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electricaltimes.co.uk

Electrifying content since 1891

August 2026

Celebrating two decades of excellence - page 10

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09.06.2026 16:12:10 26/07/2026 18:14:53

CONTENTS

14

8 Welcome

34

We have something new for you in this issue of Electrical Times. On page 12, you’ll find a letter from America.

4

News – ECA-BESA data centre skills roundtable

20

Switched On – Future proof lighting for Ascension airport

6

Contractor Corner – Rethinking mobile renewal

21

Lighting – Vision 2040

7

Tools & Workwear – KNIPEX PreciForce

26

EV – Proactive fault finding with AI

34

UPS – Hidden risk in standby power systems

36

Spotlight – Smart home expectations

40

Switching Off – Dan Griffiths: Screenwriting and playwriting

41

Products

42

Closing Argument – How environmental DNA can accelerate planning

8

Podcast – Schneider Electric’s David Pownall and the new frontier

10

Cover Story – 20 years of Surge Protection Devices

12

3

Letter from America – E-waste warning for UK contractors

13

Viewpoint – Hidden careers

14

Training – Courses that work around you

Editor James Cooke james.cooke@purplems.com

Production designer Lorna Reekie lorna.reekie@purplems.com

Sales manager Haydon Rainsford haydon.rainsford@purplems.com

Production designer Rob Tremain rob.tremain@purplems.com

Managing director Ed Hunt Post Purple Media Solutions St Stephen’s St, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2AD, UK. T: 01732 371570

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily those of Purple Media Solutions.

While our focus is on what’s relevant to you, electrical contractors in the UK, we’re conscious that sometimes it’s worthwhile to look at the issues being faced abroad, as they can often wind up as challenges faced here at home, too. So, each month, we look to bring you an article from overseas, and we begin with a piece from Slawomir Platta, Founding Partner of The Platta Law Firm in New York City, who provides an e-waste warning for those of us in the UK. Next month we hear from Europe, so stay tuned for that.

Meanwhile, in the latest episode of The Electrical Times Podcast, we speak with Schneider Electric’s David Pownall about the launch of new battery energy storage system (BESS), Schneider Boost Pro, as well as how modern battery software is reshaping commercial infrastructure. Turn to page 8 to read a preview of that discussion and scan the QR code on the page to watch or listen to the full conversation.

It’s also good see last month’s podcast guest, Dan Griffiths from The LIA, back in this issue. This time, you’ll find him on page 40 for our Switching Off feature, discussing his passion for playwriting and screenwriting. Given Dan’s talents, you’ll be unsurprised to hear that it’s an excellent read. If you have a hobby you’re passionate about, please do get in touch as we would love to feature it in an upcoming issue!

Oh! And don’t forget to enter the Electrical Industry Awards at https://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/electrical-industry-awards/ the clock is ticking to celebrate your achievements in 2026!

James Cooke james.cooke@purplems.com

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@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

03_ET-Aug_Contents.indd 3

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:10:22

4

NEWS | LOG ONTO www.electricaltimes.co.uk FOR MORE

Industry leaders and government officials join ECA-BESA data centre skills roundtable SENIOR BUSINESS LEADERS from T Clarke, Crown House Technologies, Emcor, Group Metropolitan, Sudlows, Phoenix ME and other contractors joined government departments, Skills England, Barbour ABI, JTL, JIB and Oxford University at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and BESA’s latest data centre skills roundtable to address one of the UK’s biggest growth opportunities.

With more than £14 billion of investment announced by the Government and an estimated £88 billion pipeline of data centre projects, demand for electrical, engineering and specialist technical skills is growing rapidly. Participants at the roundtable agreed that workforce capacity, competence and supply chain capability are becoming key factors that will determine whether the UK can deliver this investment at scale.

The roundtable gave ECA Members direct access to major contractors, government departments and industry

bodies shaping future skills, standards and workforce policy.

Discussions covered workforce forecasting, specialist electrical skills, commissioning, apprenticeships, supply chain development and routes into the data centre market.

This has led to a substantial programme of follow-up work being agreed.

Participants agreed to reconvene in six months, with future sessions likely to focus on commissioning, client requirements, workforce planning and supply chain opportunities.

Mark Lawrence, CEO of ECA Member business T Clarke, who chaired the roundtable said: “Data centres are one of the UK’s most important growth markets, but growth on this scale can only be delivered if we develop the skilled workforce needed to support it. The roundtable brought together the right mix of industry leaders, government and skills organisations to start tackling that challenge. The discussion was practical, forward-looking and focused on solutions,

and I am encouraged by the commitment shown by everyone around the table to work together on the next steps.”

George Hall, of ECA Member business and cable jointing and installation specialists TAG UK Services, said: “Data centres rely on specialist cabling and jointing skills, yet awareness of these careers remains far too low. This roundtable gave us a valuable opportunity to highlight the need for stronger training pathways, recognised competence standards and better workforce planning.

We welcome the commitment from industry, government and training partners to work together to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the UK’s rapidly growing data centre market.”

Business Opportunities For ambitious small and mid-sized firms, data centres offer a route into a fastgrowing, high-value market. For larger firms, they provide opportunities to diversify, secure future growth and help

shape industry standards, skills policy and workforce development.

Get Involved The data centre roundtable forms part of a wider ECA programme focused on major growth sectors.

ECA is now inviting expressions of interest from Members wishing to participate in future sector groups covering: • Data Centres • Defence • Healthcare • Housing • Off-site Manufacturing • Retail • Warm Homes Plan • Water and Waste Treatment.

These groups will help Members understand emerging opportunities, build industry connections and influence the issues that will shape future markets.

Firms interested in joining future activity should contact businesssupportdl@eca.co.uk

Lighthouse Charity Digs Deep to Respond to Unprecedented Demand for Support in 2025 BODY THE LIGHTHOUSE Charity has published its 2025 Impact Report, demonstrating once again that they have risen to the challenge of delivering unprecedented and vital emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support in what has been another challenging year for the industry.

Key achievements in 2025: • Increased the charitable and leveraged support delivered to £6.3m.

• Supported 6,712 families with a variety of needs, including emergency food shops and housing support.

• Responded to 94 critical incidents, a 42% increase compared to 2024.

• Funded 8,714 counselling sessions, a 51% increase on the previous year.

• Increased Social Value impact by 39% to £16.96.

The support has been delivered against a backdrop of external pressures across the construction sector, with ongoing increased material costs and labour shortages, which in turn have a direct impact on the industry’s workforce.

Demand for all of the charity’s services has grown, and in particular, there has been an unprecedented 42% increase in the number of calls seeking support from the charity’s critical incident team. This

August 2026

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service responds to serious incidents and fatalities both on and off site and ensures that those who have witnessed or been affected by the incident receive expert and specialist support.

Remarking on the report’s findings and the charity’s proactive and reactive support strategy, Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity said “Last year we continued with our strategy of increasing awareness of our services and building and supporting our communities. This has been incredibly successful, and we have been able to connect with more people than ever before. As well as supporting 17% more families than in the previous year, we also reached more people through our #MakeItVisible initiative and our Critical Incident Response Service.”

She also commended the charity’s resilience and ability to respond to the increase in demand for services, “it’s imperative that we have the resources to be able to respond to those that need our help, so we now have a team of 12 front line call handers and caseworkers.

They are the critical touch point for those reaching out for support through our 24/7 helpline and we have also enhanced our live web chat service so that this too is available 24/7. This

ensures that we have the resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of our community whilst proactively seeking new sources of funding.”

The report includes a feature detailing the invaluable role of the charity’s caseworkers and highlights the amazing £2.7m of leveraged support gleaned from external sources, including funding from other charities and through ensuring people are accessing their statutory benefits before the charity releases its own funds.

The charity has also demonstrated its ability to maintain the continuity of its services and deliver sustainable financial support to the industry by drawing on their reserves to fund the support the industry so desperately needs.

Sarah continued, “Our number one priority is the community we serve and these strategic decisions have allowed us to continue to deliver our vital support. We will maintain our focus

on our core services whilst ensuring lean working practices and continuous process improvement.”

Demonstrating the charity’s impact on wellbeing, communities, and society, the report also reveals that for every £1 of charitable spend, the Lighthouse Charity generated £16.96 of social value, evidencing an exceptional return on investment.

Sarah added, “Our team are so proud of the meaningful impact our work delivers, but we can only do what we do with the continued support of our industry, so I would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who contributes to our cause and helps us change and save lives.”

2026 marks a significant year in the Lighthouse Charity’s history as they celebrate 70 years of delivering charitable support to the construction community.

This amazing milestone will be celebrated throughout the year with a number of key events across the UK and Ireland.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support now; 24/7 helplines; 0345 605 1956, (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI) Live chat www.lighthousecharity.org Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI) Find out more at www.lighthousecharity.org

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:11:14

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26/07/2026 18:06:33

6

CONTRACTOR CORNER | CRYSTALINE

Rethinking mobile renewal for contractors

M

Renewing your business mobile contract should not be a box ticking exercise. Working patterns and mobile use evolve, and a contract that once fit the business can quickly become outdated.

Contractors tend to feel mobile contract problems first because work moves between sites, teams ramp up and down, and site staff rely on mobile for drawings, photos, QA records and sign-offs. Before you agree another term, Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of business mobile specialist Crystaline, shares five questions that help a business judge the fit of a renewal.

obile estates now sit close to daily operations, with handsets and tablets moving between sites, compounds and temporary offices.

Ofcom data shows average monthly mobile data consumption in the UK has “increased by over 300 per cent” since 2019, which makes current invoices the right place to start when you test allowances against demand and check that tariff structure still reflects reality, especially when jobs run in areas with variable coverage.

1. Does the contract match how your team works now?

Start with the working week as it runs today and describe it in operational terms, since the contract needs to follow how staff communicate and access systems. Office routines still matter, though live sites and temporary project offices set new requirements, and the renewal should reflect that shift in working geography.

Many agreements were signed when mobiles mainly supported voice and email, with data treated as a secondary requirement. Site teams now pull drawings and scope updates, capture progress photos, complete QA checks and submit RAMS or permits through mobile tools, and hot spotting fills gaps when a fixed connection does not suit the task.

Review active connections, check any pooled data arrangements and confirm add-ons earn their place before you map each connection to a role profile so the contract reflects actual usage.

2. Are hidden costs increasing the real monthly spend?

The headline monthly figure rarely captures what a business pays in practice, since recurring extras can sit outside the core tariff and persist unnoticed. Contractors also see cost creep when temporary labour leaves, but SIMs stay active, or when a project adds bolt-ons that never get removed at handover.

Look for items that recur, then trace each one back to a behaviour or a policy choice, and keep an eye on travel between sites and cross-border work since they can trigger add-ons that no one revisits after the original need has passed.

Ofcom introduced new rules from 1 October 2024 requiring mobile providers to send roaming notifications and provide clear information to help customers avoid unexpected roaming charges, including guidance on spend caps and where to find details on charges. Review six to twelve months of

August 2026

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invoices before renewal and treat recurring extras as a contract design signal.

3. Does the contract support growth or change?

A renewal should reflect where the organisation is heading while still accommodating change that arrives mid-term. Headcount and sites can change across a project cycle, and the agreement needs room to absorb that movement without turning routine admin into repeated escalation.

Check how the agreement handles adds and removals, then check the process for moving an individual between tariffs when a role changes. Look at upgrade rules plus fault handling, since device failure creates cost and downtime at the point of delivery. Ask how the contract treats allowance changes during term. Data use rarely stays static once a new tool settles into routine.

4. Are mobile devices being managed securely?

Mobiles act as front door devices for company services. On live sites, loss and damage rates tend to rise, so clear controls for lock, wipe and replacement reduce downtime. They store email and files while enabling access to cloud platforms through authentication apps, which places configuration and visibility into the renewal conversation.

Mobile device management (MDM) supports

monitoring and control at scale so an organisation can keep software updated and apply consistent settings, and it can track devices when they go missing with the option to lock or wipe when needed. During renewal, ask which management capabilities sit inside the contract and which sit outside it, then check what your team needs to run device controls with confidence.

5. Is the provider offering advice or just another tariff?

A renewal conversation benefits from analysis alongside pricing. For contractors, advice should include site coverage performance and onboarding new starters quickly during peak phases. A good provider reads usage data, highlights patterns and recommends changes that reflect how the business operates now. That discussion should cover tariff structure plus roaming needs, and it should cover reporting and governance, with the account managed in a way that keeps visibility as the estate grows.

Crystaline offers a free Mobile Contract Health Check. The assessment reviews usage patterns, billing structures, contract flexibility and device management policies to identify unnecessary costs, unused services and gaps that can be addressed before a business commits to renewal.

Complete your free Mobile Contract Health Check at https://crystaline-gbiv3rhv.scoreapp.com/ to sense-check site usage against your current tariff.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:12:53

KNIPEX | TOOLS & WORKWEAR

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Precision Crimping Made Simple: The KNIPEX PreciForce takes the guesswork out of every connection

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badly crimped connection can cause real problems down the line, from a joint that works loose to one that fails electrically. The KNIPEX PreciForce Crimping Pliers (97 52 36) were designed to apply factory-calibrated pressure every time, so each crimp comes out the same.

Ge t t ing a c r im p r ight m e a ns m a t ch i n g t h e p ro f i l e a n d p re ssu re to th e co nn ect or a nd c a ble in us e . Too lit t le p re ssu re a n d t h e j o i n t ca n pu ll ap art; to o m uc h a nd y ou r is k da m a ging t h e co n n e ct o r. T h e P re ci Fo rce hand les th is t hrough a r a t c he t m e c ha nis m w i t h a n i n t e g r a l l o ck : t h e p l i e r s won ’t op en unt il t he pre - s e t c r im ping pre s s u re h a s b e e n re a ch e d , t h e n releas e au tom a t ic a lly. F or a ny one c r im ping re p e a t e d l y t h ro u g h a sh i f t , t h i s means co ns ist e nt re s ult s w it hout ha v ing t o j u d g e p re ssu re b y h a n d e a ch time. Wh ere a job c a lls f or s om e t hing diff e re n t , t h e l o ck ca n b e re l e a se d a n d the pres s ure a djus t e d m a nua lly.

The tool is built from oil-hardened, high-grade chrome vanadium electric steel.

It is 220mm long, weighs 487g and has multi-component grips which make it comfortable to hold for long stretches. The three crimping dies are matched specifically to insulated cable lugs, plug connectors and butt connectors between 0.5 and 6.0 mm².

Whether it’s daily use on site or occasional jobs at home, the PreciForce lets electricians and DIYers crimp with trade-level consistency, without needing years of practice to get the pressure right.

To view this and the full KNIPEX range of crimping pliers, visit www.knipex.com/en-uk

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

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August 2026

26/07/2026 17:44:39

8

ELECTRICAL TIMES | PODCAST

Why On-Site Battery Storage is the Next Frontier for UK Businesses A Q&A with David Pownall, Vice President, Power Systems & Safety, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland

W

e sat down with David Pownall, Vice President of Power Systems and Safety for Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, to discuss the launch of their new battery energy storage system (BESS), Schneider Boost Pro. He explains how modern battery software is reshaping commercial infrastructure, solving localised capacity issues, and why delaying electrification is a gamble businesses can no longer afford to take.

Electrical Times (ET): To start off, could you explain your role at Schneider Electric and what the Power Systems division is responsible for?

David Pownall (DP): I have been with Schneider for about seven years. In my current role, I run the Power Systems division. If you think about where the national grid touches the ground from the high-voltage transmission network—meaning the massive pylons you see across the countryside—I am responsible from that point onwards.

That includes everything from medium-voltage distribution networks down to large end-users and the physical infrastructure required to safely distribute electricity across a company’s estate.

ET: Schneider Electric recently launched Schneider Boost Pro in the UK. How does this solution help commercial and industrial sites cut energy costs while ensuring their operations run smoothly?

DP: Batteries have been around forever; they aren’t new.

However, the role of a battery has radically shifted. It’s no longer just an “insurance policy” or a passive emergency backup.

Today, it is about active infrastructure management.

Industrial sites are increasingly adopting on-site renewables like solar and wind. Batteries act as the bridge, allowing operators to run their facilities efficiently through load shifting (storing cheap power to use later) and peak shaving (cutting down grid draw during expensive peak hours). Managing these tariffs is one of the most significant downward pressures on any corporate P&L in the UK and Ireland today.

ET: How does this play out practically in more complex, high-capacity environments, such as transport hubs or bus and truck depots?

DP: Heavy transport is a perfect example. Look at London’s massive push to electrify its bus fleets. To charge dozens of heavy electric vehicles, you need immense power. But you can’t just easily dig up half of London to lay new cables— and the local network operator can’t instantly upgrade a depot designed in the 1960s.

Batteries bridge that power gap. It’s not just the hardware; it’s the intelligent software. The software monitors real-time demands so you can save money during

August 2026

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peak tariffs without ever running down a battery so much that a bus doesn’t have enough charge to complete its route. At the end of the day, a bus operator doesn’t need to be an energy expert; they just need a simple dashboard telling them whether they have a green light to run.

battery technology is now at a price point where it doesn’t just aid national decarbonisation; it actively protects your business continuity and builds immediate operational resilience. Procrastinating is simply not the smartest move right now.

ET: In a standard commercial office building, what offers the fastest return on investment (ROI)? Is it heating, cooling, or something else?

ET: For the contractors and engineers on the ground installing these systems, what are the biggest bottlenecks?

DP: It depends heavily on the building’s load profile, but HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is a major driver. With our summers getting warmer, cooling is a massive expense.

Furthermore, occupancy profiles have completely changed post-pandemic. Offices in London might be quiet on Mondays but packed from Tuesday to Thursday.

You can’t run cooling 24/7 anymore. Batteries combined with smart forecasting software let you optimise energy in real time. Historically, energy was an invisible bill that came once a quarter. Today, every single kilowatt must be accounted for to protect the business’s bottom line.

ET: Many business leaders are hesitant to invest during economic uncertainty. Why is accelerating electrification the right strategic move right now, rather than waiting for the dust to settle?

DP: Honestly, the dust never truly settles. Our distribution networks are facing a monumental backlog of grid connection requests. Ask yourself: are you prepared to roll the dice and just hope your power supply remains stable?

If a power outage or a lack of capacity makes your business non-viable, waiting is a massive risk. On-site

DP: The biggest bottlenecks are understanding the vast landscape of available technologies, ensuring systems are fast to deploy without wasting hundreds of design hours, and delivering something highly robust.

At Schneider, we are highly focused on our partnership network. If a system requires 15 design engineers just to figure out if the software will talk to the hardware, then the manufacturer has failed the market. We try to take that complexity away. For contractors looking to upskill, we also offer a programme called Learning Loops alongside our training channels to make deploying these complex systems as straightforward as possible.

For more information on the newly launched BESS solutions, visit https://www.se.com/uk/en/ product-range/368745598-schneider-boost-pro/

This interview has been abridged for clarity and length. For the full conversation, visit the Electrical Times YouTube channel or subscribe to the ET Podcast on Spotify.

Alternatively, scan the QR code to watch or listen at https://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/whyon-site-battery-storage-is-the-next-frontier-for-uk-businesses

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:13:46

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26/07/2026 18:13:12

10 COVER STORY | SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES LTD

Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence: Surge Protection Devices Ltd The electrical landscape has shifted dramatically over the last twenty years, but for Surge Protection Devices Ltd, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to protecting what matters most. In 2026, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our 20th anniversary—a milestone that represents two decades of technical innovation, industry leadership, and an unwavering dedication to electrical safety

F

rom humble beginnings to becoming the UK’s go-to team for lightning and surge protection, our journey has been defined by a deep understanding of the risks posed by transient overvoltages. Today, our devices are trusted in every corner of the globe, providing a silent shield for everything from high-security military bases and historic landmarks to the essential infrastructure of modern factories and the heart of family homes.

Our mission has always been rooted in demystifying surge protection. With nearly twenty years of experience solving the industry’s most complex technical challenges, we have seen firsthand how the demand for protection has evolved. The last eight years, in particular, have marked a turning point for the UK electrical sector. Since the BS7671 wiring regulations began mandating enhanced surge protection, our role has transitioned from providing optional safety features to delivering critical, mandatory infrastructure.

In an era where technology is integrated into every facet of our lives, the stakes have never been higher.

Whether it is a smart fridge in a kitchen or a sophisticated server rack in a data centre, modern equipment relies on sensitive electronics that are easily compromised by power surges. We build our devices to ensure these installations remain safe and run smoothly, no matter what the elements—or the grid—throw at them.

While our 20th anniversary is a time for reflection, it is also a time to celebrate our recent successes.

We are thrilled to share that our dedication to the

craft has been recognized on the national stage.

Most notably, we were honoured to be named the Innovation & Excellence Awards – Electrical Safety Specialists of the Year 2025.

This award is a testament to the fact that we aren’t just selling products; we are actively shaping the future

of the industry. Our Technical Director, Kirsty Johnson MIET, serves as a vital voice on the British Standards Wiring Regulations committee. By focusing specifically on lightning and surge protection at a regulatory level, Kirsty ensures that our company remains at the forefront of safety standards, helping to raise the bar for the entire electrical field.

At Surge Protection Devices Ltd, we believe that sharing knowledge is just as important as manufacturing hardware.

We understand that surge protection can often seem like a complex or daunting subject. To combat this, we offer free, in-depth CPD training to professionals across the sector.

Our goal is to make technical understanding accessible. Whether we are working with established consultancies, experienced installers or apprentices.

By explaining surge protection in a way that is easy to understand and apply, we empower everyone to deliver safer, more reliable installations for their clients, regardless of how complicated the project may seem.

As we look toward the next twenty years, the electrical industry is entering its most transformative phase yet. The global push toward Net Zero and the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources have placed electrical design in the spotlight.

High-quality surge protection is no longer just a safety requirement; it is a foundational element of sustainable infrastructure.

We are ready to meet these challenges head-on. By combining our decades of experience with a forwardthinking approach to renewables, we continue to provide the outstanding support and expertise that our partners have come to rely on.

Throughout 2026, the Surge Protection Devices team will be out and about celebrating this massive milestone with the industry that helped us grow. We owe our success to the contractors, wholesalers, and engineers who have trusted our products over the last two decades.

If you see our team at an event this year, please come and say hello—we’d love to celebrate with you! And, as always, if you need assistance with any aspect of surge protection, our experts are ready to help.

Thank you for all of your support, here is to twenty years of safety, and many more to come.

Your surge protection specialists

Get in touch Email: info@surgedevices.co.uk Phone: 01484 851 747

August 2026

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www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

26/07/2026 17:46:11

10_ET-Aug_CoverStory-SPDL.indd 11

26/07/2026 17:46:12

12 LETTER FROM | AMERICA

America’s E-Waste Warning for UK Contractors From Slawomir Platta, Esq., Founding Partner The Platta Law Firm, PLLC Slawomir Platta earned his degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and the University of Warsaw. He’s been trying construction accident cases throughout the Courts of New York for 20 years and has been featured as a Super Lawyer consecutively since 2015.

F

or years, electrical waste was treated primarily as an environmental issue. Here in the United States, it is increasingly becoming a legal and liability issue as well.

Across the country, regulators, lawyers, and courts are paying closer attention to what happens when workers are exposed to hazardous materials found in discarded electrical equipment.

Lead and cadmium have long been the primary concerns. Now lithium-ion batteries are rapidly joining the conversation as battery-powered technologies become a larger part of everyday life.

For UK electrical contractors, the developments unfolding in America may offer a preview of future risks.

Traditionally, toxic tort litigation in the U.S. focused on legacy contaminants. Lead exposure claims have generated decades of lawsuits involving manufacturers, recyclers, and industrial construction employers.

Electronic waste recycling facilities have often been at the centre of those disputes because older equipment can contain significant quantities of lead, cadmium, and other hazardous substances. When equipment is dismantled, crushed, or processed, those materials can become airborne, creating potential exposure risks for workers.

What is changing now is the scale of the challenge.

The rapid growth of electric vehicles, battery storage systems, renewable energy construction projects, and portable electronics is creating an entirely new waste stream. Recycling facilities are receiving growing numbers of lithium-ion batteries, introducing risks that differ considerably from those associated with traditional electrical waste.

Unlike lead and cadmium, lithium-related incidents frequently involve fire hazards. Thermal runaway events, battery fires, and emergency response failures have become recurring concerns for operators, insurers, and regulators alike.

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As a result, the scope of liability is expanding.

Historically, manufacturers and facility owners were the primary targets of toxic tort claims. Today, construction injury lawyers are increasingly examining the entire chain of responsibility.

Contractors, maintenance providers, transport companies, waste handlers, and subcontractors may all find themselves under scrutiny if they are viewed as having contributed to unsafe conditions or failed to recognise foreseeable risks.

That broader approach reflects a wider trend in American litigation.

Courts are increasingly being asked not only who created a hazard, but who knew—or should have known—about it and what steps were taken to prevent harm.

Documentation, training records, risk assessments, and compliance procedures are becoming increasingly important pieces of evidence.

For UK electrical contractors, there is an obvious lesson.

Britain already has a robust framework of health and safety and environmental regulations. Yet the American experience suggests that compliance alone may not always be enough to avoid future claims.

As scientific understanding evolves and exposure pathways become better documented, activities that once seemed routine can later be viewed through a different legal lens.

Battery storage systems provide a good example.

Contractors involved in installation, maintenance, decommissioning, or disposal may increasingly be expected to understand not only electrical hazards but also the environmental and occupational risks associated with battery materials.

Another lesson from the U.S. is that toxic tort claims often emerge years after the original exposure. By the time litigation arrives, key personnel may have moved on and records may be difficult to locate.

Companies that maintain thorough documentation and clear safety procedures are generally far better positioned than those attempting to reconstruct events years later.

This does not mean the UK is destined to follow the American litigation model.

The legal systems are different, and the regulatory environments are not identical.

Still, liability trends often travel across borders, particularly when they are driven by technological change.

As Britain continues its transition toward electrification, battery storage, and renewable energy infrastructure, the volume of electrical waste will inevitably increase.

From this side of the Atlantic, the message is becoming difficult to ignore. Electrical waste is no longer just an environmental challenge. It is increasingly a contractor liability issue as well.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

27/07/2026 23:47:16

CROSS RENTAL SERVICES | VIEWPOINT 13

Hidden careers: raising awareness among young people about opportunities in the hard sectors

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n a recent BBC article, the boss of high street retail store Next warned that entry-level job opportunities are shrinking. It’s easy to read that as a story about scarcity but for those of us working in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), engineering and facilities management, it tells a different narrative. One about perception, not opportunity.

Young people are still expected to leave school with a clear idea of what they want their working life to look like. For decades, that expectation has been shaped around university degrees or traditional office-based roles. Careers in the trades, particularly engineering, have not been promoted with the same consistency or visibility. As a result, many school leavers simply do not know what modern engineering roles involve, or what they can offer over the long term.

That matters, because a two-speed jobs market has emerged. Some roles attract huge volumes of applicants, while others struggle to find candidates at all, despite being well-paid, stable and highly skilled. In HVAC and engineering, the issue is not that opportunities are disappearing. It is that too few people are being shown where they exist.

Engineering careers in HVAC offer something that many young people are actively searching for: security.

These roles are not waning and they are not under immediate threat from pressures such as artificial intelligence (AI). While we are embracing the support AI can bring to our business, the demand for good-quality, hands-on engineers remains strong, with clear routes for progression and long-term career development.

There is also a level of variety that is increasingly rare in modern work. One day an engineer might be installing a boiler on the roof of a supermarket. The next, they could be working on pipework in a dockyard

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

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by Matt Parker, MD UK at Cross Rental Services

or managing air conditioning systems at a major sporting event over several weeks. No two days are the same. For those who enjoy being out on site, working with their hands and seeing tangible results from their work, engineering remains one of the few areas where that is still the norm.

Experience in this sector also carries weight.

Engineers are supported from the outset, with a clear sense of where they are heading and what opportunities are available to them. It is not unusual to see people who started in hands-on roles progress into senior leadership positions, including managing director roles, where their practical understanding of the business becomes a real advantage.

Across the wider trades sector, the scale of the challenge is significant. The UK will need 1.3 million skilled workers and 350,000 apprentices to meet future demand. In HVAC, the pressure is already being felt, driven by an ageing workforce and a pipeline that is not being replenished quickly enough. These are structural issues that will shape how buildings are built, maintained and operated for decades to come.

Apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to address that gap. Their value to business growth cannot be overstated. They create a skilled workforce that develops alongside the company,

supporting succession planning from the very beginning. Apprentices are not simply filling short-term vacancies. They grow into roles, build deep technical capability and develop a strong understanding of how the business operates, which benefits both sides over the long term.

At Cross Rental Services, we are actively investing in this approach. We already have an apprenticeship platform in place and later this year we will be launching an extension designed to encourage even more apprentices to join the business. With nine depots across the UK and Ireland, there is a real opportunity to invest in young talent on a national scale and to create consistent pathways into engineering roles across both countries.

However, business cannot solve this alone. The challenge needs to be addressed earlier, in schools, in careers guidance and in the way these roles are talked about. The perception of apprenticeships is improving, but there is still scope for stronger reinforcement from educational establishments about the value apprentices bring to businesses.

Closer ties between employers and colleges are critical, particularly in supporting the learning phase and giving young people a realistic understanding of what these roles involve. Greater visibility around responsibilities, progression and pay would also help to challenge outdated assumptions and present engineering and HVAC as credible first-choice careers, rather than alternatives to be considered later.

The BBC article is right to highlight the pressures young people face when trying to enter the workforce.

What it does not fully capture is that some of the most accessible, rewarding and future-proof careers in the country remain largely invisible to those who would thrive in them. Closing that awareness gap is one of the most important tasks the sector faces.

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:15:21

14 TRAINING | LOGIC4TRAINING

Are you competence ready for October?

Harry Budd, marketing director from Logic4training, explores new competency requirements for low carbon electrical installers and the qualifications required to ensure a smooth transition

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or many years, electricians have been able to upskill into low carbon electrical work through a mixture of manufacturer training, in-house assessment and company supervision. This flexible approach made sense while the industry was finding its feet, allowing businesses to respond quickly to emerging technologies and fluctuating demands.

However, this era is now coming to an end.

What’s changing?

From October 2026, updates to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) framework will increase competency requirements for electrical installers working on renewable technologies, including EV charging equipment, solar PV and electrical energy storage systems (EESS).

For installers, this means they must complete the relevant Level 3 qualification individually, rather than relying on a qualified supervisor to sign off work. Periodic inspection and testing work is also affected. Those who miss the October deadline run the risk of work categories being removed from their registration scope, or receiving a non-conformance notice from their certification body.

Why now?

The changes aim to improve building safety as low carbon electrical systems become more common in homes and buildings, while setting consistent national standards that support the transition to net zero.

Solar PV is an example of an industry once sustained by grants and public subsidies that is now selfsustaining and thriving. According to government data, 269,000 solar systems were installed in 2025, making it the strongest year to date for solar deployment. 2025 was also a record-breaking year for electrical energy storage systems (EESS), which saw more than 40,000 MCS certified installations.

EESS is still growing as a technology, but it is gaining momentum by increasing self-consumption and enabling end-users to store cheap electricity for use during peak hours, reducing energy costs.

The low carbon electrical industry has also grown in complexity. More often, end users are choosing to integrate solar PV, EESS and EV charging, together with heat pumps, to optimise energy efficiency and running costs. Installations are becoming more technically demanding and, in many cases, they also carry more risk in terms of fire and building safety.

Changes to the EAS framework reflect wider industry developments by ensuring that competence requirements for electricians keep pace with the growing complexity of low carbon installations, while maintaining high standards of safety and consumer protection.

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Formalise your experience with Level 3 qualifications Encouragingly, for experienced electricians with a Level 3 electrical qualification and a current 18th Edition wiring regulations certificate, completing the required upskill qualifications is relatively quick. Training courses can generally be completed in a matter of days, providing a realistic path qualification without bringing projects to a standstill.

Key qualifications include: • LCL Awards Level 3 Solar PV – the 3-day training course is aimed at experienced domestic and commercial electrical operatives who wish to install solar photovoltaic systems. It covers the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of Solar PV systems, delivering the skills needed to support domestic and commercial renewable energy projects.

• LCL Awards Level 3 EESS - the comprehensive 2-day training course focuses on the transition from traditional grid reliance to independent energy management. It covers the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of EESS, including system sizing, AC- and DC-coupled configurations, integration with solar PV, safety and protection requirements, testing and fault diagnosis and compliance. EESS and solar PV training can be combined to save money on training costs.

•

LCL Awards Level 3 EV Charge Point Installation – the 2-day upskill course covers the safe installation, commissioning and isolation of domestic and commercial charging equipment, with particular attention to the risks that come with higher power loads and vehicle connections. It’s aimed at engineers ready to move from supervised installs to fully independent EV work.

• Periodic inspection and testing – for experienced electricians who carry out electrical inspection and certification, the LCL Awards Level 3 Award in Periodic Inspection, Testing, Condition Reporting and Certification of Electrical Installations (or combined Initial Verification and Periodic equivalent) proves competence for registration bodies, together with 2 years of relevant experience and evidence of ongoing CPD. Make sure renewables training courses and qualifications are recognised by MCS so you can access government grants and schemes.

Don’t wait for the deadline to bite Low carbon work remains one of the fastest-growing parts of the electrical industry. Installers who push the boundaries of good practice and compliance will be the first in-line for valuable contracts as demand grows. www.logic4training.co.uk

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:17:52

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27/07/2026 23:39:05

16 TRAINING | XS TRAINING

Electrical Training Courses That Work Around YOU XS Training provides ONLINE TRAINING COURSES for electricians at all stages in the industry. From beginners to improvers to experienced workers looking to attain their ECS/JIB Gold Card City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Qualification Since 2011, XS Training Ltd have delivered NVQs, 18th Edition and AM2 preparation training throughout the UK and is now the UK’s number one online training provider for the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation. To be eligible to undertake these NVQs, you must already have prior experience and qualifications and be currently working in the industry.

Upon successful completion of your NVQ qualification, you become eligible to apply for the highly prized contractors’ ECS Gold Card and JIB grading.

These NVQs are completed online using their efficient, easy-to-use e-Portfolio system, OneFile.

This means you can complete the NVQ at a time of your choosing, in the comfort of your own home.

Most people comfortably complete their NVQ between three and eight months.

The NVQ courses they currently offer include: • NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrical Installation (Experienced Worker) • NVQ 2346-03 Level 3 Electrical Maintenance (Experienced Worker) • NVQ 2347-03 Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings • NVQ 2357 Level 3 Electrical Installation • and also the 18th Edition Course XS Training has a unique course system to help you attain your chosen NVQ Level 3 qualification more quickly and easily than many other providers.

• Experienced Assessors. You are supported from start to finish by a team of highly professional trainers and assessors who will provide you with support, advice and guidance on how to successfully complete your NVQ. • Online Portfolio. These NVQs are completed online through their efficient, easy-to-use e-Portfolio system. No written work is required because you simply upload your evidence and then have a professional discussion with your assessor based on the evidence you’ve collected.

• Remote Assessments. Assessments are conducted remotely*, via the internet on your mobile phone whilst you’re working, so you don’t have to take time out to come to a training centre. * A minimum of 1 face-to-face on-site assessment is required.

Learners who successfully complete their NVQ Level 3 qualification will meet the requirements to be eligible to apply for the highly prized ECS Gold Card from the JIB. Attaining this card is the ultimate recognition of competence as a qualified electrician and will open up many more opportunities for better, more well-paid work.

XS Training Academy Courses In addition to providing e-Portfolio-based, assessor-assisted courses for all NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualifications, XS Training now offers additional online electrical courses created through its XS Training Academy.

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Courses currently available include the popular AM2/ AMS2/AM2E Preparation & Revision course, which has delivered excellent results, increasing the number of first-time passers of the AM2 Practical Examination (Unit 399) to over 85%.

All their online courses are based around a series of video training with a multiple-choice quiz at the end to test your knowledge and understanding.

Other bespoke courses currently available include; • C&G 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Beginners Foundation Course) • C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations • C&G 2391-50 Initial Verification • C&G 2391-51 Periodic Inspection & Testing • C&G 2391-52 Initial Verification & Periodic Inspection & Testing • C&G 2919-01 Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation • PAT – Portable Appliance Testing As well as courses on how to comprehensively complete the E.I.C, E.I.C.R, & M.E.I.W.C reports.

Website: https://www.xstraining.com Email: enquiries@xstraining.com Telephone: 0800 170 0294

C&G 2365 Level 2 & Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installations Online Courses The Level 2 qualification is designed for new entrants to the industry - for aspiring electricians not already started on an Electrical Apprenticeship and with very little, if any, experience.

The Level 3 Electrical Installations Diploma is aimed at those who have already completed the Level 2 Diploma or have sufficient current, relevant industry experience and knowledge.

Successful completion of these qualifications will provide the practical skills and knowledge and a firm foundation to progress further – and ultimately onto a qualification such as the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Technology (2357), which can lead to becoming a fully qualified electrician.

Whether you’re an experienced electrician looking to gain your ECS/JIB Gold Card, an electrical improver, or a beginner looking to take your first steps in the electrical industry, then XS Training is here to help and guide you on your journey.

Get in Touch with XS Training & Find Out More TODAY.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

26/07/2026 17:58:37

XS Tra

Electrical Training Courses Online

Electrical Training C&G 2346 Courses ExperiencedOnline Worker 2357 Level 3 NVQ Diploma C&G 2346 Experienced Worker 2365 Levels 3 Diplomas 2357 Level23&NVQ Diploma 2391 Testing 2365Inspection Levels 2 & 3&Diplomas 2391 Inspection & Testing Renewables (EV, PV and EESS) Renewables AM2 (EV, PV and EESS) Preparation AM2 Preparation 18th Edition & More...

18th Edition & More...

XS Training Ltd have been delivering NVQs, 18th Edition and AM2 preparation training throughout the UK since 2011 and are now the UK’s number one online training provider for XS Training Ltd have been delivering NVQs, 18th Edition and AM2 preparation training the NVQ 3 Electrical Installation.

throughout the UK since 2011 and are now the UK’s number one online training provider for the NVQ 3 Electrical Installation.

Upon successful completion of your NVQ 2357, 2346 or 2347 qualification you become eligible to applyUpon for the highly prized and industry-recognised ECS & JIB grading. successful completion of your NVQ 2357, 2346 or Gold 2347 Card qualification you become eligible to apply for the highly prized and industry-recognised ECS Gold Card & JIB grading.

As well as providing ePortfolio based assessor assisted courses in all NVQ Level 3 Electrical As well as providing ePortfolio based assessor assisted additional courses in online all NVQtraining Level 3courses Electrical additional online training courses including the C&G 2365 Level 2 & 3 Diplomas for new entrants. including the C&G 2365 Level 2 & 3 Diplomas for new entrants.

FIND OUT MORE TODAY

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www.xstraining.com | 0800 170 0294 www.xstraining.com | 0800 170 0294 enquiries@xstraining.com enquiries@xstraining.com

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29/04/2022 13:25 13:25 29/04/2022 26/07/2026 17:58:40

18 TRAINING | DIMPLEX UK

Building competence in a changing industry

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or today’s electrical contractors, keeping up with new technologies is only part of the challenge.

Evolving regulations, changing customer expectations and a growing focus on building performance are all increasing the demand for new skills and greater technical knowledge.

The transition towards low-carbon technologies, growing attention on indoor air quality, increasingly connected products and evolving building regulations are all reshaping the skills required on-site. At the same time, customers are asking more questions, expecting greater expertise and looking to installers for advice along with installation.

Through our work across Dimplex and Xpelair, we regularly hear the same message from contractors, housing providers, wholesalers and specifiers - that staying current has never been more important.

The growing importance of competence Many installers have built successful businesses around technologies they understand; however, the products being specified in homes and buildings today often look very different from those being installed a decade ago.

The Future Homes Standard, continued electrification and focus on energy efficiency are all driving demand for new solutions. Alongside this, ventilation is receiving greater scrutiny as awareness of indoor air quality grows and compliance requirements continue to evolve.

As technologies become more sophisticated, installers are taking on a broader role that includes everything from specification and commissioning through to system optimisation and customer handover.

Even the best products can fail to deliver their intended performance if they are incorrectly selected, installed or configured. Training helps bridge that gap by providing the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve the best outcomes for customers while reducing costly callbacks and remedial work.

Why ventilation training matters Ventilation is a good example of how competency requirements are evolving. The industry has seen greater emphasis on compliance with Approved Document F, alongside growing recognition of the role ventilation plays in maintaining healthy indoor

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environments. Moisture management, condensation control and indoor air quality are now firmly on the agenda across both new-build and retrofit projects.

For electrical contractors, ventilation is becoming a more frequent part of the conversation. Whether installing extract fans in domestic properties or working on more advanced ventilation systems, installers must understand both the technology and the regulatory requirements surrounding it.

As obligations around building performance continue to increase, the focus is shifting beyond installation alone to include specification, commissioning and demonstrating compliance. That’s why more installers are turning to training to build confidence and keep their skills up to date.

Practical learning delivers lasting value One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned over many years of delivering training is that installers want practical, relevant learning.

While technical literature and online resources have an important role to play, there is significant value in seeing products up close, working with controls, understanding commissioning procedures and discussing real-world installation scenarios with experienced trainers.

The most effective environments allow attendees to ask questions, troubleshoot common challenges and gain familiarity with technologies before encountering them on-site.

This hands-on approach helps reduce installation issues, minimise costly callbacks and give installers greater confidence when advising customers. It also supports better user handover, which is becoming more and more important as heating and ventilation systems become more connected.

Verity Ovenden, Head of Training Dimplex UK discusses why ongoing training and competency development have never been more important for electrical contractors and installers as regulations, technologies and customer expectations continue to evolve.

At Dimplex, we are continually investing in training facilities and programmes that make this type of learning more accessible. Recent expansions to our UK training network are helping more installers access face-to-face technical support and hands-on experience across a broad range of heating and ventilation technologies.

Alongside product training, expert-led CPD sessions help them stay up to date with changing regulations, emerging technologies and industry best practice. The combination of practical learning and broader technical knowledge gives contractors the confidence to take on new work and support customers more effectively.

Investing in the future workforce Whether supporting apprentices entering the trade, experienced electricians expanding into new technologies or contractors looking to strengthen their expertise, training plays a vital role in raising standards across the industry.

For businesses, taking engineers off-site for training can sometimes feel difficult when workloads are high.

However, the long-term benefits are clear because better-trained installers are often more confident, more productive and better equipped to adapt as technologies and regulations develop.

By investing in skills today, the industry can ensure it is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Those who continue to build their knowledge and embrace new technologies will be ready to deliver high standards, support customers and grow their businesses in the years to come.

For more information on Dimplex visit www.dimplex.co.uk For more information on Xpelair visit: www.xpelair.dimplex.co.uk/

VENTILATION COMPETENCY - WHAT’S CHANGING? As ventilation requirements continue to advance, installers are likely to see greater emphasis placed on demonstrating competency across system selection, installation, commissioning and certification.

To support this, Dimplex and Xpelair are continuing to invest in training capabilities and ensuring trainers hold the relevant qualifications needed to support installers working with modern ventilation systems.

The aim is simple: helping contractors stay ahead of changing requirements and feel confident when specifying and installing ventilation solutions.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:19:18

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27/07/2026 23:45:30

20 SWITCHED ON LOG ONTO www.electricaltimes.co.uk FOR MORE LIGHTING – SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY & TOMORROW

Future-proof lighting solution for world’s most remote airfield CU Phosco has delivered a robust, future-proof high mast lighting solution for Ascension Island Airport, working in partnership with Gantech Solutions Ltd to replace ageing infrastructure at one of the world’s most remote and strategically important airfields. The upgrade improves lighting performance, reliability and energy efficiency while meeting the demanding operational requirements of a critical military and aviation hub

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ocated in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 550 miles south of the equator and midway between Brazil and Africa, Ascension Island Airport plays a critical role as a refuelling stop for aircraft travelling between the UK and the Falkland Islands. Operated under joint control of the UK Ministry of Defence and the United States Air Force, the airport’s Wideawake Airfield is a strategically important asset requiring reliable, highperformance infrastructure.

After more than 35 years of service in a harsh coastal and marine environment, the existing apron lighting system had reached the end of its operational life. Corrosion, obsolete components and ongoing maintenance challenges meant a full upgrade was required to ensure continued safe and compliant airfield operations.

Gantech Solutions Ltd was appointed to deliver a design and build solution, working closely with CU Phosco to develop a robust and future-proof lighting system tailored to the unique demands of the site.

The original project brief called for refurbishment and reuse of the existing high mast structures. However, following a detailed site survey and technical evaluation, it became clear that this approach would not be viable.

Lionel Gapper, Director at Gantech Solutions Ltd, explains: “Although the original brief considered reusing the existing masts, our site investigations and

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further structural assessments showed that corrosion and long-term stress had significantly impacted their integrity. Reuse was not a safe or reliable option.”

Working with CU Phosco, an alternative solution was developed that retained the existing concrete foundations and cabling infrastructure while introducing new high mast systems designed to meet modern performance and safety standards.

The final solution comprised: • 5 x 20m high masts fitted with 35 FL800R-2 LED floodlights • 2 x 20m high masts and 2 x 15m mid-hinge masts fitted with 16 FL820-1 LED floodlights New masts were engineered to match existing foundation and bolt configurations, allowing installation without major civil works. Each mast incorporated modern winching systems, new lighting cradles and upgraded control systems to improve reliability and ease of maintenance.

Lionel continues: “We worked closely with CU Phosco to develop a solution that met the constraints of the site while delivering a significant improvement in performance. Using the existing foundations and infrastructure where possible helped reduce complexity, while the new masts and lighting system ensured long-term reliability.”

The lighting design was developed to meet the required illumination levels and operational standards set by the Ministry of Defence, USAF and international aviation guidelines, ensuring safe and effective apron operations.

The completed installation has delivered a major improvement in both performance and efficiency at Ascension Island Airport.

The transition from legacy SON lighting to LED technology has significantly reduced power consumption, while providing improved light quality, uniformity and visibility across the apron.

Lionel Gapper comments: “The difference in performance is clear. The new LED system provides far better light quality and consistency, while also delivering substantial energy savings. Given the remote location of the island, reliability and ease of maintenance were key considerations, and the new system addresses both.”

The upgrade has reduced total power consumption from approximately 72kW to 22.96kW, delivering a saving of over 49kW per hour. This represents a

significant reduction in operational energy demand, alongside improved long-term efficiency.

In addition to energy savings, the new installation offers: • Improved reliability in a harsh coastal and volcanic environment • Reduced maintenance requirements due to modern components and simplified systems • A design life aligned with long-term operational requirements • Enhanced safety and compliance with relevant aviation standards The new lighting system provides a robust, futureproof solution for one of the most remote and strategically important airfields in the world.

For more information about CU Phosco’s high mast lighting solutions, visit: https://www.cuphosco.com/ products/category/high-mast-lighting

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 14:53:06

B.E.G. | LIGHTING 21

Lighting the way at Gateway 14 DALI-2 controls support £18.8m innovation centre

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new £18.8m Skills and Innovation Centre in Suffolk has incorporated a DALI-2 lighting control system designed to improve energy management, simplify maintenance and support the building’s sustainability targets.

The three-storey development forms part of Gateway 14, the business, innovation and logistics park adjacent to Junction 50 of the A14 and part of Freeport East. The centre has been created to support businesses, training providers and education partners, with facilities including office space for high-growth start-ups, collaboration areas, meeting rooms, training facilities and a café.

The project is focused on supporting sectors including the green economy, digital technology and

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

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artificial intelligence, while helping address regional skills requirements through partnerships with organisations including the Universities of Suffolk and Essex, West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College and Colchester Institute.

The £18.8m development received £16.66m in funding from Freeport East, with the remaining contribution provided by Mid Suffolk District Council.

Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the 35,000sq ft building incorporates a range of measures intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational demand.

Lighting controls throughout the building were delivered using a DALI-2 solution from B.E.G. incorporating occupancy detection, daylight harvesting, emergency lighting testing and energy monitoring.

For the main contractor, Fusion360 Group, the project represented its first B.E.G. installation using a DALI-2 lighting control system. B.E.G. provided technical support throughout the specification, installation and commissioning stages, helping the project team deliver the system successfully.

Mohamed Abosharaf, Head of Engineering for the UK & Ireland at B.E.G., said: “The lighting strategy at Gateway 14 needed to support the wider objectives of the building, particularly around energy efficiency and operational management. A DALI-2 system provided the ability to control lighting according to occupancy, available daylight and building requirements, rather than relying on fixed lighting operation.

“By integrating occupancy detection, daylight harvesting and monitoring functions, the system helps reduce unnecessary energy use while providing the facilities team with better visibility of lighting performance. This is particularly important in a building designed to support businesses and training activities, where different areas will have different patterns of use.”

The installed DALI-2 network was set up to ensure there was centralised lighting control across

the building, with integration into the Building Management System (BMS). This allows facilities teams to monitor system status, receive fault information and manage lighting operation from a central interface.

Occupancy detection then adjusts lighting operation based on whether spaces are in use, while daylight harvesting is designed to automatically respond to changes in natural light levels to help maintain appropriate lighting conditions while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The system includes automated emergency lighting testing and reporting, removing the requirement for manual testing routines and providing recorded compliance information. Energy monitoring also provides visibility of lighting consumption, allowing building performance to be reviewed over time.

Abosharaf adds: “For electrical contractors, open protocols such as DALI-2 provide flexibility because they allow lighting systems to be integrated with wider building services. It also gives building operators access to information that can help them manage energy use and maintenance more effectively throughout the life of the installation.

“At Gateway 14, the objective was to deliver a lighting system that was appropriate for a modern commercial building - one that could respond to how spaces are used, support energy management and provide reliable information for those responsible for operating the facility.”

Dan Glynn, Sales Director for the UK & Ireland at B.E.G, said: “The Skills and Innovation Centre at Gateway 14 represents a significant investment in the region, providing a base for businesses, educators and training providers while supporting the area’s economic development plans.

“The project demonstrates how DALI-2 lighting controls are being used in commercial buildings to improve control, monitoring and energy management while meeting the requirements of increasingly connected building environments.”

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:24:24

22 LIGHTING | RECOLIGHT

Vision 2040: Restructuring the lighting sector Inside the Circular Lighting Live 2026 Conference Programme Clients and lighting specifiers alike are asking more searching questions about embodied carbon, material choices and end-of-life product responsibility. Legislation on repairability and upgradeability is approaching, and Environmental Product Declarations are increasingly becoming a requirement rather than a differentiator.

Organised by Recolight, Circular Lighting Live 2026 is the event where those questions get answered. Taking place on 8 October at the Minster Building in the City of London, the full-day conference brings together designers, specifiers, manufacturers, and supply chain professionals to explore the practical realities of a low-carbon future.

Alongside the multitrack conference programme is an exhibition of sustainable lighting innovation.

The Programme at a Glance Suzanne Castine, marketing manager at Recolight shares details of the educational sessions.

Keynote: Vision 2040 The day opens with a keynote that asks fundamental questions about where the lighting industry is heading.

John McRae, director of Orms, imagines a time when the take-make-use-waste model is broken. The session challenges conventional supply chain thinking and explores what a genuinely circular, zero-waste lighting ecosystem might look like in practice. A second keynote, Beyond Fast Lighting, sees lighting consultant Sabine De Schutter, founder of Studio De Schutter, make the case for upcycling as a design strategy, drawing on hospitality, workplace and retail projects.

Following the keynote presentations, delegates can choose from six specially curated sessions to get the most out of the day.

Data & Compliance Environmental Product Declarations are increasingly required across major construction frameworks and will become central to the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard. Alexander Flekler, product environmental footprint manager at WAGO, and Recolight environmental metrics manager Flavie Lowres examine what EPDs mean in real terms for the supply chain: how they are generated, what data they provide, why adoption is accelerating, and how specifiers can best use them. A further presentation from Neil McLean, industry relations manager at Lutron Electronics, covers the wave of circular economy legislation heading towards 2030, focusing specifically on repairability and upgradeability requirements affecting everyone from manufacturer to end user.

Innovation & Materials As the electricity grid decarbonises, the carbon embodied in manufacturing a luminaire will become as significant as the energy it consumes in use. Niclas Thulin, Sustainability Manager at Fagerhult, and award-winning lighting designer Dean Skira examine how material selection and AI-driven design tools are evolving in response, reducing the environmental footprint of new products entering the market.

Carbon Literacy and reducing carbon This is a practical session covering the materials and metrics that underpin sustainable product selection.

Sojan Johny, Built Environment Coordinator at The Carbon Literacy Project, introduces the principles of Carbon Literacy, a globally recognised framework for understanding and acting on climate impact.

Chris Newman, Application Development Engineer at Albis, follows with an overview of the latest sustainable polycarbonates entering the market, including low-carbon and bio-based options already in production use.

Confronting Cat A, Six Ways to Cut Waste Cat A fit-outs are a significant source of waste in the commercial property sector, with luminaires frequently removed and discarded when tenants move in. This session examines practical alternatives, covering luminaire leasing models that reduce cost and environmental impact for developers, alongside a broader rethink of how Cat A products are designed from the outset to enable reuse rather than disposal.

Build Back Better Awards 2026 Build Back Better Awards 2026 will take place at Circular Lighting Live, celebrating and rewarding creativity, innovation, social purpose and environmental leadership in lighting.

Disruptive Design, the Role of Designers Lighting designers are increasingly influential in specifying products with sustainability credentials.

This session examines how independent designers are responding to shifting regulations and client expectations, and what their changing specification habits mean for the products they source and the producers they buy from.

Projects Uncovered, Real World Lessons Case studies offer some of the most useful intelligence available to the trade. This session focuses on standout sustainable lighting schemes of 2026, including the remanufacturing and upgrade of the historic light fittings at Leadenhall Market in London, presented by Ryan Bean, account manager at CBRE, and John Bowden of Light Projects Evolve.

It explores what the project reveals about heritagesensitive circular practice on complex schemes.

Attending For the whole lighting supply chain, from specifiers, end users, and contractors, to manufacturers, remanufacturers and distributors, Circular Lighting Live is a timely opportunity to understand the forces reshaping the products being made, stocked and specified, and the conversations customers are already having. The conference is part of the industry’s journey to a low-carbon, circular economy, examining all aspects of sustainable lighting products and solutions.

Attendance is free for lighting specifiers, including independent lighting designers, architects, consulting engineers, wholesalers and end-users, financed by the event sponsors.

Manufacturers are charged the standard ticket price, with discounts available for Recolight WEEE Compliance Scheme Members.

Book your place at www.circularlighting.live

The conference is sponsored by Light Projects Evolve, Albis, Fagerhult, Thorlux Lighting, and WAGO Electrical Times is official media partner August 2026

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www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

26/07/2026 17:53:42

the gauntlet to the Lighting Industry. It will set the vision for the next decade and a half, showing how “business as usual” will be

2040

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replaced with new business models and technologies, driven by new market and regulatory forces.

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‘26 Attendees can choose from six specially curated sessions: A

B

C

D

E

F

Metrics Masterclass

Future Lights

Disruptive Design

Confronting Cat A

Projects Uncovered

Materials Masterclass

From EPDs to DPPs

Next-gen luminaires

The role of designers

Six ways to cut waste

Real World Lessons

Low carbon alternatives

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22_ET-Aug_Lighting-Recolight.indd 23

EVENT SPONSORS

26/07/2026 17:53:45

24 LIGHTING | NVC LIGHTING UK

Beyond the Product: Why Contractors Need More Than Just a Lighting Manufacturer Chris Boote, Commercial Manager at NVC Lighting UK, explains why today’s electrical contractors need more than just a lighting supplier - and why delivering a seamless customer experience from initial enquiry through to project completion and after-sales support is just as important as the products themselves

T

he demands placed on today’s electrical contractors have never been greater.

Margins remain under pressure, project timescales continue to tighten and customer expectations continue to rise. Whether delivering a school refurbishment, upgrading a healthcare facility, fitting out commercial offices or working on critical infrastructure such as data centres, contractors are expected to deliver quality projects, on time and on budget.

In that environment, choosing the right lighting product is only part of the equation.

Today’s contractors need far more than a supplier that can simply deliver products. They need technical expertise when specifications evolve, practical support when challenges arise on site, dependable product availability and confidence that there is an experienced team behind every project. The best lighting manufacturers become an extension of the contractor’s own team, helping solve problems, adding value and keeping projects moving from concept through to completion.

Local presence. Global strength.

That philosophy is at the heart of NVC Lighting.

Backed by global manufacturing capability and supported by a growing UK team, NVC Lighting combines international scale with local expertise.

From our Birmingham headquarters, experienced Area Business Development Managers work alongside dedicated in-house Lighting Design, Projects, Technical, Customer Service and Product teams, providing a seamless service from initial enquiry and specification through to project delivery and after-sales support.

Being close to our customers enables us to respond quickly, whether that’s developing specifications, providing technical advice or supporting live projects.

Experience where it matters Over the years, NVC Lighting has delivered lighting solutions across healthcare, education, commercial offices, industrial facilities, logistics, residential developments, retail and data centres. Our dedicated in-house Projects team works closely with contractors, consultants and wholesalers to coordinate quotations, specifications and product selection, helping projects progress smoothly from design through to completion.

Thoughtful design. Practical benefits.

Supporting contractors also means designing products that solve real-world challenges.

Thoughtful engineering can reduce installation time, simplify specification and improve efficiency without compromising performance, while helping contractors remain commercially competitive.

That approach reflects our wider commitment to sustainability. We’re proud to have achieved the 2026 EcoVadis Gold, recognising our commitment to responsible business practices and continuous improvement.

More than a supplier

Quote with confidence. Install with ease.

Modern lighting projects involve far more than selecting the right fitting. Compliance, sustainability, emergency lighting, energy efficiency and changing client requirements all demand specialist knowledge and practical support. That’s why NVC Lighting works alongside contractors, consultants and electrical wholesalers throughout every stage of a project, providing: • Professional lighting design • Dedicated in-house project support • Product specification and technical advice • Site surveys and technical visits • Emergency lighting expertise • CPD presentations and technical training • Responsive customer service and after-sales support

Our latest launch, RANGER, is a great example of that philosophy in action.

Designed around the realities of everyday installation, RANGER combines three selectable colour temperatures and four selectable power outputs in a single fitting, reducing stock complexity while providing the flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements. Together with installer-friendly features, dependable performance and outstanding everyday value, it helps contractors quote competitively, install efficiently and deliver projects with confidence.

As Chris Boote, Commercial Manager at NVC Lighting UK, explains: “We understand that contractors don’t just buy lighting products, they’re buying confidence.

August 2026

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Confidence that the products they need will be available when they need them, that expert technical advice is only a phone call away, and that if plans change on site, there’s a team ready to help keep the project moving.

That’s what I see every day. It’s never just about the product. Our Internal Sales, Projects, Customer Support, Lighting Design and Technical teams work closely with our Area Business Development Managers across the UK, making sure contractors get the support they need from the first enquiry right through to project completion and beyond. When everyone works together, customers notice the difference, and that’s what builds long-term relationships.

Of course, support is only one part of the picture.

Contractors also need products that help them stay competitive. They’re constantly balancing quality, performance and budget while working to tight deadlines, so every decision matters. That’s why we’re focused on developing products that offer genuine value without compromising on performance.

Products like RANGER are designed with exactly that in mind, helping contractors price competitively, install efficiently and give them greater confidence when bidding for new work”.

Building partnerships that last Technology will continue to evolve, regulations will continue to change, and customer expectations will continue to grow. What won’t change is the importance of strong partnerships.

As NVC Lighting continues to invest in its people, technical expertise and innovative lighting solutions, our focus remains the same: helping customers deliver successful projects through quality products, knowledgeable people and dependable support.

Because ultimately, successful lighting projects aren’t built on products alone.

They’re built on the people behind them.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 14:23:49

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28/07/2026 14:23:51

26 EV | IDEAL ELECTRICAL

IDEAL Electrical™ Debuts 6mm2 Lever Connectors – suitable for EV and Renewable Energy Installations The new lever connector supports a wide cable range and provides secure, inspectable performance for faster splicing in EV charging, solar PV, battery storage and renewable-energy projects

I

DEAL Electrical™, a leading manufacturer of tools and supplies for electricians, is expanding its European lever connector portfolio with the launch of a new 6mm 2 lever connector. Designed to support the growing demands of EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, battery storage and renewable-energy projects, this lever connector delivers quick and secure connections for 0.5mm 2 to 6.0mm 2 cable.

Electricians are in high demand across Europe as EV charging networks, on-site renewable generation and energy storage systems scale rapidly. In these installations, contractors must complete high volumes of reliable terminations in switchgear, distribution boards, charging equipment and balance-of-system assemblies. Connector solutions that prioritise speed, reliability and ease of inspection can help electrical contractors deliver clean-energy infrastructure more efficiently and with greater confidence.

“EV charging and renewable-energy projects rely on repeatable, secure electrical connections at scale,” said Andy McManus, Marketing Manager at IDEAL Electrical. “Since contractors may use thousands of connectors across charging hubs, solar arrays, battery storage systems and associated power distribution equipment, every improvement in installation speed, confidence and price point compared to competitive offerings makes a meaningful difference.”

The new 6mm² lever connector has been engineered with the clean-energy electrician in mind. Key advantages that set this connector apart include: • Quick and Comfortable Installations: The lever mechanism features an optimised spring that requires less force to open than many competitive products, helping installers work

August 2026

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efficiently across repeated terminations in EV charging cabinets, renewable-energy distribution equipment and energy storage installations. The ridged sides are also designed to enhance user grip.

• Confirm Installation: An audible ‘click’ confirms that the lever is fully closed and the connection is secure, while a continuity check port enables the installer to easily confirm connection security. Additionally, installers and inspectors can visually confirm proper conductor insertion using the clear window in the translucent housing. For EV charging, solar PV, battery storage and other renewable-energy projects that undergo rigorous commissioning and inspection, these features provide confidence in each connection.

• Easier to Install and Reuse: The lever connector is reusable, permitting installers to easily remove the connector and correct any accidental splicing errors during commissioning, maintenance or system upgrades. The built-in strip length guide also shows the correct amount of insulation to remove from the conductor.

• Size Options and Power Capability: The 6mm 2 lever connector is available in two-port, threeport, and five-port sizes and supports up to 41A and 450V with an ambient temperature of up to 85°C, making it well suited to a broad range of EV and renewable-energy installation requirements.

The new 6mm 2 lever connector joins the existing 4.0mm 2 lever connector already in use across Europe. Supporting cables from 0.14mm 2 – 4.0mm 2, this smaller option is ideal for compact usage in residential, commercial and industrial installations, including space-constrained renewable-energy control and auxiliary circuits.

Together, the IDEAL Electrical lever connectors support a broad range of residential, commercial and industrial applications, from EV chargepoint installations and solar PV systems to battery storage projects and renewable-energy infrastructure upgrades. IDEAL connectors help contractors standardise reliable connections across high-volume clean-energy projects.

“As Europe accelerates the rollout of EV charging and renewable-energy infrastructure, contractors need products that help them move quickly without compromising connection security,” said Andy McManus. “We’re proud to support European electricians with a new 6mm 2 lever connector that combines durable design, secure performance and user-friendly handling for the clean-energy projects shaping the future electrical landscape.”

For more information visit: https:// idealelectricalinc.com/en/wire-connectors/

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

27/07/2026 23:43:13

NEW IDEAL 6MM2 LEVER CONNECTORS PREMIUM PERFORMANCE, BUILD FOR SPEED AND RELIABILITY IDEAL’s new 6mm² lever connectors deliver fast, secure and reliable connections across a 0.5–6.0mm² wire range. Rated to 41A and available with 2, 3, and 5 port options - perfect for demanding domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

• REUSABLE AND VERSATILE:

• LOW LIFT FORCE:

• SECURE CONNECTIONS:

• CONFIDENCE:

• 2, 3 and 5 port models available • Rated to 41A • Test-point verification for peace of mind

• Audible click when closed for reassurance • Safe, reliable and re-usable

Easily supports 0.5–6.0mm² solid, rigid stranded and flexible wires

Patented easy to open lever, minimising hand strain

Built in locking feature, continuity check port and strip length guide

Visual inspection window

At IDEAL Electrical, we build products with professionals, for professionals. For more than a century, our solutions have earned their place on job sites across the world - making everyday electrical work faster, safer, and more reliable.

Upgrade your connections today.

idealelectricalinc.com Own every connection

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28/07/2026 10:06:31 28/07/2026 10:19:50

28 EV | LUCY ELECTRIC

AI is enabling a proactive approach to fault-finding

W

hen a fault develops in an electricity network, it can occur with little or no warning. Much of the distribution infrastructure is buried beneath roads and pavements, making routine inspection and continuous monitoring challenging. While network operators can often detect that a fault has occurred through protection systems and network monitoring equipment, identifying its exact location is far more difficult.

Electricity suppliers have experienced this reality for decades, and while technology has enhanced observability, AI is now reframing how network operators can manage maintenance – shifting them from a position of reactive management to proactive and condition-based maintenance.

Securing the electricity grid Low-voltage cable issues account for a vast number of faults on distribution networks, with many problems beginning as small defects caused by joint weakening, insulation breakdown, or water entering cables. These issues are difficult to detect when using conventional monitoring methods, and as a result they can often escalate into an interrupted electricity supply. This invariably results in urgent repair teams being deployed, as they endeavor to make the necessary repairs.

Once the vicinity of a fault has been found, a further layer of complexity can come from pinpointing the exact location and cause. Although fault-location technologies can help narrow down the search area, identifying the precise point of failure frequently requires further investigation and excavation. On busy roads, this can mean roadworks, traffic management measures, and significant operational costs before repairs can even begin.

A better approach than waiting for faults to happen is proactive maintenance – enabling network operators to identify emerging faults before they lead to service interruptions. Greater visibility of asset health also gives DNOs a richer understanding of the condition

August 2026

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by Phillip Dingle, Future Networks Director at Lucy Electric

fault repair towards predictive maintenance. This means network operators can address emerging issues before they escalate into outages, reducing costs, and improving reliability. AI systems can also identify subtle patterns that would be difficult to detect using conventional approaches, enabling operators to pick up on signals that were once too small to detect.

Proactive action and performance of the wider grid, supporting more informed operational decisions generally.

AI-enabled analytics for improved monitoring The solution to proactively identifying and fixing problems before they cause disruption lies in understanding the signals indicating emerging issues. Combine that insight with AI-enhanced analytics and digital tools, and the system becomes all the more powerful.

Sensors can detect both subtle indicators of deterioration and signs of more serious faults developing. These failure mechanisms can generate ‘characteristic electrical signatures’, including transient current and voltage disturbances, which may be detectable before a permanent fault develops. Rather than waiting for faults to become visible, operators can use this information to identify weak points early and intervene before an emergency unfolds.

Digital models of the network can also be used to anticipate issues. Using observed network behavior and comparing it to expected operating conditions and fault scenarios, engineers can improve fault location estimates and develop a better understanding of the likely causes of abnormal network behavior.

This approach, when combined with AI analytics, can identify trends that may not be noted by conventional monitoring techniques, providing a clearer understanding of potential maintenance requirements.

Together, high-resolution sensing, digital modelling, and AI create the opportunity to move from reactive

By classifying faults according to their failure probability, operators can prioritise interventions based on risk rather than guesswork. They gain visibility into where and when to dig, and which assets require attention first. Instead of waiting for outages to occur, maintenance can be planned, scheduled, and carried out before customers are affected.

Predictive maintenance reduces customer interruptions, lowers costs, and improves network resilience. This will become increasingly important both now and in the future. Electricity demand is predicted to double in the UK by 2050. Outages can have a significant economic impact, and customers will not tolerate supply interruptions.

Electricity networks are central to economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and energy security. That means operators will need greater visibility into network conditions going forward, particularly at the medium-voltage and secondary-substation levels, where problems that cause faults can remain hidden until an issue occurs - customers are left without electricity.

The grid is expanding to meet growing demand from EVs, heat pumps, battery storage systems, and new industrial loads. This emphasises the urgency for predictive, data-driven maintenance that will likely become an operational necessity for an increasingly complex network.

The industry is also likely to face increased scrutiny because, without a strong, reliable electricity supply, growth in the digital age is impossible. For suppliers, visibility and proactivity will be key, so that faults can be fixed before a blackout – not afterwards.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:25:44

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26/07/2026 18:16:36

30 EV | BOLD VOODOO

Drivers don’t care about the ZEV mandate – and they shouldn’t have to

A

t the end of every business, every commercial model in the e-mobility sector, is an end user. A driver.

And drivers don’t want a mandate.

They want a great car. Something that fits their life: their commute, their budget, their driveway or lack of one. They want the best technology available, manufacturers competing for their custom, prices that reflect genuine competition, and a vehicle that will still be worth something tomorrow. Strong, fair consumer choice.

That’s it. That’s what drivers want.

The ZEV mandate is not that thing. But it is the policy mechanism that helps deliver it.

Whatever the business – installing, maintaining or operating charging infrastructure, fuelling, selling or leasing electric vehicles – drivers are critical to your success. Not one component of the complex architecture of the e-mobility sector can stand unsupported without cars. And yet law, policy and regulation don’t always work with the end user in mind. The entity on whom the law is imposed is not always a person. Most of us function perfectly legally without knowing the finer detail of, say, the Companies Act or the Competition Act. Yet collectively, we feel the benefit. They shape markets, encourage competition and create safeguards, all without demanding our attention.

The ZEV mandate is much like this, except it has a very direct outcome for drivers. Understood properly, it is less a regulation imposed on industry and more a guarantee made to drivers: manufacturers will keep competing for your business.

The problem is that almost nobody is saying so.

ZEV mandate is convenient industry shorthand, meaningful only to those with the dubious honour of working in the finer details of e-mobility

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by Tanya Sinclair, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK

regulation. To anyone else, it is alphabet soup, alongside BEV, PHEV, ULEV, HEV and so on. Not known, not clear, far from understood. Into that vacuum steps a steady diet of headlines suggesting that motorists will somehow be “hit” by the mandate, or by fluctuations in its targets. The result is confusion about what the policy is and, crucially, who it actually applies to.

The answer is not drivers. Whatever your view of the ZEV mandate, the requirement sits entirely with vehicle manufacturers. It does not determine where we drive, how we fuel our vehicles, or what cars we choose to buy, lease or drive.

So what does it actually deliver for us? Drivers don’t lose sleep over regulatory compliance mechanisms. They think about whether they can afford a great electric car, whether there’s a model that suits their life, whether they’ll be able to charge it, whether it will hold its value. Those are the real questions, and the ZEV mandate is the policy lever that pushes manufacturers to answer them. It creates the commercial pressure that drives investment in technology, acceleration of new models, and downward pressure on price. The more manufacturers are required to compete in the electric segment, the harder they compete for drivers. Better vehicles, more choice, fairer prices.

And for the electrical contractors installing and maintaining the infrastructure that makes all of this possible, more drivers committing to EVs means more work, more long-term investment in the sector, and a stronger business case for every installation they quote for.

Which makes the behaviour of some manufacturers in recent years all the more bewildering. Those struggling or unwilling to keep pace have chosen to air their regulatory grievances in public, in front of their own customers. If meeting agreed obligations is proving difficult, that is a conversation between manufacturers and government. It has nothing to do with drivers, who are being dragged into arguments about compliance flexibilities that have no bearing on what they’ll drive next.

The result is a confused and disillusioned driving public. A confused driver delays a purchase, sticks with their current car, and waits for a better moment that may never arrive. The manufacturers’ enemy is not the ZEV mandate. It’s no sales. And the most effective way to guarantee no sales is to make your customers feel uncertain about the entire category.

Government, meanwhile, needs to go back to basics, communicating the outcome of the mandate, not its mechanics. The ambition is fully electrified road transport, tied to legally binding climate obligations. That ambition is also in drivers’ direct interest. It’s the reason manufacturers are investing. It’s the reason prices are falling. It’s the reason the choice in any showroom today is better than it was three years ago.

Protecting the ZEV mandate means protecting driver choice. More models, more competition, more pressure on price. Not the mandate itself, but what it delivers: a fairer, richer, more competitive market for every driver in the UK.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:27:17

MER FLEET SERVICES | EV 31

HGV electrification: from pilot to practice

B

ody Electric HGV registrations in the UK grew by more than 170% in 2025, with 587 new vehicles registered – taking the cumulative total over 1,000 for the first time.

Against the UK’s licensed HGV fleet of over 700,000 vehicles, that remains a small proportion, but recent government announcements have underlined the expectation for this number to dramatically increase.

The funding signals are clear The plug-in truck grant has been extended and expanded – the Zero Emissions Truck Grant (ZETG) now offers up to £80,000 off the cost of the heaviest electric lorries, covering up to 40% of the cost.

And a £170 million boost to the Depot Charging Scheme means businesses and public authorities are now covered for up to 70% of their charging infrastructure costs.

Alongside these, an incoming HGV ZEV mandate will require manufacturers to sell a rising proportion of zeroemission trucks, with the UK government committing to ending the sale of all new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040 (and 2035 for lower weight limits).

It’s a clear long-term signal on future vehicle availability and pricing.

The current reality – and what’s likely to change Talking to fleet operators across a range of sectors, the picture on the ground is (unsurprisingly) more nuanced than the funding headlines suggest. Progress is genuine, but it is not uniform.

Some operations, such as urban distribution, or predictable regional routes, and return-to-depot cycles, are well-suited to electrification today. The technology works and the charging infrastructure is buildable.

But others, including longer-haul, multi-drop operations remain genuinely challenging to electrify, as do those in areas with limited grid capacity.

Megawatt charging systems for long-distance HGVs are increasingly available, but the infrastructure to support them is still developing.

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

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In our experience, fleet operators with heavy vehicles tend to fall into one of two camps: those who see that electrification doesn’t currently work for a full fleet transition, and make the decision to pause until it does; and those who are committed to migrating on a fixed timetable.

Both approaches carry significant risk. An all-in rollout made without the right infrastructure, vehicle mix analysis, and operational modelling is expensive to unwind. Equally, waiting for perfect conditions means missing funding, locking in higher fuel costs, and falling behind on regulatory readiness.

Start where the conditions are right For the greatest success in heavy fleet electrification, as for the wider fleet, businesses should be prepared to take a phased approach.

You need to start with the vehicles and routes where electrification is already viable, build operational confidence and internal capability, and then phase your expansion as the infrastructure, vehicle range, and grid access develop.

It does mean doing some hard analytical work upfront: understanding which vehicles are doing what routes, which depots have (or can access) the grid capacity for heavy charging, and where the total cost of ownership makes sense.

It also means planning charging infrastructure as a long-term asset, up front, at the beginning of the project. Grid upgrades for HGV-scale charging can take 12 to 18 months and cost significantly more than the chargers themselves. That timeline needs to be built into any credible transition plan.

Done well, a phased approach reduces capital risk, builds the internal knowledge base before it is needed at scale, and positions operators to absorb each wave of vehicle and infrastructure improvement as it arrives.

The business case beyond regulation The argument for electrification goes beyond compliance – and even beyond sustainability commitments – to focus on clear commercial factors.

As the conversations around heavy vehicle electrification shift from trials to mainstream implementation, Natasha Fry, Head of Sales at Mer Fleet Services, talks about how fast – and intelligently – HGV operators can get on board In short, diesel prices are volatile. There is always a myriad of reasons why, from supply disruption, refinery capacity to geopolitical pressure, but there is consistent proof and a pattern of unpredictability. For high-mileage, fuel-intensive operations, that volatility is a continual risk to the bottom line.

Electrification does not eliminate operating costs.

But it shifts a significant portion of them away from a commodity market that operators can’t control and towards an energy source that can be contracted, managed, and increasingly predicted.

For fleets running millions of miles a year, that shift in the cost structure can deliver massive long-term gain.

Long-term projects need long-term partnerships It sounds obvious to say that businesses should work with true fleet charging specialists on heavy vehicle electrification. But the reality is that there’s a huge divide between the companies that say they do, and those who really understand what makes HGV and LCV electrification different.

The company you’re working with must be able to provide support from feasibility all the way through to infrastructure design, grid capacity assessment, site development, and ongoing management.

But they also need to be able to have difficult conversations with you: when a site isn’t ready, when a phased approach makes more sense than a full transition, and when the funding available is genuinely worth pursuing – and how to structure a project to access it.

Fundamentally, you need a fleet charging specialist who understands that the conversation about HGV electrification is not actually about chargers. It is about operations, it’s about energy management and optimisation, it’s about risk, about capital planning, and about building an electrification transition that holds up under the pressures of a real business.

For more information about Mer for HGV and other fleet charging, visit https://uk.mer.eco/ ev-charging-hgvs-and-lcvs/

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:28:23

32 EV | OPENADR ALLIANCE

Flexibility through managed EV charging

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ody While adoption of electric vehicles varies across Europe, development of the charging infrastructure to support the number of vehicles on the road threatens to derail progress.

What’s important is that charging networks are as flexible and as resilient as possible to cope with additional pressure on the grid. This will need a multilayered approach as the industry evolves and markets invest in charging networks to meet net zero goals and consumer demand.

The development and adoption of new and innovative technologies is integral to creating this highly flexible and resilient infrastructure. We also need to change the way people charge their vehicles, with off-peak charging programs dynamic pricing, and automated load balancing.

Access to charging points is of course critical for supporting EV adoption, and more public charging networks are essential. There are over 1.17 million public EV charging points installed across Europe., with the network growing by more than 85% compared the end of 2023. However, this infrastructure is highly uneven and patchy across the region.

Innovation can accelerate adoption Despite flat sales, the UK government has announced several initiatives to drive adoption. Last year, it unveiled a £10 million funding package to support the development of cutting-edge technologies that will strengthen its network, including new technologies that enable EV charging devices to operate without large grid connections or even off grid.

The aim is to overcome grid constraint challenges and enable the rollout of more chargers on the road network. This incudes in more rural areas across the country, giving drivers the confidence to make long-distance journeys.

Any initiatives that encourage off-grid solutions, smart charging and energy controls to reduce the strain on electricity networks and the need for grid upgrades is crucial for development.

With members right across the EV universe, we’re seeing to innovation happening all the time.

We’re in an exciting phase of development right now, with a whole raft of companies developing new technologies, including applications for load management and dynamic charging.

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As electrification transforms the automotive and the utility sectors, Rolf Bienert, Managing & Technical Director at global industry body, OpenADR Alliance, discusses the need for standardisation across the entire EV charging system Wevo Energy’s load management solution can maximise existing building infrastructure by intelligently allocating power where and when it’s needed most, which means more EVs can be charged without expensive infrastructure upgrades. Smart algorithms learn drivers’ behaviour and create an optimal charging schedule, charging when rates are lowest, and ensuring that the vehicle is fully charged by the time that it’s needed by the driver.

EVoke Systems, another member company and software-based EV charging network operator, enables grid-integrated flexibility using open standards. The platform dynamically adjusts charging in response to grid conditions and distribution network capacity, allowing EV load to operate within defined operating envelopes and function as a predictable, dispatchable flexibility resource. EVoke has deployed managed charging at Barclays Capital’s campus in the US, helping to reduce peak demand by 200 kW (40%) including deterministic load reductions of 200 kW in less than two seconds, demonstrating readiness to support real-time grid services.

A win-win for all As demand grows, the focus has to be on optimising charging and making the most efficient use of available capacity. It also means changing behaviour to ensure EV charging is a win-win for everyone – the driver, the site owner and the grid.

Drivers want easy, accessible fast charging at the right price. The site owner wants to deliver this but also to make a profit. The grid meanwhile needs stability and the flexibility to cope with fluctuating supply and demand particularly at peak times.

Electricity suppliers need to incentivise vehicle owners to charge outside of peak periods using dynamic pricing signals, time of use tariffs, or other load shifting mechanisms. Off-peak charging

incentives are a gamechanger, but only if there’s a significant difference between peak and off-peak pricing. It’s important to make it easy for people to make these decisions.

The basis for effective load control lies in standardised information exchange on pricing signals, energy consumption, and capacity. It’s why utilities and DSOs need to communicate information quickly and securely using open standards like OpenADR that are integral to the success of energy flexibility in EV charging.

Standardisation across the entire charging system – from the plug to the customer interface – is key to delivering accessible and scalable solutions.

With seamless integration and collaboration between vehicle manufacturers and grid operators, it allows for energy flexibility developments such as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), where EVs effectively become distributed energy resources. Combined with other energy resources including renewable sources like solar and battery storage, EVs could become part of microgrids or virtual power plants.

With the global market for V2G set to grow, this sort of technology can help reshape the way EVs interact with the power grid, supporting demand-side management and renewable energy integration. There are already several pilot schemes happening, with some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers collaborating with utility suppliers on V2G programs.

Managing EV charging demand effectively is key to stabilising the grid and ensuring reliability, efficiency and control. With technologies and systems evolving quickly, they will need to be in place sooner rather than later.

For the EV model right through from automakers, to charge point operators, grid operators and utilities, collaboration and co-operation will ensure we have systems fit for purpose.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:29:09

SINEWAVE | EV 33

Navigating the reset: leading an EV business through a disrupted market Charles Trim, Head of Commercial at Sinewave, explains what it takes for the EV infrastructure sector to build with confidence in a turbulent market

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ver the last couple of years, the EV infrastructure sector has been living through a sustained period of uncertainty that has tested the resilience of everyone within it. To a large extent, that uncertainty has its roots in the signals coming from the government.

It’s fair to ask if the government has mislaid its commitment to the EV industry. The ZEV mandate was relaxed in April 2025, with fines reduced for manufacturers failing to meet their targets. Hybrid vehicle sales were extended to 2035 – a let-off for auto manufacturers previously locked to selling battery electric vehicles (BEV) from 2030 onwards. From 2028, the government intends to tax EV use at 3p per mile, and it has decided to challenge a tribunal ruling that public charging should warrant the reduced 5% VAT rate enjoyed by domestic electricity users.

These actions send market signals that are at best ambiguous, and they have a massive influence on investor confidence. When political leadership looks weak, or its direction uncertain, the investors who supply the essential capital on which things are built start to see the UK as a riskier bet than before.

The UK’s EV market was already struggling. Private EV sales may be growing since the most recent instability in the Middle East, but this uptick is fragile, and it comes after a period of weakened demand. Meanwhile, registrations of electric vans and HGVs continue to lag behind targets.

The effect of weak policy is real.

The consequence of indecision It’s perhaps not surprising that UK public charger installations in 2025 grew at their slowest rate since 2022, with fewer new EV chargers added than in any of the three preceding years. The buying cycles of fleet operators have lengthened as boards grow more cautious about capital commitment in a market whose direction keeps changing. At the same time, charge point operators (CPOs) continue to struggle with a classic chicken and egg situation: EV adopters demand widespread charge points, but these can’t be built profitably without a bigger user base to support them.

Inevitably, this lethargic market is having consequences for CPOs, and it’s interesting to look at their different strategies for riding it out. Some organisations are well-funded and are pressing ahead to achieve a clear vision. InstaVolt, for example, opened its largest UK hub at Three Maids Hill near Winchester last year, and continues to plan and deliver large charging destinations. It believes in its commercial model and remains focused on its mission regardless.

Others – including names that were once near the top of the pile – look like they’re positioning themselves to sell.

That may be because they or their backers have decided the EV reality isn’t materialising, or that investors are looking to secure a return in a market with an uncertain future.

Most emerging markets tend to go through waves of consolidation before they arrive at maturity, and – fuelled to some extent by uncertainty – that’s what we’re beginning to see in EV infrastructure. In years to come, it’s likely public charging will trend towards a small group of

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operators with the strongest offering or deepest pockets.

In many of the businesses nearing the end of their first decade, founders and leaders are reassessing their strategy in response to changing market realities.

The elephant in the room All of this is without mentioning the difficulty of connecting to the grid. The challenges for projects spanning grid-scale energy, data centres and large developments are well known, with Great Britain’s distribution and transmission networks becoming more and more constrained. The more acute problem for EV charging comes at LV and 11kV – the levels at which most public charging projects connect. Here there are limits to the power and number of chargers you can hook up at each site given the finite amount of resource available nationwide. At some point – accelerated by larger batteries and faster charging – capacity will run out and that might be sooner than most people think.

There are routes through this challenging landscape, however, and imaginative power businesses are already innovating their way around the constraints. For example, we can make comparatively more cost effective 11kV connections go further by supporting them with on-site battery storage. Cycle that battery through the day, and you can install multiple high-powered chargers where you previously couldn’t. Done well, this approach can support even large charging hubs like Three Maids Hill, which uses large-scale solar and battery storage to help power 44 ultra-rapid 160kW chargers from a 2,000kVA connection.

Another alternative is for projects that can afford it to step up to a more expensive 33kV connection and put a utility-scale solar farm and/or BESS site behind it – cutting energy costs, managing peak demand, and exporting surplus power back to the grid for additional return.

However, this is a fundamentally different proposition requiring major investment, along with an energy connection partner that fully understands both worlds.

Counterintuitively, network constraints may conspire to create commercial opportunities. The remaining untapped 11kV capacity tends to sit in places the market has historically ignored – rural routes and stretches of road with little or no existing provision. On their own, those sites rarely justify the investment, but an operator willing to build a reason for drivers to stop can make them work. InstaVolt’s Chicklade site – where Sinewave is the appointed independent connection provider – is a good example of exactly this. Take a location you might otherwise drive past, add battery-supported charging and a community touchpoint featuring an on-site café and provisions including a butchers, bakery and deli, and you’ve turned a marginal site into a viable one. Solve the power problem and the commercial problem together, and the map of what’s possible changes.

While public funding is limited, especially when considered against the scale of private investment still flowing into the sector, how it’s administered also has an impact on which projects get built, and how. As an example, we were recently involved in a project that, after two years of

negotiation and planning, was almost two weeks away from breaking ground. The customer missed its government funding window by around 48 hours and missed out – there was no grace period, and seemingly no recognition of the resources that had already been committed.

In this case, the project will still be built, but with private funding and will see a delay of roughly 6-8 months. That’s an issue for a site that could and should have been publicly funded, because it’s taking private capital away from other projects that now may not get built and creating further uncertainty around government commitment to spending in the market. Too much rigidity in public funding tightens the private pool that the sector depends on. It also runs the risk that much-needed but less commercially attractive schemes never come to fruition.

Policy certainty, delivery assurance – what the market needs If that all sounds a bit gloomy, it’s important to say the UK market isn’t as frightening as it might look on paper.

Yes, there has previously been uncertainty and a lack of leadership, but our sector still has strong fundamentals, and there’s a lot of belief in the long-term direction of travel. Despite the shaky ground there is still growth and the need for infrastructure; we need electric vehicles at scale, even if they are appearing more slowly than some had predicted. But like the charging industry that depends on them, the businesses and consumers considering getting EVs need clear signals and confidence that the UK still believes in its electric rollout.

While policy certainty and clear political direction are urgent, private investors also need better guidance in a turbulent market. With disruption and consolidation likely to remain an issue, investors need partners to help them make sense of the signals and guide them towards the projects and configurations most likely to succeed. Amplify, part of the Sinewave group, specialises in providing that guidance.

Detailed site assessments, load analysis and strategic planning ensure projects are viable, scalable and cost-effective.

In this market, it matters that the people you approach for guidance are committed for the long run. Sinewave has been here since the beginning – InstaVolt has been a customer since our earliest days in EV. Last year’s investment by Three Hills supports our growth ambitions: we’ve been here, we’ve done it, and we’re committed to what comes next.

But if there’s one thing we’d ask from the government, it’s decisiveness. Pick a lane and commit to it, so that the market has a clear, consistent direction. Private capital will follow, and that – far more than any public funding pot – is what will get the momentum back.

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:30:37

34 UPS | POWER PROVE

The hidden risk in standby power systems – How low utilisation can lead to performance degradation and generator failure

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Across critical sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications and industrial operations, standby generators often sit unused for long stretches. In many cases, they only run when there’s an unexpected outage. Over time, it can affect key components like fuel quality, battery condition and control stability, and routine start-up checks don’t always pick this up. Here, Andrew Keith, division director of load bank manufacturer Power Prove, explains why low utilisation itself poses a technical risk to standby systems and how regular load bank testing helps ensure operational readiness.

ecent infrastructure events across the UK have continued to highlight the importance of resilient power systems across critical services. In March 2025, the North Hyde substation experienced a major outage, according to the National Energy System Operator (NESO), resulting in the “loss of all supplies from the North Hyde 275kV substation.”

The incident disrupted Heathrow Airport operations and affected surrounding infrastructure, including transport networks, hospitals and local homes and businesses. Several data centres connected to the same network were able to maintain operations by relying on backup generators. It’s a clear reminder of how important standby power is in keeping essential services running during major grid failures.

Low utilisation risks in standby systems Standby generators are commonly subjected to routine no-load or low-load start-up exercises to confirm that systems can switch on when required.

While useful as a basic operational check, these short tests do not always reveal how a generator will perform under sustained demand conditions.

Generators are designed to operate within a defined load range where combustion temperatures and engine pressures remain stable. When diesel generators run at less than around 30 per cent of their rated load for extended periods, the risk increases. This tends to happen when systems are running well below their intended capacity over time, fuel combustion becomes less efficient, increasing the likelihood of carbon deposits forming within the engine and exhaust system.

August 2026

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One of the most common consequences is wet stacking: where unburned fuel, soot and residue accumulate in the exhaust due to incomplete combustion. Over time, wet stacking can reduce engine efficiency, increase maintenance requirements and contribute to long-term component wear.

Why routine checks may not be enough Extended inactivity can also affect fuel stability, battery condition and electrical control systems. Because standby generators are only expected to operate during emergencies, faults may remain hidden until the system is suddenly required to support critical infrastructure during a power outage.

That can be a real challenge for sites where power continuity is essential. This includes hospitals, telecommunications infrastructure, manufacturing plants and industrial processing environments. In these settings, even short interruptions to backup power capability can have significant operational and financial consequences.

Events like the North Hyde outage show how important standby systems are during major disruptions. They also highlight a wider issue.

Installing backup generation alone does not guarantee performance. Routine inspections might confirm a generator starts, but that does not always show how it will cope under sustained load. Without sufficient loading, underlying issues affecting cooling performance, voltage regulation or fuel delivery may remain undetected until the generator is operating under emergency conditions.

How load bank testing supports generator readiness Load bank testing gives operators a clearer picture of how standby systems actually perform by applying a controlled electrical demand that mimics real-world use.

By progressively increasing load, typically in stages up to full rated capacity, operators can evaluate alternator stability, voltage and frequency regulation, cooling system response and overall engine performance under continuous demand. This approach also helps to maintain combustion efficiency in diesel systems and reduce the risk of wet stacking associated with prolonged low-load operation.

For assets that spend most of their operational life on standby, periodic load bank testing provides an essential layer of assurance that cannot be achieved through routine exercise runs alone. It helps ensure that performance issues do not remain hidden until the point of failure, when the system is required to support critical infrastructure.

Power Prove provides AC load banks tailored to a range of standby power applications, helping operators validate generator performance under realistic site conditions and maintenance schedules.

As reliance on uninterrupted power continues to increase across critical infrastructure, structured load testing is becoming a more established part of preventative maintenance, and of long-term generator reliability.

Get in touch with the team today to learn how load bank testing can support the reliability and long-term performance of standby power systems.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:31:22

TES POWER | UPS 35

Why AI Is Forcing a Rethink of UPS and Power System Design

A

rtificial intelligence is reshaping the data centre industry at an unprecedented pace. The conversation often centres on soaring energy consumption, new data centre developments and the race to secure grid capacity. Yet beneath these headline issues lies a less visible engineering challenge: how AI workloads are fundamentally changing the way power behaves inside a facility.

For electrical engineers, the implications extend far beyond simply specifying larger transformers or higher-capacity switchgear. AI is changing the characteristics of electrical loads themselves, forcing a rethink of how uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), low-voltage power distribution systems and electrical architectures are designed to ensure resilience, efficiency and long-term reliability.

AI introduces a new type of electrical load Traditional enterprise and colocation data centres typically experience relatively predictable demand patterns.

Although utilisation varies throughout the day, power consumption generally changes gradually, allowing electrical systems to operate within stable parameters.

AI workloads behave very differently as large GPU clusters used for training and inference can shift from relatively low utilisation to maximum load within seconds. These rapid fluctuations create highly dynamic or “spiky” load profiles that place new demands on electrical infrastructure.

The challenge is no longer simply delivering more megawatts. It is delivering them instantly, repeatedly and reliably without compromising system stability.

As rack densities continue to rise, the issue becomes even more pronounced. AI deployments already exceed 40kW per rack in many facilities, with higher-density designs rapidly becoming commonplace. Future generations of

by Gary McGillan, Director of Engineering, TES Power

AI infrastructure are expected to push power densities significantly further, requiring electrical systems capable of responding to increasingly volatile operating conditions.

The growing pressure on UPS systems UPS technology has always formed the backbone of critical power resilience, bridging the gap between utility failure and standby generation.

However, AI workloads present operating conditions that differ significantly from those experienced in conventional environments. Rapid load changes can increase stress on UPS systems, batteries and associated electrical components. Frequent power swings may accelerate battery degradation, increase thermal loading and reduce operational efficiency if systems have not been designed for these new demand profiles.

For engineers, this raises important design questions.

Should facilities increase energy storage capacity? Will battery technologies need to evolve? How should redundancy be configured to accommodate increasingly dynamic loads?

While the industry continues to evaluate these questions, many operators are already investigating battery energy storage systems, supercapacitors and other technologies capable of smoothing rapid load fluctuations before they reach critical equipment.

These solutions are expected to become increasingly important as AI adoption accelerates.

Flexibility is replacing fixed assumptions Perhaps the greatest challenge is uncertainty - many AI-focused facilities currently under construction were designed before today’s understanding of AI power behaviour had fully developed. In reality, the industry is still learning how sustained AI workloads affect electrical infrastructure over the long term. This uncertainty means electrical systems can no longer be designed around fixed assumptions.

Instead, flexibility has become a critical engineering principle.

Modular switchgear, scalable power distribution systems and adaptable electrical architectures enable operators to expand, modify or reconfigure infrastructure as technologies evolve. Rather than requiring wholesale replacement when demand changes, modular systems allow facilities to scale incrementally while maintaining operational resilience.

This approach also reduces risk. As AI hardware continues to evolve at extraordinary speed, facilities with adaptable electrical infrastructure are better positioned to support future technologies without extensive redesign.

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Off-site manufacturing supports faster deployment The rapid growth of AI is also compressing project timelines. Operators are under pressure to bring new capacity online faster than ever before, while facing persistent labour shortages and increasingly complex supply chains.

Factory-built electrical infrastructure is helping address these challenges.

Off-site manufactured modular electrical rooms, integrated switchgear assemblies and pre-tested power distribution systems enable more construction activity to take place in controlled manufacturing environments before equipment reaches site.

This improves quality control, reduces installation risk and shortens commissioning programmes. Importantly, it also allows civil construction and electrical manufacturing to progress simultaneously, helping projects meet demanding delivery schedules.

As AI facilities increasingly move beyond traditional metropolitan locations in search of available power, modular manufacturing offers additional advantages by reducing the amount of specialist labour required on-site.

Future-proofing through partnership The pace of AI innovation means no single design can be considered future-proof in the traditional sense.

Instead, resilience increasingly depends on selecting partners capable of adapting alongside technological change.

Power system manufacturers now play a far broader role than simply supplying equipment. Early collaboration during design, integrated engineering expertise and flexible manufacturing capabilities help operators build electrical infrastructure that can evolve as power densities increase and operational requirements change.

Manufacturers with in-house engineering, modular manufacturing capability and control over their supply chains are particularly well placed to support this transition. Their ability to deliver bespoke, scalable power distribution systems provides operators with greater certainty around quality, lead times and future expansion. This integrated approach aligns with the growing industry focus on reliable, adaptable critical power infrastructure.

Designing for an AI-powered future The AI revolution is often viewed through the lens of software, algorithms and computing power.

Yet its success ultimately depends on the physical infrastructure that delivers reliable electricity to increasingly demanding workloads.

For electrical engineers, designing AI-ready facilities requires a shift in thinking. System resilience is no longer solely about redundancy or capacity. It is about responsiveness, adaptability and designing infrastructure capable of supporting technologies that continue to evolve at extraordinary speed.

Those principles will define the next generation of critical power systems and the facilities that depend upon them.

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:34:00

36 SPOTLIGHT | ANTONEY SIGSWORTH

I’ve taught students on wireless and hardwired systems.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

“After years of teaching electrical installation students on a range of smart home systems — wired and wireless, consumer-grade and professional — I’ve formed a view I’d like to put to the trade. Disagree with me if you have evidence. I’d genuinely like to hear it.” Antoney Sigsworth writes.

E

very year I introduce a new cohort of Level 3 electrical installation students to smart home control systems. I show them wireless thermostats, smart plugs, retrofit lighting controllers. I show them how to pair devices, set up automations, and get an app talking to a hub. Most of them have encountered these systems at home already. They find them intuitive.

And then I ask them to fault-find a wireless system using the tools they carry on site.

The moment is always instructive. They reach for a multifunction device — the tool they have been trained to trust, the tool that answers questions about electrical systems — and discover that it tells them almost nothing about why a wireless device has stopped responding. The signal path is invisible to it. The firmware version is invisible to it. Whether the battery is degrading, whether the router channel has been reallocated, whether a software update has broken compatibility with the controller — none of these variables are accessible with the equipment a qualified electrician carries.

That is not a trivial observation. Fault-finding methodology is at the core of what we teach. We teach it because callbacks are expensive, because clients do not pay for diagnostic time that produces no resolution, and because a professional who cannot diagnose a system they have installed is in a genuinely difficult position. When I watch students struggle to diagnose a wireless system with conventional test equipment, I am watching them encounter a category of problem they have not been prepared for.

August 2026

36-37_ET-Aug_SpotightAntSigs.indd 36

What hardwired digital systems show students instead For the past several years I have also been introducing students — at Kirklees and through visiting sessions at other colleges across England — to fully hardwired digital building control systems based on the CANbus protocol. This is the same class of communication technology used in every vehicle manufactured since 1992; the same digital backbone that lets a car’s engine management system talk to its ABS and its climate control without running a dedicated wire between each pair of systems.

When I ask students to fault-find a hardwired digital system, they can do it. The signal path follows a wire.

The cabinet is the test point. The methodology works.

The first thing students notice when they encounter this approach is that the first-fix cable schedule is simpler than conventional wiring, not more complex. Every final load runs as a radial back to a central marshalling cabinet. There are no 2-way strappers. No switch drops. No intermediate switch connections. The switching logic is in the software configuration of the control module, not in the physical topology of the cable run.

The second thing they notice — and this matters pedagogically — is that the fault-finding process for

a hardwired digital system is a recognisable extension of the methodology they already know. Every circuit terminates at the cabinet. The signal travels down a wire. The MFD is a useful instrument. When something doesn’t work, you follow the signal path. You find the fault. You document it.

This is not a small distinction. A student who can diagnose a hardwired digital system leaves college with a transferable skill. A student who has only been taught wireless retrofitting leaves with an ability that stops at the boundary of what their test equipment can see.

What television is showing the public — and what that means for the trade I am a fairly regular viewer of programmes like DIY SOS, Grand Designs, and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

I watch them partly for professional interest and partly because my students watch them, and what they see on those programmes shapes their expectations of what buildings should do.

What I have noticed across a number of recent series is that hardwired digital building control is appearing more frequently in broadcast contexts — and that the tradespeople working on those builds, many encountering these systems for the first time, adapt to the installation logic quickly. That observation is consistent with what I see in the classroom. The learning curve for a qualified electrician is real but not steep. The concepts are familiar. The tools are the same.

The sequence is different.

The audience for those programmes is the future client base of every electrician working in domestic

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:35:00

ANTONEY SIGSWORTH | SPOTLIGHT 37

installation. Millions of viewers are watching homes that respond to presence, manage energy, and integrate heating and lighting through a single interface. They will want that in their own buildings. The question for the trade is whether it is equipped to have that conversation — or whether it defaults to whoever is already having it.

The qualification landscape is moving I am aware that City & Guilds and EAL are both in the process of incorporating digital building control content into their qualification frameworks. I welcome that, not because I think every installation should be fully digital — it shouldn’t, and anyone who tells you otherwise hasn’t spent much time on actual sites — but because I think every electrician should understand what digital building control is, how it differs architecturally from conventional wiring, and how to work with it safely and competently.

At the moment, most qualified electricians have never seen a hardwired digital installation. That is not a criticism — it reflects the market, not the individual. But it is a position that will become increasingly uncomfortable as clients become more aware of what is possible, as new build specification begins to move, and as the qualification framework catches up with industry direction.

The electricians who are best placed will not be those who have made digital their specialism. They will be

those who are not surprised by it when they encounter it — and who understand enough about the architecture to diagnose it intelligently when something goes wrong.

A fair comparison, honestly made I want to be precise about what I am and am not arguing.

I am not arguing that wireless systems are bad. For retrofit situations — where the fabric is finished, the walls are plastered, and running new cable is not economically viable — wireless control is often the right answer. My students need to be competent with both approaches, and I teach both.

What I am arguing is that for new build and major refurbishment, where first fix is open and the specification can be made from scratch, the hardwired digital approach has significant advantages that are rarely discussed in the trade press. The first-fix simplification is real. The diagnostic methodology is sound. The capability ceiling is higher. The ongoing reliability picture is better — particularly once you remove the variables of router infrastructure, battery degradation, and firmware compatibility from the equation.

And I am arguing that the trade has a professional obligation to be informed about this approach — not to adopt it uncritically, but to evaluate it honestly. Which, to be clear, many colleagues have not yet had the opportunity to do.

Have you worked with fully hardwired digital building control systems — or compared them directly with wireless retrofit approaches on the same type of project?

What was your experience of the first-fix logic? Of the commissioning process? Of faultfinding when something went wrong?

Did the system live up to the claims made for it — or did the reality differ from the theory?

Antoney Sigsworth invites responses from working electricians, installation contractors, and fellow lecturers.

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

36-37_ET-Aug_SpotightAntSigs.indd 37

A disclosure, and a genuine question In the interest of full transparency: I have received training support and demonstration equipment from a UK distributor of hardwired digital building control systems. I do not receive commercial remuneration for teaching the system, and the curriculum decisions at my college are mine. But it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge that I have a relationship with a supplier in this market.

What I do not have is a relationship with any wireless system manufacturer. I teach those systems from commercially available products and my own experience. My comparison is as honest as I can make it.

I am genuinely interested in the experience of electricians who have encountered both approaches on live sites — particularly those who have tried hardwired digital and found it adds complexity rather than reducing it, or who have found the commissioning process more difficult than the training suggested. That feedback would be useful to me as a teacher, and I suspect it would be useful to the wider trade.

August 2026

28/07/2026 12:35:03

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY AWARDS

2026

REWARDING EXCELLENCE FOR 34 YEARS

ENTER NOW! The industry’s largest and most respected event, the Electrical Industry Awards is back.

Brought to you by Electrical Times, the Awards celebrating its 34th year - recognise outstanding product innovation as well as individual talents. The winner of each category receives a coveted Electrical Industry Award.

So if you, or your company have something to shout about, these awards will get you noticed.

Some incentives for entry....  Gain independent industry recognition for the excellent work delivered by you, highlighted across the range of categories.  Promote your excellence, demonstrate a competitive edge and position your company alongside the best in the business.  A winners reception in central London with food, drinks, entertainment and completely free of charge!  Being a finalist is proof of excellence in your business and proves to clients new and existing you are in industry innovator.

ENTER ONLINE - REGISTER NOW! FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE 21ST AUGUST

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26/07/2026 18:09:44

CATEGORIES FOR 2026: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Commercial/ Industrial Product of the Year Residential/Domestic Product of the Year Lighting Product of the Year Trade Tool of the Year (Inc. Test & Measurement) Training Resource/Provider of the Year Safety Product of the Year

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26/07/2026 23/07/2026 18:09:44 15:55:28

40 SWITCHING OFF | STORY TELLER

SWITCHING OFF

EMAIL james.cooke@purplems.com TO SHARE YOUR HOBBY

From Screenplays to Lighting Application Standards: Why I Never Stopped Telling Stories

P

eople often assume that because I work in Lighting application standards, compliance and lighting design, my interests outside work must be equally technical.

The reality is quite different.

Long before I worked in the lighting industry, I studied Screenwriting and Playwriting at university. Looking back, I don’t think I realised at the time just how much that experience would shape the way I think today.

Writing taught me to be creative, but it also taught me to be structured. Every story needs a clear purpose, every character a reason to exist, and every scene must move the narrative forwards. In many ways, that’s not too dissimilar from good lighting design.

Every luminaire, every lighting layer and every design decision should have a purpose. Creativity and technical discipline aren’t opposites. In my experience, they complement one another.

Writing remains one of my biggest hobbies. When I was younger, I wrote eight or nine feature-length screenplays, most of them psychological thrillers inspired by South Korean cinema, particularly the films of Park Chan-wook. I was fascinated by stories that challenged audiences, blurred the lines between right and wrong, and relied as much on atmosphere as dialogue.

August 2026

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with Dan Griffiths of the LIA What strikes me now is how visual my writing always was. I wasn’t simply imagining conversations between characters. I was picturing the composition of every scene, the mood, the movement, the colour and, although I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, the lighting.

Looking back, I can see clear parallels with the career I’ve built. Whether I’m designing the lighting for a heritage building or developing guidance for the industry, I still find myself thinking visually first.

The technical solution is important, but so is the experience it creates.

History has always been another great passion of mine. Whether I’m reading about the Roman Empire or exploring Britain’s castles and monarchs, I’m endlessly fascinated by the stories behind the people and events that have shaped our world. That fascination eventually inspired me to start developing a musical based on the life of Henry VIII. At first it felt like an obvious subject because of the wealth of historical material available, but the more I’ve researched it, the more interesting it has become.

Popular culture often presents Henry simply as the tyrannical king with six wives. In reality, his reign was far more complex. For many years he was regarded as an intelligent, charismatic and

capable monarch before the later years of his life transformed both his personality and his legacy.

That dramatic change provides a fascinating emotional arc to explore through theatre.

It’s certainly very different from the thrillers I’ve traditionally written, but that’s exactly why I’ve enjoyed it. It has forced me to approach storytelling differently, experiment with new techniques and develop skills I hadn’t really exercised before. There’s something refreshing about stepping away from what feels comfortable and allowing yourself to learn again.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the writer I was in my twenties and the one I am today isn’t the style of stories I tell. It’s how I respond to feedback.

When I was younger, I rarely shared my scripts with anyone. I worried about criticism and preferred to keep my work to myself until I thought it was perfect, which, of course, it never was.

Experience has changed that mindset.

Working within the lighting industry means collaborating every day with committees, designers, manufacturers and technical experts. Ideas become stronger when they’re challenged. Constructive criticism isn’t something to avoid; it’s one of the most valuable parts of the creative process.

That lesson has carried back into my writing. Today I’m far more willing to share early drafts, listen to different perspectives and refine my work. The result is not only better writing but a much more enjoyable creative process.

I don’t know whether my musical about Henry VIII will ever make it to the stage. It may remain a personal project, or perhaps become something more. Either way, that’s not really the point.

For me, writing has never been about publication or performance. It’s about creativity, curiosity and constantly challenging myself to think differently.

Interestingly, I think that’s exactly the same reason I love lighting. Both are about shaping experiences, guiding emotion and telling stories. One simply uses words, while the other uses light.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:36:48

TOP PICKS | PRODUCTS 41

Custom consumer unit branding with Elucian’s bespoke in-house laser etching

Sangamo highlights three channel programmable thermostat kit as installers prepare homes for winter

Launched by the Scolmore Group in 2021, Elucian is a trusted name

With August marking the start of pre winter boiler checks and heating upgrades, Sangamo is reminding installers of its three channel programmable thermostat kit - an easy to install, Part L compliant solution for properties requiring zoned heating control.

The kit provides independent control of two heating zones and hot water, helping installers meet the requirements of Part L Building Regulations, where zoned heating is stipulated.

Ideal for seasonal heating upgrades Late summer is when homeowners begin thinking about winter readiness booking boiler servicing, replacing outdated controls, and improving energy efficiency. For installers, it’s the perfect time to recommend zoning solutions that reduce energy waste and improve comfort.

With energy costs still a concern for many households, multi zone heating is becoming a key part of efficient home heating design. The Sangamo kit helps installers deliver better temperature control across larger or multi storey homes, reducing energy waste by heating only the areas in use, while also supporting improved compliance for refurbishments and extensions. It provides a straightforward upgrade path for homeowners preparing their heating systems for colder weather, making it an ideal solution during the busy pre winter servicing season.

The Sangamo range of heating controls and specialist time switches is distributed through Scolmore Group company, ESP. www.sangamo.co.uk www.espuk.com

in circuit protection and has enhanced its product offering with a bespoke in-house laser etching service. This service is suitable for single phase consumer units in domestic and commercial applications that require personalised branding for electrical systems. This enables businesses to reinforce their brand identity and add a touch of professionalism to their electrical installations.

For over four years, Elucian has utilised state-of-the-art laser technology to create intricately detailed designs on the covers of consumer units – guaranteeing long-lasting clarity and durability. Once the logo is supplied to the Elucian team, a digital file is then created and uploaded onto the machine ready for etching. As well as producing precise, permanent etching of logos and branding, this service can also etch a variety of custom designs. This can include QR codes, technical specifications, and circuit identification.

This specialised service stands out as one of the few in the market offering fully customised consumer units, etched in-house at Scolmore Group’s headquarters. Since the launch of Elucian, close to 300 bespoke laser etching jobs have been delivered, each tailored to required specifications, proudly featuring company logos and branding. To date, this has included the etching of almost 10,000 consumer unit boards, demonstrating the strong and growing demand for customised, premium-quality solutions. The system’s flexibility accommodates both high-volume orders and tailored projects, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking distinctive branding or design integration.

The bespoke laser etching service is also available for the full range of Click Scolmore’s GridPro modules which can be customised to suit the specific requirements of any project. All GridPro module finishes can be etched, offering a wide range of options for customers to create a personalised and professional installation.

For more information on Elucian’s consumer units and circuit protection devices, visit the website. www.elucianuk.com

Ovia highlights its upgraded emergency five-in-one exit sign within ORBIK’s enhanced product portfolio Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to strengthen its Orbik

by Ovia emergency lighting range, a portfolio that has undergone significant investment to elevate innovation, performance, and compliance.

A major part of the upgraded portfolio is the Synex5 a Five-in-One Exit Sign. Designed for maximum flexibility, the Synex5 provides multiple mounting options within a single unit - ceiling and wall mount as standard, with additional accessories available for suspended, recessed, or side-mounted installations. This provides contractors and specifiers with a true five-in-one solution, adaptable to any application.

In addition to Synex5, every product within the Orbik by Ovia range benefits from a number of key technical and functional upgrades including enhanced self-test functionality, long-life LiFePO4 battery technology, a five-year warranty, and refined designs to meet the evolving demands of modern emergency lighting applications.

The Expanded Orbik portfolio The Orbik range is broken down into the following categories: exit signs, ‘Five in One’ Bespoke Emergency Lighting Designs Bespoke Emergency Lighting Designs Ovia also offers bespoke Emergency Lighting Design schemes engineered to comply with the latest BS5266 code of practice, incorporating all design objectives for optimal performance. Ovia’s highly skilled specialists produce detailed, accurate lighting layouts tailored to project requirements, ensuring comprehensive solutions that are perfectly engineered for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

For more information on the Orbik emergency lighting range visit Ovia’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. www.oviauk.com

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

38-39_ET August_Products.indd 41

Unicrimp expands Bootlace Ferrule range with new size additions Unicrimp has strengthened its bootlace ferrule range with the introduction of two sizes: 16mm and 35mm. These additions build on installer and wholesaler feedback, expanding the range so customers can now access the full spectrum of sizes from one trusted supplier.

The introduction of these larger ferrule sizes further enhances Unicrimp’s comprehensive offering, giving electrical professionals an even more practical and convenient solution for terminating multi stranded cables safely and cleanly.

Feedback from the market had consistently identified the absence of 16mm and 35mm sizes within the existing Unicrimp bootlace ferrule offering. In response, Unicrimp has acted to address this gap, ensuring that customers can now source a complete and more practical range from a single, trusted supplier.

Key product benefits include: • Improved wire safety • Versatile range of sizes and colours • Provides a clean end termination to multi stranded cables • Insulating sleeves designed to accept tri-rated cables The new 16mm and 35mm bootlace ferrules are available in Ivory French and Red French finishes, aligning with industry conventions and supporting clear identification during installation.

For more information, visit the Unicrimp website - https://unicrimp.com/ - or download the Scolmore Group app. www.unicrimp.com

August 2026

28/07/2026 13:32:13

42 CLOSING ARGUMENT

How environmental DNA can accelerate planning while strengthening biodiversity protection

T

here is growing tension between the need to address the slow and fragmented nature of the UK’s planning system and the need to maintain credible protections for biodiversity and nature recovery.

Proposed planning reforms have brought this tension into sharper focus, with environmental organisations including the RSPB raising questions about how safeguards for species and habitats will be maintained in practice.

For developers and infrastructure teams, the challenge is moving projects forward more efficiently while still making robust, evidence-led decisions about biodiversity. Greater use of smart ecological assessment tools such as environmental DNA, or eDNA, could help bridge that gap.

Used alongside established ecological expertise, eDNA can support earlier insight, more targeted surveys and more confident long-term biodiversity monitoring. Andy Sloan, Executive Vice President, COWI UK & Ireland, discusses.

The biodiversity state of play Across England, a significant shift is underway in how infrastructure projects account for nature, with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now a statutory requirement for most development. At its core, BNG requires development to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before. In practice, this means delivering at least a 10% improvement, assessed using a statutory biodiversity metric that converts habitats into biodiversity units based on factors such as size, condition, type and location. These gains must then be maintained for a minimum of 30 years.

This means that developers need to understand what is present before work begins, what will be affected and how improvement will be delivered and maintained. As a result, projects require more consistent and defensible ecological data to support both design decisions and long-term monitoring and in a planning system under pressure to move faster, the quality and timing of that evidence is becoming increasingly important.

How sites are currently assessed The starting point for most projects is a preliminary ecological assessment, where an ecologist visits the site, maps the habitats present and assesses their condition while also looking for signs of protected or notable species. This forms part of a wider, observation-based approach that continues through ongoing surveys and assessments as projects progress.

These approaches are well established and remain essential, but they are naturally shaped by factors such as survey windows, seasonality, weather, species behaviour and specialist availability. When additional specialists are required to increase confidence in the data, for example by assessing birds, bats or protected species, projects can face increased costs and schedule pressure. In the context of planning reform, this creates a practical challenge. Developers and infrastructure teams are being asked to move faster while still demonstrating credible biodiversity protection, but those outcomes

August 2026

42_ET-Aug_ClosingArgument.indd 42

Putting the approach to the test

by Andy Sloan is Executive Vice President of global engineering consultancy COWI.

will not happen by expectation alone. They depend on having the right evidence, tools and monitoring approaches in place from the outset.

It is in this context that environmental DNA, or eDNA, is gaining traction as an alternative approach to ecological assessment that can offer a faster, cost-effective, and more precise way to monitor biodiversity, helping to reduce schedule delays and project risks.

The benefits of eDNA analysis eDNA analysis uses genetic material including shed cells, bodily fluids, and biological secretions deposited by animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria to detect, identify, and map the distribution of the species without the need for direct observation.

Though its use in terrestrial and infrastructure settings is still developing, it is already well established as an approach to monitor aquatic environments, for example the monitoring of great crested newts in England, as well as being applied more widely in river health monitoring.

At an early stage, eDNA sampling can help identify potential ecological constraints before detailed surveys are completed. This allows teams to identify constraints earlier and make more informed decisions on site layout, construction approach or programme. It can also help streamline how surveys are planned. Instead of commissioning multiple specialist surveys upfront, eDNA results can indicate where further targeted work is needed. This allows efforts to be focused where they will add most value and reduce the need for repeated site visits.

One of the key advantages is the breadth of information that can be captured from a relatively small number of samples. eDNA can provide early indications across multiple specie groups from the same dataset, creating a more complete starting point for assessment. The process of collecting samples is also relatively straightforward and can be carried out by the site’s team, allowing ecologists to focus on interpretation, validation and decisionmaking rather than repeat site visits.

Under BNG, commitments typically run for at least 30 years, which creates a need for monitoring, that is not only robust but practical to deliver.

Traditional survey methods can be resource-intensive and repeated eDNA sampling offers a simpler way to support this process by building a consistent record of how species presence is changing over time. Interventions can be assessed against their intended outcomes without the expense and time commitment of repeated specialist surveys.

Given the potentially transformative impact of eDNA on future infrastructure projects, COWI has been actively employing it alongside conventional fieldwork as well as participating in academic projects to deepen industry understanding. For example, COWI’s pilot project with the University of Strathclyde on a former railway corridor in Scotland has led to a better understanding of how terrestrial eDNA can support ecological assessment in real project conditions.

Soil and water samples were collected across the site and analysed using eDNA metabarcoding, with results compared against findings from a standard walkover survey. The results showed that eDNA was able to identify a wider range of species than were recorded during the site visit alone. This included, birds associated with nearby wetland habitats, mammals such as badgers, voles,deer and aquatic species including salmon, trout and eel within a small watercourse. Amphibians were also detected, confirming known presence while adding further detail to the ecological picture.

For infrastructure projects, this matters because a fuller ecological baseline at an earlier stage can support more confident decisions on design, programme and mitigation. It also demonstrates how eDNA can complement conventional fieldwork by adding another layer of evidence to the assessment process.

The findings will contribute to wider datasets, including the National Biodiversity Network, subject to client approval. This highlights a broader role for eDNA beyond individual projects, where consistent sampling and analysis can help strengthen the overall evidence base on species distribution.

The value of this approach is closely tied to the quality of the reference data behind it. eDNA analysis depends on matching genetic material to known species records, and the coverage and accuracy of these databases can vary significantly between regions, including within the UK and more widely at a global scale. Strengthening these datasets will require continued effort, but as they improve, so too will the usefulness of eDNA in practice.

Faster planning and strong ecological protection can go hand in hand BNG represents a significant shift in how biodiversity is considered in infrastructure and land use. It has moved biodiversity from a constraint to something that must be actively delivered and maintained, while helping position the UK at the forefront of a more structured and accountable approach to nature recovery. However, there are concerns that potential reforms to the way infrastructure is delivered could undo much of this progress. eDNA has already proved its utility in aquatic environments and there is a growing body of evidence that supports the claim that it can deliver fast and cost-effective biodiversity analysis for terrestrial projects. Now the focus should be on integrating eDNA into standard ecological workflows to improve decision-making and reduce uncertainty, costs and schedule delays.

www.electricaltimes.co.uk | @ElectricalTimes

28/07/2026 12:37:43

TOP PICKS | PRODUCTS 43

Metal Clad Pro – robust wiring accessories from Click Scolmore

Shocking Energy launches UK-wide install isolator network

Metal Clad Pro from Click Scolmore is a robust range of premium, durable wiring accessories. Designed with a contemporary, curved profile, with matching surface boxes, the Metal Clad Pro range comprises switches, socket outlets, modular plates, fused connection units, as well as surface and blank boxes, and the entire range is available in three striking finishes ‘Metal Clad Grey’, ‘Polar White’ and ‘Matt Black’.

The products are packed with features that incorporate Click’s most recent product improvements as standard to create a premium surface mountable range.

All Metal Clad Pro Fused Connection Units contain all the features from Click’s FCU redesign and also include a host of features to achieve a premium, robust product.

Featuring electrophoretically coated plates and back boxes, these products are built to withstand the toughest environments, ensuring a long-lasting finish. Perfect for demanding installations in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings, Metal Clad Pro offers peace of mind with a 20-year warranty, guaranteeing durability and reliability.

The Metal Clad Pro Socket Outlets and Fused Connection Units are tested and approved to BS 1363 regulations and have been added to Click Scolmore’s longstanding Kitemark Licence.

For more information, download the full brochure or explore the new Metal Clad Pro range at www.scolmore.com or via the Scolmore Group app. www.scolmore.com

Shocking Energy has launched a nationwide Install Isolator Network designed to connect businesses with verified, Safe Isolation Providers (SIP) accredited installers authorised to carry out compliant safe isolation works quickly and safely. The new network has been created to bridge a growing gap in the market, where increasing installation volumes and project pressures have led to unsafe and non-compliant practices, including electricians removing service cut-out fuses without the correct authorisation.

The network already includes established SIP-accredited contractors such as Crystal Electronics Ltd, MI Glasgow, L&B Electrical and McVickers, with nationwide coverage continuing to expand.

Businesses using the network benefit from: • Access to verified, SIP-accredited installers • Faster turnaround times and reduced project delays • Tailored installer matching based on geography and project requirements • Fully compliant, audit-ready delivery • Reduced reliance on third-party attendance and scheduling bottlenecks The network is backed by Shocking Energy’s AI-driven operational platform and accreditation expertise, which has already supported around half of the UK’s SIPaccredited companies through the accreditation process.

No delays. No workarounds. Just compliant, audit-ready delivery. www.shocking.energy/isolator-installer-network

Makita’s new heat gun provides cordless heat for professional results

NVC Lighting launches RANGER LED Batten - helping contractors quote with confidence. Install with ease.

The Makita HG001GZ02 40VMax XGT® Heat Gun is a powerful cordless tool, designed for professional tradespeople who need reliable performance without the restriction of cables. Part of Makita’s advanced XGT®40V platform, it delivers temperatures up to 600ºC and airflow rates up to 200 L/min, making it ideal for a range of demanding applications.

Supplied as a body only unit with a Makpac carry case, the heat gun is ideal for use in workshops and construction sites since it offers excellent efficiency and maximum temperatures equivalent to AC models, but with all the freedom of cordless. With an increase in voltage compared to previous models, the tool is suitable for applications such as hot welding waterproof sheets and shrinking sheathes for thick cables with a diameter of ≥ 25 mm.

Additionally, the tool has advanced control to keep temperatures and airflow steady, adjusting for fluctuations in battery voltage. It also comes with a digital LCD and control dial, allowing users to change the temperature and airflow to their preference, and stores the last used setting so tasks can be continued with ease. The LCD displays the settings in numerical values (ºC/ºF) and shows the battery status, flow level and error messages, and has maximum temperature control for safer use.

Compatible with the nozzles used for the existing DC and AC models, the tool delivers maximum versatility and is equipped with a quick release mechanism so that users can remove them without physical contact with the hot parts of the machine. It also features a single LED light to illuminate the work area and a soft rubberised handle for added comfort. Finally, for ease of storage, the tool has a hook to hang it up when not in use.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita commented: “The new heat gun offers power, precision and freedom to professionals looking for an efficient solution when working on thermal jobs. The tool also comes in a versatile storage solution, keeping it well protected and easy to transport – making sure operators are ready for any task.” www.makitauk.com

@ElectricalTimes | www.electricaltimes.co.uk

38-39_ET August_Products.indd 43

NVC Lighting has launched RANGER, a versatile, great value LED batten engineered to help electrical contractors and wholesalers deliver quality lighting solutions while supporting competitive project pricing, faster installation and stronger commercial returns.

Combining three selectable colour temperatures and four selectable power outputs in a single fitting, RANGER reduces the number of SKUs required, simplifying specification, stocking and installation across a wide range of commercial and residential applications. Installer-friendly features, including a quick-release hinge-down design and movable terminal block, help reduce installation time, while compatibility with NVC’s plug-in emergency and microwave sensor modules provides added flexibility.

Backed by NVC’s 5-year warranty, RANGER delivers dependable performance, genuine everyday value and the flexibility contractors need to quote with confidence, install with ease and remain commercially competitive. www.nvcuk.com

August 2026

28/07/2026 13:32:31

Scan to book a HomeLINK Demo

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The HomeLINK Connected Home Solution can help to: Identify Damp & Mould at the source Strengthen Compliance & Asset Management Support Net Zero targets Improve Fire Safety

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24/02/2026 11:00:53 26/07/2026 17:39:51