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The British government and Ofgem have recently announced several changes to the National Grid which will transform how we use, store and generate electricity. Regulations will be eased, thus allowing private individuals and businesses with small-scale renewable generators to sell energy more easily, and public investment is set for the battery sector alongside several other rule changes. The headline-grabbing claim of these modifications is that consumers will save up to £40 billion by 2050¹ whilst they should also address fears about a lack of generator capacity but their effectiveness in practice remains to be seen.

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The FLIR C3 is an excellent thermal camera for all manner of professionals and is currently available with a choice of two great free gifts! The camera’s impressive thermal capabilities are complimented either by a FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen or by a VP52 Voltage Detector. These additional instruments supplement the C3 by forming an excellent package for detecting moisture or for inspecting electrical systems.

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Electric shock is an ever-present danger to professional electricians and maintaining safe working practices is crucial to preventing serious injury and loss of life. Unfortunately accidents do happen so it is important to understand the effects of electric shock on the body, as well as to know the correct response procedure when a colleague is injured.

Four new cameras from Testo are now available from Test-Meter! The Testo 865, 868, 871, and 872 Thermal Imaging Cameras share many useful common features whilst also offering handy additional options and varying thermal imaging specifications across the range. Priced from just £799 to £2199, these cameras offer brilliant value in terms of both image quality and practicality.

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Test-Meter.co.uk has recently greatly expanded its C.Scope range to stock the latest in the company’s advanced cable avoidance technology. The complex infrastructure found in most major cities now presents a web of hidden obstacles to workers during the excavation phase of major projects and it is vital to avoid cable strikes when digging as electricity and gas lines pose a major threat to life in addition to heavy financial penalties.<!

Amid rising energy prices and an uncertain trading environment, energy efficiency - the so-called ‘fifth-fuel’ - is becoming an evermore important factor in decisions made by business owners and managers. In fact, Carbon Trust research has shown that up to 20% of energy costs are spent on unnecessary or wasted energy so the potential saving is very significant. Luckily, Chauvin Arnoux has provided a comprehensive solution to identifying inefficiencies and waste: the Energy Efficiency Business Solution (EEBS) - available right now from Test-Meter - which features a power quality analyser and thermal camera for picking up on both electrical and thermal wastage.

Friday 21st April 2017 was an important date in the history of electricity production in the UK. For the first time since 1882, coal provided no electricity to the National Grid as West Burton 1 power station was taken off-line for 24 hours¹. Instead gas, renewables and nuclear power filled the gap to ensure the lights did not turn out. The percentage of British electricity produced by coal burning dropped from 23% in 2015 to 9% in 2016¹, a dramatic fall, but at a time of record low oil and gas prices, it remains to be seen whether fellow fossil fuels will see similar reductions compared to renewables and what effect this may have on the test and measurement industry.

Introduced in April 2013, Technical Bulletin 143 from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) outlines a safer procedure for commissioning condensing boilers without air/gas ratio valves. Following a small number of carbon monoxide poisoning incidents involving newly commissioned units, the HHIC, boiler manufacturers and other industry bodies have worked together to produce a new testing procedure that is clear, safe and comprehensive.

To help professionals make the most out of their PAT Testers, Seaward are offering a series of complimentary training sessions in locations across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. With locations as diverse as Belfast, Norwich and Bradford, there is sure to be a session close by and everyone is invited to bring along their own PAT tester, regardless of brand.

‘Wireless’ has become a buzz word over the last 10 to 15 years, suggesting speed, efficiency and modernity. Whilst these advantages remain somewhat ill-defined, it is certain that various methods of wireless communication have filtered onto an ever-increasing array of products in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. The test and measurement sector is no exception. The benefits, however, can remain quite vague so this article aims to give both a basic overview of wireless technology and an insight into how it can help professional electricians and maintenance experts. Most wireless-enabled products on Test-Meter now use one of three principal methods: infrared, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.