20.03.2024

Elevating Standards for the installation of Smart Controls in the Built Environment

In a move that promises to elevate the standards and recognition of competent, certified KNX Integrators across the UK, the Electrical Certification Scheme (ECS) has collaborated with KNX UK to introduce an ECS card specifically for KNX Integrators.

Eligibility for this card requires KNX certification and membership of KNX UK to demonstrate competency and professionalism. KNX is the only worldwide standardised protocol for smart building controls. This enables the integration of multiple controls into a single platform. Systems built on this protocol benefit from the support and innovation of over 500 manufacturers, guaranteed interoperability and backwards compatibility.

The importance of the ECS card extends beyond a professional ID. It is a comprehensive testament to an individual's competence, covering training and skills, qualifications, commitment to health, safety and environmental standards, and adherence to professional codes of conduct.

Developed and supported by more than 200 organisations, the standards underpinning each ECS occupation are rigorous and widely respected. It has long been a pivotal tool in the construction industry and built environment, encompassing a wide array of 75 occupations, including electricians, fire and safety specialists, telecoms experts, AV integrators, cyber security professionals and now KNX Integrators.

The CSCS Alliance, the partnership between the 38 schemes licensed to use the CSCS logo, currently covers a remarkable 2.1 million workers, reflecting the scheme's extensive reach and impact within the wider industry.

For most clients and main contractors, providing evidence of the relevant ECS card for your job is not just expected, it is mandatory. ECS (and the CSCS logo) is backed by trade associations, local authorities, NHS Trusts, housing associations and house builders, energy generators, data centres, and it is becoming almost impossible to access professional and controlled sites without evidence of your competence for the role.

Since April 2022, the introduction of the CSCS Smart Check system has become increasingly used by organisations to quickly and efficiently verify that individuals possess the appropriate certifications and qualifications for their respective tasks.

The increased specification for smart building integration has brought with it a necessity for non-electrically qualified, software professionals to attend construction sites. Professionals like Matthew Tate, who has worked extensively with smart building controls integration but has found access to sites, increasingly difficult. He is delighted with the new card available via KNX UK and described it as a “Breath of fresh air” and couldn’t believe how easy the process was. He is now in possession of his ECS card that acknowledges his specific professional competency.

The development of the KNX UK ECS card is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme and KNX UK – a non-profit members association for KNX Professionals in the UK.

Andy Reakes, Director of Growth and Development for the Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme elaborates on the significance of the ECS card: "ECS sets the gold standard in the electrotechnical industry, opening doors to myriad opportunities for KNX Partners, ensuring their skills and credentials are easily acknowledged and verified. In an era where competence in installing, maintaining, designing, and commissioning systems is paramount, ECS is providing a simple to use system to verify essential workforce information Clients, public authorities, end users, and contractors now rely on tools like CSCS Smart Check and ECS Check to ensure that project workforces possess the necessary qualifications and competencies and have auditable and documented evidence to show competence in each tier of a supply chain."

Iain Gordon, Chair of KNX UK, is a qualified electrician and a certified KNX Partner of more than 20 years. “As the National Association for KNX Professionals, we need provide the correct tools to enable our members to thrive in this growing industry. This collaboration acknowledges the skillset of KNX Certified Integrators as an entirely separate and specialised category.” He continued “The practice of mandatory site cards on Commercial sites is now commonplace and this may soon extend to NHBC sites and become a requirement of all local Councils and Building Control Officers.”

Gordon continued, “On a purely personal basis, as a qualified electrician obtaining an ECS card has always been easy for me, but having the card with my specialist KNX Integrator qualification on it is gratifying and provides clarity and assurance for my clients and site personnel.”

Obtaining an ECS Card has never been simpler for Certified KNX Partners. All qualified KNX Certified Integrators are eligible to join KNX UK for a small annual fee and get fast-tracked online access to ECS cards along with many other benefits, including discounted professional liability insurance, quality mark via the KNX UK Code of Conduct and practical tools for running successful projects from day one.

To fing out more click https://knxuk.org/ecs-cards-for-knx-uk-members/

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