Bridging the GAP - Voltimum€¦ · Bridging the gap The skills gap faced by the construction industry represents a lucrative opportunity for electrical installers as demand for their

Smart ElectricianThe Internet of Things for Electricians

The growing demand for retrofit smart lighting solutions.

Are your clients ready for the digital building revolution?

Demand for skills represents a lucrative opportunity for electricians.

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GAPBridging the

opportunity

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CREATIVESoraia Antunes

e: [email protected] t: 020 7751 3906

PRINT & DISTRIBUTIONVoltimum UK & Ireland Ltd


ADVERTISINGAmy Latchana


If you are not a member of the Voltimum community sign up for free today

at www.voltimum.co.uk

4 Smart Electrician ISSUE 01 | 2017

This is the first issue of Smart Electrician that I have been involved in. Before we got started I asked the team: Who is this magazine for and why should they read it?

If my experience of reporting on the electrical industry has taught me one thing it is to avoid trying to define what an electrician is. The label covers such a broad range of work and skills, from domestic to industrial, from wiring a bungalow to maintaining the machinery on an oil rig.

However, if there is one common theme you will see across all disciplines in the electrotechnical sector it is an underlying commitment to quality and excellence.

You get cowboys in all trades but in this sector the stakes are higher. The work of an electrician will ensure a factory line keeps running, helping people make a living. The careful eye of a competent electrician can fix dangerous installations in a home, that ensure that members of that family keep living. It requires professionalism, attention to detail and constant engagement with changes to regulations and legislation.

With Smart Electrician we set out to provide inspirational content for aspirational electrical professionals. We will deliver new product information, provide case studies of electricians who have embraced new technologies and suggest training opportunities for those who want to try these systems out for themselves.

It is for the electrician with one eye on the future, always on the lookout for ways to develop their business, learn new skills and prepare for the industry tomorrow.

The smart, increasingly digitised future of the electrical industry, brings with it both challenges and opportunities. If you are a regular reader I hope the content in previous issues have been a useful reference point for the future planning of your business. For newcomers, I would advise you to keep an open mind, embrace change and don’t underestimate the advantages of diversifying into this brave new world.

Daniel ToveyEditor

Time to aspire

EDITORIALDaniel Tovey

e: [email protected]: 020 7751 3905

2017 | ISSUE 01 Smart Electrician 5

10Are clients keeping up with the digital

building revolution?

An analysis of the results of the ‘connected technology’ survey

carried out by the ECA and SELECT last year.

12Tracking BIM

The deadline for the BIM Level 2 mandate has been and gone,

but what has changed for the market and what are the key discussions

yet to be had?

14Free & Easy

After attending a day of classroom training an electrical contractor from

Kent is using the ABB-free@home smart home system to develop

his business.

16IoT (un) availability

The movement towards the Internet of Things (IoT) is exciting for businesses

and for end-user consumers. Will create new challenges

in data availability.

18Security seals the deal

Iain Gordon, KNX UK President, reflects on a recent KNX installation in North London and how the peace of mind

offered by the security elements sealed the deal for the homeowner.

20Bridging the gap

The skills gap faced by the construction industry represents

a lucrative opportunity for electrical installers as demand for their expertise increases.

24Back to future

Experts have spent a lot of time speculating on how the Internet of Things (IoT) will affect our industry in

the future. Maybe what they need to do is analyse the past?

28The retrofit opportunity

Marie Parry looks at the growing demand for retrofit smart lighting

solutions and the opportunities they present to installers, specifiers,

and architects.

30Learn to earn

Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE, discusses the opportunity

that the smart home market offers electricians and explains

the ways in which training can help.

322017 future home tech

Our lives are becoming increasingly automated.We take a look at some of the smart home solutions and systems that you will be seeing more of over

the next few years.

35Guiding light

The IET has released a new guidance document to help promote good

practice in the specification, design and integration of connected systems

in buildings.

36Progression of the ‘Smart home’

Smart homes have received much attention in recent years

because they can provide an ideal living environment while

potentially saving lots of energy and reducing carbon emissions.

40Empowering independence

An ageing population in the UK could soon place further strain on the healthcare sector. What role

can smart home technology play in ensuring they can continue to live

independently in their own homes?

42Switch off

Turning appliances off when they are not in use would save UK homes £1.7billion a year. Electricians are in

the perfect position to educate their clients on the energy and cost saving

benefits of switching off!

So you want to be a smart home installer?

Are you planning on becoming a smart home installer? Follow our eight-

step guide to success in this growing market.

6

CONTENTS

smart homeyouSo

want to be a

installer?


Are you planning on becoming a smart home installer? Follow our eight-step guide to success in this growing market. Over the last decade, smart home technology has increased in popularity but there are still many misconceptions among consumers. At Voltimum we often discuss how users see this new world, their fears and hopes, mostly because we believe that these discussions can help installers in guiding and educating consumers through their options.

However, what is less often discussed is how electricians, electrical contractors and installers can gain real money-making opportunities from this developing sector. You do not have to be an IT expert to get started. In fact, if you have installed a dimmer or ceiling fan with a remote control, garage door or motion sensor light you are already on the right track.

In the UK, there are an estimated 1,250 integrators of smart solutions. The market is worth just under £1 billion per year and, as demand increases, so too will the opportunities for ambitious installers. ►

smart homeyouSo

want to be a

installer?



If you are looking to break into the home automation market here are eight simple steps you can take to help you get started:

Become an expert

Over the next five years, home automation technology is going to become ever more prevalent in society. There will be a demand for install professionals who can put together cohesive smart and connected home systems. So, it is important to educate yourself right now.

Become an expert in all the various types of smart home systems and products you will need to be able to install. Invest in training, go to trade shows and attend seminars. Some manufacturers are offering training courses and approved installer schemes. These will help you gain the knowledge to present and deliver these solutions to your clients.

Gain a firm understanding of the range of smart hubs that are available - different hubs have been designed to accommodate different requirements and it’s important that you can match your client’s requirements with an appropriate hub.

What does the client want?

There are several ways to bring up a conversation with your clients about smart home solutions. However, before your start talking products, take the time to find out what the client wants to achieve.

Is it to make their lives more convenient? Increase energy efficiency? for entertainment purposes?

Are you working with a young family concerned about raising children? Is the client retiring? Will accessibility be an issue?

Only after getting to grips with the WHY, can you effectively start a conversation with the client about WHAT solutions can meet their requirements.

Debunk myths

As an expert, you can debunk common myths and stop consumers from purchasing smart solutions unsuitable for their needs. Homeowners often think smart home technology is far-fetched and reserved for those with money to burn. Some will probably be concerned that they have to go all-in with a system

that will require them to tear down their plastered walls for cabling. This isn’t always the case. By explaining how they can start small and end big, contractors can get people across the line and showcase a variety of different solutions suitable for different budgets and applications.

New build vs. retrofit

Familiarise yourself with the differences between a new build and a retrofitted home automation system. By knowing the benefits of installation during a new build, you are more likely to encourage them towards a big purchase right from the beginning. You can also use your knowledge to flag that technology -such as multi-room audio systems- involves routing cables through walls and ceilings, which can be a major inconvenience to do in hindsight.Remember, not to push them if they are not sold on automation and let them know retrofitting is still a feasible option. Your reputation should be kept intact by letting them know there are many solutions designed to work around build constraints.

Develop a scope

Success requires adequate planning across budget, functionality, scalability and efficiency. Time is often what customers are not willing to compromise on, but as a professional, you will be able to assist busy customers with your knowledge of how products will suit their specifications. By mocking up a choice of different electrical designs within different budgets, you can move home automation from the ‘too-complex-to-have’ to a fun and exciting experience.

Conduct a design audit

After the scope of work has been defined, it is important to undertake an audit of electrical infrastructure, including power points, electrical appliances, communication wiring, zoning and cabling. Having awareness of all the electrical products in the house avoids mistakes when it comes to implementation, and allows you to consider the home as an entire ‘ecosystem’ so upgrading the technology, or adding to it later, is easier.

Infrastructure installation

Open a dialogue with your client about the best placement of products to ensure the home

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2

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5

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automation systems are implemented to the highest standard. Spending time developing a design audit should ensure the installation of infrastructure should be a straightforward process. Also, ensure your client is not kept in the dark about what products do. This communication is critical throughout the infrastructure development process, otherwise, you risk the project failing.

Product selection and installation

Often, a new exciting and trendy product is the deciding factor that prompts homeowners to seek home automation solutions; however, it is part of your job to advise your client to keep an open mind. Most of the DIY products in the current market are limited in what they can offer and can quickly become obsolete. Advising the installation of wired-in solutions provides a good opportunity to upsell to bigger and better solutions that will create value for you and your customer.

Following these eight steps will go a long way to ensuring you make a success of IoT installation. The rise in the adoption of automation technologies presents significant opportunities for the electrical industry sector, now is the time to make the most of these opportunities. ■

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Smart Electrician February Advert 2017 FINAL.pdf 1 18/01/2017 11:38:59

by Steve Martin

Head of Specialist Groups at the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA)

Are clients keeping up withthe digital building revolution?

10 Smart Electrician ISSUE 01 | 201710 Smart Electrician ISSUE 01 | 2017

Steve Martin, ECA Head of Specialist Groups, analyses the results of the ‘connected technology’ survey carried out by the ECA and SELECT last year.

With just 20% of the UK’s commercial buildings considered to be ‘smart’ at present, it’s likely that as this vast market grows, many building clients in the UK may not be ready for this technological revolution.

Raising awareness of the scope of connected technology among clients, such as facilities managers, architects and consultants, is certainly key to a more comprehensive approach to the opportunities on offer. With this in mind, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and Scottish electrical trade body SELECT launched a ‘connected technology’ survey for clients in November last year, to help understand the current state of play.

Overall, there were 229 responses to the survey over a three-week period in November and December, including responses from consultants, engineers, end clients and facilities managers.

Significantly, four in 10 clients said they were ‘not familiar’ with the term the ‘Internet of Things’, which has become widely used in the industry in recent years. This finding shows that there is much more to be done in terms of raising awareness of the technology and opportunities that exist to clients. Respondents were though overwhelmingly aware of the term ‘Power over Ethernet’ (some 82%).

Broadly speaking, respondents said that buildings across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, retail, and industrial, had at present adopted ‘a limited amount’ or ‘very little’ connected technology. Significantly, looking forward five years from now, over half of clients said that ‘a significant or overwhelming

majority’ of buildings in the above sectors would have connected technology installed, highlighting the major opportunity that exists in the market right now.

In terms of the technologies themselves, ‘CCTV and security’ was highlighted as the technology most likely to be installed in buildings in five years’ time (78% of respondents). Heating (74%), fire systems (69%) and ‘Building Energy Management Systems’ (67%).

The main reason why clients said that they would be willing to install connected technology at present is to ‘improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills’ (58% said it was their top priority). However, with ‘CCTV and security’ the technology most likely to be installed over the next five years, there now appears to be a shift in attitudes towards prioritising safety and security.

In terms of the main barriers to installing connected technology in buildings, clients identified ‘the cost of installing it’ (82%) as the main one, with ‘lack of clear advice / knowledge (55%), and cyber security (49%) also considered major factors. Perhaps tellingly, almost four in 10 clients (39%) said that they didn’t take any steps to protect smart installations against cyber threats. This is an area clients urgently need to address, especially when you consider the inherent risks in the modern day of not securing your business from hackers, and the anticipated growth in smart installations over the next five years.

Given recent technological advances, such as lighting controls and smart meters, there is actually a growing need for clients to take a proactive role in the design of their buildings and systems. This will allow them to have access to the data, and have the control they need, with an infrastructure to support it. Effectively, if clients have a comprehensive smart building solution designed and installed, this will allow for enhanced building monitoring and maintenance.■

BIM BIM BIM BIMBIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM BIMBIM BIM BIM BIM



Tracking BIMThe deadline for the BIM Level 2 mandate has been and gone, but what has changed for the market and what are the key discussions yet to be had? Matt Crunden, Training and BIM Manager at Legrand UK & Ireland, discusses progress and the challenges that lie ahead.

BIM BIM BIM BIMBIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM BIM

BIM BIM BIM



For all intents and purposes, Building Information Modelling (BIM) was designed to enable greater efficiencies in both the design and build phases of a construction project and throughout the full lifecycle of a building. With so many benefits to gain, it is interesting that there is resistance to it in the market? Much of the hesitance is based around not realising BIM’s potential. However. it can also be attributed to a reluctance to embrace new workflows and working practices, as well as the potential costs for retraining.

The requirement to open workflows and foster collaboration will also be key to the success of any development. Only through the use of structured data, in a common language, and the sharing of content and information, will BIM’s potential be reached.

For manufacturers, having information available in the required format is key. Via these open, transparent and collaborative workflows, the benefits for the construction industry will be numerous, not least in terms of cost savings. More efficient workflows will make it easier to identify and address any potential bottlenecks. Fixing them before costs and downtime can escalate.

But it’s not just the construction industry that will benefit. For end users of a building, there are real gains to be made too. Developments designed using BIM will ensure products are specified in terms of efficiencies and the whole life cycle cost of the build, as opposed to materials alone. Buildings will be designed with efficiency at foreground.

Helping people to realise BIM’s potential is now one of the

industry’s biggest challenges. It will require an open mind and, to an extent, a willingness to accept that the ways we have been working for the last 10 – 30 years may not be the best way to work today. For the electrical industry, this may mean that we may need to change the way that we work too.

Opportunities from BIM

As architects and designers grapple with BIM, the first opportunities will fall to those companies displaying information in the correct format.

At Legrand UK & Ireland for example, BIM Revit files for a number of our cable management, under-desk power distribution and buscom trunking products are available to download from both our website and BIMstore.

However, specialist knowledge and experience of products first-hand will still be required during the specification stages – particularly for the M&E contractors. Furthermore, electricians, plumbers and other tradesmen, will also still be required to complete the job.

Post-completion there also remains the incredibly important role of educating the end user for the continued operation and maintenance of the premises.

As BIM projects develop, our roles and responsibilities may change, but ultimately the concept of collaborative working can only be realised if all parties are willing to embrace it. The likelihood is that BIM will actually help to enhance teamwork and the relationships between architects and contractors, rather than hinder it. With the benefits so clear, it is just a matter of time before we will all be singing from the same BIM sheet. ■



An electrical contractor from Kent is using the ABB-free@home smart home system to develop his business.

Smart home technology is growing fast in popularity. Recent advances in the technology mean that systems are affordable and well within the reach of most homeowners. In the past, smart homes were the domain of specialist contractors who needed in-depth knowledge of programming and smart building communications protocols.

However, the latest generation of systems such as ABB-free@home have been designed for simplicity and to reduce the time needed for planning, installation and programming. Not only does this reduce the time needed but also the cost of implementing a smart home.

One contractor who sees potential in smart home technology is Darren Faulkner of Faulkner & Sons Electrical Services. His firm includes a team of ten that delivers wiring and installation for premium Kent house builder Clarendon Homes. After learning about ABB’s system from his wholesaler Edwardes Brothers, he secured the approval from Clarendon Homes to install the system in a development of 14 new three- to five-bedroom houses.

Intuitive system

Explaining why the ABB-free@home system appealed to him, Faulkner said: “It’s based on an app and you just drag and drop the switches and sensors into the various rooms in the house. The wiring and installation side is simple as it is based on a two-wire bus and is similar to wiring a normal house. After the seminar, I did some classroom training and was confident that I’d picked it up. I

then went ahead and commissioned the first house through the app without any more training.”

During the installation process, the contractor sets up a plan inside the tablet or web app that reflects the layout of the house. The app recognises the sensors and actuators that have been installed, ready for the installer to drag into position on the layout. Being based on drag and drop, the interface is highly intuitive and installers don’t need in-depth programming knowledge and commissioning takes only half the time that other smart home systems need.

Once completed, the homeowner can access the controls via a similar app to change settings.

Commenting on his experience of installing the system, Faulkner said: “Installation of the wiring doesn’t take any longer. The only difference is that you need to connect a control panel, which adds about half a day or a day, but the more panels you’ve installed, the quicker they get. Commissioning also takes about half a day, although I allow a day for my scheduling.”

He added: “From sockets to Cat5 to TV points and plates, everything looks good. I’ve never had to wait long for supplies. They are either in stock or on the shelf the next day. I’ve not had to use the technical support a lot but whenever I’ve had any questions, an expert from ABB has been on the other end of the phone to help me through anything.”

Since completing the original development Clarendon Homes has given approval to install the system throughout a larger development of 42 new houses. ■

Free & Easy

Future proof & easy to use home automation?

ABB UK.Tel: 0333 999 9900 Fax: 0333 999 9901E-Mail: [email protected]

Free@home® is the new easy to use home automation system. From lights and heating, to curtains and door communication. Free@home® provides a quick and easy way to meet all your customer’s home automation needs.

Free@home® is also totally user-friendly - you’ll be ready to use the system after only half a day’s training (which is provided free!). For more information or to book a free training session please call 0333 999 9900 or visitwww.abb.com/freeathome

Certainly.


IoT data(un)availability


The movement towards the Internet of Things (IoT) is exciting for businesses and for end-user consumers. But while connecting everything - from our refrigerators to our running shoes - seems like a great idea now, the exponential growth of the number of devices that will communicate with each other will create new challenges in data availability.

Data availability is a term used by SSPs (storage service providers) and computer storage manufacturers to describe products and services that ensure that data continues to be available at any required level of performance, in any situations, ranging from normal through to ’disastrous’ levels. A disastrous scenario would be a server losing power, for example. The server would have to be rebooted, then the data centre would have to recover data and repair corrupted data. The time it takes to recover, known as the mean time to recover (MTR), could be minutes, hours or days. High expectations If Juniper Research estimates are correct, the number of ’things’ connected to the Internet will triple by 2020, reaching an impressive number of 38.5 billion devices, worldwide. This will put a colossal pressure on all organisations that offer or work with IoT-enabled devices and services. As the majority of IoT devices

must always be on and available to work as

expected, ensuring the mutual flow of data that

drives the activity of these devices will

be the biggest challenge.

Consumers have high

(and possibly

somewhat unrealistic) expectations

that their data, increasingly stored in the cloud, should be available where they want and when they want. This means that companies that support and store this data should be shining examples of availability. Any freezes in the system should be as limited as possible. It is important that companies get it right and avoid the financial losses and damages to reputation that can be caused by ‘offline moments’.

loT-related technologies are being tapped widely across industries. Around the world, municipalities are embracing ’smart city‘ projects to help ease traffic congestion, improve waste management and control street lights. Utility companies, such as energy companies, have implemented smart meters to monitor gas, water, and energy consumption. But what if these systems fail or freeze even for half a minute?

Disastrous Think of a large energy company with installed smart metering systems in every connected home. This data must be uploaded and checked every ’x’ minutes and finally, based on this data, the right action should be then sent back to smart meters at each home (e.g. turn the dishwasher or washing machine off). The actions ought to meet the usage parameters established by the owner. If this system fails or is too slow, then these parameters cannot be effectively met, which will inevitably lead to disputes between customers, utility companies and manufacturers. As IoT generates large quantities of data, this data needs to be processed and analysed in real time because that is exactly what the end-user paid for. However, processing this IoT data in real time will increase the workload of data centres massively, leaving providers facing new security, analytics, capacity and financial challenges. Everlasting problem If data availability was a simple problem, it would have been resolved long ago. But, with the helpful push of the IoT development, this issue is now critical and it needs to be solved. The connection of more devices and systems to increase efficiency and comfort is what every company engaged in the IoT craves. But it is essential that the availability and protection of the data generated by these devices is a real priority of this trend. Otherwise, this era, in which everything must always be turned on and connected, will create more problems rather than opportunities. ■


SECURITYseals the deal


Iain Gordon, KNX UK President, reflects on a recent KNX installation in North London and how the peace of mind and convenience offered by the security elements sealed the deal for the homeowner. The rise of smart home technology has enabled a greater level of functionality within properties. With what was once considered a pipe dream, many homeowners are now benefiting from increased control over lighting, heating and cooling, along with AV and entertainment systems to create a comfortable, intuitive space. When specifying a smart home system and products, security should also be at the forefront of plans. Homeowners and occupiers want to feel secure when at home and away from the property, and this opens up new possibilities for installers working in the smart home market. As the worldwide standard in home and building control, the KNX open protocol provides fantastic security options to complement a whole home system. A recent project in north London demonstrates how the security element of a KNX installation is able to give homeowners complete piece of mind. Safe as houses… Situated in an affluent North London suburb, The Paddocks is an impressive 10,000sqft super home. KNX integrator, GES Digital, worked alongside the client and Baufritz’s in-house architect to turn the client’s design into a buildable reality that illustrates the future of secure, convenient living. From the initial briefing, KNX technology was chosen to feature throughout the property, providing energy efficient control for the home’s lighting, security and temperature. KNX allows total control of all these components easily from one place, and the system supports products from

different KNX manufacturers, safe in the knowledge they will work together seamlessly, without being dependent on one company.

The homeowner required a system that could be controlled from anywhere in the world via their Apple or Android devices, whether they want to turn on the heating on their way home from work or check their security cameras whilst on holiday for peace of mind. Whilst away from home the owner can set simulated occupancy so that the lighting and blind levels will change during the day, giving the illusion that someone is home. Intruder alert

Security is important to this particular homeowner as the area is vulnerable to intrusion due to its high-value residents. The property is surrounded by a six-foot high strength fence and gates, along with full intruder detection to the home and garage.

If an intruder is detected, the alarm goes into full alert within two seconds. The alarm system dials a call centre which will then reach the homeowner to establish if there is a legitimate alarm. If there is no response or the responder does not use the correct stand down code, the local Police will respond. In addition, the alarm going into alert triggers all channel recording on the CCTV system for a period of half an hour irrespective of current state. The alarm also triggers lighting which will come in in the event of the alarm. This does not happen during daylight hours through the sensing of the KNX system. “We are very pleased with the way the KNX and Savant systems installed by GES, work together seamlessly. GES have been very helpful in guiding us to understand the technology even after the installation was completed.” D & K Magecha-Homeowners ■

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GAPBRIDGING THE


The UK is experiencing one of the strongest economic recoveries in Europe. Almost two million new jobs have been created as business confidence and investment return following the recession. Meanwhile, the percentage of the population in work is at an all-time high of 73.3%. Despite this, the UK’s skills shortage still poses a threat to continued economic growth and skilled trades are one of the most sought after roles in the UK. Yet, employers are struggling to fill the void because demand is outstripping supply. Nearly a quarter of all job vacancies last year were a consequence of the skills crisis, and at present, 43% of vacancies in skilled trades are a result of this skills shortage, with electricians making up 13% of these. The hole is widening as mature contractors check out of the industry, some because of recession-led retirement and others because of career changes.

If you build it, they will come As such, this is an exciting time to be part of the electrical industry, with

rapidly increasing opportunities for skilled professionals. The UK government last year set a target of building 1 million homes by 2020, resulting in increasing pressure on trade industries to fill the quota. This was announced to meet estimates of the shortfall in the country’s housing needs. However, energising a new house has become increasingly complex. Gone are the days of simply installing a phone line, running a handful of main cables, fixing a TV aerial and wiring up the doorbell. Now, there is an increased demand for smart technology such as home automation systems, power and data supply solutions, customisable consumer units and everything in between. In addition, regulations have moved on, too, demanding the addition of smoke detectors, setting ‘special locations’ such as kitchens and bathrooms, and requiring you to alert building authorities before embarking on a project.

The ambitious target of 1 million new homes by 2020 and the adoption of smart technologies has led to a ►

Peter Coombs, Field Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric suggests that the skills gap faced by the construction industry represents a lucrative opportunity for electrical installers as demand for their expertise increases.

surge in demand for professionals with the skillset and know how to carry out successful installations.

Smart tech means smart business Add to this the promise of the Internet of Things (IoT) which estimates that the number of connected devices will exceed 50 billion by 2020. The rise of the IoT beckons a brave new world of connected devices, smart cities and homes. The ability of devices to connect to each other and feed important information back to us should lay the path for a smarter, more holistic way of managing and interacting with our environments, where continual improvements and efficiencies can be gained. New IoT technologies are emerging which enable quick and easy personalisation of energy management and lighting settings,

either through devices in the home or remotely, via apps on a smartphone. This means that switching lights on and off, controlling shutters and adjusting temperatures is no longer restricted to on-site push-buttons or touch panels.

Home management systems now act as self-learning tools that

note the behaviour of occupants and adjust environments accordingly, bringing a new level of comfort to living spaces while reducing electricity and fuel costs.

The simplicity of IoT provides the opportunity for electrical installers to grow their business by moving into areas which were previously mystified or seen as overly complicated. Smart heating controls are a great example of this, allowing an electrician to upgrade residential heating controls system and have it operational and connected to the internet within 15 minutes. We are seeing an increase in intuitive products, signifying that the days of time consuming and complicated installations are gone. The IoT is revolutionising what homes can do for their owners. Architects, engineers and electricians are bringing connectivity to homes through the latest solutions. These technologies connect a wide variety of devices, allowing homeowners to control everything from lighting and temperature to entertainment systems — to create a perfect environment for every moment. They let us monitor and manage our homes to maximise energy efficiency and lower energy bills, either locally or remotely. By embracing the IoT to make homes safer, efficient and more comfortable — by enabling connected, smart spaces — it is helping people achieve a quality of life that wasn’t possible just a few years ago.

It’s an exciting time for electrical installers as the proliferation of the IoT promises greater innovation in the profession. However, to stay ahead of the competition, installers will need comprehensive knowledge of how the IoT is transforming the sector to identify extra business opportunities.

The simplicity of IoT provides the

opportunity for electrical installers

to grow their business by moving

into areas which were previously

mystified or seen as overly complicated


Bridging the divide

To keep pace with the IoT revolution, not only will the UK require an increase in the number of electricians, but the workforce will need to be better supported to cope with the evolving skills needed. Schneider Electric recently expanded its newly titled Electrician Partner Programme to do just that.

The scheme is dedicated to supporting electricians and is free for professionals working in the residential and commercial lighting sectors. With its continuous development of Partner benefits, promotions and digital business tools, the Programme helps Partners solve challenges such as preserving the skills and knowledge required for emerging technology trends, to evolving the marketing needs of a new business as well as maintaining those of an established one. Trend indicators are positive and show there is a great opportunity for the electrical contracting sector and that is before taking into consideration the fact that electricians are currently the best-paid tradespeople in the UK.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the average salary for an electrician has risen to £30,172 since 2014; a 4.6% increase. Attractive salaries, ample business opportunities and widespread industry requirements mean now has never been a better time to learn a trade, be your own boss and take advantage of a broadening gap in the market. ■

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Analysing the future of IoT by looking at the past

Back to the future

Experts have spent a lot of time speculating

on how the Internet of Things (IoT) will affect

our industry in the future. Maybe what they

need to do is analyse the past? Everything in

this world comes in cycles: business, fashion,

economics, geology etc. Sometimes this also

applies to the world of technology. Old ideas

of ten reappear in newly imagined forms. The

concept behind the Internet of Things (IoT) is

no different. In fact, it could be argued that

the IoT is based on Thin-Client technology

and Thin Servers which were very popular in

the mid-1990s.

A Thin-Client is a stateless, fanless, desktop terminal that has no hard drive. All features typically found on a PC, including applications, sensitive data, memory etc., are stored in the data centre. It depends heavily on another computer (Thin-Server) to fulfil its computational roles and it is, generally, a component of a broader computing infrastructure, where many clients share their computations with a server or a server farm. See the resemblance?

In the past Our capability for designing an intelligent network of devices began in 1995. At that


Back to the future

time, Thin-Client technology was a growing trend, mainly driven by Oracle and Netscape. This trend allowed greater processing power for multiple users, letting them share a common high-capacity server. A Thin-Client solution not only reduced the total cost of ownership of the overall system, but it also represented an easy way to maintain a high level of computational services across an entire enterprise at the same time. So, from a business point of view, you can see why it was so popular. The Thin-Server quickly became the main framework for the development of server-

based appliances with the objective to connect almost anything to the network; from optical storage systems to home automation. The most important Thin-Server products developed at that time were network cameras and video encoders. These devices paved the way to what we now know as the IoT, home automation and surveillance. But as you’ve more than likely never heard of Thin-Clients before, it can’t be that good, can it? Well at the time companies like Oracle truly believed that Thin-Client technology would eventually kill off the corporate PC. However, their vision was ultimately flawed. Despite all the benefits surrounding Thin-Clients, there



were two substantial barriers that stopped the growth of the technology. Thin-Client technology placed heavy constraints on end-users. Only a portion of the applications that users needed were suited to the centralised approach Thin-Client offered at the time. Moreover, fewer could cope with the paucity of bandwidth available over pre-megabit Ethernet networks. Other factors included the reluctance of users to give up their PCs and the inability to address the migration of certain applications to work effectively in a Thin-Client environment. You can see another key resemblance to the IoT: slow progression. Firstly, consumers are still sceptical as to why would they swap their current toaster for a smart toaster, secondly, the IoT is still based on ‘push -button’ functions, its inability to truly offer all applications is discouraging.

The present A lot has changed since the Thin-Client technology was dropped. Network bandwidth is now the fastest we have ever seen and 95% of applications typically found on a corporate PC can be delivered over a Thin-Client architecture. That makes the Thin-Client an attractive tool for many organisations. Manageability is one of the key benefits of a Thin-Client or network-centric architecture approach. For many IT departments, the attraction is the opportunity to remove valuable software and data assets from the desktop and relocate them in the data centre, where they are not only more secure but also more easily and cheaply managed. Thin-Client computing offers centralised management, enabling rapid deployment of new applications, easier and faster support for end-users and greater control over the use of systems.

Added to that are the benefits of greater security and reliability. You have got safer data and greater business continuity because all data resides on the server. So, you are likely to see fewer breakdowns. L"king to the future Thin-Client computing is essentially for those who:

1) Demand high security2) Plan to re-purpose PCs for new functionality3) Provide applications as a service4) Have little or no client manageability5) Have predictable client application requirements6) Are looking for ways to reduce the total cost of ownership of the client software architecture

This is also essentially all the reasons why IoT is being pushed by utility suppliers and users.

Users are demanding more security, more control over their lives and a reduction of cost of living. Whilst utility companies are interested in providing IoT applications as a service, particularly as the functionality can encourage the reduction of energy usage, they also want data to help them understand energy usage. As we seen with Thin-Client technology, its popularity suffered a bump because of its limitations and users reluctance to go along with it. IoT is suffering from the same evils. But just like Thin-Client technology, which has come back from the ‘dead’, the beneficial factors outweigh the negative, and once the ‘limitations’ are solved we will see a true IoT revolution. Just as migrating to a Thin-Client environment offers an opportunity for organisations to consolidate their IT infrastructures, IoT is a great opportunity for installers to consolidate network/cabling/lighting infrastructures on private and/or commercial buildings - great business indeed. ■

IoT is a great opportunity for installers to consolidate network/cabling/lighting infrastructures on private

and/or commercial buildings - great business indeed. �

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�retrofiTopportunity


Marie Parry, Marketing Director, Scolmore Group, looks at the

growing demand for retrofit smart lighting solutions and the

opportunities they present to installers, specifiers, and architects.Projected to exceed US$47 billion by 2020, the global lighting industry has come a long way from the on/off world to energy-efficient lighting and adaptive lighting to the current connected – or smart - lighting era. In the UK, the lighting market was estimated to be worth around £2 billion in 2015, an increase of 13% on the previous year. Further growth is projected for the smart lighting market in the coming years, driven by the rapid penetration of LED lighting and increasing awareness in terms of energy efficiency and environmental issues. Other factors driving growth include an increasing demand for green buildings, recovery in the construction industry, rising popularity of wireless lighting controls and the availability of technologically advanced and innovative smart lighting solutions.

There are also huge opportunities for

smart lighting in the retrofit segment as many of the lighting systems in current buildings are not energy efficient. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there is huge potential for improved energy efficiency in buildings. It says that up to 82% of energy efficiency measures remain untapped in buildings today; up to half of this energy efficiency potential can be realised through improved control of the building and the integration of systems that work together.

With only around 20% of the UK’s commercial buildings at present ‘smart’ buildings, and with energy efficiency and sustainability increasingly becoming a business consideration for many directors and senior managers, this market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, providing business opportunities for architects, specifiers, contractors and installers alike.

ThE

�retrofiTopportunity


The smart way to save

When it comes to energy efficiency, lighting

is a key consideration. According to the

Carbon Trust, up to 40% of a building’s

electricity use is accounted for by lighting.

Getting the lighting right is vital for the energy

efficiency of the building.

Whilst lighting is typically one of the biggest

expenses on a building’s energy bill, it is

also one of the easiest areas to save. LED

lamp technology is providing the means to

reduce lighting energy consumption across

a range of sectors from retail and office to

industrial properties and street lighting. Lamp

technology, however, is just one component

of the lighting energy equation. Hand in

hand with the development of the LED lamp

has been the progress made with control

gear and LED drivers.

Smart lighting control solutions can help

reduce energy consumption and costs. By

dimming or switching off lighting when there

is nobody in the room, occupancy sensors

can reduce electricity consumption by 30%,

says the Carbon Trust. While daylight sensors

allow for the adjustment of the artificial

lighting according to the amount of natural

lighting in a room and can reduce electricity

use by 40%.

Domestic demand

As the smart technology market continues

to flourish bringing this technology to an

ever-increasing audience of consumers - so

the domestic end user is becoming savvy to

the cost- and energy-saving properties that

connected devices offer.

Home lighting is increasingly being seen as a

lifestyle element that can be programmed to

fit a household’s requirements. Scene controls

or scene settings allow the illumination of

an area based on the lighting needs and

activities undertaken there. This means

different options can be set up for different

times of day, for example, a good strong

light for ‘reading’ and small table lamps

for ‘watching TV’. A system like the Click

iNELS Wireless Control System from Scolmore

provides an ideal solution to controlling

lighting inside and outside the home.

It offers simple and flexible installation,

significant energy savings and easy

programming as the key attributes, and a

one-touch centralised control panel means

that everything can be easily set and

adjusted from this one single control panel.

The RF system is made up of a series of

wireless transmitters, receivers and combined

units. No additional cables or wall cutting is

required to install the system as the receivers

can be installed behind light fittings or into

suitable installation boxes and the transmitters

are powered by a battery, so there is no need

for any wiring or additional power supply.

Because of its flexibility, it can be easily

installed into any property and is a very

attractive proposition for electrical installers

who can offer it to their customers as an entry

level smart lighting solution.

Don’t miss out

Demand for smart technology will,

without doubt, continue to increase. Installers

are in a prime position to help drive this growth

by drawing attention to the energy-saving,

convenience and efficiency properties of

smart lighting and helping their customers -

consumers and commercial decision–makers

– understand the benefits.

There is a raft of products and solutions

coming onto the market as this sector

continues to grow and contractors will need

to determine which of the wide range of

products and services deliver the most value

to the end user. When looking at overall

project costs, it may be tempting to specify

lower cost products, but as reliability reduces

so will profit margins, as the need to return to

sort out problems becomes an issue.

Those contractors looking to take advantage

of the opportunities that the smart tech

market offers will need to enhance their skills,

knowledge and experience to work with

it. This will require getting to grips with the

standards and best practices that apply and

working with manufacturers to understand

how to get the best from their products.■

30 Smart Electrician ISSUE 02 | 2016 30 Smart Electrician ISSUE 01 | 2017

Stuart Tickle, Managing Director of AWE, discusses the opportunity that the smart home market offers electricians and explains the ways in which training can help.

A smart home has become a reality for many people. As products have become more affordable, it is no longer just for the rich and famous. Homeowners are upscaling their properties to benefit from the latest smart home systems, and they need someone to install these for them. Proactive and market conscious electricians can benefit from this upsurge in business Learn

Education is vital for any electricians who are interested in moving into this industry. Just as a plumber wouldn’t install a new bathroom without training, an electrician shouldn’t install any professional smart home products, without learning the required skills. At the AWE Smart Home Academy, training courses have been developed to promote best practice in smart home installations. Courses cover all aspects of a smart home project: foundation training, lighting, video distribution, home and automation and control. The Foundation Workshop is a great place to start for electricians, as it focusses the fundamentals of smart home installations. Uniquely, as well as important background and theory, there is a heavy focus towards the essential skills and knowledge required for a variety of tasks that electricians will be faced with on a regular basis in a hands-on workshop. Starting with basic health and safety advice and do’s and don’ts of smart home installation, the full day course then progresses into the practical sessions. Experience

To complement the cutting edge technology available, the AWE Show Apartment provides an ideal display area for electricians to meet with customers and experience the technology first hand. The Show apartment includes a spectacular home cinema, complete with a Draper ambient light-rejecting ReAct fixed screen, KEF speakers, URC control, Philips Dynalite lighting control, Marantz amplification and an Epson projector.

For more information on the training opportunities available from AWE please visit www.smarthomeacademy.co.uk

Paul Knott, owner of PowerPlus

What made you venture into smart

home install and what educational

steps did you take to get there?

Powerplus has been carrying out the

installation of basic lighting systems

for a long time. Since we were

introduced to the Philips Dynalite

system by AWE, we have been fully

trained by them on lighting control

and Dynalite, and are now installing

the system into a range of different

installations.

How has adding smart home install into your expertise helped your business? It has allowed us to expand our

business, providing us with more

opportunities.

How important is it for electricians to be knowledgeable on smart home technology? I believe that it is becoming very

important to understand this way of

installation as this is the direction that

the industry is going.

Do you find that clients are now asking you for smart home technology?

As clients are becoming more aware

of technology, we are being asked

for it more. However, it is down to us

to make them aware and advise on

what we can provide them.

What advice would you give other electricians in making their way into the smart home industry? Don’t be scared of change. Spend

some time understanding the systems

and attend the training courses

that AWE offers. ■

Learn to earn

Alexander House, 3A Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9AP

[email protected] +44 (0)1372 729 995 www.awe-europe.com

LEARN

AWE offers training for beginners to advanced installers, providing the confidence and skills needed to specify, install and support products.www.smarthomeacademy.co.uk

Our HQ in Epsom, Surrey features the latest

smart home technology integrated within

our show apartment. See it for yourself,

meet our team and bring your clients.

EXPERIENCE

We are a multi-award winning distributor, representing brands from

the AV, TV, home automation, lighting and video distribution sectors.SOURCE

AWE Dolby Atmos Cinema


The home of the future…

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6As technology develops, our home lives are becoming increasingly automated. In this article, we will look at just some of the smart home solutions and systems that you will be seeing more of over the next few years.

According to the Royal Institute of British Architects, people spend, on average, 20 hours each day inside. So, it is becoming increasingly important to think less of what you can do for your home and more of what your home can do for you. This is one of the main principles of home automation.

New inventions for futuristic houses are constantly being developed. Every day, devices and home services are becoming increasingly automated and interconnected to make our lives easier. However, this is a continuous evolution process.

The list below identifies some of the smart home products that could become common sights in houses in the very near future.

The table that listens

This table is a gadget you wouldn’t want around for a confidential conversation. Its key functionality is to “write down” in detail all conversations that take place around it.

The Listening Table is an intelligent conference table developed by NYT Labs - the think tank of the prestigious New York Times newspaper. A dynamic microphone array focuses on the speaker, no matter where he or she is seated.

As an augmented piece of furniture that hears and understands the conversations happening around it, it was designed for professionals, but the truth is that the table opens a wide range of possibilities of use. Students, for example, could have them to write notes for them.

Smart AND pretty

What we regard as lighting, will become obsolete in the face of possibilities offered by solutions like Lifx. Consuming ten times less

power than conventional lamps, Lifx comes equipped with Wi-Fi and can

shine in a range of 16 million colours.

This energy efficient bulb can last up to 40,000 hours, or 25 years based on four hours use a day. At this level of usage, a Lifx bulb will pay for itself in between four and five years and will reduce greenhouse emissions by about 80kg per year.

With Lifx system, users can control the lights in your house from anywhere in the world, choose the brightness of the lamps in each bedroom individually or even be notified of the receipt of a message on their mobile phone by flashing lights.

The 24-hour personal bodyguard

Comfort and safety are priorities for almost all homeowners. Leeo Smart AlertTM works with the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are already in place in a house to form a fire prevention dream team for one low price.

Leeo can also let homeowners know when their home’s temperature and humidity aren’t at the optimal level and can send an SMS to a homeowner’s phone and/or warn the emergency services if an alarm is triggered.

With the simple appearance of a night light, this device with Wi-Fi connection is intended to serve as an upgrade from old models of alarms and improves its functionality through upgrades.

2017Future home tech


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The fridge with a voice

It’s happened to us all: You to go to the supermarket and can’t remember

what you have in the fridge already!

The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator can control the food inventory for its user. The

touchscreen and its assortment of apps are a cinch to use, and the refrigerator’s camera feed is surprisingly useful thanks to clever drag-and-drop expiration trackers. Voice control and SmartThings integration are both currently absent. However, cameras inside will snap photos and send them to a user’s phone upon request. Users can also remotely adjust the fridge’s temperature using Wi-Fi and get alerts when the door is left open.

The fridge also features a 21.5-inch screen which can be used to order groceries online as soon as you run out. It even plays music and syncs family members calendars. The days of leaving a post-it note on the fridge as a reminder will soon be long gone! ■

Your sheets care for you

Appearing like a simple, humble mattress cover, this gadget sets out to ensure a deep, pleasurable sleep.

Equipped with powerful sensors the cover can monitor the user’s heart rhythm, breathing, sleep patterns and even snoring. Additionally, it can regulate its own temperature in two individual parts so that each of the bed occupants has the temperature just as they desire. It also has an alarm clock able to detect at what time the user finds themselves in a light sleep phase, making waking up easier. If that’s not enough, Luna can interact with other devices via Wi-Fi to turn off the lights or close the door when users are sleep. It can even ask the coffee maker to start working just in time for breakfast!

Guilt free showering

Amphiro A1 is a self-powered real-time energy and water meter for showers that helps conserve resources. Users can conveniently save 440 kWh of energy and 8,500 litres of water every year with this smart device. The device does not require any

batteries or electricity to run and charges from the energy

generated by water flow.

Easy to install, the meter grades the shower from A+ through G-, displaying real-time information of the water temperature, volume used and a climate animation making you feel guilty for your long, steamy shower.

Analyse your… business

There are toilets in Japan that analyse urine after people do their business and then informs them if they have diabetes.

Toilets may soon be able to tell women if they are pregnant, or that someone has colon cancer thanks to their stool. Of course, all the other smart features like automated deodorisers and flushing are also pretty useful. Kohler’s Numi toilet seat is one of the most advanced and “smart” toilets on the market now. It includes an integrated foot warmer, heated seat, deodorizer, air dryer, bidet, motion-activated cover and seat, and of course an illuminated touchscreen panel with support for MP3 music playback. Yep, you can listen to music while you’re taking a… well, while you do your thing.

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The IET has released a new guidance document to help promote good practice in the specification, design and integration of connected systems in buildings.

There’s a revolution in the role of the modern electrician. Gone are the days when a trusty roll of T&E, a decent pair of side-cutters and a couple of standard-size screwdrivers could see you through the majority of a project! Today’s electrical contractor is now increasingly likely to be asked to install and service a wide variety of different devices or, more challengingly, to make a selection of systems from different manufacturers work together in a “connected system”.

The connections to these devices may include low-voltage control wiring or signal cables, in addition to the more familiar mains power terminals; these different cables may have some very specific and unusual physical requirements, both in terms of cross-sectional area (thickness) and topology (network layout). Installation considerations for infrastructure and to avoid interference are now crucially important.

It is with this in mind that the IET has published a new Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration in Buildings, which gives a thorough grounding in the principals behind system installation and integration, considering both physical and electrical requirements and delving into the fundamentals of both wired and wireless communication. It then looks at specific considerations for various systems, from heating and lighting, from security and sensors to audio and video.

What are connected systems?

A “Connected System” is one in which a number of devices communicate together in order to facilitate system features that any one product on its own would not be able to achieve. Connected systems offer building-users more convenience, more comfort, a better sense of security, and even access to services

when users are not in the building. Networks of devices designed as a system enable greater automation due to the convergence of systems together. For example controlling your lighting, shading and temperature together or using one button to do a whole-building-off command that controls both lights and AV together.

Connected Systems present very exciting new project opportunities for electrical contractors to explore, and are a natural fit for upskilling; with a wide variety of ready clients and developing technologies.

How can you benefit from connected systems?

So how can electrical contractors take advantage of the opportunities offered by this new era of connected systems? Start by having more conversations with your customers about how they use their buildings and to consider how connected systems can bring convenience, energy-conservation and can also act as a useful way of complying with legislation such as Part L of the Building Regulations. There are various organisations, such as the IET and CEDIA, who have a lot of educational material in this area, and manufacturers have extensive education programmes to encourage and assist electricians who want to add more value to their jobs with this new technology.

Remember that the basic physical principals of system design are the same across all products, and so good preparation and planning of an installation will lead to a more successful project. The IET Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration in Buildings gives extensive guidelines so you can engineer reliability into your system designs.

Now is a great time to diversify your business and start adding more value to your projects, by including and interconnecting this exciting technology.

Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration in Buildings is available from the IET. ■

Guiding light



Smart homesThe progression of the

BLOG

Smart homes have received increased attention in recent years because they can provide an ideal living environment

while potentially saving lots of energy and reducing carbon emissions. Smart Electricians readers should be

able to benefit from a fast-expanding market. Progressive development in the digital world has now truly reached the

home. But it wasn’t always like this. ►


In 1992, while on holiday in Sweden, I saw my first ‘smart home’. Adjacent to our friend’s house, the guy living there was an electrician who was clearly ahead of the game. He’d decked out a substantial part of his lower floor with his own interpretation of the automated home. This was a bit like the early computers – vast machines having little computing power by today’s standards – and his installation comprised two electrical control panels, panel building style, filled with drives, busbars, PLCs, CTs, instrumentation and other devices, plus masses of incredibly neat wiring. Clearly a labour of love, all this merely controlled the heating, lighting and AV system. How things have changed! Today, although smart homes are still not actually common, there are many around, both new build and retrofits, but the real difference is in the equipment. Our Swedish electrician’s smart home equipment was entirely bespoke. Now, you can buy, off-the-shelf, wide ranges of electrical and electronic equipment – much of it wireless – very easy and quick to install and commission, relatively low cost, highly functional and ‘open’ so that equipment from various vendors can communicate. So, for relatively little outlay today, homeowners can obtain up-to-the-minute equipment that will effectively communicate with a wide range of equipment from different vendors. It will do this to control complex heating (climate) and lighting scenarios, including window blinds, plus access, security, home cinema, Hi-Fi and any electrical or electronic appliance that has an inbuilt communications facility. For example, after rising, the lights are turned on and after having a shower, you saunter down to the kitchen where the coffee machine has already prepared fresh coffee for you and your other half’s different schedules.

Then, the air-conditioning starts up, three TVs turn on to catch all major news channels while your desktop awakes from its sleep mode. Later in the day, a few taps on your tablet configure your sitting room’s lighting and climate for your mood and comfort. At bedtime, the lights are dimmed, climate systems run down, security systems alert and blinds and curtains closed throughout the home.

Burglaries, fire and water damages can all be detected by sensors and be registered in the home or be transmitted to an external alarm centre. Simulating the householder’s presence with time-dependent light and shutter controls can protect against intruders. The alarm system is automatically activated when leaving the smart home and locking the front door.

Many large operators, service providers and utilities have launched residential applications that can be managed via the set-top box or gateway – and then over the web, allowing their subscribers to monitor their homes from anywhere in the world via their smartphones or tablets. So, the above scenarios – and much more – can be made entirely automatic or be programmed via dedicated hand/wall sets or via your smartphone or tablet.

The crucial point about such ‘smart space’ is that it is self-adjustable through interactions between people and varied electronic devices. And all of this is available now, increasingly, with no wires! This seems like a dream for tomorrow, but the technologies are here today and are well established already. A change in emphasis It’s important now to realise that the advancements in smart home and automated building technologies are not the only change since earlier days – the reason for having smart homes has changed too. At


by James Hunt from Voltimum

the start, it did certainly include control of lighting and heating, but it also tended to focus on other domestic comforts like home cinema and HiFi. Partly because of this, and partly because of the cost of earlier bespoke systems with their proprietary communications protocols, and the amount of wiring involved, only enthusiasts and the wealthy could afford smart homes. In recent years, however, the focus has turned firmly towards standardised ‘open’ systems that are becoming more ‘wireless’ – and furthermore, a crucial aim today is to use smart functions to make homes and other buildings more thermally efficient. This new focus is being driven by climate change legislation and energy saving drives.

The energy savings result mainly from presence detection plus careful control of lighting and heating so that neither is on when it’s not actually needed, or is at least reduced. The same applies to appliances. Just in case householders feel that the latter is boring stuff, it’s important that involved electrical contractors and installers communicate the message that homeowners meeting Government climate change objectives will help them save energy – and money – into the bargain. It’s astonishing how many people still seemingly fail to see the direct links between saving energy, using fewer fossil fuels and saving money. But electricians can get that message across while going about their work, which should help their own businesses too. ■

independenceEmpowering

An ageing population in the UK could soon place further strain on the healthcare sector. With charities like Age UK promoting the benefits of keeping the elderly out of hospitals, what role can smart home technology play in ensuring they can continue to enjoy the independence and comfort of living in their own homes?


At this early stage, it could be quite easy to dismiss smart home systems as a bit of a fad. After all, waking up to your morning lighting scheme, as your smart thermostat heats up the kitchen, your speakers provide travel updates and your coffee machine automatically prepares you a latte is an appealing luxury but is it all really necessary?

For a growing proportion of our population, however, home automation can mean so much more than a collection of nice-to-have gadgets.

According to research conducted by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), nearly 18 % of the UK’s population was aged 65 and over in 2014. This proportion is projected to hit nearly 20% by 2024.

The research also revealed that the number of UK residents aged 90 and over per 100,000 residents has increased rapidly, from 657 to 853.

Whilst it is great that we are living longer lives, this ageing population poses many challenges. One of which is the healthcare system’s ability to provide the necessary care for the elderly as they become less able to look after themselves. There is also the challenge of finding new ways to ensure that vulnerable people can maintain their independence.

Peace of mind

The charity Age UK champions the importance of encouraging independence for older people who want to live in their own home for as long as possible. Part of enabling that independence is taking measures to ensure they can do so safely. With this in mind, there is clearly huge potential for assisted living applications in the smart home arena that can provide peace of mind for families, carers and the residents themselves.

Care for loved ones can be made so much easier through the control provided by automation and remote access. If it is a cold night, you can check in and ensure their home is properly heated. Occupancy and motion sensors can be fitted so lighting turns on automatically, reducing the risk of them having a fall before finding the switch. To assist sufferers of dementia you can even check if the oven has been turned off or that the front door is closed and locked.

There’s even the ability to monitor behaviour, e.g. If the lights haven’t been turned on all day, or certain appliances haven’t been used, this could be a tell-tale sign that something is wrong. This could prompt you or a carer to visit the residence immediately to check that they are ok.

Providing a solution

Remember, smart home installation isn’t just about prestige projects in fancy houses, it is about providing a solution. By giving family members or carers remote access to a vulnerable person’s home you are providing peace of mind, giving them the ability to check in and ensure that the user is safe, even if they are at work or on holiday. Most importantly, the technology allows the user to continue to live in their own homes and maintain an independent lifestyle homes whilst still receiving the care and supervision they need. ■


THINK GREEN

Sw itc h offAccording to the Energy Saving Trust, turning appliances off when they are not in use would save UK homes £1.7billion a year. Electricians are in the perfect position to educate their clients and communicate the energy and cost saving benefits of switching off! ‘Leaving your electrical devices on standby costs £80 a year’. So claims the Energy Saving Trust, whose CEO, Philip Sellwood, says: “We are a nation on standby”. Whatever your age, gender or the size of your household: our research has found millions of us are unintentionally wasting electricity when we leave our gadgets on standby, it’s an easy mistake to make, yet it costs us a fortune.” According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning appliances off when they are not in use would save UK homes £1.7billion a year. Yet, despite this, and despite the fact that we’ve all been exhorted over many years not to leave domestic appliances and other devices switched on or on standby all the time, an Ipsos Mori poll has found that 75% of homes having a spare TV set leave it permanently on standby. Around 20% of gamers leave their consoles on, which can cost each and every one of them up to £30 a year. It not only costs them money but it is also costing us the environment with more damaging carbon emissions going to atmosphere.

It’s surely a no-brainer to try to save energy where we very easily can, and switching off a device or appliance so that it’s not on standby is surely one of the simplest and quickest ways to do this.

There are those (often Climate Change Deniers) who simply don’t care, even though it will be their children and grandchildren who will have to deal with the consequences in the long run. So, here’s a few figures for you. On standby, the following appliances use the following typical amounts of totally wasted energy (source - www.sustainable-girton.org.uk): HiFi (12W); TV (10W); DVD recorder (7W); digital top box (5W); PC & peripherals (15W); PC monitor (11W); laptop (2W); broadband modem (14W – and almost nobody turns these off!); battery charger (1W); mobile phone charger (2W); old stereo (70W). This gives a total of 153W. This may not sound much, but it most certainly adds up to cost you money and damage our unique and precious environment. Governments, non-governmental organisations, expert industry bodies, manufacturers and distributors (including those in the electrical sector) are getting involved in meeting their Climate Change obligations.

We must reflect this and play our part. ■


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