Western Power has dumped its bungled electricity connection scheme in the too-hard basket, with home owners and small businesses set to suffer as a result, according to Master Electricians Australia (MEA).

MEA WA State Manager Anthony Mancini said Western Power had failed to offer any new accreditation training to contractors since August last year, after it was forced to update its procedures following damning audit recommendations. “This blanket rejection of any new Contractor Connect training in the last eight months is now beginning to jeopardise the entire electricity connection process,” Mr Mancini said. Local contractors will not have enough accredited staff to complete power connections.

The responsibility for new connections will fall entirely to Western Power to complete connections, resulting in delays – Western Power line persons will be unable to cope with demand when new housing connection volumes rise. Their inability to create a new training scheme for Contractor Connect and their failure to provide a date for its recommencement has left many business owners in WA suspended with major work demand issues and unable to engage new operatives.

“Many contractors have also dropped off the scheme as the new audit requirements have become too onerous, and the connection process has fallen back to Western Power. Contractors had previously connected up to 70% of all installations resulting in consumers having immediate power however as they drop off the schemes connection delays will result.

Mr Mancini said he was disappointed in Western Power for failing to listen and to work with industry to enhance the schemes, thus delivering workable solutions. He said MEA had raised its concerns over the scheme with Western Power, and despite promises that industry would be consulted over any re-development of the Contractor Connect scheme, to date no consultation has occurred.

“Western Power has failed to recognise the valuable contribution that electrical contractors have made to the connection process and has treated them with disdain,” he said.

“It is becoming too time consuming and uneconomical for small businesses and subcontractors to remain on the schemes. Not being able to have new staff trained to connect and relocate meters also makes it very difficult to perform the work volumes that they are committed to. Feedback from members in WA has showed this issue has taken a huge financial toll on their businesses and they are being backed into a corner”.

Source: http://www.voltimum.com.au

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) today urged the Western Australian Government to take unlicensed and illegal electrical work seriously, and direct more inspection resources into deterring unsafe do-it-yourself electrical work in WA homes!

MEA state manager Anthony Mancini said the WA Government should move immediately to protect consumers by:

• Conducting a major media campaign highlighting electrical safety and the dangers of unlicensed electrical work
• Increasing safety switch protection to all circuits
• Requiring mandatory point-of-sale signage to use licensed electrical contractors for electrical installations and equipment
• Mandating electrical safety inspections when homes change hands; and
• Establishing an electrical safety hotline for unsafe and unlicensed work to be reported.

Mr Mancini urged the State Government to channel their resources into further educating the WA public on the perils of illegal electrical work. “Rather than spending all of their time checking and double checking the work of licensed contractors who are submitting the appropriate paper work and abiding by electrical regulations, they should be alerting the public to the dangers of DIY or illegal electrical work and following up on reported instances,” Mr Mancini said.

“This can be achieved through a number of simple tactics such as a media campaign highlighting electrical safety.

“There needs to be continued education of the WA public into the values of a Safety Certificate being received for any electrical work that has been undertaken on their homes.

“Safety switches should be installed on all circuits to prevent the risk of an electric shock should an electrical incident occur.

“With growing public awareness, WA can greatly reduce the risk of an electrical safety incident. We should be aiming for zero electrical accidents, fatalities or fires in the state.”

Mr Mancini said the WA Government needed to consider the crucial need for a review and re-allocation of their current inspection resources.

“The State Government seems to focus their inspection resources on new homes wired by licensed electrical contractors and existing installations where contractors had submitted notices for their work,” he said.

“We need to look out of the box and focus on high risk areas such as DIY electrical work where no notices are submitted.

“We urge the WA Government to put forth a requirement for mandatory signage in stores selling electrical equipment that a licensed electrical contractor must be used for any electrical installations.

“Under current legislation two safety switches are required in WA homes but internal checks are not mandatory. Creating a mandatory home point-of-sale electrical check by an electrical contractor would ensure no illegal wiring exists in the home.

“Safety checks into unapproved imported fittings would also ensure electrical compliance and prevent fires and the risk of an electric shock.

“Lastly, we ask that an electrical safety hotline with a dedicated advertised number be established where illegal wiring or electrical work can be reported and immediate advice and necessary steps can be taken to prevent a serious electrical safety injury.”

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Why should I sign up for the EIW WebStore? The EIW WebStore is your one-stop-shop for all your electrical need’s, product and account information. There are many benefits when a business sign’s up for a login to the EIW WebStore. The EIW WebStore is designed to be a helpful tool that can assist you in reducing the cost of doing business and will provide you with access to a detailed information resource containing over 160,000enriched products plus much more.

• Click & Collect - SAVE Time & Money – The EIW WebStore allows you to search for & order products anywhere you can access the Internet. Getting access to products you need can be as simple as ordering goods from a job site using a tablet PC or smart phone. If your time is short the web store affords you to place orders at a time that fits around your key business trading hours for collection at a later time.
• Avoid The Queue – Access the WebStore 24/7 where ever you are, orders can be researched and placed at a time that suits your business schedule. For example, placing an order in the afternoon for pick-up the following morning. Spend your time on the job not waiting at the branch.
• Predictive Text – You don’t need to remember long & ever-changing part numbers, easily search for products using our dynamic search bar with predictive text to find what you’re looking for fast. The search bar will return matching part numbers from your search text.
• Online Quotes – Create, request and approve quotations all from the web store, just login to view your active quotes, as soon as the staff at the branch have processed your quote it will appear in your ‘My Quotes’ tab awaiting your review and approval.
• Order Tracking – Keep track of your orders & quotations with status updates.
• Live Information – Not only can you view our products but the WebStore also shows you stock levels at your local branch in real-time. You can make sure the goods you need are in stock, just login to the web store.
• Account Data – Your account Information is at your fingertips when you need it. You can access your current account balance & up to 3-years of invoices and statements. You’ll also have a pdf soft copy e-mailed straight to your inbox so there’s no more waiting for an invoice to be faxed to you.
• SAVE $$$ – With the web store you can get in early to view & purchase monthly specials & promotions straight form our digital catalogue.
• There are still many more benefits that the WebStore can offer your business. SIGN UP or talk to your local branch today about how the EIW WebStore can benefit your business.

Additional eCommerce solutions that can SAVE your business TIME and MONEY! Want more control of your procurement process? Are you looking for ways to reduce the cost of procurement? Contact EIW Web Services on 1300 310 152 and ask how EIW eCommerce can assist your business today.

Following on from the successful launch of the EIW WebMobile, has released the EIW App. The App has the following features & functions available:

• A comprehensive store finder to quickly find your closest EIW branch
• Quick Access to Industry News
• Reference Material to assist you with quick calculations
• Feedback & Social Media: Have your say and tell us what is important to you
• Link to the EIW WebMobile store to Buy, Quote or access your account information

Click HERE to download the EIW App or visit the Apple App Store from your iPhone today!

The  NEW EIW APP is designed to work with and take advantage of the EIW WebStore and WebMobile online shopping platform. For your business to take full advantage of the benefits EIW eCommerce can afford, be sure to REGISTER for you WebStore login today!

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) recently released its latest forecasts, showing a fragmented outlook for the industry.

Current industry forecasts have highlighted that the next 12 months will be make-or-break times for many businesses, from architecture and design, to building and concreting. International concerns seem to be driving these forecasts with the poor economic performance in Europe, plus slowing growth in China, India and Brazil.

Depending upon work type and location, there is significant variability in how businesses are faring across the country,” said Peter Barda, Executive Director of ACIF. “The ACIF Forecasts show that many of the cycles of the past are gone. There is a new ‘normal’, and for many, it will be poor in comparison to previous buoyant times. Businesses need to plan carefully using good quality information to find their new playing field.”

With the Australian population increasing and changing demographics, there seems to be a revival for flagging residential building in most states. Residential building in NSW has been weak over the past 10 years and will enjoy some relief in 2012-13 with an expected $17 billion in residential work, with good news also for WA and Queensland. However, the boom in VIC seems to have come to an end with the demand in that market decreasing with similar results occurring in the other states.

The ACIF Forecasts indicate that engineering construction will reach a peak in 2014 at $120 billion per year as construction for the resources sector tapers off. Uncertainties around the globe with demand for minerals has seen some major projects put on hold. However, a surprisingly high level of work remains in water and sewerage. Thanks to initiatives such as the Carbon Price Mechanism, National Broadband Network and the Renewable Energy Target scheme, this sector will continue to be the most productive industry sector for the next seven years.

The changing demand patterns and work types in the industry will have a large effect on construction industry employment, with declining requirements for high-skilled workers over the forecast period, with growing needs for tradespeople and low-skilled workers. The type of work available, with the majority being regional engineering construction rather than urban residential and non-residential building, has seen a reduction in the number of apprenticeships available, which will have long-term impacts on the skills of the industry.

Source: Voltimum http://www.voltimum.com.au/news/17882/infopro.whatsnew.latest/Latest-Australian-Construction-Industry-forecast-released.html#.UUEGntaftWR

N-Line Isolators

NHP are pleased to announce the release of the new range of N-Line quality isolating switches.

Available in 10A, 20A & 40A for both single and three phase applications, the N-Line Isolators are ideal for the HVAC and mechanical services industries. The new N-Line isolators are a cost-effective solution to any application, be it reverse cycle air conditioning, pool/spa pumps, outdoor lighting and many more.

Some of the great standard features of the N-Line isolator range include:

• Large isolator handle for easy operation

• Padlockable switch in the off position, knock out to lock in the on position with devices up to 10mm

• RAL 7035 UV resistant polycarbonate

• IP 66 protection

• Stainless cover screws standard

• 2 pole switch mechanism standard on for single phase models 20 A & 40 A

• Generic mounting and entries

• 2 x 25-20 mm reducers included

For more information, please drop into your local EIW branch or visit www.nhp.com.au

Why register your business for the EIW WebStore?

The EIW WebStore is your one-stop-shop for all your electrical goods need’s, product and account information. There are significant benefits afforded when a business signs up for a login to the EIW WebStore.

The EIW WebStore is designed to be a helpful & powerful tool that can assist you in reducing the cost of doing business and will provide you with access to a detailed information resource containing over 160,000 enriched products, plus many other features outlined below.

• SAVE Time & Money – The WebStore allows you to search for & order products anywhere you can access the Internet. Getting access to products you need can be as simple as ordering goods from a job site using a tablet PC or smart phone. If your time is short the web store affords you to place orders at a time that fits around your key business trading hours (Click & Collect)

• Avoid The Queue – Access the WebStore 24/7 where ever you are, orders can be researched and placed at a time that suits your business schedule. For example, placing an order in the afternoon for pick-up the following morning. Spend your time on the job not waiting at the branch.

• Predictive Text – With the WebStore you won’t need to remember part numbers, easily search for products using our dynamic search bar with predictive text to find what you’re looking for fast. The search bar will return matching part numbers from your search text.

• Online Quotes – Create, request and approve quotations all from the WebStore, just login to view your active quotes, as soon as the staff at the branch have processed your quote it will appear in your ‘My Quotes’ tab awaiting your review and approval.

• Order Tracking – keep track of your orders and quotations with status updates.

• Live Information – Not only can you view our product range but the EIW WebStore also shows you stock levels at your local branch in real-time. You can make sure that the goods you need are in stock, just by logging into the WebStore.

• Access Your Account Information – Your account information is at your fingertips when you need it. Access your current account balance & up to 3-years of invoices and statements. You can also have a PDF soft copy e-mailed to you so there’s no more waiting for an invoice to be manually faxed to you.

• SAVE $$$ – With the WebStore you can get in early to view & purchase monthly specials & promotions straight form our digital catalogue.

There are still many more benefits the EIW WebStore can offer your business, SIGN UP or talk to your local branch today about how the EIW WebStore can benefit your business.

Want all these fantastic features too? SIGN-UP TODAY

Want more control of your procurement process? Are you considering automating your entire transactional flow? If so, contact us today and look out for feature articles on our flexible WebFlow & WebConnect e-commerce solutions in the coming months.