Darrell Matthews replaces Newell McGuiness as Managing Director at SELECT
Darrell, who has been working in tandem with Newell during a handover period, has a wide range of commercial experience, most recently with industry bodies such as EEF, the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Directors. He joins SELECT, which represents member companies that collectively employ in excess of 15,000 people, at a time of sustained campaigning activity. Key issues for the sector are protection of title, apprenticeships and ensuring members get paid on time. He said: “I feel very lucky to be able to join a successful organisation which is growing, and helping its members to grow too. It is a credit to its directors and its members and I want to work closely with them on key decision-making.” ”I have enjoyed working for organisations which promote their industry as well as serving members’ interests. It is important to explain, both to the UK and Scottish governments and the public, what the electro-technical sector is trying to achieve. Electricians mostly go through a long, intense apprenticeship to gain their qualifications and it is vital that we ensure the public – and politicians – understand and respect this level of commitment to the trade.” His priorities with SELECT, he said will be “to push the Excellence in Skills agenda, to support the campaign currently being addressed in the Scottish Parliament for Protection of Title and to further promote apprenticeships and training. “Protection of Title is extremely important on many grounds, but we also want the sector to be inclusive and we will focus on creating as many ‘routes to qualification’ as possible for electricians who do not have a grade card. I want to continue SELECT’s excellent offering in areas such as advice lines, which handled 1500 calls last year from electricians in the field who wanted to access the latest technical information and guidance. We will continue to work closely with our industry partners, the SJIB, SECTT and Unite the Union to promote apprentices as the future of the industry and to explain to young people how rewarding a career as an electrician can be.” Thanking outgoing Managing Director Newell McGuiness for his contribution to SELECT over his 13 years in post, he said: “Newell’s will be difficult boots to fill. I am privileged that he offered me such valuable guidance and helped me get my feet under the desk. He has done a cracking job over many years of promoting the electrotechnical industry in Scotland.” For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Head of Membership and Communications at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577, Email, Website
Training is key as firms face dash to comply with new electrical wiring regs
Industry leading training provider, Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which form the basis of the updated BS7671:2018, will require significant retraining for all UK electricians. It is due for publication in July but the major changes to the previous edition have already been announced, and they look set to have a big impact on the UK’s 265,000 electricians and electrical fitters as well as the organisations that employ them. DTL says many operatives will need to attend a three-day course, rather than the one-day refresher courses that have previously sufficed after an update was released.This could place a huge operational burden on organisations employing multiple electricians. DTL is recommending that only those who have gone through 17th Edition third amendment training in the past six months will be eligible for a fast-track one-day course. However, with all new installations having to be designed to meet the new standard from January 2019, DTL says the stakes are too high to risk skimping on training. Chris Wood, CEO of the training company, said: The new regulations reflect the changing technological, regulatory and political environment. For example, there are new introductions covering energy efficiency, electric car charging and the way that wiring should be supported to protect it from a building collapse in the event of fire. There are many other changes, which amount to a very significant evolution in the regulations. Clearly, the fallout from a non-compliance event could be immensely damaging for any organisation that employs electricians. So the new edition is sure to have major implications when it comes to training people to ensure that the regulations are met.” DTL answers FAQs here: www.developtraining.co.uk/blog Visit www.developtraining.co.uk/training/electrical to book on to an 18th Edition training course
IET and BSI publish the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations
The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations has published. The essential publication for all professionals working in the electrical industry forms the national standard to which all new and amended electrical installations in the UK are to comply. The IET urges all electrical professionals to ensure they are familiar with the changes before the new requirements come into effect from January 2019. Significant changes include: recommendations for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits, requirements for devices for protection against overvoltage, a change to the requirement for the methods of supporting wiring systems within buildings against their premature collapse in the event of a fire and a new Appendix focusing on energy efficiency. Changes have also been made to the requirements for electric vehicle charging installations with PME supplies (the most common form of earthing in new installations) as well as new guidance for the design and erection of electrical installations that have local production and storage of energy for optimising efficiency. The changes to BS 7671 come from to the revision of international and European standards, of which the UK is obliged to take on the technical intent. JPEL/64 members represent the UK on many of these international committees and the content to be included is discussed in terms of the impact on UK industry, before a new update to BS 7671 is agreed and published. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, said: “The IET is the authority for electrical installation in the UK and ensures that JPEL/64, the national Wiring Regulations committee, carefully considers all necessary updates to the Regulations to ensure they best meet the needs of the industry. The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to the way all electrical professionals are required to carry out their work in order to safeguard themselves and the public. With this in mind, it is essential that all electrical professionals ensure that they are up to speed with the new requirements.” BS 7671:2018 and the IET’s popular suite of guidance are available here. To accompany the 18th Edition, the IET is launching online training for the City & Guilds 2382:18 qualification. The only online training to be endorsed by City & Guilds for this qualification, the Full and Update courses both offer flexible learning, in your own time at your own pace. Accessible via an app, the training also includes three, full, practice exams to fully prepare you for the real thing. More information can be found here. To find out more about the new requirements for electrical installations, you can also speak to an expert at the IET on 01438 765599 or email. About the IET Looking for images to accompany your engineering stories? Use the IET’s media image library to highlight the exciting, creative and dynamic world of engineering. Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespeople from a broad range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and women in engineering. The IET is one of the world’s largest engineering institutions with over 168,000 members in 150 countries. It is also the most interdisciplinary – to reflect the increasingly diverse nature of engineering in the 21st century. Energy, transport, manufacturing, information and communications, and the built environment: the IET covers them all. The IET publishes more than 30 research and letters journals and over 500 books across engineering disciplines. The IET’s flagship A&I database, Inspec, is globally renowned as a source of essential research in the fields of engineering, physics and computer science. The IET is working to engineer a better world by inspiring, informing and influencing our members, engineers and technicians, and all those who are touched by, or touch, the work of engineers. We want to build the profile of engineering and change outdated perceptions about engineering in order to tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices. For more information, click here Follow the IET on Twitter.
A complete 18th Edition Training Assessment Service
REDFORD CHARLES LTD is a leading provider of electrical engineering training courses supporting the electrical contracting industry, giving you a high-quality service at competitive prices. We also provide ‘pre-assessment’ visits to assist those applying to become registered with one of the ‘Government’s Part P Approved Scheme Providers’. Redford Charles Ltd is an Approved Centre for City & Guilds; EAL; and NIC Certification, part of the NICEIC Group. We are based in Rochester, Kent covering the South East and surrounding areas. As well as providing training at our dedicated centre, we can also provide in-house training for the majority of our courses. Update to the 18th Edition. The latest edition of BS 7671 Wiring Regulations is due to be released 2ndJuly 2018. Contact us now to book your place on one of our courses. Typical training courses include: C&G 2382-18 Level 3 18thEdition Wiring Regulations BS7671 Electrical Installations C&G 2391-52 Level 3 Initial Verification and Periodic C&G 2396 Level 4 Design and Verification of Electrical Installations C&G 2377 Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment (Portable Appliances) C&G 2919 Electric Vehicle Charging Points Installation EAL Competent Person (please enquire for details) EAL Authorised Person (please enquire for details) EAL Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Planning and Installation Basic Electrical Awareness & Safe Isolation Quality Management Systems (MCS) ‘Form Filling’ in particular, the new Inspection Schedule Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting Testing Refresher (Use of New Test Instruments/Inspection & Testing awareness) Boiler System Wiring and Controls Surge Protection and Lightning Protection IR Thermography for Electrical Applications Redford Charles Ltd can provide a wide range of courses and presentations tailored to meet your specific needs – just tell us your requirements and we will design the course specifically for you. Who are Redford Charles Ltd GRAHAM WRETHAM is the Managing Director of Redford Charles Ltd, with a wealth of experience in the assessment of technical competence of electrical contractors. Previously the local NICEIC Inspecting Engineer for Kent. Graham was responsible for the assessment of the work and resources of businesses on the Council’s roll of Approved Contractors to ensure compliance with the IEE Wiring Regulations and relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice. Graham was also Operations Director of the Assessment Services Division of the NICEIC, where he was directly responsible for over 70 Field Engineers. Graham has also been the NICEIC’s representative on various external and international technical panels, where he had responsibility for the Inspection and Testing requirements for electrical installations. DEREK SPURGEON has extensive experience in the training of electrical personnel at all levels, having provided training in electrical principles and sciences, as well as craft theory for many years within local education establishments. Derek has a wealth of experience in the electrical industry as Contracts Manager for Building and Property companies, together with Senior Engineering positions, in-particular for Building Management Systems and Controls. He has been with Redford Charles Ltd since 2008, where his knowledge, and his ability to pass on that knowledge, has produced outstanding success rates for delegates across a wide variety of electrical qualifications. JAMES DEANS has a wealth of experience in the electrical industry as Senior Lecturer, Assessor, Internal Verifier and City & Guilds Examiner. His career started as an apprentice electrical fitter in generation and moved on to inspection and testing and project management, of which he has vast experience, plus the development of product design. James moved into the electrical training industry, having been Senior Lecturer and Assessor for several large leading training providers. In James’ last post he has been the Senior Lecturer with responsibilities for Quality Assurance and Internal Verification. He is also involved with the development and implementation of several new City & Guilds qualifications, including the latest City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing suite of qualifications. James’ experience in all electrical training matters, is likely to provide a whole new range of courses and qualifications available at Redford Charles Ltd. ALAN CHARLTON has 37 years’ experience within the electrical industry which commenced as an apprentice electrician for an Area Electricity Supply Company. His time spent at this organisation covered all aspects of the electrical industry from generation, transmission and distribution which culminated in the positions of Contracting Electrical Engineer and Area Manager of the metering section. Alan decided to pursue a career in training and assessments which initially started as a college lecturer for all electrical courses including BTEC and then moving to the NICEIC as an area Engineer. with the NICEIC was as Head of Training and Consultancy before deciding to become a Training and Consulting Engineer for various businesses within the Electrical Industry. For costs, dates and further details please contact the office: 01634 711955 admin@redfordcharles.com www.redfordcharles.com Unit L2, Temple Court, Knight Road, Strood, Kent ME2 2LT
Who do you trust? Electricians come top of Which? Trusted Traders survey
Roofers and builders are considered the least trustworthy tradespeople, while electricians are the most likely to inspire confidence, according to new research from Which? Trusted Traders. The survey has revealed that four in 10 (38%) householders do not trust builders and roofers when employing them for the first time, making these trades the least trusted for domestic building work and repairs. In stark contrast, eight in 10 (80%) of those surveyed said they trusted the electrician they called in to make repairs and improvements in their home. Central heating engineers were also widely trusted, with three quarters (75%) feeling confident that they would do a good job. The survey also asked people about their biggest worries when hiring a tradesperson, revealing that the largest concern was that they would not turn up at the agreed time, which was cited by six in 10 (62%). Poor workmanship and being taken for a ride were other top concerns, with over half (55%) worrying that a trader would do a bad job and a similar number (46%) anxious that they would be ripped off. Raj Kakar-Clayton, Managing Director of Which? Trusted Traders, said: “It can take a lot of trust to welcome a trader into your home, particularly if they’ve never worked for you before. Take the stress out of home improvement by reading online reviews, asking for references and making sure you have a contract in place before the job starts.” Advice from Which? Trusted Traders Be clear about the work that you want completing and ask for quote, rather than an estimate. Always ask for references when employing a new trader. Get a contract in place to protect you in the event of a problem. Membership of a trade association isn’t a guarantee of a good quality trader but it’s generally a sign that a trader wishes to work professionally. Find a Which? Trusted Traders endorsed trader in your area by using the straightforward search function on our website. For more advice on hiring Trusted Traders, please click here A full list of net trust in tradespeople Electricians – 80% Central heating engineers – 75% Plumbers – 73% Carpenters – 72% Decorators – 70% Plasterers – 68% Glaziers – 65% Mechanics – 64% Tilers – 61% Kitchen fitters – 58% Builders – 53% Drain and sewer services – 50% Roofers – 48%
Innovations that have changed electrical safety for the better
Electricity is something that we may not even think about, it’s become so ingrained into our daily lives, we barely stop to think that just 100 years ago this LED invention didn’t even exist. So how has the electrical trade developed over this time, and what innovations within the industry have been implemented in electrical safety in order to protect workers in the electrical sector? The electrical trade is now part of an environmental context that supports one another and reports back to policy makers whenever they feel a change needs to come. The way in which the electrical trade works together to ensure maximum safety and security is pretty revolutionary, some technologies seem far off in terms of their development and maintenance, and the lack of communication between workers could be the reason why. Innovations implemented in electrical safety in order to protect workers Electrical workers have displayed an innate ability to anticipate and respond appropriately to changing circumstances, which is particularly important in a world where the landscape in which electricity sits and is used, is constantly evolving. New technology is coming into the trade at a rapid rate, and with it comes changes for the workers themselves. With the introduction of said developing products, often means a prior product or practise that could now be deemed as unsafe, can be phased out. LED lighting, for example, is a more recent innovation that could be described as a game changer. The way in which LED is being used is more prevalent than ever, and this couldn’t have come at a better time, due to the decision by the electrical trade to ban all halogen lighting by September 2018. Halogen lighting, in all forms, has been assessed as unsafe, due to their blowing nature. The use of LED innovations means that these dangerous products can be removed, and new safer measures can be put in place. With new technologies in the industry, electricians are advised to embrace the change, and develop their skill set even further. These changes make electricity safer, on the whole, however, how does this change, amongst others, affect the safety of electrical workers? New techniques and products mean new safety measures, and with health and safety at an all-time high, the safety of workers in the electrical trade is stronger than ever. Whenever new developments are put in place, new strict safety procedures are also implemented. And as the electrical community are one of the highest rated when it comes to internal support and reporting back to officials, each change brings around new measures across the board. For more information on electrical safety measures visit www.reecesafety.co.uk
Mr. Electric slashes heating bills with new energy saving system in Wolverhampton
Mr Electric, the UK’s leading electrical franchise brand, has teamed up with the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Homes to trial a new smart heating system, Heat Genius, to help homeowners reduce their energy consumption and bills by only heating the rooms that are being used. Mr Electric Wolverhampton is one of the electrical businesses involved in the six month trial and recently installed the new intelligent heating system into one of City of Wolverhampton Council homes managed by Wolverhampton Homes. Heat Genius predicts and adapts to a household’s energy usage by using a smart thermostat to heat only the parts of the home that are being used. The Genius Hub automatically adjusts the heating schedules for each room, ensuring it’s warm when you arrive, but not wasting heat when you’re out. It even turns radiators off when a window is open, or when it’s a warm day. Following a product and installation training programme by Heat Genius, Mr Electric is now able to install the system into all properties, including buildings with gas central heating and internet connection. The system comprises a Genius Hub controller that plugs into your internet router, a boiler controller and a portable wireless thermostat that can be moved from room to room. By being fully wireless, the user can control and monitor the system remotely via a smart device or web browser to identify where savings can be made, as well as seeing which rooms are warmer or colder than they need to be. Rajiv Dhanjal, working within the ERDF funded Built Environment Climate Change Innovations (BECCI) team, at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are delighted to be working with Mr Electric for the Heat Genius trial and to be able to use their skills and experience for one of the installations in a tenant’s home. With the product being local to the West Midlands, we only wanted to work with local heating installers, who were not only reputable, but also demonstrated innovative expertise in eco heating solutions. Mr Electric fitted this exactly and their professionalism and knowledge has really impressed me. Once we have evaluated the pilot later this year, I hope that we can continue our relationship with Mr Electric into the future.” Darren Barley, Mr Electric Wolverhampton, added: ”Smart heating systems are playing an important role in our homes now as more people stay in control of their energy bills. The Genius Hub is a zoned home heating control system that can be a truly “fit and forget” solution, as it learns when you use each room and automatically cuts energy consumption without impacting on your comfort. The fact that the Hub is wireless means it is really easy to install – you don’t need fancy wiring or the walls knocked about, you just need the Genius Hub and valves on the radiators to get this new level of flexibility which no other system can offer. We hope to continue to build our relationship with the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Homes and we will have the opportunity to roll out Heat Genius to many more homes across the region.” The Smart Heating Controls pilot study, managed by the BECCI project, aims to investigate how suitable the Heat Genius system is for local consumers and how easily it can be deployed by the local SMEs. Working with Wolverhampton Homes, suitable properties were chosen and innovation-active SMEs were selected for this six month trial. For further information about Mr Electric and the services, it can offer, visit http://wolverhampton.co.uk/ or call 01902 290 599.
Arnocanali Earth & Neutral distribution blocks from Switchtec are supplied with IP20 touch proof terminals.
As sole distributor, Switchtec has introduced the Arnocanali range of Earth & Neutral distribution blocks. Used to distribute Earth, Neutral & Power to smaller or numerous cables within panels, the distribution blocks reduce installation time and keeps cable usage to a minimum, providing time and cost savings over traditional methods. Aimed at panel builders for use in BMS and control panels, DIN rail mountable Arnocanali distribution blocks comprise of a single pole connection available in 7, 11, and 15 way connection points per pole and are rated up to 750V. The versatile Arnocanali distribution blocks offer many benefits and design advantages. First and foremost, they can be used to establish an electromechanical connection between cables, making it possible to manage multiple cable connections at one point in the panel. They are also available in 3 colours, Green (Earth) Blue (Neutral) and Grey (Power). They are supplied with IP20 touch proof terminals that have removable covers to make installation easier, and also easier to replace once installed. DIN rail or surface mountable their design is low profile and compact which saves space within control panels; they make it possible to distribute power in a compact space without additional accessories. They are suitable for use in extreme temperatures from -5oC to +85oC and can accept cable sizes up to 16mm2. Manufactured in Italy, the Arnocanali distribution blocks are manufactured to a high standard unlike lesser quality, similar products available in the marketplace. They use high-grade brass components making them highly resistant to thread stripping and providing excellent cable retention properties. The Arnocanali distribution blocks available from Switchtec are CE and IMQ approved, RoHS 2 compliant and manufactured in accordance with EN60947 and EN60998. All products are available from stock or on short delivery times. Switchtec field sales engineers are available to provide product selection and general design assistance. www.switchtec.com
Martindale offers a professional solution to cable testing!
Martindale Electric – pioneers in electrical safety – is pleased to announce the arrival of its new Professional CD1000 general purpose Cable Detector. The CD1000 is designed to quickly and accurately trace cables in walls and underground, locate fuses/breakers on Live or Dead Circuits and locate interruptions and open circuits in cables and electrical floor heating systems. The CD1000 can also be used to trace metallic water and heating pipes. Supplied as a complete kit, the advanced CD1000, which includes a transmitter and a receiver – which can also be used as a non-contact voltage indicator – negates the need for any other additional electrical equipment when detecting cables. This saves valuable time and money. Using advanced technology, the CD1000 allows the operator to change transmission coding, so up six different circuits to be tested, safely and accurately, at any one time! Results are then be displayed both visually and audibly. Different code settings can be easily changed using an integral switch, without the need to dismantle the unit, making the CD1000 the perfect choice when using multiple transmitters. Featuring an auto sensitivity setting, which Martindale suggest meet most requirements, the CD1000 also allows for a manual sensitivity adjustment, to meet any personal preferences. Complete with an LED torch for work in dimly lit environments and a self test facility for additional safety, the CD1000 is a welcomed addition to the existing range of exceptional safety products available from Martindale Electric. The CD1000 comes supplied with a set of TL47 test leads with crocodile clips, earthing rod, 9V and 1.5 Alkaline batteries and a case with full instructions, making it ready for immediate use. All Martindale Electric products come complete with a two year warranty. For more information about Martindale Electric please click here
