ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 1 To subscribe to this magazine, please contact us at info@electric.ie | website: www.electric.ie the magazine & website for the Irish Electrical Industry electric ie FREE Midsummer Six Nations Competition! Issue 83 | September / October 2026 EWL New Branch in Sandyford IEBA Winter Ball Book Your Tickets Now
2 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • CUBICO MINI 3-Pole Contactors 2.2kW – 250kW CUBICO CLASSIC 3-Pole Contactors 2.2kW – 250kW CUBICO Thermal Overload Relays 0.1A – 38A Authorised Schrack Distributor in Ireland Reliable Motor Control Solutions RELIABLE Dependable performance for continuous operation EASY INSTALLATION MOTOR PROTECTION Thermal overloadrelays protect against overload and phase loss PUMPS FANS & BLOWERS WATER TREATMENT COMPACT Space-saving design for modern panels CONVEYORS HVAC SYSTEMS Quick and simple integration COMPRESSORS IDEAL FOR A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATİON Available from AP Haslam throughout Ireland Your trusted partner for quality electrical products and technical support. +353 (0)1 453 2522 www.aphaslam.ie sales@aphaslam.ie 14 Sunshine Industrial Estate, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12, D12 T996, Featuring Schrack Cubico Contactors & Thermal Overload Relays SCAN ME CUBICO MINI 3-Pole Contactors 2.2kW – 250kW CUBICO CLASSIC 3-Pole Contactors 2.2kW – 250kW CUBICO Thermal Overload Relays 0.1A – 38A Authorised Schrack Distributor in Ireland Reliable Motor Control Solutions RELIABLE Dependable performance for continuous operation EASY INSTALLATION MOTOR PROTECTION Thermal overloadrelays protect against overload and phase loss PUMPS FANS & BLOWERS WATER TREATMENT COMPACT Space-saving design for modern panels CONVEYORS HVAC SYSTEMS Quick and simple integration COMPRESSORS IDEAL FOR A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATİON Available from AP Haslam throughout Ireland Your trusted partner for quality electrical products and technical support. +353 (0)1 453 2522 www.aphaslam.ie sales@aphaslam.ie 14 Sunshine Industrial Estate, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12, D12 T996, Featuring Schrack Cubico Contactors & Thermal Overload Relays SCAN ME
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 3 EWL Electric Opens New branch in Sandyford - Page 16. Handles the Rush, Looks Good Doing It Explore the range at www.atc.ie Premium Finish, White, Matt Black, Brushed Stainless Steel Touch-Free Operation Optional HEPA Filter 15-Second Drying Long-Life Brush Motor 15 Hager - Connecting Education with Industry- Page 19. LEDVANCE becomes Official Lighting Partner of FC Bayern - Page 43. 13 5 Editorial. 6 Whose Fault Is It? – A Discussion on AFDDs. 8 Rointe - Smart Heating, Built Around the Installer. 11 Grant’s Quick Recovery cylinders aim to make heat pump installations quicker and simpler. 13 ATC’s Hand Dryer Gets It Just Right. 14 Rittal Ireland - Reducing installation Time Through Offsite Modification and Assembly. 16 EWL Electric Expands South Dublin Reach with New Sandyford Location. 19 Hager - Connecting Education with Industry. 20 Appointment: Glamox Require Lighting Advisor/ Sales Representative. 21 Glamox Unveils Perhaps the Toughest Ceiling Light in the World. 23 Engineering Shortages and Infrastructure Delays Put Housing Delivery and Economic Growth at Risk. 25 Phoenix Contact: New T1 lightning current arrester for photovoltaicsystems with 1,500 V DC. 25 Phoenix Contact: The Caparoc IIoT framework combines device protection and digital transparency. 26 Midscrummer 6 Nations Competition! 27 Midsummer Renewables - A New Season for Energy Storage. 28 Energy-Efficient Homes Command Higher Sale Prices. 31 Rexel Lighting Solutions - the benefits of working with our Lighting Experts on your next project. 33 New White Paper from RS Warns of Data Centre 'Commissioning Cliff'. 33 Peter Curran Electric Limited Joins Wolseley Ireland Following Acquisition. 35 Ei Electronics Refreshes Its Mobile Training Unit to Support Installers Across Ireland. 39 Irish Electrical Benevolent Association Celebrates Silver Jubilee. 43 Cutterwell: A New Name for a Trusted UK Cable Management Legacy MITA. 47 LEDVANCE becomes Official Lighting Partner of FC Bayern. 49 Schneider Electric - Smarter Protection Without Compromising on Space. 57 PEMCO Appoints Jason Walker as New Sales Manager. 58 B.E.G. Targets Flexible Spaces With New DALI Lighting Control System. 61 Wind Power Curtailed as Grid Constraints Leave Renewable Energy Unused. 62 Irish Apprentices Get First-Hand Look at Future of Electrical Industry. 64 Over 200,000 Homes Across Ireland Have Installed Solar Panels 66 Golf. 67 Buyers' Guide 21 31 Contents
4 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry •
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 5 Editorial electric.ie Electric Bureau Ireland Ltd., Bluebell House Business Centre, Bluebell Avenue, Dublin 12 Tel: (087) 6698028 Info@electric.ie Reg. Dublin: 512293 Colin Sherlock General Manager Layout/Design colin.sherlock@electric.ie DISCLAIMER Electric Bureau Ireland Ltd. accept no responsiblity for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this publication. Electric.ie is published by Electric Bureau Ireland Ltd. The magazine is circulated throughout Ireland and is available on wholesale trade counters and from representatives of electrical distributors who are members of EMDA The editor welcomes: contributions of technical papers, information on new products, details of installation projects and all editorial input of interest to our readers. Printed by W&G Baird There is certainly a lot happening across the Irish electrical industry at the moment, and this issue reflects just how active and diverse the sector continues to be. First up, the Irish Electrical Benevolent Association (IEBA) Winter Ball takes place on 20th November. It promises to be a fantastic evening, with the fabulous ABBAesque providing the entertainment. There are still some tables available, so if you would like to attend, please contact Aine at aine.higgins@irisheba.ie. The IEBA is also celebrating a very special milestone – its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of the Association. We have included a feature celebrating this achievement, including reflections from IEBA President Cel O’Reilly on the Association’s work and its continuing role within the industry. As this issue goes to press, many of you will still be catching your breath after taking part in The Dash of the Derg cycle event. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and we will bring you a full report in our next issue. There is plenty happening on the business side too. Congratulations to Damien Cullen, Branch Manager of the latest EWL location, which has recently opened in Sandyford. We were there for the opening and have a report in inside. One particularly encouraging development is the growing emphasis on training and education for the next generation of electrical professionals. Manufacturers and distributors are increasingly recognising the importance of giving young people the knowledge and experience needed to build successful careers. Hager recently welcomed participants from the EWL Graduates Programme for a day of learning, collaboration and hands-on experience. Schneider Electric, meanwhile, joined forces with the AECI and EIFI to bring a group of Irish electrical apprentices to the UK, giving them a first-hand look at the technologies and skills shaping the future of the sector. It is also encouraging to see continued industry engagement with initiatives such as WorldSkills 2026, highlighting the importance of skills and excellence among young professionals. And it is not just manufacturers and industry bodies investing in the next generation. Kirby Group Engineering becoming an official sponsor of the Ireland U21 Women’s Hockey Team is another example of how companies within our sector are making their mark beyond the traditional boundaries of the electrical industry. Taken together, these stories paint a positive picture of an industry that is moving forward – supporting its people, investing in the next generation and playing an increasingly important role in the wider community. As always, we hope you enjoy this issue and find it both informative and useful.
6 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • WHOSE FAULT IS IT? AFDDs An arc fault detection device (AFDD) is a safety device which activates in the presence of series and parallel arc faults by monitoring the waveform (signature) of an arc. It does this by electronically analysing the waveform and ‘trips’ when the waveform falls outside of predetermined values. The first Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) was patented in the US in 1980 and was described for use in the US National Electric Code (NEC) in 2008. In 2013 the Product Standard IEC 62606 was introduced and became a UK Standard that same year. IS EN 62606: 2013+A1: 2017 General requirements for arc fault detection devices states that the purpose of an AFDD is, ‘… to mitigate the risk of fire in final circuits of a fixed installation due to the effect of arc fault currents that pose a risk of fire ignition under certain conditions if the arcing persists’. Electric Arcs The phenomena of electric arcing were first demonstrated to the Royal Society in London by the chemist and inventor, Sir Humphrey Davy in 1801. Other studies followed and an electric arc can be considered to be: ‘An electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged discharge between two means of conduction’ There are instances where arcing is a desired effect, such as when welding or plasma cutting. However, uncontrolled arcing due to a fault is undesirable. Causes of arc Contact arcs can result from either direct or indirect contact between metal parts which are moving relative to one another or have little conductivity, such as a loose electrical connection or a break in conductor. To generate an arc is a complicated process, but AFDDs have been getting a lot of attention following the publication of Amendment 1 in 2024 and the corrigendum in 2025 of I.S. 10101 in September 2024 (National Rules for Electrical Installations). Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement with Scolmore Group which includes Click Litehouse, looks at the technologies associated with AFDDs. *All references to regulations are from I.S. 10101: 2020+A1:2024+Corrigendum 2: 2025 National Rules for Electrical Installations. - Click Litehouse
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 7 principally an arc fault is a function of the voltage and the distance between the two points of contact. Initially, an arc is composed of metallic vapours (for example, carbon) and current can flow through the damaged section (Fig 1). As the current flows through a material that is a relatively poor conductor, heat is built up due to the I^2 R heating effect. Series arc Whilst it is possible for a stable arc to be formed with low currents, say less than 2 A, there is insufficient energy to ignite the cable and hence, the probability of ignition is severely limited. Most arcing faults detected by an AFDD exist in currents ranging from 3 A to 10 A, and these values reflect normal operating currents in domestic installation circuits. Causes of series arc faults vary but include damaged conductor cores and loose connections. Parallel arc In a parallel arc, insulation breaks down between two or more conductive parts that are normally separated: line to neutral, line to earth and neutral to earth. It is more likely that a parallel arc fault will operate a typical overcurrent protective device, such as a circuit-breaker or fuse than a series arc. Parallel arcs may be formed by tight bending radius of cables, twisting and bending of flex (perhaps by being trapped under door), crushing, other mechanical damage and tracking. Means of detection of arc faults Manufacturers differ in how they choose to conform to the requirements of the Standard, however, Scolmore apply three characteristics in complex algorithms which, when taken together, will cause their AFDD to trip. These are: • Noise – HF noise in the high kHz to the MHz region. This ‘noise’ is generated by the movement of the arc roots at the cathode. Whilst there are other sources of ‘noise’ which are naturally generated by electrical equipment operating normally, these are of a different nature and the algorithm filters them out. • Continuous – ‘noise’ must not be of a brief duration or very intermittent. It is only a continuous process that will lead to the creation of a fire risk and, therefore, where ‘noise’ is intermittent this will not lead to the operation of the AFDD. • Current variation – erratic variations in current and waveform distorting the typical sinusoidal waveform of the normal supply. A series arc will have an impact on the nature of the load current within a final circuit. At the point of arcing there will be an increase in heating with a corresponding variation in current. The AFDD algorithm will sense this changing current. Unless all three elements are present the AFDD will not operate as it is unlikely a true series or parallel arc will be present. Conclusion It is well recognised that arcing can, and will, lead to fire. An AFDD provides additional protection against fire and is particularly beneficial when protecting final circuits supplying socket-outlets. LCEl iDc kV AL iNt eChEo u s e www.clicklitehouse.ie/products/plastic-consumer-units
8 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Rointe Smart Heating, Built Around the Installer For an installer, better heating technology should not mean a more complicated job. It should mean fewer products to handle, faster installation, easier maintenance and a system that is straightforward for the customer to use once the handover is complete. That is the thinking behind Rointe’s latest generation of connected electric heating. At the centre of the range is Inverter Smart Adaptive Technology. Instead of operating like a traditional PID controller, repeatedly switching at full power as temperature moves around the setpoint, Rointe’s system continuously adjusts output to match the real heating demand. Independent testing shows 12% lower energy consumption than an equivalent PID-controlled radiator under the same test conditions. For installers, however, the benefit goes beyond the energy figure. Inverter control has also allowed Rointe to simplify the core radiator offer around three principal outputs: 600W, 1,200W and 1,800W. That means fewer standard sizes to understand, transport and keep available, while the radiator itself modulates output once installed. Shortformat models are also available for projects where wall space requires a different form factor. A more consistent platform also helps installers become familiar with the product faster, simplifying repeat jobs, troubleshooting and routine support across multiple different installations. The result is a more flexible approach to specification without returning to the complexity of the older seven-size range. Standard installation is equally straightforward: selected Rointe inverter radiators are supplied with a plug, brackets, installation kit, template, cable and user instructions, helping reduce preparation time on site. One app, one connected heating ecosystem Hardware is only part of the story. Rointe Nexa brings the connected heating range together in one control environment, allowing radiators, connected towel rails, storage heaters and underfloor heating to be managed from a smartphone. Products connect directly through WiFi Direct, removing the need for additional gateways or smart boxes. Bluetooth pairing supports setup, while Nexa allows products to be organised individually or by room, floor or zone. Installers can configure schedules, activate functions and set operating parameters before handover, giving the customer a system that is already organised around the way the property is used. That becomes particularly useful in rental properties, student How Inverter Smart Adaptive, Rointe Nexa and a simplified product range make specification, installation, maintenance and control easier from first fix to handover.
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 9 LEDVANCREointe accommodation, hotels and other managed environments. Limited Mode can restrict access to selected functions and temperature ranges, while surface temperature limitation can be set on compatible radiators where safer touch temperatures are required. Power limitation on Inverter Smart Adaptive models can also reduce total installed radiator power by up to 30%, providing another tool when working with constrained electrical capacity. For the customer, Nexa provides a simple way to adjust programmes, activate Boost, Holiday or Night modes and monitor consumption, costs and savings. For the installer, that means less time explaining complicated controls and a clearer route for future adjustments that would otherwise risk becoming a return visit. More than radiators The same installer-focused approach extends across Rointe’s electric heating portfolio. Connected towel rails bring bathroom heating into Nexa, while the Genius WiFi thermostat provides app control for Milos and Erko electric underfloor heating systems. For properties using off-peak tariffs, ONYX adds a high heat retention option with WiFi Direct control, Smart Charging and pre-installed peak and off-peak cables. It retains more than 55.3% of stored heat after 16 hours and uses an algorithm to calculate how much energy should be stored for the following day. Its Inverter Smart Adaptive fan then modulates heat delivery according to demand. Beyond heating, Rointe’s 2026/27 portfolio also covers cooling and climate control, including the RX20 wall-mounted split system and portable air-conditioning solutions. These sit alongside the heating ecosystem to give installers access to a broader range of products from one manufacturer, although cooling products use their own control platform rather than Rointe Nexa. A simpler job from specification to handover The real value of smart technology is not the number of functions on a specification sheet. It is whether those functions make the installation easier to sell, fit, configure and support. Rointe’s approach combines adaptive power control, a rationalised radiator platform, direct connectivity and appbased management with technical support for professionals. The company also supports installers during commissioning and provides after-sales technical assistance through its professional channel. For installers, that creates a practical proposition: fewer standard radiator sizes to move and manage, familiar installation methods, no gateway requirement for connected heating, simple app-based configuration and a product ecosystem that can cover more of the project. Smarter heating should make the installer’s job simpler. With Inverter Smart Adaptive and Rointe Nexa, that is exactly the direction Rointe is taking.
10 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 36 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • The smarter choice for heat pump systems Introducing the new Grant Quick Recovery cylinder range - designed for seamless integration with the Grant Aerona R290 heat pump. Discover the QR Cylinder Range Designed to support efficient low-temperature heating performance. - Rapid heat recovery - Optimised for low-temperature systems - Smart pre-plumbed options available - Seamless Aerona R290 heat pump integration - Backed by Grant technical support www.grant.ie
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 11 LEDVANGCErant Grant’s Quick Recovery cylinders aim to make heat pump installations quicker and simpler Designed for use with the Grant Aerona R290 heat pump range, the cylinders bring together hot water performance, electrical components and controls within a coordinated system. Why cylinder selection matters While cylinder specification has been viewed largely as a heating consideration, it can also have a significant impact on the electrical installation, controls set up and commissioning process. Recovery speed, heat-transfer capacity and standing heat loss all affect how efficiently the overall system operates. Grant’s Quick Recovery range has been developed specifically around lowtemperature operation. Its high-surfacearea heat exchange coil is designed to transfer heat effectively at the lower flow temperatures associated with air source heat pumps, including Grant’s Aerona R290 range. The large internal coil is constructed from DN25 stainless steel tubing and supports faster recovery and consistent hot water delivery. This allows a correctly designed system to maintain a dependable supply without unnecessarily increasing heat pump flow temperatures. For the electrical contractor, correct matching at the specification stage can prevent difficulties later. A cylinder, heat pump and control system designed to operate together reduces the potential for compatibility problems, unexpected control requirements or performance issues during commissioning. Less wiring and fewer components on site Grant has placed a particular emphasis on simplifying installation with its Smart pre-plumbed cylinder models. These units incorporate factoryfitted components, wiring centres, thermostats and immersion heater controls. Completing more of this work in a controlled manufacturing Grant’s new Quick Recovery cylinder range combines rapid recovery with factory-fitted electrical components and integrated controls, helping electrical contractors reduce on-site wiring, simplify commissioning and achieve more consistent installations. environment reduces the amount of wiring required on site and helps provide a consistent system configuration from one installation to the next. This can be especially useful on projects where programme times are tight or where several similar dwellings are being completed. Fewer individual components need to be positioned, connected and coordinated on site, reducing installation complexity and helping contractors use their time more efficiently. Every cylinder in the Quick Recovery range is also supplied with a factoryfitted 3kW immersion heater. This simplifies the final electrical connection and provides an integrated backup source of domestic hot water. Simpler commissioning Using components developed by a single manufacturer provides a clearer route through the commissioning process. Assured compatibility between the cylinder, heat pump and controls can reduce the time spent resolving communication or interface issues, while helping contractors confirm system operation against a defined control strategy. Grant’s Smart Quick Recovery models support Wi-Fi connectivity, Modbus communication and smart scheduling through the Grant Aerona Smart Controller. This provides a single control platform for heat pump and hot water management, making it easier to check controller settings, hot water schedules and system responses without coordinating several unrelated thirdparty interfaces. This whole-system approach is increasingly important as electrical contractors take a greater role in renewable heating. The electrical and controls installation has a direct bearing on whether the completed system performs as intended, making correct configuration just as important as the physical connections. Training and technical support As electrical contractors take on a greater role in heat pump installations, knowledge of wiring, controls and commissioning is becoming increasingly important. Grant offers a one-day Heat Pump Training course covering its Aerona R290 range. The course includes electrical wiring, controller settings, sizing, installation considerations and wholesystem commissioning. Installers can also access Grant’s free Heating Design and Specification Service, as well as commissioning support for every Grant heat pump installation. This support can help contractors confirm that equipment has been correctly selected and configured before the system is handed over. Training sessions take place at Grant's dedicated training centre in Birr, Co. Offaly. To find out about upcoming training courses and to book a place, scan the QR code below Keep up to date with the latest Grant news on Facebook and Instagram @grantirl, on LinkedIn @ GrantEngineeringULC, or subscribe to Grant's YouTube channel @ GrantEngineeringIE. For more information, visit www.grant.ie. Grant Aerona R290 air source heat pump & QR Cylinder Range.
12 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Handles the Rush, Looks Good Doing It Explore the range at www.atc.ie Tiger ECO Premium Finish, White, Matt Black, Brushed Stainless Steel Touch-Free Operation Optional HEPA Filter 15-Second Drying Long-Life Brush Motor
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 13 Industry News Too Loud, Too Slow, Too Bulky? ATC’s Hand Dryer Gets It Just Right That’s where Tiger ECO comes in. One hand dryer designed by ATC to meet the demands of hospitality, education, healthcare and office environments, without asking any of them to compromise. Healthcare: Hygiene as a Non-Negotiable In healthcare settings, hygiene isn't a nice-to-have. It's the standard everything else is judged against. Tiger ECO offers a touch-free, hygienic alternative to paper towels, cutting out the bin overflow, damp floors, and crosscontamination risk that come with them, with optional HEPA filtration. The white finish is a natural fit here too, making it easy for cleaning staff to spot dirt or marks at a glance, while the LED Countdown Indicator guides users on exactly how long to dry their hands for. Education: Built for NoiseSensitive Spaces Schools, colleges and universities have their own demands: heavy daily use, tight budgets for maintenance, and a real need to keep noise down in shared spaces. Tiger ECO's low noise output, as low as 70dB(A) at one metre, ATC means it can be installed without disrupting nearby classrooms or corridors. Commercial-grade design ensures Tiger ECO keeps performing, no matter how hectic the school day gets. Hospitality: First Impressions Matter In hospitality, a trip to the washroom is part of the experience. Guests notice finish, cleanliness, and how a space feels, right down to the hand dryer. Tiger ECO's sleek finish in white, matt black, and brushed stainless steel fits comfortably in any space, from a boutique hotel to a busy restaurant. It holds up to heavy daily use without losing that premium feel. And with a 15-second drying time, Tiger ECO ensures a pleasant experience, even at peak periods. Not every washroom has the same job to do. A hospital corridor, a school block, a stylish hotel lobby, and an open-plan office all ask something different of the space. When specifying a hand dryer, it's your job to match the noise levels to the environment, drying speed to footfall, style to the aesthetic, hygiene standards to the function, durability to the level of use—and all within a reasonable budget! Offices: Efficient, Understated, Reliable Offices don't need a statement piece, they need something that works quietly and efficiently. Tiger ECO's contemporary styling fits modern office design without drawing attention to itself, while its energy-efficient operation, with variable outputs as low as 600W and eco modes, keeps running costs sensible in the background. It's a small addition that supports a wider shift many workplaces are already making, towards more sustainable buildings. Different space, different demands. Whatever the job, Tiger ECO handles the rush and looks good doing it. Find full technical details at ATC.ie
14 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Custom Modifications, Delivered by Rittal The Rittal Modification Centre is your trusted specialist to simplify project delivery. Reduce labour. Save time. Keep projects moving. Industry News Reducing installation Time Through Offsite Modification and Assembly In today's fast-paced industrial and IT environments, businesses are under growing pressure to deliver increasingly complex projects on tighter timelines. At the same time, skilled engineers, panel builders and installation specialists are in short supply, leaving teams stretched and resources limited. As labour shortages continue to impact the industry, organisations are looking for smarter ways to improve efficiency, reduce onsite workloads and keep projects on track without compromising quality. One increasingly effective solution is outsourcing labour-intensive modification and assembly work to trusted specialists. This allows businesses to focus their skilled personnel on higher-value activities such as system integration, commissioning and testing, rather than spending valuable time carrying out mechanical preparation work onsite. How Rittal Ireland's Modification Centre in Carlow helps organisations reduce installation time through expert modification, assembly and deployment services. Supporting organisations in addressing these challenges is Rittal. More than just a supplier of enclosures and infrastructure solutions, the company operates an in-house Modification Centre in Carlow that acts as an extension of its customers' operations. Its team works closely with businesses across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, utilities, healthcare, education, data centres and IT infrastructure, providing value-added services that reduce installation time and simplify project delivery. From Standard Product to Custom Solution Every project that comes through the door presents its own unique requirements. While Rittal's enclosures provide the starting
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 15 www.rittal.ie Ready to discover how this could support your projects? csd@rittal.ie +353 (0) 59 918 2100 point, many customers need products tailored to specific requirements. The Modification Centre specialises in making those adaptations before the equipment reaches its destination, allowing engineers and contractors to focus on commissioning systems rather than carrying out modifications themselves. One of the centre's most valuable services is enclosure modification. From cable entry preparations and gland plate alterations to HMI display cut-outs, cooling unit openings and customer-specific modifications based on supplied drawings, the team ensures enclosures arrive ready for immediate equipment installation. Additional drilling, tapping and specialised mounting arrangements can also be completed, helping customers avoid onsite alterations. What sets the Carlow facility apart is the expertise behind every project. The team understands the importance of maintaining enclosure integrity, performance and finish while delivering precise customisation. As Michael Doody, Modification Centre Manager, explains: “Our customers benefit from the confidence that every modification has been completed to the highest standard by specialists who understand the product inside and out”. Supporting Faster Project Delivery Beyond enclosure modifications, the Modification Centre offers assembly services. Mounting plates, DIN rails, cable management systems, internal framework components, door-mounted accessories and enclosure lighting can all be preinstalled before delivery. The team also assembles fuse boards and modular frame structures designed to support electrical distribution and control systems, creating organised, ready-to-integrate solutions that help reduce project timelines. The facility's expertise extends into the IT sector, where complete rack systems can be assembled, configured and prepared for deployment. From installing accessories and configuring layouts to positioning equipment onsite Industry News and joining rack suites, the team supports organisations in bringing critical digital infrastructure online faster and more efficiently. The benefits of using the Modification Centre are clear. By receiving pre-modified and preassembled products, businesses can reduce onsite labour requirements, shorten project schedules and improve productivity. Consistent workshop-based assembly helps enhance quality and efficiency, while local support from the Carlow team ensures a responsive service for customers across Ireland. Ultimately, value-added engineering services, such as those offered by Rittal, can make a real difference to project success, particularly at a time when businesses are under increasing pressure to do more with fewer resources. By personalising products to meet exact customer requirements and delivering solutions that are organised and assembled, the team enables businesses to focus on what matters most: delivering projects on time and with confidence. For more information about the Rittal Ireland Modification Centre please visit www.rittal.ie or contact Michael Doody at Doody.m@rittal.ie
16 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • HEPA Filter 0203 564 9164 – sales@atc.ie – atcelec.co.uk ATC Tiger ECO High Speed Hand Dryer Ultra Modern Design Ecosun Low Temp Ceiling Heaters ATC Pacific Unvented Water Heaters For Wash Stations ATC Dahlia Hand Santiser Station Wash—Dry—Sanitise • Automatic No Touch Operation • Hygienic • 36,000 Operation Battery Life • Battery Powered: 6 x AA batteries • Wall mounted in Minutes • Free Standing Station • No Power Required • Sturdy yet Portable • Adjustable Heights • For use with Dahlia Hand Sanitiser Dispenser • Hygienic No Touch Operation • Dries hands in 15 Seconds • Low Energy (550/1200W) • Super Silent—70dB @ 1m • Optional HEPA Filter – removes 99.97% of bacteria particles • Two panel sizes 600mm x 600mm and 1200mm x 600mm • Energy efficient low energy costs • Draught and Noise free • Ceiling mounting allows flexible use of floor and wall space • Designed for quick and easy installation to suspended ceilings • 3 Sizes: 5, 10, 14 Litres • ERP Rated B • New Safety Valve • Glass lined tank • External adjustable • Thermostat control • Quick recovery element • Wall & Floor Mounted ATC Dahlia Hand Santiser Dispenser Wash—Dry—Sanitise Wash – Dry – Sanitise Restaurants Schools Sports Facilities Universities Stadia Hotels Experience Unique • Soap Dispenser • Automation Water Tap • High Speed Hand Dryer ATC Eco Tap Wash Room System EWL Electric Expands South Dublin Reach with New Sandyford Location EWL Electric has officially marked the opening of its new branch in Sandyford Industrial Estate, expanding its wholesale services across South Dublin. Following its initial trade opening in June, the branch hosted its official launch day on Friday 24th July to introduce the new facility and team to the local market. The event was strongly backed by the electrical manufacturing/ distributing sector, with a broad range of key industry suppliers turning out to show their support. Representatives from leading brands including Ledvance, Robus, Ovia, Garo, ESP, Clik, Litehouse, ATC, ECI, Deta, Dimplex, and more were on site throughout the day with product displays and Strategic Sandyford branch opens with complete product inventory and tailored logistics support for the local trade. technical insights for the team and visiting trade customers. Operating from a 2,700 sq. ft. unit, the location features an impressive trade counter and dedicated warehouse space structured for quick collections and efficient transport access. The facility serves as a singlesource supplier for electrical contractors, commercial fit-out firms, facilities management teams, and industrial maintenance personnel. Commenting on the launch, Damien Cullen, Location Rob Fitzpatrick, Deta Electrical. Mick from Mahony Group with Luke Killeen, Hager and Damien Substantial stocks, including a comprehensive cable area. Damien Cullen, Branch Manager. James Byrne, Sales Office/Trade Counter. Industry News
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 17 A busy trade counter as James chats to customers. EWL Electric Managing Director Stephen Connolly and EWL Sandyford Location Manager Damien Cullen do the honours at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by team members, friends, and key industry supporters. Industry News Manager at EWL Sandyford, said: "It was great to officially mark our opening alongside so many of our key supplier partners who came out to support us. We’ve put together a really strong product offering here in Sandyford, backed by deep technical knowledge, and we're looking forward to welcoming more local installers through the doors as we grow." The branch stocks a comprehensive inventory covering core lines such as cable and containment, switchgear, lighting, wiring accessories, renewables, and EV charging solutions. Designed to keep customer projects moving, the Sandyford location provides site delivery options, technical product sourcing, and an onsite EV charger for customers VISIT THE STAND 211 to avail of. The branch also offers an out-of-hours callout service, ensuring contractors can access essential equipment whenever urgent callouts arise. Brian Taite receives a prize sponsored by Megger
18 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Hager lighting connection & control Built for smarter installations Making Lighting Installation Simpler From connection through to control, Klik helps electrical professionals save time on site while delivering a reliable and professional installation. hager.com/ie ✓ Faster installation ✓ Flexible and scalable solutions ✓ Simplified maintenance and upgrades ✓ Designed for modern building environments Explore the full KLIK range Hager lighting connection & control Built for smarter installations Making Lighting Installation Simpler From connection through to control, Klik helps electrical professionals save time on site while delivering a reliable and professional installation. hager.com/ie ✓ Faster installation ✓ Flexible and scalable solutions ✓ Simplified maintenance and upgrades ✓ Designed for modern building environments Explore the full KLIK range ✓ Faster installation ✓ Flexible and scalable solutions Explore the full KLIK range Hager lighting connection & control Built for smarter installations Making Lighting Installation Simpler From connection through to control, Klik helps electrical professionals save time on site while delivering a reliable and professional installation. hager.com/ie ✓ Faster installation ✓ Flexible and scalable solutions ✓ Simplified maintenance and upgrades ✓ Designed for modern building environments Explore the full KLIK range ✓ Faster installation ✓ Flexible and scalable solutions Explore the full KLIK range Hager lighting connection & control Built for smarter installations From connection through to control, Klik helps electrical professionals save time on site while delivering a reliable and professional installation. hager.com/ie ✓ Faster installation ✓ Flexible and scalable solutions ✓ Simplified maintenance and upgrades ✓ Designed for modern building environments Explore the full KLIK range
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 19 Connecting Education with Industry Bringing learning to life For those beginning their careers in the electrical industry, there is no substitute for seeing the industry in action. Throughout the day, the Hager team was able to get to know the graduates, to talk about the business and to explore key industry trends, including energy efficiency, smart building technologies and sustainability. Learning from industry experts The event also gave graduates the opportunity to hear directly from experienced industry professionals. Open discussions throughout the day covered career development, industry challenges and the skills that will become increasingly important as the electrical sector continues to evolve. "We're able to share real-world experience, build relationships and support the development of future talent." - Kevin Curran, Country Manager, Hager Ireland. Hager Ireland welcomed participants from the EWL Edmundson Graduate Programme for a day of learning, collaboration and hands-on experience, providing valuable insight into the technologies, people and opportunities shaping today's electrical industry. Turning knowledge into solutions A key highlight of the day was an interactive workshop where graduates worked in teams to develop and present sales arguments for a range of Hager solutions. The exercise encouraged participants to focus not only on product features, but also on the value these solutions can deliver to customers and projects. By applying their product knowledge to real-life scenarios, graduates gained practical experience while building confidence in presenting solutions. "Experiences like this help graduates connect their studies with the realities of the workplace, while learning from people already working in the industry." - Patrycja Trudzik, Support Manager, EWL Edmundson. Building valuable connections Networking opportunities and teambuilding activities allowed everyone to connect in a more informal environment, creating conversations that extended beyond products and technology. This day highlighted the value of collaboration in developing future industry talent. By creating opportunities to learn from industry professionals, initiatives like this help graduates build their knowledge, confidence and connections that will support them throughout their careers. Hager
20 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Your work consists of visiting architects, consulting engineers, lighting designers, installation companies and end users. You will work with them on new construction and renovation projects in the industry, office, education and healthcare segments. In this position you are expected to actively look for new relationships and develop them into profitable accounts. Being responsible for these relationships, you will advise them on, among other things, sustainability, lighting and control techniques, Human Centric Lighting and the way in which light can contribute to a better working environment. You will develop a lighting plan, which you present to your customer. You will receive support for all these tasks from the professional office staff and your international colleagues. To further expand Glamox’s premium market position in Ireland and Northern Ireland, there is a vacancy on our lighting design and sales team. Lighting Advisor/ Sales Representative Glamox offers an independent job at a strong Northern European lighting brand. An informal working atmosphere in a small local team and approximately 2,200 international colleagues. You will be given the responsibility to build your own project portfolio. The employment remuneration will include company car, company phone, Health insurance and Pension. Skills/qualities required by the candidate will include: / A demonstrable knowledge of light and lighting technology / Experience in sales / Digitally skilled, we work with Office365 and Salesforce. / CAD competent would be advantageous / Easily make new contacts Send your CV to Donna Kerfoot donna.kerfoot@glamox.com or call 01 4500755 for more information. Appointments
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 21 Industry News
22 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Electronic Timers Time Switches Sensing, Control & Monitoring Relays Plug in Relays, Sockets, Power Relays & Other relay Solutions Lamp Test Modules, Alarm Integrators, Panel Mounted Sounders DC Power Supplies & DC to DC Converters Voltage Transformers ETI MCBs, RCBOs & Fuse Holders Hour Run Counters & Operation Counters Current Transformers Metering Electrical Measurement Transducers Signal Isolators, Conditioners & Converters, Trip Amps & Signal Generators Lightning Current & Voltage Surge Arresterss Distribution Blocks & Bus-bar Solutions Panel Accessories Available from Kempston Controls Ireland +353 (0) 42 9359393 | sales@kempstoncontrols.ie | kempstoncontrols.co.uk
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 23 LEDVAInNdCuEstry News Engineering Shortages and Infrastructure Delays Put Housing Delivery and Economic Growth at Risk A shortage of engineers and delays in delivering critical infrastructure are putting Ireland’s key focuses like housing targets, the transition to low-carbon energies, and the country’s economic competitiveness at risk, Engineers Ireland has warned. In its Pre-Budget 2027 Submission, the engineering professional body, which represents more than 30,000 members, says that Ireland is not producing enough engineering graduates to meet demand across housing, energy, transport, and other sectors of the economy. Just 10% of Irish graduates from third-level courses qualified in engineering, manufacturing, or construction in 2024, compared with an OECD average of 13%, and significantly behind leading European nations like Germany (21%) and Austria (19%). Almost half of engineering employers also reported taking more than six months to fill an engineering vacancy in the past year. These skills shortages are already creating risks for major national projects and Ireland’s ability to compete for international investment, warns the professional body. Engineers Ireland says that this country will require more than 22,000 additional engineers over the next decade to meet growing demand. The submission calls on Government to expand places on accredited engineering programmes, increase engineering apprenticeships, and Budget 2027 must address skills, delivery capacity, and critical infrastructure says Engineers Ireland. extend the Free Fees Initiative to cover the fifth year of accredited integrated engineering master’s degrees. It also proposes a national campaign encouraging more young people, particularly girls, to pursue engineering careers. The submission also identifies housing as the infrastructure issue of greatest concern among engineers. Although more than 38,000 homes were completed in the 12 months to the end of the first quarter of 2026, Engineers Ireland warns that housing cannot be delivered without sufficient water, wastewater, and electricity infrastructure and calls for faster statutory approvals, proactive delivery of Uisce Éireann and ESB connections, and multi-annual budgets for key infrastructural projects. Engineers Ireland is also seeking annual transport investment increases of more than 5% over the next decade, accelerated delivery of MetroLink, DART+, and BusConnects, and provision of a 2:1 ratio of funding in favour of sustainable transport modes to further encourage a shift away from car and fossil fuel use. In the area of energy, the organisation says that infrastructure investment must precede significant growth in electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centres, and also calls for Ireland’s legal restrictions on nuclear energy to be reviewed, allowing it to be evaluated alongside other lowcarbon technologies. Commenting on the Pre-Budget Submission, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said, “If Ireland is to continue to enjoy the growth that has been a feature of much of the last three decades of its economic life, it must swiftly and comprehensively deal with the infrastructural deficits that threaten, not only to undermine the quality of life of those living here, but to drastically reduce this country’s ability to attract foreign direct investment or support a thriving business community. Engineers and engineering remain essential ingredients in the strength of Ireland’s economy, and by appropriately supporting the engineering sector in Budget 2027, Government can give Ireland its best chance at continued success.”
24 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • TT 04-18.000.L1 © PHOENIX CONTACT 2018 Tested for the toughest demands The narrowest surge protection for MCR technology TERMITRAB complete is the world’s narrowest surge protection for MCR technology. The new product range provides you with a complete system kit, featuring a status indicator and optional remote signaling. The narrowest protective devices are only 3.5 mm wide. For additional information call +49 5235 3-00 or visit phoenixcontact.com First type 2 Push-in surge protection Easy handling during installation The VAL-MS PT is the first type 2 surge protective device in the world with Push-in connection technology. Benefit from the advantages of this proven connection method for tool-free installation. Testing the recommended tightening torque is a thing of the past. For additional information, visit phoenixcontact.ie or call +353 (0) 1 2051300 INT01-21.000.L1
ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 25 LPEhDoVeAniNxCEontact The solution captures operating data and diagnostic data from communicative Caparoc modules and makes it available to higher-level systems. The application is based on PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact and can be installed and configured without requiring engineering expertise. The IIoT framework transmits data from the modules via standardized interfaces such as REST API, OPC UA, and MQTT. This allows information from the 24 V DC supply to be easily integrated into SCADA systems, cloud applications, or custom New T1 lightning current arrester for photovoltaic systems with 1,500 V DC The industry is increasingly demanding higher system voltages and maximum system availability. The new lightning current arrester works reliably in this demanding environment. As the first pluggable T1 1,500 V DC arrester in the Phoenix Contact portfolio, the device impresses with its highly robust and compact design for the DIN rail. The protection modules make testing and maintenance work easier. When performing insulation measurements, the plugs are simply unplugged to avoid inaccurate readings. At the same time, the installation remains completely intact. The device meets the requirements of IEC 61643, including all test classes relevant for PV applications. The The Caparoc IIoT framework combines device protection and digital transparency With the Caparoc IIoT framework, Phoenix Contact enhances the communication capabilities of the circuit breaker system of the same name by providing end-to-end OT and IT connectivity. The operating data and diagnostic data from the Caparoc modules is made available directly to higher-level systems via standardised interfaces. Operators gain maximum transparency and benefit from higher system availability. IoT platforms. Users remain fully informed about the status of their system at all times. In addition to the status of individual channels, parameters such as current values, configured nominal currents, warning messages, and diagnostic data can be monitored centrally. This enables the early detection of critical operating states and helps prevent unplanned system downtime. The Caparoc IIoT framework serves as an easy-to-use OT and IT gateway between the field level and information systems. Its open data provision creates the foundation for condition monitoring, remote monitoring, and data-driven maintenance With the VAL-SPP-T1-1500DC-PV-2+V-UT-R lightning current arrester, Phoenix Contact has added a type 1 lightning current arrester for photovoltaic systems with 1,500 V DC to its Safe Protection Plus product family. integrated remote indication contact enables reliable monitoring and integration into higher-level systems – an essential factor for operators who need to manage large PV parks efficiently. The modular design provides clear structures as well as safe air clearances and creepage distances. Typical areas of application include large PV parks and commercial systems. High pulse resistance and optimised handling make the lightning current arrester a future-proof solution for the DC side of modern photovoltaic systems. strategies. This allows operators to use their systems more efficiently and sustainably increase availability.
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