CEF TechTalking: Recent Episodes
CEF
Join Darren Staniforth and Dave Austin, as they discuss all things electrical with special guests from some of the biggest names in the electrical industry. Keep up to date with the electrical topics of the moment including regulation updates, industry news, product and innovations as well as some general advice and top tips.
With an increasing need to change consumer units to be able to hook up electric vehicles, solar panels and heat pumps, how can electricians safely and efficiently isolate the mains supply? Find out on this episode on TechTalking with special guest Ed Hand from Acoole Electrical.
Topics:
- The problem of isolating mains supply for domestic and commercial properties
- The solution offered by ACoole Electrical
- Changes to the Retail Energy Code (REC) and Safe Isolation providers (SIPS)
- Why we need more safe isolation solutions
Electrical heating is the hot topic for this episode of TechTalking, and as Darren and Dave discover, there’s a lot more to it than panel heaters. Special guest Adam Bridgett of Heatstore shares his expertise.
Topics:
- The Heatstore range of electrical heating products
- The Heatstore business and how it can support customers and contractors
- Fundamentals of heating and heat loss
- The benefits of electric heating
- Periodic vs permanent heating – what’s best?
- Water heating options
- The electrification of heat – more in the next series of TechTalks
Darren recalls some tricky installations from his days on the tools as TechTalking talks Door Entry Systems. Thankfully things have moved on a bit from the old analogue days, and we explore the latest innovations with Bradley Field from Legrand.
Topics:
- How Legrand have helped make door entry systems easier to install
- Retrofitting analogue systems
- How Legrand can help contractors with quotations, specs and training
- Systems so simple even the sales team can install them
- Benefits of Legrand’s modular system
- NEW Bticino kits
Darren and Dave are joined by Bob Bohannon, Head of Policy and Sustainability at the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), to discuss how this organisation supports the industry.
Topics:
- History of the LIA and how it supports lighting manufacturers and installers
- How the LIA leads consultations on behalf of the lighting industry
- ROHS – Restriction of hazardous substances and what this means for fluorescent lamps
- How LIA supports the industry with training What does sustainability mean for lighting?
- How LIA is creating a framework for emergency lighting
We’re talking controls and sensors on TechTalking and how they play an important role in energy saving. Darren and Dave are joined by Joshua P and James Wallace from Legrand.
Topics:
- What can sensors control and what are they used for?
- What’s the difference between PIR and microwave sensors?
- Range of sensors available and examples of how they can be used
- How Legrand can support contractors with quotations
- DALI standards
- How Legrand are becoming a more sustainable business
Legrand - https://fal.cn/3AjTQ
TechTalking talks connections and how to make them faster, easier and more resilient with Terry Boswell from WISKA. Join us for a closer look at the combi box, consumer unit relocator kits, earth plates and the gel that combats condensation.
Topics:
- WISKA and Wago partnership
- WISKA combi box and what it’s used for
- How WISKA have developed consumer unit relocator kits to meet electrical standards
- Sealing and securing outdoor installations using WISKA’s gel products Earthing plates and gaskets
Shop the WISKA range here https://fal.cn/3A88v
On this episode of TechTalking we’re discussing EV installations with Kieran Jenkins & Ian Down of Proteus. Darren and Dave get to grips with single phase, triple phase, commercial and industrial solutions, the 722 regs and getting the right infrastructure in place for the EV revolution.
Topics:
- Single phase distribution solutions
- Pre-wired distribution boards
- IP65 rated enclosures
- EV installations for commercial and industrial sites
- Power availability
- The difference of touch voltage regulations for EV
- The need for governing standards
- Meeting supply and demand for EV products
TechTalking talks trunking (nothing to do with elephants) and conduit, examining the plastic fantastic products produced here in the UK by Marshall Tufflex. Darren and Dave talk to Jeremy and Barry about how they’re using more and more recycled materials to help contractors improve their sustainability credentials.
Topics:
- History of Marshall Tufflex
- How trunking and conduit is made and where the recycled plastic comes from
- How Marshall Tufflex manage quality of materials and why white isn’t always white
- How much recycled material goes into Marshall Tufflex trunking and conduit?
- The importance of sustainability credentials for supply chain partners
- Packaging and recycling products after they’ve been used.
Check out the range here
TechTalking returns with special guests Mark Williams and Paul Martin from Legrand explaining how their products are designed to make installations much faster and how they have rigorously tested them to ensure they meet the regulations to prevent premature collapse.
Topics:
- How Legrand make their cable management products faster by design
- Safety features and UK-based manufacturing
- History of fire regulations related to cables and collapse
- How and why Legrand has tested their cable management products
- Reassurance that products are tested to meet regulations
In this episode of TechTalking, Darren and Dave talk Mineral Insulated Copper Cables (MICC) with Steve Williams of Wrexham Mineral Cables. Tune in to find out about how they’re made, tested and the benefits of using them in hazardous areas.
Sadly, after recording this podcast, Steve Williams passed away. We’d like to share our sympathies with his family, friends and colleagues who wanted us to share this in tribute to him.
Topics:
• How Mineral Insulated Copper Cables (MICC) are manufactured at Wrexham Mineral Cables
• The advantages of MICC cables over soft, polymer cables in hazardous areas
• Is this type of cabling coming back on to the training curriculum?
• Where Wrexham Mineral Cables have installed their cables
• Installation and cost
In this episode of TechTalking, Darren and Dave talk to David Mann of Schneider about the growth in demand for single phase uninterrupted power supplies (UPS. And they get a sneak peek of a new, smaller product coming soon.
Topics:
- Single phase UPS
- How power cuts disrupt work and play
- Growth of UPS devices in domestic market
- A look at Schneider’s new residential UPS product
- UPS, battery storage and generator sets
- Schneider solutions and how they can help you
With the cost of energy rising, many more people are investing in small-scale generator sets. But these can raise some serious safety and earthing concerns. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, joins Dave and Darren to discuss the issues.
Topics:
- Increase in use of small-scale generators
- Risk of earth faults
- Temporary installations at events and exhibitions
- Use of earthing mats
- Temporary power systems guide
- Controlling different systems in electrical environments
- Controlling products and regulations
We’re meeting another innovative manufacturer on TechTalking as Darren and Dave chat to Jimmy Cowley from EV Tower about their modular EV pedestal designed to fit any EV charger.
Topics:
- How the company got started
- About the EV Tower
- How they work with EV blocks
- How EV Towers help future proof installations
- Made in the UK
- What innovations are in the pipeline What EV towers can offer customers
We always get loads of questions about RCDs, so on this episode of TechTalking, Mark Coles Head of Technical Regulations at the IET is here to put things straight. Why have the regulations changed and what’s in store for the future? Tune in and find out.
Topics:
What changed with RCDs in Amendment 2
How does ‘blinding’ work?
What are the regulation changes for type AC RCDs
Do European standards have an impact on what type of RCDs we should use
Managing DC across installations
The future of RCDs
Time to meet another manufacturer on TechTalking as Darren and Dave chat to Trevor Palmer, director of EV Blocks. Find out all about their universal charger base for EV chargers and how it can help you install any EV pedestal charging point quickly, easily and efficiently, without standing around waiting for concrete to dry.
Topics:
- What EV blocks do
- How the business got started
- How EV blocks help with groundwork for EV installations
- How EV blocks are being developed
- How EV blocks can help with EV installations in new buildings
- Where to go to find out more information
In this episode of TechTalking, we get technical about standards and the upcoming Code of Practice for EV installations with Mark Coles Head of Technical Regulations at the IET. Find out how you can add your comments to help improve future guidance and why there’s a difference between standards and codes of practice.
Topics:
- How to comment on the Document for Public Comment that will form the Code of Practice
- Where does the UK stand in the EV revolution?
- What’s the process behind creating a Code of Practice?
- Why do we need Codes of Practice AND Regulations?
- What kind of things can we expect in the EV installation Code of Practice?
Darren and Dave are joined by Will McDowell and Jason Tolandfrom Firesafe as they discuss what’s involved with BAFE accreditation and how Firesafe can help you design fire safety equipment and systems to the necessary standards.
Topics:
- What’s involved with BAFE certification
- How Firesafe can help with the design of fire safety and alarm systems to comply with standards
- Dual-guard systems and wiring
- The advantages of wireless fire-safety systems for certain installations
- Firesafe surveys and advice
- Platinum warranty and peace of mind for maintenance
- Tech support
Firesafe - https://bit.ly/3Sc8TGi
In this week’s TechTalking podcast, Darren and Dave are joined by Kieran Jenkins, Senior Works Manager of Proteus Switchgear to talk all things distribution boards. Big or small, one-offs or multiple complex designs, discover the benefits of their bespoke design, testing and manufacturing capabilities.
Topics:
- What kind of consumer units Proteus Switchgear manufacture
- Different units for different solutions, including electric vehicle charging and Type B
- Bespoke designs to solve issues of space and access
- Energy monitoring
- How to order through CEF branch network
- The benefits of ordering ready assembled, and manufactured units
- Quality control and testing
- Site and factory visits
Proteus https://bit.ly/40SNupw
The TechTalking podcast returns with special guest Malcolm Duncan of Super Rod and Klein tools, demonstrating the benefits of a new thermal imaging camera and entertaining Darren and Dave with tales of his early sales days in the USA.
Topics:
- History of Super Rod business
- Tales from the road in the USA
- How Super Rod first linked with CES (CEF in the USA)
- Introducing the new Super Rod Thermal Imaging camera
- How the thermal imaging camera works
- Benefits of using a thermal imaging camera for EICR
- Value of adding a thermal imaging camera to your kit
Super Rod https://bit.ly/3DL50lP
In this episode of the TechTalking podcast, Darren and Dave bust some myths about battery storage with Stuart Burton, Divisional Manager of iCS (intelligent Charging Systems). They look at how long batteries last, how safe they are and how easy they are to install.
Topics:
- Why battery storage is becoming more popular
- What kind of battery storage do households need?
- Does battery storage have to be linked to solar power? How long do batteries last?
- Balancing power between mains and batteries
- Where can batteries be installed safely?
- How easy are batteries to install?
- Key things to consider when installing batteries for energy storage
iCS:
https://bit.ly/3JlIFyV
Professional electricians and installers are risking their lives everyday by not following basic safety procedures around safe isolation and using lock out kits. Malcolm Duncan, Managing Director at SuperRod shares the shocking results of their survey with Darren and Dave.
Topics:
- Why SuperRod got involved with this safety survey
- The shocking statistic – 13 people died and 228 were injured by electricity
- Have things improved since the original survey in 2018
- How many installers use a lock-out kit
- Technical and social skills needed to survive on site
- The cost of not following safety procedure
SuperRod https://bit.ly/3J8xppn
Darren and Dave are talking about the regulations related to premature collapse - cables that could collapse in the event of a fire. How should you be fixing them? How do the regulations apply in protected escape routes? And how do you know where these rules apply. Michael Peace of the IET digs into the details.
Topics:
- Why regulations about premature collapse were introduced
- Where the regulations apply – escape routes
- How new regulations apply to all cables – not just electrical
- What kind of fixing can be used to secure cables in these areas – practical examples
- Why these regulations are important to protect firefighters
When non-combustible fixings are appropriate - How 2nd amendment regulations have been brought into line with building regulations
- Who defines what’s a protected area?
Where the updated regulations about cables liable to premature collapse apply
Where should you be using RCDs? When should you be using them and why do the regulations keep on changing? Darren and Dave get technical with Michael Peace of the IET to answer some of your questions about residual current devices.
Topics: -
- RCD standards – what they mean
- Why you need to test RCDs
- Why a 1x test is enough
- How often should RCDs be tested?
- How do you test existing RCDs?
- The correct way to test an RCD
- What results should you record?
- The future of RCDs
Changes to Insulation Resistance testing under the 2nd Amendment to the 18th Edition Wiring regulations raise a lot of questions at our TechTalk events. Darren and Dave talk to Michael Peace of the IET to find out what the latest insulation resistance testing requirements mean for you.
Topics: -
- How inspection and testing regulations are agreed
- IR Testing – what regulation 643.3.3 means
- Do you need to test before AND after a 2nd fix?
- What to test when adding to an existing circuit
- Why 500V testing is necessary
- When a 250V test is applicable
- Summary of the regulations and what they mean
You said you wanted to hear more about Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) on the podcast, so that’s what we’re covering this week, with Michael Peace of the IET. Darren and Dave dive into the technical details and regulations to answer some of your questions.
Topics: -
- What does the regs book say about AFDDs?
- How the regs apply in higher risk buildings and why they’ve changed
- How incidents like the Grenfell fire affect regulations
- What further changes may come with the 3rd amendment?
- Is false tripping an issue?
- How AFDD regulations apply to homes of multiple occupation, student accommodation and care homes
- What happens when you have a mixture of new and existing circuits?
- Why don’t you need AFDDs in lighting circuits?
The IET https://bit.ly/2xejV8i
Join Darren and Dave as they chat with Neil Brown from MK about their smart innovation connected sockets and how they can help save businesses thousands on their energy bills.
Topics:
- What is a connected power socket and how does it work?
- How connected sockets plug into building management systems.
- How much energy can connected sockets save?
- How connected sockets work – scheduling, managing and maintenance.
MK range - https://bit.ly/3fI2jIQ
MK - https://bit.ly/3TbyiPA
Darren and Dave are joined by Craig Marks, Divisional Manager, Adele Feller, Customer Service Manager and Graham Cass, Purchasing Manager of CEF Online to discuss how online orders are processed and delivered from our state-of-the-art warehouse.
Topics:
• How CEF online processes your customer orders and delivers them
• How the customer service team helps
• How we choose products and how many are in stock at any time
• Our amazing automated packing machine
CEF - https://bit.ly/3TPpMqo
Discover how to choose tools that can help protect your life and livelihood as Darren and Dave chat to Andrew Spencer from Dewalt and learn some powerful truths about safety at work.
Topics:
• What the Perform & Protect logo means on DeWalt powertools
• Dust extraction
• Vibration reduction
• Working at height
• M-Class and what that means for working on-site
• How to protect yourself to keep on working
Dewalt - https://bit.ly/3StebvU
Chris Ashworth reflects on how CEF supports career progression, company culture and the importance of offering electrical expertise alongside great products and service. He also explains what customers can expect from CEF in future.
Topics:
- From van driver to Managing Director – a career at CEF
- How CEF serves customers through the branch network and online
- National projects
- Working with the IET
- Supporting customers through 391 branches
- TechTalks
- The importance of culture and customer service
- What the future holds for CEF customers
CEF - https://www.cef.co.uk
Everything you need to know about SPDs – why we need them, what the regulation say and how to use them to protect different zones. Darren and Dave spark up the chat with Robin Earl of Dehn UK.
Topics:
- SPDs and why we still need them
- What BS 7671 says about SPDs
- What do SPDs do and why they need to be co-ordinated
- The difference between type 2 and Type 3 SPDs
- Zones and protected areas explained
- Inside the Dehn factory
- SPD life span
- SPDs and over current protection
SPDs - https://bit.ly/3VfnzWt
Darren and Dave chat to Colin Lawson from Tamlite about the company’s history, UK manufacturing operations and the design, advice and training services they can offer CEF customers free of charge.
Topics: -
- How Tamlite got its name and designed its first products
- Tamlite and Excite lighting ranges
- Lighting surveys, designs and bespoke luminaires
- Emergency Lighting
- How Tamlite designing lighting products to help electricians
- Lighting advice, training and design options
Tamlite - https://bit.ly/3SB72dw
Darren and Dave chat to Kieran Whyte from Schneider about energy monitoring and management this week and get a talk through of the latest product innovations.
Topics:
- Energy sensors and monitoring
- Energy management and how it feeds into sustainability
- Latest product talk through
- The benefits of Schneider as a global brand
- Arc Fault Detection systems
- RCDs
Schneider:
https://bit.ly/3qxT4Nq
This week Darren and Dave talk to Dave Clark from Electrium about fault detection and protection devices.
Topics:
- The Electrium family of brands – Crabtree, Wylex and Volex Accessories
- AFDD - Arc Fault Detection Devices
- Testing and connections
- Latest innovations
- How regulation changes affect protection and detection devices
Crabtree https://bit.ly/3QbFt8M
Wylex https://bit.ly/3CYKtuj
Volex Accessories https://bit.ly/3q9ZCS3
Appleby https://bit.ly/3BemaHw
Electrium https://bit.ly/3RDAM8Y
It’s Double Darrens (and Dave) on this week’s TechTalking podcast with guest Darren North from Rolec talking all things EV charging and showing off their new charging unit.
Topics:
- History of Rolec and what they do
- How EV chargers have changed with new technology
- New Zura electric vehicle charger
- Working with EV manufacturers and changing regulations
- UK manufacturing and support
**Rolec
https://bit.ly/3R4UQ48
Rolec Zura
https://bit.ly/3CG6n5y**
It’s all things testing this week as Darren and Dave talk to Ian Park from MTi and Peter Wade from Megger about essential testing kit.
Topics:
- Calibration services
- History of Megger
- MFTs – multi-function testers
- How to use to test EV chargers
- PEL 103 – Benefits of a power and energy logger and where to get one
Megger
https://bit.ly/3QVKItY
In this week's episode, Darren and Dave talk to Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET about what goes into setting standards, and why regulations change every 3 years.
Topics:
- How the IET works as part of global standards
- Code of Practice – who puts it together?
- IET memberships and subscriptions
- Professional registration – how the IET supports you
- Why do regulations change?
**IET Products - https://bit.ly/3A0i2sW
IET - https://bit.ly/2xejV8i**
This week Jake Green from Scolmore joins Darren and Dave to talk about new products from ClickScolmore, Ovia lighting, Unicrimp and ESP.
Topics
- New products
- Consumer units and how they operate with Part A
- Battery installations
- Innovation and energy
- Screwless plates
- Connectors
Scolmore
https://bit.ly/3P5dozh
Ovia
https://bit.ly/3zF6cnZ
Unicrimp
https://bit.ly/3SsrFJv
ESP
https://bit.ly/3P70jFQ
This week Darren and Dave chat to Neil Bush from MK Electric about sockets, connections and some exciting new innovations coming soon.
Topics:
- Rapid Fix and screwless cable terminations
- MK Dimensions – decorative solutions
- New Connected sockets to reduce commercial energy consumption
- Anti-bacterial and anti-microbial switches and sockets
MK Electric product range - https://bit.ly/3oHxFjM
MK Electric - https://bit.ly/3SfldVU
In episode 3 Darren and Dave catch up with Matt Slater from iCS to talk EV charging points and battery storage, including new regulations for all new build properties to have ‘smart’ EV chargers installed.
Topics:
· EV, battery and solar charging
· New Part S regulations
· EV installer training through iCS and City & Guilds
· Smart charging and scheduling charge times
· iCS new battery storage solution
· Battery sustainability
iCS product range:
https://bit.ly/3PAmyVw
iCS:
https://bit.ly/3zuweeI
This week Darren and Dave chat to Sarah Burrows, Key Account Manager at WAGO about their exciting competition to win an electric van and find out all about screwless connections, inline connectors and modular wiring.
Topics:
- WIN a fully electric van, a track day and much, much, more!
- Screwless connections
- Inline connectors
- Modular wiring
- Plug and play technology
Wago product range:
https://bit.ly/3cor8aT
CEF TechTalks:https://bit.ly/3ASzDVL
Wago installer info:https://bit.ly/3PiomCq
WIN with Wago:https://bit.ly/3AVgbYD
In our first episode, Darren and Dave caught up with Aico’s National Specification Manager Andy Sturgess to talk fire protection and carbon monoxide detection, including new regulations for rental accommodation and social housing.
Topics:
· Fire protection
· Carbon Monoxide detection
· Optical detectors vs ionisation detectors
· Air B&B and short-term let legislation changes
· Accredited City and Guild qualification opportunities
· How to become an expert installer with Aico
Aico product range:
https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/brands/35844-aico
Aico services:
https://www.aico.co.uk/our-services/
Join electrical experts Darren Staniforth and Dave Austin as they introduce you to our brand new series of podcasts. Darren and Dave will be talking to people from leading electrical brands about the latest products, innovations and what’s happening in the electrical industry.
Watch this space for episode 1 landing soon!