Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
W& ED AUTUMN 2026
The COMBI Family WISKA WED Front Cover COMBI.indd 3 01_WED-Autumn-Wiska.indd 1
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POINT-OF-SALE THAT CAN’T BE MISSED Learn how Schneider Electric are painting partner branches green
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CONTENTS Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
WELCOME Hello and welcome to the Autumn 2026 issue of Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor. As the nights draw in and the industry heads into one of its busiest stretches of the year, there’s plenty to get stuck into in this edition. One story that stood out to me this issue is our look at the UK’s growing electrical skills gap, and how new training obligations, including the incoming EAS requirements, could widen it further. I attended one of CEF’s Tech Talk events back in July, and hearing how electricians at every stage of their careers speak candidly about what these changes mean for them made the scale of the challenge very real. It’s a conversation the whole industry needs to be having, and you can read more on page 12.
Editor James Cooke
Elsewhere, on page 14, E.ON’s new ReIndustrial Revolution report makes a compelling case for UK manufacturers, suggesting smarter energy choices could unlock a £2 billion clean energy dividend by 2035 by moving away from gas. Enjoy your Autumn, and I’ll see you back here in the Winter!
4 News 8 EDA 10 Cover Story: WISKA: Innovation inside every box 12 Distribution Corner 14 Insight 18 Lighting 20 EV 24 Cable Management 28 Electrical Times Podcast 30 Products EDITORIAL Editor James Cooke james.cooke@purplems.com
PRODUCTION Production designer Lorna Reekie lorna.reekie@purplems.com
ADVERTISING Sales manager Haydon Rainsford haydon.rainsford@purplems.com Tel: 01732 371 572
Production designer Rob Tremain rob.tremain@purplems.com
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10 MANAGEMENT Managing director Ed Hunt ed.hunt@purplems.com
© Purple Media Solutions Ltd 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. W&ED is published by Purple Media Solutions Ltd. Registered in England. Registered Number 5949065. Registered Office: The Old School House, St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2AD, UK, Tel: 01732 371 570.
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NEWS
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
CEF achieves ISO 19443 certification Toolstation aims for for nuclear supply chain work convenience CEF has achieved ISO 19443 certification, a quality management standard for organisations supplying products and services important to nuclear safety (ITNS). ISO 19443 builds on the principles of ISO 9001 but adds requirements specific to the nuclear sector, including nuclear safety culture, risk management, supplier oversight, product traceability and continual improvement. Organisations operating in the nuclear sector are generally expected to maintain robust quality management and supply chain oversight, given the safety requirements involved in nuclear facility operation. ISO 19443 certification indicates that CEF’s management systems have been independently assessed against these standards.
CEF is a distributor to the nuclear industry. The certification is intended to provide assurance to customers that the company’s
processes are aligned with sector requirements around traceability and quality control. ISO 19443 differs from general quality standards in its focus on nuclear-specific issues such as safety culture, supplier performance, configuration management and product traceability. Certification requires a third-party assessment confirming that an organisation’s systems meet these requirements. CEF said the certification reflects its efforts to strengthen its quality management systems and to support current and future nuclear projects. The UK continues to invest in nuclear infrastructure, and supply chain certification of this kind is one of the mechanisms used to assure quality and traceability in that sector.
Nu Independent Wholesalers breaks new ground with NMBS A merchant specialising in the sale of plumbing, heating, electrical and bathroom products has become the first company to complete an innovative route to NMBS membership. Nu Independent Wholesalers, based in Minehead on the Somerset coast, began working with NMBS in 2024 and has recently become a full member of the buying society after first joining on an affiliate basis. Dean Hayward, head of sales and marketing at NMBS, explains: “Our affiliate to full member pathway reflects NMBS’ commitment to enhancing the success of all builder’s, timber, roofing, hardware, plumbing, heating, plastics and engineering and industrial merchants. This applies regardless of whether that merchant is a large and well established, multi-site organisation or a new entrant to the market.” He continues: “The affiliate to full member route, which was introduced in 2024, is particularly suited to start-ups and businesses at an early stage in their growth trajectory as the eligibility criteria is less than for full membership. “It enables a wider cross section of the merchanting sector to benefit from the different services and support NMBS offers – such as invoice rebate and preferential terms with over 500 leading building industry suppliers – and to effectively use NMBS as a springboard to further success. NU Independent Wholesalers was formed in 2019 by gas engineer, James Cox. Initially, the
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business focused on plumbing, heating and electrical products reflecting James’ professional experience, but it has since diversified to cater for a wider range of building and related needs. NU Independent’s journey from affiliate to full NMBS member took just 14 months. Helped by its NMBS affiliation, the business saw strong growth during this time. It also made major investments back into its operations. This included relocating to larger premises and the creation of a dedicated bathroom showroom. This showroom has an emphasis on accessible living reflecting the older demographic of the population of Minehead and the surrounding area. James Cox, director and founder of Nu Independent, said: “Without doubt becoming an NMBS affiliate has made sound commercial sense for Nu Independent. It has given us access to valuable support, expertise and events, as well as a larger pool of suppliers, more quickly and on better terms, than we would have achieved alone.”
with collection locker trial Toolstation, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tools and building supplies, has partnered with eLocker to install 17 collection lockers outside its Toolstation GO store in Battersea, offering customers a more convenient way to shop, 24/7. Once the order is made at any time during business hours through www.Toolstation.com or through the Toolstation app, the customer is notified, and they can collect it with a code on their phone,. The eLocker format turns the click and collect option into a self-service option format that customers can run from the convenience of their mobile.The new option builds upon Toolstation GO’s ambition of delivering the best in customer convenience since opening in Battersea earlier this year. Toolstation GO Battersea also features digital kiosks that mean customers can skip the queues and browse the Toolstation range and place orders to be collected at the counter.The GO store format also includes Toolstation’s Fast Track service, meaning products can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes, while products are localised to the store and are updated and maintained based on customer and store insight. The trial of collection lockers shows Toolstation’s commitment to providing tradespeople with an efficient and dependable service that helps them stay productive, on schedule and in control from their first stop of the day to their final job. Chris Other, Customer Director at Toolstation, comments: “The installation of eLocker will deliver a quick and convenient shopping experience without compromising on the high level of service that customers know and trust Toolstation for. We know how busy and time-poor tradespeople can be, and our around-the-clock service aims to streamline work schedules and provide customers with the flexibility they need to oversee their next project or job.” If the trial proves successful, Toolstation will potentially roll this feature out further in the future.
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01/09/2026 12:27:59
NEWS
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Electrical Safety First issues fresh guidance on plug-in solar panels, ECA welcomes “timely” intervention Electrical Safety First has published new guidance for households considering plugin solar panels, warning that not every home is currently suitable for the technology and urging consumers to have their electrics checked before buying. The charity’s intervention comes amid a growing consumer market for plugin solar systems, which allow households to generate their own electricity without a full rooftop installation. However, Electrical Safety First has raised concerns that the technology, which sends electricity in the opposite direction through a property’s wiring, could damage older residual current devices (RCDs) designed to protect against electric shock. Luke Osborne, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, said: “Plug-in solar panels send electricity in the opposite direction in your property’s wiring. Whilst many modern homes may be able to enjoy this technology safely, we still have concerns plug-in solar panels may damage older devices in people’s homes which protect people from electric shock, known as RCDs.” He added: “Because of this, it is our view that not every home will currently be suitable for plug-in solar. We urge households to ensure they have an RCD suitable for this technology and to consult a competent electrician if they are unsure if they have the right protections in place in their home.” Five-point guidance The charity has set out five recommendations for households to reduce risk: 1. Not every home is currently suitable – Electrical Safety First recommends at least a Type A bidirectional RCD on circuits intended for plug-in solar. Homes with older Type AC RCDs should not use the systems until upgrading.
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Bobcat Safety Footwear Unveils New PoS to Support Wholesaler Sales Bobcat Safety Footwear has introduced a new range of impactful point-of-sale (PoS) display boards designed to help wholesalers and distributors drive awareness and sales across its expanding safety footwear portfolio.
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Have electrics checked before buying – Households should have their installation assessed by a competent electrician registered with a competent persons scheme before purchase, particularly in older properties. 3. Avoid extension leads and adapters – Plug-in solar systems should never be connected via extension leads, cable reels, multiway adaptors, travel adaptors or plug-in RCD adaptors, which can overheat and create additional safety risks. 4. Buy only from reputable retailers – The charity is warning against thirdparty sellers on online marketplaces, which it says are not currently legally responsible for the safety of goods sold via their platforms. 5. One home, one device – Only one plug-in solar system should be installed per household, as multiple units could reduce the effectiveness of protective devices. The charity said its concerns were first raised in a report published earlier this year, which prompted a Government safety study. However, Electrical
Safety First said it felt the study’s scope was too limited and did not fully assess the potential impact of plug-in solar on older-style RCDs. Industry response The guidance has been welcomed by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). Gary Parker, Deputy Director of Technical at ECA, said: “We welcome Electrical Safety First’s timely and constructive statement published today, which rightly puts consumer safety at the heart of the growing plug-in solar market. “Plug-in solar has the potential to help more households engage positively with low-carbon energy, but it is important that consumers understand these systems are not suitable for every home. Getting an installation assessed by a competent electrician before buying, avoiding unsafe connections through extension leads or adapters, and purchasing only from reputable retailers are sensible steps that will support safe and confident uptake.” He added: “As this market develops, clear guidance and competent advice will be key to helping consumers benefit from these products safely and with confidence.”
Designed to draw the eye, the new displays capture the bold, iconic identity of the Bobcat brand, combining impactful visuals with clear product information to help customers make faster purchasing decisions. Each board showcases up to five footwear styles from the range, spanning 27 SKUs with safety ratings from S3 to S7, including women’s-specific options. The new PoS initiative forms part of a broader support package available to stockists including branded packaging and a suite of marketing materials, such as product brochures and leaflets. Wholesalers and distributors can also benefit from bespoke support and in-branch product demonstrations for both staff and customers, delivered remotely via phone or video, or through prearranged site visits.
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30/08/2026 09:29:02
NEWS
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Weald Electronics appoints Rayfast as new UK Distributor Weald Electronics, the manufacturer of electrical connector and accessory for defence and demanding industrial applications, has appointed Rayfast as its new UK distributor. Rayfast is a stocking distributor of interconnect solutions as well as high-performance harness components and electromechanical products. Its key markets include Aerospace, Defence, Energy, Industrial, Rail and Motorsport, which are supported by an experienced team, with technical specialists by sector and product. Weald Electronics is known for its comprehensive selection of circular bayonet and screw
coupling connectors such as the LMH, LMJ, LMV and LMG series, produced in a choice of materials and finishes and leads the way in high performance interconnection solutions based on popular industry standards including industry standard MIL-DTL-5015 and MIL-DTL-26482 specifications. As well as circular connectors, Weald Electronics manufactures two-part PCB connectors and subminiature plasticbodied circular connectors and a comprehensive range of connector accessories, including high-performance and ultra-lightweight protective covers, nut plates and gaskets specifically designed
for Motorsport and UAV applications. Nick Wheeler, Sales Director for Weald Electronics says, “With their established and highly regarded presence in our industry, Rayfast will provide an excellent route to market for Weald Electronics, especially for customers who are looking for supply as part of a wider Harness Components portfolio of products, such as wire and cable, markers, tubing and heatshrink moulded shapes. The Weald product compliments their existing connector ranges and they have a superb team that is dedicated to sales, technical support and customer service” Neil Ruddick, UK Sales Director for Rayfast, comments, “We
are very excited to agree what I am sure will be a longterm partnership with Weald Electronics. Their excellent product range, capabilities and reputation for quality & customer service fit perfectly with our core strengths in electrical interconnect, providing even greater depth and breadth of solutions for our customers.” With design, manufacturing and test facilities at its Slinfold Lodge HQ in Sussex, Weald Electronics can tailor connector solutions to exactly meet a customer’s specific requirement on surprisingly short lead times, as well as bespoke valueadded electrical and optical connector termination of connector product.
Segen names David Hope as Managing Director Segen Ltd., the UK’s largest distributor of renewable energy technologies, has appointed David Hope as Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. Hope joins Segen to lead its next phase of growth, with responsibility for accelerating its core solar and energy storage business, expanding into adjacent electrification markets, and increasing Segen’s presence in the new build housing sector. He will also lead the continued development of Segen’s integrated customer offering across product supply, digital tools, finance, training and circular economy initiatives, designed to strengthen end-to-end support for installers. With more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across the construction, manufacturing and specialist distribution sectors, Hope has a strong track record of scaling businesses, leading operational transformation and delivering sustainable growth. He began his senior leadership career at CRH plc, where he ran a polystyrene
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insulation business within its Springvale division, gaining experience in the industrial manufacturing and construction materials markets. In 2007, he joined SIG plc, one of the UK’s largest specialist distributors of building products, initially as Divisional Director and later as Regional Sales and Marketing Director for its UK operation, a £900 million turnover business with a sales team of around 160 people. In 2020, Hope was invited to return to SIG as Divisional Managing Director as part of a leadership team tasked with returning the business
to profitability. Over the next two years, he helped lead a major turnaround, taking the business from significant losses back to profitability and contributing to one of the sector’s most notable recoveries, later recognised as the ‘Large Business Turnaround of the Year’[1]. He also previously held the position of Managing Director at paper and packaging company Antalis, where he led the UK business through a period of structural change in the traditional paper market and supported growth in its packaging division. “I’m delighted to be joining Segen at such an
exciting point in its journey. The business has built a market-leading platform with significant scale, deep technical expertise and a powerful ecosystem of services that genuinely support installer success,” says Hope. “One of my key priorities is to further strengthen that end-to-end support, helping customers operate with greater confidence in a market that has historically experienced periods of volatility. By giving installers the tools, insight and infrastructure they need, we can help create more sustainable and consistent growth.” “I also see major opportunity in the new build housing sector, particularly as the Future Homes Standard drives increased demand for renewable technologies. Segen is exceptionally well positioned to support both installers and developers as this market evolves.” Hope holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Northumbria University. He is married with two children and is a proud supporter of Newcastle United.
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EDA UPDATE
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
The essential link in the chain:
The enduring power of the electrical wholesaler
While digital-first retailers offer speed and convenience, electrical wholesalers provide deep, multifaceted value that algorithms simply cannot replicate. By combining modern efficiencies with technical expertise, complex project logistics, and vital financial support, wholesalers remain the indispensable architects of the electrotechnical sector.
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s we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, the electrotechnical sector stands on the precipice of significant change. Advances in technology, the relentless march of e-commerce, and the rise of hybrid semi-trade retailers have altered the landscape in which we operate. Yet, while the tools of our trade may evolve, the fundamental role of the electrical wholesaler remains as vital today as it was over a century ago. We often hear the term “box shifters” levelled at our industry. It is a label that has been applied to electrical wholesaling for decades, usually by those who misunderstand the complexity of what we do. Today, that term is perhaps more accurately applied to the digital first organisations and online retailers who trade primarily on price transparency and speed of logistics with weapons such as “click and collect”. We must be candid, these new players bring a polish and efficiency that demands our attention. They offer live stock checks, seamless digital transactions, and a service proposition valuable to the customer who simply “needs it now.” It is imperative that we do not let pride blind us to these advances. To compete and grow our share of the market, we must adapt and evolve. We must adopt the “shiny” efficiencies of digitalisation. Transparency, speed, and convenience without becoming blinded by them. We must integrate these tools without losing the very heart of what makes a wholesaler the essential link in the supply chain.
MORE THAN JUST LOGISTICS The digital-first players are clear on their proposition. Competitive pricing and a fast service for the expert who knows exactly what they want. But the wholesaler offers something far more profound. We are not merely shifting boxes, we are the architects of the supply chain. Consider the logistics of a typical project. A contractor may need products from 20 different manufacturers. Ordering these online from 20 separate sources results in a logistical disaster. 20 separate invoices, 20 different delivery slots and 20 vehicles clogging up a site entrance. The wholesaler absorbs this complexity. We offer services as standard which consolidate those 20 suppliers into a single delivery, on a single van, with a single invoice. We are logistics experts, ensuring that deliveries arrive not just quickly, but intelligently, even staggered over months, if needed, as a project develops. Ensuring supply is available exactly when it is needed, not just when it is ordered.
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by Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO, Electrical Distributors’ Association
THE POWER OF EXPERTISE Beyond logistics, we are procurement experts. We do not just stock products, we vet suppliers to ensure quality, safety, and fitness for purpose. In an era of cheap imports and non-compliant goods, the wholesaler acts as a quality filter, ensuring our customers get the right products for the job. We are the conduit for innovation. When new technology acts to disrupt the market, it is the wholesaler who brings it into the hands of the contractor, demystifying the complex and making it relevant. We are sales and marketing experts, constantly seeking opportunities to grow business within local and wider construction projects. While the online algorithm can suggest “customers also bought” it cannot replicate the deep technical expertise found at our trade counters, and the “you will need one of these to go with it”. Wholesalers advise on how systems need to work and sure that the contractors have the right products to install, first time every time. Many of our members provide specific, high value services such as lighting design, small-scale assembly and configuration of complex components. We are the back up for the contractor, part of his team. When something isn’t working, we use our commercial weight to engage the supplier and resolve the issue.
THE FINANCIAL BUFFER We must also recognise our role as finance experts. The “box shifters” ask for payment by credit card at the point of purchase. The wholesaler,
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EDA UPDATE
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
conversely, manages credit risk and provides the credit facilities that allow the commercial electrotechnical business to function. We effectively bankroll projects, bridging the gap between outlay and payment that is so critical for contractors.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH Perhaps most importantly, we must never undervalue the human element. The wholesaler branch is an environment where like-minded professionals meet, discuss topics, make purchasing decisions, share problems, seek advice, and speak a common language. Relationships remain at the centre of this: you cannot digitise a handshake, and you cannot automate the trust built over years of service.
THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC As we face more new challenges, from waste recycling and packaging compliance to the integration of AI, we do so from a position of strength. We are a powerhouse of services, expertise, and community support. A position which is envied by the new players in our market. So, no, we are not box shifters. There are companies for whom shifting boxes is all they can do, and they are very good at it. We should learn from their efficiency, but we must never forget that our value proposition is far richer. We are the relationship between the manufacturer and the installer. We are the safety net, the technical consultant, the logistician, and the bank. We must communicate this offer well. The future is electric, and we are, unequivocally, the essential link in the chain.
Eddie Embleton appointed CEO Designate of the Electrical Distributors’ Association The Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA), a leading body in the UK’s electrotechnical supply chain, today announced the appointment of Eddie Embleton as CEO Designate from 1 October 2026. Eddie brings over a decade of senior-level experience within the electrical industry, most recently as Managing Director of Voltimum, where he led and grew its digital media and data business. He has already built strong working relationships with many wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across the sector, which he will draw on in his new role. The appointment follows a highly successful 12-year tenure by Margaret Fitzsimons as Chief Executive and includes a structured transition period as she steps back into a parttime strategic role, ensuring continuity and a smooth handover of responsibilities. In his new role, Eddie will lead the EDA’s next phase of development, working with the Board, the EDA team and the Association’s 260 wholesaler members and 130 affiliated companies to strengthen the EDA’s position at the heart of the industry and further develop its work across training and education, digital innovation through EDATA and ETIM, market insight and events. EDA President, David Moore, said: “I am delighted to welcome Eddie to the EDA. He brings a strong understanding of our industry together with a proven track record of building partnerships across the sector. We look forward to working closely with Eddie to develop and deliver services that add real value for our members.” Commenting on his appointment, Eddie Embleton said: “It’s a real privilege to be joining the EDA. This is an organisation with a fantastic reputation, built over many years, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board, the team and our members to build on that success. I’ve spent much of my career working alongside wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across this sector, and I can’t wait to bring that experience to the EDA as we move into its next phase of development.”
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COVER STORY
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Innovation Inside Every Box For wholesalers and distributors, few product categories carry as much day-to-day trading weight as junction boxes. They sell in volume, they’re specified across almost every job type, and contractors know exactly what they expect from them. Get the range right and it’s a reliable, repeat-order category. Get it wrong and it’s a source of returns, complaints and lost counter sales.
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his is where WISKA’s COMBI® range has built its reputation. When the original COMBI junction box launched, it changed expectations at a time when installers often had to choose between ease of installation and long-term reliability. COMBI was engineered to deliver both, and that combination is exactly what has made it a consistently strong seller for stockists ever since. Today, COMBI remains one of the electrical industry’s most recognised junction box ranges. The range has continually evolved to meet changing installation requirements, but the principles behind its success haven’t changed: practical design, dependable protection and installer-focused innovation. For branches and wholesalers, that translates into a product that moves off the shelf and doesn’t come back.
WHY IT MATTERS AT THE COUNTER
Modern electrical installations place greater demands on both products and the professionals fitting them. Contractors are expected to work efficiently, often in challenging environments, while maintaining high standards of quality, durability and compliance. Whether installed indoors or outdoors, electrical connections need dependable protection against water, dust, impact and long-term exposure. That puts pressure back on wholesalers and distributors to stock products their trade customers can trust without question, items that reduce callbacks, don’t require multiple SKUs to solve one job, and hold their reputation across sectors. COMBI has been developed with exactly that breadth and consistency in mind, making it a natural range to build counter and online stock around.
FEATURES AT A GLANCE
One of the most recognisable features of the COMBI range is its distinctive bellied lid. More than a design signature, it provides up to 10% more usable internal wiring space compared with conventional flat-lid junction boxes, a detail that resonates with contractors and gives wholesalers a genuine point of difference to talk about, not just another box on the shelf. Another key feature is the combination of threaded entries and integrated self-sealing membranes. The membrane entries allow cables to be inserted directly into the enclosure without additional components, reducing installation
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time while maintaining a reliable seal, and reducing the number of ancillary items a customer needs to buy alongside it. Where additional strain relief or mechanical protection is required, the threaded entries can be used with WISKA cable glands, providing a robust connection and ingress protection up to IP67 when used with the appropriate WISKA gland, a straightforward upsell opportunity at the counter. Durability has always been fundamental to COMBI. Manufactured from premium-quality, halogen-free and flame-retardant materials, the range offers IP66/67 protection and is engineered for demanding environments. Resistance to UV exposure, moisture, temperature fluctuations and mechanical impact makes COMBI suitable across exposed outdoor installations, industrial facilities, commercial buildings and critical infrastructure, meaning one range can serve multiple customer segments rather than requiring separate lines per sector. Attention to detail extends to every component. Rust-free captive quarter-turn lid screws allow boxes to be opened and closed repeatedly without loose fixings or corrosion risk. For contractors, that means faster access during installation and maintenance. For wholesalers, it means fewer complaints about degraded fixings sitting on shelves or in vans over time. But COMBI hasn’t stood still. The latest addition to the range, the COMBI 310, is a good example of WISKA’s approach to product development: identifying real installation challenges and creating practical, sellable solutions.
LISTENING. IMPROVING. LEADING.
Developed in response to feedback from garden lighting installations, the COMBI 310 addresses a familiar challenge for electrical contractors, and a familiar conversation at the trade counter. Traditional junction boxes can require several cables to be routed through entries positioned on different sides of the enclosure, making cable management more difficult and placing unnecessary strain on cables. The COMBI 310 features three dedicated M20 threaded cable entries positioned on one side of the enclosure, supporting more straightforward cable routing,
reducing mechanical stress and enabling a cleaner, more professional installation. It’s a simple but effective development shaped directly by market feedback, proof that WISKA continues to evolve the COMBI range around the practical needs of installers, and by extension, around the products wholesalers need on their shelves to keep those installers coming back. Continuous improvement is central to the COMBI story. Rather than changing products for the sake of change, WISKA focuses on developments that provide tangible benefits for the professionals specifying, stocking and installing them, a philosophy that keeps the range relevant without destabilising it as a trusted stock line.
BUILT FOR RANGE DEPTH, NOT JUST RANGE WIDTH
Flexibility is a defining strength of COMBI. With a broad choice of sizes, colours, terminal configurations and accessories, the range can be specified for an extensive variety of applications, from compact branch connections to larger distribution points. Contractors can select the enclosure best suited to the job while retaining the familiar quality and performance of the COMBI family. For electrical wholesalers and distributors, that breadth provides a trusted product range capable of serving customers across multiple sectors and applications, without diluting brand confidence. For contractors, it provides reassurance that whichever COMBI enclosure they select, they can expect the same focus on quality, durability and ease of installation. That consistency has helped establish COMBI as one of WISKA’s flagship product ranges worldwide, and a dependable, low-friction line for the wholesalers who stock it.
IT’S GOT TO BE COMBI
In a sector where products are often compared purely on technical specification, COMBI offers something more: a design focused on improving the installation experience from the moment it leaves the branch counter. From the shape of the enclosure and positioning of its entries to its fastening systems and accessories, each detail reflects decades of engineering expertise and practical feedback from professionals working in the field. The result is more than a junction box, it’s a range designed to save installation time, simplify cable management, reduce returns, and provide lasting protection wherever electrical connections are required. From its pioneering beginnings to the latest COMBI 310, the WISKA COMBI® range continues to demonstrate why the original remains a benchmark for junction box design, and why it remains a range worth building stock strategy around. Engineered for today’s installations and developed for tomorrow’s challenges: when reliability, flexibility and installer-friendly design matter, it’s got to be COMBI.
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Tough, in the real world WISKA COMBI Series junction boxes provide everything needed for faster, safer and more dependable installations. High-performance IP66/IP67 ingress protection and robust construction, every COMBI box is built to simplify installation and perform in the toughest environments. www.wiska.co.uk
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DISTRIBUTOR CORNER
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap? Electricians have been voicing concerns over changes to training and qualifications. CEF examines what this could mean for individuals, and for the industry
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n the last ten years, the UK’s electrical skills gap has moved from a distant threat to a day-to-day reality. Demand for electrical work is rising faster than ever, driven by the electrification of housing, promotion of renewable energy and EV, and our increasing reliance on technology. Yet the number of new qualified electricians just isn’t keeping up with that demand. With new qualification criteria and regulatory changes ahead, including the new EAS requirements, that gap is likely to grow even wider. So, what can the industry do to make sure that the required changes to standards and compliance take place without impacting the availability of skills? Is it a case of supporting businesses to take on more apprentices, making training for experienced electricians easier to access, or a combination of the two? At CEF’s recent TechTalks, electricians at different stages of their careers have been voicing their concerns about new training obligations and what they could mean for each of them personally.
on to complete an apprenticeship or start an electrical career. The challenge is helping more of those learners take the next step into the profession, and helping businesses to support them, as well as benefit from them. Part of the challenge is capacity from a business perspective. Taking on apprentices requires time, resource and investment from employers, many of whom are already stretched trying to keep up with demand. At the same time, those experienced electricians are being asked to keep up with new technologies, evolving regulations and increasing expectations around their own training and qualifications – without managing an apprentice alongside it.
OBSTACLES TO EXISTING ELECTRICIANS FEWER APPRENTICES, MORE RETIREMENTS, A GROWING SKILLS GAP Apprenticeship start rates are falling, while a substantial portion of the existing electrical workforce approaches retirement age each year. Put those factors together, and it paints a troubling portrait of the immediate future of electrical skills availability, at a time when demand is rapidly increasing. That is even before factoring in the additional capacity required by the UK’s transition to cleaner energy and transport over the rest of the decade. One of the more surprising aspects of the skills gap is that interest in the profession doesn’t appear to be the problem. Large numbers of learners enrol on electrical courses each year, yet only a fraction go
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Addressing the skills gap is as much about keeping experienced electricians in the trade as it is encouraging new ones to enter it. For electricians nearing retirement, new training and qualification requirements can be an obstacle to remaining in the trade, if they are not handled effectively. With years of hands-on experience in the trade, many question whether it is worth investing both time and money in further qualifications so late in their careers. In an industry already facing a shortage of skilled people, retaining that experience remains an important and critical part of the wider skills conversation. This is why making training and CPD accessible is so important. Over the past five years, demand for technical training has grown significantly as electricians seek to stay up to date with new technologies such as solar PV,
battery storage and EV charging, alongside keeping up with changes to standards and regulations. With changes to EAS requirements coming into effect this October, this has become even more pressing and can feel more like an obstacle than an opportunity for time poor electricians. The challenge for the industry is making that training as accessible as possible, whether that’s through local delivery, flexible learning options or practical, hands-on training that fits around the everyday realities of the job. This is an area where businesses are looking for practical solutions. Through its TechTalks, CPD programme and City & Guilds-approved Tech Training courses, CEF has seen first-hand how demand for training has grown in recent years. The focus is not simply on delivering qualifications, but on making them easier to access, through local training locations, online learning where appropriate, and practical, hands-on courses designed to fit around the day-today demands of electrical work. The electrical skills gap won’t be solved by a single initiative. The industry needs more apprentices coming through, better routes from education into employment, and support for experienced electricians who continue to develop their skills throughout their careers. If the UK is going to meet the growing demand for electrical work over the next decade, attracting new talent will be important. However, making it easier for people to build and maintain long-term careers in the industry, whatever their current skill level, will be just as essential.
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:55:57
SRN Consumer Unit Range Dual busbar technology designed to make wiring simpler and installation fa ffaster ster
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INSIGHT
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
The ReIndustrial Revolution UK manufacturers could unlock billions in clean energy dividends to strengthen competitiveness
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K manufacturers could unlock a clean energy dividend worth more than £2 billion by 2035 by switching away from gas and scaling up proven energy technologies, according to independent economic modelling published by E.ON. The analysis is part of E.ON’s ReIndustrial Revolution report exploring how smarter energy choices help business turn energy from a cost to be managed into a competitive asset that strengthens performance, supports investment and makes the transition to new energy work for everyone. The report argues energy can be a source of lower costs, resilience and growth – but only if businesses have the confidence and support to invest. While the clean energy opportunity extends across the UK economy, the report focuses on manufacturing as one of the sectors where proven technologies such as onsite generation, smart energy management and waste heat recovery can deliver the biggest gains. Independent economic impact specialists Development Economics1 modelled the impact of four proven interventions across UK manufacturing: energy audits, smart monitoring and management systems, on-site renewable generation and storage, and waste heat recovery. • Under the highest adoption scenario, UK manufacturers could cut annual gas consumption by 15.2 terawatt-hours (TWh) and electricity use by 8.8TWh by 2035 – the same gas use as more than 1.2m average UK homes and electricity needs of 3.3m UK homes. • The analysis also sees annual gas cost savings of £406m by 2035 and cumulative gas cost savings of £2.1bn between 2027 and 2035. E.ON polling of more than 500 UK business leaders2 shows four in five (89%) expect to invest in energy efficiency or low-carbon technologies within two years, but almost half (48%) cite upfront costs as the biggest barrier, and more than a third (37%) say uncertainty over returns on investment is holding them back. This shows businesses are ready to invest but need clearer policy support to unlock investment: • Make electricity more competitive for business: Shift policy costs such as the Renewable Obligation and Feed-in Tariffs from electricity bills into general taxation, or a dedicated Energy Transition Fund, helping firms electrify without undermining competitiveness. • Provide long-term policy certainty: Create a clear pathway to close the gap between electricity and gas prices to support industrial electrification, strengthen commercial energy efficiency standards and scale up proven low-carbon technologies. • Back investment in proven energy upgrades: Establish a Business Energy Upgrade Scheme that offers advice, grants, low-cost finance and tax incentives for technologies such as
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heat pumps, solar, batteries, smart controls and waste heat recovery. • Reward flexibility: Reform balancing and network charging so businesses can reduce system costs by shifting demand, using storage and participating in flex markets. • Speed up grid access and local infrastructure: Accelerate grid connections, reinforce local networks and provide clearer local energy plans so businesses to invest with confidence. Chris Norbury, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: “Businesses don’t need to wait for tomorrow’s technology to start seeing the benefits of cleaner, smarter energy. We have the solutions and we have them now. We’re already helping customers to use less, waste less and generate more of their own power – from geothermal heating at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, to the UK’s largest roofmounted solar scheme at the Port of Liverpool, to our Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry City Council, which is a blueprint to drive the energy transition for communities across the UK. “Energy can be a source of resilience, competitiveness and growth. Removing barriers to investment means more businesses can cut costs, reduce carbon and help build the resilient energy system Britain needs.” UK manufacturing currently contributes around £197bn to the economy and employs more than 2.1 million people. But the sector remains highly exposed to energy costs, consuming 82TWh of electricity and 193,000GWh of gas each year. With output forecast to grow by 2035, E.ON says action on energy efficiency will be increasingly important to protect margins and support investment. Some of Britain’s most recognisable artwork owes inspiration to the towns, perspectives and skyscapes that were shaped by industry and the original Industrial Revolution – from JMW Turner’s Rain, Steam and Speed to LS Lowry’s Industrial Landscapes. E.ON commissioned acclaimed artist and illustrator, Mark Hearld, and its New Energy Academy to work with schools in three of the UK’s key industrial heartlands – Sheffield, Glasgow
and the East End of London – to create his original artworks that re-imagine Britain’s industrial landscape for future generations. Mark’s three collages provide an outlook on what the next industrial era could look like: cleaner, more connected and rooted in communities and nature. Mark Hearld said: “When E.ON asked me to make a series of collages as part of its ReIndustrial Revolution campaign, to celebrate its commitment to sustainable growth and with a nod to the artworks of 19th century industrial revolution, it provided me with a bold visual starting point. “All growth should be sustainable. E.ON’s campaign is a such a positive initiative. I was excited by the dynamic challenge of showing nature flourishing alongside the architecture of redevelopment and greener energy production. A derelict Mill at Silvertown on the Thames about to be redeveloped sustainably, a biomass power station with a ‘black paper cut’ silhouette rising up from a wildflower meadow alive with oxeye daisies in Sheffield, and finally pigeons roosting on the foreground ridge of a roofscape in Glasgow, with its solar panels and home batteries to make energy costs more affordable for low income families. “Children care about the world they live in, and it was a joy to see such creative optimism in the collages they made during our workshops. Similarly, it was huge fun to see the playful inventiveness in their choice of materials. There’s no doubt that their creative engagement has a vital role to play in the future of our world.” Mark Hearld’s artworks will also be on display at NeX26 – the New Energy Experience event at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg on 16th September. To find out more about The ReIndustrial Revolution and to view the artworks from Mark Hearld and schoolchildren from E.ON’s New Energy Academy, which aims to inspire more young people to develop the knowledge and skills to equip them for the future and make new energy work for everyone, visit: eonenergy.com/ ReIndustrial-Revolution
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:57:01
INSIGHT
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Royal Bolton Hospital Basor PVC Tray selected for challenging underground hospital environment
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hen undertaking mechanical and electrical upgrades at Royal Bolton Hospital, contractor Geoffrey Robinson Ltd required a cable management solution capable of performing reliably within a tunnel located beneath the hospital. The application presented a demanding combination of dampness, heat and humidity, which had already caused visible corrosion to existing metal cable tray installations on site. After assessing the available options, the contractor selected Basor PVC Tray from Marshall-Tufflex to provide a robust, non-metallic containment system for lightweight data cabling in a difficult working environment. In total, 1 km of PVC tray was installed beneath the hospital. The project formed part of wider mechanical and electrical services upgrades being carried out at Royal Bolton Hospital. The installation involved routing data cabling through an underground service tunnel, where prolonged exposure to damp and humid conditions can rapidly degrade conventional metal containment systems. Because the existing metal tray in the tunnel had already deteriorated, corrosion resistance was a key consideration. The contractor needed a solution that would support the required cabling while remaining practical and efficient to install in a hot, humid and difficult environment. Marshall-Tufflex supplied Basor PVC Tray and accessories via LED Electrical in Blackburn,
•
Includes accessories for a consistent system throughout the installation. • Suitable for lightweight data cabling. • Lightweight and easy to work with, helping reduce time spent on site. • Supports faster installation in a challenging and uncomfortable tunnel environment. “The tunnel beneath the hospital is an extremely damp, hot and humid environment, so corrosion resistance was a major factor in selecting the cable management system. With 1 km of tray to install, we needed a tray that was easy to work with, and the lightweight design allowed the installation team to complete the work quickly, reducing the amount of time spent working in a difficult environment.” Guy Owen, Geoffrey Robinson Ltd
LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT
providing a complete non-metallic containment system for the installation.
WHY BASOR PVC TRAY WAS CHOSEN • •
Provides a non-metallic cable management solution for damp, hot and humid conditions. Helps eliminate the corrosion issues associated with metal tray in moisture-heavy environments.
The Royal Bolton Hospital project demonstrates how Basor PVC Tray can provide a practical and durable alternative to traditional metal containment in difficult environments. By combining corrosion resistance with ease of installation, the system helped the contractor deliver a fast, reliable cable management solution while reducing time spent working in the hospital tunnel. PVC tray is available from Marshall-Tufflex via UK electrical wholesalers. Find out more at www.marshall-tufflex.com
Deligo R&D – We Need YOU At Deligo, we believe the best products are innovated, most effectively, where they’re actually used - on site, in real installations, by people on the tools THE DELIGO R&D TESTERS
SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION WITH US
WHO DELIGO R&D IS DESIGNED FOR
That’s why we’ve launched Deligo R&D: a new programme designed to work closely with electricians and hands-on trade professionals who install, test and rely on our products every day. Free Products. Real Feedback. Ongoing Rewards. As part of Deligo R&D, participants receive Deligo products completely FREE to use in real working environments. Once a product has been installed and tested, feedback is submitted through a simple review process. ✔ When your review is accepted, you can request your next product ✔ Test products in real installations ✔ Keep them once your review is complete ✔ Continue the cycle with further products It’s a straightforward process built around practical experience - use the product, share your opinion, receive the next one.
The feedback gathered through Deligo R&D directly informs how our products are improved, refined and developed. From installation time and build quality to performance and durability, real-world insight helps us ensure our products continue to meet the demands of modern electrical work. Your experience matters - because it reflects how products are used in real time situations.
Deligo R&D is aimed at professional electricians who are actively involved in installing and using our products as par t of their work. The programme is built around practical use, real feedback and on-site experience.
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Register today at www.deligornd.co.uk
AUTUMN 2026 | 15
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LIGHTING
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Night Sky Friendly Lighting Light pollution is a huge problem in today’s world. Impacting human health, disrupting wildlife and ecosystems and affecting the wider environment, artificial illumination is wreaking havoc on the world around us.
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hilst one solution would be to simply switch the lights out at night, this isn’t a realistic option. Most civilisations cannot live without lighting after dark, as it is essential for safety, security, work and recreation. Whilst some light spill is unavoidable in built up areas, light pollution is usually caused by excessive, overly bright, ineffectively shielded or badly directed light. But it can be rectified through considered design and specification. As awareness of the issue grows, so too has demand for outdoor lighting products specifically designed to help reduce light pollution. For wholesalers, ensuring these products are readily available is hugely important and presents a growing sales opportunity.
When creating responsible exterior lighting schemes, there are five key principles that lighting designers take into account: useful, targeted, low level, controlled and appropriate colour. Wholesalers can support installers by stocking products that enable each of these principles to be achieved and helping customers understand the features they should be looking for. Targeted light is particularly important. For minimal light spill to occur, light should be directed only where it is required rather than spilling upwards or into surrounding areas. Fully shielded luminaires and products with carefully designed optics, advanced lens technology and effective glare control can be used to achieve this and to significantly reduce unwanted light spill. When it comes to the low level principal, this means that the light emitted should be no brighter than necessary. Over-lighting a space not only contributes to light pollution but also wastes energy, so installers will need a choice of products that are both power
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by Nick Gwilliam, Lighting Designer at Ansell Lighting
selectable and dimmable, allowing light levels to be tailored to the individual installation and adjusted where necessary. Control is another fundamental design principle of exterior lighting. Lighting needs to be adaptable, allowing settings to be changed according to when and how the space is being used. Smart systems are a great option, enabling timings, brightness and other settings to be easily adjusted and automated to ensure lighting is only used at the level required. Products offering dimming, selectable power and adjustable settings are also a must, and give installers greater ability to tailor an installation to its surroundings. Photocells, microwave and PIR sensors are great options too, ensuring lighting is activated only when needed. Finally, colour is also a key element of night friendly lighting design. Cooler light contains more blue-violet hues which can have a
greater negative impact on the night-time environment. Wholesalers should ensure that their product ranges include warmer light sources with a CCT of 3000K or below giving installers the option to select more appropriate colour temperatures for nighttime applications. Stocking products that meet these requirements gives wholesalers an opportunity to meet customer needs and ensure installers have access to suitable outdoor lighting solutions. Increasing the availability of products that support night sky friendly design principles, and encouraging customers to opt for them, can help ensure future installations are targeted, precise, efficient and effective. Whilst key, products are just one part of the solution to light pollution - education is equally as important. Wholesalers should take an active role in this, educating installers on the principles of responsible exterior lighting design and how to minimise light spill. Staff need to understand the relevant product features and be able to explain why factors such as shielding, optics, mounting position, colour temperature and controls matter, rather than focusing solely on output, price or energy efficiency. Wholesalers have an important role to play in reducing light pollution. By stocking the right products, understanding the principles behind responsible exterior lighting and helping installers make better-informed choices, they can support the move towards lighting installations that provide the illumination we need without unnecessarily impacting the night sky.
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:08:10
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01/09/2026 14:12:05
EV
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
The Impact of Lightning Protection Systems on External EV Charger Circuits When installing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the conversation often centres on load balancing or earthing arrangements. However, a critical—and often overlooked— requirement involves the integration of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), particularly when the installation features an external Lightning Protection System (LPS)
U
nderstanding the intersection of BS 7671:2018 and BS EN 62305 is vital for ensuring both the safety of the user and the longevity of the equipment.
THE RISK OF EXTERNAL EXPOSURE EV chargers are inherently vulnerable because they are frequently installed in exposed locations. This positioning makes them susceptible to the secondary effects of nearby lightning strikes, which can induce massive overvoltages in the cabling. This risk is significantly amplified under two specific conditions: • External Lightning Protection: If the building has an existing LPS, any cable crossing from Lightning Protection Zone 0 to Zone 1 must be protected. • Overhead Supplies: If the EV unit is supplied directly from a main incomer fed by an overhead supply, the exposure to atmospheric surges increases.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR LPS-EQUIPPED SITES If you are installing an EV charger—or a bank of chargers—on an installation that features an external LPS, the requirements become more stringent. According to BS EN 62305, a Type 1 SPD is a requirement to protect the installation from the highenergy overvoltages associated with direct or nearby strikes. To ensure full protection for both the building and the chargers, a dual-layer approach is necessary: 1. At the Distribution Board (DB): A Type 1 SPD must be installed in the DB supplying the external circuit to protect the internal installation. This will protect the installation from any overvoltages caused by the raise in potential on the external cable during lightning activity. 2. At the Feeder Pillar: Another Type 1 device should be installed in the feeder pillar supplying the chargers. This protects the chargers themselves from lightning effects traveling along the external cabling.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NON LPSEQUIPPED SITES Just as a reminder, 443.4 states that: Protection against overvoltages shall be provided where the consequences caused by over voltage could: I. result in serious injury to, or loss of, human life II. result in significant financial or data loss For all other cases an SPD shall be installed, unless the owner accepts the risk of damage. The obvious starting place would be to consider the result in significant financial loss. EV technology is expensive to install, not just from a charger perspective but also for the car itself. We also have to consider the implications involved, if a charger was damaged and the user could not charge their vehicle, which could significantly impact their lives.
PROTECTING “LOSS OF NEUTRAL” SAFETY TECHNOLOGY Beyond hardware damage, there is a profound safety implication regarding loss of neutral detection technology (PEN fault detectors). Many modern chargers rely on sensitive electronic components to disconnect the supply if a PEN
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conductor is broken—a fault that could otherwise make the vehicle’s chassis live. If these sensitive components are damaged by a surge or lightning-induced overvoltage, this vital safety disconnection may fail. In such a scenario, a subsequent neutral fault could lead to a serious electric shock for anyone touching the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF COMPLIANCE While Section 710 of BS 7671 focuses on EV specifics, the general rules of section 443.4 dictate that protection against overvoltage must be provided where it could result in: • Serious injury or loss of human life. • Significant financial or data loss (considering the high cost of both the charger and the vehicle). For external circuits and installations with lightning protection, an SPD is not just a recommendation; it is a fundamental requirement to prevent catastrophic failure of the charger’s safety systems and the vehicle’s electronics. For further guidance on complying with BS 7671:2018 or to join one of our free CPD sessions, please reach out to our technical team. Kirsty Johnson MIET kirsty@surgedevices.co.uk www.surgedevices.co.uk
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:12:50
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01/09/2026 14:12:50
EV
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
The devil’s in the detail Part S of the Building Regulations is still something of a mystery to many M&E contractors, says Cris Chapman, managing director of Sevadis. Here, he provides an overview of the regulations and explains why failing to meet the requirements could add significant time and cost to projects
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he transition to electrification is no longer a vague ambition, it’s a regulatory and commercial reality reshaping the built environment. For developers of housing estates, business parks and retail schemes, Part S of the Building Regulations marks a significant shift in expectations around EV infrastructure. Yet understanding of the regulation remains uneven across the industry.
MILESTONES TO ELECTRIFICATION The trajectory toward EV-ready buildings began with the UK government’s 2019 announcement of its intention to mandate EV charge point provision in all new developments, supporting the wider decarbonisation of transport. This ambition has since been reinforced at a European level, with the 2025 update to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introducing more stringent EV infrastructure requirements across member states, even though the UK sits outside the EU framework. A key domestic milestone followed in June 2022, when Part S was formally introduced. However, a delayed implementation period and transitional provisions for projects already in the pipeline have led to gaps in awareness and compliance, as many developments now reaching completion were started before Part S was fully understood. That honeymoon period is over – developers now need a clear understanding of its principles and practices.
Without intervention, this imbalance risks undermining consumer confidence and slowing the transition. Looking ahead, projected EV sales growth suggests pressure on infrastructure will only intensify. New buildings must not only accommodate current demand, but anticipate future capacity requirements.
UNDERSTANDING PART S: CORE REQUIREMENTS Despite being an apparently innocuous part of the Building Regulations, the practical implementation of Part S is far from simple, and can apply to a range of development scenarios with distinct obligations. Below is a broad outline of the key requirements. New residential buildings with associated parking must include at least one EV charge point per dwelling, whether the parking is within the curtilage or a nearby allocated space. Commercial buildings must provide at least one charge point plus cable routes for a defined proportion of parking spaces, ensuring both immediate provision and future scalability. Where a building undergoes significant works and has more than 10 parking spaces, developers must install charge points and enabling infrastructure, subject to feasibility and cost thresholds. Change of use is another commonly overlooked aspect. Buildings undergoing a material change of use (typically office to residential) are also captured under Part S, triggering similar requirements to new-build scenarios, while mixed-use developments must meet the relevant requirements for each component – often creating complex compliance scenarios within a single project.
READ THE SMALL PRINT
LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE? The urgency behind Part S becomes clearer against market data. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the ratio of public charge points to EVs in the UK is actually declining, as EV adoption outpaces charge point growth. While the European average is six EVs per charge point, the UK lags behind at 17.
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Part S is defined by its nuances, and it is here that many developers encounter difficulties. One example concerns the interpretation of a “major renovation”, which hinges on whether works affect a significant proportion of the building envelope or technical systems – and readings can vary, particularly in phased developments or partial refurbishments. Certain buildings are exempt, including those without associated parking, small-scale developments, and some listed or conservationsensitive properties; eligibility requires careful reading of both Part S and planning constraints. A key provision is the £3,600 per charge point cost cap, intended to prevent disproportionate
financial burden. In practice this cap includes not just hardware but enabling works such as cabling and grid connection, and for sites with constrained power supply or complex layouts, costs can quickly exceed the threshold.
M&E CONSIDERATIONS Compliance means delivering systems that meet technical standards – adequate power output, dedicated electrical circuits and adherence to BS EN 61851, which governs charging system safety and performance. These requirements also affect electrical design, load management and coordination with distribution network operators. Subterranean parking presents additional challenges, including ventilation, fire safety and cable routing, and integrating EV infrastructure here often requires early-stage design coordination or risks cost and programme impacts later.
A CHANGING COMPLIANCE LANDSCAPE One of the most significant developments since Part S was introduced is the increasing scrutiny applied during approval, with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and building control bodies now assessing EV infrastructure compliance more rigorously.. As a result, projects are beginning to fail at gateway stages due to inadequate or poorly evidenced adherence to Part S – often a lack of documentation rather than outright non-compliance. The realities of Part S are far more complex than many assumed: a seemingly straightforward requirement quickly becomes a multidisciplinary challenge spanning planning, electrical engineering, cost management and regulatory interpretation. With EV adoption accelerating and scrutiny increasing, developers can no longer treat EV infrastructure as a secondary consideration – it must be embedded from the outset. Crucially, successful delivery increasingly depends on collaboration: working with experienced EV infrastructure providers who understand Part S and related standards can help developers navigate the regulatory landscape, avoid costly redesigns and meet current and future demand. In an industry defined by detail, Part S is a reminder that compliance means understanding the system as a whole, not just meeting minimum standards. For more information about Sevadis and its expertise in Part S Building Regulations, visit www.sevadis.com.
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:14:14
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CABLE MANAGEMENT
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
More than a component: unlocking value through better cable cleat selection Once overlooked, cable cleats are today recognised as critical to the safety and performance of electrical installations. Lee Frizzell, Technical Director of CMP Products, speaks to W&ED about how the market has evolved and why they are now an integral part of cable management design
“Y
ou only need to go back 20-years to find a time when cable cleats were not consistently specified and formal guidance was limited. They were often replaced with lower-cost alternatives that did little to secure cables effectively once installed. Today, that has changed. The importance of cable cleats is widely understood, and demand continues to grow across various sectors. Modern cleats are designed, tested and engineered with precision, in line with recognised standards, and are considered an integral part of system design.”
As a result, today’s cable cleats offer greater flexibility in specification, installation and maintenance than ever before; helping to reduce overall project costs in terms of time and money.
THE NEED FOR TECHNICAL AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT Choosing the right cable cleat is not always straightforward. Many installations require careful assessment to ensure the most appropriate solution is selected. Cable layout, prospective fault current, installation environment and relevant standards can all influence the specification. Get it wrong, and the consequences can be serious - including infrastructure downtime, equipment damage and safety risks. This has made technical support increasingly important. Manufacturers are now expected to provide guidance on product selection, testing data and compliance; and support engineers, contractors and wholesalers throughout specification.
WHY EXPERIENCE MATTERS
IMPROVING SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND EASE OF INSTALLATION The primary role of a cable cleat is to secure and support cables, ensuring they remain safely in place - particularly under fault conditions. Electrical installations often carry high fault currents, generating powerful electromechanical forces during a short circuit. Without adequate restraint, cables can move violently, potentially damaging equipment and creating serious safety risks. Manufacturers have also had to respond to the realities of working on site. Contractors are under constant pressure to deliver projects quickly, increasing demand for solutions that are easier and faster to install.
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As the market has grown, so too has the number of manufacturers and products available. While greater choice is welcome, not all products are equal. Lower-cost alternatives can appear similar, but differences in materials, design and verification can significantly impact performance. And some even lack recognised or independently verified test data. Developing cable cleats for demanding fault conditions requires significant engineering expertise, extensive testing and a deep understanding of real-world installations. Experience is also critical as regulations evolve and infrastructure changes, enabling manufacturers to adapt based on proven knowledge and testing.
SAFETY, COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE VERSUS COST As performance demands increase, so too does the pressure to reduce costs. However, focusing solely on purchase price can overlook far wider implications.
Cable cleats perform a critical safety function with the capacity to deliver a value far greater than their price over the lifetime of the installation. Therefore, product quality and verified performance, not cost should be central to specification decisions. A key part of this value lies in the quality and credibility of product testing. Short-circuit testing must accurately replicate real-world fault conditions, considering factors such as peak fault current, cable spacing and installation configuration. But the depth, scope and quality of testing can vary significantly between manufacturers. As such, testing to recognised standards, such as IEC 61914, should provide the benchmark.
INVESTING IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT As projects become more demanding, manufacturers must invest in products that respond to changing installation requirements. One example of this approach can be seen in the evolution of our cleat ranges to better address different cable sizes and installation demands. • Our Everest and Olympus ranges were initially developed for larger MV/HV cable diameters (typically 100-200 mm) • Recognising that certain smaller cable installations would benefit from a more robust solution, we introduced Everest-S (trefoil) and Olympus-S to cover 52-100 mm 50-110 mm respectively. Both retain the core design of the large products, but with a more compact profile and two-point clamping. Another prime example, comes from increasing power densities - particularly in sectors such as data centres. This has driven the development of quad cleat designs, allowing phase conductors and neutral to be secured within a single cleat to optimise space.
LOOKING AHEAD As expectations around safety and compliance continue to grow, cable cleats are no longer treated as an afterthought. Choosing the right products - a choice supported by proven testing and technical expertise - gives everyone involved confidence that safety, reliability and performance have been built in from the outset and ensures installations perform as intended, both immediately and long term. For more information on CMP Products visit the website: www.cmp-products.com.
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01/09/2026 14:14:55
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09.06.2026 16:12:10 01/09/2026 11:48:28
CABLE MANAGEMENT
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Building cable management into every project from day one John Humphery, Chair of the BEAMA Cable Management Product Group, explains why Amendment 4 to the IET Wiring Regulations brings cable management into the specification conversation earlier and what that means for wholesalers advising contractors AMENDMENT 4 AND CABLE MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATION Amendment 4 is more than a standards update, as BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 is designed to help shape specification decisions from the very first conversation between a wholesaler and customer. It requires cable management to be considered before the project begins on site to ensure the right products, evidence and technical support are in place from the outset. Now, under the guidance of Amendment 4, cable management should be treated as part of the compliance strategy, not just as a supporting component. Wiring systems need to be selected for the environment in which they will be installed, including considerations such as mechanical stress, temperature, moisture, corrosive or polluting substances, bonding continuity, fire spread where containment crosses compartment lines and the separation of circuits with different voltage bands. In short, the change is an opportunity to improve confidence, consistency and safety by aligning the cable management specification more closely with the requirements of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.
These and other changes broaden what it means to get cable management right. Specification is no longer only a mechanical decision about support, space and appearance - now contractors increasingly need to show that a cable management system satisfies the relevant regulation, especially in the environment where it will be installed, with evidence to back that choice. BEAMA’s Cable Management Products Group (CMPG) can help wholesalers navigate the new requirements. Its member manufacturers contribute to the standards committees that shape regulation, giving them practical insight into how requirements are developing and how those changes affect product selection, stock decisions and customer guidance.
AN EARLY CONFORMANCE CHECKPOINT BUILDING BETTER DECISIONS INTO EVERY PROJECT Amendment 4 also reflects the way buildings are changing - for example, Section 716 recognises that low-voltage data cabling is routinely used to power lighting, access control and building-management devices, often in larger bundles.That affects heat dissipation and current-carrying capacity, making fill ratios and ventilation a conformance issue. Another example is the change in requirements for stationary secondary batteries, which raises similar questions for buildings combining solar PV with battery storage, where cable routes must account for fire risk and higher-current DC protection.
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Electrical wholesalers are central to that process because they are often the contractor’s first technical and commercial contact and under UK legislation have legal obligations. By asking about the installation environment, checking that products are manufactured and tested to recognised standards and signposting support from BEAMA CMPG manufacturers, they can move the conversation beyond price and availability before products reach site. That role matters most when products are substituted or projects involve more complex applications. If an alternative product can be checked against the intended performance, compatibility and compliance requirements before it is supplied, contractors are less likely
to face late-stage issues that affect safety, programme or margin.
KEEPING SAFETY VISIBLE BEYOND INSTALLATION Product safety sits at the heart of this, with cable management systems supporting, separating and protecting cables throughout the life cycle of a building. As Amendment 4 brings greater attention to the conditions in which wiring systems operate, robust product testing and clear technical documentation give contractors a stronger basis for safe, long-lasting installations. With BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 now the sole reference point, every new installation, alteration and periodic inspection should reflect the expectations of Amendment 4. For wholesalers, that makes cable management a more important technical conversation at the counter as well as on the specification. It may not be the most visible part of an electrical installation, but in a safetyled, evidence-based industry, it should never be treated as an afterthought. BEAMA is the UK’s national trade association for energy systems and infrastructure. Its Cable Management Products Group (CMPG) consists of leading companies that manufacture cable containment and support systems for the safe distribution of power and data across buildings. Its members provide quality cable management solutions backed by specialist technical knowledge and support. Visit beama. org.uk to learn more and contact BEAMA Cable Management Products Group members.
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:15:35
PODCAST
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Lighting under the spotlight
T
he Electrical Times Podcast recently sat down with Dan Griffiths, Technical Operations Manager at the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), to unpack the massive shifts hitting the lighting sector. From navigating complex regulatory updates to understanding the true impact of AI on design, Griffiths shares vital insights for the modern electrical contractor
ELECTRICAL TIMES (ET): TO START, COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO YOUR ROLE AT THE LIA? Dan Griffiths (DG): I’ve been in the lighting industry for 16 years, initially driven by a creative background in screenwriting and playwriting. I became fascinated by light, starting in lighting design before moving into product and optical design. I’ve been with the LIA for two years now, sitting on British and European application standards committees. I look after how we can make lighting better and lead our lighting design courses, which beautifully marries my creative side with my technical interest in how things work.
melatonin management. It’s a rapidly evolving field, and a new standard (12464-3) is currently being developed to address the non-visual effects of lighting.
ET: FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT NOT KNOW, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE LIA? DG: We are a not-for-profit trade and membership association representing lighting manufacturers, importers, and distributors. We have around 185 members, representing roughly £1.6 billion of the UK’s estimated £2.4 billion industry turnover. Our team assists with compliance, safety, and standards, but a massive part of our role is advocacy—working directly with government bodies to ensure upcoming regulations are feasible and won’t damage the industry.
ET: WITH THE RECENT UPDATES TO BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L (ENERGY EFFICIENCY) AND PART B (FIRE SAFETY), WHAT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHANGE FOR CONTRACTORS ON THE GROUND? DG: For Part L, the big change is the efficacy increase. The target for a whole building has gone to 105 lumens per watt. At the LIA, we successfully advocated to lower this slightly for decorative lighting and high-CRI, tuned-white options. Contractors just need to ensure that they can provide solid evidence to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) if a whole building or serious modification undergoes assessment. Part B is a trickier challenge surrounding TP(a) and TP(b) flammability ratings. The current standard referenced by building regulations dates back to 1977 and was actually withdrawn in 1992 – making it over 30 years out of date! It was designed for thick, single-layer fluorescent diffusers, but modern products use multiple layers. Our market surveillance showed that nine out of 10 currently rated TP(a) products would fail under potential future multi-layer testing methods. Contractors must ask their suppliers whether their products were tested using single or multi-layer methods.
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ET: MOVING TO TECHNOLOGY, CAN AI DESIGN A COMPLIANT LIGHTING LAYOUT FASTER THAN A HUMAN RIGHT NOW?
The LIA’s Dan Griffiths on standards, control, and the rise of AI ET: REGULATORS ARE HEAVILY FOCUSED ON THE “PERFORMANCE GAP” BETWEEN BUILDING DESIGN AND REALITY. HOW DO CONTROLS HELP CLOSE THIS? DG: Part L mandates controls, but they are rarely enforced or continuously commissioned. LED efficiency gains have plateaued—we used to see 10% year-on-year increases, but now it’s less than 1%. The real energy savings are now in controls. A building’s layout adapts over time as desks and movement patterns change. Continual commissioning ensures lights are dimmed or turned off when not needed, which provides the ultimate saving.
ET: THERE IS A LOT OF BUZZ AROUND “HEALTHY LIGHTING.” BEYOND COLOR TEMPERATURE, WHAT KEY METRICS ACTUALLY DEFINE A HEALTHY SCHEME? DG: If I exclude intensity, I would point to the spectrum of the light and, crucially, time. It’s about getting the right doses of light at the right time. We need high-dose blue spectrum light in the morning to get us going, but we want to avoid it late at night. There is also massive interest right now in the benefits of deep red wavelengths for cell regeneration and
DG: AI is incredibly powerful for conceptualization. What used to take a designer hours or days on Photoshop or Blender can now be generated as 10 full concepts in minutes. However, it still struggles with compliant engineering layouts and lacks the human element. The risk over the next five years is competency; people will be able to generate beautiful portfolios using AI to sound like experts, without actually knowing how to physically design or install it in real life.
ET: FINALLY, HOW DOES TRADITIONAL “SMART LIGHTING” DIFFER FROM TODAY’S AI-DRIVEN SYSTEMS? DG: Smart lighting has suffered for a decade because systems gathered a mass amount of data that no one had the horsepower or time to analyse. For example, data could show you which warehouse aisles are triggered most often to help optimize logistics, but the data just sat there. AI is changing this by automating the data analysis for you, providing instant answers on where your efficiencies and control systems can be improved.
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/ lighting-under-the-spotlight/
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01/09/2026 16:39:41
PODCAST
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
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
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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?
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.
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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: 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 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.
ET: IN A STANDARD COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING, WHAT OFFERS THE FASTEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)? IS IT HEATING, COOLING, OR SOMETHING ELSE? 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
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 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: FOR THE CONTRACTORS AND ENGINEERS ON THE GROUND INSTALLING THESE SYSTEMS, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BOTTLENECKS? 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
@WED_magazine
01/09/2026 14:16:09
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& WED
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Metal Clad Pro – robust wiring accessories from Click Scolmore
Custom consumer unit branding with Elucian’s bespoke in-house laser etching
Metal Clad Pro from Click Scolmore is a premium, durable wiring accessories range with a modern aesthetic and long-lasting performance. With a curved profile and matching surface boxes, the range includes switches, socket outlets, modular plates, fused connection units, and surface/blank boxes — in Metal Clad Grey, Polar White, and Matt Black. Sitting alongside the existing Metal Clad portfolio, it offers a more modern solution with modular construction for easy on-site customisation. Key features: Curved profile with matching back box** – neat, unobtrusive fit. *LED Indicator** – brighter, modern, replaces neon. *Ingot-Style Socket Pins** – replaces T-shaped pins (excluding round pin). *New Insert Shapes** – less exposed plastic on FCUs and 20A switches. *3 Pin Safety Shutters** – all pins must engage before shutters open. *Customisable Configurations** – compatible with MiniGrid range. FCUs also include: Vertical fuse orientation** for better aesthetic. *Lockable fuse drawer** for added security. *Angled terminals**, uniformly upward. *Strip length marking** on rear housing. *Enhanced fuse ventilation** for cooler operation. Electrophoretically coated plates and back boxes suit demanding settings, backed by a 20-year warranty. Tested to BS 1363 and covered under Scolmore’s Kitemark Licence.
Launched by the Scolmore Group in 2021, Elucian is a trusted name in circuit protection and has enhanced its 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. www.elucianuk.com
www.scolmore.com
Beating the British heatwave: a two-in-one lighting and fan fix With the recent long UK heatwave, homeowners have been asking how to
• Reversible six-speed fan motor - forward airflow
stay cool without a full air conditioning install. Forum Lighting Solutions has
for summer cooling, reverse for winter to circulate
responded by expanding its decorative lighting collection with a new range of
warm air down
LED ceiling lights with integrated fans - one fitting delivering both lighting and cooling, wired once and controlled entirely by remote. Electricians are fielding more client requests for something more effective
• Remote-controlled fan speed, light output and colour temperature. No wall controller needed • Switchable colour temperature
than a standing fan but less disruptive than air conditioning. This range offers
(3000K/4000K/6000K)
installers a straightforward answer: a single ceiling fitting that lights the room
• Three-level dimming
and moves the air, with no separate fan circuit or extra switch wiring required.
• Built-in 2- or 4-hour timer
The range spans three designs - Ingram, Lyona and Trinity - each available
For electricians, a factory-wired combined unit means less first-fix planning
in black, satin nickel, chrome and warm brass. Every fitting combines light
and no separate fan isolator circuit, just a tidier ceiling rose with one point of
and fan motor in one unit, connecting to a standard ceiling rose like a
connection. It’s a natural upgrade for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and
conventional pendant or flush fitting, with the remote handling everything from
conservatories during a rewire, refit or bedroom update.
first fix onward.
www.forumlightingsolutions.com/product-category/decorative-lighting-new/
Key specification highlights:
ceiling-lights-with-fan/
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, following significant investment in innovation, performance, and compliance. A major addition is the Synex5, a Five-in-One Exit Sign offering multiple mounting options in a single unit — ceiling and wall mount as standard, with accessories for suspended, recessed, or side-mounted installations. Every Orbik product also benefits from key upgrades: enhanced self-test functionality, long-life LiFePO4 battery technology, a five-year warranty, and refined designs.
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The expanded Orbik portfolio - The range spans exit signs, Five-in-One exit signs, hanging exit signs, exit boxes, twin spots, circular and square spots, bulkheads, pin spots, and control gear — covering diverse commercial and industrial needs. Bespoke emergency lighting designs- Ovia also offers bespoke design schemes compliant with BS5266, with specialists producing tailored layouts for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. www.oviauk.com
@WED_magazine
26/08/2026 14:57:09
Wholesaler & Electrical Distributor
Sangamo highlights three channel programmable thermostat kit as installers prepare homes for winter With August marking the start of pre-winter boiler checks, Sangamo is reminding installers of its three channel programmable thermostat kit — an easy-to-install, Part L compliant solution for zoned heating control. The kit gives independent control of two heating zones and hot water, helping installers meet Part L requirements where zoning is stipulated. Ideal for seasonal upgrades Late summer is when homeowners think about winter readiness — booking servicing, replacing outdated controls, and improving efficiency. It’s the perfect time for installers to recommend zoning solutions. Key features: Three independent channels – two for heating, one for hot water Two RF programmable room thermostats included Flexible installation – wall mount or free-standing Large backlit display for low-light visibility Smart control via ClickSmart+ – local or remote Ideal for retrofit, minimal disruption Supporting energy efficiency Multi-zone heating is key to efficient home design. The kit helps installers deliver better control in larger or multi-storey homes, reduce waste, and support compliance for refurbishments and extensions.
www.espuk.com
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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.
www.unicrimp.com
METER BOX HOCKEY STICKS Reliable protection from cable duct to meter box See the review!
www.marshall-tufflex.com
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