Our new dedicated UK range is tailored to meet British installation requirements. Every product is designed to make every installers job easier. A complete range that fits right into your daily work – because that‘s exactly what we built it for. For more information on this range visit www.ledvance.co.uk
Comment
What lessons can be learned from recent power outages across Europe?
8 Building Services
If you can move past the myths, an industrial heat pump could be an efficient way to generate heat for factories, while cutting carbon costs, according to ENGIE Impact’s Gauthier Bechet.
16 Power
David Sheldrake from POWWR believes migrating 30 million meters to Ofgem’s new half-hourly model is the catalyst for smarter pricing, grid stability and a faster route to net zero
20 Renewables
Between January and October 2024, the UK wasted over 5,000 GWh of wind energy – but Mike Torbitt, Managing Director at Cressall, believes he has a fix.
24 Skills
Tapping the UK’s nine million economically inactive adults could electrify progress toward net zero by 2050.
26 Testing
By following a clear six-step process, manufacturers can swap compliance headaches for a fast, trusted route into global markets, says Leigh Picton, Laboratory Manager at Kiwa.
8 16 22
Editor’s
COMMENT
What the hell just happened?
To borrow the title of the United Kingdom’s 2025 Eurovision entry, what the hell just happened? The last few months have seen some rather high profile power outages, both in the UK and across Europe – whether it’s the Iberian Peninsula, the Cannes Film Festival, or Heathrow Airport.
Those three separate incidents highlighted the fragility of our modern day electricity system, and proved that investment should not just go into installing more renewable energy capacity as part of our quest for net zero, but also towards improving the resilience of the grid by making it more modular, more interconnected, and more secure.
Firstly, we can quickly analyse the issues that caused the Iberian blackout – which unfolded over the course of just five seconds. A chain reaction that began with a 2.2 GW loss at substations in Granada, Badajoz and Seville ultimately wiped 15 GW of capacity from the grid – equivalent to about 60% of Spanish demand. That caused the whole system to trip, impacting public transport, hospitals and data links in both Spain and Portugal, and even as far afield as the south of France and Andorra. It also exposed the fragility of the Iberian Peninsula to these kinds of events.
While European countries have been busy building interconnectors between their countries to ensure they can source power from outside their own borders, the Iberian peninsula remains an island grid. In fact, their interconnection capacity sits at just 3%, much lower than the 15% target set by the European Union. Without more interconnection capacity, the Spanish electrical operator Red Eléctrica de España, couldn’t lean on a neighbouring grid while they carried out a black-start, prolonging the outage. A lesson that appears to have been heard clearly in Madrid and Lisbon – with both asking the EU to push for more interconnection with France.
Of course, France has had its own issues in recent weeks, one that caused a power outage during the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. Unlike the issues on the Iberian Peninsula, however, this was caused by human vandalism – as a substation supplying Cannes was torched by arsonists, and a 225 kV pylon had its legs cut. Just 24 hours later, another transformer fire locally knocked out power for 45,000 people in Nice. The lesson in this case is that while we’ve been worrying about resilience in the age of renewables, or beefing up cybersecurity – physical security is still a major concern.
And then comes the United Kingdom’s own issues – two notable issues, one at Heathrow Airport and one that impacted the London Underground, knocking out the brand-new Elizabeth Line, along with three other lines. The first was caused by a substation fire, but raises questions as to why Heathrow doesn’t have better backups, especially as data centres in the area remained online, while the second was the result of a National Grid voltage dip.
All these incidents have one thing in common – they expose the vulnerabilities in our modern electrical system, and highlight the reasons we can’t take our foot off the gas when it comes to the ‘Great Grid Upgrade’.
Jordan O’Brien, Editor
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Laser focused on arcing faults
The InsuLogix® G2
The InsuLogix® G2 accurately measures low levels of acetylene, providing reliable detection of arcing faults in their early stages. The InsuLogix® G2 empowers transformer owners to take necessary actions to mitigate further damage to their transformers preventing costly unplanned outages.
Monitoring acetylene, along with hydrogen and moisture, provides you with the important actionable information needed to help protect your power transformer.
Some of the key features of the InsuLogix® G2 are:
■ Laser technology - detects down at 0.5 ppm acetylene in oil
■ Hydrogen detection for early fault awareness
■ Easy to install - Proven installation in 1.5 hours
■ Long life, low maintenance 10+ years Megger’s InsuLogix® G2 … the unique solution for detecting potential dangers before they damage your transformer.
Simmtronic launches the SPQ.7 environment sensor
A smarter way to build for wellness and sustainability
As the construction industry embraces smart-building technology and rising expectations around sustainability, wellness and operational efficiency, the demand for real-time environment data has never been greater. In response to this shift, Simmtronic, a leading UK-based specialist in intelligent lighting-control systems, proudly introduces its latest innovation: the SPQ.7 environment sensor.
The SPQ.7 goes beyond being just another piece of tech — it’s built for a turning point in the industry. As the sector pivots towards data-driven decisions, healthier buildings and more sustainable operations, the SPQ.7 is designed to deliver the insights and integration that modern construction projects now demand. Compact, powerful and designed with both form and function in mind, it’s set to become an essential component of smart-building strategies for forward-thinking contractors, consultants and facilities teams.
Who is Simmtronic?
For over 30 years, Simmtronic has been at the forefront of intelligent lighting control in the UK, offering fully integrated solutions that combine energy efficiency with user comfort. As an independent specialist, Simmtronic brings together technical expertise, innovation and client-led design to deliver control systems for some of the UK’s most high-profile commercial projects — from skyscrapers in the city to landmark cultural venues.
With a focus on delivering reliable, scalable and flexible systems, Simmtronic has consistently met the evolving needs of the construction
and property sectors. And now, with the launch of the SPQ.7 environment sensor, the company is extending its reach even further — into the realm of environment sensing.
Why now? The shift towards data-driven buildings
The launch of the SPQ.7 couldn’t come at a more relevant time. As sustainability standards tighten and occupiers demand healthier workplaces, developers and contractors are under pressure to deliver spaces that are not just smart, but insightful.
Smart buildings are no longer defined by motion-triggered lights or scheduled HVAC systems. Today, the emphasis is on intelligent environments — buildings that can sense, adapt and respond in real time. This requires accurate, multi-layered data collected directly from the environment.
The SPQ.7 was created to help clients move from automation to optimisation — where systems don’t just turn on and off independently, but work intelligently together based on real insights. In short, it enables clients to put data into action.
Introducing the SPQ.7 environment sensor
The SPQ.7 is an all-in-one precision sensor that packs seven environment-monitoring functions into a single, compact unit. Designed specifically for commercial and smart-office environments, it gives building operators the power to monitor, understand and optimise their internal environments like never before.
What it measures:
• CO2 (carbon dioxide) – True CO₂ sensing for accurate air-quality and occupancy monitoring
• Temperature – Ambient-temperature monitoring to inform HVAC control
• Humidity – Helps maintain comfort and indoor-air quality
• Light – Enables analytics and optimisation of lighting
• Sound – Monitors ambient noise levels to support acoustic comfort and identify crowded or noisy zones
Each of these sensors plays a role in improving how buildings perform — individually, and especially when used in combination. Together, they give a rich, real-time picture of environmental conditions, helping teams move from reactive responses to proactive building management.
Effortless integration by design
One of the SPQ.7’s standout features is just how easily it integrates into existing systems. Whether you’re working on a new build or retrofitting an older space, the sensor’s flexible mounting options and screwless, modern aesthetic allow it to blend into any interior without compromising design intent.
Thanks to its ultra-low power usage — less than ¼ watt — the SPQ.7 is incredibly efficient to run, supporting sustainability goals while keeping energy costs down. It can be installed quickly and cleanly, without the need for complex wiring or third-party adapters. It connects directly to any Simmtronic LCM (Lighting Control Module), ensuring seamless integration into existing systems with minimal disruption.
For clients looking to retrofit sensors into older buildings without major infrastructure changes, the SPQ.7 presents an ideal solution — future-ready without being invasive.
Data you can use – when and where you need it
Data is only as useful as it is accessible. That’s why the SPQ.7 is built to work seamlessly with Simmtronic’s Live Viewer software, where sensor data can be visualised, tracked and analysed.
But it doesn’t stop there. The data from the SPQ.7 is made available via open protocols, allowing it to be integrated into building-management systems (BMS), analytics dashboards or third-party software platforms. This enables clients to build an accurate, layered picture of building performance — from energy consumption to occupancy patterns to indoor-air quality — across multiple zones or entire buildings.
This flexibility makes it easier for contractors and facilities managers to act on real data, not assumptions — whether that’s fine-tuning ventilation schedules based on CO₂ levels, responding to unexpected temperature or humidity shifts, or using long-term trends to drive broader sustainability strategies.
Supporting healthier, more productive workspaces
In a post-pandemic world, the conversation around workplace design has shifted. Occupants want more than smart lighting or heating — they want to know that the air they’re breathing is clean, that the space is comfortable, and that the environment supports their wellbeing.
The SPQ.7 plays a key role here. With its true CO₂ sensing, it enables
ventilation systems to respond dynamically to real-time air-quality data. By identifying VOC sources, measuring sound levels and tracking crowding through CO₂ and noise data, it can help inform policies around quiet zones, flexible working areas and safe-occupancy levels.
This kind of insight isn’t just useful for facilities managers — it’s critical for HR teams, tenant engagement and ESG reporting. As the WELL Building Standard and other frameworks grow in influence, the SPQ.7 is already built to help clients align with these expectations.
A smarter sensor for a smarter industry
The SPQ.7 isn’t a reinvention of the wheel — it’s a reflection of where the industry is heading. In a landscape where performance, wellness and sustainability are no longer nice-to-haves but must-haves, the buildings we design and manage need to do more.
By combining robust sensor capabilities, seamless integration and intelligent software connectivity, the SPQ.7 delivers exactly what today’s buildings demand: data-rich insight that drives meaningful action.
For contractors, that means delivering more value with every project. For developers, it means meeting the rising expectations of tenants and regulators. And for occupants, it means working in environments that are healthier, smarter and more comfortable — without even knowing it.
The bottom line
The SPQ.7 environment sensor is more than just another smart sensor. It’s a compact, elegant and powerful tool that helps buildings perform better — from day one, and every day after.
Whether you’re designing the next flagship commercial space or retrofitting an older building for modern standards, the SPQ.7 gives you the insights, flexibility and integration you need to build smarter and operate better.
Welcome to the next generation of environmental control — powered by Simmtronic.
Interested in learning more or arranging a demo?
Visit www.simmtronic.com or contact the team directly to see how the SPQ.7 can elevate your next project.
Could heat pumps be the missing link in industrial decarbonisation?
Gauthier Bechet, Manager of Strategy & Implementation at ENGIE Impact, sets out why high-efficiency industrial heat pumps – fired by renewable electricity – could redefine factory heat and carbon costs, if companies can move past the myths
The industrial sector faces a critical and urgent challenge: reducing its reliance on fossil fuel generated heat. Nearly three-quarters of the energy used in industry is to generate heat, and 90% of it is still derived from fossil fuels. However, finding low-carbon solutions has proven difficult.
That said, there is a possible solution: heat pumps. When powered by renewable electricity, heat pumps offer a highly efficient, low-carbon solution to a wide range of thermal demands. In short, heat pumps can potentially transform industrial heating and cooling as next-generation technologies advance. Despite this, knowledge gaps persist in industrial settings, with many stakeholders doubting the reliability
and operational complexity of heat pumps.
Let’s explore some of the misconceptions around heat pumps, and how companies can fold this technology into their wider decarbonisation programmes.
The versatility of heat pumps
The key advantage of heat pumps lies in their remarkable efficiency and the ability to leverage waste heat from factory processes as well as the ground, air, and/or water. By converting low-temperature heat into higher-temperature heat, rather than generating heat from fuel combustion, they achieve 3-5 times the efficiency of traditional gas boilers, delivering significantly more heat per unit of input energy without the associated carbon emissions.
In addition to this, heat pumps are versatile and adaptable across a wide range of processes, making them a key technology for achieving net zero ambitions when integrated into a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. To give an example of their versatility, heat pumps can be used in several low-temperature applications, such as pasteurisation, drying, and cleaning in the food and beverage sector or bleaching, de-inking, and initial drying phases in the pulp and paper industry. When powered by green electricity, they offer a direct pathway to decarbonised heat.
Coupling heat pumps with renewable energy sources, such as onsite solar generation, enhances their sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Onsite renewable electricity not only reduces operational carbon footprints but also mitigates risks associated with fluctuating energy
costs and grid constraints. These factors make the combination of heat pumps and onsite renewables an excellent choice for companies aiming to achieve net zero goals.
Unifying heat pumps with electrification
One of the most important considerations when integrating heat pumps into industrial operations is recognising that they are not a one-size-fitsall solution. Their effectiveness depends on careful design and planning, including waste heat recovery and system optimisation.
In short, heat pumps are most effective when considered as part of a holistic decarbonisation strategy, extending beyond equipment replacement to encompass broader system integration, energy efficiency improvements, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Successfully integrating heat pumps into industrial operations requires more than just replacing traditional fossil fuel-driven equipment; it demands a comprehensive approach that includes analysing actual heat demands, ensuring grid capacity is sufficient, and exploring how renewables can support operations. For instance, installing onsite renewable energy sources, such as solar PV, can insulate operations from volatile electricity prices. By generating clean electricity onsite, companies enhance the sustainability of their heat pump systems while ensuring long-term cost stability. Only by taking these steps will heat pumps fully deliver on their promise as a no-regrets lever for industrial decarbonisation.
Cost misconceptions around heat pumps
Heat pump systems are often perceived as expensive due to their higher upfront costs compared to fossil fuel alternatives. Around two-thirds of the expense around heat pumps goes into design, installation, and integration within the existing site infrastructure. The heat pump unit itself accounts for only about one-third of the total cost.
In addition to this, heat pumps offer significant savings over
their lifecycle due to their high efficiency and lower operating costs, particularly when paired with renewable energy. However, their costeffectiveness does depend heavily on several geopolitical factors.
Geopolitical factors at play
The economic viability of heat pumps varies significantly by region due a concept called the ‘Spark Ratio’, or ‘Spark Gap’. This refers to the price difference between electricity and natural gas. A narrow Spark Gap can unlock the potential of heat pumps as a decarbonisation solution, but in regions where conditions are unfavourable, even the most efficient systems may struggle to gain traction.
Another factor that can influence cost effectiveness is regulatory environments across different regions. Countries with strong renewable energy incentives and carbon pricing mechanisms enhance the business case for heat pump adoption. Conversely, in regions with limited support for electrification, transitioning to heat pumps may be financially challenging without broader reforms.
Understanding the economic viability of heat pumps requires a holistic view of market dynamics as well as policy frameworks. For instance, in the EU, policies such as the REACH and F-Gas regulations have limited and/or banned the use of certain refrigerants in heat pumps. Heat pump developers and industries must navigate these regulatory and environmental shifts carefully, ensuring compliance while adopting refrigerants that balance performance, safety, and sustainability.
Additionally, companies with multiple sites in different countries need to be aware of these parameters, as well as the potential for onsite solar energy production when considering portfolio-wide implementation of electric heating solutions.
“ Heat pumps can potentially transform industrial heating and cooling as next-generation technologies advance
Heat pumps’ role in a sustainable future
Heat pumps represent a transformative decarbonisation opportunity for industries whose processes require low-temperature heat, and increasingly the lower end of medium-temperature heat. When paired with renewable electricity and implemented as part of a comprehensive strategy, heat pumps deliver not only significant carbon reductions but also long-term cost savings and operational resilience.
Successful adoption requires a forward-looking approach. Addressing site inefficiencies and investing in onsite renewable energy are key preparatory steps. Businesses must also navigate regional variations in energy costs and regulations. By proactively managing these challenges, companies can position themselves as leaders in sustainable innovation, unlocking the full potential of heat pumps as a solution for decarbonisation.
The future of industrial heating is electric, efficient, and sustainable. Heat pumps offer a pathway to rethinking energy use – driving progress toward a greener, more resilient industrial sector.
Cummins Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The fast and smart way to deploy energy storage.
Our systems are designed for superior performance and safety. Each system is a plug and play solution for easy installation. We’re with you every step of the way, more than a product, you’re backed by Cummins’ expertise and our world-class global aftermarket support.
Why Cummins?
• Cummins BESS solutions use state-of-the-art Lithium Ferrophosphate (LFP) batteries
• Glycol-based liquid cooling thermal management to ensure uniform temperature distribution
deliver a host of benefits. With the variability of renewable generation and rising pressure to provide predictable, stable power, BESS gives network operators the tools they need to meet their objectives.
When paired with renewables such as solar or wind, a BESS can store surplus energy and discharge it later to support microgrids or bolster the main grid during periods of high demand. It can also be charged when electricity is abundant (and therefore cheaper) and released when prices are higher. This approach is commercially sensible and improves the stability and reliability of the electricity network. Whether you need resilience for data centres or essential public infrastructure, power for remote sites such as mines, or stronger networks to accommodate developments like widespread EV adoption, BESS provides a robust solution.
Key benefits of BESS
BESS offer numerous advantages, significantly impacting various aspects of energy management:
Grid stabilisation and resilience
Enhance grid reliability and resilience by smoothing out fluctuations and maintaining a stable power supply.
Renewable energy Integration
Efficiently manage the integration of variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, by storing excess and intermittent energy and releasing it when needed.
Peak shaving and cost reduction
Reduce costs by managing peak demand and minimising the need for additional grid infrastructure, leading to significant savings.
Backup power
Provide reliable backup power during outages, enhancing overall grid resilience and ensuring continuous power supply.
EV infrastructure support
Support the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure by balancing supply and demand and reducing stress on the grid.
Demand response and load management
Optimise load management and demand response by quickly adjusting to changes in energy demand and supply.
Energy independence and sustainability
Promote energy independence by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and fostering sustainable practices.
Future-proofing
Offer competitive advantages in power distribution, cost, and reliability, ensuring adaptability to future energy needs and market changes.
The role of early detection in preventing electrical fires
Tazmin
Ahlfors,
Specification
Manager at FireAngel, argues that smarter, interlinked alarms can spot hidden electrical faults long before they ignite, protecting lives, homes and hard-pressed housing budgets alike.
Recent data shows that more than 14,000 electrical fires occur in UK homes each year, with common causes including faulty wiring, overheating equipment, overloaded sockets, and electrical malfunctions. These risks are especially concerning in social housing, where older electrical systems may not have been updated to modern standards, and where maintenance challenges can lead to undetected faults.
The combination of high occupancy rates and residents with varying levels of electrical safety awareness further increases the potential for dangerous incidents. Without early detection, electrical faults can smoulder unnoticed for long periods before developing into fires that spread rapidly through walls, ceilings, and potentially neighbouring properties.
Early fire detection plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks. Identifying electrical faults in their early stages allows for timely intervention, reducing the chances of full-scale fires. For electrical engineers responsible for installing and maintaining fire detection
systems in domestic settings, ensuring that the latest technology is in place can mean the difference between a minor incident and a devastating loss of property and life.
Beyond safety, effective early detection systems also contribute to the longevity of electrical infrastructure, preventing damage and reducing long-term repair costs.
The importance of early detection
Electrical faults often develop gradually, with hidden dangers such as overheating wires or deteriorating connections going unnoticed until they result in a fire. Many electrical fires smoulder before producing visible flames, meaning they can spread through walls and ceilings before being detected. Without an early warning system, a fire can escalate rapidly, endangering lives and causing extensive structural damage.
Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing fires from reaching this stage. By identifying hazards at the first signs of ignition, fire detection systems enable timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of severe damage. In multi-occupancy buildings such as social housing, early alerts ensure that residents can evacuate safely, while landlords and property managers can take swift action to prevent a small incident from becoming a major disaster.
For electrical engineers, integrating effective fire detection solutions into residential properties is not just about meeting regulatory requirements, it is about ensuring that fire risks linked to electrical faults are mitigated before they escalate into life-threatening emergencies.
Early fire prevention methods
While prevention is always the first step in fire safety, no electrical system is entirely risk-free. Regular electrical inspections, safe installation practices, and the use of high-quality materials help to reduce fire risks, but a robust fire detection system remains essential for protecting domestic properties.
Modern fire detection solutions provide a range of options for early warning against electrical fires. Multi-sensor alarms, heat alarms, and interlinked systems offer advanced protection tailored to the unique risks associated with electrical faults.
Fire detection solutions for electrical fires
Effective fire detection plays a vital role in mitigating the risks associated with electrical faults. Modern fire detection solutions provide a range of options to ensure early warning and intervention, helping to prevent electrical fires from escalating.
Multi-sensor technology and optical detection
Multi-sensor smoke alarms, which combine optical and heat-sensing capabilities, are among the most effective fire detection solutions available for domestic properties. Unlike traditional smoke alarms, which rely on a single detection method, multi-sensor technology increases accuracy, reducing false alarms while ensuring faster response times to real threats.
BS 5839-6, the British Standard for fire detection in domestic properties, recommends optical technology for smoke detection in homes due to its improved response to slow-burning electrical fires. Multi-sensor alarms provide an additional layer of safety by detecting a broader range of fire types, making them particularly valuable in properties where electrical faults are a concern.
Heat alarms for high-risk areas
In areas where electrical fires are more likely to start, such as kitchens, utility rooms, and locations housing fuse boxes, heat alarms serve as a crucial component of fire detection systems. Unlike smoke alarms, which can be triggered by cooking fumes, heat alarms detect rapid temperature increases, providing reliable fire detection without nuisance alarms.
For electrical engineers specifying fire safety systems in residential buildings, incorporating heat alarms in high-risk areas ensures that fire hazards are identified without compromising the practicality of everyday living spaces.
Interlinked fire alarms and wireless technology
Interlinked fire alarms offer an additional layer of safety by ensuring that when one alarm detects a fire, all alarms within the system activate simultaneously. This is particularly important in larger domestic buildings where fires may start in unoccupied areas, such as loft spaces, or communal areas including corridors.
Wireless interlinking technology allows alarms to be connected without the need for extensive wiring, making it especially beneficial for retrofit installations where traditional hardwired connections may not be feasible.
“ Many electrical fires smoulder before producing visible flames, meaning they can spread through walls and ceilings before being detected
Fire safety regulations
Ensuring compliance with UK fire safety regulations is a fundamental responsibility for electrical engineers working on domestic properties. BS 5839-6:2019 provides the standard for fire detection and alarm systems in domestic properties, outlining specific requirements based on the type and size of the property.
For most residential buildings, Grade D1 or D2 alarms are required, meaning they must be mains-powered with a backup battery to ensure continuous operation during power outages. In higher-risk settings such as HMOs and social housing, interlinked alarms are a legal requirement, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the property.
Selecting fire detection solutions that align with BS 5839-6 is critical for ensuring that residential properties meet the necessary safety standards. Engineers should also consider specifying alarms that exceed minimum compliance levels for enhanced protection, incorporating features such as wireless interconnection and multi-sensor detection to enhance overall fire protection.
As fire safety technology continues to advance, electrical engineers have more options than ever to enhance protection against electrical fires in domestic buildings. The development of smart fire detection systems, featuring wireless connectivity and real-time monitoring, is helping to improve response times and ensure that fire hazards are addressed before they escalate.
By prioritising early fire detection and specifying industry-leading fire detection solutions, electrical engineers can play a vital role in reducing the risk of electrical fires, safeguarding residents, and preserving the long-term integrity of electrical installations.
Lighting’s Circular Revolution Takes Centre Stage in 2025
The UK’s premier event for sustainable lighting returns in 2025 with a bigger venue, fresh features, and a renewed focus on innovation and collaboration across the supply chain.
Circular Lighting Live 2025, the industry’s leading conference and exhibition dedicated to the circular economy in lighting, is set to deliver its most impactful edition yet. The event continues to grow in scale and significance as it enters its fourth year, solidifying its role as the definitive annual gathering for lighting manufacturers, specifiers, end users, and innovators.
Organised by Recolight, the UK’s leading WEEE compliance scheme, the event champions the transition towards a more sustainable and circular lighting industry. With a reputation for progressive thinking and action, Recolight has once again curated a day of knowledge-sharing, practical insight, and debate to push the sector forward.
Chaired by Ray Molony, Editor of Circular Lighting Report, the conference benefits from his deep understanding of the sustainability agenda within the lighting sector. With his guidance, the sessions go beyond theory to deliver actionable strategies that businesses can implement.
The success of the 2024 event, which welcomed 300 delegates and saw a 13% increase in specifier attendance, underscored its value in providing clarity and direction amidst a rapidly shifting regulatory and technological landscape. This year’s enhancements build directly on delegate feedback to offer an even richer experience.
New Additions for 2025
Circular Lighting Live 2025 moves to a larger and more prestigious venue — the Minster Building Conference Centre in central London — enabling a broader and more dynamic programme. Among the exciting additions for this year are:
• The Build Back Better Awards 2025, recognising excellence in sustainable design and innovation.
• A dedicated Innovations in Sustainability track, highlighting cuttingedge progress across the sector.
• Just One Thing micro-talks, offering concise, high-impact insights from thought leaders and pioneers.
• The most expansive exhibition area yet, giving attendees access to the latest circular lighting solutions from leading brands.
The larger venue not only offers improved facilities and more space to network and explore but also brings cost efficiencies. These savings have been passed on to sponsors, with highly competitive sponsorship packages now available.
A Comprehensive Conference Programme
The conference will offer eight carefully curated sessions, each focusing on a critical aspect of circularity in lighting. These sessions have been designed to ensure relevance across the full supply chain, from designers to
manufacturers to facility managers. Highlights include:
• Climate-driven Design: Examining how creativity in product and project design can significantly reduce environmental impact.
• Smart Remanufacturing: Exploring the benefits of integrating smart features into refurbished lighting adding value and extending usability.
• Creative Cat A: Addressing the wasteful practice of replacing new lights during office fit-outs with practical, sustainable alternatives.
• Closing the Loop in Logistics: Delving into the creation of viable second-life markets for used luminaires, and how logistics can enable circular flows.
• Regulatory Roadmap: Unpacking UK and EU legislative changes affecting product design, sustainability reporting, and circular practices.
• Mastering Metrics: A guide to navigating and leveraging new standards like EPDs, LCAs, TM66 and TM65.2 to benefit both compliance and communication.
• Innovations in Circularity: Showcasing breakthrough technologies, materials, and business models that redefine circular lighting.
• Pioneering Projects: A look at groundbreaking real-world applications of circular design, presented by the designers and engineers behind them. Each session features expert speakers who will share case studies, technical knowledge, and emerging trends, with time built in for audience questions and panel discussions to encourage deeper exploration.
Who Should Attend and How to Book
Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September in the City of London. The event is a must-attend for lighting designers, engineers, architects, manufacturers, and sustainability professionals.
Attendance is free for lighting specifiers who pre-register, while standard delegate passes are available at the early bird rate of £185 until 31 July. Further discounts apply for Producer Members of the Recolight compliance scheme.
To secure your place or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.circularlighting.live
Will MHHS finally put power back in consumers’ hands?
TDavid Sheldrake, Global SVP of Sales360 at POWWR, believes migrating 30 million meters to Ofgem’s new halfhourly model is the catalyst for smarter pricing, grid stability and a faster route to net zero.
he need for meters to adhere to the Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) rules set out by Ofgem is inching ever closer. It is important to remember that this migration is more than simply a technology upgrade; it signifies a move towards a more adaptable, responsive, and sustainable energy framework. By giving customers more control, promoting innovation, and encouraging collaboration, MHHS sets the stage for a future where achieving net zero is not just a goal, but a tangible reality.
Power back in the hands of consumers
In many ways, this overhaul puts the power back in the hands of consumers. It provides them with greater awareness over their energy consumption than ever before. Through the new breed of associated smart meters and the innovative time-of-use tariffs that will surely become available, consumers will be able to make more informed decisions about when and how they use energy. This will not only help lower energy bills but lead to greater grid stability.
But it will in no way be an easy operation. Around 30 million meters will need to move over to the new MHHS Target Operating model, with 2.6 million of those being within businesses.
“ It is important to remember that this migration is more than simply a technology upgrade; it signifies a move towards a more adaptable, responsive, and sustainable energy framework
The industry must work doubly hard
Smart meters have been replacing traditional gas and electricity meters across the UK for almost a decade and a half. They make the energy system more flexible, boost efficiency, help in the move towards more renewable energy sources, and reduce energy consumption by 3.4% for electricity and 3.0% for gas on average.
Despite these proven advantages though, moving customers to them has been tricky. According to the most recent data there are around 32.4 million smart and advanced meters in the UK, representing just 57% of all meters. That means that the industry must now work doubly hard to convince the remaining 43% to rip and replace any meters that are not MHHS compatible.
A timeline for success
There were several significant milestones set out by Ofgem. Some have already started, and some have yet to commence:
October 2024 – Suppliers must have a solution available to consumers and third-party intermediaries (TPIs) that provides them with access to electricity half hourly data and gas hourly data for all customers on a Profile Class 1-4 or gas using less than 732 MWh per annum.
February 2025 – For Non-Half Hour (NHH) meters, the industry tool should be implemented to provide automation to change measurement classes associated with each meter to ensure they are Half Hour (HH) ready.
March 2025 – Changes to the top line data of all NHH meters will be made. Meter Time Switch Code (MTC) will be removed and replaced with a Settlement Configuration (SSC) ID, and Current Line Loss Factor (LLF) will be split into a DUoS Tariff Id and a new LLF. This will impact every system, process or document which holds these numbers from customer bills to internal databases.
September 2025 – The industry needs to be ready to change the Top Line Supply Numbers and migrate meters to be HH. No physical meter changes are expected at this point, however terminology on bills will change. The migration of meters to HH will be phased in two waves.
March 2026 – For the meters that are unable to be switched to HH, suppliers will have to engage with consumers to make physical changes or replace meters to align to MHHS.
May 2027 – The date by which all eligible meters need to be switched.
July 2027 – Timeline complete and all meters can be HH settled. All other electricity profile classes 1-4 will no longer exist.
Accuracy and stability
The benefits of MHHS are numerous. However, more than anything it will boost accuracy and stability. Consumers and TPIs alike will have access to more granular data. This will lead to consumers being priced with enhanced accuracy based upon true market conditions. AI-driven pricing based upon better data will also likely lead to innovation in product offerings. This accuracy will lead to a more stable grid. Plus, it will protect suppliers in terms of energy purchased and help minimise margin losses on contracts where inflated usages may have previously occurred.
Shaping the future of energy
2025 will see a ramp up in efforts to ensure both pricing and settlements become better aligned in the future. However, the overall roll-out will likely take another couple of years. During this time, there will be a teething period where consumers and the industry alike need to become familiar with the required top line changes to the meters and what the new associated terminologies mean.
However, it is surely a price worth paying. The move to MHHS will ensure that consumers are no longer passive recipients of energy but become active contributors in a dynamic ecosystem. Becoming empowered to shape their own energy futures through participating in more dynamic pricing schemes and time-of-use tariffs.
Grid connection reforms signal a new era for the clean energy sector
TThe regulator’s switch to a merit-based connection system could unleash long-stalled battery and renewable projects – provided industry, policymakers and communities seize the moment with data-driven collaboration, says Aazzum Yassir, Director of Technology and Operations.
he UK’s clean energy sector has much to celebrate. After years of advocacy from industry leaders, developers, and climate experts, Ofgem has unveiled transformative reforms to the grid connection process that will accelerate the deployment of renewable and flexible energy resources across the country.
But we can’t pause for too long to celebrate. Now comes the hard part: ensuring this long-overdue progress delivers real-world impact. The question is no longer whether we can accelerate clean energy deployment, but how we ensure it delivers the greatest value to the public, the climate, and the grid. How can we turn this policy breakthrough into a new era of better, faster, and fairer energy infrastructure?
Breaking through the connection bottleneck
For years, clean energy developers across the industry have faced a common challenge: technically sound and fully funded projects remained
stuck in grid connection queues for extended periods. This wasn’t merely an administrative hurdle, it impeded Britain’s progress towards its Clean Power 2030 ambitions and energy security goals.
Ofgem and NESO’s recent grid connection process reforms represent a watershed moment for the entire sector. After decades of operating under a first-come, first-served system that often allowed speculative projects to reserve capacity they might never use, the UK is now moving to a merit-based approach that prioritises projects ready to deliver immediate benefits.
The timing couldn’t be better. If we take a look at battery storage technology, the UK’s total project pipeline currently contains a total of 127GW of capacity. Within this, 61% of capacity are projects that have either submitted an application and are awaiting a decision or are at an early stage of development such as screening or scoping. Without reform, many might never have advanced beyond planning stages.
Opening up these opportunities is crucial. In recent years, battery storage has become a fundamental pillar of the energy transition, performing the critical function of balancing energy supply and demand. By storing energy during peak generation and releasing it when there’s high demand, storage technology addresses the intermittency of renewable generation to deliver a reliable supply of power,when the alternative would be firing up gas peaker plants.
“ The question is no longer whether we can accelerate clean energy deployment, but how we ensure it delivers the greatest value to the public, the climate, and the grid
A smarter way to connect to the grid
While the headlines focus on connection queue reform, the real opportunity lies in how the sector can use this moment to fundamentally rethink energy infrastructure deployment. Speed is only part of the story. What matters just as much is making smart decisions, about where to build, what to build, and how to deliver maximum value.
For example, a battery in rural Scotland, where renewable curtailment is common, delivers different system benefits than one near London,
where peak demand constraints are the primary concern. Our regulatory and market frameworks should reflect these differences.
Fundamentally, all planning decisions should be transparent and data driven. The UK is already moving towards open grid data frameworks, aligned with International Energy Agency recommendations on anticipatory investment, but implementation remains uneven across distribution networks. The more we understand about real time and projected network capacity and system needs, the better equipped we are to deliver targeted, effective solutions.
Unlocking the opportunity together
With £40 billion in annual investment expected to flow into the UK’s clean power sector, it’s clear the industry is entering a transformative phase. The connection queue reform is a catalyst, releasing the potential of infrastructure that’s already under development and signalling to investors that the UK is serious about accelerating delivery.
Faster connections mean we can deploy storage and stability projects where and when they’re needed, creating jobs, reducing energy bills, and improving energy resilience across the communities we serve.
But the success of these reforms ultimately depends on effective collaboration between industry, regulators, network operators and communities.
There’s a clear sense now that the UK’s clean energy transition is gathering pace. Ofgem’s queue reform is part of a wider movement-from NESO’s system planning vision to industry-led innovation-that’s driving towards a grid that is not only cleaner, but smarter and more responsive. Together, we can build a grid that doesn’t just power the UK, but powers progress.
Can resistors stop the UK wasting wind power?
Advanced
resistors in HVDC links could stop the UK wasting clean wind energy and driving up bills, as
Mike Torbitt, Managing Director at Cressall,
explains.
According to Octopus Energy, the UK turning off wind turbines wasted enough energy in the first nine months of 2024 to power two million homes for a year. Switching off turbines limits the impact of new renewable investments, such as the UK Government’s recent plan to unlock up to 13 major wind projects. Resistor-enabled energy transmission infrastructure can help to tackle this problem.
Deliberately reducing the electricity output of wind turbines – also known as wind curtailment – is becoming increasingly common in the UK. This largely occurs to protect the grid system from being overwhelmed by the power generated during periods of high wind. Between January and the end of October 2024, over 5,000 GWh of wind energy had been wasted.
Worryingly for consumers, wind curtailment comes at a price. Octopus Energy warns that switching off turbines has a knock-on effect on bills, predicting that it will cost consumers £3.7 billion by 2030.
Beyond increased household bills, wind curtailment also limits the UK’s ability to fully transition to clean energy. In order to phase out fossil fuels, the nation must be able to generate sufficient power from renewable sources to plug this gap.
Harnessing wind power is particularly beneficial within the UK, since it is one of the country’s most abundant natural resources. Currently, it is the UK’s largest renewable energy resource, making up 30% of the nation’s energy mix in 2024.
In addition to 44 operational offshore projects, the UK has a large number that are likely to come to fruition in the future. For example, the Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to modernise infrastructure regulations and speed up the construction of new projects, could generate a further 16 GW of electricity.
By giving the Government more power to designate and extend Marine Protected Areas, the new measures intend to prevent the delays that have typically affected offshore projects where sufficient environmental protection could not be agreed.
However, much of the newly harnessed wind energy is likely to be wasted unless the grid system can handle the additional power. So, how can this be achieved?
Distance challenges
One of the main reasons for wind curtailment is the distance between offshore wind farms, the grid and areas of high energy demand. Offshore farms are often located far from the grid, making it harder to connect them efficiently to the national transmission network. Unlike onshore wind farms, which have more immediate access to the grid,
offshore sites have fewer available connection points. When strong winds generate a surplus of power, there are limited options for distributing the energy elsewhere, forcing operators to shut down turbines.
Additionally, offshore wind farms are typically situated in remote locations where energy demand is low. For instance, Scotland has seven operational offshore wind farms, many of which are positioned in the north of the country, where population density is sparse. While Scotland produces vast amounts of renewable energy, the highest demand is further south. Without efficient transmission infrastructure, a significant portion of this power is lost before it reaches consumers.
Managing surplus energy
Energy experts have proposed several strategies to reduce wind curtailment. One suggestion is zonal pricing, where households and businesses located near wind farms pay less for electricity, ensuring more of the power generated is used locally rather than wasted.
According to the Octopus Energy report, companies relocating to energy-abundant areas like Scotland could cut their electricity costs by up to 99%. While this could encourage more businesses to move north, relocation is not a viable option for all industries.
A more widely applicable solution is investing in infrastructure to improve the transmission of power from offshore wind farms to major demand centres. One example is the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1), which began construction earlier this year. This HVDC project will transport energy from Torness, Scotland, to Hawthorn Pit in North East England. Once completed, EGL1 will provide enough electricity to power two million homes.
HVDC technology is crucial for long-distance power transmission. Unlike AC systems, HVDC maintains a stable current density, reducing energy loss during transit.
“ HVDC networks, supported by advanced resistor technology, are key to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s wind resources
For HVDC to function reliably, resistor technology plays a vital role in managing excess energy. Resistors help protect the grid by absorbing surplus wind power until it can be safely transferred. DC neutral earthing resistors also provide essential safeguarding within HVDC converter transformers, both offshore and onshore.
With the UK Government pushing to reform planning regulations and accelerate wind power expansion through its Plan for Change, progress is underway. However, ensuring that energy transmission systems can keep pace with offshore wind development is just as important as increasing generation capacity.
HVDC networks, supported by advanced resistor technology, are key to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s wind resources. By addressing transmission inefficiencies, the UK can reduce wind curtailment, lower costs for consumers and move closer to a fully renewable grid.
Is AI set to transform commercial solar as we know it?
Ciaran Cotter, Technical Director at Solivus, believes that combining AI with battery energy storage could unlock radical new possibilities for large-scale commercial facilities, as he explains.
There’s no doubt that it remains an incredibly challenging time for those responsible for the energy management of commercial spaces and industrial facilities. On the one hand, there is the task of realising long-term decarbonisation goals while limiting the impact on current operations. Add to the equation one of the most challenging energy crises of recent times, and this is no longer just about making net zero possible but rather safeguarding against fuel prices and market volatility.
With this, it’s easy to see why many large-scale premises are pivoting to homegrown energy to cut energy costs and drive forward their net zero ambitions – enter the commercial solar revolution.
A bright approach
There are many reasons why recent years have seen more commercial and industrial premises invest in commercial solar.
Foremost, a key appeal here is that the vast, unused, unobstructed roof spaces that house most of our large-scale buildings – such as stadiums, warehouses, manufacturing sites, and the like – offer an ideal blank canvas for solar self-generation. Now, too, thanks to the latest advances in lightweight solar technology, commercial buildings that might not have been able to take the weight of traditional solar now have an alternative. Also, by embracing solar energy, companies can achieve substantial
cost savings. In fact, by fully utilising the available rooftop space, it is estimated that commercial buildings could save £35 billion, with lifetime savings reaching £703 billion. In energy generation terms, that translates to 117 TWh of electricity annually. That’s enough to power approximately 30 million homes for a year – more than the number of households we currently have in the UK.
Crucially, too, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero sees commercial solar as vital to its clean power mission. To that end, the government-industry Solar Taskforce continues to point to the ‘untapped potential’ of commercial solar.
Full power ahead
But there’s more. More recently, thanks to the latest technological advancements, AI is emerging as a game-changer in its ability to enhance and streamline commercial solar operations, making solar selfgeneration even more viable and sustainable than ever before.
To understand more, let’s first consider the intermittent nature of solar self generation. As we all know, weather-dependent solar energy sources are highly variable and difficult to predict. To address this many businesses will combine on-site solar with battery energy storage to allow them to store and utilise energy efficiently, reducing demand on the grid during peak charging times and making more remunerative use of their
energy. When partnered with an energy management system (EMS) with monitoring and diagnostics, further benefits come in the opportunity for operators to optimise power production by leveraging peak shaving, load-lifting, and maximisation of self-consumption.
As we look to the future of commercial real estate, the integration of data, machine learning and AI is set to take the commercial solar selfgeneration opportunity to a whole new level of smart operation.
Inherently, battery energy storage systems can be complex to run because of the wide range of variables involved. For large energy storage projects around the clock, operators will need to keep abreast of everything from solar outputs, weather conditions and seasonality, through to wider market intelligence and demand expectations, using this insight to decide when to charge and discharge the batteryin real-time.
“ AI is emerging as a game-changer in its ability to enhance and streamline commercial solar operations, making solar self-generation even more viable and sustainable than ever before
The application of AI has the ability to change this. By enabling the ongoing management and analysis of all these highly complex variables in real-time through machine learning, the integration can deliver a much more effective large-scale solar operation.
Armed with this real-time intelligence, it will become easier for battery management systems to maximise the use of solar energy and bring down peak loads, providing immediate benefits in terms of cost and reliability. As well as increasing renewable integration, the ability to gain better information on consumption as well as supply, also means power flows can be optimised in real-time. It also enables lower operational costs through the ability to detect, isolate and address issues before they escalate, reduce repair time and improve asset optimisation.
As technology advances and costs continue to decline, the distinction between energy consumption and production will continue to merge. More businesses are expected to embrace the prosumer role, leveraging self-generation not only to achieve greater financial benefits but also to actively contribute to the global shift toward sustainable energy systems.
In the not too distant future, the electrical grid we know now will transform from a traditional generation and transmission infrastructure – where utilities simply ‘sell’ and end-users ‘buy’ – into a dynamic ecosystem. This system will integrate diverse participants, including asset owners, service providers, large scale industrial and commercial operators and government, all working together to ensure the delivery of reliable, secure, and clean energy.
Energising the transition
There is no disputing the integral role that commercial solar is already playing in our new energy future. In the not-too-distant future, the evolution of AI as part of a battery energy storage system-enabled solar system will drive an even greater step change in innovation, enhancing efficiency, optimising storage, and enabling autonomous operations. Though we are still in the early days, the synergy between AI and solar will make solar energy more efficient, more reliable, and more cost-effective – helping to propel us one step further in the global energy transition.
Britain’s ‘hidden workforce’ could be the answer to the green skills crunch
FLuke Muscat, CEO of The B2W Group, and Ryan Brown, Partner at Browne Jacobson, set out why tapping the UK’s nine million economically inactive adults could electrify progress toward net zero by 2050.
rom installing solar panels and heat pumps to managing smart grids and energy-efficient technologies, there’s an abundance of green skills gaps that could be filled by electrical engineers – both those retraining or entering the sector for the first time.
Accessing sufficient talent, however, is one of the biggest challenges for businesses developing, implementing and running the products and systems that will power a net zero future.
Despite rising unemployment in some areas of Britain, there remains a significant mismatch between available talent and the specific technical skills required by employers across many sectors.
This disconnect not only hampers business growth but also contributes to the UK’s lagging productivity compared to other Western economies.
Skills gaps are particularly concerning at a time when the UK is embarking towards being net zero by 2050. A study from OVO, conducted in collaboration with Energy and Utility Skills last year, suggested the UK may need up to 362,000 new workers by 2035 to adequately decarbonise residential areas and meet environmental goals.
Challenges with finding skilled people are particularly acute in technical roles like electrical engineering, but this doesn’t mean they don’t exist – you just need to look hard enough.
By broadening recruitment strategies, embracing non-traditional routes into the labour market, and engaging with training and development, employers can move away from chasing after the same, narrow group of workers.
The untapped resource:
Economically inactive individuals
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a concerning rise in economic inactivity – individuals who are neither employed nor actively seeking work.
The latest data shows the economic inactivity rate for those aged 16 to 64 was 21.5% in the period of November to January 2024, with 9.27 million people considered economically inactive. By contrast, 1.55 million people aged over 16 were unemployed and seeking work.
Many of these individuals have valuable skills and experience, but face barriers to re-entering the workforce. This population represents a significant untapped resource for firms with green technical roles to fill.
The B2W Group has seen notable success in engaging this demographic. The company supports long-term unemployed individuals to re-enter the workforce by collaborating with businesses to develop training programmes that connect them with untapped talent in highdemand industries.
“ Economically inactive individuals represent a valuable untapped resource
A high proportion of participants in its skills programmes are aged in their late 40s and 50s – experienced workers who could bring maturity and transferable skills to technical roles – but there are also numerous people who have faced multiple barriers to employment.
These could include physical or mental health issues, parental and caring responsibilities, ex-offending, or a lack of education, skills and training.
Training anyone up to become a smart meter engineer – with no relevant electrical qualifications, skills or experience – can take up to 12 weeks to reach fully qualified competence.
Given that EMSI UK forecasts the demand for smart meter engineers is to rise 3.4% between 2024 and 2028, equating to 210,000 new jobs,
there’s a clear need for energy providers and electrical firms to be proactive in developing their own workforce.
The business case for building a socially conscious recruitment model
Encouraging job applications from the widest possible source creates a talent pool, as opposed to the talent puddle that businesses all-too-often select from because their search is too narrow.
Alongside building a socially-conscious recruitment model, it’s important for employers to tell a story about what they’re doing and why, featuring case studies of successes and role models for others to aspire towards. There’s plenty of potential gains to consider when developing this business case.
1. Access to new skills
Embracing social mobility in recruitment isn’t just good ethics – it’s good business. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives and problemsolving approaches that can drive innovation and productivity. By developing pathways for economically inactive individuals to join their workforce, firms can enhance their reputation as socially responsible employers while addressing their skills needs.
2. Developing a sustainable talent pipeline
Many economically inactive individuals have substantial work experience in related fields. With targeted upskilling, they can quickly become valuable team members.
Their prior work experience often means they bring valuable soft skills – reliability, communication, teamwork – that complement technical training. Investment in these workers creates loyalty and a sustainable talent pipeline.
3. Making social mobility central to talent planning
Businesses have an opportunity to lead by example in prioritising social mobility, with benefits extending far beyond their own organisations.
When people are in stable, sustainable employment, they and their families lead better and healthier lives. Less crime is committed in businesses’ communities, making them better places to live and attract talent, while educational outcomes are improved for the next generation, which could comprise future employees.
Practical implementation:
Optimising recruitment and development strategies
Tapping into this potential workforce effectively requires a multidimensional recruitment model featuring a broad span of strategies and partners.
1. Collaboration with specialised partners
Working with training providers can be a useful starting point as they serve as intermediaries between employers and potential employees. Training providers will often work closely with businesses to understand their skills needs and help them to develop both recruitment and upskilling strategies.
They then identify prospective candidates by posting vacancies at job centres, libraries, community and youth hubs, and leisure centres, as well as via social media channels.
Adverts will often highlight guaranteed interviews to improve engagement with the potential workforce and the provider will work with unsuccessful applicants to find work with other organisations.
2. Tailored training programmes
Successful integration of economically inactive individuals requires targeted skills development.
Electrical firms can work with training providers to create programmes specifically designed to bridge skills gaps – ranging from entry-level roles up to Level 7 qualifications – while accounting for the unique challenges these workers may face.
3. Supportive onboarding processes
Many economically inactive individuals face barriers beyond skills gaps – health concerns, care responsibilities or confidence issues. Implementing flexible working arrangements and comprehensive support systems can help these workers transition successfully into sustainable employment.
4. Long-term development pathways
Creating clear career progression routes demonstrates to new recruits that they have a future in the organisation. This approach not only aids retention but also maximises the return on investment in training.
Final thoughts
Businesses involved in the UK’s net zero transition face significant challenges in finding skilled workers, but economically inactive individuals represent a valuable untapped resource.
By implementing inclusive recruitment strategies and collaborating with training providers, employers can address their skills shortages while making a positive social impact.
As the UK continues to navigate economic change and technological transformation, those embracing this approach will not only secure their talent pipeline but also contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. The intersection of business needs and social benefit creates a powerful opportunity for the sector to lead by example in building a more inclusive economy.
Electrical safety certification: what to know, what to do
By following a clear six-step process, manufacturers can swap compliance headaches for a fast, trusted route into global markets, says Leigh Picton, Laboratory Manager at Kiwa.
Step one: The initial consultation
The safety certification process begins with an initial consultation, where manufacturers submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to a certification provider. This step defines the exact scope of the testing and clearly specifies the countries or regions where the product will be launched.
From there, the certification provider develops a customised testing roadmap. It outlines key milestones, resources required, and estimated costs. Engaging with a trusted partner early allows for better resource allocation, a clearer understanding of challenges, and a defined route towards certification.
Step two: Product details and documentation
Once the scope and costs are settled, manufacturers submit a test sample of their product along with essential documentation, including:
• Manufacturer information and manufacturing site addresses
• A detailed product description
• Documentation for each component used in the product.
At this stage, every component, with a particular focus on safetycritical parts, must meet local and international regulations. Obtaining certifications for these components at the earliest opportunity is crucial to avoid delays further down the line.
Step three: Testing and assessment
Once the product and documentation are received, the certification provider begins testing the product against International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards along with specific requirements for target markets.
Testing ensures compliance with both global standards and local regulations. For efficiency, manufacturers should look to work with a provider equipped to conduct all testing in-house. Dedicated facilities and experienced engineers can significantly reduce turnaround times while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy.
If any issues arise, manufacturers are informed promptly, enabling swift resolutions. Transparency and ongoing collaboration between manufacturers and certification bodies are critical during this phase. A well-communicated process ensures clarity and keeps the project on track.
Step four: Feedback and resolution
Following testing, the certification provider delivers a ‘findings letter’ identifying any outstanding issues that require manufacturer attention. Promptly addressing these recommendations minimises delays in the overall certification process and ensures compliance.
Whether adjustments involve modifying components or refining documentation, collaboration during this stage ensures the product meets all safety requirements before progressing further.
Step five: Issuing the CB Test Certificate and Report
After all compliance issues are successfully addressed, the certification body issues a CB Test Certificate and Report. These documents are crucial in securing access into global target markets.
CB certification allows manufacturers to bypass redundant testing by demonstrating compliance with international standards, saving time and cost. However, regional variations might require additional certifications. For example, products entering the USA often need an NRTL (Nationally Recognised Testing Laboratory) mark.
“ Navigating electrical safety certification may seem daunting, but a clear and structured process makes it both streamlined and achievable
Step six: Product launch
With certifications awarded, manufacturers are ready to launch their products confidently. They can rest assured that their offering is safe, compliant with global standards, and market ready.
It is important to remember that opting not to obtain correct certification presents many critical risks, as it exposes both consumers and manufacturers to potential harm, reputational damage, and costly legal ramifications. On the other hand, collaborating with trusted certification providers safeguards all parties and facilitates smoother product launches.
Navigating electrical safety certification may seem daunting, but a clear and structured process makes it both streamlined and achievable. By following the six-step pathway and partnering with an expert certification provider, manufacturers can ensure their products are compliant, safe, and globally trusted.
REWRITING THE CONCEPT OF FLEXIBLE POWER PROTECTION
• 9 power ratings (10-120 kVA) offer fantastic flexibility
• Choice of cabinets maximises battery runtime & floor space
