Professional Electrician & Installer June 2025 by Hamerville Media Group

Regulars

The CPD Zone

29 The key steps to correctly achieving safe isolation

30 The team at NAPIT give our reader submissions the ‘Codebreakers’ treatment

33 Delving into the issue of fault currents

34 The experts at NICEIC answer more of your FAQs

37 Analysing the installation of cables within containment systems

41 What do you need to consider before installing EV charge points?

45 The factors that must be taken into account when selecting protective devices for use in applications where bidirectional power ﬂow is to be expected in normal operation

EV Charging & Renewables

51 The need for hands-on experience when it comes to EV charge point installation training

52 Chewing the fat over the latest developments in circuit protection as we head towards a more prosumer-conscious society

54 The importance of full testing of EVSE and the tests that should be performed and documented

56 How Hager’s Type B HP RCD has helped to solve a two-year heat pump tripping issue for a former BEAMA CEO

58 The reasons why Rolec’s EVO could provide your easiest installation yet

61 How the right power and energy logger can help to identify issues with maximum demand and harmonics at domestic and commercial installations

64 Where is the ‘sweet spot’ for car park EV charging?

66 Pete Monfort tests the Megger EVX100 electric vehicle charger interface for the MFT-X1

69 Will one of Ratio’s training events catch your eye over the next few months?

70 Top tips to help your customers control, optimise and automate their energy use

73 Why a historical hall in Wales turned to Sync Energy to solve its EV charging issue

74 The latest news and updates from the world of EV charging and renewables

Do you need an EXPRESS delivery?

Products & Business Solutions

79 Why Proteus Switchgear was first past the post when a world-renowned equestrian event required a tailor-made upgrade to its electrical infrastructure

80 Adam Stears tries out SCANGRIP’s lighting range

82 All LED unveils a new range of emergency lighting solutions

84 Which products have been specified, and where?

88 Rounding up the newest products, tools and equipment to help you with your work

27 WIN! You could win the world’s ﬁrst trackable tool bag

63 WIN! One reader will land a pack of LINIAN 75 mm Cable Tray Clips

77 WIN! Bag a brilliant multi-store voucher with Click Scolmore

Meet the team

Editor

RICHARD BOWLER

email: pe@hamerville co uk

Digital Manager

REBECCA MCGEOCH

email: rmcgeoch@hamerville co uk

Digital Assistant

ADAM ROBERTS

email: aroberts@hamerville co uk

Advertisement Manager

ANTHONY SCOTT

email: ascott@hamerville co uk

Assistant Advertisement Manager

IAN TURNER

email: ianturner@hamerville co uk

Design

ADEEL QADRI

Production Assistant

KERRI SMITH

Group Production Manager

CAROL PADGETT

Distribution Manager

KARL CLARK

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Pg 79 Horse Trials © Tony Skerl

Pg 82 Fire Exit © Ambrozinio

Editor ’s Viewpoint

Who tur ned the lights off?

The recent power outage disruption in Europe – which saw Portugal, Spain and parts of France left without any electricity supplies – has again highlighted the critical position that electrical professionals occupy when it comes to keeping the world moving

The unprecedented scenes of chaos will live long in the memory as the affected nations came to a relative standstill, with all electronic and digitally-powered services and devices – including mobile phones – rendered ineffective during the outages

Having arrived hot on the heels of the Heathrow electrical sub-station incident, the power outages serve as a reminder that the world that we live in today can grind to a halt in the blink of an eye, with grid instability, extreme weather and aging infrastructure all potential issues for nations and societies in the future

Of course, with our electrical industry hat on, these threats have several important implications for electrical professionals.

Firstly, power outages highlight weaknesses in electrical systems, driving increased demand for electrical engineers who can help modernise grids, integrate renewable energy and design more resilient systems Additionally, there’s a need for electricians to repair damaged infrastructure, upgrade residential and commercial systems and install modern backup solutions

Secondly, more individuals and businesses are investing in EV charge points, generators and battery storage systems, solar PV and UPS for critical operations. This, in turn, creates ongoing work for installers, maintenance professionals and system designers (see our special feature section, starting on page 51, for more details on the opportunities in this area)

Finally, we’re likely to see a significant growth in grid modernisations projects Governments and utility companies will

often respond to widespread outages by putting funding behind things like smart grid implementation and monitoring, the installation of power lines in vulnerable areas, and upgrades to transformers, substations and transmission lines.

Again, each of these projects requires planners, inspectors, engineers and line workers, most or all of which will require electrotechnical skills and knowledge.

So, how do readers of this publication take advantage of some of the working opportunities this creates? Without wanting to sound like a broken record, the answer is simple: through ongoing training

As the world evolves, skilled workers must adapt to a whole plethora of new technologies and solutions, such as prosumers, micro grids, automation and smart systems, energy management software and IoT devices.

Fortunately, in the UK electrical sector, we have access to some of the leading authorities in this area with organisations like IET, ECA, SELECT, NICEIC, NAPIT and Electrical Safety First, alongside the brands who actually make the products, offering training, technical support and advice (often for free) to professionals who are keen to improve their understanding and skills

This is something that electricians must take advantage of, especially as this particular well is unlikely to run dry at any point in the near future

Power outages are a challenge for the public, but they’re also a signal that the energy sector is undergoing rapid change For skilled electrical professionals, this creates both job security and a wave of new career opportunities.

The smartest ones will be those who recognise and seize the opportunity now.

Have a good month and enjoy the issue.

Richard B o wler

Electricians revealed as UK’s most trusted source for green home advice

Electricians are the most trusted advisers in the UK when it comes to clean energy technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers, according to new YouGov polling commissioned by ECA, in collaboration with Certsure.

The ﬁndings, published as part of ECA’s new Blueprint for Electriﬁcation: Delivering the UK’s Transition to Clean Power, show:

● Almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults say they would trust a qualiﬁed electrician more than any other source – including authorities – to advise on which clean technologies to choose

● Government agencies, such as Ofgem, are the second-most trusted at 18%, with the strongest trust among slightly older respondents (45-54: 21%) and social grade ABC1 (20%).

ECA’s Blueprint outlines ten actionable recommendations for the UK government, calling for electricians to be placed at the heart of net zero strategies to accelerate electriﬁcation in homes, businesses, and communities

Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO of ECA, said: "Electricians are on the frontline of the UK’s shift to cleaner energy – not just installing new technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, but guiding households through the process

“This polling shows they are the public’s most trusted advisers, yet their insight remains an untapped source in national net zero planning Policymakers should harness that trust and expertise into national strategies if we want to make the transition faster, fairer, and more eﬀective ” ECA polling also highlights signiﬁcant barriers facing households in making their homes greener:

● Upfront cost remains the biggest obstacle, cited by 40% of adults as their primary reason for not adopting clean technologies

● Housing tenure presents a major barrier for renters, with 43% of private renters highlighting their rental status

as preventing adoption

● Lack of trustworthy advice is an issue for 6% of the population, rising to 9% among younger adults (25–34)

Despite these challenges, electricians consistently top public trust rankings, demonstrating their crucial role in the UK's energy transition. However, government initiatives often overlook electricians in public campaigns and policy decisions

To ensure electricians can fully play their role as trusted advisers at the frontline of the UK’s energy transition, ECA is calling on policymakers to urgently establish a national electriﬁcation taskforce

Mitchel Smith appointed WorldSkills UK Training Manager

NICEIC is pleased to announce the appointment of Technical Training Developer, Mitchel Smith, as the new WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Electrical Installation.

The role will see Mitchel leading the training and development of competitors in the Electrical Installation category for WorldSkills as the squad prepares to represent the UK on the international stage.

WorldSkills 2026 will take place in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026 The event will see 1,500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 countries to compete in technical skills from electrical installation to engineering and manufacturing, in front of an audience of 250,000.

Mitchel brings over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, with a track record of demonstrating both

technical integrity and a desire to continually raise the bar

He also brings a dedication to training, fostering talent and promoting high standards in electrical installation, making him the ideal person to lead the Electrical Installation squad through their training and preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Mitchel will be responsible for designing and implementing training programmes that prepare competitors for the challenges presented by WorldSkills and will work closely with industry experts and educators to ensure participants receive the highest quality training and support.

He commented: "It’s an absolute honour to be appointed as the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Electrical Installation

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to work with talented individuals who made it on to the Electrical Installation squad, to help them develop their technical skills and reach their full potential It’s a very exciting challenge and we’ll be working hard in preparation for Shanghai, where we’ll be doing everything we can to come home with a medal."

Makita UK is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one year to two years.

As of the beginning of April, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms

Makita oﬀers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more Developed using leading battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work ﬂexibly, and for long periods of time

The increase in the standard factory warranty oﬀers further conﬁdence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries.

Siemens continues to invest in its partner training programme with the introduction of a ‘training wall’ to enhance the practical experience at its dedicated facility in Manchester.

The new wall features the Siemens ﬁre safety panels –Cerberus PRO and Cerberus FIT – along with detectors and sounders, including the FDA241 and FDA262 from the aspirating smoke detection (ASD and ASD+) range, all networked to allow engineers to see how the diﬀerent elements can work together

The wall also has two fire dampers controlled by Siemens actuators which are integrated with the fire safety systems, as well as a PXC4 automation station, a Connect Box IOT unit and a Desigo optic embedded device from the Siemens BMS (building management systems) portfolio, all of which can be integrated as part of a Siemens Building X single digital platform

The training wall has been future-proofed, reﬂecting the nature of Siemens solutions, with a modular approach enabling new products to be added as they are developed

Stuart Pearce announced as new Patron of the EIC

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has announced that Stuart Pearce, former England footballer and qualiﬁed electrician, has joined as its new Patron.

With his special connection to the electrical industry, Stuart is the perfect ambassador to help raise awareness and support for those facing life’s toughest challenges

Before becoming a household name in football, Stuart began his working life as an apprentice electrician with Brent Council, later running his own business Even as his football career took oﬀ at Coventry City and Nottingham Forest, he continued working as a trading electrician, famously advertising his business in matchday programmes

His experience in the trade gives him a deep understanding of the industry and the people EIC supports Stuart knows the pressures and demands that come with working in the electrical sector, making him a passionate advocate for EIC’s mission

Managing Director, Jess Vailima, said: “At EIC, we provide essential ﬁnancial, emotional and practical assistance to those in the electrical and energy industries when they need it most. Having Stuart as our Patron is a huge honour, and we know his inﬂuence will help us make an even bigger impact.”

Stuart Pearce added: "I’m truly honoured to become Patron of EIC. Before my professional football career took oﬀ, I was settling into life as an electrician, so I have a real appreciation for the hard work and dedication of those in the electrical and energy industries

“I know the challenges that can come with the job, which is why I’m so passionate about supporting the incredible work that EIC does The charity provides vital assistance to those who need it most and I’m excited to play a part in helping to raise awareness and ensure that no one in our industry faces any hardship alone "

Fergus offers free 30-minute business health check

Fergus, the job management software built for the trades, is oﬀering a free 30-minute business health check, designed to help electricians take control of their numbers – and stop proﬁt from slipping through the cracks.

Run by a team of friendly industry experts, the free consultation will help identify what’s holding your business back. Whether its labour costs or overheads, admin time or staff capacity, the health check will offer tailored insights that make a real difference on the ground

“You’ll walk away with a clear

understanding of your proﬁt margins, guidance on how to price jobs accurately, insights into labour productivity, ways to reduce wasted admin time and the ability to benchmark against similar businesses,” says Pete Hunter, Fergus Account Executive

Fergus is trusted by over 20,000 trade businesses around the world. The team understands the daily challenges of running a trade business and provides advice grounded in real-world experience

For busy business owners, ﬁnding the

time to look under the hood can feel impossible – but this short, focused session could be the diﬀerence between treading water and turning a healthy proﬁt.

Spin to Win with THORNeco Are you ready to join the Club?

Thorn Lighting is bringing a dose of excitement to your world with the launch of its latest installer promotion: Spin to Win with THORNeco.

Running until the end of June, the promotion gives installers the chance to win one of over 700 instant prizes – simply by purchasing THORNeco products in-store I

T H O

p l e n t y u p f o r g r a b s

To take part, installers simply scan the QR code found on promotional leaﬂets available in-store at their local wholesaler This takes them to a dedicated landing page where they can upload their invoice and instantly spin to win

The promotion is open to all UK and Irish installers purchasing in-store from any wholesaler stocking THORNeco products Prizes are available while stocks last

The Dimplex

PRO Installer Club

provides exclusive access to valuable resources, including the new advanced heating calculator, product training and special oﬀers and promotions

Professionals who sign up will also be able to earn points on Dimplex and Xpelair purchases, which they can then spend on a variety of rewards – from vouchers and gift cards to tool sets and smart watches

Advantages of joining the Dimplex PRO Installer Club include:

● Points to spend on a wide range of awards

● Advanced heating design calculator

● Dedicated team of support experts

● Exclusive prize draws and promotions

● Online and in-person training opportunities

● Listing on the Dimplex website

● Dimplex branded workwear

● Free personalised marketing materials

The value of electrical apprenticeships

In this regular column, offering advice and updates on electrical qualifications and recommended training routes, Kevin Sparrow, Industry & Portfolio Manager at EAL Awards, identifies some of the benefits that employing an apprentice in your business can deliver.

EAL is the exclusive provider of BSE (including electrical) apprenticeships in Wales and supports thousands of apprentices annually in England and Northern Ireland By collaborating with industry bodies, including The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), ECA and IET, training providers such as JTL, as well as employers, we ensure our qualifications align with the industry and are current and relevant

A cost-effective way to increase your workforce

Apprentices offer significant value to a business, and I would encourage any company that may not have considered so before to take one on Apprentices are a cost-effective way to increase the workforce while they develop their knowledge, skills (and behaviours), which can be tailored to the needs of the work you carry out

have high-calibre students seeking a work placement, so it provides a great opportunity to see if the young person could be a fit for your business as a future apprentice

Employers can also engage with EAL in shaping this T Level by joining our development advisory group through the link at the bottom of the page

While some contractors may hesitate to employ apprentices due to barriers such as commitment, costs and funding, the long-term benefits can outweigh these concerns

In England, two primary apprenticeship standards are available: the Installation and Maintenance Electrician standard and the Domestic Electrician standard Both incorporate EAL’s qualifications and culminate in the AM2S or AM2DE assessments

In Wales, apprentices pursue the EAL Level 3 Building Services Engineering – Electrotechnical Installation qualification, which also concludes with the AM2S assessment

Despite regional differences due to devolved education policies, the core electrical content remains consistent across the UK, adhering to BS 7671 and industry practices and standards After all, BS 7671 is applied across the UK, and science and principles are universal!

Importantly, we work closely with TESP, ECA, and employers to help ensure comparable outcomes for apprentices across the UK

They can bring new ideas and perspectives that are valuable to innovate, improve, and grow your business and can help develop a diverse workforce in terms of age, ethnicity, and gender, which can bring a range of benefits such as different viewpoints and approaches

Apprentices who are trained within the company are more likely to stay long-term, reducing turnover and recruitment costs, and can assist experienced employees with tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex work and increasing overall productivity They can also help drive your business fo if you’re considering taking apprentice, contact your lo college or apprenticeship t provider, such as JTL

Another option to consid whether your local college offering the BSE for Construction T Levelelectrotechnical engineering They will

Apprenticeships contribute to the development of a skilled workforce and support the growth and sustainability of businesses within the sector. The long-t integrating apprentic workforce can be sub driving future busines growth and innovatio

You can register you interest today by completing EAL’s online form, which can be accessed through the

Get further details on joining EAL’s development advisory group by visiting: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO007

MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER WITH ROBUS

With the launch of a brand new product on the horizon, the team at ROBUS shares ﬁve productivity ‘hacks’ that will EXPRESS your life and your installations.

Are you work-rich and time-poor? You’ve got plenty to do, but never enough hours in the day Time is money, and every minute counts. While you can’t realign the sun and stars to suit your schedule, there are things l h make a real diﬀ

That’s why R sharing some to productivity hac a sneak peek at new SPEEDBEA

EXPRESS, launching this July, designed to help you ﬂy through installations without wasting a second

LIFE HACK #1: Make your life easier in future with a few shortcuts

We are creatures of habit, which means as xciting as we like to think we are, a lot of our tasks are repeated on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis! If you can build shortcuts for these recurring tasks, you’ll save a lot of time. For ample, save your go-to emails as plates Instead of typing out the same replies over and over, create templates for common messages

‘Future you’ will thank you every time you can ﬁre oﬀ a reply in seconds

SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS boasts an innovative shortcut for emergency upgrades

SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS has an emergency base already built-in, so all you have to do is snap-in the accessory emergency pack. No unnecessary wiring, no

hassle – just a simple upgrade when you need it. That’s True-Plug&Play! Dual Test functionality is included so you can seamlessly transition between Manual Test and Self Test modes Quality is always a top priority at ROBUS, so this emergency pack is designed with a LiFePO4 battery

LIFE HACK #2: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

You know the drill: bulk prep your meals so you’re not grabbing a soggy sandwich at the garage, lay out tomorrow’s clothes so you’re not tearing through the wardrobe at 6am A bit of preparation today saves a lot of hassle tomorrow But sometimes you need to plan for the unknown That’s when having back-up options is key to remaining ﬂexible

SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS plans ahead with CCT3 selectable and dual power

That’s exactly why this linear batten has CCT3 selectable (3000K, 4000K, 6500K) and dual power options (10 W to 68 W tailored to length) Even if the job throws you a curveball, you still have ﬂexibility on-site No extra stock required, no second trip to the wholesalers, no stress. Every luminaire in the ROBUS EXPRESS

range is built for on-the-go adaptability – from downlights and surface ﬁttings to emergency lighting

LIFE HACK #3: Save energy by switching oﬀ properly Studies show that we spend 2 hours and 23 minutes on social media daily – over the years, that’s an eye-watering total! Leaving your phone in another room before bed stops you from wasting mental energy scrolling through endless feeds when you should be winding down.

LIFE HACK #4: Upgrade to quality in the areas that matter most

The constant notiﬁcations, updates, and mindless browsing all drain your focus – even when you think you’re relaxing By properly switching oﬀ, you get better sleep, sharper focus, and more energy the next day to tackle the work that actually matters It’s about protecting your own battery as much as your phone’s

SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS offers energy savings with a plug-in microwave sensor For added control, a plug-in microwave sensor is available for SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS – providing on/off switching and 3-step dimming It automatically dims and switches off the luminaire when no one’s around, reducing wasted energy without your customer having to lift a finger Smarter power use not only saves energy, it cuts costs and it’s better for the environment SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS also boasts a high efficacy of 140 Lm/W

Not everything in life needs to be top of the range – but the things you use every day? They’re worth investing in. A decent mattress for better sleep. Sharp kitchen knives that actually cut Comfortable shoes if you’re on your feet all day When key parts of your life are sorted with quality, everything else feels easier, quicker, and less stressful

Quality thinking is at the core of SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS

With quality features like cable clamps, marked drill points, and a 4-way push-in terminal block with loop in, loop out connections, SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS is designed to make your installation fast and reliable ROBUS has picked the right level of quality where it matters most – so you can get the job done properly the first time We’re so confident in the quality of SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS that we’ve backed it with a two-year on-site warranty (no registration required) as well as a five-year product warranty

LIFE HACK #5: Set things up to work for you, not against you

Choose the easy wins Use doorstops when carrying in the shopping so you’re not juggling bags and handles. Set up workspaces with everything within arm’s

oﬀ and let you get m without the awkward balancing act

Safety straps and tool-free end caps make SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS installs easy

Have you ever found yourself cursing the luminaire in your hands because it seems to be designed with the sole purpose of making your day more diﬃcult?? SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS is not one of these products

This linear batten has safety straps included to keep the diﬀuser securely attached, so you have both hands free to wire and customise. With strong end caps and an easy, tool-free twist-lock design, your installation is quicker and simpler so you can get on with the rest of your day

SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS is your fast track to linear batten installations Choose from a range of sizes to ﬁt a variety of applications: 0.6 m, 1.2 m, 1.5 m, and 1.8 m.

It’s available from electrical wholesaler stockists from next month

FANCY WINNING AN EXPRESS GETAWAY THIS SUMMER?

We’ve hidden EXPRESS GETAWAY

TICKETS in every SPEEDBEAM EXPRESS box at wholesalers across the country! But only some hold winning tickets

With 1 of 3 holidays up for grabs, plus 80 instant prizes to be won, will you ﬁnd the ticket to take you on the trip of a lifetime?

BROWSE OR DOWNLOAD THE 2025 ROBUS LIGHTING CATALOGUE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO008

John Hayhurst, Electrical Tutor at City Skills SCC, explains why it is so important for electricians to document EVERYTHING they ﬁnd during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) –no matter how small, or seemingly insigniﬁcant the issue.

“IF YOU FIND IT, YOU SHOULD RECORD IT”

Edesigned to give a clear picture of the condition of an electrical installation at the time of inspection But often, during the process, you come across small faults – loose terminals, signs of overheating, or reversed polarity – that are quick and easy to ﬁx

So, you sort it, tighten a screw or re-terminate a wire, and move on The job's better oﬀ for it. But then comes the tricky bit: do you record what you found, or leave it out because it's been ﬁxed?

That’s where things can get a bit grey

It might not seem like a big deal at the time – the problem’s sorted, it’s safe now, and the client just wants the certiﬁcate But skipping that note in the report could put you in a tight spot if anything ever comes back on you

damage, deterioration, defects or dangerous conditions” found during the inspection That means even if a fault is ﬁxed straight away, the fact it was there in the ﬁrst place matters and needs to be documented

non-invasive – mostly visual, with a selection of tests. If you’re pulling out accessories, using power tools, or taking things apart to chase down an issue, you’ve probably crossed over into investigation territory

When that happens, the correct approach should be to mark it as FI (Further Investigation Required) and either return to it separately or carry on under a new instruction. That keeps the inspection clean and avoids mixing up diﬀerent types of work

When the EICR turns into a repair job There’s also the matter of how far you go

Now, on to the issue of paperwork –do you need to issue a Minor Works Certiﬁcate for a quick ﬁx like tightening a terminal? Technically, no – not if you haven’t added to or altered the circuit in a meaningful way But in reality, if you’ve completed a full suite of tests on your

COMMENT

repair, well, why not? It doesn’t take long to ﬁll out, and it gives you and the client a clear record that something was done, tested, and found to be safe Even when you don’t issue a certiﬁcate, you should still make sure the repair is documented somewhere either in the EICR itself or in your own job notes

What matters most is the retesting If you’ve made a change, no matter how small, the aﬀected part of the circuit needs to be checked again That includes polarity, Zs, continuity the basics It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about making sure the installation is safe to use after you've worked on it. Skipping this step puts both the user and the electrician at risk

Why recording matters: a real world scenario

To put things into perspective, let’s imagine the following scenario: a landlord arranges an EICR after a tenant reports receiving a shock from a cooker outlet plate.

Concerned that this could point to a serious safety issue – and not wanting to be held responsible for having provided an unsafe property – the landlord decides not to pass this information on to the electrician

During the inspection, the electrician identifies a loose connection at the cooker outlet, which could explain the shock He tightens the terminal, retests the circuit, and moves on but doesn’t record the fault or the repair

Later, if the tenant pursues a complaint and contacts the local council’s housing department, the landlord is holding a clean, satisfactory EICR that shows no recorded defects In that situation, the landlord may be legally protected, as they have documentation confirming the installation was declared safe. The local authority may find it difficult to take action based on the tenant's complaint alone

Meanwhile, the electrician is left without a written record of the fault or corrective action taken If questions are asked, they have no evidence to support their side of the story – no test

results, observations or paperwork

This shows how failing to record even minor faults can put others at risk, and not just yourself It removes accountability, muddies the timeline of events, and can create legal and professional complications.

A simple note in the report protects everyone involved – the landlord, the tenant, and the electrician

Professionalism is in the paperwork

Leaving things undocumented creates gaps that can come back to haunt you

If there’s ever a shock, a fault, or even just a question about the work, and you haven’t recorded what you found and what you did, there’s no proof you did things right

And if you were the last person on-site, the responsibility might land with you – whether that’s fair or not S

i t i

l l

o n i s n ’ t j u s t i n a c c u r a t e, i t c o u l d a l s o b e

c o n s i d e r e d m i s l e a d i n g . T h a t k

Keeping inspection and repair work separate, even if they’re undertaken at the same visit, is a habit that pays oﬀ Do the EICR ﬁrst, record everything you see, and if repairs are needed, make sure they’re documented and tested properly.

Whether you issue a Minor Works Certiﬁcate or just make a clear note in the report, that record helps show you took the right steps and did the job properly

In the end, it’s simple: if you found it, record it If you fixed it, test it And if you did the job properly, don’t leave the paperwork behind

Working on your own? Need some technical advice? Don’t know where to turn? Ask Megger What it doesn’t know about installing and testing electrical systems isn’t worth knowing Every question will be answered by the Megger Technical Team, and the best will be published in Professional Electrician So, take advantage of the ‘ every question answered’ guarantee today Email your questions to: meggermeasures@hamerville co uk

You ask:

I WAS TALKING TO ANOTHER ELECTRICIAN THE OTHER DAY AND SHE MENTIONED THAT SHE HAD A GREAT NEW VOLT FINDER THAT COULD ALSO MEASURE TEMPERATURE. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A USEFUL GADGET! DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

Megger says:

Yes, it’s the new Megger VF-T5 non-contact AC voltage detector with laser infrared thermometer When you ’ re using it as a volt-finder, it has two ranges: 12 to 1,000 V and 100 to 1,000 V For both ranges, the volt finder’s LED changes colour and its buzzer sounds when it’s brought near a voltage source The low voltage range has an extra feature: the LED flashes and the buzzer beeps, with the flashing and beeping getting faster as you get nearer the voltage source Great for cable tracing! When you ’ re measuring temperature, the VF-T5 has a built-in laser pointer so you can aim it accurately It shows the result, from -30 to +280ºC, on its LED display This is a really useful feature for checking for overheating which might, for example, indicate an overloaded power supply or a poorly made connection The VF-T5 will fit easily into your pocket; it has an IP54 ingress protection rating and a CAT IV 1,000 V safety rating so you really can take it anywhere and use it anywhere

VISIT THE MEGGER VF-T5 NON-CONTACT AC VOLTAGE DETECTOR PRODUCT INFORMATION PAGE AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO009

WIN A TRACKABLE VELOCITY TOOL BAG

One lucky reader will win the world’s ﬁrst trackable tool bag – the Velocity Rogue 600 Wheeler.

Tool theft isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s personal It costs trade professionals time, money, and trust That’s why Velocity Pro Gear built the Rogue 600 Wheeler –the world’s ﬁrst trackable tool bag

Designed to fight back, this rugged wheeled bag comes equipped with a Velocity Connect Tracker, so you always know where your gear is Just fire up the Velocity Connect App and track it from anywhere – no extras, and no faff Peace of mind is now built-in as standard

Built for the realities of the job, the Rogue 600 Wheeler features 55+ storage zones, a removable tool panel, and a rear compartment big enough for the gear others leave behind It’s wrapped in 900D water-resistant material with a 3 2 mm waterproof base, and it rolls smooth on 6-inch all-terrain wheels with a telescopic handle that takes the strain

This bag isn’t just about carrying tools – it’s about protecting your livelihood Built-in Velocity Connect means your tools are never truly out of sight, or out of reach

HOW TO ENTER

The column where you get to put your lighting questions to the head of the Ovia lighting business, Mike Collins, and his team of technical experts

QWHAT ARE THE KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN RECOMMENDING FLOODLIGHTING SOLUTIONS?

Floodlights are a crucial component in the lighting industry, providing powerful illumination for a variety of applications Understanding the different types available and their key features and benefits will help electricians decide on the right product for the project they have in mind

● LED floodlights – energy-efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly, they’re a popular choice for contractors and end users.

● Solar floodlights – ideal for off-grid areas, they’re powered by solar panels and offer a sustainable option

Key features to consider include:

● Lumens output: determines the brightness level –the higher the lumens the more powerful the light output

● Beam angle: wider angles cover larger areas, while narrower angles focus light more precisely.

● IP rating: ensures protection against dust and water, crucial for outdoor applications

● Motion sensors: enhances security by activating lights only when movement is detected

● Dimming capabilities: offers adjustable brightness levels for energy efficiency and versatility

● Colour temperature: ranges from warm white to daylight, affecting the ambiance of the illuminated space.

● Photocells: Measure ambient light levels using photoresistors or photodiodes Lights automatically turn on when surrounding light falls below a preset threshold (e g at dusk) and switch off when sufficient daylight is present (e g at dawn)

Ovia’s floodlighting collection offers a range of powerful and energy efficient floodlights that are suitable for a wide variety of projects and environmental conditions Included in the line-up are IK10-rated outdoor wall packs, asymmetric floodlights with photocell, robust metal floodlights, IP66 street lighting and solar powered LED floodlights

PUT YOUR QUESTION TO THE ASK OVIA TEAM AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO011

ENTER THE CPD ZONE AND EARN 1 CPD CREDIT

TOWARDS YOUR PROFESSIONAL RECORD!

continuing professional development (CPD) can be broadly deﬁned as any type of learning you undertake which increases your knowledge, understanding and experiences of a subject area or role. To help professionals to better document and prove this process, our CPD Zone contains content and articles that have been checked, veriﬁed and accredited by a third-party specialist organisation

Collectively, the content within this section has been deemed worthy of 1 x CPD credit, or one hours’ worth of CPD

Once this content has been consumed, readers will have the opportunity to scan a QR code which will provide a bespoke, downloadable certificate that can be used as part of a

professional’s ongoing CPD record

This means that if you’re a monthly reader of PE, you could earn up to 11 credits, or 11 hours’ worth of CPD, just by reading a regular copy of your favourite independent industry magazine in 2025

DO NOT SCAN THE QR CODE UNLESS YOU HAVE READ ALL OF THE CONTENT WITHIN THIS SECTION!

A large element of CPD involves self-certification and relies on professionals being honest about what they have actually read, consumed and digested A QR code and RDRLink code have been placed with the final article in this month’s CPD Zone and ONLY once you have read ALL of the articles within this section, should you then scan/enter the code to receive your bespoke certificate

By skipping any of these steps, you’re not just cheating the system, but yourself and your fellow professionals at the same time!

NEW USERS – ACCESS YOUR BESPOKE CPD CERTIFICATE IN FIVE STEPS

1. Read ALL of the content and articles included within this month’s CPD Zone

2. Scan the QR code or enter the RDRLink code with the last article in this section

3. Enter your email address.

4. Fill out your details on the contact form.

5 Download your certiﬁcate for use as part of your annual CPD record

PREVIOUS USERS – ACCESS YOUR CPD CERTIFICATE IN FOUR STEPS

1. Read ALL of the content and articles included within this month’s CPD Zone

2. Scan the QR code or enter the RDRLink code with the last article in this section.

3. Enter your name and email address.

4. Download your certiﬁcate for use as part of your annual CPD record

All certiﬁcates are valid for one year from the issue date If you’re having any issues with downloading your certiﬁcate or using the system, please email us at: pe@hamerville.co.uk

THE CODEBREAKERS

To protec t cables when they enter a consumer unit we should use appropriate methods, accessories and fittings. This could include rubber or PVC grommets for a simple cable installation to offer the cable protec tion against sharp metal edges. For meter tails this might be a cable entr y gland that has the line, neutral and ear thing conduc tor installed through the same gland This would provide secure and sealed protec tion from damage and ex ternal influences

This installation has a few issues The meter tails have no means of support for the cables and terminations. The use of fibre glass wool to prevent abrasion from the sharp metal edges would not oﬀer much in the way of protection. This also would not oﬀer any protection from wires or fingers being pushed through the openings and therefore allowing access to live parts

One other thing to bear in mind is that the use of fibre glass wool would not increase the protec tion against the spread of fire

Need help with cracking those all-impor tant EICR codes? Ever y month the technical team at NAPIT will be studying your latest ‘Caught on Camera’ photos and oﬀering advice on the next steps, should you find a similar installation. If you want the team at NAPIT to help crack your codes then send your pic tures through to us at: pe@hamer ville.co.uk

Alterations to elec tr ical installations are a common occur rence, but they do have to comply with the requirements of BS 7671.

With this alteration, it appears there was a request for a local switch for the light fitting, resulting in an unor thodox method of ter mination.

This is an older version of a plug in lighting socket, where a 5A three -pin plug and socket are utilised for lighting installations

Unfor tunately, there has been not any consideration of elec tr ical safet y The three -pin plug has been damaged, allowing access to live par ts. Single insulated conduc tors have not been enclosed and there is no suppor t for the cables or ter minations.

Another area of concer n would be the t win and ear th cable with only the line (red) conduc tor connec ted This could mean that we have a bor rowed neutral if the line conduc tor has not been der ived from the same circuit

Observations, Regulation infringements and Codes applicable to this observation would be:

The A2:2022 18th Edition Codebreakers publication is priced at £22.00 (members) and £24.00 (non-members). It is available in both hard copy and digital versions * Price is VAT exempt and excludes postage and packaging.

RICHARD COCKERLINE: HOW DO SOME PEOPLE SLEEP AT NIGHT?

FAULT CURRENTS

In the second of a series of articles aimed at helping you to gain a better understanding of three-phase supplies, Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement at Scolmore Group, delves into the issue of fault currents.

In any electrical system a fault to Earth or a fault between live conductors will generate a fault current The level of fault current will depend on a range of factors, including voltage levels, number of phases, proximity to the distribution transformer, and the like

This article looks at likely levels of fault current, how they are to be assessed and the nature of equipment being suﬃcient to manage such fault currents (breaking capacity)

Types of fault

There are two types of ‘short circuit’ generally considered in BS 7671:

● Earth fault current – a current resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between a line conductor and an exposed-conductive-part or a protective conductor

The simplest way to determine the level of fault current in a single-phase system is to determine the combined values of the transformer winding and the line and neutral conductors

Three-phase fault

Based on Fig 1 the level of fault current is determined by the following:

● The voltage – counter-intuitively this is taken to be the value of a single-phase supply (230 V)

● The impedance of the transformer winding

This can be simpliﬁed to:

Two-phase fault

Based on Fig 1 the level of fault current is determined by the following:

● The voltage – between two phases (400 V)

I!92&!+-:&6$#(&!0.!)2&!)*$#,.0*-&*!4+#6+#78!!

● The impedance of the transformer winding

I!92&!+-:&6$#(&!0.!)2&!)*$#,.0*-&*!4+#6+#78!!

● The impedance of the supply cable (line-to-Earth or line-to-neutral).

● The impedance of the supply cable (line only).

The simplest way to determine the level of fault current between three-phases is to determine the combined values of the transformer winding and the line conductor

This can be simpliﬁed to:

I!92&!+-:&6$#(&!0.!)2&!,/::'%!($3'&!?'+#&K)0K1$*)2!0*!'+#&K)0K#&/)*$'@8! I!92&!+-:&6$#(&!0.!)2&!+#)&*#$'!($3'&!?'+#&K)0K1$*)2!0*!'+#&K)0K#&/)*$'8!

● Short circuit – an overcurrent resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between live conductors having a diﬀerence in potential under normal operating conditions

I!92&!+-:&6$#(&!0.!)2&!,/::'%!($3'&!?'+#&K)0K1$*)2!0*!'+#&K)0K#&/)*$'@8! I!92&!+-:&6$#(&!0.!)2&!+#)&*#$'!($3'&!?'+#&K)0K1$*)2!0*!'+#&K)0K#&/)*$'8!

● The impedance of the internal cable (line-to-Earth or line-to-neutral

92&!,+-:'&,)!4$%!)0!6&)&*-+#&!)2&!'&5&'!0.!.$/')!(/**&#)!3&)4&&#!)40K:2$,&,!+,!)0! 6&)&*-+#&!)2&!(0-3+#&6!5$'/&,!0.!)2&!)*$#,.0*-&*!4+#6+#7!$#6!)2&!'+#&!$#6!'+#&! (0#6/()0*,8!

Single-phase fault

Based on Fig 1 the level of fault current is determined by the following:

# $ %&' (%)' (%)0 +, 92+,!($#!3&!,+-:'+.+&6!)0H!

● The voltage – single phase (230 V)

The simplest way to determine the level of fault current between two-phases is to determine the combined values of the transformer winding and the line and line conductors

!" # $ %&' (%)' (%)0 +, 92+,!($#!3&!,+-:'+.+&6!)0H!

● The impedance of the transformer winding

● The impedance of the supply cable (line-to-Earth or line-to-neutral)

● The impedance of the internal cable (line-to-Earth or line-to-neutral)

This can be simpliﬁed to:

# 1// %&' (%)' (%)0 +,

The level of fault will be greater than for a single-phase fault, and a two-phase fault but will still not be double the value of a single-phase fault

Understanding the diﬀerence between expected fault current levels is important when selecting electrical equipment, such as circuit-breakers, switches and the like

In a subsequent article we will consider the impact of prospective fault current values on the choice of equipment and recognise the importance of ensuring that the correct breaking capacity is selected

92&!'&5&'!0.!.$/')!4+''!3&!7*&$)&*!)2$#!.0*!$!,+#7'&!:2$,&!.$/')!3/)!4+''!#0)!3&!60/3'&!)2&!5$'/&! 0.!$!,+#7'&K:2$,&!.$/')8!

(AD55@4A965&89:;<&

The level of fault will be greater than for a single phase fault but will not be double the value of a single-phase fault

(AD55@4A965&89:;<& C$,&6!0#!/=?&B!)2&!'&5&'!0.!.$/')!(/**&#)!+,!6&)&*-+#&6!3%!)2&!.0''04+#7H!

C$,&6!0#!/=?&B!)2&!'&5&'!0.!.$/')!(/**&#)!+,!6&)&*-+#&6!3%!)2&!.0''04+#7H!

Each month, our team of expert, technical engineers answer essential questions from NICEIC-certiﬁed businesses – here are a few of the latest queries.

Who should make the recommendation for the interval to the ﬁrst periodic inspection and test of a new installation?

Q A Q

The designer

Regulation 134 2 2 states that: “The designer of the installation shall make a recommendation for the interval to the ﬁrst periodic inspection and test as detailed in Chapter 64.”

It is also noted that the requirements of Chapter 34 (Maintainability) should be taken into consideration

Q A

Which of the following is excluded from the scope of BS 7671?

a) prefabricated buildings b) railway signalling equipment c) sauna rooms d) ceiling heating systems

The answer is b) railway signalling equipment

Regulation 110.2 Exclusions From Scope states that:

“The Regulations do not apply to the following installations: (ii) Railway traction equipment, rolling stock and signalling equipment”

And Regulation 110 1 1 states that: “The Regulations apply to the design, erection and veriﬁcation of electrical installations such as those of: (v) prefabricated buildings, (x) rooms and cabins containing sauna heaters, (xxvi) ﬂoor and ceiling heating systems”.

A

In a TT system, can I use just a circuit-breaker to provide protection against electric shock?

Yes

Regulation 411.5.2 states that: “One or more of the following types of protective device shall be used, the former being preferred: (i) An RCD (ii) An overcurrent protective device”.

There is also an informative note which states that: “An appropriate overcurrent protective device may be used for fault protection provided a suitably low value of Zs is permanently and reliably assured”

So, if your Zs has a suitably low value which can be permanently and reliable assured, ensuring that the circuit-breaker will achieve the required disconnection time for protection against electric shock, then you can use a circuit breaker for protection against electric shock in a TT system, without needing an RCD

There is also a second informative note which states that: “Where an RCD is used for fault protection the circuit should also incorporate an overcurrent protective device in accordance with Chapter 43”

GIVE ME SOME SPACE

Steve Humphreys, Technical Commercial Manager at NAPIT, analyses the installation of cables within containment systems.

How often have we lifted a lid oﬀ a run of trunking to reveal that it is jam-packed with cables with no consideration for its capacity or spacing factors?

Fig 1 shows some cables which are poorly contained

It is quite common for circuits to be added after the initial installation and it is the responsibility of designers and installers to ensure that the containment system is still large enough to accommodate these additional cables

It is essential for an initial installation that the designer selects trunking and conduit systems that are sized correctly so they can comfortably accommodate the number of circuit conductors required Failure to do so can result in damage to conductor insulation, especially when drawing the cables into the containment system

Another issue is that there will be an increase in operational temperature when too many cables are installed in trunking or conduit

Common sense tells us that the more cables we have in a containment system, the more heat is generated, which in turn reduces the current carrying capacity of the conductors. Therefore, it is extremely

important to leave free space, known as a ‘spacing factor’ within the containment system to allow any excess heat to dissipate

In this article, we will look at the requirements of BS 7671 as well as other guidance documents which designers can use to calculate the correct number of cables that can be installed in trunking and conduit systems

What does BS 7671 say?

The capacities of conduit and trunking have not been included in BS 7671 since 1991, as the information was considered by the committee to be guidance However, BS 7671:2018+A3:2024 does provide relevant recommendations in Appendix 4

This appendix discusses the current carrying capacities of conductors taking into account factors such as:

● Installation methods

● Rating factors

● Ambient temperature

● Cables grouped in conduit and trunking systems

Appendix 4 of BS 7671 is basically the designers’ ‘go to’ guide for cable design as well as identifying the cross-sectional area of conductors.

Once we’ve established the type, size and number of circuit conductors to be installed, we now need to turn to further guidance to select an appropriately sized trunking or conduit

Further guidance Fortunately, the IET On-Site Guide

Appendix E contains more information regarding cable capacities for trunking and conduit

It is worth pointing out that this is guidance only and is concerned with the maximum number of cables that should be drawn in, so does not consider factors such as grouping as mentioned earlier in Appendix 4 of BS 7671. The use of this guidance should ensure that the cables can be drawn in easily and with the least risk of damage to them

The guidance deals with single-core thermoplastic (PVC) insulated cables in the following containment systems:

● Straight runs of conduit not exceeding 3 m in length

● Straight runs of conduit exceeding 3 m in length

● Runs of conduit of any length and/or that incorporate bends or sets

● Trunking

The IET On-Site Guide contains a set of tables (E1 to E6) that assist in the selection of conduit and trunking These tables provide allocated factors for conduit and trunking.

Fig 1: Trunking with single-core insulated conductors installed

Conduit worked example

Let’s assume we need to install two radial circuits within a metal conduit. Each of the circuits are single phase, thermoplastic single-core cables with a 4 mm2 cross-sectional area

This means in total we have 6 x 4 mm2 conductors Let’s also assume that the conduit run is 5 metres in length and incorporates two bends How do we work out the required diameter of conduit?

Firstly, we look at Table 1 to work out the cable factor We can see that 4 mm2 conductors have a cable factor of 43 As we have six conductors, we need to multiply the number of conductors by the cable factor.

6 x 43 = 258

Therefore, our total cable factor for the two radial circuits is 258

Next, we need to look at Table 2 which will give us a conduit factor. In our worked example, with a conduit 5 metres in length and incorporating two bends, we are looking for a factor that is greater than or equal to our total cable factor of 258

From Table 2, we can see a 5 metre run

1.5182294528923167270487857143233422750111182333600

217728651490015825646381813021338869297159292529

2.517127850087815024444278312019635864386141260474

3167270487857143233422750111182333600

3.5179290521911162263475837136222404720103169311563 417728651490015825646381813021338869297159292529

4.517428250788915425045280012520437366791149275500 517127850087815024444278312019635864386141260474 6167270487857143233422750111182333600 7162263475837136222404720103169311563 815825646381813021338869297159292529 915425045280012520437366791149275500 1015024444278312019635864386141260474

with two bends and there are only two choices of conduit diameter – 25 mm or 32 mm The conduit factor equal to or greater than our total cable factor of 258 is 358 This gives us a conduit diameter of 25 mm

So we can see that a 25 mm conduit will ensure that our two radial circuits can be drawn in easily with a low risk of damage to the cables. For cables and/or conduits not covered by these tables, the designer or installer should seek advice from the manufacturer on the number of cables that can be drawn in

Trunking worked example

Let’s assume we need to install the following single phase circuits that are wired with thermoplastic (PVC) single-core stranded cables within a trunking system:

● 4 x radial lighting circuits with a

1 5 mm2 cross-sectional area

● 4 x ring ﬁnal circuits with a 2.5 mm2 cross-sectional area

● 2 x radial EV charge point circuits with a 6 0 mm2 cross-sectional area

● 3 x radial electric heater circuits with a 4 0 mm2 cross-sectional area

How do we work out the required size of the trunking?

Firstly, we look at Table 3 to work out the cable factors It is evident from the example that we are using four diﬀerent conductor sizes, as well as multiple circuits

We need to work out the cable factor for each conductor ﬁrst:

● 1 5 mm2 cross-sectional area has a cable factor of 8 6

● 2 5 mm2 cross-sectional area has a cable factor of 12 6

● 4 0 mm2 cross-sectional area has a cable factor of 16.6

● 6 0 mm2 cross-sectional area has a cable factor of 21 2

Next, we need to multiply these cable factors by the number of conductors:

● 4 x radial lighting circuits with 12 conductors x 8 6 = 103 2

● 4 x ring ﬁnal circuits with 24 conductors x 12 6 = 302.4

● 2 x radial electric vehicle charge point circuits with 6 conductors x 21 2 = 127.2

● 3 x radial electric heater circuits with 9 conductors x 16.6 = 149.4

To get the total cable factor, simply add these together:

103 2 + 302 4 + 127 2 + 149 4 = 682 2

Now we turn to Table 4 to ﬁnd a trunking factor that is greater than or equal to our total cable factor of 682 2 and this gives us a few choices.

The trunking factor closest to our total cable factor of 682 2 is 738, which gives a trunking size of 75 mm x 25 mm

The designer may choose to use a larger trunking depending on the

speciﬁcation, manufacturer and future use of the electrical installation. For cables and/or trunking not covered by these tables, the requirement is that a space factor of 45% must not be exceeded

This means that not more than 45% of the space within the trunking must be occupied by cables, with 55% of free space, as shown in Fig 2

Conclusion

Far too often we see containment systems, such as trunking and conduit, packed with cables way beyond their intended capacity

As mentioned earlier, this ultimately can lead to the potential danger of damaged cables during their installation or through overheating of conductors

Hopefully, this article has been useful in understanding the requirements of BS

7671 and other guidance documents for designers and installers to calculate the correct number of cables that can be installed in trunking and conduit systems

Fig 2: Space factor requirement of 45% not to be exceeded

higher)

Pod Point’s Electrical Compliance Manager, Richard Townsend, provides an insight into what to consider before installing EV charge points.

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU INSTALL

We often receive requests from clients to retroﬁt EV charge points to an existing infrastructure, replacing their original equipment

That sounds like a simple process, almost a one-for-one swap, and in many cases, that’s usually not far oﬀ the mark However, there are instances where a direct one-for-one replacement can’t be achieved, so we survey every retroﬁt case before committing to any such undertakings

Always treat a retroﬁt as a new installation, surveying the existing infrastructure and equipment to ensure it meets legislative requirements. So, how do we start?

First steps

For any installation, always consider the basic BS 7671 requirements:

● Does the supply have capacity for an EV? (301)

● Will it need load management? (722 311 201)

● Are the main live and neutral supply conductors csa adequate? (132 6)

● What is the Earthing arrangement for the incoming supply? (TT, TN-C-S (PME), TN-S) (132.2, 301)

● Is the installation's main earthing conductor csa adequate? (542 3)

● Does the charge point need diverted neutral current protection? (Open Pen) (722 411 4 1 iii, iv, v)

● Does the existing installation have adequate main and supplementary protective bonding in place? (411 3 1 2, 544.1, 544.2)

● Is the supply a looped and, if required, has the DNO been made aware?

● Has the DNO been made aware of the EV equipment install via their notiﬁcation portal?

These are all basic requirements

On top of these, each install also needs to be carefully designed to

ensure that it meets the following requirements:

● Cable current carrying capacity (132 6)

● Has the customer agreed to ﬁtting an SPD? (If not, have they signed a waiver?) (443.4.1)

● Is the capacity of any OCPDs adequate for the load/cable protection? (132 8)

● Are switchgear and enclosures used from the same manufacturer? (536 4 203)

● RCDs or RCBOs must be double-pole and disconnect both live conductors (722.531.3.1)

Next steps

So, we’ve established that the new or retroﬁt installation meets the requirements of BS 7671 Does this mean we’re good to go? Not quite

There are requirements from multiple legislations that we need to consider before installation Some things to look

out for include:

Areas of natural beauty or cultural heritage

There are strict guidelines for installing in these areas Most will need permission to ensure the resulting EV charge point doesn’t impact the region's natural heritage. There may also be requirements placed on the eventual installation.

Listed properties

Depending on the level of a property’s category, the likelihood of being able to install will rest on permissions from the local planning authority All properties and areas are unique, with varying compliance requirements

Highways Act 1974

This is possibly the most important consideration for the placement of EV charge points After we’ve addressed

everything else, we must ensure that we don’t impact or contravene this Act, which requires that we don’t allow cables to cross or block public access or paths

Some local authorities are more lenient to this requirement, provided the client takes full responsibility for any such practice. They’re all slightly diﬀerent, so you need to check with the one applicable to where the installation will be.

Part M (Building Regulations England)

If it’s a new installation, has accessibility been taken into account? Depending on the use of the building or the EV charge point, the height at which the EV charge point has been located and adequate accessible space around the vehicle will need to be assessed. Devolved nations will also have similar requirements.

Proof of property ownership

Where parking for a proposed EV charge point is unclear, the land registry details and permission need to be sought from the client to ensure the installation doesn’t cause any ownership or legal issues later on

Custom and practice

Where parking is not clearly deﬁned, and locals seem to park in a way that doesn’t

allow them permission, but everyone does it, in a secluded oﬀ-street gravelled area, for example, this can sometimes be seen as ‘custom and practice’ This means that everyone in a particular area parks in a non-designated way, so an EV charge point can be installed.

Custom and practice is challenging to conﬁrm, and permissions from neighbours and local authorities must be sourced

Any other permissions

Where properties share party walls, or where an allocated parking space is next to them or the boundaries of diﬀerent properties, always ask for permission to install on a neighbour's wall or property, as this can cause conﬂicts we want to avoid

Disposal of waste

Whenever you retrofit, any waste must be disposed of responsibly; never use the customer's refuse facility unless it's clear that the waste is suitable and there is permission to use it The equipment's overall environmental impact and sustainability must be considered, particularly printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are always present in EV charging equipment

Conclusion

Given the considerable power EV charge points can draw, the correct design parameters, including those for retroﬁt installations, must be met every time

In addition, non-electrical permissions must be in place prior to any installation. Our advice is to review everything and ask the client for written permission if you feel it’s not a straightforward installation

If you need technical help or advice, please don't hesitate to contact us here at Pod Point We’ll always give you the advice you need, whenever we can Simply email: PodpointPE@pod-point.com

We’ll also be attending all the remaining ELEX events in 2025 and we frequently visit wholesaler events Feel free to drop by for free advice and a catch-up

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT POD POINT’S RANGE OF EV CHARGING EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES BY VISITING:

PROTECTIVE DEVICES AND BIDIRECTIONAL OPERATION

This article from the experts at NICEIC describes what factors must be taken into account when selecting protective devices for use in applications where bidirectional power ﬂow is to be expected in normal operation.

As the installation of electrical energy storage systems and small-scale generation capable of feeding into the public distribution system becomes more widespread, it is increasingly common to have bidirectional power ﬂow in some conductors within an installation

Batteries are considered to be generators for the purposes of BS 7671 (551 1 1(v)) and should also be considered as both a supply and a load (see note to regulation 823)

This raises issues in respect of the suitability, or otherwise, of protective devices such as circuit-breakers, residual current circuit-breakers (RCCB) and residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBO).

Additionally, in such applications, consideration must also be given to which conductors must be disconnected when a protective device operates under fault conditions For example, it may be necessary to disconnect all live conductors so that a requisite disconnection time is achieved This is also discussed

Suitability for use where bidirectional power ﬂow is to be expected

Amendment 3 (AMD3) to BS 7671:2018, published in July 2024, introduced the following deﬁnitions:

Bidirectional protective device

A protective device where it is intended by the manufacturer that a source of supply is connected to either or both sets of connection terminals

Unidirectional protective device

A protective device where it is intended by the manufacturer that a source of supply is only connected to one deﬁned set of connection terminals

Neither Section 551 nor Section 712 of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, which give the general requirements for low voltage generating sets and the particular requirements for the installation of solar PV supply systems respectively, contain any speciﬁc requirements, or prohibitions, in respect of protective devices used in such applications other than requiring bidirectional overcurrent protective devices on the DC side of a solar PV system (712 431 101(d))

However, it is a requirement that overcurrent protective devices in prosumer’s electrical installations are suitable for all possible directions of current ﬂow and polarity (826 1 2 2)

AMD3 introduced a new regulation 530 3 201 in Chapter 53 (Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring) which states that the selection and erection of equipment for protection

shall take account of appropriate use of either a unidirectional protective device or a bidirectional protective device.

An accompanying note advises that the product standards for some protective devices such as RCCBs, RCBOs, circuit-breakers and AFDDs contain requirements for their marking to indicate if they are unidirectional

It further advises that this indication may be given by directional arrows, or by

marking their terminals “in” and “out” or “line” and “load”

When working on such installations, where there is any doubt regarding suitability of a protective device for use in a particular application, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be taken into account (134 1 1; 510 3)

The BEAMA technical bulletin Connection of Unidirectional and Bidirectional Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Miniature Circuit-Breakers (MCBs) to power supplies e g battery storage, Photovoltaic (PV) systems, Electric Vehicles (EV) to home, a micro-generator, or grid (mains) supply advises that, in some cases:

● connecting the output of the generator or battery to a protective device’s outgoing terminals, designated as ‘out’ or ‘load’ will result in damage rendering the device inoperable and

● circuit-breakers with terminals marked ‘in’ and ‘out’ or ‘line’ and ‘load’ may have their arc extinguishing and/or short-circuit operation characteristics impaired if they are connected incorrectly and the device operates under fault condition

Furthermore, in some cases, when a unidirectional residual current device is connected incorrectly, testing the device with a test instrument or even merely operating the ‘test’ button may also render the device inoperable

For both circuit-breakers and RCDs (RCCBs and RCBOs) it is unlikely that there will be any visually observable signs to indicate that damage has occurred Furthermore, even if the ‘test’ button can be reset this does not mean that the device is still capable of operating

Product standards

Clause 6 1 (Standard marking) of BS EN 60898-1:2019 requires that:

If it is necessary to distinguish between the supply and the load terminals, the former shall be indicated by arrows pointing towards the circuit-breaker and the latter by arrows pointing away from the circuit-breaker.

In the case of RCCBs and RCBOs, Clause 6 (Marking and other product information) of BS EN 61008 1:2012+A12:2017 and BS EN 61009-1:2012+A12:2016 both state:

If it is necessary to distinguish between the supply and the load terminals, they shall be clearly marked (e.g. by "line" and "load" placed near the corresponding terminals or by arrows indicating the direction of power ﬂow)

An example of typically used arrangements is shown in Fig 1 Similarly, Fig 2 shows the terminal markings on a bidirectional RCBO

Clause 6 of both BS EN 61008 1:2012+A12:2017 and BS EN 61009-1:2012+A12:2016 also states that the devices covered shall be marked in accordance with the Table Z3 therein

In both cases this states that, unless the correct mode of operation is evident and there is insuﬃcient space in a visible position on the device, a wiring diagram should be included either:

● on the side or on the back of the device, visible only before the device is installed, or ● on the inside of any cover which has to be removed in order to connect the supply wires

Examples of such wiring diagrams are shown in Fig 3.

Unidirectional RCBO failure mode

Fig 4 shows a circuit-diagram for a 1-ph and switched neutral unidirectional RCBO

Unidirectional devices are designed for the supply to be connected to the incoming (supply) terminals (shown here as LIN and NIN) and the load to be connected to the outgoing (load) terminals (shown here as LOUT and NOUT)

Where a solar PV system is connected to the outgoing terminals a voltage can remain present across the

internal electronic components such as silicon control rectifiers (SCR) or thyristors in the signal amplifier circuit or the trip-relay solenoid for up to 1 second1 after the device has operated In some designs of RCBO, this continued presence of voltage after the device has tripped can result in damage to such electronic components, which are typically short-time rated

One solution adopted by manufacturers to address this issue is to include a switching contact linked to the contacts in the line and neutral conductors, as shown in Fig 5 With this arrangement, when the device trips the supply to the amplifier and solenoid is also disconnected

Selecting protective devices for the AC side of a solar PV power supply system

Where the solar PV system forms part of a prosumer’s electrical installation (see Section 823), the overcurrent protective device must be suitable for bidirectional operation (826 1 2 2)

When a generating set, such as a solar PV system, is used as an additional source of supply in parallel with another source, where it is necessary to install an RCD to provide additional protection for an AC supply cable connecting a generator set to the installation, the RCD shall disconnect all live conductors, including the neutral conductor (551 7 1(ii))

This is necessary in order for the RCD to be able to operate within the requisite time to provide additional protection This necessity is discussed in detail in Best Practice Guide 3 –Connecting a microgeneration system to a domestic or similar electrical installation (in parallel with the mains supply), published by Electrical Safety First. It should be noted that BS 7671 does not recognise inverters of PV or battery storage systems as a means to provide additional protection

According to BS EN 61009-1, an RCBO which disconnects all live conductors is classified as two-pole RCBO with one overcurrent protected

pole, where the unprotected pole is a switched neutral, and the device has the following characteristics:

● overload/short-circuit protection in L, breaking both L and N as they are mechanically linked

● earth-leakage (RCD) protection breaking both L and N

● switching off the device breaks L and N, thus making it suitable to provide isolation of TN and TT system earthing arrangements

Many RCBOs do not switch the neutral and so would not be suitable for use to provide additional protection to the AC supply cable to the PV system

Summary

Unidirectional circuit-breakers and residual current devices (RCCBs and RCBOs) may suﬀer damage to the internal electronic circuitry suﬃcient to impair their functionality if the output of a generator or battery storage inverter is connected to their load terminals It is highly unlikely that this damage will be detectable during a visible inspection

Where bidirectional current flow is expected in normal use, such as where an installation includes small-scale generation or battery storage, suitable protective devices must be installed which take account of all possible directions of power flow and polarity Any RCD (RCCB or RCBO) installed to provide additional protection to the AC supply cable must be of a type which disconnects all live conductors. Not all RCBOs switch the neutral Amendment 3 (AMD3) to BS 7671:2018 published in July 2024 introduced new deﬁnitions for both bidirectional and unidirectional protective devices and a new requirement that the selection and

erection of equipment for protection shall take account of appropriate use of either a unidirectional protective device or a bidirectional protective device Where there is any doubt as to the suitability of a particular protective device for use in applications where bidirectional power flow is expected, the advice of the manufacturer(s) of the device(s) in question should be sought

1 Engineering Recommendation G98 Requirements for the connection of Fully Type Tested

Micro-generators (up to and including 16 A per phase) in parallel with public Low Voltage Distribution Networks on or after 17 May 2019, published by the Energy Networks Association, advises that, for certain types of PV inverter, maximum shut down time on loss-of-mains may be up to 1 second

ELEX 2025

CONTINUE YO UR P ROF E S SION A L DEVELOPMENT AT ELE X SHOW!

Taking place across two days at the CBS Arena in Coventry, the ELEX tour hits the road again in September. What’s more, we’ve got great news for visitors that are serious about CPD!

Recent changes to The Electrotechnical Assessment

Specification (EAS) which sets out the minimum requirements for a business to be recognised as technically competent by a Certification or Registration Body, includes a requirement for businesses to maintain appropriate records of qualifications, training (including Continuing Professional Development) and experience

To support this requirement, EVERY ELEX seminar is now CPD accredited, ensuring those individuals who make the time and eﬀort to attend will receive a direct certiﬁcate of completion, which can

form a key part of your ongoing Continuing Professional Development record.

With industry regulation and legislation changing constantly, the extensive ELEX seminar programme will cover an array of topics, including the latest Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition and the changes this covers, along with best practice and technical advice for professionals to get stuck into Presentations will be delivered by experts in their field and the only cost to delegates is their time.

All seminars will take place in the IET Seminar Theatre located centrally in the exhibition hall and there’s no need for delegates to pre-book, just pre-register to attend the show

Whether you need some advice on the direction the sector is heading, want to chat with manufacturers about their latest solutions, view live demonstrations of the latest products or bag yourself a great

YOUR S H OW, NEA R YO U. . .

● At a venue near you

● Across two days

● Free parking (van friendly)

● Free entry

● Free T-Shirt & a free bacon roll* (*limited to ﬁrst 1,000 visitors)

● Show bargains

● Hands-on demos

● Meet manufacturers

● Networking opportunities

● CPD accredited seminars and certiﬁcates

show deal on tools and equipment from leading brands, your regional ELEX tradeshow has it all

The next stop on the ELEX 2025 tour takes place in September at the CBS Arena in Coventry – 11th/12th September, 10am - 4pm

CHARGING AHEAD

Cris Chapman, MD of Sevadis, emphasises the need for hands-on experience when it comes to EV charge point installation training if installers are to gain the maximum business beneﬁt and help the country deliver the charging infrastructure it needs in the future.

Despite Tesla sales taking a knock across Europe thanks, in no short measure, to controversies surrounding Elon Musk, the inﬂux of EVs from mass manufacturers such as BYD has made ownership increasingly aﬀordable and bolstered the market.

Electric vehicles now have around 20% share in the motor industry and there are over 14 million such vehicles registered in the UK, with over 380,000 registered in 2024, including 20,000 vans

Challenges to uptake remain, particularly around anxiety about the lack of charging infrastructure and the shortage of skilled operatives able to keep up with installation demand.

Consequently, there is a signiﬁcant business opportunity for progressive installers to upskill into EV charge point installation or – by undergoing training at Sevadis – broaden the range of charger brands they’re able to ﬁt

Hands-on approach

Such training builds conﬁdence and lessens concerns about charge point installation, especially those around commissioning and software which appear to be a barrier to entry for some, though it need not be

Central to any charge point installation training should be the opportunity to install a unit in person Many manufacturers take a purely classroom-based approach, yet

experience shows the quality of learning is massively enhanced by getting hands-on with the charger and then installing the software.

In the case of Sevadis, our charge points are among the easiest and fastest to install on the market, and a morning’s hands-on training, in a group of no more than eight, makes this clear Obviously, the advantage of fast/easy installation is the increased productivity it brings – making for more eﬃcient working and increased proﬁt potential

Regulations 2021 and the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023

Heading in one direction

The feedback we receive from our training sessions is truly fantastic, particularly when it comes to the practical element –electricians can’t praise it enough

Similarly, a properly structured training session removes any of the potential worries associated with installation

Beyond the actual installation exercise, presentations on a typical course would cover types of electric vehicles; types of connectors and modes of charging; load management and charging times; software and commissioning; installation considerations such as location, connectivity and cabling requirements and, ﬁnally, relevant legislation such as the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points)

The government has obviously put its full weight behind EVs, not least with it banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, and new hybrids from 2035 It is also supporting the switch away from fossil fuels with grant initiatives and increased regulation

The direction of travel is only one way and working with Sevadis to obtain the necessary skills to exploit the demand of EV charge points can only be good for business, the environment and the installer’s proﬁts

THE BI-DIRECTION OF TRAVEL

In this second part of our recent interview with Philip Grove, Circuit Protection Product Manager at Luceco, we learn more about bidirectional RCBOs, the legislation driving such changes and the training on oﬀer.

After Philip discussed some of the recent trends and developments in circuit protection last month, its important now to look at recent legislation changes that specify the use of bidirectional RCBOs in prosumer installations (see the article on page 45 for a more detailed and in-depth look at the requirements) and the ways that brands like Luceco are helping electricians and contractors to navigate these challenges

He says: “I believe the industry is still in the process of coming to terms with the changes that were introduced with AMD 3 that was published in July 2024 It’s been really interesting to see that there’s still a mixture of devices out there – being

Unidirectional or Bidirectional doesn’t always correlate with them being single and double pole retrospective

“In short, unidirectional means you can draw power out, whereas bidirectional means you have the ability to draw and feed power back in the circuit protection device without compromising on the safety or operation.”

Issues with identifying devices

Despite the industry guidance, there is clearly still a disconnect in the eyes of some when it comes to identifying single-pole, double-pole, bidirectional and unidirectional devices, and this is something that Philip is keen to simplify for the installer

He explains: “From a Luceco perspective, we’ve decided to clear this up for all of our BG circuit protection devices They are a clearly marked and identified with the appropriate markings If it’s unidirectional, we’ll clearly mark the device with ‘in’ and ‘out’ terminals, and if it’s bidirectional we’ll primarily mark it was markings that do not reflect a current directional identifier

“Furthermore, in all our EV charge point oﬀerings, every circuit protection device installed inside our enclosures is bidirectional – whether it’s our RCDs, MCBs or RCBO devices Again, this is because the owner of an electric vehicle and charger needs to have the capability of feeding power through the protection circuit without compromising on its safety

It’s a protocol that we rolled out in the middle of last year to make it standard on all of our EV charging products.”

One element that is always key when informing and educating industry professionals on legislation changes is the provision for technical support and training

Fortunately, Luceco has its ﬁnger ﬁrmly on the pulse in this area, as Philip explains: “One element that we believe sets us apart as a brand is the technical

expertise we have in-house to support our customers We have a dedicated team available ﬁve days a week who will cover all aspects of technical support – from retail queries and warranty issues, right through to technical installations or setups with contractors.

“We think it’s really important to have a dedicated technical team in place, and one that gives us the information back very quickly so we can react and make important decisions when it comes to product development If we need to bring in an industry expert from our own team, we have the ability to do that ”

Philip continues: “In addition to the technical support team, we’re also really big on proactive training and have a whole mix of training oﬀerings for professionals to take advantage of This includes CPD-accredited training, delivered by our experts who sit on our working committees

“This is essential when training installers, contractors and trade counter staﬀ We can also deliver training through our other industry partners, such as NAPIT and eFIXX, which feeds into our academy and is available for any individual to make use of.”

So, with the legislative changes that have taken place recently, what advice would Philip have to contractors who may be faced with prosumer installations in the future?

He answers: “There are two bits of advice that I’d give: a) you should always take into account beforehand what work needs to be undertaken for the installation and ensure you’re prepared, and b) make sure you’re working with products you have conﬁdence in and that you can trust, knowing there is support

available if needed

“You want to make sure that you have a level of conﬁdence in what you’re installing and are working with a brand that is diligent and thorough, going through the correct standards and legislation and is reputable. Installations are becoming more complex and advanced so having trusted products helps that little bit more ”

An accelerating trend

Moving forwards, it’s clear that the UK’s commitment to net-zero targets is going to have a signiﬁcant eﬀect on the adoption of prosumer concepts and applications, with Philip believing that the current trend will only accelerate in the coming years.

He says: “The prosumer conversation is massive at the moment and the wheel has started to turn to the extent where more people are adopting things like electric vehicles In turn, they’re also looking at the cost of running these vehicles and the cheaper tariﬀ that is available in the early hours to give them power and a more cost-eﬀective way of running the vehicle, so there is a lot of shift there currently.

“At the same time people are looking at the standard rise of energy costs and they’re starting to give real consideration to other renewables like solar PV This shift from solely consuming power to actually producing our own is increasing, and will eventually facilitate the removal of fossil fuels within the home from being used

“The good news for our industry is that electriﬁcation, and the skills of electrical professionals, will be required to drive this. It’s also important that manufacturers are reacting to this as well with the size of consumer units increasing

“From our side, we’re bringing out bigger and better oﬀerings and devices are not only aligned to the current market demand, but are also future-proofed at the same time ”

Philip continues: “What I ﬁnd really interesting is the push by households to reduce power consumption and improve energy eﬃciency, yet the size of consumer units and the number of ways and circuits we’re adding to properties is almost the opposite

“At Luceco, we’re catering to this demand by bringing out double-row enclosures that give the provision for more ways and oﬀerings. If you look at an average 3 or 4 bed house and turn back the clock 10 years, you’ll be using 10-14 modules at the absolute max Now you’re dealing with anything up to 48 module size – so it’s a signiﬁcant change ”

Final thoughts

So, does Philip have any final messages for readers? “I’m always really keen to highlight some of the ways that we do things differently to others, especially when it comes to the design, development and manufacture of products We have our own manufacturing base which allows us to control quality and cost and to be in a situation where we can deliver solutions to market faster, so that’s a real benefit

“A

As the demand for EV charge points continues to increase, Mark Hodgson, Director at Test Instrument Solutions, emphasises the importance of full testing of EVSE and runs through the tests that should be performed and documented.

THE BEST WAY TO TEST

Let’s address the elephant in the room straight away. Of course TIS has a vested interest in advocating the full testing of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSEs) – after all, it has multi award-winning test equipment within this ﬁeld

However, it is felt that for general electrical safety, Electricity at Work Regulations compliance, along with making sure the installer is covered from a liability perspective, some or all of the tests outlined in this article should be performed and documented After all, EVSEs are being installed outside in public places subject to weather and potential misuse

Continuity test

This test, performed downstream of the EVSE, is particularly useful on tethered lead systems to make sure that the Earth conductor in the lead is correctly connected to the EVSE.

Insulation resistance testing

Again, this is of particular use on tethered lead units where the cable could have been crushed whilst on the ﬂoor These tests will ensure that the internal conductors within the lead have adequate insulation resistance properties

Status checks

For peace of mind, it’s important to have the ability to simulate various fault and non-fault conditions relating to a vehicle and the EVSE it is connected to

Test equipment is available to simulate:

1. If the vehicle is not plugged in, is any power being delivered from the socket?

2. When the vehicle is plugged in but not asking for a charge, is the cable locked?

3. Will the EVSE deliver the correct voltage and current to the vehicle as and when required?

4 Conﬁrmation that the car and EVSE communication protocol is established

5. With an Earth fault introduced, will the EVSE disconnect the power?

6. When an electric fault occurs with the vehicle, will the EVSE shut oﬀ the power?

Loop impedance testing

This test will allow the installer to conﬁrm that the EVSE has good Live-Neutral and Live-Earth loop impedance readings back to the supply, along with correct associated PSC and PFC values

Type A RCD test

It’s important to check that the Type A RCD within the circuit is going to trip in

time under a fault condition

Type B* and RDC DD** tests

At TIS, we believe that this test is one of the most vital of all

Should there be a pure DC fault of 6 mA or above (let’s not forget that we’re talking about battery electric vehicles which, in some instances, will be linked to solar PV and battery storage systems) then the pure DC fault is likely to ‘blind’ all other RCDs in the installation, therefore potentially stopping them from disconnecting the supply during a fault condition.

For the sake of a couple of seconds, it’s important to check the 6 mA DC trips will work in-situ If we don’t, we could be in big trouble

* When performing a Type B test, please check that your testing equipment will test 6 mA Type B RCD

** Most EVSEs do not incorporate a 6 mA Type B RCD, but the more cost eﬀective 6 mA RDC DD variant

Currently there are only a small number of test instruments on the market capable of testing this type of trip correctly, due to it having a slightly diﬀerent test sequence, along with pass/fail parameters

HOWARD’S WAY

In this real-life case study example, we learn more about how Hager’s Type B HP RCD has helped to solve a two-year heat pump tripping issue for a former BEAMA CEO.

Ap p commitment to sustainable technologies, Dr. Howard Porter, former CEO of BEAMA and a long standing advocate for the UK’s low carbon future, made the decision to have a heat pump installed at his property

As someone who has spent decades supporting the electrification of heating and the wider energy transition, his home was fitted with not only an air source heat pump but also a solar PV array and battery storage system, all designed to work harmoniously for efficiency and environmental benefit

But shortly after installation, Dr Porter began experiencing frustrating disruptions His heat pump system would regularly shut down, leaving him without heating and hot water

p , p p input and several attempts to rectify it, the intermittent tripping of the 30 mA Type A RCBO continued for two years

“It’s been a constant battle with the heat pump,” said Dr Porter “We tried everything from replacing devices to adjusting sensitivity settings It became a real inconvenience and started to erode my faith in the technology ”

Identifying the true cause: consumer unit sharing with PV and battery

Initially, the problem appeared to be isolated to the heat pump’s own circuit, protected by a 30 mA Type A RCBO

It was identified that the consumer unit was shared between the heat pump, the solar PV system, and battery storage, all of which included inverter-based components

s established that a 30 mA RCD was red to conform to the requirements 7671 for the electrical installation gements and the heat pump safety dard BS EN IEC 60335-2-40 is shared configuration created a plex electrical environment The PV battery systems were introducing pound mixed electrical leakage frequencies and DC currents in normal operation and the Type A RCBO protecting the heat pump circuit didn’t have suitable characteristics to avoid repeated unwanted tripping It is important to note that no fault existed

The problem wasn’t a heat pump fault, it was the interaction between multiple inverter-based systems using a protection device with incompatible characteristics

The solution: Hager Type B HP and circuit separation

Recognising the complexity of the issue, Hager’s technical team recommended a full reconfiguration of the circuit protection arrangements

The heat pump circuits were reconfigured, dispensing with the Type A RCBO and using MCBs downstream of a

Hager Type B HP RCCB The Hager Type B HP RCCB is a specialist device that has a high resistance against unwanted tripping commonly encountered with inverter-driven systems like PV arrays and heat pumps

Whilst minimising unwanted tripping, this 30 mA RCCB continues to provide additional protection against electric shock in the presence of smooth DC and high-frequencies beyond 20 kHz

The results were immediate and lasting, with Dr Porter stating: “Since installing the Hager Type B HP RCD, we haven’t had a single trip After two years of disruptions, the system is finally stable ”

Technical insight: why the Type B HP was essential

Hager’s Type B HP RCCB is specifically designed for the kind of leakage profiles seen in heat pump and solar installations Its ability to detect smooth DC leakage and maintain stability in the presence of complex waveforms makes it a critical solution for modern, inverter-heavy domestic installations

In this case, the original Type A

RCBOs were simply not capable of handling highfrequencies or DC leakage currents that were non-fault related, resulting in unnecessary tripping Only the Type B HP had the robustness and filtering capability to maintain safe, reliable operation without compromising protection.

“It wasn’t just a better device, it was the right device for the environment we had,” Dr Porter added “That’s what made the difference ”

Wider lessons for the industry

As the number of UK homes with combined technologies such as heat pumps, solar PV, batteries, and EV chargers continues to grow, so does the

importance of proper circuit protection and device coordination

Dr. Porter’s case demonstrates how seemingly isolated issues can stem from system-wide interactions Without enhanced protective devices such as the Hager Type B HP and proper circuit separation, even well-installed systems can become unreliable

Yet, this remains a blind spot in many specifications Many heat pump systems are still being installed with Type A RCDs, despite growing evidence that these devices can be incompatible with modern inverter-driven appliances when installed in combination with other lowcarbon technologies

Conclusion

After two years of heat pump tripping, Dr Porter now has a system that performs as intended, thanks to the combination of proper circuit design, neutral separation, and the superior detection capabilities of the Hager Type B HP RCCB.

He concluded: “I was beginning to lose confidence in heat pumps, and I’ve been one of their strongest supporters But now, with the right circuit protection in place, I can say without hesitation that these technologies can deliver on their promise ”

This case stands as a timely reminder: as homes become smarter and more electrified, the protection behind them must evolve as well. Hager’s Type B HP is not just a product, it’s a vital piece of the puzzle for a reliable, low-carbon future

GET MORE DETAILS AND DOWNLOAD HAGER’S BITE SIZED GUIDE TO RCDS FOR HEAT PUMPS BY VISITING:

ALL ABOUT EVO

Rolec has been manufacturing and supplying aﬀordable EV charging to families and businesses globally for over 17 years Throughout this time, we’ve kept our ear to the ground and listened to what our customers need

This is why we continue to invest in developing technology that is both sophisticated and cost-eﬀective, to provide people with the means to go electric, without sacriﬁcing style or function.

With that being said, we’re excited to introduce our latest success: EVO A fresh take on a familiar face, EVO is the newest member of our electric family Affordable, modern, and compliant, it is the first of a new generation of home and light commercial chargers

The Rolec advantage At Rolec, we’ve built close relationships with our global team of electrical contractors, giving us unique insights into both our customers’ needs and preferences for creating a unit that is more installation-friendly than ever before EVO features a highly modular design with three key components: a base, a click-in module, and a cover that provides easy access for installers This practical and eﬃcient design allows for quick, hassle-free installation and conﬁguration in as little as 15 minutes, while the CT clamp’s plug-and-play capability further reduces installation time

Available in 7 4 kW and 22 kW models, it oﬀers an easy-to-use, fully compatible charging solution for all EVs and PHEVs

But, more than that, it’s a powerful and compact charger that makes itself at home

Frankie Mellon, Managing Director at Rolec, looks at the reasons why EVO could provide your easiest installation yet.

in any setting It’s equipped with a passive cooling system that uses an aluminium heat sink to guarantee a safe maximum

Even before its oﬃcial launch, EVO was turning heads, winning the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024

Smarter, more eﬃcient charging

The EVO will always prioritise stable and eﬃcient charging. Supporting dynamic load balancing as standard and 3-to-1 phase switching, the unit can adjust its charger output based on a property’s available electricity usage, preventing grid overload, optimising energy use, and protecting the power supply, for easy charging and peace of mind

With three charging modes: CHARGE NOW (plug & go), ECO (solar + grid), and ECO+ (surplus solar only), EVO oﬀers ﬂexibility to suit any lifestyle

The introduction of EVO also marks the arrival of a new way to solar charge With the ECO+ smart solar feature, EVO can detect and allocate surplus solar energy generated from the home to charge an electric vehicle, creating an opportunity for zero-cost charging Customers can drive on

100% free, renewable electricity –powering their daily commute, automatically E x t e n d e d m a n u f

E VO A p p. U

native OCPP compliance, setting a new standard for home EV charging

We’re not here to play the game; we’re here to change it Team Rolec has hit the ground running this year, by bringing a fresh take on a familiar face Building on everything you loved about our popular QUBEV Smart unit, EVO introduces more advanced features, greater eﬃciency, and

The product is designed with installers and customers in mind, featuring a modern, compact design that ﬁts seamlessly into any home Its ECO+ smart solar capability allows users to harness surplus solar energy, promoting charging with 100% free, renewable electricity With dynamic load balancing and intuitive App integration, EVO provides a powerful,

Julian Grant, General Manager at Chauvin Arnoux UK, breaks down how the right power and energy logger can help to identify issues with maximum demand and harmonics at domestic and commercial installations.

DEMAND OVER DIVERSITY

Many modern homes are experiencing shifts in the types of electrical equipment being installed or requested, particularly with the introduction of high-power devices Notable additions include heat pumps and EV charging stations, which contribute to an increase in overall electrical demand.

Domestic air source heat pumps can typically consume from 3 kW to 7 kW (13 A to 30 A) of electricity, dependent on the size of the unit, the temperature settings, the weather conditions, and the thermal insulation eﬃciency of the property

Add a single-phase home EV charger, which could require another 7 kW (30 A), and bearing in mind all the other potential “electricity hungry” appliances in the installation, such as showers, water heaters, hot tubs, ovens, etc and it’s easy to see the issue

Little room for additional loads

In the best of cases the installation will already be served by a 100 A main fuse, however, it’s more likely that an 80 A or even 60 A fuse may be present

Either way, conventional maximum demand and diversity calculations, as described in the On-Site Guide, are increasingly revealing situations where a large part of the capacity may already be already taken up, leaving insufficient headroom for any desired or required additional loads

In the 60 A/80 A main fuse scenario, a larger fuse could be requested, but the immediate granting of these may not necessarily be straightforward, or cost-free, depending on the local supply capacity and the nature and rating of the equipment and cable feeding the property

So where does that leave the property owner and the electrical installer?

Well, there is potentially another way to look at the maximum demand of the installation, referred to by the Energy Network Association (ENA) in its guidance on connecting electric vehicles and heat pumps to the network, and that is to measure and monitor it

This “evidenced” load assessment will often reveal spare capacity, where diversity calculations did not, or at the least could indicate the times when spare capacity may be available

This could, for example, enable the fitting of a smart EV charger that incorporates load monitoring to ensure maximum demand isn’t exceeded, and with the knowledge that it will actually be able to charge an electric vehicle for significant periods of time without being throttled down

Getting a more detailed picture

A simple and non-intrusive way to monitor and measure energy use over time would be to temporarily install a modern portable energy logger (PEL), such as the PEL113 from Chauvin Arnoux PELs can be installed quickly and non-intrusively at the distribution board, in many cases without even having to turn oﬀ the supply They will log electrical energy data over any time period you choose – hours, days or

PRIZE DRAW

GET A CLIP AND WIN!

One reader will bag a pack of LINIAN 75 mm Cable Tray Clips.

The new LINIAN Cable Tray Clip is designed for quick and easy installat available in ﬁve diﬀerent s 50 mm (light) to 75 mm - 2 and heavy)

This innovative clip secu cable to any tray, reducing project costs dramatically It is fully c 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7 meaning it is ﬁre-rated and designed prevent premature cable collapse du a ﬁre.

Forget about stainless steel cable ties and the ratcheting tool This product simply locks in by hand allowing you to install it faster than traditional methods

It can be used for cable tray installations in a variety of environments, including: railways, data centres and telecoms, industrial and commercial fittings, lighting, fire and security systems, general power applications, industrial power applications, building management systems, fibre cable installations and substations.

HOW TO ENTER

FIND THE MIDDLE GROUND

why the ‘sweet spot’ for car park EV charging is central.

Destinations with car parks oﬀering EV charging should provide a mix of charging power to appeal to the widest pool of potential visitors. But the sweet spot for boosting visitor dwell time and spend, and charging value for money, can be found in the middle ground

Quickly growing types of public EV charge points in the UK are the medium paced units, delivering at least 8 kW and less than 50 kW, and the fastest at above 150 kW.

Visitor numbers and dwell time

Analysis by CTEK of Zapmap data showing the number and types of new UK public charge point installations reveals that fast charge points delivering at least 8 kW and less than 50 kW have grown their share of the overall market every year since at least 2021 – from 15% in 2021 to 24% at the end of 2024.

For destinations wishing to increase visitor numbers and dwell time, the (medium speed) fast chargers provide a cost and beneﬁt advantage for the EV driver and the destination The 8-50 kW spectrum includes faster DC charging up to 50 kW and AC charging up to 22 kW

Public charge points delivering 8 kW to 49 kW of power cost an average of

59 pence per kWh in February 2025, according to the AA’s EV Recharge report, significantly lower than the 74p average for rapid (50-149 kW) and 78p for ultra-rapid (150 kW+), saving drivers at least £6 for an 80% charge of a car with a 50 kWh battery

Rapid growth

For destinations hoping to attract visitors to dwell for two hours or more, a 22 kW charge point such as CTEK’s CC3 can provide such an 80% saving or more in that time, if the car’s onboard charger can handle 22 kW. Many current models have an 11 kW limit for AC charging, but even then 11 kW for two hours can contribute towards 100 miles of motoring

Also achieving continuous annual market share rises are the ultra-rapid charge points providing 150 kW and above Consistently falling market shares have been clocked up by both of the other segments – under 8 kW and between 50 kW and 150 kW.

The most up-to-date data, from Zapmap’s EV charging statistics (31st March 2025), shows those trends continuing The 7 kW and below charge points remain the most numerous being installed, but its share is falling and the fast (8-50 kW) sector is catching up on the rate of installs

The typical EV driver appreciates having a choice of public charge point types (slow, fast, rapid and ultra-rapid) for the various charging needs they face. They might want a 20 minute rapid top-up on a longer journey, or a slower, cheaper charge over a period of hours

Venues should look at their oﬀering from the EV driver’s perspective A retail or leisure destination will want the driver and their passengers to linger, consume and spend That’s where fast AC charging is an attractive additional draw for the EV driver to visit, plug in and linger.

Using three-phase electricity in charging infrastructure enables faster charging And three-phase can be used by many plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) too Modern PHEV models can charge as quickly on AC charge points as fully electric BEVs

Furthermore, AC installations generally require less investment per plug, meaning a destination, or the Charge Point Operator (CPO) the destination works with, can install more charge points with the extra sockets improving availability

“THE HITS KEEP ON COMING”

Earlier this year you may have seen a review from myself and the students at Arena Training for the Megger EVCA210-UK, which appeared in this esteemed publication Since then, Megger has introduced a new device – the EVX100

Now, if you’ve already purchased the former, there’s no need to panic as this new device is not a replacement per se –instead it’s an adaptor that’s designed speciﬁcally to work with the Megger MFT-X1, whereas the aforementioned EVCA210-UK is an adaptor that could be used with any brand of MFT that’s suitable for carrying out EV speciﬁc tests

The EVX100 is designed for testing mode 3 AC electric vehicle charger units

Pete (Monty) Monfort, Director of Arena Training Centre and Monty Electrics, reviews the Megger EVX100 electric vehicle charger interface for the MFT-X1.

from single phase through to 3 phase units rated at 22 KW.

Talk about simple to use! The adaptor clips to the top of the MFT-X1 and you basically then only have to hold one thing – the tester – which conveniently straps around your neck The adaptor must be charged before use and does so via a USB-C source which is revealed when the adaptor is removed from the X1

The MFT-X1 also needs to have the correct ﬁrmware to support the adaptor. Updating is simple – all you need is a Pozidriv screwdriver and a micro-SD card If your laptop doesn’t have a micro-SD slot you can pick up a USB stick with one for next to nothing You simply format the card and copy the latest ﬁrmware from the Megger website

Accessing the micro-SD slot in the MFT-X1 can be a bit awkward but the new style Megger clips (nicknamed ‘Sigourneys’ after the Alien film – if you know you know!) are perfect for gripping the micro-SD card You should also make sure your X1 is fully charged before updating

Access to a range of automated tests

The EVX100 carries out live tests so it’s essential that initial veriﬁcation has been carried out on a newly installed EVCE.

With the new adaptor plugged in to the X1, you simply connect the mode 3 connector into the EVCE EV-speciﬁc ‘hot keys’ are enabled by the adaptor, giving access to a range of EV related automated live loop tests and RCD tests

with the results clearly displayed on the X1’s coloured screen.

The charge status of the adaptor can be checked with the push of a button and an LED indicator gives a clear indication of battery charge state

The EV tester automatically cycles through a series of tests before you’re able to check the supply voltage and conﬁrm that the presence of protective earth and communication error both result in the EVCE disconnecting the supply.

The Control Pilot Status is clearly shown with status codes

The earth loop impedance test follows and a soft touch of the test button also checks for dangerous voltages on the electric vehicle before a ﬁrm press carries out the test

The RCD test cycles through with one press of a button and displays the results in a table.

Many EV chargers incorporate O-PEN detection devices These devices work by monitoring the utilisation voltage in accordance with BS7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 722 411 4 1 and where the voltage is outside the parameters of 207 V – 253 V the device will disconnect the supply and protective

conductors.

When installing an EVCE it is recommended to design circuits so that the volt drop on the EVCE circuit is no more than 4% to avoid scenarios where unwanted tripping of the O-PEN detection device occurs.

(See https://shorturl.at/dQ65Q for a detailed explanation)

The X1 permits the measurement of a reference Ze measurement and can be programmed with the expected EV circuit current demand such that an actual volt drop can be measured at the point of utilisation, allowing installers to verify that unwanted tripping will not be an issue

Conclusion

The Megger EVX100 is like every other product in Megger portfolio – sturdy and well built With its integrated functionality and auto testing it makes using it very straightforward

Alongside its stablemate, the EVCA210-UK, Megger has you covered –regardless of whether you’ve already fully adopted the brand’s range of MFTs or not

INNOVATE & ILLUMINATE

As training for EV installers becomes more commonplace, Ratio EV is inviting professionals to join the brand for an exciting series of events over the next few months

Hosted by Ratio EV, Philip Payne, and TRT Lighting, the Innovate & Illuminate events will be taking place at four key locations across the UK These exclusive gatherings are set to transform the way you think about lighting and electrical solutions

Taking place in Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh, Innovate & Illuminate is your opportunity to stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge insights and meaningful industry connections

Each event will feature three CPD-accredited presentations, approved by CIBSE, providing a wealth of knowledge to professionals in lighting,

emergency signage, and sustainable energy solutions

But that’s not all – these events are as much about connection as they are about education. With ample networking opportunities, you’ll have the chance to exchange ideas and collaborate with peers from across the sector

Complementing the day’s discussions, attendees can enjoy food and refreshments in a relaxed, engaging environment

Dates for the calendar are:

5th June – Leeds – Tetley Brewery 9th July – Bristol – Smoke and Mirrors 25th September – Manchester – National Football Museum

16th October – Edinburgh – The Scotch Whiskey Experience

Over the next few months, Ratio EV, along with select partners, will be aiming to change the way you think about electrical and lighting solutions through a series of exclusive events. We learn more about what’s on oﬀer.

proud to lead the way in fostering innovation and collaboration

Each company brings a unique perspective to the table, whether it's pioneering EV charging solutions, high-performance emergency signage, or state-of-the-art lighting design Together, they aim to illuminate the path to a smarter, more sustainable future

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this illuminating series Whether you’re a designer, engineer, speciﬁer, or contractor, Innovate & Illuminate promises to leave you inspired and informed.

Spaces are limited, so you should book early to secure your place at one of these unmissable events

BOOK A PLACE AT ONE OF THE INNOVATE & ILLUMINATE EVENTS BY VISITING:

RATIO LAUNCHES NEXT-GEN IO6 PRO EV CHARGER

Ratio’s next-generation io6 Pro charger is redeﬁning smart EV charging with advanced features and eﬀortless installation The next-generation io6 retains the trusted features of Ratio products – including fast Bluetooth commissioning, a three-year warranty, OZEV approval, OCPP 1 6 compliance, and a sleek cable hub tidy – while introducing a range of new enhancements

New features include:

● MID-Certified Power Meter – Ensures precise energy monitoring

● 3-Phase PEN Protection –Ensures safety compliance without earth rods

● Easy Installation – Click terminals and redesigned connection points simplify setup

● Modular Design –Replaceable components reduce maintenance costs

● Lux Technology – Enhances safety with radar-based detection which

WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO028 GET MORE DETAILS ON THE RATIO IO6 PRO EV CHARGER AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO029

ggers a white light and lluminates the charging cable

The io6 Pro, seamlessly integrates with the user-friendly Ratio App, enabling end-users to efficiently manage and monitor their energy consumption using smart scheduling and remote monitoring and control

Ratio EV, Philip Payne, and TRT Lighting are

‘GREEN PARTY WELCOME TO THE

As consumers continue to adopt ‘green’ technologies and concepts, Ben Pratt, the founder of B Electrical, shares some top tips to help your customers control, optimise and automate their energy use with a little help from Shelly devices.

At B Electrical, we’re passionate about helping our customers to get the most out of their electrical systems – whether that’s solar, EV charging, or general energy management

Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of diﬀerent technologies, but when it comes to monitoring and managing energy consumption easily and aﬀordably, Shelly smart devices are in a league of their own

Solar is a brilliant way to reduce reliance on the grid, and with the right smart management tools, you can make the most of every kilowatt you generate or consume

Whether you're tapping into renewable

energy or just looking to run a property more eﬃciently, Shelly helps control, optimise, and automate energy use

Real-time energy monitoring and control

One of the main reasons I recommend and install Shelly devices is their built-in real-time energy monitoring.

With precision up to 1%, we can track exactly how much power a device, circuit, or even an entire property is using This allows me to help customers optimise when and how they use their electricity whether that’s making the most of their solar-generated energy or simply using grid power more efficiently during off-peak times

It’s not just about saving money (although that's a major benefit); it's also about using energy smarter and greener, whatever the source

For example, I often set up systems where non-essential devices like pool pumps, water heaters, or EV chargers only run when solar generation is high or when electricity is cheapest. If solar production drops or energy costs spike, Shelly can automatically pause or delay those loads This way, customers stay on top of their energy use without even thinking about it

Flexible and scalable installations

Another big advantage is how flexible and scalable Shelly devices are Whether it’s a

small residential setup or a large commercial solar array, we can start with a few key devices and expand as required Shelly's compact size and easy integration means I can slot them into new or existing setups without invasive work, so no need to redesign the system from scratch

For businesses thinking about future expansion, this flexibility is a huge win

Shelly Pro 3EM: game-changing solar monitoring

When we’re looking at bigger sites, or clients who really want full visibility over their energy, I’ll almost always recommend the Shelly Pro 3EM.

It’s a powerhouse tool for tracking whole-house or commercial site consumption, monitoring up to three phases and measuring energy flow from both solar panels and the grid

I mount it neatly into the existing DIN rail enclosure ( just like a standard fuse box), and it instantly gives real-time data on voltage, current, power factor, and energy generation or usage.

With LAN and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Pro 3EM also offers the reliability and security businesses need – no worrying about dodgy internet connections affecting energy tracking

Plus, all Shelly Pro devices come with built-in protections like overvoltage and overpower protection, adding an extra layer of safety for valuable assets

Smarter EV charging with Shelly

EV owners are another group that Shelly devices really help I’ve set up multiple systems where EV chargers respond dynamically to real-time conditions, such as energy tariffs or grid demand.

Using Shelly relays, we can schedule charging during off-peak electricity rates or automatically pause and resume charging based on customised rules

This simple setup helps my customers save hundreds of pounds a year by avoiding expensive peak-time electricity, while also reducing strain on the grid and making EV ownership even more sustainable.

Unlike other EV charging management systems that can get complicated or expensive quickly, Shelly offers an easy, modular way to build smarter EV charging setups without heavy investment in extra hardware or complicated software

Industrial and commercial solar management

For commercial customers who generate solar power for resale to the energy market, Shelly's real-time monitoring is essential With accurate data, they can sell excess energy at the best possible prices, responding to day-ahead market rates

Using devices like the Shelly Pro 4PM, we can even set up automated control over when commercial batteries charge or discharge, allowing

businesses to make the most out of every sunny day, or store energy for peak evening demand

This level of insight isn't just good for sustainability; it's fantastic for maximising profitability too.

Why I trust Shelly

Ultimately, I use Shelly because it makes life easier – for me, and for my customers

The local control means faster response times and better data security, while the intuitive App makes it easy for my customers to understand and interact with their system without getting bogged down in technical details.

Over time, the energy monitoring and automation features help customers spot patterns, catch potential issues early, and plan future upgrades based on real usage trends

Whether you're looking to fine-tune a home solar setup, automate your EV charging, or just monitor the usage of electrical appliances, Shelly provides the tools to get the job done simply, reliably, and affordably.

GET MORE DETAILS ON THE

When a historical hall in Wales required EV charging facilities for its guests, it turned to Sync Energy to solve the issue. We ﬁnd out more.

DECKING THE HALL

The on-site parking for guests visiting Pantglas Hall holiday resort in Carmarthenshire has recently been upgraded thanks to Sync Energy Three dual socketed EV chargers have been installed in the communal car parks, servicing the 27 holiday lodges and main hall building

The historical Pantglas Hall Estate is now home to a resort of self-service holiday lodges, restaurant, café and leisure complex with indoor and outdoor sports facilities.

With an increase in requests for EV charging facilities, the venue’s staﬀ

employed commercial property maintenance specialists, Nest Group, to research the best EV charging options for the estate.

Pantglas Hall required three floor mounted, dual socketed units with a payment terminal, that also looked sleek and was easy to use Nest Group suggested Sync Energy’s Pro Charger – Twin Floor Mounted EV Charger with Light

Ideal for commercial use

Combining advanced technology with ease of installation and user-friendly operation, the Pro Charger range is perfect for commercial use

It features a professionally designed luminaire head, intuitive touchscreens, 4G, RFID, and contactless payment options for seamless functionality

Anna Thomas, Manager of Pantglas Hall, said: “As an increasing number of guests who use our facilities travel here in electric vehicles, we’re pleased to now be able to oﬀer EV charging services in our on-site car parks

“The Sync Energy chargers have delivered exactly what we wanted, and we’ve already had great feedback from guests who have taken advantage of this new amenity.”

Georgia Cichuta, Business Development Manager for Sync Energy, added: “Pantglas Hall is a stunning resort with many visitors throughout the year, who now have the beneﬁt of on-site EV charging This will help future-proof the site for years and will oﬀer individuals the full Sync Energy charging experience ”

BROWSE THE FULL RANGE OF EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS FROM SYNC ENERGY BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO031

Humax unveils V2G-ready EV home chargers for the UK

Humax has announced the launch of the Humax MX7 – its second-generation EV charger designed for domestic and business ﬂeet markets in the UK.

The MX7 is a V2G-ready EV charger that enables users to beneﬁt from vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, along with multiple energy-saving and cost-optimising features Suitable for both home and commercial charging, the 7 kW chargers are available as socket-type and tethered models.

V2G-ready technology

The Humax MX7 series features an integrated Power Line Communication (PLC) module and ISO 15118 protocol, enabling seamless digital communication with EVs This facilitates vehicle identiﬁcation and future-ready V2G capabilities.

The MX7 range has been engineered to support continuous software updates, enabling the addition of new smart features and ensuring long-term performance, flexibility and future compliance All future Humax EV charger models will be equipped with an integrated PLC module with ISO 15118 as standard

Intelligent and cost-eﬃcient charging

Humax MX7 chargers are compatible with most EV tariﬀs, helping users reduce electricity costs by charging during oﬀ-peak hours Solar-compatible, they can also use surplus power from home solar systems for greener, more economical charging Smart scheduling and adjustable charge levels provide complete control and customisation

Engineered for safety

Safety is a top priority The MX7 includes integrated temperature sensors, overcharge protection and a tamper-detection switch to ensure a secure and reliable charging experience

Stylish and customisable

The MX7 range has been designed to harmonise with modern home aesthetics. Users can personalise their chargers with a variety of interchangeable front facias Installation is simple thanks to the charger’s hinged front panel, providing easy access during set-up.

Business charging made simple

The MX7 supports Auto Charge via ISO 15118, eliminating the need for RFID cards or Apps The user can simply plug in and start charging For businesses, vehicle recognition streamlines the tracking of company car charging at employees’ homes, making reimbursements easier The system integrates with leading third-party platforms and Apps for enhanced management and operational eﬃciency

Customer support

With more than 25 years of experience in retail operations, Humax is committed to exceptional customer service All MX7 chargers include up to five-year manufacturer’s warranty and access to a UK-based support centre offering expert help with installation, operation and troubleshooting Humax maintains high Trustpilot ratings, continuing to prioritise customer satisfaction

Cost-effective and efﬁcient EV testing with Metrel

An aﬀordable EVSE multi-function tester has been released by Metrel UK.

The MI3100B SE Eurotest EASI is a conventional kidney shape and is a robust, easy-to-use product

All RCDs can be tested, both general and selective, and most importantly the EV RCD can test both the 30 mA RCD through the 6 mA dc breaker When used in combination with either of the Metrel EVSE adapters it provides an excellent installation test kit that makes vehicle charger installation a more reasonable option

Other measurements this clever rechargeable machine is capable of are high current, and non- trip earth loop impedance testing, insulation resistance testing with 50 V to 1 kV test voltages, phase sequence indication, frequency, TRMS voltage monitoring and measurement and 3-wire earth electrode resistance testing

Continuity, or low ohms, testing is another speciality of this new tester It oﬀers the standard 200 mA test for certiﬁcation and for testing the continuity of the PE there is a 7 mA test that will not trip the RCD. In combination with the ring circuit adapter r1, r2, rN and R1+R2 and R1+RN can be quickly tested with the minimum of fuss

Neil’s making a (Smart) Bracket!

Inventor Neil Johnson has unveiled a brand new product which aims to make EV charge point installations both safer and neater.

The ‘Smart Bracket’ simply ﬁts over the standard Ohme Home Pro charger unit bracket to allow the cable plug to be stored more safely, to create a better aesthetic and prevent damage from objects and passers-by

Reﬂecting on the original inspiration behind the Smart Bracket, Neil explains: “It all started when I had a Ohme Home Pro 2 charge point ﬁtted at home, and I noticed that the handle stuck out at 90˚ I immediately thought that there must be some way to smarten things up

“The answer was a ‘Smart Bracket’ which fits over the unit and can pick up two of the existing holes for fixing With the Smart Bracket installed, the end user can now turn the handle socket through 90˚, allowing the handle to be fixed in line with the wall. This creates a much neater and safer installation ”

He concludes: “We think this product is a great addition to the

SolarEdge Technologies has launched a solar-powered EV charging solution for businesses, powered and controlled by an energy management system introduced following Wevo Energy’s acquisition last year.

This solution joins the SolarEdge C&I ecosystem for commercial-scale solar and storage solutions meaning businesses with SolarEdge’s solar systems can now charge their EV ﬂeet with ‘power-optimised’ solar energy to further reduce their energy bills – with one of the ﬁrst beta customers reporting a reduction in EV charging costs of approximately 70%:

Designed to maximise solar self-consumption and use of excess solar, the SolarEdge ONE EV Charger is now available for commercial applications and is expected to be available for residential applications later this year.

Featuring a new sleek, slim and compact design, the charger is suitable for both single-phase and three-phase modes with automatic switching built-in With snap-on wall mounting and multiple cable entry points, installation is faster, simpler and more ﬂexible, taking just a few minutes The EV charger is also supported by ‘Olivia’, a newly released AI phone support agent purpose-built for EV charging.

The EV charging solution combines customer-specific EV charging schedules and solar generation patterns with real-time grid electricity prices to autonomously calculate the most economical energy source to charge a fleet of EVs –whether that’s with solar, battery or grid Leveraging SolarEdge’s C&I Inverters ability to provide up to 175% oversizing, excess solar can be redirected to power EV fleets.

Easy Fit. Smarter Charge.

W h e n i t c o m e s t o E V c h a r g i n g , s i m p l i c i t y m a t t e r s –

b o t h f o r t h e e l e c t r i c i a n f i t t i n g t h e u n i t , a n d t h e

h o m e o w n e r u s i n g i t

T h a t ’s e x a c t l y w h a t S i e n a , Le w d e n’s s m a r t E V c h a r g e r,

d e l i v e r s : a p r o d u c t e n g i n e e r e d f o r i n s t a l l a t i o n e f f i c i e n c y

a n d s m a r t e r c h a r g i n g p e r f o r m a n c e

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c l e a n l y b e f o r e d o c k i n g t h e m a i n u n i t – r e d u c i n g

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p r o f e s s i o n a l f i n i s h .

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w i t h n o s u b s c r i p t i o n f e e s , d e l i v e r i n g c o n t r o l , f l e x i b i l i t y,

a n d p e a c e o f m i n d . F u l l y OZ

WIN A £200 MULTI- STORE

Click Scolmore is celebrating the growth of its Essential range by oﬀering a fantastic prize.

Click Scolmore’s Essentials wiring accessories range includes durable galvanised steel back boxes, weatherproof switches and sockets, and metal-clad accessories, ensuring reliable and secure installations

The Aquip66 range of IP66-rated, easy-to-install 10 A and 20 A weatherproof outdoor switches and sockets allows electricians to bring power safely to the outdoors. These heavy-duty polycarbonate sockets are ideal for a variety of applications including sheds, hot tubs, and oﬃce spaces, oﬀering easy installation and long-lasting durability

The Metal Clad and Metal Clad Pro ranges offer heavy-duty, high-performance solutions for demanding installations Both feature durable electrophoretically coated plates and back boxes The Metal Clad Pro range provides a modern upgrade, with a curved profile and three finishes – perfect for high-end projects requiring style and durability

The Essentials range also includes versatile back boxes, designed for secure and efficient installations. Constructed from robust polycarbonate or galvanised steel, these boxes feature convenient markings to simplify the installation As well as the standard back boxes, there’s a range of specialised FlameGuard back boxes which are designed to offer total peace of mind in the event of fire

Click Scolmore’s fused mains switches oﬀer essential protection and control for electrical circuits in residential and commercial installations Built to meet the highest safety standards, they feature a lockable fused mains switch and elongated cable shroud which provides protection against the power supply being unintentionally or inadvertently energised.

HOW TO ENTER

THE MANE EVENT

In this case study article we discover how Proteus Switchgear was ﬁrst past the post when a worldenowned equestrian event required a tailormade upgrade to its electrical infrastructure.

Pg , Midlands-based manufacturer of industrial switchgear, has recently completed a successful project: designing, quoting, and manufacturing a bespoke Low Voltage (LV) switchboard to meet the speciﬁc requirements of one of its electrical contracting customers, MS Electrical, Bristol.

The project was undertaken for the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials venue, the world-renowned international equestrian event in May

MS Electrical approached Proteus Switchgear via its local electrical wholesaler, with a unique set of requirements

The venue required a switchboard upgrade to enhance its electrical infrastructure while ensuring future prooﬁng for increased demand. However, the new installation had to ﬁt within an existing space, making customisation of the switchboard’s shape and size essential

Proteus Switchgear worked closely with the contractor to understand these needs and provided a tailored solution, including all circuit protection requirements

To meet the client’s speciﬁcations, Proteus’ quotation department designed a custom ‘L’ shaped LV switchboard incorporating the following:

1,000 A ACBs with motor mechanism, mains and generator incomers

Ensuring reliable power distribution, should the mains supply fail

MID-approved meters with comms

Providing accurate energy measurement

gateway is used for remote data collection

Type 1+2 surge protection

Safeguarding equipment from voltage spikes

Multiple electronic MCCB outgoing ways

Allowing for ﬂexible power distribution to various site facilities

Auto changeover controls

space but also provided enhanced capacity to support future expansions

Enabling transfer between power sources, ensuring continuous uninterrupted operation during events

The in-house quotations team produced detailed drawings of the ‘L’ shaped switchboard, which were submitted for contractor approval before manufacturing commenced This collaborative approach ensured that all technical and logistical requirements were met precisely

Following approval, work commenced at the Telford-based operation on manufacturing the nearly 8 metre long ‘L’ shaped switchboard using high quality components, state-of-the-art processes and rigorous quality control procedures

The ﬁnal product was delivered on schedule, ensuring the venue’s electrical infrastructure was fully upgraded in time for its busy event season, which is showcased on television The new switchboard not only ﬁtted seamlessly into the available

The successful delivery of this bespoke LV switchboard showcases Proteus Switchgear’s expertise in designing and manufacturing custom electrical solutions tailored to clients’ needs as well as its customer-centric approach.

By closely collaborating with the electrical contractor and understanding the unique challenges of the Badminton Horse Trials venue, Proteus has ensured a future-proofed installation, supporting one of the most exciting events in the global equestrian calendar

For your chance to see a bespoke L shaped PRO2000 be sure to visit the Proteus Switchgear stand this June at the Birmingham NEC

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROJECT AND THE BESPOKE SOLUTIONS ON OFFER FROM PROTEUS SWITCHGEAR AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO035

“I’VE SEEN THE LIGHT”

In this review Adam Stears from SOTA Electrical takes a closer look at the SCANGRIP lighting range from Hultafors Tools.

I’ve produced a few video reviews for the PE YouTube channel in recent times, and the latest one has given me the opportunity to showcase some of the big hitters from the SCANGRIP lighting range, which have been put to good use on some daily jobs.

AREA 10 CONNECT

This product has been an absolute god-send in a number of scenarios The unit is suitable for both domestic and commercial applications and provides a diffused and uniform light up to 10,000 lumen, which is ideal for the professional user who requires powerful and efficient illumination of the entire work area. It allows the user to change between 180˚ and 360˚deg illumination, depending on the task at hand

I’ve been using this now for months and one of the things I really like about it is the diffuser, which ensures the light won’t blind you at all You simply pop the light down in its chosen location and then increase the brightness

MAG PEN 3

This rechargeable LED pencil work light provides 150 lumens. It has a lovely soft grip and includes a clip so that it can be put on your belt or in your pocket for safe-keeping It has two torch functions – the lamp head and precision top light –which is absolutely perfect when you’re carrying out inspections

TOWER 5

NOVA R

Impressively, these products are compatible with battery systems for all the major brands, thanks to the use of the SCANGRIP CONNECTOR Usefully, the light can also be powered from the mains through the use of a simple adapter

Another product in the SCANGRIP lighting stable is the NOVA R – a portable light which offers a lovely compact design and features a handle on the back that also doubles up as a stand Again, the unit is simple to operate – you just push the button on the back and you have your light This comes in particular use when you’re working in those smaller areas, such as above ceiling grids

NOVA MINI

The baby brother to the NOVA R, this product is very similar to the core product but comes in a much smaller package It has 1,000 charging cycles and comes with a five-year guarantee and a 50% increased lighting output

I had a great experience with trialling these products and would recommend readers check out the full review on the PE YouTube channel, where you can see the types of applications and environments in which they were used

A BRIGHTER, SAFER FUTURE

In an era where reliability and resilience are more crucial than ever, All LED is aiming to set the standard in emergency lighting innovation with the launch of its comprehensive new emergency product range. Here we get the lowdown on some of range’s big hitters.

Designed with the installer in mind, All LED’s robust emergency lighting lineup includes the EvacuLite, EvacuLite Mini, 5-IN-1 Blade, BrightGuard-MT, BrightGuard-PC, SecureBright, and EMSpot Engineered for performance, durability, and ease of installation, these luminaires deliver peace of mind and safety where it matters most

EvacuLite & EvacuLite mini emergency bulkheads: Built to endure, designed to perform

To start the new range, its important to introduce the EvacuLite and EvacuLite Mini – two highly versatile emergency bulkheads that combine functionality and durable design

Both units can function as either maintained or non-maintained lights, giving installers and specifiers essential flexibility With IK10 vandal resistance, IP65 ingress protection, and marine-grade tough polycarbonate construction, these fittings are built to withstand harsh environments

including coastal applications while ensuring consistent performance

The EvacuLite oﬀers a 160 lm/w output, while the compact EvacuLite Mini delivers 140 lm/w, making them suitable for high-demand settings where performance cannot be compromised Ease of installation is addressed through loop-in loop-out push terminals, 20 mm conduit/side entries, and BESA box mounts

Supplied with universal self-adhesive legends and oﬀering over three hours of emergency illumination, both are ideal for wall or ceiling mounting in internal or external applications.

5-IN-1 Blade emergency exit sign: Adaptable signage for every situation

All LED’s 5-IN-1 Blade is designed to function as a maintained or non-maintained lit exit sign, it oﬀers adaptability with a selection of plates to choose from (the down arrow is supplied as standard) and mounting kits for wall, recess, or suspension applications.

With loop-in loop-out push terminals, 20 mm cable entries, and more than three hours of emergency duration, the 5-IN-1 Blade is tailored for environments where clear, visible evacuation signage is essential yet installation ﬂexibility is paramount

BrightGuard-MT Steel & BrightGuard-PC polycarbonate exit boxes: Directional doorway illumination

The BrightGuard-MT Steel and BrightGuard-PC polycarbonate exit boxes deliver focused performance with directional lighting that clearly illuminates exit points, enhancing safe egress during emergencies

Both variants oﬀer maintained or non-maintained functionality and over three hours of emergency lighting

Designed for intuitive wiring with loop-in loop-out push terminals, they also include a variety of legend options.

The MT variant supports standard 20 mm entries, while the PC version is designed with 12 mm conduit entries, broadening application scope depending on the install location

SecureBright emergency twin ﬂood light: Pure performance, zero compromise

Purpose-built for environments where durability and reliability are non-negotiable, SecureBright is a standout addition to the All LED emergency range

Operating as a non-maintained luminaire, it delivers over three hours of emergency illumination in the event of a power failure exactly when you need it most Designed with IK10 impact resistance and an IP65 rating, this twin ﬂood light

thrives in both internal and external applications, including those exposed to harsh weather or high-risk conditions

Its marine-grade polycarbonate construction ensures long-term performance, even in coastal areas prone to corrosion, while loop-in loop-out push terminals and 20 mm conduit/side entry options make installation quick and hassle-free

With the ﬂexibility to be wall or ceiling mounted, this is a no-nonsense, high-durability solution that is ideal for public spaces, commercial sites, and any location where emergency lighting must be as tough as it is dependable.

EMSpot emergency downlight: Small size, big performance

Rounding out the new range is the EMSpot a compact yet high-performing emergency downlight designed for discrete, non-maintained applications

With a 1 2 W high-lumen LED output, over

three hours of emergency operation, and integrated charging indicator, its ideal for corridors, stairwells, and modern interiors where subtlety and performance go hand-in-hand

EMSpot also stands out with its trio of interchangeable bezels Polar White, Anthracite Grey, and Carbon Black enabling seamless integration into a wide variety of aesthetics It is powered by advanced LiFePO4 battery technology, ensuring extended life and reliability, and backed by a ﬁve-year guarantee for added assurance

Innovation

built for the installer

Every product in the new All LED emergency range reﬂects the brand’s ongoing commitment to quality, ease of installation, and forward-thinking design

With thoughtful features like loop-in loop-out push terminal wiring, universal mounting options, and durable construction across the lineup, the range

not only meets today’s safety standards it exceeds them

Whether you’re ﬁtting out a new build, retroﬁtting an existing space, or upgrading for compliance, this new emergency range from All LED provides a dependable, installer-friendly solution for every emergency lighting scenario BROWSE THE ALL LED 2025 PRODUCT CATALOGUE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO037

NVC Lighting supports Calztec with fresh premises move

Commercial design and ﬁt-out company Calztec has partnered with NVC Lighting to help create a contemporary aesthetic at a new commercial oﬃce premises for modern businesses.

A long-standing NVC Lighting customer, Calztec has recently moved to a new home in Romlsey Point Workspace, Bromsgrove The company was also the Principle Contractor on the design and ﬁt-out of the building, which houses a number of local businesses as well as its own team.

The new business premises which opened its space to local businesses in 2024 offers an innovative approach to flexible working and shared space Calztec needed to work with a lighting partner who understood the importance of creating a strong first impression

As a ﬁt-out specialist working across retail, leisure, commercial, oﬃce and industrial sectors, the Calztec team has a keen eye for the importance of aesthetics and sought to match this up with NVC Lighting’s expert understanding of how lighting can contribute to this

James Haslam, CEO at Calztec, said: “This is a forward-thinking move for us We’re embracing fresh ideas like hybrid working, as well as creating a collaborative working environment for the landlord and the wider regional business community to take advantage of

“As design and ﬁt-out experts, we’re used to working on bespoke, unique briefs and wanted to reﬂect that approach with our new base ”

He continued: “Working with a partner like NVC Lighting meant we were able to explain our vision to someone who understood the specifics of what that would require and how we could bring it to life

“We’re really impressed with the results and the process of working with NVC

Lighting was straight-forward, collaborative and enjoyable ”

With a requirement for a stylish, modern and energy efficient lighting set-up to support not only the existing businesses based at Romsley Point but also make a strong first impression on potential new users and those hiring meeting space, NVC Lighting’s Aaron Chandi drew up a plan built around the popular DALLAS PRO fitting.

Aaron said: “The DALLAS PRO is such a versatile, high-quality product that it made sense to build the lighting plan for Calztec around it

“We were excited by the requirement to not only make a strong visual impression for the Calztec team, but also their client and other businesses from the local area who may want to use the space ”

He added: “It fit the bill from an aesthetic perspective, being a product, we can offer in any colour that the client requests, while its energy saving and low glare properties make it ideal for an office environment

“We were delighted to support Calztec on their project and look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming years ”

A surface or suspended fitting ideal for communal areas in office buildings, the DALLAS PRO can be purchased in any colour requested by customers to suit its surroundings, while offering a low glare level of UGR<19

In keeping with the modern décor of the building, Calztec purchased a total of 54 DALLAS PRO ﬁttings in black.

The DALLAS PRO purchases were supported by a complete emergency lighting solution, utilising NVC Lighting’s ‘LiFe’ range

The emergency lighting range comes with a seven-year warranty as

standard for complete peace of mind and is powered by LiFePO4 lithium phosphate iron battery technology, making the range 80% more efficient and twice as long-lasting as NiCd powered products

BROWSE THE FULL NVC LIGHTING RANGE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO038

Swindon Borough Council partners with Aico for Home Life Safety

Swindon Borough Council s housing tenants are set to beneﬁt from enhanced safety by replacing existing ﬁre and carbon monoxide alarms with upgraded Aico devices.

The new 3000 Series alarms will be ﬁtted with sensors that detect heat, smoke and carbon monoxide The units will replace existing devices with the ability to send notiﬁcations to the Council when they need testing, repairing or replacing, using Aico’s Ei1000G Gateway Tenants will also have the option to receive these alerts via a downloadable resident App

The four-year, £10 5m upgrade programme, which started in September, has so far seen new devices installed in 1,190 council-owned properties.

Swindon Borough Council is the largest social housing provider in the Borough, owning and managing 10,383 homes including 31 sheltered housing schemes and four supported housing schemes

Alongside these new alarms, approximately 10% of all the properties

beneﬁtting from the works will also receive Aico’s EI1025 Environmental Sensors, which measure temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels These will provide the Council with real-time data and alerts, enabling them to take proactive measures to maintain a safe and healthy living spaces

outlines plan to invest £250m into the maintenance and improvement of Council owned homes between 2025 and 2030, at no cost to services funded through Council Tax.

The four-year upgrade programme is included within the Council’s new asset management strategy, agreed by cabinet members in February The strategy

BROWSE THE AICO RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO039

Surf ’s up for Thorn

Thorn Lighting's advanced luminaires, including Caelon RGBW Bluetooth, Urba, and Contrast with Bluetooth, have been carefully selected to enhance the Lost Shore surf resort in Edinburgh

The scheme ensures a visually appealing and functional environment while addressing the site's proximity to Edinburgh Airport by minimising upward light

Located in Ratho, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, Lost Shore is the world's ﬁrst inland surf resort and home to Europe's largest wave pool The lagoon, three times the size of the Wembley football pitch, generates up to 1,000 waves per hour, creating an unparalleled experience for surfers of all abilities

Beyond the water, the resort features luxury accommodation, a waterfront bar and restaurant, a surf school, and wellness facilities, establishing itself as a major attraction for surfers and visitors alike

Lighting played a sensitive role in shaping the resort's identity. It needed to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings, complement the resort's striking architecture, and create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for visitors

Engaged by landscape architect HarrisonStevens, Thorn Lighting's solutions

were carefully chosen to achieve this vision, ensuring a seamless blend of performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Addressing challenges with precision lighting

Lost Shore's proximity to Edinburgh Airport posed a significant challenge in terms of light control The design had to carefully prevent any upward light spill which could interfere with flight paths while ensuring effective, safe illumination across the resort.

Similarly, the lighting design needed to respect the site's woodland setting, again preserving the night sky while enhancing key architectural and landscape elements

A thoughtful lighting design

Thorn Lighting implemented a tailored scheme that enhances the built environment and natural surroundings to meet these challenges

Caelon S RGBW Bluetooth spotlights were selected to illuminate the dramatic cliff faces bordering the lagoon Typically used for bridge and façade lighting, these luminaires were specified to highlight the rugged rock formations, creating an impressive yet controlled effect. Their tight optical control ensures precise lighting while minimising glare – an essential consideration for night surfers

Urba lanterns (IDA Dark Sky Approved, 3000K) were installed in the car parks and arrival areas. These luminaires provide high-quality urban lighting while reducing light pollution, supporting the resort's commitment to sustainability. Designed by Wilmotte & Industries, the Urba lanterns ensure a sophisticated yet

understated presence that guides visitors safely through the space

Contrast floodlights on multi-head columns throughout the resort offer flexible, Bluetooth-controlled illumination, allowing different lighting scenes to be created for various events and activities

This adaptability ensures that the resort remains visually dynamic, with the lighting enhancing the overall atmosphere while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic

Enhancing the visitor experience

A balance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability drove the selection of Thorn's luminaires The ability to adjust lighting intensity and colour via Bluetooth ensures that diﬀerent areas of the resort can be tailored to speciﬁc activities, from vibrant event lighting to more subtle ambient settings This adaptability contributes to the resort's distinctive identity while reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact.

Debbie Harrison, Associate Director at HarrisonStevens, commented:

"Lighting the Lost Shore surf resort was both exciting and challenging Its proximity to Edinburgh airport and situation within a country park setting were the key factors which informed the lighting solutions The resulting design is compliant and respectful of its surroundings

“Thorn worked with our brief, the client’s budget and the design team requirements to create an atmospheric and sustainable scheme ”

Luceco provides lighting upgrades at Akzo Nobel

Luceco has helped Akzo Nobel upgrade the lighting system in the Polymer Plant Controls Room at its facilities in Gateshead.

Working with electrical contractors NEP Services, Luceco replaced the former wired wall switch and handheld remote-controlled lighting to a widely accessible digital dimming solution that works with the lighting specialists’ ﬂagship LuxPanel Backlit LED panels

The room was first modelled using lighting design software Relux to confirm illuminance levels Based on this, Luceco then recommended its flexible Platform technology for ease of use and speed of installation

The LuxPanel Extra features backlit LED panels with modules mounted to the rear of the panel body, enabling direct downward light distribution. This eliminates the need for a Light Guide Plate (LGP), resulting in enhanced performance and balanced illumination.

Lighting in the LuxPanel range is compatible with Luceco’s Platform wireless lighting controls. The Platform technology transforms existing lighting installations into an intelligent, wireless communications system It’s designed as a scalable retrofit solution that enables full lighting control including dimming, presence detection, daylight control and emergency lighting testing

To ensure compliance with safety standards, Luceco also recommended upgrading emergency lighting in the space using its Tempus Exit Boxes and Bulkheads www

BROWSE LUCECO’S LIGHTING RANGE BY VISITING: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO041

Rointe sets a new standard in electric heating

cycle power on and oﬀ to maintain it), Rointe’s system reduces stabilisation power use by up to 70%. This turnkey development not only simpliﬁes installation but also enables substantial energy savings

In a market where eﬃciency, reliability, and user control are more important than ever, Rointe has intoduced a true revolution in electric heating: Inverter Smart Adaptive Technology

This innovation – unique in the industry – represents a radical shift in how electric energy is managed, delivering faster comfort, greater temperature stability, and signiﬁcantly reduced energy consumption

With Inverter Smart Adaptive Technology, Rointe’s latest generation of radiators heats up 15% faster, maintains temperature with 20% more stability, and uses 30% less energy For installers, this means more than just delivering comfort –it means oﬀering measurable savings and performance that end users will notice right away.

Smarter power Greater control

At the core of this innovation lies the adaptive inverter power control, a dynamic regulation system that intelligently adjusts power output rather than operating at a ﬁxed maximum like traditional PID-based systems

While PID controllers run continuously at 100% power until the desired temperature is reached (then

This advanced control mechanism ensures a smoother, more eﬃcient energy ﬂow – an invaluable advantage in homes, businesses, and particularly in buildings with limited electrical capacity or sensitive power loads

Fewer sizes. Same power. Smarter installation. Thanks to Inverter Smart Adaptive Technology, Rointe has dramatically reduced the number of product variants needed for installation Where seven diﬀerent sizes (ranging from 330 W to 1,600 W) were once required, the new system now works with just three power levels: 600 W, 1200 W, and 1800 W

In addition, the product automatically self-regulates to deliver only the power needed to eﬃciently heat the space, further optimising energy consumption Users can also manually limit the product’s maximum power output by up to 30% – either directly from the device (on models with a screen) or through the ROINTE NEXA App.

This allows each user to set a custom power cap for their heating system, tailoring it to their specific needs and installation requirements For installers, this means delivering enhanced service and advanced technology without increasing installation complexity or

Heating with intelligence: AI-powered eﬃciency

Rointe’s latest radiators, including the EONIQ and KYROS, are equipped with Wi-Fi Inside technology (no gateways required) and connect seamlessly to the new Rointe NEXA App

But the real leap forward lies in the integrated AI System This artificial intelligence layer learns from user habits, usage patterns, and ambient conditions to deliver customised recommendations that optimise both comfort and energy savings

For installers, this means fewer support calls and higher long-term satisfaction For users, it means eﬀortless eﬃciency: comfort that adapts to them – not the other way around

Meet NEXA: A new era in heating control

The Rointe NEXA App brings all this power into the user’s hands with a sleek, intuitive interface From real-time consumption stats to multi-room zoning, programming routines, and AI-powered notifications, NEXA transforms heating management into a smart, streamlined experience

Installers beneﬁt from simpliﬁed commissioning and smarter system management Users enjoy 24/7 control, remote access, and deep insight into their energy use with features like the AIH Analysis Dashboard.

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT ROINTE’S RANGE OF SMART ELECTRIC RADIATORS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO046

CED ELECTRICAL Airmaster

Cooling Range

With summer upon us, Airmaster’s range of cooling fans are set to be in demand At the core of the range are desk fans from 6” up to 16” with two or three speeds, plus table/wall fans up to 16” with three speed settings Pedestal and tower fans come next, the former now having both a remote control and an all-black version, as well as the standard white finish featured across all cooling products Completing the fan range are chrome finish antique styles of both a 16” pedestal and 16” desk fans plus an 18” high velocity floor standing fan. Finally, an optional method for air cooling is a wide selection of portable 9000 and 12000 btu A/c units, some with WiFi and remote controls and the most recent addition – a 9000 btu unit operating at a low noise level of just 45 dB

C-TEC CAST-powered Products w/ Five-year Warranty

C-TEC has announced that all its CAST-powered products will have a new five-year warranty CAST (C-TEC Addressable System Technology) is C-TEC’s own proprietary life-safety system protocol Hailed as the world’s most-advanced distributed intelligence fire alarm system protocol with features designed to facilitate fast installation, servicing, maintenance and operation, CAST powers all the manufacturer’s flagship systems Hence the new warranty will cover not only its XFP and ZFP CAST addressable fire systems but its EVAC-ALERT BS 8629 evacuation alert system, its HUSH-PRO BS 5839-6 Grade C residential fire alarm systems and its new range of CAST-PRO combined detection and alarm devices

MARTINDALE ELECTRIC

Revamped Website

With a keen emphasis on keeping safe around electricity, Martindale Electric has announced the launch of its new website Recognising the challenges faced by professionals, Martindale Electric has produced a website that showcases its renowned products and significantly expands its educational offering. The comprehensive resource area delves into critical topics such as safe isolation, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), and socket testing, among others It can be an information source for electrical professionals, offering up-to-date information, best practices, and guidance on the latest industry standards and regulations Whether it's detailed product information, instructional videos, or downloadable guides, datasheets and manuals, users can easily find what they're looking for, enhancing their knowledge and skills in electrical safety Martindale Electric has also integrated a comprehensive support section and Help Centre into the website along with a feature which allows users to register their products online, enhancing their access to warranties, support and updates

CARHARTT

Sun Defender Range

UNICRIMP

Stainless Steel Metal Cable Ties

Unicrimp has expanded its comprehensive Q-Fire range of fire-rated products with the introduction of new sizes of its popular stainless steel metal cable ties This enhancement provides installers with greater flexibility and choice when working in demanding, safety-critical environments These ties help maintain cable support during a fire, ensuring safety for both emergency services and the public by preventing premature cable collapse Already part of the Q-Fire product offering, the stainless steel cable ties have now been made available in additional sizes – 200 mm x 4 6 mm, 300 mm x 4.6 mm and 360 mm x 4.6 mm. With these additions, the Q-Fire range now includes metal cable ties in sizes from 150 mm x 4 6 mm up to 840 mm x 7 9 mm, offering greater flexibility for diverse installation requirements All sizes comply with BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations, ensuring full regulatory alignment for professional electrical installations

Carhartt has introduced the Sun Defender range – a collection of durable, high-performance workwear with built-in sun protection that doesn’t compromise on comfort or mobility Sun Defender fabric is rated to UPF 40+, offering maximum protection by blocking 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays The range includes lightweight, breathable garments that help workers stay cool and each piece in the collection is designed with Carhartt’s Force technology which wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly to prevent discomfort in warm conditions Carhartt’s Force Sun Defender Relaxed Fit Pant (107203) combines lightweight, durable fabric with UPF 40+ protection, designed to keep wearers cool and comfortable while standing up to the rigours of site work With built-in stretch and a relaxed fit they offer full freedom of movement – essential for climbing ladders, kneeling and lifting materials throughout the day. Reinforced pockets provide practical storage, while the sweat-wicking fabric helps prevent overheating For upper-body protection, Carhartt has introduced the Force Sun Defender Lightweight Long-Sleeve Logo Graphic T-Shirt (107202) Made from a lightweight polyester blend, this long-sleeved top offers full arm coverage without adding unnecessary warmth. The breathable, fast-drying material actively pulls sweat away from the skin, keeping wearers cool, even in direct sunlight For those who prefer short sleeves but still need UV protection, the Short-Sleeve Logo Graphic T-Shirt (107182) delivers the same moisture-wicking and quick-drying benefits along with UPF 40+ shielding The relaxed fit ensures all-day comfort while the durable fabric is designed to withstand the demands of a tough working environment.

CLICK SCOLMORE

Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets

Click Scolmore has added new

Unswitched Safety Shutter Socket Outlets to some of its popular wiring accessory ranges This new range brings 1-gang and 2-gang unswitched socket outlets, with integrated 3-pin safety shutters as standard, to the Mode and Part M collections, as well as to the most popular ﬁnishes in the Deco and Deco+ ranges – satin chrome and stainless steel The 3-pin safety shutter is a feature that prevents foreign objects from being inserted into live contacts, which brings a crucial layer of protection, making these sockets ideal for both residential and commercial installations. The new unswitched safety socket outlets in the Deco and Deco+ ﬁnishes are available with a choice of black or white inserts, further expanding the possibilities of a project’s appearance.

THORN LIGHTING

2025 THORNeco Catalogue

THORNeco has unveiled its brand-new 2025 catalogue, offering a comprehensive range of easy-to-install, energy-efficient lighting solutions, designed to meet the needs of today’s electrical contractors The updated catalogue introduces new products, including extensions to the popular Zoe range and exciting new additions, Sylvie and Maya Across the range, installers can benefit from flexible features like VARIO and FLEX, allowing them to easily adjust colour temperatures or lumen packages on-site – helping streamline stockholding and simplify installation The new JUST feature also enables fast emergency conversions via a simple plug-and-play kit, offering one product for multiple uses Sustainability is a key focus too, with 100% recyclable and plastic-free packaging now standard across the THORNeco portfolio.

Knightsbridge improves downlight safety and looks

Designed as a superior alternative to traditional ‘can’ style downlights, Knightsbridge’s FireNova range prioritises ﬁre safety with its innovative open-back ﬁre-rated design.

This simplifies compliance with fire safety regulations, while also supporting multiple lamp configurations, including LED and halogen options Its open-back structure enhances ventilation, helping to extend lamp lifespan and improve overall performance

The FireNova range is available in two models: fixed and tilt Both offer advanced fire protection of up to 30, 60, and 90 minutes for solid timber and 30 minutes for web and I-joist constructions.

The fixed option is rated IP20 or IP65, making it suitable for both living spaces and bathrooms Magnetic bezels in five finishes – antique brass, brushed chrome, matt black, polished brass, and polished chrome – enable the downlights to complement any situation with ease.

Ideal for highlighting speciﬁc areas, the tilt model is adjustable and rated IP20

Both variants are dimmable (lamp-dependent) and feature push-ﬁt terminals with loop-in/loop-out capabilities for straightforward installation

For added functionality, with a 7 W LED (max) lamp, the FireNova range can be made IC-rated with the addition of the FRNIC accessory, allowing the downlights to be safely covered with insulation

Get Inline with the latest in smart dimming technology

Enkin’s award-winning ZDM150 dimmer module, combined with Zigbee technology, allows users to control their lighting from any location using a smartphone or tablet

This dimmer module is supported by Zigbee protocol, providing state-of-the-art smart control and allowing users to dim, turn lights on and oﬀ, and even pre-set ambient moods for diﬀerent times of the day when partnered with a compatible Zigbee enabled hub.

This dimmer module is ideal for those looking to upgrade their lighting control to a smart system without the need for extensive rewiring Its compatibility with various smart hubs and ease of installation makes it a versatile choice for smart home enthusiasts

Why are people choosing to use smart dimming technology in their homes?

Enkin’s Inline Zigbee Smart Dimmer oﬀer a mix of convenience, energy savings,

ambiance control, and automation. These positives appeal to customers and homeowners for a number of reasons:

Convenience and remote control

Control lights from your phone, voice assistant (like Alexa), or remote, even when you're not home. Easily dim or brighten lights without getting up or reaching for a switch

Automation and scheduling

You can set lights to automatically adjust based on time of day, sunrise/ sunset, or for when you are away You can automatically dim lights at night for winding down or brighten in the morning to simulate sunrise

Energy eﬃciency

Dimming lights reduces energy usage and can extend the life of bulbs It also helps to cut down electricity bills, especially with LED lights

Mood scene setting

You can create custom lighting scenes for moments at home such as watching ﬁlms, dining, or reading Smooth dimming lets you ﬁne-tune ambiance to match your mood or needs.

Integration with smart home systems

Works seamlessly with other smart devices (e g , motion sensors, door locks, thermostats) to create a cohesive smart home experience You can automatically dim the lights when the TV turns on or when you leave home

Accessibility and safety

This is a great feature for elderly or mobility-impaired users who may struggle with traditional switches Lights can turn on automatically in hallways or bathrooms at night for safety

Enkin’s Inline Zigbee Smart Dimmer is a compact, in-wall smart dimmer module designed to integrate traditional lighting circuits with modern smart home systems

The ZDM150 also features a wiring option for both retractive, two-way and oﬀ retractive switches With this unique feature you can still control your lights via touch, as well as with your device

All Enkin products come with a ﬁve-year guarantee

MORE DETAILS ON THE ENKIN ZDM150 INLINE ZIGBEE SMART DIMMER AT:

OVIA

Mounting Collars for Gator LED Street Lights

Ovia has introduced two new mounting collar accessories for its Gator LED street lights The Gator luminaires are designed to fit a Ø76 mm pole/post straight from the box With the new collar accessories, installers can easily swap the spigot and make it compatible with Ø50 mm and Ø60 mm pole/posts This innovative solution provides ultimate flexibility to allow the perfect fit for any project Made from cast aluminium, the mount collars are supplied in a grey finish to match the Gator street light and they’re supplied with 2 x M8 x 16 mm cap heat stainless steel screws to mount the collar to a post or wall bracket

OLYMPIC FIXINGS Clamp4Fire70

Olympic Fixings has introduced a big brother to the original Clamp4Fire – the Clamp4Fire70 This new addition to the family is built to handle the bigger stuff, comfortably holding up to 70 x 1 5 mm cables So, when you're tackling those commercial builds or multi-unit residential projects with significant cable runs, the 70 has got you covered for installations requiring additional mechanical protection, particularly when using larger cables, such as SWA cable Just like the original, the Clamp4Fire70 is a robust, one-piece steel bracket that gives you the flexibility to mount it horizontally or vertically, under ceilings or on walls It's still packing the same resistance to fire, chemicals, solvents, and corrosion that you've come to expect. Plus, those smart bevelled edges are there to make pulling cables through smooth and damage-free And for those moments when you need to add or adjust cables down the line, the Clamp4Fire70 remains user-friendly.

Discover the joy of Hex with Gap Lighting

Hexlite allows end users to highlight their ceiling or wall space and create eye-catching illumination with Gap Lighting’s super bright hexagonal modular LED lighting system.

Ideal for many applications, including retail showrooms, garages, gyms, hotels, bars, restaurants, night clubs and entertainment venues, the system combines a low proﬁle design with plug & play simplicity The plug & play connection allows for quick and easy assembly – simply plug in each light proﬁle to another using the L and Y connectors and create a hexagonal grid within minutes

The RGB Hexlite system comes as a complete kit which includes multiple LED light profiles, connectors, power supply, receiver, remote, and power lead Dynamic effects can be created by selecting from an array of multi-coloured changing modes including chasing, trailing and flowing fades

Other features include:

● 110 lumen per watt

● Aluminium proﬁles

● Anti-glare PC diﬀuser

● Surface mount or suspendable

● 240 V direct to mains

● Optional LED frame available

Products round up

NVC LIGHTING DALLAS PRO Range

NVC Lighting has launched DALLAS PRO offering easy installation, low glare, high performance and a unique colour matching option The stylish and robust surface/suspended luminaire is suited for residential, education, office and commercial settings, with a sleek and modern design complemented by technical features to improve productivity, efficiency and focus Easy to install and backed by a seven-year warranty, DALLAS PRO products offer a UGR<19 low glare light and are available in X, L, T and straight configurations, offering flexibility for creative and functional lighting configurations. Uniquely, NVC Lighting is offering a RAL colour matching service, allowing customers to choose from over 2,500 colours or choose their own custom finish to perfectly coordinate with any setting Further benefits of DALLAS PRO include selectable wattage, allowing flexibility to adjust the light’s brightness to suit different needs, as well as EPD verification in line with NVC Lighting’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

LEDLITE

Fire Rated Downlights

SWITCHTEC Industrial Control Solutions Catalogue

Switchtec is excited to announce the release of its new Industrial Control Solutions brochure This comprehensive catalogue features all key products, including Switch Disconnectors, Switchgear, Contactors, Switch Mode Power Supplies, Time Switches, Relays, Plugs and Sockets, Cable Glands, Push Button Stations, Surge Protection, Transformers, Consumer Relocation Kits, and Metal and GRP Enclosures The brochure introduces new ranges of SCL Industrial Plugs and Sockets, which are IP44 or IP67 rated, SCL Contactors, Mini Contactors, Thermal Overload Relays, and Insulated Metric Cable Glands. It is a clear, easy-to-read, full-colour catalogue available in both print and PDF formats For ease of product selection and quick ordering, each product is accompanied by a colour photo, detailed description, quality approvals, product dimensions, and order code.

LEDLite has announced the launch of its latest range of fire rated downlights Designed for superior performance, energy efficiency, and safety, the new range includes the LTCDL6CCT, LTLD8CCT, LTMTC6CCT, and LTTD6CCT This innovative collection meets rigorous IP65 fire safety standards while offering exceptional lighting quality and versatility Each model is crafted to provide contractors, businesses, and homeowners with the perfect blend of safety, efficiency, and style The LTCDL6CCT is a compact and powerful downlight featuring a selectable colour temperature function (CCT) of 3000K, 4000K, or 6000K Users can easily switch between warm, cool white and daylight colours, ensuring the perfect ambience for any space. The LTLD8CCT high 830 output downlight is ideal for larger spaces, providing excellent brightness while maintaining energy efficiency The four position adjustable CCT of 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K allows for greater customised lighting to suit different environments. Additionally the dual multi wattage makes this a very versatile fire rated down light The LTMTC6CCT is a mini downlight for 43-50 mm cut-outs, offering a smaller version of a standard larger typical downlight This model also features adjustable 4 CCT, being 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while delivering high performance, 560-660 lm output, and reliability, making it perfect for contemporary interiors Finally, the LTTD6CCT features a tiltable design, enabling precise directional lighting with a 720 lm output Like the rest of the range, the LTTD6CCT features an adjustable CCT of 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K It’s an excellent choice for accent lighting, highlighting features, or creating focused illumination in key areas.

EUROPA

Parrot Cable Replacement System

Europa has launched a new innovative wireless cable replacement solution Parrot uses cutting-edge innovation to eliminate the need for expensive cabling and containment in industrial environments

The Parrot system comprises pre-configured, ready to operate, transmitters and receivers, designed for effortless installation on a standard DIN rail Harnessing long-range wireless technology, Chirped Spread Spectrum (CSS) and Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Parrot delivers robust, long-range telemetry which can achieve operating distances of over 8 km line of sight in outdoor industrial settings with the correct configuration The system has been rigorously tested in some of the most demanding environments, providing a reliable and secure method of transmitting signals where traditional cabling is impractical or cost-prohibitive The system can be used for anything from remote gate controls, spotlights and switch gear, to measuring wind speed, temperature and pressure

ROBUS

True-Plug&Play Emergency Lighting

How do you make plug-in emergency lighting even easier? That’s exactly what the team at ROBUS has been working on and they’ve come up with a game-changing solution What if every ﬁtting already came with an integrated emergency base? No extra wiring No hassle Just snap-in the accessory emergency pack when needed, and you’re good to go It’s fast, fuss-free, and sets a new standard for plug-in emergency lighting They call it True-Plug&Play This innovation is already built into the HARBOUR EXPRESS corrosion-proof range which installs up to 30% faster than traditional solutions And word is, ROBUS is bringing the same tech to its SPEEDBEAM LED batten range Next-generation plug-and-play is here Keep your eyes peeled!

Black Edition range oﬀers power and precision in control

After 35 years of supplying the world’s finest hotels with advanced control systems, Systeq is proud to unveil the Black Edition – its most refined and versatile lighting control solution to-date

Engineered for the general area lighting market, the Black Edition blends sophisticated style with exceptional performance. Compact yet powerful, it stands among the smallest control panels available, oﬀering unrivalled capability in a sleek, discreet form

Drawing on the energy-saving principles of Systeq’s flagship hotel systems, the Black Edition delivers a cost-effective, scalable solution adaptable to virtually any environment. Available in configurations from 4 to 18 circuits of trailing edge dimming, multiple panels can be seamlessly connected to create expansive systems.

Alongside trailing and leading edge dimming, the Black Edition supports 0–10 V, DALI, DALI DT6/8, and PWM The system also enables relay control, window blind automation, timed underﬂoor and towel rail management, occupancy and daylight sensing, and full HVAC integration – making it a complete energy management solution

The beautifully crafted wall plates, a Systeq signature, can be tailored to suit any interior. With custom ﬁnishes, engraving, and soft back button illumination, screwless ﬁxing, form meets function at every touchpoint

Built on a plug-and-play DIN rail platform, maintenance is effortless Backed by a five-year warranty and a legacy of systems still performing flawlessly after 25 years, the Black Edition is proven in even the most demanding environments

Extend your outdoor enjoyment with radiant heaters

p radiation, directly warming people and surfaces rather than attempting to heat the air This targeted heating approach ensures immediate warmth, creating a comfortable outdoor space even on cooler days

Unlike traditional outdoor heating methods, which waste energy by warming the air (only for it to be carried away by the wind), radiant heaters provide direct and efficient warmth where it is needed most

Forum Lighting Solutions has a diverse range of radiant heaters so everyone can find something that suits them The collection includes wall-mounted, floor-standing and pendant heaters with features such as remote controls, variable heat settings, timers and integrated LED lights

The beneﬁts of radiant heating

1 Instant and eﬀective warmth

As soon as you switch on a radiant heater, you’ll feel its effects immediately. The infrared heat penetrates directly, warming you efficiently and effectively

2 Hygienic and allergy-friendly

3 Energy eﬃciency & sustainability

Traditional heating methods can circulate dust and allergens Radiant heaters, on provide warmth without disturbing the air, making them a great choice for those who suﬀer from allergies

Infrared heaters have an energy conversion rate of nearly 100%, meaning they waste very little energy compared to conventional heating systems Furthermore, they have net-zero carbon emissions, making them a carbon-neutral heating option that contributes to a more sustainable environment

approximately 25m², and includes a remote control, four-hour timer, and PIR economy function

Blaze Wall Mount Patio Heater

This 1,800 W heater can be wall or stand-mounted It features a pull ON/OFF switch, tip-over safety switch, and provides heat coverage of about 12m²

4. Low maintenance and easy installation

Radiant heaters require minimal maintenance and are simple to install, making them a hassle-free investment for any outdoor space

5 Weatherproof and cost-eﬀective

Many modern infrared heaters are designed to withstand the elements, making them a durable and practical solution for outdoor settings. Since they only produce heat when needed, they help keep costs low while ensuring comfort

A style for everyone Forum has several diﬀerent options of radiant heater to choose from:

Jet Vari Watt Dual Mount Heater

This versatile product can be mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling. It oﬀers three heat settings (900 W, 1,900 W, 2,800 W), covers

Glow Wall Mounted Patio Heater with Remote Control

This 3,000 W heater is operated via remote control, oﬀers variable heat settings, a 1-9 hour timer, and covers an area of 20m²

Wall Mount Patio Heater 2 kW with Remote and 24hr Timer

This can be used indoors and outdoors It has three variable heat settings and covers approximately 12m²

Make the most of the outdoor space

Whether people are hosting a BBQ, enjoying evening drinks with friends, or simply unwinding in their backyard, a radiant heater can extend the time they spend outdoors

BROWSE FORUM’S RADIANT HEATER COLLECTION AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/EBO065

C AM E RA CAUGHT ON

FF ELECTRICAL SERVICES: I CAME ACROSS THIS BEAUTY DURING AN EMERGENCY CALL OUT DUE TO A TRIPPING RCD IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BACK BOX CUTTING INTO THE NEUTRAL LOOSE CABLES HAVE COME OUT WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE SCREWS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT I STRONGLY SUGGESTED AN EICR.

EDWARD BRETHERTON: I SPOTTED THIS ON A RECENT EICR NO CONTINUITY ON

SOCIAL SNAPS!

WILLIAM CULLETON: BIT TRICKY THIS ONE! HOW WOULD YOU CODE IT?

PAWEL MA JKOWSKI: THE PERSON WHO SHARED THESE IMAGES IS RENTING THIS PARTICULAR FLAT/HOUSE AND THIS WAS AN EXAMPLE OF A NEW FAN INSTALLATION CARRIED OUT BY THE LANDLORD’S SELECTED TRADESPERSON I DON’T BELIEVE THAT INDIVIDUAL COULD HAVE BEEN A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

ADVERTISER INDEX

Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Electrician. Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

Aico Ltd ..................................................................................................page 36

www.rdr.link/EBO100

ALL LED Ltd ....................................................................inside front cover

www.rdr.link/EBO101

Aurora Ltd ...........................................................................................page 44

www.rdr.link/EBO102

BG Electrical Ltd .................................................................................page 4

www.rdr.link/EBO103

Carhartt B.V. .......................................................................................page 16

www.rdr.link/EBO104

Carl Kammerling International Ltd ......................................page 72

www.rdr.link/EBO105

CED Electrical Group .....................................................................page 50

www.rdr.link/EBO106

Chauvin Arnoux UK Ltd................................................................page 68

www.rdr.link/EBO107

CRC Industries UK Ltd ..................................................................page 78

www.rdr.link/EBO108

C-TEC Ltd ..........................................................................................pages 6, 7

www.rdr.link/EBO109

CTEK Sweden AB ..............................................................................page 75

www.rdr.link/EBO110

D-Line (Europe) Ltd .......................................................................page 68

www.rdr.link/EBO111

Domus Ventilation ..........................................................................page 78

www.rdr.link/EBO112

Electrorad UK Ltd ............................................................................page 11

www.rdr.link/EBO113

ELEX .....................................................................................inside back cover

www.rdr.link/EBO114

Elite Security Products Ltd ........................................................page 87

www.rdr.link/EBO115

EnviroVent Ltd ..................................................................................page 12

www.rdr.link/EBO116

Hager Ltd ..............................................................................................page 25

www.rdr.link/EBO117

Hamilton Litestat .............................................................................page 35

www.rdr.link/EBO118

Hoyles Electronic Developments Ltd ...................................page 13

www.rdr.link/EBO119

Humax Electronics ..........................................................................page 63

www.rdr.link/EBO120

Johnson Magnetic Filters Ltd (Smart Bracket) ..............page 68

www.rdr.link/EBO121

Lewden Ltd ..........................................................................................page 59

www.rdr.link/EBO122

LINIAN Supply Co. Ltd ...................................................................page 62

www.rdr.link/EBO123

Metrel UK Ltd .....................................................................................page 20

www.rdr.link/EBO124

ML Accessories Ltd ............................................................................page 9

www.rdr.link/EBO125

ML Accessories Ltd .........................................................................page 43

www.rdr.link/EBO126

NetXL Distribution Ltd...........................................outside back cover www.rdr.link/EBO127

Niglon Ltd .............................................................................................page 85 www.rdr.link/EBO128

Ovia Lighting ......................................................................................page 81 www.rdr.link/EBO129

Pod Point Ltd......................................................................................page 55 www.rdr.link/EBO130

Powered Now .....................................................................................page 44 www.rdr.link/EBO131

Ratio EV Charging ............................................................................page 73 www.rdr.link/EBO132

Rhino Products Ltd .........................................................................page 81 www.rdr.link/EBO133

Robert Bosch Ltd .............................................................................page 26 www.rdr.link/EBO134

ROBUS .......................................................................................................page 8 www.rdr.link/EBO135

Rolec Services Ltd ...........................................................................page 15 www.rdr.link/EBO136

Saxby Lighting ...................................................................................page 23 www.rdr.link/EBO137

Scolmore International Ltd .......................................................page 49 www.rdr.link/EBO138

Scolmore International Ltd .......................................................page 83 www.rdr.link/EBO139

Selectric .................................................................................................page 39 www.rdr.link/EBO140

Sevadis ...................................................................................................page 60 www.rdr.link/EBO141

Test Instrument Solutions Ltd .................................................page 65 www.rdr.link/EBO142

The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) ...page 49 www.rdr.link/EBO143

Timeguard Ltd...................................................................................page 40 www.rdr.link/EBO144

UK Power Networks Holdings Ltd .........................................page 89 www.rdr.link/EBO145

UNICRIMP Ltd ....................................................................................page 50 www.rdr.link/EBO146

WISKA UK Ltd ....................................................................................page 89 www.rdr.link/EBO147

Zzeus Training Ltd ..........................................................................page 32 www.rdr.link/EBO148