), By End-Use (Energy, Automotive, Manufacturing, Household Appliances), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Iran, UAE, Egypt, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2019 – 2025” in detail along with the table of contents: For more information about Grain-oriented electrical steel please visit https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/electrical-steel-market
