Smart Cities

Berkshire-based mechanical and electrical engineering firm, Campbell West, has secured a significant run of new projects for hospital refurbishment works, as the firm celebrates the landmark opportunity to work with its 25th NHS Hospital Trust. The new projects will see Campbell West delivering mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering works at Chelsea and Westminster Oncology Department, Croydon University Hospital, Whittington Hospital, Wexham Park Hospital, and Stoke Mandeville Hospital establishing the firm’s position as one of the most trusted M&E contractors in this sector. £15 million revenue The recent spate of project wins is a significant boost to Campbell West’s revenue targets, as the firm reported a more than 53% revenue increase in its last financial year and is on course to meet the new revenue target of £ 15 million.  Commenting on the new projects, Co-Founder of Campbell West, Steven Campbell, said "Securing the opportunity to work with our 25th NHS Hospital Trust is a proud moment for everyone at Campbell West." delivering exceptional results Steven Campbell adds, "It gives us an exceptional start as we look ahead to the next 12 months and puts us firmly in the position as a supplier of mechanical and electrical engineering works in the healthcare sector." He continues, "Every new contract is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise and our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients and ultimately improving facilities for patients and healthcare staff. We are excited about building on this momentum over the coming year." Campbell West Campbell West was originally founded in 2017 by Steven Campbell and Daniel West, who met while working together as apprentices. After an exceptional period of business growth, the firm employs 30 people and is supported by a wider network of specialist contractors. With an initial focus on the healthcare sector, the company has expanded its reach to other industries including local government, education settings, data centers, workspaces, and industrial buildings, plus large residential projects. 

The Aare power plant in Klingnau has been reliably producing electricity for almost 90 years. From 2026, Axpo and AEW Energie AG will be renewing the turbines and generators, and investing CHF 71 million to do so. This will increase electricity production by around 11 per cent. Klingnau Aare power plant (AKA) The Klingnau Aare power plant (AKA) has been in operation since 1935 with an installed capacity of 43 MW. Since then, it has produced an average of 210 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity per year.  The planned replacement of the three generators and the overhaul of the three turbines will further increase the high availability of the power plant. In addition, the revised turbines will be able to process more water for electricity production. This will increase average annual production by around 11 per cent to 230 million kilowatt hours. This corresponds to the electricity requirements of over 55,000 four-person households. Significant investment in renewable energies Axpo and AEW Energie AG are investing around 71 million Swiss francs in the modernization Axpo and AEW Energie AG are investing around 71 million Swiss francs in the modernization, thus underlining their commitment to security of supply and renewable energies. Axpo invests large sums in the Swiss electricity infrastructure every year and once again covered around 40 per cent of Switzerland's electricity requirements in the 2023/24 financial year. The focus of AEW's investments for security of supply in the areas of production and grid is in the canton of Aargau, where it supplies around 103,000 customers with electricity. Modernization of AKA's production facilities Due to their long service life, a fundamental modernization of AKA's production facilities has become necessary. From 2026, the three machine groups - consisting of turbines and generators - will be overhauled or replaced in stages. This will take around six years. During this time, the power plant will remain in operation on a partially reduced basis. The Klingnau Aare power plant (AKA) will return to full operation from 2032. The AKA is a partner plant operated by Axpo (60%) and AEW Energie AG (40%). The concession was renewed in 2015 and runs for 60 years until 2075.

Siemens has installed and commissioned the world’s first 8DAB 24, the ground-breaking blue GIS medium-voltage system, in the Alpine town of Davos, Switzerland for its customer - EWD Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG. The switchgear system, which uses Clean Air as insulating gas instead of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), is deployed in the Dorf substation in Davos, securing reliable power supply for up to 40,000 people. SF6-free solution The Fluor-gas-free blue GIS portfolio was launched by Siemens ahead of EU regulations The installation of this 24kV circuit-breaker switchgear is an important step towards a climate-friendly and smart power distribution in Davos. The Fluor-gas-free blue GIS portfolio was launched by Siemens ahead of EU regulations, serving as another proof point of the company’s focus on sustainability across its portfolio. Siemens introduced the first SF6-free solution around seven years ago, since then installed many more successfully and this being the latest addition. Net-zero targets "If we want to achieve our net-zero targets, we need to make power grids future ready with innovative, eco-friendly technology," said Matthias Rebellius, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Matthias Rebellius adds, "Therefore, it is essential to invest in the continued expansion of power grids. I am pleased that our long-standing customer EWD is using our pioneering switchgear technology that paves the way for climate-neutral and smart power distribution in Davos." World Economic Forum "SF6 was never ideal for the environment," said Andy Kollegger, CEO of EWD, adding "There was no doubt in our minds: If there is an alternative on the market that has the same functionality but without this disadvantage, we will switch to it." With over 1.3 million overnight guests in 2023, Davos is one of Switzerland’s biggest tourist destinations. It is also the venue for the World Economic Forum (WEF), which sees almost 3,000 guests flocking to the town each year. While close to 12,000 residents live in the highest town in the Alps year-round, Davos accommodates over 40,000 people during high season. Sustainable power distribution With over 1.3 million overnight guests in 2023, Davos is one of Switzerland’s biggest tourist destinations EWD Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG operates three substations, 168 transformer stations, 154 kilometers of medium-voltage grid and 300 kilometers of low-voltage grid in the Davos grid area. Reliable power supply is essential to a well-functioning infrastructure. At the heart of sustainable power distribution is switchgear. Its applications include substations where it connects power generators and large power consumers, such as industrial plants or data centers, to the power grid. Important role of switchgear Another important role of switchgear is monitoring and protecting power grids, for example, against short circuits. The Clean Air used as an insulating medium in the blue GIS portfolio consists of natural components of ambient air, making it climate-friendly, extremely stable, non-toxic, non-flammable, and suitable for all operating temperatures. In addition, the blue GIS switchgear is equipped with smart sensors and standardized interfaces for Electrification X. Part of Siemens Xcelerator, Electrification X is a comprehensive IoT suite that provides solutions to challenges faced by public and private power grid operators. It improves energy efficiency and enables a seamless digital and sustainable transformation.

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has selected Verizon Business to install 5G and/or 4G LTE network enhancements on 35 Air Force installations located throughout the United States. network solutions Through the Air Force’s Offer to Lease (OTL) program, Verizon Business will deliver network enhancements like C-Band carrier adds, new macro builds, and small cells. Verizon’s network solutions will bring higher speeds, increased bandwidth, and lower latency for base personnel and the surrounding community, contributing to the diverse missions at each base while also enhancing the quality of life for personnel and military families. Offer to Lease (OTL) program “This is Verizon’s 7th OTL win out of 8 attempts, which serves as a testament to the trust the U.S. Air Force has in the strength and speed of our network, as well as the quality of the professional and managed services expertise they gain from our people,” said Maggie Hallbach, senior vice president, Verizon Public Sector. “We are honored to have Verizon Business serve as one of their most trusted partners.” Verizon’s 5G portfolio The award builds on Verizon Business’s recent momentum with the U.S. Air Force The Air Force bases are located in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. The award builds on Verizon Business’s recent momentum with the U.S. Air Force and broadens Verizon’s 5G portfolio with the federal government, and the U.S. Dept. of Defense specifically. wireless improvements Titled Opportunity to Lease (OTL) 3, Groups A, B, and C, the win builds on Verizon’s OTL 1a, 1b, 2 and 2b wins in 2019, 2021, and 2023, empowering Verizon to provide wireless improvements to more than three dozen Air Force bases, including the 5G Ultra Wideband deployment work Verizon completed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Through its involvement in the OTL program, Verizon is delivering 5G and other wireless network services across 72 Air Force bases throughout the United States. digital transformation Verizon’s 5G investment in the Armed Forces is helping U.S. military leadership pursue its most strategic digital transformation priorities. This includes supporting flight line test equipment, animated simulation, and training, full-motion, high-definition video to support telemedicine for its airmen, and ultra-fast artificial intelligence for biometric identification.

Packaging materials help to protect fragile electronics and electrical components from breakage. Small electrical devices and electronics are often packaged in individual plastic coverings within a larger box. Manufacturers use a variety of plastics to produce anti-static bags, pouches, film, and bubble wrap for electronics. single-use plastics Excessive consumption of single-use plastics and other packaging materials is an emerging concern in the electrical market. The use of plastic and non-recyclable materials in equipment packaging is contributing to the electrical market’s environmental footprint. organic packaging More electrical manufacturers need to transition towards a more sustainable future and implement organic packaging. Companies can minimize the negative environmental impact and become more green-friendly. While the industry has previously had a negative environmental impact, many businesses are rectifying these issues. Using less paper, plastic, wood, metal packaging, and other auxiliary materials contributes to the goal of being lightweight, recyclable, and sustainable. polystyrene foam Of the total plastic packaging waste, around 40% is disposed of at sanitary landfills Many electrical components are packaged with plastic shrink films. In addition, polystyrene foam can be used to cushion components, and plastic corner protectors may be used to strengthen boxes. Less than 10% of the plastic waste ever generated has been recycled. Plastics pollute the ocean and do not decompose in landfills. Of the total plastic packaging waste, around 40% is disposed of at sanitary landfills, 14% is collected for recycling, and 14% makes its way to incineration facilities (which cause CO2 emissions). The negative impact of plastic The fact is, most plastics used for packaging are recyclable, although most wind up in landfills due to ineffective or non-existent packaging recovery schemes. In addition, plastics contribute to emissions of greenhouse gas at each stage of their lifecycles. Therefore, plastics, which contribute up to 13% of the total “carbon budget,” will negatively impact efforts to meet the Paris climate agreement. action against single-use plastics There is a shift in focus from consumer education to holding manufacturers responsible for their environmental impact Focusing on consumer behavior has spurred much of the campaign against plastics to date. For example, the federal government has taken steps to phase out single-use plastics in national parks and other public lands. Several states have taken action against single-use plastics. For example, New Jersey no longer allows grocery stores and retailers to distribute plastic bags. The Garden State has also banned polystyrene foam packaging from restaurants and food companies. However, there is also a shift in focus from consumer education to holding manufacturers responsible for their environmental impact. Maine and California are focusing on the issue and may be among the jurisdictions to target manufacturers’ role in single-use plastics. replacement alternatives There are replacement alternatives available, but they tend to add costs for manufacturers. For example, bioplastics are made with biodegradable sources that can break down faster than traditional plastics. However, bioplastics must be properly disposed of through composting to break down. Also, bioplastics are not recyclable and can even contaminate other recyclable materials. Disposal in a landfill, which is common, defeats the purpose of using more expensive materials.  environmentally friendly alternatives Some argue that recycled plastic may be the greenest alternative, although it results in recyclables winding up in landfills Instead of polystyrene foam, packaging may consist of corrugated cardboard or plastic alternatives that are allegedly more environmentally friendly. Biodegradable wood or paper are other alternatives. However, disposal in landfills continues to be problematic with decomposition sometimes leading to the production of methane (a greenhouse gas). However, some argue that recycled plastic may be the greenest alternative, although recycling realities instead result in recyclables winding up in landfills, where they do not decompose. EPR schemes An added cost for electrical manufacturers might be a requirement to pay into extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. EPR is a strategy to add the estimated environmental costs associated with a product’s entire lifecycle to the cost of the product. In effect, the strategy assigns responsibility for the environmental impact of products to the manufacturer. Legislation Legislation to address packaging EPR has been implemented in Maryland, New York, Washington, and New Jersey (originally introduced in 2022 and still active). In 2016, the Product Stewardship Institute developed a model packaging EPR legislation, then updated it in 2019 with input from the industry and government. Maine and Oregon used the model to enact packaging EPR laws in 2021, Colorado followed suit in 2022 and, that same year, California also enacted legislation that the model informed.

The electrical industry is expected to have a labor shortage of about 60,000 workers by 2026. A labor shortage in the electrical trade is not inevitable, but it is likely to continue if the industry does not take steps to address the issue. Like other skilled trades, the electrical industry is facing challenges that could contribute to a labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest among younger generations, and competition from other industries. However, there are strategies the industry can implement to address these challenges and attract a new generation of workers. These strategies include increasing awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades, investing in training and education programs, improving working conditions and compensation, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and collaborating among industry, education, and government. Improving working conditions Factors in the current labor shortage in the electrical industry include: Aging workforce: Many workers in the electrical industry are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to replace them. This has led to a shortage of skilled workers with many years of experience in the industry. Lack of interest in the trades: There has been a decline in the number of young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical work. This is due in part to a focus on four-year college degrees as the preferred career path, as well as a lack of awareness of the benefits and opportunities of skilled trades. Competition from other industries: The electrical industry is competing with other industries, such as construction and manufacturing, for skilled workers. Training and education: Training and education are critical for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work. However, there is a shortage of qualified trainers and educators. Increasing demand: The demand for electrical services is increasing, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and smart grid technology. Attracting and retaining workers To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits One strategy to address the labor shortage is to increase awareness of skilled trades and to promote the benefits of a career in the electrical industry through outreach programs in schools, career fairs, and other events. Providing access to quality training and education programs that develop the skills and knowledge necessary for electrical work is crucial for attracting and retaining workers. This can be done through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and community colleges. To attract and retain workers, the electrical industry must offer competitive wages and benefits, as well as a safe and supportive work environment. This includes offering training and development opportunities, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement. Inclusive work environment The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology and tools to stay competitive. Providing workers with training and access to the latest technology can help attract and retain workers. The electrical industry should actively promote diversity and inclusivity to attract a wider pool of workers. This includes efforts to recruit workers from underrepresented groups and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The electrical industry is changing rapidly, and workers must be equipped with the latest technology Companies in the electrical industry are addressing the labor shortage problem by investing in workforce development programs and initiatives. For example, Schneider Electric has developed a comprehensive workforce development program called the Schneider Electric Energy and Automation Training (SEAT) program. The SEAT program provides training and certification for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as energy management, automation, and digital transformation. Developing training programs Siemens has developed several initiatives to address the labor shortage in the electrical industry. These initiatives include apprenticeship programs, vocational training programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to develop training programs. Graybar, a distributor of electrical products and solutions, has developed a workforce development program called Graybar University to provide training and education for employees, customers, and partners in areas such as lighting, automation, and safety. Joint apprenticeship training program Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have developed a joint apprenticeship training program that provides training and education for individuals looking to enter the electrical industry. The program provides on-the-job training and education in areas such as electrical theory, safety, and installation. Collaboration among industry, education, and government is crucial for developing solutions to the labor shortage in the electrical industry. This includes partnerships between industry and education institutions to provide training and education programs, as well as government initiatives to support workforce development in the skilled trades.

Veterans make good job candidates. Military experience comes with a heightened work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Many veterans have experience working outdoors and with their hands. They are used to being team members. Coming out of the military, however, veterans may find themselves at a loss for a career path. “Veterans are used to getting up early, being on time, wearing a uniform, and they are dedicated and committed,” says Marvin Key, CEO and Co-Founder of ForgeNow, a training program for the electrical trades. “Veterans are a large percentage of our best graduates.” ForgeNow seeks to address the shortage of skilled workers in Dallas, Texas, community, and throughout the country. Key says the intensive eight-week course provides benefits comparable to two years of on-the-job training. At a community college or vocational school, such a course might take from 12 to 24 months. Bootcamp-style curriculum Currently, the courses cover residential electricians and residential HVAC. They will expand into industrial and commercial over time, and later add curricula for plumbing and maintenance technicians. Progress is analyzed and assessed weekly, and graduates are credentialed and ready to work Attendees train like military trains. The school is intensive, immersive, and full-time with a bootcamp-style curriculum. Trainees are equipped with a full uniform including work slacks, a t-shirt, a hoodie, and work boots, along with tools and a tool bag, all included in tuition. Training is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week. Progress is analyzed and assessed weekly, and graduates are credentialed and ready to work.  “We try to hold our graduates to a level they are not accustomed to,” says Key. ForgeNow opened for classes in January 2020, and soon faced challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. However, while other education alternatives transitioned to video and distance learning during the worst of the pandemic, the program continued to operate in person (and safely), providing hands-on education throughout the pandemic. Social distancing During the pandemic, ForgeNow followed all city of Dallas protocols, including sanitizing facilities and social distancing. They were approved to remain open during lockdown because they were training essential employees. The veteran-owned business is targeting the military demographic as an important pool of enrollees “It’s been a challenging year and a half, but I am excited about the trends,” says Key. “Short-term immersive training in the way to go. The success speaks for itself.” In addition to serving former military students, ForgeNow also has several vets on the staff, including Co-Founder Rob Holmes, a combat veteran, and West Point grad, as well as an instructor who is a Marine. The veteran-owned business is targeting the military demographic as an important pool of enrollees.  GI Bill benefits Fully licensed and approved as an education facility in Texas, the program is eligible for federal training grants for the underemployed, Title IV federal financial aid funding, and veteran students can use their GI Bill benefits. ForgeNow is actively engaged with the U.S. Army Reserve and was chosen as a public/private partnership company A former Air Force recruiter, now retired, helps with enlisting students. Recruitment has accelerated recently; for a while, the pandemic prevented recruitment activities such as career fairs. ForgeNow is actively engaged with the U.S. Army Reserve and was chosen as a public/private partnership company. They work with Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas, the largest active U.S. military base, to attract candidates, and they promote the programs via social media. While welcoming to anybody, ForgeNow has identified three constituencies who are likely students. One is the U.S. veteran in transition, either from a non-commissioned or enlisted position, who is looking for new opportunities after their service. Recidivism Another constituency is the “second-chance community,” those who were formerly incarcerated and have been carefully screened as appropriate candidates. They work with reentry programs to clarify and understand the appropriate candidates, which are accepted on a case-by-case basis. One of the best ways to keep an inmate from going back into the system is a good job and career In serving “second-chance” students, ForgeNow helps to address the problem of recidivism: nationally, roughly 70% of inmates who are released will end up back behind bars. One of the best ways to keep an inmate from going back into the system is a good job and career. ForgeNow works with a handful of high-quality, faith-based reentry programs that recruit candidates from within the walls of prisons and help them develop life skills. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Texas has only a 7% recidivism rate. Inmates enrolled in such programs get new responsibilities and show initiative. ForgeNow participates in career nights sponsored by these organizations to recruit students. New citizen communities “We can provide training to give them an opportunity for skills and knowledge that will never leave them,” says Key. “So far, we have had more success stories than not. We are changing lives. We started this curriculum as a for-profit endeavor. I for one sorely underestimated the goodwill and societal contribution that training can make.” ForgeNow is currently working with a non-profit organization to enroll 16 Afghan refugees The third constituency includes “new citizen communities,” including immigrants. For example, ForgeNow is currently working with a non-profit organization to enroll 16 Afghan refugees who have a history with the U.S. military. There is a capacity of 100 students in the 20,000-square-foot facility, with one-third of the space dedicated to classrooms. There is also a 10,000-square-foot lab for in-person training on various equipment. Placing graduates Attracting students has been a challenge during the pandemic and its aftermath; in October, the program had 17 students. However, they have trained 150 students since the program began in January 2020. Placing graduates is among the company’s missions. “We are currently working to broaden the list of contractors/employers around the country who are welcoming to our graduates,” says Key. The network is a work-in-progress, but 100% of graduates in 2021 had job offers. As enrollment grows, it will take additional effort to maintain that level.

As part of a long-term modernization project at the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport, Helios Electric was retained to perform design-assist, system integration, and on-site field engineering services.  The project involved replacing an existing 7.5/10.5 MVA outdoor substation transformer and performing retrofit services at the corresponding medium-voltage switchgear lineups. The project also included enhancements to the electrical system protection since power reliability was deemed vital for airport operations. SEL-787 transformer protection relay A new SEL-787 transformer protection relay was installed to perform advanced transformer monitoring, controls, and system protection. New pilot control devices were installed on the corresponding switchgear lineups to indicate transformer faults, alarms, and mechanical conditions. Vacuum circuit breakers at the existing switchgear lineups were retained and modified to establish connectivity with the new substation transformer and the new transformer protection relay. transformer protection functions This installation approach yielded improved protection for the new transformer while limiting the scope, budget, duration, and power outages required to accomplish the necessary tasks. The improved transformer protection functions included the following: ANSI-87 – Current Differential Protection ANSI-87G – Restricted Earth Fault Protection ANSI-50/51 – Phase Overcurrent Protection (Backup) ANSI-50/51G – Ground Overcurrent Protection (Backup) ANSI-63 – Transformer Sudden Pressure ANSI-71 – Transformer Low Oil Level ANSI-49 – Transformer High Winding Temperature ANSI-26 – Transformer High Oil Temperature AC/DC control modifications To fulfill the customer’s desired requirements, the Helios Electric team investigated the internal circuitry of the switchgear lineups and ascertained the specific AC/DC control modifications required at the existing. Work performed under this project included the following: Examining and analyzing the components and sub-components of the existing switchgear lineups. Tracing the existing 35kV-class and 15kV-class vacuum circuit breakers to determine the existing field configuration. Developing modified equipment shop drawings for approval, construction, and as-built conditions. Programming and configuration of SEL-787 Transformer Protection Relay to establish system protection, controls, and integration with the facility’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. Installing and modifying existing 35kV-class and 15kV-class vacuum circuit breaker controls to accommodate the new substation transformer and transformer protection relay. Developing Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals for modified electrical equipment lineups. On-site electrical equipment training for airport maintenance personnel.

SoFi Stadium, a world-class venue, turned to industry major - Belden for a complete end-to-end cabling and connectivity solution. Belden’s cutting-edge technology supports the stadium’s data-heavy demands, including the one-of-a-kind, roof-suspended Oculus video board, Wi-Fi infrastructure, digital ticketing, and a DAS system. Belden’s solutions for SoFi Stadium When the stadium’s owners required a solution that delivered top-tier quality, performance, and reliability while reducing labor costs, they called Belden. Count on Arrow to deliver unparalleled excellence in the low-voltage industry. Arrow will equip with the competitive advantage needed for any customer, any configuration, and any budget. Copper Cables & Copper Solutions Discover the ultimate lineup of Belden Inc. category cables, tailored to suit every application imaginable! Discover the ultimate lineup of Belden Inc. category cables, tailored to suit every application imaginable! Many cables featured their signature patented Bonded-Pair design, guaranteeing unparalleled signal integrity. Plus, with DataTuff® Industrial category cables, rest assured the system remains resilient against the toughest environmental conditions. Category 6A Choose from an assortment of configurations including small diameter, snake, industrial, non-bonded, and their innovative patented Bonded-Pair technology. Elevating performance benchmarks, Belden's renowned 10GXS Cable stands as the gold standard in the industry. Category 6 Belden has a wide array of Category 6 performance options, featuring their top-of-the-line REVConnect 3600 System cable boasting premium performance and ample headroom. The REVConnect 2400 System cable, surpasses TIA-568-C.2 standards, all backed by Belden’s renowned quality. Category 5e Belden presents a range of Category 5e performance options, with their flagship 1200 Series cable delivering exceptional headroom, surpassing the TIA-568-C.2 Category 5e standard. Featuring Bonded-Pair technology, their 1200 Series ensures unparalleled robustness in installations. Patch Panel Belden’s commercial-grade panels are available in modular (empty) configurations Belden offers a comprehensive range of copper patch panels tailored to meet the demands of both commercial and industrial settings. Belden’s commercial-grade panels are available in modular (empty) configurations or pre-loaded with high-quality copper jacks designed for Category 6A, 6, and 5E network installations. Trunk Cable Optimized for data centers, enterprise networks, and any environment prioritizing swift installation, Trunk Cable Assemblies offer factory termination and rigorous testing, slashing installation time by up to 90%. Eliminating the need for termination, these assemblies come in diverse lengths, equipped with connectors tailored to specific application requirements. Patch Cord Enhancing both performance and physical durability, Belden’s Copper Patch Cords ensure optimal transmission quality for network channels. With superb return loss characteristics adaptable to any environment, Belden’s Copper Patch Cords come in modular, small-diameter, and traceable solutions to meet specific needs. Fiber Cable & Fiber Solutions Discover an array of high-quality indoor and outdoor cable solutions within Belden’s comprehensive product line, featuring both tight buffer and loose tube designs. Tailored for diverse industrial settings, their offerings include armored, burial, and ruggedized options. Crafted to meet various specifications, their product range encompasses OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5, and OS2 (Single Mode) configurations. Tight Buffer Fiber Cables Tight-Buffered Fiber Cables are perfectly tailored for enterprise environments Tight-Buffered Fiber Cables are perfectly tailored for enterprise environments, these cables stand out as a crowd favorite, ideal for intra-building backbones and both horizontal and vertical installations.  Offering versatility like no other, they come in fiber counts ranging from two to an impressive 144, making them adaptable to any project scale. Whether indoors or outdoors, these cables are engineered to exceed expectations, boasting a design that ensures seamless performance in any environment. Loose Tube Cables Belden’s Loose Tube Cables offer the ultimate solution for all outdoor and indoor/outdoor fiber optic needs. Whether it’s for OSP, conduit, direct burial, aerial, or trunking applications, Belden’s cables offer unmatched versatility and performance. Choose from a variety of options including dry or gel-filled single and double-jacket designs, with plenum and riser ratings. Armored Cables Belden’s armored cables are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical damage. The armor layer provides an extra level of protection against mechanical stresses, such as crushing, impact, and abrasion, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the cable. It also helps to maintain cable integrity in areas prone to disturbances such as rodent activity. Connectors Belden’s connectors seamlessly integrate fusion splicing with field-installable connectors Belden’s connectors seamlessly integrate the advantages of fusion splicing with the ease of field-installable connectors, they greatly enhance flexibility for field termination, while elevating installation performance and reliability beyond traditional mechanical splice connectors.  Eliminating the need for crimping, polishing, or adhesives during termination significantly reduces installation errors. Cassettes Belden offers an advanced DCX and LAN Cassettes platform designed to cater to a wide spectrum of density requirements, ranging from low to ultra-high density applications. Cassettes platform encompasses frames, cassettes, and covers for a comprehensive array of connector types, including LC, SC, ST, and MPO connectors, as well as Copper RJ45 Jacks and Couplers. Patch Cords Simplified, durable, adaptable, and readily accessible. 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As part of their strategy to address damp and mold, West Dunbartonshire Council will deploy Aico’s HomeLINK Environmental Sensors across all their properties. The Council is one of Scotland’s major social housing landlords, currently owning and managing over 10,400 homes, and are focusing on increasing energy efficiency, tackling existing issues, such as damp and mold, as well as improving tenant safety, health and well-being. Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025, Ei1020 Environmental Sensors The organization has taken the proactive approach to install the Ei1000G Gateway and Ei1025 and Ei1020 Environmental Sensors in each of their homes, making this Scotland’s largest scaled Internet of Things (IoT) roll out to date. By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted By utilizing a multi-network sim card and RF interconnection, the sensors will be seamlessly retrofitted into existing properties and can provide the council with a consistency on key air quality information, such as carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, as well as insights on fire and CO activations. This will then lead to insights such as indoor air quality (IAQ) risk, damp and mold, excess heat, cold homes, potential fuel poverty, and void risk. HomeLINK App for Residents The HomeLINK App for Residents empowers individuals to take control of their home’s indoor environment. Tenants will receive alarm testing reminders and tailored recommendations. Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “None of our tenants should be living in a home that is affected by damp or mold and these new sensors will allow us to access information on the fabric of each home easily so we can take action quickly to resolve. Not only that, we will have data to track the problem and help us identify what the best approach to resolve it will be.” Biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland Councilor Gurpreet Singh Johal adds, “This is the biggest roll out of this type of sensor in Scotland and I am proud that West Dunbartonshire’s approach to dealing with damp and mold is not only leading the way, but addressing the problem in an efficient and proactive manner.” As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies" Gregor Morrison, Regional Specification Manager for the West of Scotland said “As Scotland’s social housing sector now rapidly adopts the use of IoT technologies to help not only increase the level of home life safety, but to improve resident health and well-being. This progressive approach from West Dunbartonshire Council to provide all homes with the opportunity for this technology is admirable.” Incorporation of the Environmental Sensors Gregor Morrison adds, “The incorporation of the Environmental Sensors will be pivotal in generating essential home health insights, as well as providing data for the tenant through the resident app, leading to healthier and more energy-efficient homes within the community.” He continues, “Growing up in and around the social housing sector in Yoker & Clydebank, I’m really looking forward to continuing the close working relationship with WDC, and seeing first-hand the difference the technology can make within the community.”

Quanergy Solutions, Inc., a provider of 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) security solutions, was chosen by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to analyze footfall to support the passenger journey with the ultimate goal of enhancing operational efficiencies. Quanergy’s technology is delivering accurate data-driven insights for YVR’s Domestic Check-in and Security Screening facilities.  Real-time insights “Through the implementation of Quanergy’s solutions, we have harnessed the power of real-time insights, gaining a deep understanding of passenger volumes and the associated wait times at different stages of their journey through the terminal,” said Jason Williams, Manager of Innovation & Technology Group, YVR. He adds, “With this high-precision data at our disposal, we can trigger real-time alerts whenever we approach or exceed predefined thresholds. This invaluable capability enables us to collaborate seamlessly with our stakeholders, ensuring that our travelers experience a smooth and stress-free journey through our airport.” Q-Track YVR currently uses insights to meet several operational and business imperatives, such as reducing check-in time With Quanergy’s 3D LiDAR sensor and advanced perception software solution, Q-Track, YVR can accurately identify, classify, and track people/objects for enhanced operational insights. YVR currently uses these insights to meet several operational and business imperatives, such as reducing check-in time and time spent passing through security, which ultimately sees an increase in customer happiness. streamline operations “We are pleased to have collaborated closely with the YVR team, resolving a multifaceted challenge encountered by many passenger terminals today,” said Adam Andres, Vice President of Global Sales at Quanergy. He adds, “The forward-thinking of the YVR Innovation and Technology Group, in embracing Quanergy’s field-tested and fully scalable Q-Track solution, led to the achievement of our project objectives. We take pride in our contribution, providing real-time actionable intelligence to enhance security, streamline operations, and elevate the overall passenger experience.”