Despite furore around the current level of red tape in the industry, Newey & Eyre has asserted the recently implemented Domestic Building Services Compliance regulations will help create a brighter future and, in turn, new opportunities for installers.
Having come into effect on 6th April (2015), the Domestic Building Services Compliance regulations set out more stringent guidance on fixed building services in new and existing dwellings in a bid to aid energy efficiency requirements under the Building Regulations.
Among other things, the new legislation sets out strict standards for fixed internal and external lighting. Most prevalent, low energy light fittings should have lamps with a luminous efficacy greater than 45 lamp lumens per circuit-watt and a total output greater than 400 lamp lumens. A single switch should operate no more than six light fittings with a maximum total load of 100 watts. Light fittings whose supplied power is less than 5 circuit –watts are excluded from the overall count of the total number of light fittings.
Prior to coming into effect, the consensus was that the additional regulation would be seen as yet another piece to the legislation load for already time-stretched installers. However, Newey & Eyre is reminding the industry that, although the initial time required to get to grips with the new legislation may be off-putting for installers, it will bring new business opportunities.
Kevin Norman, senior product marketing manager at Newey and Eyre, says: “Despite continued innovation in the lighting market, there is still a relatively low awareness and, in some cases, consumers can’t look past initial investment costs.
“With this in mind, the legislation has been designed to bring intelligent lighting control to the forefront – particularly when it comes to the specification of PIR sensors and controls
For example, the new standards state that a single switch should normally operate no more than six light fittings, with a maximum total load of 100 watts. In a kitchen which may already have a downlighter of 50 watts alone and, even if they’re LEDs you’re restricted to a maximum of six fittings – so the obvious option is to recommend dimmers to lessen the energy use and therefore ensure compliance.
“Indeed, the changes do mean new rules for the installer to get to grips with but they are crucial if we are to achieve our ambitious carbon reduction targets and create a brighter future for all of us. Plus, the good news is it will lead to more work as consumers increasingly come to seek energy advice from installers in the know.”