Nearly two thirds of UK consumers have not heard of the ‘halogen lamp ban’

With the sixth stage of the ErP Regulation (EC) 244/2009 coming into force on 1 September 2018, prohibiting certain inefficient non-directional Halogen lamps on the market, LEDVANCE conducted a consumer study that has revealed a lack of knowledge about the ban in Europe.

ASM Pacific Technology (ASMPT) today announced an investment in Critical Manufacturing, S.A. (Critical Manufacturing), a developer and publisher of manufacturing execution systems (MES). Critical Manufacturing has expertise in the integration and networking of machines and systems, as well as IT systems and cloud solutions. This investment would accelerate ASMPT’s efforts to build a portfolio of Industry 4.0 solutions and will boost ASMPT’s software competence in enabling smart factories. 

A national training provider to the utilities sector has won a contract from Skills Development Scotland to deliver Modern Apprenticeships.

 The new round of funding will cover at least 45 new apprenticeship places.

Over 10,000 ECS cardholders have signed up to become ECS Registered Electricians since the initiative was launched last October. 

The JIB established ECS Registered Electrician status to recognise those who are not only working at the industry-recognised Level 3 status, but also have the current edition of the Wiring Regulations. 

The government’s announcement it will bring in mandatory electrical checks in the Private Rented Sector has been welcomed by the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR), which has been campaigning for the change for several years.

Driven by environmental policies uptake and increasing gasification in Asia Pacific, the domestic boiler market grew in 2017 to 15 million units, with China recording the most “dynamic market uptake”. 

Socrates Christidis (pictured), senior market intelligence analyst, of Bsria’s World Market Intelligence Division, said: “The Chinese market, driven by the accelerated effect of the ‘coal to gas’ policy, is now by far the largest global market with over 4.6 million boilers sold in 2017. The Chinese market is dominated by wall mounted gas non-condensing boilers that accounted for 90% of the market in 2017.

Initial plans for Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (5-9 November 2018) have been announced, providing an opportunity for engineers, employers, universities and schools to showcase how engineers aim to make the world a better place.

The week will demonstrate how young people can turn the things they care about most into engineering careers. 

Schneider Electric, a specialist in digital transformation, energy management and automation, launched its first Food and Beverage Forum in Coventry in July.

The event invited customers including Müller Wiseman, Warburtons and Arla Foods, and leading IT and OT partners, such as Cisco, NetApps, SoIPT andEbb3, to examine how advancements in technology can drive productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

The continued investment in renewable energy and reduced reliance on coal fired power stations means Britain’s electric heating is now cleaner than gas central heating, government figures show

It is the latest milestone in the UK’s effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions in line with EU obligations, which includes phasing out unabated coal by 2025.

ERA, a home security specialist, has implemented a new helpdesk team offering end-user support for its smartware security product portfolio.

 The team offers help and guidance for home owners, trade and local authorities from its head office at the i54 Business Park in Wolverhampton.

Bsria will be launching a three day industry course: Disability Access Legislation & Surveys to ensure compliance with the DAA (Disability Access Audit).

The audit is evaluation of a building or service and its accessibility to disabled people.

Electricians can keep up to speed with the 18th Edition Wiring Regs, with a new online course provided by the IET.

The course is suitable for those needing working knowledge of BS 7671, including electrical installers, designers, specifiers and those working in the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, and will prepare electricians for the City & Guilds 2382:18 exam.