Smart Electrician | Issue TWO 2016

Smart ElectricianThe Internet of Things for Electricians

SECURITYat your �ngertips

Connecting to the internetthrough lighting

Securingnew installationopportunities

Protect user data!say security experts

BIMthe basics explained

The Feds issue anIoT warning

Internet of Thingsutility suppliers, manufacturers, users and installers!fraud risks challenge

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PRESENTED BY

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∙ Extensive full glass LED lamps range∙ Edition 1906 – vintage lamps and luminaires∙ … and much more!

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SECURITYat your �ngertips

Connecting to the internetthrough lighting

Securingnew installationopportunities

Protect user data!say security experts

BIMthe basics explained

The Feds issue anIoT warning

Internet of Thingsutility suppliers, manufacturers, users and installers!fraud risks challenge

DESIGN, EDITORIAL & NEWSSoraia Antunes

e: [email protected] t: 020 7751 3906

PRINT & DISTRIBUTIONVoltimum UK & Ireland Ltd


SALES & ADVERTISINGAmy Latchana


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So here we are with the second issue of ‘Smart Electrician’, designed for all of you who want to go beyond traditional electrical installation and delve into the exciting world of new technologies that are already changing our lives.

Last issue we mainly looked at the latest in LED (i.e. digital) lighting and how, being digital, it lends itself towards easy and valuable integration into the inflationary universe of the Internet of Things (IoT).

This issue is different, as we make a return – in large part – to the IoT itself and its manifest potential and real advantages for the world at large. This is a brave new world in which ‘connectivity’ is the ultimate key to unlocking smart devices, homes, grids and cities – which is precisely what our first article is about.

Going further, speed is of the very essence today and a recent development – essentially Wi-Fi but using light – is making super high-speed waves in the connectivity world. Called Li-Fi, we also take a look at this exciting technology here.

Other articles in this issue examine the IoT in terms of better and more convenient domestic safety, comfort, ventilation and heating control, all via those ubiquitous smartphone apps.

But it’s not all good news, it seems, because a completely connected world offers vast dark opportunities for fraudsters, hackers and the like, so in this issue, we also examine IoT security and the reduced privacy that universal connection will inevitably bring. The good news is that there are ways to address the problems – mostly to do with good housekeeping and common sense. Do take a look….there’s a series of articles on this.

But if you are beginning to feel we’ve been a bit too IoT heavy, we also cover building information modelling (BIM), which is now mandatory in the UK for all Government construction projects (and yes, smaller contractors can benefit too!), as well as a time and money saving cable management system….being ‘smart’ doesn’t necessarily mean super high-tech....just being smart….

….so do take a look.

The Internet of Things brings benefits with risk in a smarter world

http://www.voltimum.co.uk

10Eight best smart locks for your home

Thanks to home automation, residents can activate their security systems and manage cameras and motion sensors remotely through a

smartphone.

14Welcomed in every home

With ABB-Welcome, safety can be increased and comfort raised. The

variety of connected devices creates new flexibility for installation and

application.

16Securing new installation opportunities

The world is becoming a smarter place. This development, combined

with the growth of the Internet of Things and the demand for

connected buildings, should mean more opportunities for electricians.

18New US rules threaten IoT

development and compliance

The IoT has global reach, but under the new FCC rules, global IoT and RF device compliance labs will be

affected, raising serious business issues for the manufacturers that use them.

20Switch on the potential of home

security and safety solutions

As the appetite for home automation continues to grow, Legrand’s wiring

devices business discusses the opportunities that home security and

safety solutions bring.

22The Feds issue an IoT warning

Think of all of those Internet connected thermostats, lamps and myriad other devices everybody’s been getting so excited about. It

turns out, that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is worried.

24Internet of Things fraud risks challenge users, utility suppliers, manufacturers

and installers!

Fraudsters are developing ever more effective techniques to manipulate products and services for their own

ends. The IoT is no exception.

27Protect user data say security experts

The privacy and security of many current devices and apps on the Internet of Things (IoT) should be

improved. Future applications will pose more serious risks for users,

according to the Online Trust Alliance.

28Connecting to the Internet through

lighting

Li-Fi, which has been described as the new era of wireless connections, is a method of data transmission more

than 100 times faster than traditional Wi-Fi using lighting.

30nCube home

nCube Home is a small, stylish hub that is plugged directly to the broadband router. Home works as the brain of the smart home, the

app allows the user to create any combination of commands.

32BIM - the basics explained

by Flex Connectors

Acronyms seem to be in plentiful supply in all walks of life these days and the construction industry is no exception. BIM is another acronym

that’s destined to take over.

36Ventilation gets smart

With the development of App control via Wi-Fi rather than complex hard-wired systems and interfaces, there is now a great opportunity for electricians to benefit from this new

breed of velation system.

41‘Innovate and radically improve prime

cost’ - too good to be true?

Paul Cooper, UK Key Account Manager for Unitrunk, explains how

the firm’s quickly installed cable management systems and cost

calculator can save lots of money.

42Drayton grants your wishes with

MiGenie

The new collection of Internet connected heating control packs

– known as miGenie Wishes - add a touch of magic to your life by making

smart technology simple.

Building automation, creating smarter homes for smart consumers

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) promises a brave new world of connected devices, smart cities and homes, and ultimately better living.

7

CONTENTS

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The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) promises a brave new world of connected devices, smart cities and homes, and ultimately better living. According to technology research firm TechNavio, the number of connected devices is expected to pass 17 billion in the next five years. 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.

For the consumer market, smart thermostats like Nest and Hive have already made waves in this regard and hit the headlines. Drayton by Schneider Electric is also set to launch its smart thermostat with an attractive mobile app. These products enable users to control temperature and boiler activity in their homes remotely, and promote better energy management and efficiency. They are among the first products to demonstrate the true potential value of connected buildings and remote access to home infrastructure, giving us the knowledge and power to optimise our home environment to best suit our individual preferences, reduce energy bills, and even alter our behaviour towards energy saving and the sustainability of the planet as a society.

Intelligent building systems are not just available for offices and commercial buildings; the decrease in the price of technology has made home automation

a reality for consumers. This is also coupled with a dramatic change in customers’ expectations. People expect to be in control of their energy use, by managing the lighting, heating and all other electrical devices in their home from a single hand-held device. This marks the new era of smart, connected homes.

An automated home brings together many control aspects including security, lighting, temperature, audio and video entertainment systems, blinds and curtains, sprinklers etc. You can enter your home and find the temperature perfectly set for your arrival, or have the lights go up as the sun goes down, or even unlock your front door with a smartphone; the possibilities are endless. There are different types of systems in the market capable of automating a single product like cameras or heating etc., but a fully integrated system can incorporate all of these disparate systems and combine them into one single point of control or an application. All of these connected elements work together to make the home more energy efficient, more convenient and safer for the homeowner.

However, these devices ultimately should be able to talk the same language for the connected home to run as smoothly as possible. In a similar way to commercial building management systems, smart devices can run on a variety of different protocols. ZigBee is a wireless communication system built by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It consumes a small amount of power and is built on a ►

Building automationcreating smarter homes for smart consumersAsad Zaidi, Channel Marketing Engineer, Schneider Electric

2016 | ISSUE 02 Smart Electrician 7

mesh network, to offer excellent range and communication interoperability between devices, with no need for a complicated web of wires. It saves both energy and raw materials, while dramatically cutting installation and maintenance costs.

In mesh networks, each wireless node communicates with the one adjacent to it. Should one node fail, information is automatically rerouted to allow devices to carry on their respective functions. This dynamic node link redundancy contributes to ZigBee’s low maintenance needs and high reliability. Thanks to this rerouting capability, nodes on a ZigBee can ‘walk through’ walls and even communicate with each other through a building’s floors. Furthermore, even when they are not in line of sight, nodes are still able to form networks. Mesh networks like ZigBee and its nearest competitor, Z-Wave do not experience signal loss — partly because of their very low-bandwidth. This makes these standards great for simple devices like window and door motion sensors, or smart lightsources that only need data connections to turn on, off or set a dimming level.

In a home, different systems like lighting, heating and cooling can be automated to improve conservation, convenience and safety. Households can benefit more if these home automation systems are capable of providing the users with information on their usage trends. Consumers can then optimise their consumption of natural resources whilst being aware of the cost and scale of their use. Home automation systems such as Schneider Electric’s C-Bus Wiser Home Control System gives homeowners an insight on their energy usage, thus allowing them to reduce or shift energy use during peak times, saving money in return and ultimately helping electricity providers reduce load on the grid and improve network reliability.

We are looking to drive the change in what homes can do for their owners. Together with architects, engineers, electricians and other partners, we are bringing connectivity to homes through solutions like the C-Bus and KNX home control systems. These technologies connect a wide variety of devices, allowing home owners to control everything from lighting and temperature to entertainment systems — to create a perfect environment for every moment.

By integrating energy management with other home control functions, the KNX and C-Bus home control systems go beyond automation. They turn homes into smarter living spaces. They let us monitor and manage our homes to maximise energy efficiency and lower energy bills, either locally or remotely. This also ensures the integration of any future comfort, security, and energy saving functions. Along with wireless KNX capabilities, the central control unit can communicate with other devices via a wired KNX connection. This combination of mobile devices and remotely operated technology is transforming how we live.

From an energy saving perspective, home automation has some key benefits, especially with programmable thermostats. Turning down a thermostat by just one degree can reduce heating bills by up to 10%, and most UK smart/programmable thermostats promise a reduction in heating bills of up to 20%.

C-Bus Wiser lets you program, monitor and operate your home’s heating and air conditioning, lighting, appliances, electronics and security systems while at home or away and adjust them according to what you want to pay each month. Without sacrificing convenience or comfort, you can make smart decisions and choices that can achieve savings of up to 30% on your home’s annual energy costs.

There’s both a growing need and desire for people to be more energy efficient than ever before. Stories regarding global warming and rising energy costs are always in the headlines, and homeowners are increasingly worried about keeping their utility bills in check. However, people looking at installing a smart home system also want an element of style and flexibility, so a connected system that can be updated and added to over time is very much in line with people’s habits and needs.

Energy efficiency is all about controlling your habits more readily and looking for ways to lower your carbon footprint, but there doesn’t have to be a compromise with style and aesthetics. There’s a very clear drive towards this when so much of our lives is already integrated with technology – and people are looking for this to be extended into their homes. ■

8 Smart Electrician ISSUE 02 | 2016

Designed to exceed the new standards

http://www.schneider-electric.co.uk/en/product-category/80051-consumer-unit/

8How many times have you walked away from home unable to remember whether you locked the door or not? With electronic locks, you receive an alert so that you can secure it even if you’re away from home. There is also a convenience element, as smart locks (via the Bluetooth connection in your smartphone) can automatically detect your presence and unlock your front door for you.

It is also possible to generate passwords (that work only during times that you specify) instead of lending keys to others. You can know who entered your residence and synchronise opening the door to other features, such as the activation of lights or an alarm system. If you are travelling, you can use the remote monitoring system to check every room of your home.

There is also the possibility of leaving some smart lights connected as a protective measure, programming

them to turn on using alternate schedules so that your home looks as though there are people inside. Whether you’re considering buying or, as an installer, recommending a smart door lock to a client, you should first know your options.

There are two main types available: Bluetooth-only and Wi-Fi locks. Bluetooth-only locks (because of their nature) offer more security, but at the expense of many cool features. Bluetooth also generates a minor - but annoying - lag in the unlocking process.

Wi-Fi locks offer more functions such as being able to see whether your door is locked in real time or telling your smart thermostat when you’re away so it can enter its energy-saving mode. However, these are inherently less safe because they’re always connected to the Internet, and thus potentially open to hackers.


Haven

Haven is a first-of-its-kind ‘preventative’ home security platform and unlike many other locks listed, It is anchored to your front door at its strongest point – the base. It acts as a mechanical barrier to entry, released via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Created by a former Army airman in Iraq, Haven also features a physical footplate that can release the lock in an emergency. Made with steel and glass-reinforced nylon and aluminum, the Haven system stands strong against relentless kicking, lock bumping and even a battering ram. Haven is compatible with the Nest thermostat and Apple HomeKit; Z-Wave compatibility is being ‘researched’.

Price: $219 (£154), but only available in the US

One of the key selling points of a smart home is particularly important not only to families but to those who live alone or travel a lot. Thanks to home automation, residents can activate their security systems and manage cameras and motion sensors remotely through a smartphone.

for your home

BEST SMART LOCKS

August Smart Lock

This is an automatic access control worked via fingertip or app (Bluetooth). It’s smart enough to know when you’re coming and going - it actually knows not to unlock the door if you’re passing by the house instead of going inside it. The August Smart Lock, which replaces your current deadbolt lock, is a Bluetooth-only lock, but to add on Wi-Fi features like remote buzz-ins and real-time unlock alerts, all you need to do is purchase the optional August Connect (coming soon). It’s powered by four AA batteries, and it will send a low-battery alert to your phone. It also works with Nest. And because August is HomeKit enabled, you can control it using Siri on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Price: £202.64


Goji Smart Lock

Goji is a ‘packed with features’ digital lock for your home with its own on-lock welcome screen. It works both via Wi-Fi for remote control functionality, Bluetooth for smartphone connection and fob proximity unlocking. Each Goji comes with four electronic keys and two mechanical backup keys. However this device can send photos of visitors who are outside the door, allowing you to enable temporary access to a third party. You can also use it to record all entry and exit activity. And if you are concerned about what happens during a power outage, you can lock and unlock the door normally. If you somehow lock yourself out without your phone – Goji maintains a customer service call centre for lockout requests.

Price: £199.99

Skybell

SkyBell is a Wi-Fi enabled doorbell that lets you answer the door, no matter where you are, BUT the key selling point of this device is its video capabilities. You can hear, see and speak to the person at your door using any iOS and Android devices. SkyBell features a video camera, speaker, microphone and motion sensor and sends you the video feed over Wi-Fi 4G LTE. Forget about codes and temporary eKeys, your doorbell simplifies your life even more. The exclusive Motion Sensor launches a call even when the person at your door doesn’t actually press the button, acting as a security camera at your front door.

Price: £210

Genie Smart Lock

Genie Smart Lock is the new smart market lock. The lock doesn’t primarily use traditional keys (but the option is there if you want to). The device offers users a system that allows them to lock or unlock any enabled door in the world using Wi-Fi AND Bluetooth. The Genie will fit traditional 54mm door holes and can be removed without a trace, making it great for both homeowners and renters - and you don’t need a locksmith to install it.

The problem with these kind of locks is that many go through batteries pretty quickly. But not Genie. It’s with this in mind Genie Smart Lock creators set out to design a device with all of the features needed, but much less power drain. Genie promises up to 12 months of life rather than the one month life all the other devices use. This is only possible by using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The lock itself only sends out BLE signals, and the Genie Hub (a Wi-Fi-connected device that is part of the system) receives those signals and sends them to the user’s smartphone through Wi-Fi. This means that the lock itself is never actually connected to and searching for a wireless internet signal, thus keeping power consumption very low.

Price: $249 (£175), but only available in the US

Sesame

Sesame’s main selling point is its installation - just slot it over your deadbolt lock, which will fit inside the Sesame, and configure the app and voila, you have an automated lock. It syncs with the app and lets you pop open the lock, or close it, whenever you feel like it. This five-patented design works with just about any single cylinder deadbolt in the world - yes, in the world. Sesame also comes with a Wi-Fi access point - a very desirable addition to this door lock. The optional Wi-Fi access point connects Sesame to the Internet without further draining the batteries. The Wi-Fi Access Point runs open source OpenWrt Linux and uses 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth LE 4.0 radio. It’s fully compatible with Arduino IDE v1.5.4 or later -- the ideal choice to connect your Bluetooth devices to your home/mesh Wi-Fi network. Another super cool feature is its Knock Recognition. Yep, simply knock on your phone or your door to unlock Sesame!

Price: $89 (£62.50), but only available in the US


Lockitron Bolt

The Lockitron Bolt is the least expensive smart door lock on this list. This Bluetooth-only lock, which replaces your existing deadbolt lock, offers the basics - sensing your approach and automatically unlocking for you when you arrive home. It’s a good option for renters, as the physical lock’s setting can be easily matched to any key. You can add on the optional Lockitron Bridge for Wi-Fi functionality, allowing the device to deliver real-time unlocking alerts. There are no advanced smart home features but it does the job - it unlocks the door without your assistance. Lockitron has a beautifully rigid design, built with die-cast metal for durability.

Waterproof seals protect electronic components, it has a backlit keypad for use in low light and up to ten changeable codes including passage, user and master levels. There’s also a deadlatch assembly with adjustable backset, LED indicators for code entry, 50 event audit trail recording, anti spy code encryption and low battery warnings as standard with an emergency power jump override. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use and no external wiring is required.

Price: £101.96

Kwikset Kevo and Kevo Plus

Your life just got easier. With Kevo’s Touch-to-Open technology you can simply leave your smartphone in your pocket or purse upon entering. The best part of this is that Kwikset Kevo is rather discreet for a smart door lock because it doesn’t look much different than a standard deadbolt - except for the ring of blue lights around it.

The Bluetooth-only lock works by touch – tap the lock, and it’ll unlock - as long as your smartphone or keyfob are nearby. Each Kwikset Kevo now comes with two physical keys, two electronic keys (eKeys) and free unlimited 24-hour guest keys (as long as they have a compatible Smartphone so they can use their phone as a key too). Extra eKeys are available.

Receive notifications of lock activity and manage the lock and eKeys with the Kevo mobile app. You can add, delete or disable eKeys from the mobile app. This single cylinder deadbolt can be locked or unlocked by a key on the outside, or the turn of a button on the inside. The crisp, clean appearance of the ‘Satin Nickel’ finish adds to the overall look of the product and brings a modern feel.

Price: £285 each

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With ABB-Welcome, safety can be increased and comfort raised. The variety of connected devices creates new flexibility for installation and application. The design adapts itself to both the user and the building. Next to the known quality and functionality of ABB-Welcome with remote access via the ABB-Welcome App, the stainless steel outdoor station, as well as the newly released access control modules, ABB once again displayed its innovation with new products at Light + Building 2016 in Frankfurt. The ABB-Welcome Status Module

The current ISO CD 21542 (barrier-free construction) standard is an increasing demand to door communications. The new component is integrated into an outdoor station, into a letterbox system or into the side panel of the door. The module is backlit in blue or red, signalling a visitor with impaired hearing when he or she is requested to speak, when the door is opened, when the bell is ringing and also when no-one is available.

With the info module, the user can display the door number, company names or opening times. Also, it is clearly visible at night thanks to the LED background illumination.

Giving the best perspective with the new CCTV camera interface

ABB also introduced its new camera interface. This gives greater flexibility and a better overview with up to 15 external cameras integrated into the ABB-Welcome system.

The comprehensive interface provides a wide view. This allows alternative or supplementary visibility angles to be implemented, because the interface processes the signals of up to 15 analogue cameras. In addition, the recorded signals can be transferred to an external DVR or TV system. Even a classical video camera and dome and mini-dome camera are now available. Last but not least, the new mini-system controller

With only six modules width, the new ABB-Welcome System controller mini is said to be the perfect choice for installations where DIN rail space is limited. With only half the size of the normal one, it is ideal for smaller installations with up to two ABB-Welcome Touch panels. An efficient one-to-one replacement of old systems saves money, time and brings satisfaction to both, installer and end user. All this can, of course, be integrated into the ABB-i-bus ® Building Automation system, as well as into ABB-free@home. ■


Welcome in every home

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 visit www.abb.com/freeathome

Certainly.

http://new.abb.com/low-voltage/launches/free-at-home


I don’t think that since the invention of the fluorescent tube has there been such rapiddevelopment of a lighting product than the LED lamp & its associated control systems!

SECURINGNEW INSTALLATION

by Steve MartinECA HEAD OF SPECIALIST GROUPS AND THE FIRE & SECURITY ASSOCIATION

OPPORTUNITIES


The world is becoming a smarter place as time goes by. This development, combined with the growth of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and the demand for connected buildings, should mean more opportunities for electricians. This is particularly true in the security market, as the industry’s innovative nature has meant that a wide range of new products and services have been developed. The big challenge lies less in working out which of the vast array of products and services are ‘best’, and more in identifying which add the most overall value to the end user’s security system.

In the case of access control systems, technological developments have already led to a greater involvement of IT software. With system providers driving the uptake of Internet Protocol (IP) and wireless technology, coupled with the wide range of intelligent objects promising to connect together, collect and compare data and seamlessly operate these systems and services, the process of commissioning and installing systems can start to sound very complex. But it doesn’t have to be.

In the context of access control, we could view intelligent objects as quite simply an extension of well-established technologies like door release, smart phones, CCTV, biometrics and motion detection. However, the rise of the IoT has introduced the added complexity of making them work in harmony with each other through a common language and protocol over a wireless and structured data cabled installation to help determine and manage authentication to gain physical entry to a building, venue or public space.

This is an area of the market that is predicted to grow – partly because of the evolving nature of security threats and the proliferation of mobile devices. The latter of the two has led to an increasing demand for greater interaction with home systems, and with it an increased risk that the end user will start to view technology that could

fall into the ‘nice to have’ bracket as a ‘must have’. This may be true in the domestic market, but in the world of commercial installations it’s a different story.

In the commercial market, the end users’ increasing focus on the overall lifecycle costs of a system – which includes product, installation, operational costs, servicing and management costs – has meant clients are often reluctant to replace access control equipment whilst it still working – unless the new system can deliver a real return on investment. But this is where the challenge lies – in explaining to and convincing the client of the benefits of making that investment.

This entire field may sound complicated or even unrelated to current working activities, but the increasing demand for connected buildings presents a number of opportunities for electricians that are enhanced by the commitment of standards bodies and manufacturers to make the transition to an increasingly ‘smart’ world one a simple one. But simple does not mean insecure – far from it.

The integrity of security is at the heart of the IoT and is what we as contractors need to deliver - as there are several security and privacy concerns that need to be considered and addressed when commissioning, designing and installing a system in both the commercial and the domestic markets. As a result, an in-depth knowledge and commitment to the right industry standards and best practice is of the upmost importance – not least because insurance companies would be quick to question it if a system hasn’t been configured properly.

With this in mind, now is the ideal time for forward-thinking electricians to prepare themselves for new business opportunities by obtaining the relevant training, accreditation and understanding of this industry, so they are in a position to add real value to their customers and clients as this market evolves. ■

Here to help your business.www.eca.co.uk

Kevin Snowdon, Managing Director, NES Electrical

The ECA is more than a badge: it’s a valuable business benefit. ECA members can get free specialist technical advice on design, installation, inspection and maintenance as well as being kept up-to-date on the latest regulations.

ECA Membership includes, but is not limited to:

• The ECA Guarantee of Work to give your customers peace of mind

• Discounted training courses

• Commercial contracts and legal advice on a range of issues a�ecting your business

• Credit rating and debt recovery services

• Advice on employee relations, recruitment, disciplinary matters, employment law and industrial relations

• Reduced rates for BUPA cover, life insurance and pension scheme

• Health and Safety advice on how to reduce risks and comply with legislation

Connect with us | ECAlive

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ECA-Kevin 210x297mm (Trim).pdf 1 15/01/2016 13:51

The ECA operates within England, Wales and N. Ireland.Those businesses located in Scotland wishing to consider trade associationmembership should contact SELECT (www.select.org.uk).

http://www.eca.co.uk/

A US commission has introduced new equipment authorisation rules that could significantly increase the compliance costs of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and systems across the world.

Such devices and systems use the Internet and radio frequency communication (RF) techniques – otherwise known as ‘wireless’, and vast numbers of new RF devices are being developed, tested, manufactured and sold globally.

To control costs, many manufacturers selling their IoT devices in the US carry out their design and regulatory compliance abroad.

Over the next decade or so, the IoT is expected to be a major part of every developed and developing country in the world, with applications ranging from agriculture to defence. This IoT sector will require new and more advanced devices and powerful security measures, but also more wireless broadband.

New RF authorisation regs

It is for these reasons that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - which regulates US interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable - has introduced new RF equipment authorisation rules. These, however, will significantly adversely affect RF equipment manufacturers, importers, marketers and testing laboratories.

Under the current – soon to be superseded regulations - applicants for all such RF equipment certification must submit test reports prepared by either an FCC-accredited or 2.948-listed laboratory. The ‘2.948’ relates to Section 2.948 of the FCC rules that authorise the use of those laboratories. An FCC-accredited laboratory must meet general ISO/IEC requirements in accordance with FCC rules. However, the new rules, which include testing and compliance labs outside the USA - will disallow test results

from non-accredited 2.948-listed labs that are currently accepted.

This means that under the new rules, RF equipment manufacturers currently using 2.948-listed testing labs in non-Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) countries will no longer be able to use the results to certify RF devices sold in the US. Of course, the FCC could revise the proposed new rules so that those affected laboratories can still be recognised.

Note that it is not only the manufacturers of RF-enabled IoT devices and systems that will be affected; those that develop and make other RF devices – such as Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) will be too. RFID technologies are, like the IoT, fast expanding in functionality, applications and take-up, but all this could be adversely affected by the new FCC rules.

The rules will come into force this year, and all 2.948-listed labs’ authorities will expire on July 13th, 2016. Furthermore, from October 12th 2016, no further test reports from such laboratories will be accepted for devices tested before the July 13th deadline. This includes both US-based and foreign manufacturers.

A costly change

The result is that manufacturers having 2.948-listed laboratories in non-US, non-MRA countries will need to relocate their testing facilities – a very costly exercise. Alternatively, other expensive arrangements will have to be made if such manufacturers still wish to sell their products in US markets.

The law rears its ugly head, and as an article in RFID Journal makes clear, the new rules – which concern far more than just the compliance issues - are complicated in their effects, and may result in other, possibly unforeseen implications for IoT and RF device manufacturers – especially as the market for such devices continues to proliferate. ■

IoT development and complianceThe IoT has global reach, but under the new FCC rules, global IoT and RF device compliance labs will be affected, raising serious business issues for them and the manufacturers that use them. Be warned!

New US rules threaten



SWIT

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N THE POTENTIAL OF HOME SECURITY AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS

We live in a safety conscious society where protecting the home from external threats and improving the quality of life of home occupants, is paramount. Naturally, these factors have influenced the development and introduction of home safety and security automation products throughout the market. From entry-level to fully integrated controls, there is a solution for every home and therefore an opportunity to up-sell for the electrician.

What is important to remember, is that home security is about more than simply installing an alarm in the home. Technology has advanced and from simple standalone solutions - such as door entry systems through to a fully integrated lighting and CCTV solution – the opportunities are endless. Likewise, gone are the days where home automation installations were limited to specialists or custom installers; there are now opportunities for all.

The challenge for electricians, therefore, is to start exploring the technology available, and begin to understand the transition required, in order to install and programme smart technology. For example, the budding smart electrician may be surprised to know that the same technology is used for both door entry systems as it is for lighting controls, so once one technology is mastered, you have the basics for other aspects too. Crucially however, electricians

must also have an understanding of end-user requirements and the technologies available, in order to successfully tap into the market. For the elderly or those with small children, for example, something as simple as skirting sensors or Passive Infrared Red (PIR) sensors, can provide enormous peace of mind. PIR motion sensors, for example, can automatically activate lighting systems when they sense movement – helping to light the way to the bathroom at night time perhaps. Another increasingly popular technology, across a broad variety of properties, is door entry systems and as the technology becomes more stylish, and easy to install, this trend is expected to continue. Take the Bticino range of door entry systems as a prime example, on one level it provides people with the secure access control that they demand but secondly it is available in a ready-to-install door entry kit, using two wire technology, making it easy for electricians to install.

It is clear that with an eager customer-base looking for the latest technologies to safeguard their homes and families, and a breadth of product solutions to match, the onus is now on the electrical installer to deliver. My advice is to do your own research and get ahead of the market, and I predict those who do, will see their businesses grow no end. ■

As the appetite for home automation continues to grow, Richard Hayward, lead marketing manager for Legrand’s wiring devices business, discusses the opportunities that home security and safety solutions present to the electrician.


http://www.doesitcomply.co.uk/

ThE

FeDs iSsUe aNIoT WaRnInGThink of all of those Internet connected thermostats, lamps and myriad other devices everybody’s been getting so excited about. It turns out, that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is worried. It has issued a public service announcement entitled ‘Internet of Things Poses Opportunities for Cyber Crime’.


ThE

FeDs iSsUe aNIoT WaRnInG

As noted earlier in Smart Electrician, the Internet of Things (IoT) could bring massive benefits to mankind – but the security downsides are potentially huge too. The FBI’s announcement relates to all IoT implementations, especially consumer, but includes information and recommendations of use to manufacturers.

Possible IoT risks

The Universal Plug and Play protocol (UPnP) can be exploited to gain access to many IoT devices. UPnP describes the process when a device remotely connects and communicates on a network automatically without authentication. UPnP is designed to self-configure when attached to an IP address, making it vulnerable to exploitation. Cyber actors can change the configuration and run commands on the devices, enabling the devices to harvest sensitive information, conduct attacks against homes and businesses, or engage in digital eavesdropping.

An exploitation of default passwords can allow the sending of malicious and spam emails, or steal personally identifiable information or credit card details.

Unsecured or weakly secured devices provide opportunities for cyber criminals to intrude upon private networks and gain access to other devices and to information attached to these networks. Devices with default passwords or open Wi-Fi connections are an easy target for cyber actors to exploit.

Cyber criminals can take advantage of security oversights or gaps in the configuration of closed circuit television and automated devices, such as security systems, garage doors, thermostats, and lighting. Systems not properly secured can be located and breached by actors who wish to stream live feed on the Internet for anyone to see. Any default passwords should be changed as soon as possible, and the wireless network should have a strong password and firewall.

Email spam attacks are now being sent from home-networking routers, connected multi-media centres, televisions, and appliances with wireless network connections. Devices affected are usually vulnerable because the factory default password is still in use or the wireless network is not secured.

Criminals can gain access to unprotected devices used in home health care, such as those used to collect and transmit personal monitoring data or time-dispense medicines. These devices may be at risk if they are capable of long-range connectivity.

Business-critical devices connected to the Internet, such as the monitoring systems on fuel (i.e. petrol or diesel) pumps, are a target for cyber-crime. Using this connection, the criminals could cause the pump to register incorrect levels, creating either a false shortage, or allowing a re-fuelling vehicle to dangerously overfill the tanks, creating a fire hazard. Alternatively, the connection to the point of sale system could be interrupted, allowing fuel to be dispensed without registering a monetary transaction.

Is IoT appropriate for my business?

Business readers should carefully consider whether an IoT solution is appropriate, and only use manufacturers with a proven track record in providing secure solutions. IoT devices should operate on their own protected networks, which are regularly updated with the latest security patches, and UPnP should be disabled.

Consumers should be aware of the capabilities and pitfalls of devices installed in their homes, and should always change default passwords to strong passwords on a secured Wi-Fi router.

Patients should be informed about the capabilities of any medical devices prescribed for at-home use. If the device is capable of remote operation or transmission of data, it could be a target for a malicious actor. ■


Internet of Things fraud riskschallenge users, utility suppliers, manufacturers AND installers!

Fraudsters are developing ever more effective techniques to manipulate products and services for their own ends. The Internet of Things (IoT) is no exception.


Internet of Things fraud riskschallenge users, utility suppliers, manufacturers AND installers!

Today’s increasingly connected world is introducing a wide range of commercial elements into everyday objects, ranging from cars to barbecue grills. However, the reality of whether we are ready to embrace the concept of the IoT and enjoy it to its fullest - from a revenue perspective too - is quite different.

The IoT is shaping, gradually, the behaviours and the dynamics in and between companies, bringing with it a new set of challenges and plenty of inconvenience, especially when one considers the context of protecting customers, assets and revenues. As a result, the revenue discussion is no longer purely focused on financial concerns. The implications of IT and security spending will change a company’s culture entirely.

As the IoT is considered one of the biggest business opportunities of recent times for many of our current well known names, it will introduce new device manufacturers and application (apps) providers that many industries, including ours, have not worked with before. This will result in an additional security and fraud risk, as these ‘relying parties’ will have to be audited to ensure that they meet the expectations of operators, installers and users.

Fraudsters and hacking the IoT

The IoT concept is embedded in everything, from our kids’ toys to our cars to our bodies. However it is increasingly clear that the Internet of Things is not just about producing additional revenue for manufacturers – it introduces all the vulnerabilities of the digital world into our ‘real’ world. The actual level of fraud risks and revenues associated with IoT products and services vary widely depending on where organisations reside within the supply chain.

In order to stay ahead of the curve, organisations need to consider and assess - with a risk self-awareness approach - which elements of their products/services are exposed, to what and to whom, as well as understanding all the risks that may be caused by having their devices connected to a network. Any faults with their technology and fraudsters will be able to gain access through a cyber attack.

Security researchers are currently exposing holes in everything IoT-enabled. So far, these are mostly demonstrations paid for by security companies or hacking contractor firms hired by manufacturers; the real world is yet to suffer

from a significant malicious hack (aside from occasional bank cloned details or identity theft).

In a recent case, a Samsung smart fridge, designed to sync over Wi-Fi with the user’s Google Calendar, failed to validate SSL certificates. SSL Certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organisation’s details. When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the https protocol (over port 443) and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser. The Samsung fridge left users’ Gmail credentials wide open to theft.

The problem itself is when you add technology to items that previously haven’t had it. These new products become security challenges you haven’t thought about before. It’s not the things in the IoT that we should worry about. It’s the cloud servers with vast personal information gathered from all those connected devices. It’s a grown up game hacking a refrigerator, or a watch, many hackers are doing it for the sheer fun and some because they are legally contracted to do so. However hacking is also a business to fraudsters. And in the business of fraud, while the device has no value, the data it generates certainly does.

Manufacturers, utility suppliers and data operators have a legal and moral responsibility to store highly confidential and sensitive data associated with their customers (whether that’s installers or end users) and business partners. Firms will need to consider how these new devices connected to the IoT will maintain the integrity of the information stored or exchanged with their partners. Risks to data protection and privacy include espionage potential from other users, fraudsters masquerading as client devices or networks to gather data transmitted from users’ device over the network, and information supplied illegally to third parties.

No, we are not saying devices aren’t a problem. Devices are famously hard to secure, and can be extremely easy to compromise, mainly because users fail to change log in details. But they don’t tend to contain a ton of data - not compared to the servers to which they are untiringly connected. These devices can, however, be manipulated to open doors for hackers to exploit companies’ networks remotely. And if these IoT devices are linked to cloud services, these can be controlled by untrustworthy hosts, resulting in compromised user credentials, exposure of personal data or – in the case of companies – the unveiling trade secrets. There are also ►



additional vulnerabilities that come with relatively cheap consumer gadgets or fakes to consider.

Is it a profitable time for hackers?

As we have seen, fraudsters are becoming increasingly innovative, developing new, more effective techniques to get exactly what they want. The IoT will be no exception. Data operators, installers and users can never be complacent and forget that these highly organised fraudsters operate their own businesses and need to ’serve‘ their customers. Their business models to commit fraud cover all kinds of technologies across international borders. They are based traditionally on the inability of network operators and manufacturers to respond and recover in a timely manner, and it is the installer’s responsibility to educate and inform end users of how best to protect themselves.

One of the key business requirements for data and network operators will continually be risk management, the implementation of fraud models, security and risk protection against

cyber criminals, clearly defined for the IoT. Moreover, fraud and security measures need to be a key strategy in the product life cycle and servicing of products provided by operators (data and network), utility suppliers and manufacturers. By making a comprehensive risk assessment, companies can ensure that they are taking a balanced approach, with not only their technology, but also with people and processes working together to create an effective strategy that could reduce or even eliminate the significant risks of fraud.

The demand and requirements of security created by the IoT will lead to interesting strategic partnerships between manufacturers and operators and utility suppliers. Everyone must, however, consider the implications and requirements to minimise exposure to fraud risks associated with mobile devices, applications, processes and different business models.

We believe that companies need to find secure systems and strategies that will enable them to continue to innovate and bring about business growth, while keeping a firm hand over business processes, customer experience and revenue. ■

http://www.doepke.co.uk/

The privacy and security of many current devices and apps on the Internet of Things (IoT) should be improved. Future applications will pose more serious risks for users, according to the Online Trust Alliance.

The alliance has just published its IoT Trust Framework, which it says is the first document to address the risks inherent in the IoT. It contains guidelines for those who develop, manufacture and sell home automation products and wearable devices for consumer health and fitness.

The framework identifies three factors it says are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of any IoT-connected device, app or service. The first two are security and privacy; but the third is sustainability, which the alliance says is often overlooked.

The authors of the framework define sustainability as the ‘life-cycle supportability of a device and the protection of the data after the warranty ends’. Craig Spiezle, Executive Director and President of the Alliance, said: “Important capability gaps in privacy and security design

remain. For example, when someone sells a house with a smart thermostat or garage door, how does the new owner ensure that former users can no longer access these devices? How do manufacturers protect against intrusions into smart TVs and the theft of data collected from device cameras and microphones?”

The alliance proposes a number of best practices for organisations involved in the IoT. It suggests thar privacy policies should be available to customers before purchase, download or activation of products; that all personally identifiable information should be encrypted; that a device’s data collection policies should be disclosed before purchase, along with the impact on its functions if such data is not supplied by the user; and that users should be told whether it is possible for them to remove or make anonymous all personal data when the device is sold or disposed of.

The Alliance’s IoT working group – which was formed in January 2015 and includes experts from ADT, Microsoft and Symantec among its members – has invited the industry to read the document and provide feedback. ■


Connectingto the Internet

throughlighting

Where does Li-Fi technology come from?

Li-Fi refers to the term Light Fidelity and it is a form of visible light communication - a wireless technology that uses visible light communication or the infra-red and near ultraviolet spectrum rather than radio frequency waves. It is a kind of optical wireless communications technology, and can transmit large amounts of data at an ultra-fast speed. In other words, it is a wireless communication system similar to Wi-Fi but using light instead of electromagnetic waves. Considering that light speed is incredibly fast… can you imagine being able to connect to and navigate the Internet at light speed?

A bit of history…

The term Li-Fi was created by Professor Harald Haas from the University of Edinburgh. Haas demonstrated the technology at the TED Global Conference in 2011. After introducing the technology, Haas started promoting it, setting up a company – PureLiFi – to market Li-Fi products. At the end of 2011, different industry groups and companies formed the Li-Fi Consortium with the objective of establishing the new wireless technology in the market.

What are the advantages of the Li-Fi versus Wi-Fi?

• Speed: Li-Fi is up to five times faster than Wi-Fi;• Price: Li-Fi is around 10 times cheaper than Wi-Fi ;• Less interference between devices: unlike Wi-Fi,

Li-Fi does not interfere with other radio signals, so could be used on aircraft and in other places where interference is an issue. Because of the fact that light has no electromagnetic interference, Li-Fi could be of major benefit in hospitals;

• Greater security: Wi-Fi technology penetrates through walls and can be intercepted and used by non-authorised users. Li-Fi allows increased security on local networks as the signal gets blocked by walls;

• Energy efficiency: Li-Fi requires less power to operate than Wi-Fi and therefore is potentially more energy efficient, as well as being cheaper; and

• Where there is light, there is Internet! Any light source with a Li-Fi device installed can be used as a hotspot or lighting router. This is the case for both indoor and outdoor lighting.

… And the disadvantages?

Li-Fi cannot be deployed outdoors in direct sunlight (as this would interfere with its signal). The connection can’t travel through walls, which makes the usage limited. The initial use is likely to be applied as a supplement in places where Wi-Fi connections are limited, for example in hospitals. It doesn’t work when the light is off - this could imply an increase of light usage. It only works with devices that have Li-Fi compatible receptors.

What is the future of Li-Fi?

Even though Li-Fi is still in the early stages of development, research is moving forward very fast. The market for IoT products is rapidly growing, demanding an increased connectivity through devices. As a result of this, faster and heavier data transmission is going be required.

While Li-Fi might not completely replace Wi-Fi, it is likely that both technologies could be used in parallel to create more efficient networks. ■

Li-Fi, which has been described as the new era of wireless connections, is a method of data transmission more than 100 times faster than traditional Wi-Fi, and it only requires that you turn on a light! With speeds of up to 1GBps, this new technology could enable a high-definition film to be downloaded in seconds.


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When you look around, it’s not hard to see the incredible impact that smart home technology has on our daily lives. Products range from smart thermostats that can help us reduce energy consumption and control our home energy, to smart sensors that can trigger an alarm, to smart door lock that locks the door automatically after we leave home. The solutions are infinite, which makes deciding which brands or devices one should bring into their smart home very difficult.

Gone are the times when we thought that smart home products belonged only in movies; today we can find many smart devices at an affordable price. Many companies are offering a variety of smart devices and a central hub that controls them all. But what if a customer likes one particular brand for their thermostat and another one for their speakers and another one for their door locks? Do they really have to buy all their smart products from one particular company so that they can control it from one single app?

Open platform

The answer is no. This is what nCube Home is all about. nCube Home is an open platform that allows devices from different brands to speak to each other. This will give the homeowners the freedom to buy any smart devices they wish, be it Nest, Sonos, Philips etc and they will still be able to control all of them using one single app. In fact nCube Home is compatible with more than 100 devices from different brands: Lifx, Nest, Tado, Philips Hue, Fibaro,

Danfoss, Everspring, Popp, Parrot flower power, TKB home, Netatmo, Sonos, Belkin, Wemo and many other Z-Wave devices.

How it works

nCube Home is a small and stylish square hub that can be plugged directly to the broadband router. Communication with various smart devices is sent to the hub which is connected to the smartphone through the app. nCube Home works as the brain of the smart home, the app allows the user to create any combination of commands known as ‘Cubes’ for their connected home. For example, the homeowner can come back home for a ‘warm welcome’ where the lights are switched and dimmed, the music tuned on, heating regulated and blinds and curtains set to create the desired ambience.

However smart homes become more powerful when the smart devices are properly installed in a hidden way inside the sidelight switches (such as Z-wave controlled relays) and when the humidity, temperature and motion sensors are correctly mounted for environmental and security purposes. Furthermore, the heating system should be professionally installed as most thermostat are not DIY suitable. ■

We are looking for the first few installers to work with us. If you are interested in becoming one of our installers, send us an email to [email protected]. For more info about nCube Home: www.ncubehome.com

nCube Home


https://ncubehome.co.uk/


BIMThe basics explained

TRENDY NOW

A good many people are already well versed in all things BIM, but equally some are not, and if that’s you there may be a number of questions you’d like answering - What’s this BIM thing all about? Why is April so important all of a sudden? What does it mean for me? The aim of this article is to answer those three questions in relatively broad, layman’s terms so that the BIM novices out there will have a basic platform from which to build on (no pun intended).

What is BIM?

Broadly speaking, BIM is something of an umbrella term that relates to both the methods employed to design using digital modelling, and the way in which collective data, inherent with any construction project, is formatted and shared. Its purpose is to ensure that the whole life management of the facility, from its initial design all the way through to its eventual decommission or demolition, is made as efficient and cost effective as possible. In truth, BIM is as much a road map as it is a design tool.

Working in line with BIM from the outset of a project, a 3D representation of the finished structure is

created. This is so accurate it can be used to prove all aspects of construction and long term performance before so much as a shovel hits the ground. The virtual finished product is called a BIM model and is made up of all the components that will be used in its physical construction. If it’s a regular building, a school or office block for example, that will include all the usual things you’d expect like bricks, doors & windows, thermal insulation, steelwork, pipework, HVAC, plant & switch gear, sanitary ware, luminaires, controls, ceilings, furniture, floor coverings and even the paint on the walls - the list is almost endless. These individual items are called BIM objects and can be likened to the pieces of a jigsaw; of limited use on their own, but collectively and interactively a very powerful resource for all connected with a project to interrogate, manipulate and share.

Each BIM object is a multifaceted bundle of data comprising 2D and 3D representations of the product, dimensional information including any additional clearances that may be required during install or to operate safely and correctly, performance & technical data and the manufacturer’s details. Some of this information is delivered in CAD form, Revit being adopted in the UK as the platform of

Acronyms seem to be in plentiful supply in all walks of life these days and the construction industry is no exception; BREEAM, DALI, BSi, ISO etc. etc. As since April, another that’s wheedled its way to the forefront of many a building professional’s mind this year is BIM; Building Information Modelling.


TREN

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choice, with additional supporting documentation utilising PDF and Excel formats as required. This standardisation of product information across the board means that architects, building consultants, main contractors, sub-contractors, end users, clients etc. are all working with the same information, laid out in exactly the same way and using the same software. The result, in theory at least, being unrestricted collaboration between all disciplines and a joined up decision making process that’s more informed than ever before.

Why April 2016?

Back in May 2011 the Cabinet Office published the Government Construction Strategy which highlighted how the construction industry, which at the time made up 7% of GDP, had to change if it were to contribute more effectively to the then coalition Government’s plans for economic growth. The document went on to state how inefficiencies and waste needed to be reduced

by approximately 20% by the end of parliament. In short, with less money in the coffers due to the recent economic downturn, better value for money would be necessary with respect to projects funded via the public purse. One element identified in the paper which was deemed key if the government’s aspirations were to be successful, was the standardisation of the methods employed in the planning, procurement, construction and whole life cycle management of an asset. Fast forward a few years to the present day, allow for a number of amendments to the original 2011 strategy, and a significant part of that previously mentioned standardisation has developed into Level 2 BIM which became a mandatory requirement with respect to centrally procured public sector projects on April 4th 2016.

At this point it would be easy to adopt a cynical attitude and view this as yet another scheme dreamt up in Whitehall that, despite appearing a good idea at face value, will ultimately sink without ►

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trace. However, although this April saw the introduction of Level 2 BIM, its evolutionary journey is well underway with the next iteration, Level 3 BIM, planned to see the light of day sometime in 2019, which would appear to suggest that far from being a flash in the pan, the Government is in this for the long haul. Furthermore, a number of countries around the world are in the process of adopting BIM too, and this being the case, it’s not hard to envisage BIM eventually becoming the global de facto standard for the construction industry.

What does BIM mean for me?

If you’re involved in the ‘bricks & mortar’ side of the building industry, be it design, specification, procurement, construction, facilities management etc. it’s fair to say that you’ll find yourself at the sharp end of BIM. Some practices have already picked up the baton and are actively introducing it as their preferred option. Perhaps having researched the subject, these organisations have arrived at the conclusion that the benefits that BIM can bring to their day to day activities are simply too good to pass up, regardless of whether public sector contracts are, or are not their bag. For those who may still be unsure of the implications that the adoption of BIM holds for them, a quick internet search on something like ‘BIM training courses’ will throw up a whole host of industry trusted bodies that can offer advice, information and training.

If you’re a product manufacturer, then it is your responsibility to produce BIM objects for your products. The creation of a BIM object is subject to fairly strict criteria and although many manufacturers will possess the capability to create them in house, undoubtedly some will not. If as a product manufacturer you happen to fall into the second categor, it is suggested that for you to have a conversation with one of the BIM specialists would be a good place to start.

Search the net for ‘BIM downloads’ to bring up a list of suitable organisations; if they have objects to download it’s a safe bet they can help you create yours. From the outset they’ll be able to advise exactly which products

from your portfolio will need to be made available as BIM objects and which will not, as well as being able to create them in partnership with you. They’ll also be able to host your BIM objects in their online library where your client base can download them, usually for free. However, before taking the plunge and signing on the dotted line, make sure that the BIM object you end up with will be compliant with the rigorous Level 2 standard. If it’s not, you may well find yourself falling short of your customer’s, not to mention the Government’s, minimum requirements. If in doubt, the standard to refer back to is PAS 1192-2.

In Summary

The introduction of Level 2 BIM only applies to Government funded projects in the UK and is intended to address some of the inefficiencies of builds that we, the tax paying public, fund. This being the case, it would appear that those involved in the public sector side of construction will have little choice but to embrace BIM if they plan to remain active in that particular arena.

For those organisations operating solely in the private sector, April 2016 may well have passed by much the same as March and February did before it, but how long will that remain the case? It seems unlikely that the larger architect, consultant and contractor organisations, who in the main operate in both the public and private sectors, will run with two platforms side by side for very long; it hardly makes sense to use BIM for one project type and an alternative package for another. Additionally, if BIM really can make the building and running of a publicly owned hospital or suspension bridge more efficient, logic dictates it can do just the same for a privately owned office block or hotel. After all, don’t the people holding the purse strings in the private sector crave value for money just as much as Government?

So for economic reasons, as well as plain old logic, the BIM trickle down appears to have started this Spring and it would seem only to be a matter of time before its effects are felt by everyone involved in construction. ■


For more go to www.flexconnectors.co.uk/bim

by Paul Bellamy, director at flex connectors

http://www.flexconnectors.co.uk/bim/

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The smart home used to only be on offer in high-end developments with just a small number of electricians able to profit from this niche market. With the development of App control via Wi-Fi rather than complex hard-wired systems and interfaces, there is now a great opportunity for electricians to benefit from this new breed of system.

This technological development means the latest Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are bringing new connectivity to the HEVAC sector with pioneering interfaces and functions available via simple web-enabled App control. In addition to offering the latest ventilation, this type of MVHR is a great entry-level product for electricians into the smart-home world while using a familiar technology.

For example, the launch of Vent-Axia’s new Sentinel Kinetic Advance takes MVHR to the next level. Topping the PCDB list with exceptional efficiency, near silent operation, high pressure development and improved indoor air quality (IAQ), Advance features time-saving commissioning and control via a unique web-enabled App.

While ventilation specification and control can be a complex system involving pressure calculations and volume measurements, Vent-Axia has designed the complexity into the product so the human interface via Advance’s App is as simple as possible.

App-controlled commissioning

For electricians, Advance’s unit-mounted touch screen or App-controlled commissioning offers simplified installation, saving time. By using the pioneering Wi-Fi enabled App, commissioning is simplified since when installers hold a vane anemometer to measure airflow in one hand, using the other hand they can employ the App to control airflows during measurement, making it unnecessary to repeatedly return to the unit to adjust fan speeds. This saves costs by simplifying and reducing installation time, ensuring accurate commissioning, in turn avoiding call backs. Plus electricians can save even more time by pre-commissioning Advance through its USB functionality.

Another important feature for the latest MVHR systems is BMS connectivity. In residential apartments or student accommodation this allows landlords or FMs to monitor the systems’ performance and status through a BACnet BMS system (a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks). This system monitoring allows landlords to both ensure good IAQ and that systems are performing efficiently.

Also, App control heralds the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT allows products to talk to each other and react based on a set of inputs. The BACnet BMS connectivity therefore allows the newest MVHR systems to respond ►

Smart technology has been around for some time but until recently it was only accessible to those with large budgets. This is now changing with a huge growth in the sector that offers the latest technology controlled over Wi-Fi via an App making it affordable. Included in this growth are the latest ventilation systems. Ian Mitchell, Product Marketing Manager - New Build Residential at Vent-Axia explains.

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enlighten (verb)

The IoT revolution is changing the way you work, as an individual, or within an organisation or company. The influx of smart technology into homes and work buildings, such as connected lighting, will also see significant benefits for you as an electrical professional in the future.

The IoT is officially one of Europe’s biggest ever IT projects. In order to roll out this project, the UK will need electrical engineers who understand smart technology. Are you one of them?

All this new technology means there are lots of new terms and concepts to learn. But don’t worry if you’re not completely up to speed – we’ve collated some of the most important changes to the industry so far. And as the electrical industry is continually changing, we’ll keep it up to date with new terms as they emerge.

Voltimum is THE ultimate electrical industry definition guide. It is a free-access, free-content portal that gathers all the latest product data together for you in one easy to use site. It’s so simple you’ll wish you had heard of Voltimum years ago!

Voltimum is updated daily with the latest industry news, key manufacturer news, and lots of technical articles covering all aspects of the electrical industry. There is also a section with over 3,500 entries of FAQs in the Q&A area, a product review section, and links to educational webinars. And you get all this essential reading for FREE!

There is a grand total of nearly 36,000 articles currently in our archive. Since February we’ve had nearly two million page views and 2,456 new registered users. So come and network with any of our 11,200 weekly users and learn from their experience. You can also influence the content of articles, new releases and versions of our Partners’ products and services. Become a Smart Electrician with Voltimum.

Register for free today on www.voltimum.co.uk and make your life easier. That’s what we call enlightenment.

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http://www.voltimum.co.uk/topic/internet-things

to emergency alarms. For example, if a fire alarm is triggered, the fan will shut down – reducing airflow that could feed a fire, an important safety feature.

Silence and control

For today’s digital-savvy house buyers Advance’s App-controlled ventilation makes an attractive addition to their high-tech homes. Providing interactive control via a downloadable free App on a smartphone or via the on-board screen, Advance allows households to take control of their ventilation, an important issue following recent research linking poor IAQ to health problems.

Featuring a simple user interface Advance offers programmable controllers where the unit can be scheduled to boost when very hot or avoid boost, perhaps when a baby is sleeping. Meanwhile, 100% Summer Bypass helps ensure thermal comfort, a significant issue in air-tight new build properties. This sophisticated Summer Bypass features an evening or overnight purge, allowing occupiers to choose when to take advantage of cooler air during hot summer periods.

While MVHR units controlled via a smartphone App will be attractive to homeowners, the Advance is fully autonomous and controls can be locked to prevent modification to flows and other settings. Advance can also alert the homeowner when to change filters. With filters available up to F7 grade, this ensures that even properties in heavily urbanised areas can filter out impurities, including damaging PM2.5.

Best in class

Although Advance offers new connectivity benefits, it also leads the way with efficiency, silence and performance. For housebuilders, energy efficiency is still the most important specification factor for ventilation. Advance is therefore the best performing MVHR unit in its class, boasting a specific fan power of 0.38W/l/w with 93% heat recovery and airflow of 100l/s at 150Pa, offering high pressure development.

However, it is not only efficiency that is important house buyers are increasingly requesting quiet ventilation. Following extensive R&D, Advance has achieved maximised airflows and minimised noise and energy through highly sculpted interiors combined with cutting-edge EC motors. Advance is therefore extremely quiet with trickle settings up to 40% staying below 20dBA, providing households with quiet energy efficient comfort.

So with tech savvy end-users now demanding more from their homes, the latest MVHR units are a fitting addition to new high-spec living. Not only does this new technology provide good IAQ and comfort but its trailblazing connectivity offers the digital experience we expect from products today. For electricians, MVHR’s new connectivity offers a great opportunity to enter the smart-home market. And for developers, the latest MVHR systems provide them with the energy efficient, near silent systems they desire, while offering market-leading connectivity. ■

For electricians, MVHR’s new connectivity offers a great opportunity to enter the smart-home market.


Regulation 421.1.201 in Amendment 3 to the wiring regulations is not just about non combustible enclosures for consumer units, this new regulation requires non combustible enclosures on similar switchgear assemblies too. “Similar switchgear assemblies” includes switchgear that is used for the same fundamental purpose as consumer units i.e. circuit protection applications within domestic household premises. This is why Wylex have introduced several additions to their Amendment 3 range.

As well as the NM range of consumer units there’s the range of Meter Cabinet Consumer Units (previously known as Skeleton Units) in full non combustible all metal enclosures. These bespoke units are designed for use in high rise, and similar applications where the electricity meter is housed within a cabinet outside the dwelling and the consumer unit is located in the same enclosure in the space above the meter.

In addition there is a brand new range of Domestic Switch Fuse Units in all metal non combustible enclosures.

These products are used wherever large buildings are being converted into several apartments. These are ideally suited for sub main circuit protection applications in 60A 80A & 100A ratings.

To further enhance the fire safety standards that are intended by regulation 421.1.201 Wylex, has introduced a range of accessories including intumescants, flame retardant grommets, non combustible blanks & mains tails glands

All Wylex domestic circuit protection units meet the requirements of the relevant product standards (BS EN 61439) and the latest requirements of BS7671 Wiring Regulations including Amendment 3.

For further information where you can find contact details for your local Wylex Sales Engineer go to www.electrium.co.uk, or follow @ElectriumNews

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Cable management is often a key part of an electrical installation and the procurement of the material required on a project clearly needs to be carefully considered - but so does the time taken to install it. Only the combination of both gives the ‘prime cost’ for a product and it’s this factor that is becoming vitally important for estimators, engineers and project managers.

Labour is one of the most difficult elements of any project to manage and this is where Unitrunk can help. RIS (Rapid Installation Systems) ranges are designed to make life on site more cost effective for installers, but one significant and often overlooked benefit of using these systems is in the tendering process.

Most installers would probably agree that the point at which they require a real competitive advantage is when they are quoting projects - with the help of Unitrunk this has never been more straightforward. The RIS ranges include Uniklip cable tray, EasyConnect wire cable tray (basket) and Speedlok cable ladder, and we have created simple cost calculators that enable estimators to quickly and easily identify, where shown, the huge savings to be enjoyed by choosing these fast fitting systems.

The Uniklip cost calculator is an easy to use tool that requires nothing more than the labour rate and the tray quantities to be inputted – the installed timings for both traditional and Uniklip cable tray systems have been incorporated into the

calculator using the standard industry rates from the Luckins Electrical Installation Times Guide, so you can be sure that there is no mystery to this simple process. As an example, a project that has a labour cost of £30,000 to install a traditional pre-galvanised tray range will show a saving of around £20,000 when using the Uniklip system.

Uniklip tray is proven to be three times faster to fit than conventional systems and installers can now forget about the fuss of conventional equipment, the assembling of standard fixings and the traditional time consuming cutting and filing of multiple components – these can be things of the past…

If installers are looking for that competitive edge, then Uniklip and the other Unitrunk RIS ranges offer clear advantages over traditional products and the key issue in making the most of them is an early engagement with the supplier. Given the highly competitive nature of securing project work, can you afford not to take a look at these ground breaking innovations? ■

‘Innovate and radically improve prime cost’ - too good to be true?


Paul Cooper, UK Key Account Manager for Unitrunk, explains how the firm’s quickly installed cable management systems and cost calculator can save lots of money.

EasyConnect wire cable tray

Uniklip cable tray

Product Review

Heating controls specialist Drayton has granted your wishes by launching its most intelligent range of products to date – miGenie. This new collection of Internet connected heating control packs – known as miGenie Wishes - can add a touch of magic to your life by making smart technology simple.

The miGenie Wishes feature heating controls is similar to the leading MiTime and MiStat range. However, miGenie devices utilise smart technology, enabled by an intuitive app that users download onto an iOS or Android smartphone, tablet or Apple Watch. This allows homeowners to regulate their heating and hot water from anywhere, at any time, using the app.

Products contained within the miGenie Wishes are pre-bound and boast a standard backplate, meaning they are easy to retrofit and can be installed straight from the box in as little as ten minutes. The controls are really simple to operate too, featuring familiar buttons and icons, and step-by-step instructions for set up.

British built to last, the miGenie wishes are suitable for all applications to make installation easier and ensure that the installer has the perfect solution for every job.

The miGenie Wish 1 pack includes a single channel controller, room thermostat and internet gateway, ideal for time and temperature control of combination boilers, giving the installer the option to upgrade controls without the need for re-wiring.

The miGenie Wish 2 pack includes a dual-channel controller, room thermostat and Internet gateway, ideal for time and temperature control of conventional boilers. Installers can upgrade time control and thermostat without re-wiring and use with an existing cylinder thermostat.

The miGenie Wish 3 pack includes a multi-channel controller, two room thermostats and Internet gateway. It is the ideal option for time and temperature control in larger properties, and an existing cylinder thermostat can be wired in so that two thermostats provide zone control for heating.

Simon May, Product Manager at Drayton Controls, said: “As the rise of smart technology becomes commonplace, more and more consumers are requesting heating controls that can be controlled via mobile devices; that’s why we have developed miGenie.

“It’s the perfect combination of familiarity and innovation. The standard backplate means you can upgrade controls in minutes; the pre-bound two-way wireless connection means units are ready to go straight out of the box; and the signal strength indicator ensures correct positioning first time. All that’s left to do is plug the Internet gateway into the home router and ‘alakazam’ - installation can be done and dusted in just 10 minutes.

“Once the homeowner has downloaded the app, heating and hot water can be controlled from a phone, tablet or watch, so wherever they are, they can be in complete control. No longer will they be a slave to their heating schedule...they can be its master!” ■

To find out more about the new Drayton miGenie range call 0845 130 5522 or visit http://www.mi-genie.co.uk/

DRAYTON GRANTS YOUR

WISHES WITH MIGENIE


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Smart Electrician | Issue TWO 2016