Using calculations from electrical distribution software simplifies designs, but should not be taken at face value, says Simon Rae, of Diales Technical. He recommends verifying outputs to minimise the risk of equipment damage, electric shocks and fire
Tag: Electrical
Futurebuild: navigating a path to net zero
The built environment industry gathered at the Futurebuild conference last month in London, to discuss various paths to decarbonisation. Alex Smith and Molly Tooher-Rudd report
Arc detection devices: fault-finding mission
Arc fault detection devices have been recommended in wiring regulations since 2019. Based on his own experiments, Hoare Lea’s Kenelm Hoare MCIBSE looks at the realities of arc risk and discusses how effective the devices are in preventing electrical fires
Plugging in numbers: integrating cars with all-electric homes
Plugging an electric vehicle into a home energy network could save homeowners £300 a year, according to a new study by the University of Salford in collaboration with Honda and two energy firms. Phil Lattimore looks at the challenge of integrating cars with all-electric homes
Using renewables to unlock the Grid
If electric vehicles and batteries are to herald an all-electric future for homes, smart tech must be developed and tested to ensure there is always available energy to match household demand. Andy Pearson reports
Taking charge: gas sensors in battery rooms
A build-up of hydrogen in battery stores or charging rooms will create an extremely flammable atmosphere, so detection systems should be competently installed and commissioned, says Medem’s Chris Dearden
What electric vehicle charging means for building services design
With electric vehicles set to replace diesel and petrol cars by 2040, Ramboll’s Adam Selvey says engineers must act now to ensure buildings can deal with the unprecedented demand for electricity
Energy infrastructure must keep pace with electric vehicles
Government must focus on upgrading infrastructure, says Matthew Rhodes
Stretching Forth – Prefabricating services on Scotland’s new landmark bridge
Without BIM and prefabrication the services on Scotland’s new Queensferry Crossing would have been costlier and more dangerous to install. Andy Wall, managing director of SES Engineering Services, speaks to Alex Smith
Power of good – future of UK heat
The capacity to decarbonise the energy used to heat buildings and for transport is huge, say TÜV SÜD Wallace Whittle’s David Davies and Alex Pepper