AF Switchbeer

Maintenance Operative

We are looking for a Maintenance Operative to assist the Maintenance Engineer with carrying out skilled DIY & maintenance work as instructed by the CSD Manager

Repair and maintenance of buildings fixtures and fittings, including general plumbing, carpentry, tiling, painting and decorating, assisting with office moves including removal of office furniture and equipment, litter picking across all sites, general vehicle maintenance including valets, taking meter readings, daily waste checks to ensure company compliance standards are met, and assistance with outside waste carriers collections are all examples of the tasks required.

Hours:  39 per week

Full Time / Permanent

We offer a competitive salary + benefits

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to email@afswitchgear.co.uk

AF Switchbeer

Clerical Assistant

 

Due to continued expansion of the business, we are looking for a clerical assistant to join our Central Services Department.

• Issue of uniforms and maintenance of records / stock.

• Place orders as directed on EFACS system.

• Sales order inputting.

• Entering parts onto parts master within EFACS.

• Filing.

• Scanning documents.

• Create switchboard labels as required.

• Share telephone answering responsibility with Receptionist, including cover for reception as required.

• Assist as necessary re provision of catering requirements.

• General clerical duties.

• Progressing of orders.

• Create delivery notes for non contract goods as dictated

• Actively engender team working, and the successful operation, maintenance/creation of applicable procedures, standards and work instructions.

• Responsibility for complying with and implementing the Q&E management system within their area of activity.

Hours: 08:30 – 17: 00 Monday to Thursday
             08:30 – 16:00 Friday

Full Time / Permanent
We offer a competitive salary + benefits

Education: Grade C or above GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English is a requirement for this position.

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to email@afswitchgear.co.uk

AF Switchbeer

Project Manager – AF Preedcrete

AF Preedcrete, part of the AF Switchgear Group, has over 30 years’ of experience in the busbar industry in partnership with two of the leading manufacturers of IP55 & IP68 Busbar Systems.  We offer a complete busbar solution, including design, manufacture, installation and testing.

Due to continuing growth, we are now looking to recruit for the newly created position of Project Manager.  Reporting directly to the Operations Director, the successful applicant will have an active role in reviewing and developing the company’s delivery processes.

Working closely with colleagues across the AF Group, as well as supply and installation partners, coordination and management of the process from handover to site delivery and completion of the project will all be key to this exciting new role.  Time will be split between the site and the office as required.

Reviewing, accepting, querying and preparation of Variation Orders as well as maintaining records of these, good communication skills, a keen eye for detail and the drive and determination to make this role your own, will also be a key requirement of this role.

We also offer a competitive salary & benefits.

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to email@afswitchgear.co.uk

AF Switchbeer

Senior Quantity Surveyor / Quantity Surveyor

Due to the continued expansion of the business, we are looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor / Quantity Surveyor to mitigate/minimise risk to the company and maximise profits through effective contract negotiation and management.

Reporting to the Contracts Director, responsibilities will include but are not exclusive to:

  • Negotiation and administration of sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts, including issue of required Notices under the contracts
  • Attending pre-contract meetings
  • Preparation and valuation of interim applications and final accounts
  • Identification and notification of variations
  • Preparation of payments for sub-sub-contractors
  • Negotiation and resolution of contractual disputes
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Assessing and managing credit risks
  • Monthly WIP reports for accounts specifying and making provisions for any known/ potential risks

A BSc (Hons 2.1) in Quantity Surveying (or similar) and previous experience of working in the Electrical sector would be desirable, but not essential.

We offer a competitive salary, dependent on experience, + benefits

If you have a good knowledge of construction contract law, experience in contract negotiation and administration of contracts and sub-contracts, a good proven record in claims and dispute resolution skills, are commercially aware with good time management and organisational skills, and hold a valid driving licence and current CSCS card, and are looking for an opportunity to join our expanding company, please apply by email to sarmiger@afswitchgear.co.uk 

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to email@afswitchgear.co.uk

LV Switchgear

IP Ratings Explained: Everything You Need to Know

Ever wondered what the IP rating means on your electrical devices? You may have noticed that they vary, coming in different combinations of numbers. But why is that? We can give you the answers.

AF Switchgear offers switchgear and busbar systems of varying IP ratings, such as the:

After reading this blog, you should be able to understand the difference between the IP ratings. Additionally, you will learn how the ratings are determined and what they signify about your electrical appliances.

What is an IP Rating?

To inform users of how safe electrical devices are, IP ratings were developed. They are given to an electrical device, according to their enclosures and the environmental conditions where they are designed to be used. IP ratings indicate the protection level an enclosure gives the device against foreign bodies, such as dust, liquids, accidental contact, and moisture.

IP stands for Ingress Protection. To help avoid accidents and damage to electrical devices, the integrity of enclosures needs to be IP compliant.

IP ratings are defined by the international standard BS EN 60529: 1992. The rating system was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission and it was released in 1976.

What are the two digits in an IP rating?

Whether in the home or a working environment, electrical devices need to have an IP rating to classify the degree of protection their enclosures give them, i.e. the effectiveness of sealing the device to protect against foreign bodies.

IP ratings consist of two digits. For example, our Power Distribution Units have ingress protection up to IP31.

The first number indicates the level of protection an electrical enclosure gives against solids. The second number indicates the level of protection against liquids.

The higher the number, the greater the protection level.

IP Ratings Explained

ip ratings infographic

The first number in an IP rating can range from 0 to 6, whereas the second number can range from 0 to 8. The levels of protection are determined as follows:

The First Number: Protection Against Solids

0 – The device has no protection from foreign bodies.

1 – The device is protected against solid objects greater than 50mm, such as accidental touch by hands.

2 – The device is protected against solid objects up to 12mm. For example, it is protected against fingers.

3 – The device is protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm, such as tools and wires.

4 – The device is protected against solid objects greater than 1mm.

5 – The device has limited protection against small amounts of dust.

6 – The device is completely protected against dust.

The Second Number: Protection Against Liquids

0 – The device has no protection from liquids.

1 – The device is protected against drops of water. For example, it is protected against condensation.

2 – The device is protected against direct vertical sprays of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees.

3 – The device is protected against direct vertical sprays of water with the enclosure tilted up to 60 degrees.

4 – The device is protected against water sprayed from all directions.

5 – The device is protected against low-pressure jets of water from all directions.

6 – The device is protected against high-pressure jets of water. For example, this can be found on devices on ship decks.

7 – The device is protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m.

8 – The device is protected against long periods of immersion and pressure.

What is an IPX rating?

As previously mentioned, IP ratings are given to certain devices to indicate how resistant they are against dust, water, and other elements. 

If there is an X in the rating, this could indicate that the electrical device is not resistant to liquids/solids. The rating is determined by accounting for the environmental conditions in which the device is intended.

However, if a device has an X in the IP rating, this could also indicate that there is no data available for the electrical device. 

For example, an electrical device marked IP2X is protected against solid objects to a certain degree, but it is not protected against liquids, or there is no data to support that it is protected against liquids.

Which IP rating is waterproof?

The term ‘waterproof’ will depend on the environment and conditions around the electrical appliance. With this in mind, electrical devices that have an IP rating that includes a higher second number, such as IP65, 66, 67, and 68, are considered to be water resistant or even waterproof up to a certain point.

With this information on IP ratings, you should now understand how they are determined and what they mean. Furthermore, you should be able to ascertain how safe your electrical appliances are. 

Contact AF Switchgear today if you have a query regarding the switchgear or the busbar systems that we offer.

 

Do you have a Switchgear or Busbar System enquiry? Get in touch...

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AF Switchbeer

Sales Estimating Engineer

We are looking for a Sales Estimating Engineer to join our expanding Sales Team.  Reporting to the Sales Director, the successful applicant will be estimating and tendering enquiries and securing new orders.  

Duties will include, but are not restricted to:

  • Responsibility for complying with the Q&E management system within their level of activity.
  • Evaluation and preparation of sales tenders in conjunction with other members of the sales team, internal and external
  • Liaison with potential new customers at the enquiry stage
  • Compliance with the company’s engineering standards and procedures when preparing Estimates and tenders for the company’s products.
  • Liaison with customers at the order stage to ensure compliance with the company’s credit control procedures.
  • Preparation of contract folders ready for handover to engineering and attend handover meetings.
  • Continue liaison with customers at the post enquiry stage and post-order stage as necessary to maintain continuity and goodwill.
  • Close liaison with the Engineering department to ensure conformity with the agreed build specification for our products and any works to be undertaken on site.
  • Liaise with the engineering team providing support as required regarding any cost variations to the contracts.
  • Assessment of new supply products and techniques in conjunction with other sales and engineering staff
  • Attend meetings as required and requested either internally or at customer offices or sites.
  • If skilled in CAD and as workload demands assist with the Creation of Sales General Arrangement Layout drawings and single line Power schematics using AutoCAD working from sketches produced by yourself or other members of the Sales team.

We offer a competitive salary + benefits

If you think you have the necessary skills and are looking for an opportunity to join a forward-thinking team, please apply by email to sarmiger@afswitchgear.co.uk 

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to email@afswitchgear.co.uk

AF Switchbeer

Applications Engineer

We are looking for an Applications Engineer to join our Engineering Department.

The Applications Engineer is responsible for translating customer requirements into effective engineering solutions by supporting product design, documentation, and implementation. This role acts as a key interface between the engineering team, manufacturing, and clients, ensuring the technical accuracy and successful delivery of projects from concept through to completion.

Reporting to the Engineering Director the role will include, but is not exclusive to:

  • Develop a deep understanding of the company’s systems, products, and engineering processes to effectively support technical applications.
  • Collaborate within engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure design intent is maintained throughout production and that solutions are delivered safely, efficiently, and to specification.
  • Translate customer requirements into detailed engineering documentation, including parts lists, work instructions, and technical drawings.
  • Serve as a technical point of contact for clients, addressing enquiries, gathering requirements, and providing updates throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Prepare and review documentation for Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and support occasional client visits or demonstrations as required.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to manage procurement needs, ensuring correct materials and components are specified and ordered in a timely manner.
  • Compile technical data and documentation required for billing and project closeout, supporting the finance and project management teams.
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of standard templates for
  • testing documentation, label drawings (e.g., using AutoCAD), and operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals.
  • Support the Engineering Department in ensuring full compliance with company quality, safety, and business management systems.
  • Attend internal and external meetings to represent the engineering function and contribute to project planning and coordination.

Working hours:

Total Hours: 37.50

Monday to Thursday (start / finish time):

07:30 – 09:00 and 16:15 – 17:45

Friday (start / finish time):

07:30 – 08:30 and 12:00 – 13:00

Benefits:

  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • BUPA Private Medical Care
  • Service-related Annual leave up to 24- 26 days, plus Bank Holidays
  • Holiday buy
  • Cycle to work
  • Death in service benefit
  • Company sick pay

If you think you have the necessary skills and are looking for an opportunity to join a forward thinking team, please apply by email to dbunting@afswitchgear.co.uk by 28th February 2026.

AF Switchbeer

Sales Office CAD Technician

We are looking for a Sales Office CAD Technician to join our expanding Sales Team.  Reporting to the Sales Director, the successful applicant will be estimating and tendering enquiries and securing new orders.  

Duties will include, but are not restricted to:

  • Creation of Sales General Arrangement Layout drawings using AutoCAD working from sketches produced by our internal and external teams, customer drawings and specifications.
  • Following receipt of order for a project, creation of contract general arrangement layout drawings and single line power schematics using AutoCAD working from our tenders and customer information.
  • Maintenance and upkeep of the CAD drawing blocks and templates including the creation of new drawings for modified and new products we use in manufacture.
  • Assist Sales Department and clients with space planning.

We offer a competitive salary + benefits.

If you think you have the necessary skills and are looking for an opportunity to join a forward thinking team, please apply by email to sarmiger@afswitchgear.co.uk no later 10th March 2023.

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to email@afswitchgear.co.uk

AF Switchbeer

Site Services Engineer

We are looking for a Site Services Engineer to join our Site Services Team.  Reporting to the Site Services Manager, the successful applicant is responsible for preparing and submitting quotations, preparing detailed designs and specific contract works instructions documentation and preparing and planning for upcoming site works.

Duties will include, but are not restricted to:

  • Liaison with customers at the enquiry stage
  • Preparation of sales tenders in conjunction with Site Services Manager
  • Liaison with customers at post enquiry stage as necessary to maintain continuity and goodwill.
  • To provide close customer liaison on receipt of orders
  • Attend site/meetings as required/requested
  • Compliance with agreed build specification and Company design criteria
  • Purchasing in conjunction with Central Services Department
  • Compilation of all data to enable invoicing by the Group Financial Director

We offer a competitive salary + benefits

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

Email your Application Form and CV to sarmiger@afswitchgear.co.uk

AF Switchbeer

Panel Wirer / Electrical Fitter

We are looking for Panel Wirer /  Electrical Fitters to join our Production Department.

Responsible for the assembly, copper work, wiring, basic testing, installation and site erection of the Company’s wide product range.

Reporting to the Team Leaders, the role will include, but is not exclusive to:

  • To adhere to the Works File information.
  • To refer to and follow the Company Engineering and Test Standards where appropriate.
  • To remain on the job in a productive role.
  • To assist the Team Leaders and Production team.
  • To assist the Team to correctly interpret drawings as required.
  • To give guidance and support to sub-contractors.
  • To discuss opportunities to increase productivity with the Team Leaders.
  • To inform the Team Leaders of any urgently required parts.
  • To inform the Team Leaders of any concerns regarding parts/build/people/equipment.
  • To effectively maintain the tidiness, safety and cleanliness of the work areas.
  • Attend meetings as required / requested.
  • Working closely with the Production Team, including the Production Managers, Team Leaders, Assembly Fitters, Materials Controllers, other Works Operatives and in addition, the Applications Engineers and Engineering Director at all times.
  • Responsibility for complying with and implementing the business management system within their area of activity.

     

  • Working hours:

    Include Total hours 37.5 hours per week

    Days (flexible start and finish time)

    Monday to Thursday 07:30-08.30 start & 16.00-17.00 finish

    Friday 07.30-08.30 start & 11:45-12.45 finish

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

  • Minimum qualification attainment for the role.
  • Level 3 Electrical Diploma, in addition to a vocational NVQ.
  • Served an Electrical Apprenticeship.

Benefits:

  • This role has fantastic career growth, with opportunities to progress and gain qualifications.
  • 4.5 day working week – flexible start and finish times
  • Family owned, successful & growing company
  • Progressive pay scale
  • Generous overtime rates
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • BUPA Private Medical Care & 24/7 GP Access
  • 24 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays
  • Death in service benefit
  • Company Sick pay
  • Company Pension

How to Apply

  1. Download and fill in the Application Form

 

2. Email your Application Form and CV to Emma Ryan, closing date 13th February 2026. eryan@afswitchgear.co.uk