Environmental and Solar

Mould isn’t simply unseemly. It’s dangerous. Every year NHS England spends £1.4 billion treating illnesses resulting from prolonged exposure to cold and damp living situations.[1] A 2023 study by Utilita Energy uncovered that 24% of 2000 participants found mould in their homes. It also discovered that 21% of respondents currently live with damp, while 20% regularly encounter “excessive” condensation.[2] Similarly, research conducted by Uswitch revealed that 58% of UK residents surveyed had found mould in their homes at some point.[3] The catastrophic consequences of untreated mould were cast into the public eye in November 2022 when a Senior Coroner for Manchester North ruled that toddler Awaab Ishak’s death was caused by “a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment.”[4] Consequently, a new law was proposed. Awaab’s Law will require social housing landlords to address issues within fourteen days; begin fixing them within a further seven; or ensure emergency repairs are undertaken within twenty-four hours.[5] This law is necessary. Nevertheless, addressing mould is expensive. However, fear not because identifying the circumstances conducive to mould (and correcting them to prevent outbreaks) is easier and cheaper. Read on for five simple ways to spot these conditions before outbreaks damage your health and home. Continue reading →

https://youtu.be/LlZIEdZ5HhI PASS Presents... Back for a third time, Fluke UK and Ireland Sales Manager and friend of the show, Marc Sherwood, returns to tell our presenter everything you need to know about Fluke’s new SMFT-1000 Solar Multifunction PV Tester. As we shift towards renewable energy, now is the time to get acquainted with Fluke’s only multifunction tester specifically designed for testing solar/PV panels. Watch the interview above, via our YouTube channel, @PASSLTD-tester, or on the Fluke SMFT-1000 Solar Multifunction Tester information pages. Continue reading → Continue reading →

As we venture into the damp and unpredictable autumn-winter season here in the UK, moisture management in construction becomes all the more crucial. For construction professionals, the ability to identify and manage moisture and dampness issues is paramount. These silent adversaries can undermine structural integrity, lead to mould infestations, and result in costly post-construction repairs. In this article, we look at the essential aspects of moisture detection, focusing on why it's critical, defining acceptable moisture levels, methods for detecting moisture in walls and floors, and strategies for effectively rectifying these issues. Continue reading →

Fluke, a test equipment brand synonymous with quality and reliability, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. To mark this momentous occasion, Fluke is thrilled to introduce a series of special promotions that not only celebrate the company's rich history but also provide an excellent opportunity for customers to access top-of-the-line products at exclusive prices. Promotion valid October 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Continue reading →

Are you interested in learning more about the installation, commissioning and maintenance of Solar PV Systems, using the new Fluke SMFT-1000? Continue reading →

Recognising the dangers posed by toxic gases encountered in farming, Crowcon has produced a white paper specifically for the agricultural sector. Titled Why Gas Detection is Crucial in Farming & Agriculture, this paper outlines the gas hazards farmers should look out for, explains the relevant standards that need to be met, and details helpful ways to protect yourself, your staff, your stock, and, ultimately, your livelihood. Continue reading →

It is no secret that the cost-of-living crisis, rising global temperatures, and approaching climate targets have created more pressure than ever to reduce our energy consumption. For over a year, we have published multiple reports on councils, charities, and utility companies harnessing thermal imaging to identify sources of heat loss around homes, in a bid to reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions. We are very pleased and proud to reveal that we have played a significant role in one of these stories: that of Octopus Energy lending Teledyne FLIR Thermal Cameras to its customers as part of its Octo Assist customer support initiative. As Teledyne FLIR’s number one UK supplier, we initially provided three-hundred Teledyne FLIR One Pro Thermal Smartphone Attachments for Octopus Energy’s thermal camera loan program. Now, thanks to the popularity of the project, we have had the privilege of supplying a further one hundred and seventy new Teledyne FLIR One Edge Pro Thermal Smartphone Attachments. We are delighted to know that these cameras will go towards helping Octopus Energy’s customers lower their energy consumption, emissions, and expenditure. Continue reading →

As businesses and schools reopen after the Christmas break, now is the time to test for Legionella pneumophilia bacteria that may have built up in stagnant water systems. With all the chaos of last year, it is understandable that stories about outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease were not at the top of news feeds. Nevertheless, several such stories broke in 2022, and, if we don’t want a repeat of this in 2023, it is imperative that we all take precautionary measures. Continue reading →

Predictive maintenance is essential for sustaining uptime, reducing repair costs, and maximising profits. Often these routines involve checking for leaks in air, gas, steam and vacuum systems, or partial discharge in power distribution systems and high-voltage equipment. Acoustic imaging provides a simpler, quicker, and safer method of spotting these problems at an earlier stage enabling easier, cheaper, and more convenient repair.[1] Continue reading →

The UK government announced a series of measures to end the country’s contribution to climate change by 2050 and achieve a greener transport future. These steps include phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars/vans by 2030 and ensuring that all new cars/vans are fully zero-emissions at the tailpipe from 2035. Plans are supported by over £1.8 billion of government funding intended to encourage the uptake of greener vehicles. Funding includes grants for purchasing zero or ultra-low emissions cars/vans, as well as grants for local authorities, businesses, and homeowners to install EV chargepoints. The UK government has pledged £1.3 billion to accelerate the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in homes and on streets across the UK, as well as on motorways in England.[1] However, installing an EV charger is not as simple as just connecting it to your electricity supply. There are many factors to consider and electrical parameters that need to be monitored. Investing in a portable energy logger, such as Chauvin Arnoux’s PEL103, provides an easy, ergonomic, and economic solution to evaluating your company’s capacity to support multiple EV chargepoints.[2] Continue reading →