Bogus manuals, putting safety at risk, highlight SELECT’s campaign for professional recognition of electricians
The ongoing threat of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work has been highlighted once again by SELECT, the industry body for Scotland’s electrical sector professionals, as it is revealed that counterfeit copies of vital IET wiring regulations are being offered for sale. The bogus PDF copies of BS7671:2018, the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Wiring Regulations, could be devastating for electrical professionals, with missing or corrupted information potentially leading to unsafe work and risking fire, electric shock or even death. The latest counterfeiting activity reinforces the message that SELECT has been promoting in the Scottish Parliament in its campaign, backed by the Scottish Joint Industry Board and Unite the Union, for recognition of electricians as a profession. SELECT’s case was pressed recently (October) in a Holyrood debate in which evidence was presented of unqualified and under-qualified people who masquerade as electricians endangering public safety by carrying out work across Scotland. Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Only a short time after the issue of safety was debated in the Scottish Parliament, we have now uncovered bogus British Standards and other manuals being offered online to companies which will put consumers in further jeopardy”. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said that the fake PDFs, which were being distributed through a variety of channels, looked “convincing” on the first inspection. However, they are sprinkled with errors and corrupted information. The IET is now taking action to combat the counterfeiters by inserting a hologram in its Regulations, commonly known as the 18th Edition, to help users identify genuine copies. It contains the IET logo and the word “Genuine”. Mr Coles said: “Ensuring that genuine copies of IET publications are being used by electrical professionals is important in order that correct standards are used to protect the public and those working in the industry from injury and fatality.” SELECT’s campaign for protection of title has been at the forefront of its work following a speech by a Government Minister at a European electrical contractors’ conference in Edinburgh in 2015. It has been supported by unions, trade bodies and politicians from all parties. Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, recently said in Parliament that discussions would continue with the aim of bringing a Ministerial view to Parliament in due course. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people. For more information about the IET 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, Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJVjt14CvIig8bIKwidVug
Drivers Urged to Stay Safe at Petrol Stations
Van leasing specialists LeaseVan have urged UK drivers to steer clear of danger when stopping to top up their vehicles. They have been told that mobile phone use is prohibited near fuel pumps because there is a small risk of sparking. Mobiles or other devices are allowed in the shop or parked vehicles, but are unsafe to use in the explosive atmosphere that temporarily exists around the filling station during refuelling. Using a phone is also discouraged on fuel station forecourts to avoid the hazardous potential of a pedestrian’s becoming distracted. In a confined environment with plenty of moving vehicles, drivers need to keep their wits about them at all times when exiting their car or van. LeaseVan have also reiterated that it is vital to never light a cigarette – or anything else – at a petrol station. All motorists and passengers need to remember that there could be fuel or flammable vapours waiting for ignition, which could destroy the facility and kill the smoker. Other safety advice offered to motorists includes remembering to carefully follow any instructions displayed, such as to stay inside the vehicle at machine car washes. Parking close to the pumps for refuelling and in a safe place away from the pumps before conducting car maintenance, such as checking tyre pressure, is important too. Drivers have also been reminded to re-join the road in the correct location and only after giving way. Tim Alcock of LeaseVan, said: “We want drivers up and down the country to make sure safety is at the forefront of their mind when refuelling their vehicles. You might have seen signs saying turn off your phone at petrol stations and wondered what the point is, but there is a very real reason behind this. Although it’s a very small chance, a mobile phone could create a spark which would spell disaster with all the fuel and flammable vapours around. At the very least, walking around the forecourt with eyes down at a mobile device may cause a distraction and mean getting hit by any number of vehicles in the vicinity. Smoking, too, is widely known to be dangerous on petrol station forecourts and not just for the usual cancer causing chemicals cigarettes contain. It can’t be reiterated enough: if you’ve got away with lighting up whilst stopped for fuel in the past, that doesn’t make it safe – please never risk damage and death again. He also said information on signs is there for a reason – to help motorists avoid hazards and mishaps. “Motorists also need to keep their eyes open and pay attention to instructions displayed around fuel stations. If you are advised to remain in your car while it’s being washed or head to a certain spot to put air in your tyres, don’t be stupid and think these rules only apply to everyone else. Drivers might also spot caution notices for spillages of fuel and oil or potholes and puddles on older surfaces – heed any such warnings to avoid slipping or skidding. Parking too far from the pumps or leaving a pump unattended could also create an unnecessary trip hazard. Re-joining the carriageway might, too, be hazardous if done improperly; most petrol stations have separate entrances and exits that drivers need to be aware of. Motorists should also remember to belt-up, check their mirrors and give way to any passing pedestrians or traffic.” For more information about Leasevan please click here
Jobs for the Girls bursary open for entries
NICEIC is once again looking to help more women into the electrical industry through its Jobs for the Girls Bursary Scheme. The bursary offers grants to women already working as an electrician or those looking to get a helping hand at the start of their career. It is open to females of all ages and can help cover training or other associated costs up to a maximum of £500. Last year NICEIC provided £5000 of funding to more than 20 women. Paul Collins, Communications Manager at NICEIC commented: “The bursary aims to help more women into the electrical industry, which is still massively under represented by females. Our research suggests that just 1 in every 100 electricians is female. We want to improve on that figure. Through this bursary we can offer practical and financial support to create a smoother route into the sector. If we can help out those women who are just starting out or inspire others who might be thinking about a career in the electrical industry then we will be well on the way to addressing the gender imbalance directly.” One of those to benefit from a bursary last year was 41-year-old Amanda Pugh from Buckinghamshire. She used the funding to set up a website for her business Amanda Electrics. “I was just starting out on my own and although I had help with some of the training, and was fortunate to have a good amount of tools I still had to pay for additional courses, books, registration, insurance, website fees, business cards, work clothing and other tools. The set up costs were more than I anticipated but the bursary from the NICEIC helped offset some of the costs and meant I was able to start making money from my work sooner.” Applications for a bursary will need to be in before the closing date of April 30. A panel of judges will then review all applications before notifying successful applicants. For more information and how to apply for the Girls Bursary Scheme visit www.niceic.com/jobsforthegirls/bursary
Building controls vital to compliance
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is encouraging the wider industry to consider the importance of implementing effective building controls from the outset of building projects in order to meet current legislation. The 10 80 10 rule represents the total lifetime costs of a building, whereby only 10% of costs are invested at the design stage while a staggering 80% is spent on the running and maintaining of a building. The BCIA is calling for a change in approach from those in the supply chain at the initial stages of building projects. By investing in an efficient controls system at the start of construction, this will dramatically lower operational costs in commercial buildings over the long term while also helping to meet a wide range of legislation. A good example of this is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) which came into force earlier this year. It is now unlawful for a landlord to let or renew a lease on a property if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is F or G. By installing additional zone control for instance, or demand control of lighting and heating usingoccupancy sensors, your EPC rating can receive a welcome boost and substantially lower unnecessary energy usage. It is these relatively simple additions to the BMS system that have a significant impact on the EPC rating. Energy efficiency in commercial buildings remains a high priority and something that must be continually be addressed in the need to meet current and new legislation. One of the best ways that this can be accomplished is by bearing in mind the 10 80 10 concept from the outset of construction projects and making sensible and strategic decisions to future-proof today’s sophisticated buildings. Through the implementation of innovative control systems, this will enable the wider industry to comply with legislation over the upcoming years. For further information about BCIA, please click here
Voice is Choice for Emergency Response
Well documented research into human behaviour in emergency situations shows that 75 percent of people react immediately to clear authoritative Fire-Cryer voice messages in the event of fire. Education is one sector where voice commands that instruct and direct students and staff on how to leave a building or other area during an emergency is widely recognised as the most efficient and safest solution. The advantage of using multi-message voice sounders in schools and colleges is that traditional fire alarms can be mixed with everyday messages such as class change, rather than the customary practice of schools using the fire bells or sounders to announce class changes which has the potential for confusion during an actual fire or routine test. A recent extensive voice sounder installation illustrates the merits of the multi-message solution. A fire safety system upgrade at Harwich and Dovercourt High School, a mixed secondary school and sixth form with academy status serving more than 1,200 students aged 11 to 18 years, has 110 Vimpex Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders at its heart to help protect students and staff. Such a busy, multi-use facility as a senior school demands a bespoke evacuation and warning system solution. Installed by life safety systems specialists Anglia Fire Protection Ltd., the system comprises 24 Vimpex wall mounted Fire-Cryer and 86 high output Midi Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders, with custom built voice message controllers built to the customer’s specification. Vimpex’s Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders can be programmed to produce bespoke messages and tones specifically designed for the educational environment. Vimpex’s Fire-Cryer is the only voice sounder system available with a range of discreet ceiling mounted voice sounders through to high output IP66 voice sounders. The Fire-Cryer range is the most extensive range of voice sounders available on the market today with five models to choose from and literally millions of message combinations, ensuring that any site requirement can be fulfilled. The units require no special wiring and can be retrofitted to existing installations. They can be fully synchronised and have a low current consumption allowing simple replacement of existing sounders and bells. for more ifnormation about Vimpex’s Fire-Cryer Voice Sounders please visit https://www.vimpex.co.uk
NEW VAN VAULT RANGE..TACKLING TOOL THEFT FIRST IN THE MARKET TO ACHIEVE POLICE STANDARD
As part of its drive to tackle tool theft crime, Van Vault, the originators of in-vehicle secure storage, has launched a market leading new product range. Last year saw around 280,000 tool theft crimes across the UK. With the average value of tools left in tradespeople’s vans costing £2,8801, Van Vault understands the importance of helping protect tools and deter thieves with effective secure storage solutions. With a break-in taking as little as 10 seconds2, the new range has introduced key enhancements, which will be fundamental in making it much harder to steal valuable power tools and equipment. The new product launch follows 18 months of development work and features eight new products offering advanced protection, including the traditional box style containers and the easy to use drawer sliders – which are unique to the Van Vault brand. Not only has the product been upgraded, it has also been independently tested and certified by Sold Secure, an independent test house for security products owned by the Master Locksmith Association. All eight Van Vaults were subjected to six different levels of rigorous attack by trained professionals and were all found to be impenetrable. Van Vault is also the first vehicle storage product on the market to be accredited by Secured by Design – the UK’s Police approved standard. Secured by Design promotes products which prevent crime and it’s the only form of police approval for UK products. All of the key areas of attack have been strengthened including a cross bar reinforced lid which is next to impossible to prise open. A new highly effective VaultLock™ locking system has been introduced which sits deep within the body of the box shielded by a hardened steel plate, protecting from drilling, picking and cutting. The products also now come with an anti-theft fixing kit to ensure they can be properly mounted to the vehicle floor. Deborah Hunt,Marketing Manager at Van Vault said: “Tool theft is a massive issue facing tradespeople today and it’s on the rise. One in three tradesmen have had had tools stolen. As the UK’s number one brand, we know we have an important role to play in protecting our customer’s tools and helping to fight tool theft. Innovation is key and with our new range, we have reacted to what customers really want – the best security, functionality, quality – all which gives them peace of mind. Quite simply, tradespeople cannot afford to be without a Van Vault. The upgraded vehicle range underwent considerable research and rigorous testing, to ensure it provided customers with a product that helps secure tools and makes the working day of a tradesperson easier.” Following strong customer demand, Van Vault has also improved its storage space and functionality with the new range, introducing a wide mouth drop front to the storage containers, which provides greater access and visibility of the contents inside. A recessed lock also protects the key from damage, when left in the lock and an easy-lift gas strut through the body of the box, ensures a soft open and close lid action and maximises storage space. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, Van Vault is the UK’s number one brand for storing and securing tools in vehicles3. Its range is available in a variety of sizes, each designed for use in different types of vehicles. The new products will be available from the 4th March here and resellers around the UK. See the new products https://youtu.be/h3iiN2MhWKg 1Van Vault Health Brand Check. Independent consumer research carried out by Van Vault. 2https://www.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/
The future electric commercial vehicle
Here, Simone Bruckner, director of leading power resistors manufacturer, Cressall, explains how energy captured through regenerative braking can be used effectively in commercial vehicles. Traditional heavy-duty commercial vehicles such as trucks represent only seven per cent of vehicles on the road, but account for over 25 per cent of fuel consumption in the USA.Legislation, such as the US global warming emissions and fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy duty vehicles (M/HDV) exists to tackle this problem. However, emissions will never be totally eliminated from an internal combustion engine. One answer is to replace commercial vehicles powered by internal combustion with electric counterparts. Commercial vehicles, such as vans, trucks and military vehicles, are designed to have longer working lives than household cars. Zero-emission commercial electric vehicles can therefore make a much larger environmental impact per unit than the average electric family car. A recent study revealed that short driving ranges and battery technology are two of the key factors stopping consumers purchasing electric vehicles. A lack of range due to energy storage capacity can cause considerable downtime for businesses operating a fleet of vehicles. This proves costly and must be addressed if commercial electric vehicles are to be adopted more widely. Braking Improvements to battery technologies can be slow to hit the commercial market and are often expensive. Another option for increasing range using current lithium-ion battery technology is retaining the energy lost through braking. Traditional friction brakes convert the kinetic energy from the car’s motion to heat, where it is lost. However, regenerative brakes have the ability to convert the kinetic energy into electricity, or chemical energy that can be stored within the battery. The wheels of electric vehicles are turned by electric motors, powered by the battery. When this same motor runs in reverse to slow the vehicle when the brake pedal is pressed, it becomes a generator, producing energy that can then be stored in the battery. During regenerative braking, the motor turns backwards to slow the vehicle. The energy from the movement of the vehicle causes the motor to run in reverse and so energy that would usually be lost through braking is captured. Because the health of lithium ion batteries depends on keeping them partially charged, the additional energy from regenerative braking may not only help to extend the range of the current battery cycle, but also improve overall battery health. This may help to increase the lifespan of the expensive battery, saving both money and resources. Full battery When the battery is full, or in the event of an electrical fault, a backup system must be employed to discharge the excess energy, often in the form of a resistor such as Cressall’s EV2. This emergency braking scenario is particularly crucial with heavier vehicles, including coaches, military vehicles and trucks, which may struggle to discharge energy when coming to a sudden halt. For safety reasons, regenerative brakes are backed up with traditional friction brakes, which are used when sharp braking is employed in emergency situations. Plug in electric In traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines, heat is taken from the engine via the radiator and passed through circulating coolant also, making use of the excess energy removed from the engine to prevent overheating. However, because there is no engine or equivalent component in fully electric vehicles, there is no excess heat to be captured. Therefore, electric vehicles are forced to use resistance heating to use energy taken from the battery to heat the cabin. This uses a lot of current and runs the risk of discharging the battery extremely quickly. Energy capture An alternative is using a water-cooled resistor, such as Cressall’s EV2, for heating as well as braking. When energy captured through regenerative braking is passed through the EV2, the heat passed into the cooling water can be transferred to the cabin in much the same way as in internal combustion cars. This increases energy efficiency as the heat lost through braking is retained and put to good use. To put this into perspective, the energy efficiency of a conventional car is around 20 per cent, with 80 per cent lost to heat through friction. Conversely, regenerative braking may be able to capture half of the 80 per cent and put it back to work by heating the cabin. In addition, as regenerative braking means mechanical friction brakes are only used in emergency, sudden stop conditions, there is far less need for maintenance. Accessory components, such as resistors including the EV2, don’t require any additional maintenance, unlike the high cost of replacing brake pads and discs on a whole fleet. As Dyson’s move into the electric vehicle sector proves, electric vehicles, including commercial vehicles, are becoming extremely accessible. Retaining energy by using water cooled resistors is just one way of improving the energy efficiency, safety, range and battery health of these vehicles, in turn reducing their carbon footprint. For more information about Cressall please click here
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK: TIME TO PROMOTE THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TO NEXT GENERATION
NICEIC is encouraging employers and organisations to use National Apprenticeship Week (4th-8thMarch) to promote the benefits of working in the electrical industry. With a possible skills gap in the future it wants more young people to consider an apprenticeship. NICEIC believe learning a trade is a viable alternative to studying at university – offering the chance to learn, grow and earn throughout the process and boost career prospects as a result. Darren Staniforth, technical development manager at NICEIC, explains: “As perceptions of the trade industry are shifting, we’ve seen an uptake in interest amongst pupils and students for a hands-on career. Gone are the days where young people are expected to study at university to ensure a successful career. Instead, taking on an apprenticeship is now being seen as a far more enticing prospect, with some going on to earn more than had they done a degree. National Apprentice Week is a great time to promote the benefits of our industry and show young people alternative options such as an apprenticeship.” One way that NICEIC supports apprentices into the electrical industry is through its Apprentice of the Year Competition, which celebrates the skills of the brightest electrical apprentices throughout the UK. This year saw more than a thousand apprentices across the UK apply, with 650 applicants successfully completing the first stage. The competition, run in partnership with The Scolmore Group, is part of the company’s drive to recognise the brightest young talents in the trade, which it says is vital to safeguarding the future of the industry. Last year’s winner, was 21-year-old Zach Swift from Helensborough in Scotland. He is now preparing for the final year of his apprenticeship as well as returning to West College Scotland to finish his electrical course. Zach said: “I think it’s important for people my age and younger to understand that there are plenty of routes to take after leaving school or college, and I strongly believe that an apprenticeship is a fantastic option if you’re after a dynamic and successful career. The apprenticeship competition was a great boost for my confidence and I am now able to take on more challenging jobs on my own. If you’re considering an apprenticeship in the electrical industry, then I would definitely recommend going for it because you’ll learn so many skills and your days will always feel varied.” In addition to the competition, NICEIC’s Student Membership Scheme provides support to complement the training and personal development of students undertaking relevant technical competency training. Furthermore, the organisation’s ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign actively encourages more women to seek a career as an electrician. Darren concludes: “As we look to the future, our hope is that young people from all backgrounds feel inspired by the range of prospects that come from an apprenticeship, so that more consider a career as an electrician and enjoy the wide range of opportunities that can be had.” For more information on NICEIC apprenticeships and information about the electrical sector please clcik here.
ABB supports BP and 66 iFuel establish BP’s pilot DC fast charging station in China
BP has launched its pilot DC fast charging station for electric vehicles (EV) in China, jointly established and operated by BP and 66 iFuel, opened in Jiading District, Shanghai, ABB provided 10 Terra 63Z DC fast chargers for this pilot project. The cooperation with ABB on this pilot represents BP’s entry into China’s EV charging infrastructure market and follows its acquisition of Chargemaster, the operator of the UK’s largest EV charging network, in June 2018. 66 iFuel is an EV fast charging service provider with a commitment to user experience and operational efficiency, launched by Shenzhen Jiama Energy Technology Co., Ltd. At present, its charging network focuses on the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. The company is committed to providing EV users with reliable, convenient and speedy modern energy services while making unremitting efforts to promote the use of new energy, the improvement of energy efficiency and the development of modern livable cities. So far, 66 iFuel has established 40 charging stations in China. The 10 Terra 63Z DC fast chargers provided by ABB are part of ABB Ability™, the company’s unified, cross-industry digital offering. ABB Ability™ delivers web-enabled connectivity that allows e-mobility charging network operators to perform several functions, including remote monitoring and configuring of charging points. This enables the remote diagnose over 90% faults, reducing site services by more than 60%, significantly improving usage efficiency and making the chargers suitable for a range of applications including urban public locations, gas stations and commercial spaces. With 24/7 intelligent connectivity and all-around guarantee, the Terra DC chargers provide a more stable, faster and more reliable user experience. ABB Ability™ also enables the flexibility to connect to any charging network, back-office, payment or energy management solution, features which have won wide praise from ABB customers. In addition, the Terra series of DC chargers include a range of security features such as an interlocking mechanism, heating and dehumidification, smart self-inspection, charging connector back-in-place management, 30mA leakage protection, smoke sensing and tilt sensing. Frank Muehlon, Managing Director for ABB’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure business and Allen Dong, Local Product Manager for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure were present at the opening ceremony. Frank Muehlon, comments: “ABB plays a leading role in the development of sustainable mobility with its innovative and digital technologies and has participated in numerous projects around the world. ABB looks forward to closer cooperation with BP and 66 iFuel in the future.” BP’s Energy Outlook (2018) (Evolving Transition scenario) estimates that the number of EVs globally will reach more than 300 million by 2040. According to China’s domestic statistics, from January to November 2018, the production and sale of new energy vehicles in China exceeded 1 million, and the cumulative number of applied new energy vehicles has to date exceeded 3 million. BP and 66 iFuel, together with ABB, jointly provide end users with secure, reliable, smart, convenient and 24/7 charging services. ABB, synonymous with electric-transportation breakthroughs during its 130-year history, has become a global leader in connected DC charging systems for electric vehicles. Some 8,000 ABB DC chargers are now installed in 70 countries, more chargers than any other manufacturer, while ABB’s partnership with the FIA Formula E Championship is championing e-mobility for a sustainable future. BP, headquartered in London, is one of the world’s leading oil and gas companies, with production and operations in more than 70 countries. BP has been operating in China since the early 1970s and is one of the leading foreign-invested companies of the oil and gas industry in China. BP’s business activities in China include oil and gas exploration and development, petrochemicals manufacturing and marketing, aviation fuel supply, oil products retailing, lubricants blending and marketing, oil and gas supply and trading, LNG terminal and trunk line operation, chemicals technology licensing, carbon trading, ventures as well as advanced mobility. ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, with 18,000 employees located in 142 cities, 40 local companies, and online and offline channels across over 300 cities. For more information on ABB, please click here
