Wholesalers still taking risks

Almost a quarter of wholesalers sold some non-approved products in the last 12 months despite the increase in faulty cables coming onto the UK market, a survey by the British Approvals Service for Cables has revealed.

The research highlights how price followed by quality are still the key factors for wholesalers' customers when it comes to purchasing cables. BASEC approval is believed by wholesalers to be the third most important factor.

However, 30 per cent said their customers are still inclined to buy a cheaper alternative in the survey carried out by an independent research organization.

A total of 23 per cent of those questioned in the survey have sold some non-BASEC cable in the last 12 months. Problems arising from the sale of non-approved cable included low conductivity, poor plastic insulation, damaged cable and delivery problems More...

Website helps contractors

A new website dedicated to helping mechanical and electrical contractors take advantage of the business opportunities created by the rising demand for sustainable buildings is now live. Provided by M&E Sustainability, the site at www.mech-elec.org.uk features detailed design guides, updates on relevant legislation, technology guidance, case studies and news items. More...

Free advisory service available online

As a service to our approved manufacturers and their customers, BASEC is highlighting its free-of-charge complaints investigation service for installers and end users when cable-related problems emerge with an installation using BASEC approved cable. More...

Cables head's speech in India

Chief Executive of the British Approvals Service for Cables Dr Jeremy Hodge (pictured right) was a keynote speaker at a prestigious cable conference held in Mumbai. Dr Hodge talked about new technical developments, environmental legislation, harmonization, fire performance and global trade.The theme of Cablewire 2008, was Facing Challenges and Meeting Expectations and provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experience on technology, global trends and problem solving.

NICEIC connects with approval scheme

NICEIC, the electrical contracting industrys' voluntary regulatory body, has announced that the number of contractors registered on its roll of Approved Contractors is at an all time high. The NICEIC Approved Contractor scheme has been in operation since 1956 with the aim of protecting everyone who uses electricity from unsafe electrical installations in their homes, places of work and leisure. More...

Faulty cables alert

BASEC Online is offering more services to customers including a new section on faulty cables, what preventive steps can be taken and what can be done for those who end up buying rogue cables. This covers the issues, what you should do, details about the BASEC approval process and contact details. More...

700 sign up for Carbon campaign

Seven hundred organisations across the UK signed up to cut carbon emissions from their buildings during the 100 Days of Carbon Clean Up Campaign run by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), in association with E.ON, one of the UK's leading electricity and gas companies. The Low Carbon Performance Awards will take place on 6^th February 2008 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. More...

Events for your diary

12 Feb 2008 - ECA Annual Dinner, Grosvenor House Hotel, London - The event attracts over 1000 guests representative of all sectors of the electrical and construction industries, including government departments, electrical supply, manufacturers, wholesalers, related trade and professional associations and institutions. Many ECA members use the opportunity to entertain their personal guests from industry and commerce.

20 Feb 2008 - Powering The Nation, Univ of Exeter - As a contribution to the 2006 Energy Review, PB Power updated some of the assumptions it made in its earlier work for the Royal Academy of Engineering and published its own impartial and independent report on the costs of generating electricity entitled Powering the Nation . The results of this updated study will be given in this presentation given by Ian Burdon, Director of Renewables at PB Power.

17 March 2008 - Developments in Power System Protection, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow - The conference is aimed at engineers involved in the application, ownership, management, design and development of power system protection and control systems. Submissions are invited from utility, generation, industrial, manufacturing and railway industries, consultants and academia. All papers will be peer reviewed and accepted papers will be delivered by oral and poster presentations. The conference will be preceded by a one day tutorial covering topics of relevance to the subject area.

29/30 April 2008 - The CIBSE/ASHRAE Conference 2008, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel - Exploring sustainable practices for both new and re-commissioned buildings. Focusing on new legislation, 'how to' expertise and best practice in costing, constructing, staffing and selling sustainability, this conference will be invaluable to anyone wishing to equip themselves for the future demands of clients, Government and the environment.