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Schneider Electric has introduced MasterPacT MTZ Active, a revolutionary new low voltage air circuit breaker designed to set new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability.

In a world increasingly driven by electricity and digitisation, MasterPacT MTZ Active enables data centre customers to respond to complex challenges, including 24/7 uptime demands, spiraling energy costs and urgent calls for sustainable practices.

The first MasterPacT product was launched 35 years ago, and ever since has been synonymous with circuit breaker innovation and reliability. Now, with smart, connected power distribution becoming a must-have, Schneider Electric is revolutionising the MasterPacT range to advance circuit breaker performance in the data centre.

The new MasterPacT MTZ Active’s control unit speeds mitigation with an industry-first QR code solution. Data centre operators can scan the code to access comprehensive instructions to optimise decision-making on the most effective restorative actions to take, in order to reduce data centre downtime.

MasterPacT MTZ Active also sets new benchmarks for safety in the data centre. An Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS) guards maintenance personnel against arc flash hazards, and the control unit’s intuitive design facilitates the setting of all protection functions, including current, time delays and alarms.

For more information, click here

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Vent-Axia is delighted to have won an award at the prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2024.

The Sussex-based company won the ‘Product or Innovation of the Year – Air Quality’ category for its Sentinel Apex, the next generation of commercial heat recovery ventilation. The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 29 February 2024 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

The CIBSE Building Performance Awards (BPAs) 2024 recognises the people, products and projects that demonstrate engineering excellence in the built environment. They are the only industry awards that focus on actual, measured performance outcomes, and not just design intent or performance specifications. Vent-Axia beat stiff competition in the ‘Product or Innovation of the Year – Air Quality’ category. After a rigorous judging process, the judges selected the Sentinel Apex, which they noted supplies fresh, healthy, filtered air to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), removing pollutants such as moisture, carbon dioxide and external fumes.

“We are very proud that our Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex has been recognised by the CIBSE Building Performance Awards. This marks the third industry award for the innovative Sentinel Apex since its launch in November 2023. We understand the challenges that come with designing low-carbon buildings, which means every aspect has been considered in the Apex’s development to maximise its energy efficiency and performance, while providing excellent IAQ, ultra-low sound levels and thermal comfort. We have also designed the Apex to have a low embodied carbon footprint and to help consultants we have used CIBSE TM65 data collection methodology to provide accurate and detailed carbon information”, said Lorna Kerrigan-Hall, Sales Director C&I at Vent-Axia.

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CEF has launched a new industry product, designed by a loyal CEF customer. The JAKODA Socket Tester Holder, created by Duncan Thomson, using components from his local store, is now available to purchase across 400+ CEF branches and online.

Duncan, an electrician himself, has solved a significant problem for professionals in the industry – socket testers being damaged while loose in tool bags. After years of frustration and replacements, Duncan took to creating his own solution, using components sourced from his local CEF Bideford branch, and innovatively put together at his kitchen table, the STH was created.

After introducing the product to his local store and a few posts on his Instagram page, Surf Bay Spark, it quickly gained popularity in his local area and with tradesmen around the UK. He continued producing them at home and eventually, as demand grew bigger, he was approached by one of CEF’S own suppliers, Super Rod, to assist.

This led to the partnership which has seen the JAKODA Holder produced and sold in CEF’s 400+ branches throughout the country, as well as on the brands website, making his product available to tradespeople all over the UK.

For more information, click here

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Now in its fifth year of trading as an independent lighting company, Ovia has established itself as a leading player in the lighting sector. With Issue 5 of the Ovia catalogue just released into circulation, Mike Collins, Managing Director, shines a light on one of the new light fittings which he believes will be a star performer for the company this year.

Small and compact in name and format but packing a huge punch when it comes to features and benefits is the new Inceptor Milli dimmable, fixed, fire-rated LED downlight. Designed to complement the range of downlight solutions already offered by Ovia, Inceptor Milli is aimed predominantly at the domestic market. It combines style and functionality to provide installers with a downlight that is quick and easy to fit and offers a range of features at the flick of a switch.

Standard or Baffle

Inceptor Milli is an IP65-rated downlight that is available both in standard/fixed and baffle versions. The standard version provides a 60 ͦ  beam angle, while the baffle provides a more focused 25 ͦ angle. The baffle design ensures a more concentrated and directional illumination, making it an ideal choice for highlighting specific areas. The baffle is offered in a choice of white or black.

Five bezel finishes are available, with a choice of White, Black, Chrome, Satin Chrome and Antique Brass finishes offered. With the standard version you simply order the finish of your choice as a fixed finish. The baffle version is supplied with a white bezel, but this can be interchanged with any of the other finishes and they are purchased separately. Simply twist the existing bezel to remove and replace with the colour finish of your choice. This also means that for a fresh new look in the future, it is simply a case of replacing the bezels with an alternative finish.

Switching it up

A key feature to highlight with the Milli downlight is the element of control that is offered in this one fitting. There is the option to seamlessly switch between 6.4W and 4W power outputs using a single switch to provide users with unprecedented control over their lighting environments. There is also the ability to easily switch the colour temperatures between 2700K (Warm White), 4000K (Cool White) and 6500K (Daylight). This allows for effortless adaptation to varying lighting needs and makes it easy for the end user to tailor their lighting to suit their individual requirements. Whether they are seeking a vibrant, well-lit atmosphere or a more subdued, energy-conscious ambiance, the Inceptor Milli ensures optimal flexibility.

Rotatable insulation cover

One feature that sets the Inceptor Milli apart from many downlights on the market is the insulation cover which introduces a practical solution for installation challenges. The rotatable insulation cover allows you to install the downlights safely under insulation but also adjust the cover allowing for 5mm extra clearance. On the standard/fixed Milli downlight the insulation cover can be twisted to the up and down position and still fit in a 60mm void. The baffle version can only fit in a 60mm void when the insulation cover is down and the plasterboard is a minimum thickness of 12.5cm.

By accommodating insulation materials more effectively, the Inceptor Milli ensures optimal performance. Unrestricted airflow around the fixture helps manage heat dissipation, contributing to the longevity and efficiency of the downlight. Our downlights are Fire Rated to 30, 60 and 90 minutes and also feature an Intumescent Strip, which, when exposed to fire, expands to seal the gap between the light fitting and plasterboard.

Fast-Fit connection

All our Inceptor Milli downlights are supplied pre-wired with a Fast-Fit, 3-Pole and Loop Flow connector, and we also provide a loose push-fit Flow connector in the box which ensures a quick and easy installation process.

Broad cut-out range

The Inceptor Milli has a broad cut-out range of 64mm to 75mm, which allows the downlights to be installed in a wide range of existing ceiling downlight cut-outs.

Multi-pack

With the aim of providing a practical and cost-effective solution for a comprehensive range of lighting projects, Inceptor Milli is available in a convenient 10-pack box, as well as in singles.

Sustainable Inceptor

Our industry is currently evolving from a linear to a circular economy, and this will only intensify in the coming months and years. The emphasis is on reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill by embracing a re-using, remaking/repairing and recycling mentality. Sustainability drives all the decisions and actions we make at Ovia. We are committed to contributing to the transition to a circular economy and our aim is to make Ovia market leader in sustainable lighting.

TM66 Assured Product Verification Scheme

We are working towards making sure all of our Inceptor luminaires meet the requirements of the TM66 Assured Product Verification Scheme. This scheme is an innovative initiative developed and fulfilled by the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and endorsed by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) and its aim is to advance circular economy practices within the lighting industry. TM66 testing involves the gathering of thorough evidence to support the specifications of our product range. We use the LIA to verify our TM66 results to ensure we have a consistent and accurate rating.

We are proud advocates of TM66 and have been given the opportunity to be founding partners, demonstrating our commitment to a circular economy for our industry.

For more information, click here

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Job management software is helping electrical contractors and wholesalers increase efficiency and produce sales data of real value, explains James Chillman, UK Country Manager of Fergus.

Over the last few years there has been a significant rise in the use of job management software by hard working professionals, many of whom shop at their local electrical wholesaler. The reasons for this move are many, but the main drivers include automating tasks, decluttering administration and moving to a system that helps electricians to grow their business, giving them the time back to do the things they love.

Job management software, like Fergus, allows electrical contractors to become more efficient, manage their teams, invoice on time and monitor profit levels on every single job. It also allows them to review and order materials from their preferred wholesaler. Over 26 electrical wholesalers, building and plumbing merchants, including Yesss Electrical, Rexel, CEF and Edmundson Electrical, are now integrated on the platform, helping electrical contracting businesses to manage their supplier interactions, invoicing and job costing quickly, saving time and money.

For wholesalers, this integration has the potential to deliver valuable data on purchase patterns, levels and trends and adds a level of customer loyalty and convenience. Fergus was originally developed in New Zealand and soon grew in Australia too. Wholesalers in these territories soon found that the integration with job management companies increased sales levels and opened up sales insights.

The supplier integrations allow automatic import of supplier invoices, directly matching line items to the appropriate jobs. This saves significant time for electricians as the painstaking process of manual invoice entry is eliminated, freeing up evenings and weekends that were once consumed by administrative tasks.

Just one click

With just one click, invoices can be instantly assigned to jobs, ensuring that every material cost is accurately allocated and nothing is overlooked. This level of precision in tracking supplier documents and costs across jobs is unparalleled, offering users a comprehensive overview of their financials in one location.

Fergus also simplifies the materials procurement process with the ability to send purchase orders directly from the platform to wholesalers for pricing, pickup or delivery. This functionality saves time and streamlines the supply chain management. Trades businesses can now skip the line, secure in the knowledge that Fergus is handling their procurement needs with speed and accuracy.

One of the most significant benefits of these integrations is the ability to invoice in minutes. With labour and material costs already allocated to jobs, Fergus users can generate customer invoices swiftly, directly from quotes or by creating a quick invoice that incorporates all material and labour costs. The system also allows for the incorporation of used stock for a job, pulling in line items with up-to-date pricing from supplier price books that are instantly imported into Fergus. Applying margins and discounts is equally straightforward, enabling businesses to manage their billing with a few simple clicks.

For more information, click here

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Matthew Parton, Product Development Manager at ESP, looks at the self-test area of the emergency lighting sector and how it can save building owners time and money.

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in almost every building, with one simple, life-saving task: to provide light if a power outage shuts down a building’s standard operational lighting. It is the responsibility of building owners and responsible persons to prove that the emergency lighting systems they are responsible for are working correctly and are regularly maintained so that they are in full working order.

According to BS5266-1 Emergency Lighting – Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises, the functional operation of the emergency lighting systems falls onto the responsibility of the user (i.e. the appropriate person appointed responsible for the premises).

BS 5266-1, Section 12 outlines the recommended routine testing of the system.  These include (but is not definitive to):

• Checking functional operation “at least every month”.
• Full rated duration test (on each luminaire) “at least annually” (full discharge of batteries to check all working as required).
• Logging of failures to any part of the system and introducing alternate safety procedures until this is repaired.
• Recording all testing and repair information in a logbook.

All emergency lighting installations must have routine tests carried out, with each system luminaire the subject of daily, monthly and annual testing. These tests should all be documented with the results including maintenance and rectification results all held on file.

Whilst the testing of emergency lighting does not take much effort and isn’t difficult, manually inspecting every single lighting luminaire for lamp starting, operation and duration performance can be a very labour intensive and therefore expensive task. However, with the latest improvements in technology, routine testing can be simple, automatic and therefore much less expensive. It is now possible for building owners to take advantage of emergency lighting equipment that ‘self-tests’ in accordance with the relevant standards.

Reduce the burden

Installing self-test emergency lighting units can reduce the burden of testing emergency lighting installations as they perform all mandatory testing automatically, removing the need for manual testing to be carried out by the user or building owner. The resulting reduction of labour time leads to inevitable cost savings. Whilst the initial costs for the products may be higher, overall, they will provide a very short payback period – making them an ideal option that should be given consideration at the beginning of any project.

The benefits of self-test emergency light units include ease of installation, with no need for key switches or additional data cables for example. Convenience is also a major plus, with mandatory tests carried out without disruption to the normal use of the building, and any faults identified. The self-test units identify faults in luminaires and any faults are then highlighted to maintenance personnel, saving them the time and effort it would take to search the building in question for faults.

Self-test units use an accurate internal clock programmed to interrupt the permanent mains supply at set intervals, initiating emergency lighting tests. Short duration weekly and monthly tests and annual full duration tests are automatically activated with the results shown via an LED indicator on the fitting. The responsible person only needs to check the indicator and it means that only lights with reported faults will need to be attended to by maintenance personnel.

Extra peace of mind

During initial power up of a self-test unit, an automatic commissioning stage will begin. The internal clock will commence at a random time between 0 and 24 hours – this avoids the luminaires all going into test at the same time. After the initial charge up time (up to 72 hours), the unit will carry out a full duration test. After all initial tests are completed successfully the inbuilt processor will start the standard programmed test schedule, reporting failing functions via the status LED. In addition, it is also possible to initiate a manual test on self-test emergency lighting fittings for extra peace of mind.

Monitoring results is straightforward. A single bicolour LED indicates the system status. A green LED on constant with a pulse once every minute shows that the micro-processor is active and functioning. A flashing red LED identifies a fault condition is present. If a fault is resolved the LED indicator will return to green.

The following LED statuses apply to ESP’s Duceri self-test fittings:

ESP continues to develop its Duceri range of Emergency Lighting to meet the latest standards and to offer the latest technologies. The company’s range of Self-Test Emergency Light Fittings offers numerous benefits over standard fittings by reducing the costs and time associated with manual testing and inspection.

The self-test products within the Duceri Emergency Lighting range include:

• 3W LED Maintained Emergency Self-contained Downlight with Self-Test and Interchangeable Open and Corridor Lens.
• 3W LED Emergency Open Lens Downlight with Self-Test
• 9W LED IP65 Non-Maintained Emergency Twin Spot with Self-Test
• 3W LED IP65 Maintained Emergency Bulkhead with Self-Test
• 3W LED Maintained Emergency Exit Box with Self-Test

They have all been tested and comply with the latest standards.

For more information, click here

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Nicole Juday, Board Chair of the IDEAL Industries Foundation, explains how to set up a corporate programme and highlights some of the organisations the Foundation supports and how such initiatives can boost employee engagement.

Many companies in the electrical industry participate in some form of charitable giving, even if they may not identify as having a corporate philanthropy program. Requests to sponsor a local youth sports team, underwrite an industry event, or support a civic or educational initiative are some of the most common asks of companies of all sizes. With a bit of forethought and planning, businesses can create a simple framework to help identify the types of organisations that makes the best business sense to support.

Knowledge of the local laws

First, understand the laws where your company is based (or work with someone who does.) Legal restrictions around corporate philanthropy are not overly complicated, but there are clear parameters around what qualifies as a charitable activity or programme – related expense, particularly if the company wishes to take a tax deduction. Having the right structure and governance in place is also important.

Develop a framework

The next step is to devise a framework for what kind of activity your company will (and will not) typically support. This is most effective when companies adopt a proactive approach. Instead of considering every incoming request individually, identify one or several priority areas that will allow for greatest impact. Consider whether funding a request could expose your business to new customers, differentiate it from competition, attract and retain quality talent, or increase employee engagement. Establishing criteria for giving may mean having to turn down requests for worthy causes that fall outside of the giving priorities, but it allows companies to consider and evaluate requests efficiently and to avoid a scattershot, reactive approach to charitable giving.

Prioritising types of giving

At the IDEAL Foundation, corporate philanthropy is segmented into several categories. Roughly a third of our annual giving goes to seven social service organisations located in the geographic area of the company’s headquarters. We believe that communities are strongest and most vibrant when no one is left behind, and our giving targets organisations serving the most vulnerable in the community from which we draw many of our employees, making the area a better place to live and work for all.

Our other primary focus area is increasing diversity in the skilled trades. In the US, over 90% of skilled tradespeople are white males in a sector with significant current and projected worker shortages. We support organisations that help non-traditional groups enter and stay in the trades, increasing the labour force pipeline and strengthening the future health and prosperity of our industry.

Consider other types of giving as well. Many corporate sponsorships qualify as charitable donations, as do product donations to non-profit organisations, which are considered gifts in kind. Through the IDEAL Foundation, IDEAL Industries donated more than $50,000 worth of tools in 2023. Announcements of these donations often were incorporated into IDEAL’s social media strategy, as in the case of a donation made to equip tools to Rosie’s Girls, a pre-apprenticeship electrical training programme for women run through the IBEW Local 98 in Philadelphia. This type of online presence is a great differentiator for the company and helps IDEAL stand out in the competition for talent by demonstrating our values—an increasingly important consideration among prospective employees.

Elevating employee engagement

Companies can also use philanthropy as an effective tool for engaging employees. Last year, the IDEAL Foundation began matching employees’ charitable donations. This year brought some new campaigns. During International Women’s Month, for every charitable donation made by an employee the Foundation made a donation to Chicago Women in the Trades, an organisation helping women enter and stay in the skilled trades. And by leveraging relationships with the local non-profits the Foundation supports, we’ve been able to conduct a series of volunteer activities for employees during the workday, such as making mental health kits for youth and hygiene kits for low-income seniors. These activities were well received by employees who appreciated this easily accessible opportunity to be of service to their communities by spending just a few minutes of their time.

Communicate your progress

An important component of a corporate philanthropy program is to make sure you have a way to keep track of all the great work your company is doing! Capturing the total value of charitable donations – cash, products, and/or services – makes it possible to share your story with your employees, customers and communities. Recording the number of hours employees donate through a volunteer time-off policy helps your company gain credibility among prospective hires. In an era where companies are increasingly requested or required to provide metrics beyond what would have been necessary in the past, having a system for keeping up to date documentation is crucial. It also allows companies to analyse the impact of their programs over time and create and maintain goals for their philanthropic activities.

As the world increasingly looks to industry to provide solutions for environmental and social issues, establishing a corporate philanthropy programme is as strategic as it is altruistic. Starting with what seems manageable and taking incremental steps to increase impact is both an investment in the future of your business and in the greater good.

 For more information, click here

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The Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and Affiliate Member Agathos Systems Ltd have announced the integration of the award-winning EDATA data pool and the Chalice ERP system.

EDA Wholesalers and branches already benefit from free access to the EDATA data pool, but this latest technical connection gives Chalice customers centralised access to rich product information, images and PDF product data sheets for thousands of products from leading manufacturers.

Richard Appleton, Head of Digitalisation at the EDA said, “Making the rich product information that’s inside EDATA available in other software systems is the next phase of our journey. Product data is a valuable resource and it makes sense to maximise its usage to grow business.

“Creating systems that talk to each other means wholesalers benefit from smoother, quicker and more efficient working processes and manufacturers benefit because it gives them extra brand visibility. The link saves wholesalers time and effort, and arms staff with the highest quality product information and downloadable PDF data sheets to provide to customers in quotations and for O&M manuals.

“Congratulations to Agathos for seizing the opportunity and making it happen.”

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Scolmore Group has announced that it has been awarded 141001 certification. The certification covers group companies Scolmore International, ESP, Ovia and Uncrimp.

ISO14001 is the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an EMS and continually improve their environmental performance. This achievement comes at a time when the company is committed to embedding corporate sustainability into the culture, strategy and day-to-day operation across the Scolmore Group of companies.

By adhering to the ISO14001 standard, Scolmore Group has demonstrated that it is taking proactive measures to minimise its environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve its environmental objectives. The framework encompasses various aspects, from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments.

At a time of increasing global challenges and heightened environmental consciousness, organisations have a crucial role to play. ISO14001 offers a structured approach for businesses to address these pressing concerns. As well as signalling a commitment to regulatory compliance and to ongoing environmental improvement, the adoption of this standard also serves to enhance an organisation’s reputation, demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable future, blending environmental responsibility with strategic business growth.

Manuela Robino-Courtney, Group Legal and Compliance Manager with Scolmore Group said: “Achieving ISO14001 certification demonstrates a firm commitment to reducing our environmental impact throughout all parts of our business.  It shows our employees, customers and stakeholders how important the environment is to Scolmore Group and I would like to thank all those in the organisation who have worked so hard behind the scenes to make this happen. We had excellent contributions from across all areas of the business and suggestions for improvements have been taken on board. Everyone has been keen to embrace our sustainable approach.

“We will continue to maintain and improve our environmental management systems in order to continue meeting the rigorous ISO 14001 criteria for years to come.”

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