Joe Bishop

Sulphur hexafluoride – SF6 – is widely used in the electricity distribution industry in medium- and high-voltage installations such as substations, transformers and power stations. It is an odourless, colourless, non-flammable gas that acts as an insulator and prevents explosions and fires brought about by short circuits.

These qualities have made it the most common gas insulator for HV switchgear and use is increasing as a greater number of smaller generators come onto the grid. However, concern has been raised about the global warming potential of SF6 as use increases, perversely driven by increased demand for renewable energy.

On 9th August, Britain experienced one of the biggest power cuts in a decade as over 1,000,000 people were left without power across England and Wales. As well as thousands of homes going without power, the blackout also had a massive disruptive effect on transport with problems on the rail network and at Newcastle airport in addition to disruption for community facilities and businesses. But what lessons can be taken from the outage?

From 2017, a change in the law required the introduction of a new refrigerant – HFO-1234YF (also known as R-1234YF) – in air-conditioning systems of vehicles, replacing the widely used R134a. This has implications for automotive engineers and HVAC technicians, particularly when it comes to using appropriate gas leak detectors.

Energy suppliers are obliged by Ofgem to take all reasonable steps possible to have a smart meter installed in the premises of all their domestic and small business customers by the end of 2020¹. The benefits of smart meters from both a consumer and environmental point of view have been loudly trumpeted in press releases and advertisements, but significant doubts remain and the 2020 deadline looks more and more optimistic when set against the facts. So where is the UK’s smart meter project?

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The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) is an internationally recognised protocol for making businesses more efficient when it comes to energy use.

Assessing air permeability is the best way of checking whether a property is airtight or not, particularly around areas other than windows and door frames. Airtightness is an important factor to consider as it gives a clear indication of material, component and workmanship standards as well as having an effect on running costs. Thermal imaging provides a great way of assessing air permeability using the blower door method and is therefore ideal for spotting defects before they start to worsen or cost money.

Mould is a widespread problem affecting old and new buildings alike, particularly when new windows or doorframes are fitted retrospectively. Thermal imaging can be used in conjunction with humidity and air temperature measurement to detect mould-friendly conditions before a serious problem develops, thereby protecting the health of occupants and workers as well as lowering costs of remedial work.

Solar panel installations are becoming increasingly popular from both a private, commercial and governmental perspective amid a fall in installation costs and a long-term price rise in non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil and gas. However, solar panels require regular maintenance, which is where thermal imaging can provide an efficient solution to many of the challenges posed.

We stock a multitude of Seaward Solar instruments that together form the market’s most comprehensive solar PV testing range. There are advanced options for solar PV testers, irradiance meters, and solar tools, which are also available in a range of great value kits.

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We are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new Safe Isolation Awareness Course delivered by Test-Meter.co.uk. The new course covers statutory requirements and is intended to teach all candidates how to electrically isolate installations during maintenance. It can be delivered at an appropriate venue of the client’s choosing and can be tailored according to any specific needs or requirements.

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