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“Smart metering installations could cut UK households’ electricity bills by £938M a year,” says Howard
Porter, CEO of BEAMA, welcoming the findings of an independent review of 100 smart meter pilots and rollouts across the world. The photo shows Dr Howard Porter (left) and Richard St Clair, Chair of the BEAMA Smart Metering Association.
“These savings could be delivered with the current UK specifications - smart metering systems including display devices need to be installed in UK homes as soon as possible,” he added.
The report identifies the kinds of activities and technology that are needed to maximise the customer and industry energy saving benefits from smart metering. It shows that, if the technology and customer engagement is right, hundreds of millions of pounds could be saved by consumers in Britain every year, and that smart meters could make a significant contribution towards achieving EU goals of a 20% reduction in energy use by 2020.
The report demonstrated significant reductions in the amount of energy used by consumers and when they use it. Replicating these savings in the UK will require the right approach and the right kind of technologies. It found that, worldwide, customers who received an energy display with their smart meter achieved on average an 8.5% reduction in the amount of electricity they used.
This level of saving across UK households would equate to £938 million cut from electricity bills. Lower, but still significant, reductions were achieved from enhanced bills showing detailed energy usage and web based displays. Different pricing structures and automation were effective in encouraging customers to use energy at off-peak times and reducing overall energy use when used as part of a well designed consumer engagement and education programme.
Similar savings from smart gas metering could be expected, however the report does not cover the evidence on savings for gas bills, as there is insufficient rollout of smart gas metering across the world.
Technology was identified as the key tool to enable consumer benefits. However the success of pilots and roll outs and the savings customers made, varied depending on socioeconomic factors, consumers’ consumption patterns, rollout program content and structure, and what customers were using energy for.
Crucially, it found that if smart meter rollout is to maximise energy efficiency savings to customers, then consumers will need to have access to good-quality support, advice and education. There will also need to be consumer engagement programmes which segment the customer base and tailor their approach and message to the needs of different types of households.
The study identified that what customers valued most, and responded to best, was an in-home display which shows them: up to date consumption information (i.e. how much energy they have used between the last bill and now); up-to-date cost or bill (i.e. how high is their bill since they last paid); and historical consumption (i.e. how much electricity have they used during this period compared to the previous periods) in a format they can understand.
In recognition of in home-displays being a crucial part of engaging consumers, BEAMA has worked with leading manufacturers to set up the Consumer Energy Display Industry Group (CEDIG). The Group will represent manufacturers of display products, which provide the important interface between the consumer and the smart meter.
Dr Howard Porter, CEO of BEAMA said: “This research is very welcomed, as it provides timely evidence from around the world that well designed smart meter rollouts reduce customer bills. The members of BEAMA supplying smart meters and customer displays to the UK market are working together to deliver solutions to allow easy customer interaction, and the best opportunities for energy use reduction and consumer savings.
“The interoperability of all smart metering systems is vital to allow the best customer experience and engagement. BEAMA and the industry group SSWG are dedicated to the delivery of open specifications to allow all smart metering equipment to be interoperable.”
ESMIG, The European Smart Meter Industry Group, commissioned the report from the energy think tank VassaETT to see what lessons could be learnt from international rollouts and pilots of smart metering. It looked at more than 100 different programmes with the aim of providing a source of comparative data for the smart metering industry in Europe. Drawing direct comparisons between GB and other countries are not advisable because of variations such as climate, housing stock, fuel type, cultural variation and fuel type which impact the overall success of the programme. That said there were lessons that can be learnt to help Government and the regulator design smart meter rollouts to maximise energy efficiency and consumer benefits, with the confidence that many installations have delivered significant benefits.
For more BEAMA information visit www.beama.org.uk
The tools and instruments you use say a lot about the work you do and it can often pay to choose the most innovative, high-quality and cost effective solutions. With this in mind, Phil Roberts, UK sales manager at IDEAL INDUSTRIES, provides advice with top ten products for a safe, easy and efficient electrical installation:
Fish tapes are an extremely useful tool for any contractor, helping to make the tricky task of routing wire through walls and electrical conduit much easier. Many products now come complete with impact-resistant casing, an ergonomic handle and easier winding, to save even more valuable time. There are also specific solutions for key environments, such as a stainless steel, a non-corrosive version for use in damp or humid areas, as well as a non-conductive tape (up to 1000V) for applications around live wire circuits.
Cable pulling rods are designed to increase installation efficiency, being used to reach, retrieve, route, push and pull cables over suspended ceilings and through cable trays and interior wall cavities. Rods are usually available with both bullet nose and J hook attachments, for complex and straightforward tasks
respectively. To help contractors further, glow-in-the-dark options are available for use in dimly lit areas such as roof spaces and basement areas.
Using a wire pulling lubricant, particularly in pipe or conduit, is another way to speed up a job as this will ensure wire can be pulled exceptionally quickly, with complete ease. As well as standard waxed-based, general-purpose types which are suitable for most applications, there are more specific solutions such as a polymer-based colourless lubricant which is particularly useful for indoor use and retrofit pulls.
A high quality, professional wire stripper is a must. The latest generation of wire strippers incorporateknife-type stripping blades which penetrate only the outer protective insulation
sheathing for clean, accurate stripping, enhancing productivity. Helping the contractor further, many designs now come complete with ergonomic handles for supreme grip to reduce muscle and wrist fatigue.
For heavier duty jobs, such as working with SWA cable, cable cutters can be very useful. Many models now offer ratcheting capabilities and are also available in long-arm varieties, as well as the versatile PowerBlade, which can be attached to almost any corded or cordless drill, for effortless cutting and ultimate flexibility.
Push-in connectors are another big time saver. Using a spring mechanism, these handy connectors allow a contractor to simply push wires directly into a connector without the need for screws or use of a tool. The low insertion force required means less time and effort to do even the most complex of electrical wiring installations down to basic domestic wiring applications. In addition, a clear shell design gives visual verification for added safety.
Conversely, twist-on connectors are incredibly easy to use. These connectors offer a positive grip design and feature an internal spring mechanism for a fast, secure and easy installation that will not relax over time. Even better, the connectors are reusable, ensuring maximum cost-efficiency.
It sounds obvious but always take the time to check if a circuit or power outlet is live before carrying out any work. There are a variety of simple, compact electrical testers available which can indicate presence of voltage from 40-1000VAC for a basic, on-the-spot test.
Keep safety at the forefront by taking a few minutes to isolate the power with a lockout device before starting electrical work. A personal lockout kit is ideal for the individual user. Typically kits include lockout devices suitable for use on a broad range of circuit breakers, multiple padlocks and safety taps, complete in a handy pouch for easy accessibility.
Finally, a good recommendation is to use an installation tester to ensure compliance with the 17th edition and Part P of the building regulations. An all-in-one installation tester allows you to perform multiple tests in one, saving valuable time and money.
IDEAL INDUSTIRES develops and manufactures a wide range of products for the data communications and electrical industries. For further information about IDEAL’s range of products, please telephone 01925 444446 or visit www.idealindustries.co.uk
Largely regarded as an everyday consumable for electricians, it would be easy to assume that there is limited scope for innovation when it comes to cable management products. However, the connector product category, for example, is developing all the time. Here, Phil Roberts, UK sales manager at IDEAL INDUSTRIES, explains the latest advancements in connectors:
These are exciting times for the modern electrician. Despite the difficult economy, leading manufacturers are continuing to invest heavily in developing advanced solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of the electrical industry. Whether it is assisting in energy management, increasing safety or providing a faster fix, there is quite literally a gadget or gizmo for every type of electrical requirement.
For electricians looking to embrace the newest technologies, a good starting point is the twist-on connector. Already the connector of choice in North America, today’s twist-on connectors are a modern cable connection solution, offering numerous time and cost savings benefits.
As the first major benefit, twist-on connectors can significantly increase installation efficiency. An engineer only needs to push and twist the wires into the connector for them to be securely fastened, without the need for screws or tools. They feature a unique “live-action” square wire spring that bites on the first 360° turn, forming threads on the conductors as they are drawn completely into the connector body. This ensures a quick and extremely secure connection that will not relax over time, eliminating the need for costly call backs and maintenance work.
More so, twist-on connectors come with an added twist. Unlike “push-in” wire connectors that were specifically developed for lighting applications, twist-on wire connectors are able to cover more applications due to their exceptional wire range capacity. Some models can accommodate multiple 6mm2 or 10mm2 wire and are rated up to 57 Amps, yet are still small enough to fit easily within standard junction boxes or connector enclosures.
And, as well as having an exceptional wire range capacity, twist-on connectors also have a unique capability to accept solid and stranded wire combinations.
Ease of use is also a major factor. At IDEAL INDUSTRIES, for example, we recently launched the Twister PRO twist-on connector, which features an advanced SureGrip technology and a swept-wing design for improved leverage and more torque. This reduces user fatigue and means it takes less effort to connect even large wire combinations, saving further time and, in turn, money.
In addition, there is the option of weather-proof twist-on connectors, which feature a silicone-based sealant to protect against moisture and corrosion and are rated to IP55 according to IEC/EN 60529. This ensures superior performance for connections exposed to rain or damp conditions.
While it may be a challenging time for those starting out in the electrical industry, there are the resources out there to help. By taking advantage of new innovations, such as the twist-on connector, electricians can achieve ultimate efficiency and superior performance, ensuring they stand out from the crowd.
It’s time to go round the twist as we’ve got 100 mixed sample bags of IDEAL Twister wire connectors to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with TWIST in the subject line. Don't forget to include your address in the email!
The closing date is 31st August 2011.
Further information on IDEAL INDUSTRIES can be found on www.idealindustries.co.uk
To make the most of potential new business opportunities in the growing solar panel sector‚ contractors need to understand the technology and the electrical testing associated with PV system installation‚ says Jim Wallace of Seaward Solar.
Despite the uncertainties created by the review of Feed-in Tariffs for medium-large solar power schemes, there remains considerable activity at a domestic residential level among those keen to take advantage of roof rental schemes and lower energy costs.
For MCS accredited contractors, the electrical installation process associated with the installation of PV solar panel systems is unlikely to be too difficult for a qualified electrician‚ although there are significant differences from the usual installation wiring technology that they are likely to be working with on a day to day basis.
Any PV installation seeking funding from the FITs initiative must use Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved contracting companies. MCS is a quality assurance scheme and approval is therefore a pre-requisite for any company seeking to take advantage of the growing demand for solar panel installation.
Given the obvious synergies‚ it is widely expected that grid connected PV system installation will quickly become a mainstream electrical contracting industry activity. Alongside MCS accreditation‚ the installation process itself is unlikely to be too difficult for a qualified electrician‚ although there are significant differences from the usual installation wiring technology that they are likely to be working with on a day to day basis.
The installation of PV systems presents a unique combination of hazards linking the risk of electric shock with the implications of working at height. It follows therefore that stringent health and safety practice must apply to the installation, commissioning and testing of a PV system.
PV arrays produce a DC voltage when exposed to sunlight. In the wiring system associated with PV panel installation‚ the DC current generated by the solar array is converted to AC by means of an inverter which then feeds into the AC mains supply of a building. It follows that electrical work on PV panel installation therefore involves working on both the DC and AC sides of the circuit.
From the outset, therefore, the designer and installer of a PV system must consider the potential hazards carefully and systematically devise methods to minimise the risks. This includes mitigating potential hazards present during and after the installation phase.
The consideration of panel operation under both normal and fault conditions is essential in the design stage to ensure the required level of safety. It is then important to ensure that the long term safety of the system is not compromised by a poor installation or subsequent poor maintenance. Much of this comes down to the quality of the installation and the system inspection and testing regime.
PV systems are unusual in that the energy source cannot be switched off. If there is daylight falling on a PV panel it will produce electricity and it is possible for a relatively small array of only a few panels to deliver a lethal shock.
Another important point is that PV panels generate DC voltage, which is not always commonly used by electricians in their normal work. In addition‚ because of the current limiting properties of PV cells‚ the are incapable of producing sufficient fault currents to operate over-current protection devices such as fuses. Once established a fault may remain undetected, not only posing a hazard for an extended period but also wasting energy generated by the PV system.
Undetected faults may also develop into a fire hazard over time. Without fuse protection against such faults, elimination of a fire risk can only be achieved by both good system design‚ and careful installation with appropriate inspection and testing.
Special measures must therefore be taken during installation of PV systems to eliminate the risks of dangerous working and latent electrical problems.
These include completing the DC wiring before connection is made to the panels and avoiding working with both positive and negative conductors simultaneously. This will allow the effective isolation of the dc system (via a DC isolating switch and module cable connectors) while the array is installed and the effective isolation of the PV array while the inverter is installed.
In general terms the requirement is that grid connected PV solar systems are tested according to 17th edition electrical wiring regulations but there also additional requirements for PV systems.
Engineering Recommendation G83/1 is the installation commissioning confirmation form for the connection of Small Scale Embedded Generators‚ such as PV arrays‚ of up to 16A per phase with public low voltage distribution networks. Installers are required to complete G83/1 with information on various tests‚ system details and a range of supporting information to satisfy the requirements of the Distribution Network Operator.
Installation of domestic grid connected PV systems falls with the scope of Part P of the Building Regulations and it the responsibility of installer to ensure that systems are installed according to the existing BS7671 electrical installation standard – the 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations.
However‚ the inspection and testing of DC circuits associated with PV arrays requires special considerations. The IEE Guidance Note 7 Special Locations provides guidance on Solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems.
‘IEC 62446: 2009 Grid connected PV systems – minimum requirements for system documentation, commissioning tests, and inspection’ specifies the minimum requirements for system documentation‚ commissioning tests and inspections.
Building or electrical works in the vicinity of the PV array are also likely and the ownership of a system may also change. As a result‚ the standard recognises that only by the provision of adequate documentation at the outset can the long term performance and safety of the PV system be ensured.
The standard therefore sets out the information and documentation that should be provided to the customer following the installation of a solar panel system and also the initial (and periodic) electrical inspection and testing required.
In short the standard sets out measures to ensure that:
Under electrical tests the standard sets out specific requirements for:
IEC62446 also requires inverter details to be recorded and ported and MCS requires that records are kept
Between them‚ the various installation requirements for PV systems are designed to ensure the electrical safety of the installation‚ the electrical safety of installation personnel and the verification of performance/power output of the system.
However‚ in what is still a relatively new area for many contractors‚ there remains a lack of understanding in some areas and technical confusion over what may appear to be conflicting test requirements in others.
For example, many inverters have transformer isolation between the AC and DC side, preventing DC fault currents from being fed into the electrical installation. Transformerless inverters are increasing in popularity due their increased efficiency and reduced cost and physical size.
The IEE Guidance Note 7 advises that where an electrical installation includes a PV power supply without at least simple separation between the ac side and the dc side, an RCD installed to provide fault protection shall be type B.
However, the guidance also states that where the inverter is, by construction, not able to feed DC fault currents into the electrical installation, an RCD of type B is not required. Manufacturers of transformerless inverters commonly provide declarations to this effect - so avoiding the need for a type B RCD.
One area of PV installations where there is there is also much debate is that of protective earthing and equipotential zones. Where the PV array is not Class II, exposed metal parts must be connected to protective earth. When the electrical installation is a Protective Multiple Earthing (PME )system the recommendation is that the PME is not taken outside the equipotential zone.
In such cases, the recommendation given in the DTI Guide to the installation of PV systems is that connection to earth is via an earth spike. There is much debate as to whether a PV is inside or outside the equipotential zone. The array itself is mounted on the exterior of the building - however, conductive parts such as fixings or brackets may be accessible from inside the building as the pass through the roof. The general schematic shown in Guidance Note 7 shows a PV array connected to the main earthing terminal on a PME system.
Also‚ in terms of test instrumentation‚ different PV electrical tests currently require the use of different testers – typically including an earth continuity and insulation resistance tester‚ a multimeter and DC clampmeter.
Using such an array of instruments can be cumbersome and time consuming – considerations which have led to the introduction of a new generation of integrated testers capable of performing all of the tests required by IEC 62446.
To meet this need the new Seaward Solar Installation PV1 is capable of carrying out all electrical tests required on grid connected PV systems and eliminates the use of multiple test instruments for PV panel electrical installation and connection.
With the push of a single button the new combination tester carries out the required sequence of tests in a safe and controlled manner, avoiding the risk of contact with exposed live conductors.
The installation of PV system by householders is clearly only undertaken after careful consideration of the costs involved and potential return on investment provided by lower energy bills and FIT payments. As a result the verification of system performance and energy output from the panels is therefore particularly important and a major reason why periodic verification and testing of the system can also be very important – as well as being essential to comply with warranty and PV system guarantees.
In many cases simple electrical faults or wiring failures can cause a serious inefficiency in the ability of the panel to produce power. This is particularly important for installers working on ‘roof rental’ schemes were installation has been provided free of charge in return for receipt of the FIT payments.
In such circumstances proper metering will always give an indication of system performance but effective electrical testing is vital not only to prove the safe installation of a new system but also to determine verify ongoing functional performance over extended periods.
More details at www.seawardsolar.com.
Getting involved in helping our industry's charity can be extremely rewarding and worthwhile as well as fun, says Pat Sheldrake, head of fund raising operations for the Electrical and Electronics Industries Benevolent Association (EEIBA).
Companies and individuals have been feeling the squeeze over the last few years and everyone is hoping 2011 will bring an improvement. The economic climate has undoubtedly affected all charities with EEIBA being no exception. For those just starting out on their career in the electrical sector, getting involved to raise funds for some of the people who've contributed so much to our industry in the past, who may now need a bit of help can be both fun and rewarding.
The work of EEIBA takes many forms by giving support and advice and if necessary, financial help to a wide range of beneficiaries who work or have worked in the electrical or electronics industry. These people come from all walks of life and can include electricians, van drivers and those who have worked in manufacturing or even high street electrical retailers. Additionally, relatives and dependents can also be eligible for assistance in certain circumstances.
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