wired issue 9

8/8/2019 Wired Issue 9

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The rescue of the 33 trappedChilean copper miners wasperhaps the only good presscopper received in 2010.Unfortunately as each plucky minerwas rising skyward, so was theprice of copper.

Copper price has soared over the last12 months. So much so that inOctober the LME copper price hadrisen to USD8000 per tonne, itshighest level in two years.

This is largely attributed to decreasingstocks and increased demand fromChina’s manufacturers. Copper stocksare reportedly down 25%, the lowestsince November 2009, to 370,000tonnes, while China’s economycontinues to grow unabated.

Speculators do suggest however, thatwith the strengthening dollar, investors

will move away from metals and intocurrency as an alternative investment.This may put copper back into decline.

What does this mean in reality, and forthe electrical industry in the UK?

While fluctuations have an obviouseffect on the price of electric cable, theproportion of copper in a cables costvaries significantly.

Simple cables such as panel wiring,twin and earth, flexes and armouredcables have relatively high coppercontent compared to the time and

processes involved in manufacturingthem.

Taking the example of a 6491X PVCConduit Wire, this may have a costmake up of 65% copper, 5% PVC and30% to cover production, packaging,distribution and profit.

Assuming that all the other elementsremain the same, it is easy to see thatif copper doubles in price, the cost ofthe cable will increase by 65%.

More complicated cable with multiplecores or pairs, screens, braids or aspecial insulation or jacket material areless affected by copper fluctuations.

If you have a regular requirement inthe medium or short term, it may beworth buying it in one go - fixing your

cost and making the most of anyquantity discounts on offer.

This has the sizeable advantage ofsecuring your cost and insulatingyourself against any future rises and

also guaranteeing continuity of supply.

Wherever possible we try and keep our

prices constant. Nobody likes rises and

fluctuations in price, especially in the

current economic climate.

We are happy to discuss fixed pricing

agreements, where cable can be calledoff over a pre-agreed period of time.

This means you don’t have the

problems of storage but do benefit

from consistent pricing.

+++ Metal Prices +++ Metal Prices +++ Metal Prices +++

Copper On The Move A look back at copper fluctuations in 2010

The copper content of a cable can vary

2010 has been a turbulent year for copper price

Winter 2010 Issue 9

Issue 10 of FS Cables cabling guide

‘The Little Red Book’ is out now.

Extended to 176 pages and

increased in size to A5, a host ofnew products and updated technical

tables are included.

Be among the first to receive your free

copy, simply return the enclosed

postage paid reply card and we’ll send

one out immediately.

Issue 10 features the new FSC range ofhigh performance HA multimediacables for home automation. These

include multiple elements such as Cat-5E, coax, fibre or control cablecontained within one distinctively pink

jacket for easy routing.

The coax section now benefits from afull range of connectors in stock, so youcan easily select the accompanyingconnector when choosing your cable.

A range of tools make an appearancefor the first time, including cablecutters, strippers and crimpers, tools forcoaxial and structured wiring.

Continued on page 3

Issue 10 of ‘the little red book’ released In this issue

• Copper On The Move

• Issue 10 of the Little Red

Book Released

• Antennax™ and Connectors

• Draka FireTuf Cables

• KNX Update

• Tools

• Q&A with Katrina Maltman

• Conductor Sizing

• In Brief

• Editorial

23rd November 2010 23rd November 2009 Change %

COPPER £5,274.88 £4,183.73 +26.08%

ALUMINIUM £1,421.48 £1,218.51 +16.66%

SILVER £17.49 £11.30 +54.79%

NICKEL £13,562.17 £10,211.65 +32.81%

All prices per 1000kg except silver per oz. Exchange rates apply at time of trade

FS cables FS cables

FScables

FScables

FScables FS

cables

FScables

FSScablesables

£3,000.00Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sept Nov

£4,000.00

£5,000.00

£6,000.00

Copper Price (£) 2010



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Antennax is the new range of highperformance, ultra low loss coaxial

cables designed to carry signals froma cabinet to an antenna, aerial or dish.

Developed for microwave, satellite andmobile phone masts, these cables aremanufactured and tested to 6GHz toensure optimum levels ofperformance.

These cables are suitable for jumper orpatch assemblies in RF communicationsystems, antenna feeder runs andinstallations where routing requirescompact, flexible low loss coaxial cable.

Copper Stats With the price of copper on the

London Metal Exchange (LME) varying

by the hour it is impossible to predict

where it will be tomorrow, let alone

next month. Add to this the variationsn exchange rate, and you’ve got a

recipe for volatility.

Distributors are on occasion caught

out selling cable at prices below

replacement costs and customers are

sometimes holding off placing orders

n the hope copper will fall. Sadly they

are often disappointed.

The graph on the cover shows the

average copper price in Pounds for

2010 - who knows what it will look ike for 2011. If you fancy a flutter we

know a man in London taking bets!

Prysmian Bids

to Buy Draka Following an unsuccessful attempt

from Nexans in October 2010,

Prysmian are now bidding toacquire Draka.

At time of going to press Prysmian

has offered €840 million for Draka the

Dutch based cable manufacturer who

took over Delta Enfield in the 90’s.

Draka has two cable factories in the

UK at Derby and Washington

producing top quality cables. We hope

both factories will continue.

Multipair Cat-3

& Cat-5 cables Where you need to run large numbers

of pairs of Cat-3 or Cat-5 cables over

distances multipair versions may be

the answer. Cat-3 10, 25, 50, 100 or

200 pair and Cat-5 25 pair are now

held in stock on bulk reels so you can

order just the cut lengths you need.

The cables offer considerable space

saving and are stocked in various

formats including Low Smoke Halogen

Free (LSHF), PE duct grade or

standard PVC.

In Brief

Antennax™

FS Cables, working in partnership withDraka are the official distributionpartner for the FT range of highperformance circuit integrity cables.

Previously known as Firetuf, these

cables provide continued functionality

in the event of fire.

Both types of cables meet the stringent

London Underground (LU) fire resistance

requirements for circuit integrity to

BS 5839-1 2002 + A2 2008 flammability

to BS 4066: Part 3, smoke emission to

BS EN 50268-2 and toxic fume emissions

to LU 1-085 A2 .

FT Data cables have been developed to

mimic Cat-5 performance as closely as

possible and are increasingly popular with

system integrators for BMS applications in

public buildings.

The high speed data transmission makesFT Data the ideal choice for backbonewiring intelligent fire alarm systems oremergency telephone links. They areavailable as 1, 2 and 4 pair cables and canbe terminated into conventional IDCconnectors for easy installation.

FT Coax is a high performance CCTVcable designed to carry on transmittingvideo even in the event of a fire.

The continued functionality providesremote monitoring of tunnels, fire doorsand evacuation routes during a fireallowing the emergency services toprioritise response actions and improveevacuation times - substantially reducing

the risk of fatalities.

FT Coax & FT Data are LU approved foruse on London Underground and areLow Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF)throughout.

In addition, they meet the fire resistancerequirements of BS EN 50200:2000 andBS 8434-2:2003 and achieved therequired performance of BS 8438-2class PH120 (120 minutes survival time)for FR enhanced cables.

To meet recent high demand for the FTrange, FS Cables have increased stock levels on both FT Coax and FT Data. Bothare available for next working-daydelivery.

Many can replace standard RG cableswhere low loss and high performance are

required.

The bonded foil and braid screen delivershigh levels of electrical protection while thefoamed dielectric and flexible outer jacketensure that bending and handlingcharacteristics are not compromised.

Stocked in LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free)and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) thesecables are ideal for both internal and externalinstallations. The LDPE version offers long lifeexpectancy and weatherability, ideal for runsclipped to masts or towers with a highdegree of exposure.

The high performance, ultra low loss coaxial cable

The LSHF version offers protection where

the evacuation of people or property in the

event of fire is critical. A range of high

quality N type and other connectors to suit

Antennax are also available along with

stripping and crimping tools.

For more information on the Antennax

range including connectors, request your

free guide by returning the enclosed pre-

paid card.

As well as providing technical

characteristics and performance figures

for the cable range the handy guide details

the appropriate connectors you need when

specifying.

FS CablesJoin CEDIA FS Cables have joined CEDIA as a tradesupplier. CEDIA is a worldwide tradeorganisation for the home electronicsindustry and promotes professionalstandards around the design, supplyand installation of automatedelectronic systems for the modernintelligent home.

This can include anything from multi-room

audio and home cinema systems tocomplete home networks which controllighting, security, and HVAC.

Joining CEDIA demonstrates FS Cablescommitment to this fast growing sector. Anumber of products for home automationand building control are currently offeredfrom stock including Cat-5/6/7 and therecently certified KNX cable.

In addition, a range of high performancecomposite cables which contain multipleelements such as audio, data and HDMItransmission are now in the new ‘LittleRed Book’.

For more details visit www.cedia.co.uk

Draka Firetuf Data and CoaxBecomes FT Data and FT Coax

Antennax ntennaxAntennax



Editorial

It’s been a fascinating year – we’ve

certainly worked harder, hopefully smarter,

with a record number of shipments.

Copper fluctuations have been as

challenging as ever with a fine line

between getting pricing right and

maintaining stocks.

Overall we’ve increased our stock levels byaround 20% in real terms by broadening

the range and diversity of products. Never

shy of stocking even niche cables we view

stock as an investment and not a liability.

If you are having problems obtaining any

cable, talk to us – it may be we have a

suitable substitute or we may have other

customers also asking for it in which case

we may adopt it as a new stock line.

By far the most exciting development has

been our commitment to apprenticeships.

A couple of years ago we offered NVQ’s to

staff and seven members of the warehouse

(including the warehouse manager) took

them up. This year we created 5

apprenticeship roles and with these

successfully filled, we are now looking for

two more people.

These are all long term, permanent jobs

with trainees rotating through all

departments to get a flavour of the

business and ensure their focus is on

looking after the customer. The more they

know and understand about the business

the more of a valuable asset they will

become. So far the signs are highly

promising with each department

developing a training plan.

As the year comes to a close, I would like

to thank all our customers for their support

and business and reiterate if you have any

comments – good or bad – or would like

to discuss anything in this issue of Wired,

please get in touch – email, phone, fax or

just call in for a chat.

Best wishes

Jon [email protected]

For internal installations where the cablemay be visible, the white KNX cable isideal. The cable is exactly the same inconstruction as the standard green 2pair 0.8mm but has a white LSHF sheathwith yellow printing.

All three have been certified by the KNXassociation as being suitable for use onKNX systems and bear the KNX logo.Using certified products ensures thequality, reliability and guaranteedcompatibility between KNX devices and

equipment.

KNX UK Since the last issue of Wired, FS Cableshave also joined KNX UK as amanufacturer member.

KNX UK is a group of manufacturers,installers and integrators who promotethe KNX standard within the UK.

Joining KNX UK follows FS Cablesmembership with KNX International andsubsequent certification of the KNXtwisted pair cable.

For more information please visit

www.knxuk.org

20th AnniversaryThis year KNX celebrates its 20th

Anniversary but recent reports show that

that the UK still lags behind Europe interms of adopting the KNX standard.

Compare the 220 certified KNXengineers listed in the UK to the 294 inthe Netherlands, 447 in Poland, 2,086in Spain, and 7,344 integrators inGermany!

Take up of new KNX installers training ataccreditation centres such as BritishResearch Establishment (BRE) is strongthough, as Wired saw when it visited a

training course in September.

For more information on KNX trainingcourses available at BRE please visitwww.bre.co.uk

Free KNX Guides

As a member of KNX UK, we are able tosend out free copies of the ‘KNXConsultants Guide’ and the new ‘KNXGuide to Residential Applications’ to ourreaders.

If you would like a copy, simply tick thebox on the enclosed pre-paid reply card.

The Little Red Book Continued...

ToolsTo complement our range of cableswe now offer a selection of cablepreparation, cutting and terminationtools. As users of cutting andpreparation tools for many years

ourselves, we wanted to findproducts which combined qualitywith great value for money.

Manufactured to extremely highstandards and complying with ISO9001:2000 the tools are robust and builtto last. Heat treated hardened steel isused so the blades cut cleanly time aftertime.

Our portable hydraulic cutters will cutmost cables including armoured, mains,aluminium and copper, concentric,telephone and large flexible and

instrumentation cables.

Flip-top rotatable heads which easilyclamp over the cable allow cutting at anyangle in comfort. The dual action

Continued from the cover...

These are all in addition to the existingpages on data, coax and bus cables,signal & control, telephone and audiocables, high temperature includingsilicones and PTFE, rubber & crane,spiral cables and a section on fire & security cables.

Each page features a clear keyindicating the variety of sheathingoptions available over the standard

PVC, such as Low Smoke Halogen Free,duct grade or armoured SWA.

As before, selected tables from the17th Edition Wiring Regulations are

included for reference, as are guides toBritish, European and American colourcodes. Also featured are AWG to Metricconversion charts, stranding charts anda handy Belden cross reference table.

‘The Little Red Book’ is an ideal cablingcompanion either on site or in the office.

Return the enclosed reply card to us,email [email protected] your free copy, or text CABLES to65000 followed by your name, companyand address.

KNX UpdateCable CertificationIn addition to the KNX two pair cable,FSC now offer duct grade, armoured andwhite versions with KNX certification.

The duct grade version features a toughblack UV resistant polyethylene (PE)waterproof jacket over the standardLSHF inner sheath.

The armoured version uses thesubstantial duct grade cable as a basewith the addition of 0.9mm solidgalvanised steel wires cased in a heavywaterproof PE jacket - making it one ofthe toughest cables around.

a telescopic handled version (ideal forcarrying in a tool box) capable of cuttingunarmoured cables up to 240mm ofcopper or aluminium.

Hydraulic and hand crimpers are alsostocked to suit anything from a 400mm2

lug to a tiny coax connector. The benefit

of the hydraulic crimpers is the ease offitting lugs securely onto largeconductors.

Each tool comes with a set of dies to suitand a handy carrying case. Separatecrimping heads are also available forbench work, or for working in veryconfined areas. The range is rounded offwith hand cutters and strippers for safe,easy cutting and termination.

With no minimum order quantity you canbuy a single item or more to supply othersites or engineers.

Full details are available in issue 10 of‘The Little Red Book’, or if you arepassing St Albans come in and try themfor yourself!

hydraulic pump closes the cutter jawsquickly until resistance is met at whichpoint the second stage completes thecutting with the least possible effort.

Special versions are also availabledesigned to cut solid steel rebar used toreinforce concrete. If you wanta separate cutting head and pump this isalso catered for, ideal when working ina confined space or for mounting to

a cable winding or payout machine.

Conventional two handed cutters arealso stocked in three lengths from350mm to 700mm including



What is your role at FS Cables?

I am involved in all aspects of HRadministration. Most of my time over the lastfew months was spent on recruitment,mainly focused on trainees for our

Apprenticeship Training Programme. I am

also responsible for ensuring that all ourpolicies and procedures are up to date andmeet current legislation.

What functions does HR perform?

Our customer service is key, thereforetraining and development plays a big part ofthe HR function as the company grows.

In addition, I look after the day to day runningof the department which includesrecruitment, personnel records and issuingand monitoring staff contracts.

Tell us more about the apprenticeshipprogramme?

We initially started with 2 apprentices back in April, which we found to work extremely well.

We have developed the training programmeby introducing a rotational aspect whereeach trainee spends time in all departmentsin order to have a better understanding ofthe entire company and how everythingcontributes to overall results.

Each department has produced a trainingmanual with various modules which areaimed at three key areas.

Firstly competence - what the trainee will beable to do when they leave each department.Secondly awareness - areas which areoutside their direct tasks but will have a

significant impact on the way they look aftercustomers.

Lastly is general information – any otheruseful information in the long term of whichthey may have no current knowledge.

How does it work?

Apprenticeships are work based trainingprogrammes and are designed around thecompany’s needs and the specific roles thetrainees are taken on to do. Once an externaltraining provider has been appointed they

will support and assess the traineethroughout the programme.

The apprenticeship framework consists of acompetence based element, an NVQ, aknowledge based element which is atechnical certificate, transferable or ‘key’skills and finally employment rights andresponsibilities. A programme will normallytake between 9 to 12 months to complete.

Who has been recruited so far?

We have recruited 5 apprentices this year sofar; Jensen Smart, Carla Luck, Mel Watson,Jamie Turner and Jacques Rose. Carla andJensen have been with the company for 8months and were employed in the UK Sales

department.

Jensen has started his rotation and iscurrently working in the Purchasingdepartment and is enjoying his time there.We are currently looking to recruit another

OEM Sales: 01727 849 801

Contractor Sales: 01727 849 802

Credit Control: 01727 849 827

Purchasing: 01727 849 805

Marketing: 01727 849 806

There have been high profile cases

recently of substantially undersized

conductors being sold, mainly in

products such as conduit wire, T&E or

flexes, showing total disregard tosafety.

In the good old days when copper was

relatively cheap, conductors were

primarily sized by their cross sectional

area.

This was all set out in IEC 60228 and

BS 6360 with different classes for solid,

two people for the apprenticeship trainingprogramme.

What training do they receive?

Apprenticeships work towards a National

Vocational Qualification (NVQ), this isdesigned to test competence and shows thatthe trainee can carry out their specific jobrole effectively. In conjunction with this, theassessors will ensure that each trainee willdevelop technical knowledge and key skills.The combination of practical and theoreticallearning ensures that the trainee obtains awell-formed learning experience.

What are the benefits?

As we see it the benefit to the business is thatwe will have fully-trained individuals who havegained a greater understanding of thecompany as a whole and will be able to putwhat they have learned into practice.

We are committed to investing in all staff byoffering a fully comprehensive trainingprogramme and the apprenticeship schemeensures that our new staff have the practical

skills and qualifications to meet both our needsand more importantly those of the customer.

Why did the company decide toimplement the scheme?

The current difficulties of the country and inparticular employment issues affecting theyoung are well documented.

Our aim was to do our bit to help and at thesame time get really engaged, well trainedemployees who will hopefully stay with thecompany for many years.

We have been massively impressed by thequality and enthusiasm of many applicantsand are comfortable we have got some realtalent coming through.

We cannot change the world, but we canmake a difference to a small number ofpeople leaving school and college in the

Hertfordshire area.

If you have a suitable vacancy it is well worthgetting in touch with your local youthemployment team, you could make a bigdifference to someone.

stranded and flexible conductors. While

these standards dictate the number of

strands and maximum strand size, the

overiding element is the maximum

resistance figure.

Originally this was to combat impure

copper conductors. Now however, due to

the high price of copper, many

manufacturers are working entirely to the

resistance figure and conductors are

bearing little resemblance to the correct

mm² size.

This can cause major problems from

crimping on lugs and terminations.

Although a conductor may pass the

resistance test prior to manufacture, by

the time it has passed through the

unavoidable tensions and stresses of the

production process, reeling and

eventually installation, the conductors

can easily become elongated to a point

where the resistance figure is below the

acceptable standard.

With copper likely to remain high for the

foreseeable future it is important to look

beyond just cost when comparing

quotes.

Suggested weights of copper for any

popular conductor size are shown in the

back of ‘The Little Red Book’ and you can

always get up to date copper prices from

www.lme.com.

As ever, if a price looks too good to be

true it probably is.

Alban Point, Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St. Albans, Herts AL4 0JX

Conductor Sizing

Q&A With Katrina Maltman - Human Resources

From left to right - Jamie Turner, Carla Luck, Mel Watson, Jensen Smart, Katrina Maltman and Jacques Rose

S cables

S

Scables

FSSables

General Sales: 01727 840 841

Fax: 01727 840 842

www.fscables.com

[email protected]

wired issue 9

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