VOLUME 46 NO. 01 • JANUARY 2026
SPECIAL FEATURE: EV CHARGING
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ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.COM
SPECIAL FEATURE: EMERGENCY LIGHTING
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SPECIAL FEATURE: FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
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EVACGO: MAKING BS 8629 COMPLIANCE SIMPLE FOR SAFER HIGH-RISE LIVING The way we think about fire safety in high-rise residential buildings has changed forever. Following Grenfell and other tragic incidents, the British Standards Institution introduced BS 8629, a code of practice that makes evacuation alert systems mandatory in new buildings over 18 metres in England and Scotland. For electrical contractors, this isn’t just another regulation – it’s a critical responsibility that can save lives. EvacGo from Advanced is designed to make compliance straightforward. Built using EN54-approved components from its trusted MxPro 5 range, EvacGo provides fire and rescue services with a dedicated, tamper-proof system to alert residents quickly and safely during an emergency. With wired, wireless, and hybrid options, it’s ideal for both new builds and retrofits. Clear, intuitive controls, robust security, and flexible configuration make EvacGo the smart choice for contractors and building managers. Backed by UK engineering and comprehensive support, it simplifies specification, installation, and maintenance while delivering peace of mind for residents. Discover how EvacGo is setting the standard for evacuation alert systems, and why understanding BS 8629 is essential for every contractor working on high-rise projects, inside the issue.
Turn to page 12 for the full story.
www.niglon.co.uk t 0121 711 1990 e sales@niglon.co.uk Connect with us:
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS…
VOLUME 46 NO. 01 • JANUARY 2026
Regulars 4 Editorial
20 Key Issue
Kicking off the new year in style
28 ECN Awards
Alan Broom of Contactum explains why investing in good quality circuit protection shouldn’t be undervalued
6 Industry News
22 Project Focus
The latest news from the electrical contracting industry
12 Cover Story Shaun Scott of Advanced discusses the importance of evacuation alert systems and the ways EvacGo is helping with BS 8629 compliance
36 Competition
An exclusive look at how Zumtobel and Thorn have delivered lighting upgrades for Co-op food stores up and down the country
24 Smart Buildings
The latest industry projects in brief
26 Interview
18 Training
Your chance to win The Parrot Power Pack, courtesy of Parrot PR & Marketing
67 Company Showcase Sponsored content from across the sector
Details on why electrical contractors should attend the upcoming ISE 2026 event taking place in Barcelona
14 Contract News
A full round-up of the 2025 ECN Awards, which honoured the industry’s finest during our ceremony at the end of November
THERE'S MORE TO
ECN speaks with Andrew Eldred of the ECA about the organisation’s 125th anniversary, its plans for 2026, and beyond
A round-up of the latest training initiatives across the industry
…
EV Charging
HVAC
Emergency Lighting
Fire, Safety & Security
iktors Nikolajevs of CTEK 37 Vassesses the increasing demands
networks are entering a new 42 Hera,eatbut are high-rise developers
ike Collins of Ovia looks at how 49 MOvia’s reengineered Orbik range
ake Green of Scolmore Group 59 Jlooks at ESP’s entry into the fire
of EV chargers and looks at the role of CTEK’s hardware in relation to this
38 ECN speaks with Emma
Brigginshaw of myenergi about its zappi GLO innovation and the company’s ECN Awards win
40 Theo Brillhart of Fluke
Corporation argues that the future of EV charging will be built upon maintenance, training, and standards
ready? Neil Fitzsimons of Power On looks at the considerations
is setting a new benchmark in emergency lighting
drian Barber of Prefect Controls 46 Alooks at how smart control is
nthony Martindale of Collingwood 52 ALighting on the importance of
transforming the way multioccupancy properties operate
specifying the right emergency lighting solution
atie McGinty of Johnson Controls 48 Kexplains why climate-smart innovation could be a catalyst for critical industry growth
aul Stearman of Greenlight 56 PConnexions highlights how
emergency lighting innovations are enhancing safety and functionality
he ECA reacts to the recently 58 Trevised guidance on the design, installation, and application of emergency lighting systems
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and safety alarm sector with its Espire range
etails of how Advanced has 62 Ddelivered targeted fire alerts with ESPA paging at the University of Southampton
aniel Grimsdell of FireAngel 64 Dlooks at the key elements in delivering fully compliant domestic fire alarm systems
n light of increasing legislative 66 Ichanges, Stuart Dover of AEI Cables explains why the quality of cabling cannot be compromised
January 2026 | 3
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EDITORIAL
Circuit Protection & Switchgear
Power/Renewables/Solar
KICKING OFF THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE
H
ello, and welcome to our first issue of 2026. I trust you’re enjoying a good start to the new year. Since we last went to press, I had the honour of visiting the Electrical Contractors’ Association up at their offices at Rotherwick House in London – arriving in style via the Thames Clipper service, no less – and it’s always a great privilege visiting this pivotal industry organisation. The ECA celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, and to mark the occasion we’re speaking with Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO of the organisation in this month’s interview, getting stuck into subjects including the ECA’s legacy over this time, its plans for 2026, and beyond. Andrew’s comments on the industry’s “concerning skills developments” will definitely be worth keeping tabs on in the weeks and months ahead.
Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173
As we first announced in last month’s issue, news of ECN Live!, our brand new exhibition which is taking place at the NEC Birmingham this September, has been very warmly received across the industry, and is already shaping up to be a must-attend for everyone in the sector. For those curious about the event, please feel free to join us for our exhibitor day on 29 January – also at the NEC – where you can speak to our team to find out more about what the event has to offer. Drop a line to david@allthingsmedialtd.com if you wish to register your interest. This month’s issue also includes a full round-up of the recent ECN Awards, including a complete list of all the night’s winners along with a look at the evening’s other festivities. Turn to page 28 for our in-depth review, and stay tuned for details on the 2026 ECN Awards in the coming weeks. Enjoy the issue, and here’s to a happy and healthy 2026!
Wiring Accessories
Simon Rowley, Group Editor
Special Supplement: Smart Buildings
February Issue Editorial deadline: 23 January Advertising deadline: 29 January
GROUP EDITOR: SIMON ROWLEY T: 01634 673163 E: simon@allthingsmedialtd.com
CEO: DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR: JOE PECK T: 01634 673163 E: joe@allthingsmedialtd.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR: IAN KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
SALES DIRECTOR: KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com
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STUDIO: MARK WELLER T: 01634 673163 E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com
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The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that everything is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. In all matters, the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. All articles are copyright and remain the property of ECN. Overseas Subscription Rates: Europe £60.00; Rest of World £70.00. Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved. Printed by Micropress, Reydon Business Park Fountain Way, Reydon, Southwold, IP18 6SZ.
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INDUSTRY NEWS AICO’S COMMUNITY AWARDS TO RETURN IN 2026 Aico, the manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide detection products, is bringing back its biennial Community Awards, set to take place at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham on 16 April 2026. The event celebrates excellence and inspirational achievements from across the UK housing industry, honouring those making a real difference in their communities. Open to all, Aico’s Community Awards provide entrants the opportunity to showcase inspirational colleagues, projects, and innovations from the housing sector. The last awards, held in 2024, raised over £9,000 for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC), with Aico matching the donation to result in a total contribution of £18,000. Since 1905, the charity has offered vital support to those who work within the electrical and energy industries.
Next year’s ceremony will welcome over 450 guests, including the inspirational finalists from all award categories. Continuing its support for the EIC, the evening will feature a formal dinner, guest speakers, and live entertainment, all hosted by Carl Jones from SBLTV. “We’re proud to bring the Community Awards back for 2026,” says Neal Hooper, Managing Director at Aico. “These awards are about recognising the real difference individuals and organisations make every day in improving lives and communities across the UK.” New for 2026, the People’s Choice Award introduces an exciting interactive element to the evening. This special category will be voted for exclusively by attendees on the night, giving guests the chance to play a direct role in recognising excellence.
The 13 other award categories are now open to enter by either groups or individuals from across the UK.
All entries must be submitted by 20 February 2026. Aico, aico.co.uk
BOXT AND PASSIV UK FORM HEAT PUMP PARTNERSHIP
RECOLIGHT PUBLISHES COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Recolight has published its Commitment to Sustainability for 2025, a document summarising the plans Recolight has put in place to reduce the company’s own environmental impact and how it intends to help others do the same. Recolight CEO, Nigel Harvey, explains, “Firstly, we try to put our own house in order. We put in place policies and strategies to reduce our own carbon footprint, to improve the circularity of what we do, and to encourage our suppliers of transport and recycling services to do likewise. “And secondly, we use our role as one of the UK’s leading WEEE schemes to encourage others in both the lighting and waste sectors to also adopt more circular economy principles and to reduce carbon emissions.” Included are Recolight’s net zero targets:
BOXT, a UK-based installer, has teamed up with Passiv UK to exclusively offer the Passiv Smart Thermostat with every purchase of the Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump. This strategic collaboration is described by the companies as a “major step forward” in making advanced heat pump control technology widely accessible, providing homeowners across the UK with an intelligent, energy-efficient innovation to optimise their heating systems. The Passiv Smart Thermostat enhances heat pump performance without complex setup from a homeowner or installer. It cuts heating bills by up to 30% and improves heat pump efficiency by 17%, as verified by the Energy Saving Trust. Its intelligent controls can optimise energy use according to time-of-use tariffs and rooftop solar production, supporting decarbonisation efforts while future-proofing homes against rising energy demands. Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, says, “Partnering with BOXT allows
us to bring the Passiv Smart Thermostat to homes across the UK, helping more people take control of their energy usage, save on bills, and reduce carbon emissions. This collaboration represents a major step forward in making smart and sustainable heating accessible to everyone.” Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT, adds, “By including Passiv’s intelligent controls with our Worcester Bosch heat pump offering, we can provide our customers with a complete, high-performance heat pump solution. It’s easy to use and delivers tangible benefits in efficiency and cost savings across a range of property types.” The Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump is an all-in-one monobloc heat pump, designed for a straightforward installation experience. It’s suitable for a range of property types, and doesn’t require planning permission in most scenarios. The BOXT heat pump package includes the Passiv Smart Thermostat, and is available from £4,799.
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Passiv, passivuk.com
• A 50% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and Business Travel by 2030, from a baseline measurement of Recolight’s 2024 footprint. • A 25% reduction of carbon emissions per tonne of waste collected, by 2030, also from the 2024 baseline. Commenting on the company’s work on reducing emissions, Nigel adds, “The Scope 3 emissions of the transport of waste is by far the largest component of our carbon footprint. This is very largely driven by the need to use diesel powered HGVs. “So, despite the herculean efforts of the Recolight team to reduce carbon emissions, this was not possible, and emissions went up in 2024 reversing some of the gains from the previous year. At Recolight, we think that honesty regarding such challenges is just as important as shouting about success.” To read the report in full, visit recolight.co.uk/circularity/circular-economy. Recolight, recolight.co.uk
6 | January 2026
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INDUSTRY NEWS MYENERGI TAKES HOME GOLD AT THE 2025 ECN AWARDS On 27 November, the myenergi zappi GLO was named EV Charging Product of the Year at the 2025 ECN Awards. The prestigious event, which took place at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, celebrated innovation, accomplishment and excellence from across the electrical contracting industry. Designed and manufactured in the UK, zappi GLO sets the standards in next-generation design, smart integration and intelligent control. Users can simply plug-and-go, or explore toggle options to adjust settings, set timers and optimise device performance for greener, cheaper, smarter charging. The judges commended myenergi for GLO’s performance, functionality and compact size. Thanks to the all-new Installer Assistant app, contractors were deemed to benefit significantly from a step-bystep solution to optimise fitting speed and guarantee replicability, which streamlines efficiencies and maximises productivity.
Matt Hemmings, Product Manager for EV at myenergi, says, “zappi GLO was designed to disrupt the EV charging industry. Out-of-the-box tariff integration, automated solar compatibility and seamless app control allows users to manage charging sessions, adjust settings and monitor performance from anywhere in the world. “Taking home gold as EV Charging Product of the Year is testament to the team’s collective hard work. We’re delighted with the judges’ feedback and we’re proud to be taking home such a prestigious award for our newest product.” The zappi range, which includes the OG zappi and zappi GLO, forms part of myenergi’s home energy management system (HEMS), an integrated network of eco-smart solutions that ensures households are given total control over their energy use. For further details on the 2025 ECN Awards, turn to page 28 for our full review. myenergi, myenergi.com
JTL NAMED FINALIST AT APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING AWARDS
MANY TRADESPEOPLE STILL LEAVING TOOLS IN VEHICLES OVERNIGHT For tradespeople across the UK, tool theft is more than just an inconvenience; it can bring work to a halt and rack up thousands in replacement costs. Tempcover, a temporary business van insurance company, carried out a survey of 500 UK tradespeople to explore how concerned they are about tool theft, what impact it can have, and whether they are taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves. It found that over seven in 10 respondents (72%) reported having had their tools stolen, either directly or because their van was stolen with tools inside. Furthermore, a quarter (27%) admitted that they have experienced tool theft multiple times. When asked about the cost of replacing stolen tools, the average financial loss was £3,092. Of those who had experienced tool theft, nearly all (96%) said they changed their security habits, including taking tools inside overnight, using lockable toolboxes, and upgrading van security. A vast majority of tradespeople (88%) reported being concerned about tool theft, yet many continue to leave their valuable equipment vulnerable. Claire Wills-McKissick, Temporary Business Van Insurance Expert at Tempcover, comments, “Our research highlights that while most tradespeople are concerned about tool theft, many are still leaving themselves exposed. “Whether it’s your own van, a company vehicle, or a borrowed van with temporary insurance, leaving tools unattended or overnight can put them at risk and potentially invalidate an insurance claim. “Simple measures like taking tools inside, using lockable toolboxes, keeping a detailed inventory, and marking equipment can make a real difference. Planning ahead and taking these precautions doesn’t just protect your tools; it can also help prevent costly delays and financial loss.”
JTL, a training provider for electrical and plumbing apprenticeships across England and Wales, has been announced as a finalist at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2025. The FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards, in association with City & Guilds, celebrate the achievements of employers and training providers from across the UK. These awards recognise those who are shaping a highly skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce through their commitment to apprenticeships and wider training and development. JTL has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ category, reflecting what the organisation calls its “continued commitment to delivering high-quality, learner-centred training that adapts to emerging technologies and equips learners with the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the building services engineering sector.” JTL impressed judges with its blended learning strategy, underpinned by its bespoke
digital learning platform, LEDA (Learn, Educate, Develop, Advance). The company specialises in electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, which means – given they are hands-on, physical occupations – the vast majority of learning will always take place in person. However, JTL has evolved to bring forward high-quality digital learning that aligns with the hands-on workshop and on-site training that its apprentices receive. Chris Claydon, Chief Executive at JTL, comments, “This recognition reflects the dedication of our talented staff, the ambition of our apprentices, and the strong partnerships we have with employers across the country. “At JTL, we are committed to delivering high-quality, future-focused training that equips learners with the technical skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in March.
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JTL, jtltraining.com
Tempcover, tempcover.com
8 | January 2026
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INDUSTRY NEWS ELECTRICIAN TRIUMPHS AT ON THE TOOLS AWARDS Gina York has been named Electrician of the Year at the 2025 On The Tools Awards, following a year marked by both tool theft and an unexpectedly personal tribute to the trade. Gina, who had the On The Tools logo tattooed on her arm after a tool theft incident (pictured right, inset), was recognised at the ceremony for her contribution to the electrical sector and wider trades community. Gina experienced the theft while attending a tool theft rally in London, an event supported by On The Tools. Shortly afterwards, she chose to have the ‘Barry Head’ logo tattooed on her right arm, which she sees as a symbol of solidarity with the trades community. The 2025 On The Tools Awards brought together more than 450 people from across the UK’s trade sectors. The event celebrated craftsmanship, community contributions, and professional excellence, with winners receiving a Barry Head trophy and £1,000 in prize money. Gina was recognised for her professionalism, dedication, and positive impact across the electrical community. Her story resonated with attendees, highlighting both the challenges faced by tradespeople and the strong sense of community across the sector. On The Tools, onthetools.tv
NEW APPOINTMENT TO RECOLIGHT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SCOLMORE EARNS ECOVADIS SILVER STATUS EcoVadis has awarded electrical products provider Scolmore Group a Silver Sustainability Medal, recognising an improvement from its previous Bronze rating first achieved in 2022. The company is now placed within the top 15% of more than 150,000 organisations assessed worldwide. Scolmore Group’s overall sustainability score increased from 66 in 2024 to 78 in 2025, surpassing the EcoVadis threshold for Silver recognition. The assessment covers four themes: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. EcoVadis ratings draw on international standards, including the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, conventions of the International Labour Organisation, the Global Reporting Initiative, and the ISO 26000 guidance standard. Medals are awarded based on percentile rankings: Platinum for the top 1%, Gold for the top 5%, Silver for the top 15%, and Bronze for the top 30%. The updated rating reflects Scolmore Group’s efforts to embed environmental, social, and governance considerations into its operations and strategy. Manuela Rubino Courtney, Group Legal and Compliance Manager, who leads the EcoVadis initiative at Scolmore Group, comments, “Achieving the Silver Medal is a significant milestone for Scolmore Group. “This reflects the continued hard work and dedication of our teams across the Group to strengthen our environmental, social, and ethical practices while continuing to deliver high-quality products and services. “We view this not as a final destination, but as an important step on our sustainability journey – one that motivates us to aim even higher in the years ahead. “With our Silver Medal, Scolmore Group reinforces its position as a trusted partner for customers and suppliers who prioritise sustainability.” Scolmore, scolmore.com
10 | January 2026
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Recolight has announced the appointment of a new director, Cameron Wilson, who will represent Signify on the Recolight board. Cameron has been with Signify for over 25 years and is the Customer Resolution Manager for UK and Ireland. On joining Recolight, Cameron says, “I’m delighted to join the Recolight Board, taking over from my colleague Steve Meadows. I’m a champion of Recolight’s Circular Economy activity, and all they do to raise the profile of the need for action on sustainability in the lighting industry. I really look forward to getting to know and supporting the Recolight team.” Recolight Chief Executive, Nigel Harvey, adds, “We are delighted that Cameron has joined our Board. I know we will benefit from the breadth of his experience and knowledge of our industry. Recolight continues to expand the range of services we offer to meet the changing needs of our Producer Members, and Cameron’s insight will help to shape our future direction.” Cameron joins as a non-Executive Director representing Recolight’s founding members along with board chair Andreas Adam, Senior Director at LEDVANCE; Andrew Clark, Financial Controller at Feilo Sylvania UK; and Steven Reed, Commercial Manager at Trilux. Recolight recently celebrated 20 years since it was founded and has a record 227 producer members of the Recolight WEEE scheme. Recolight, recolight.co.uk
MOVERS & SHAKERS… Ultra LEDs has appointed Danny Emmett as Chief Operating Officer. He brings more than two decades of experience in scaling high-growth, customer-focused businesses. In his new role, Danny will lead the company’s next phase of growth – enhancing customer experience and advancing digital transformation.
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Eclipse Power has announced that after four years at the helm, Spencer Thompson will retire in April 2026. Emma Ford has been appointed as its new CEO, effective from February 2026 as part of a three-month handover that will ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued strategic alignment.
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Megaman UK has announced a significant expansion of its UK commercial team for 2026. Stu Davies takes the role of National Sales Manager and will play a pivotal role in supporting national and large regional wholesalers. Two additional Business Development Managers will join the company in early January 2026.
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COVER STORY
EVACGO: MAKING BS 8629 COMPLIANCE SIMPLE FOR SAFER HIGH-RISE LIVING Shaun Scott, Applications Engineer – Emergency Evacuation System, Advanced, looks at the importance of evacuation alert systems and details how the company’s EvacGo innovation is making compliance with BS 8629 straightforward.
T
he tragic events at Grenfell Tower and other high-rise fires have fundamentally changed the way we approach resident safety in tall buildings. In response, the British Standards Institution introduced BS 8629:2019+A1:2023, a code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats. For electrical contractors, understanding and implementing these requirements is now a critical part of delivering safe, compliant residential projects.
Why evacuation alert systems matter
BS 8629 is now mandatory for all new residential buildings over 18 metres in England and Scotland, and is widely recognised as best practice for retrofits and other developments. The code requires the installation of Evacuation Alert Control and Indicating Equipment (EACIE), a dedicated system, independent of the fire detection and alarm system, that allows fire and rescue services to alert residents in specific zones or throughout the building during an emergency. EvacGo, developed by Advanced, is designed to make compliance with BS 8629 straightforward. Built using EN54 Parts 2 and 4-approved components from our trusted MxPro 5 range, each EvacGo panel is tailored to the evacuation alert zones of the building it protects. The system is available in wired, wireless, or hybrid formats, offering flexibility for both new builds and retrofits.
Designed for simplicity, built for safety
EvacGo’s user interface is engineered for clarity and speed. Toggle switches and LED indicators make it easy for fire and rescue personnel to implement evacuation strategies quickly, even when wearing PPE. Slide-in labels allow clear marking of evacuation zones, reducing the risk of confusion during an incident. The panel is housed in a robust, tamper-proof enclosure, developed in partnership with Gerda, and features a patented lock and key mechanism compliant with BS EN 1303. Only authorised personnel and the fire and rescue service can access the controls, minimising the risk of tampering. Each system is hand-built in the UK to the specific requirements of the site, with modular construction supporting up to 32 evacuation zones per panel and expandability for larger projects. The system’s flexibility extends to its compatibility with leading device protocols, including Apollo, Argus, and Hochiki.
To help electrical contractors stay up to date, Advanced offers a free CPD module titled ‘A guide to meeting BS 8629’
Supporting contractors and building managers
For electrical contractors, EvacGo is designed to streamline every stage of the process, from specification and design to installation and commissioning. Our simple order process, clear documentation, and technical support ensure that you can deliver a fully compliant solution with confidence. The system is quick to commission and service, with intuitive PC-based tools for programming and maintenance. Our ServiceTool software makes it easy to generate customised reports for proof of compliance, supporting both handover and ongoing maintenance. All device history is stored, providing a clear audit trail for building managers and demonstrating that service and testing schedules are being met.
Real-world results: Lucent Square and Princess Court
EvacGo is already making a difference in residential buildings across the UK
12 | January 2026
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EvacGo is already making a difference in residential buildings across the UK. At Lucent Square in Leeds, a new development of 54 apartments, S&R Electrical Contracting Services installed a standalone EvacGo panel at the main entrance, providing fire and rescue services with a reliable method of alerting residents in an emergency. The system’s ease of use and straightforward setup were highlighted by the installation team, who now recommend EvacGo for future projects.
electricalcontractingnews.com
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In Manchester, Princess Court, a high-rise independent living complex, recently upgraded its fire safety measures with the installation of EvacGo alongside an existing MxPro 5 fire panel. JFN Integrated Solutions, responsible for the installation, praised the system’s user-friendly design and intuitive operation. The project also enabled the team to achieve BAFE SP207 accreditation, reflecting the system’s compliance with the highest industry standards. Residents and building managers alike have welcomed the added peace of mind that comes with a robust, easy-to-operate evacuation alert system.
Learn more: free CPD on BS 8629 and evacuation planning To help electrical contractors, consultants, installers, building managers, and fire safety professionals stay up to date, Advanced offers a free, FIA-certified CPD module: A guide to meeting BS 8629. Delivered online, the session covers the scope and definitions of BS 8629, evacuation alert zones, system components, installer responsibilities, and commissioning and handover best practice. On completion, participants receive a certificate from The CPD Certification Service. Whether you’re specifying, installing, or maintaining evacuation alert systems, understanding BS 8629 is essential for compliance and, most importantly, for protecting lives. To book your place or find out more about EvacGo, visit the Advanced website or contact the Advanced team at +44 (0)345 894 7000 or enquiries@advancedco.com. Advanced, advancedco.com
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22/12/2025 11:50
– The Evacuation Alert System for Safer High-Rise Living BS 8629-compliant evacuation alert systems are mandatory in residential buildings over 18m in England and Scotland.
EvacGo delivers proven power and performance, with wired, wireless and hybrid flexibility, to ensure fast, effective resident notification and peace of mind. Stay informed and compliant: Join our free, one-hour CPD session to gain essential knowledge on BS 8629, evacuation planning, and best practices for tall buildings. Earn CPD points and a certificate to demonstrate your expertise.
CPDs are available online, or in-person for groups of six or more.
Scan here for more details or to book your place.
Creating a safer future Advanced – made in the UK. Trusted around the world. Discover more: advancedco.com | enquiries@advancedco.com | +44 (0)345 894 7000
SSD5775 Fire Untitled-2 2 and Rescue Service Ad 244x326 JAN26-v7.indd 1
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CONTRACT NEWS LIGHT FORMS COMPLETES BESPOKE CAFÉ LIGHTING FEATURE Mouse Tail Coffee has opened a new site on Fenchurch Avenue in London, with lighting design from Light Forms playing a central role in shaping the interior. The brief focused on creating a welcoming environment for commuters and office workers, while maintaining the brand’s established visual identity. As the company’s fifth location, the space needed to balance consistency with a distinctive design element suited to the building’s curved architectural form. Light Forms, a UK designer and manufacturer of architectural lighting, worked with Inside Job Studio to deliver a bespoke lighting installation suspended above the main counter. The feature uses Light Forms’ Moonband 90 profile in a curved configuration, providing a focal point
with controlled illumination and a timber veneer finish that aligns with the wider interior scheme. The project includes a range of Light Forms fixtures, such as Nova 62 track spotlights mounted on Powergear track. The Nova fitting offers a minimal design with an integral driver, while the Powergear system supports a subtle finish that places emphasis on the lighting effect rather than the hardware. The interior incorporates floor-toceiling glazing, a spacious service counter, and varied seating options for customers. The lighting design complements these elements, creating a bright and inviting setting for visitors to enjoy Mouse Tail Coffee’s food and drink offering. Mirjam Haggi, Interior Designer at Inside Job Studio, says, “The solutions from
Light Forms align perfectly with our overall vision for the interiors, with curved, creative lighting which harmoniously follows the
shape of the building and highlights the seating for customers to unwind and enjoy.” Light Forms, lightforms.com
RAW POWERS UP EV CHARGING HUB AT SHOPPING PARK
HULL CONTRACTOR COMPLETES COLLEGE UPGRADES GW Power, a Hull-based building services engineering company providing electrical, mechanical, and renewable energy services to clients across the UK, has completed the first year of a three-year electrical maintenance contract with Hull College, delivering a programme of infrastructure upgrades and energy efficiency improvements across the campus. GW Power worked with the college on a range of projects during the first year of the contract, supporting the college’s plans to improve sustainability and modernise its estate. A key element of the work has been the installation of seven 22kW electric vehicle chargers, supporting the college’s move towards lower-emission transport. In addition to the EV charging infrastructure, GW Power carried out routine electrical maintenance, produced electrical condition reports, completed compliance testing, and delivered LED lighting upgrades across nine buildings. These include an eight-floor tower block within the college estate. Two full-time GW Power engineers are based on site, providing a combined minimum of 40 hours per week dedicated to the college’s electrical infrastructure. Daniel Haley, Managing Director of GW Power, comments, “Reaching the one-year mark on this contract is something we’re incredibly proud of. Our on-site team has worked tirelessly to keep the college’s facilities safe, efficient, and compliant, whilst also delivering tangible improvements such as the EV chargers and LED upgrades. Matthew Blowman, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure at Hull College, adds, “GW Power has become an integral part of our operations over the past year. The improvements made so far have already had a positive impact on our energy efficiency, sustainability goals, and enhancing the learner experience.”
RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator, has announced the activation of a new ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Gallions Reach Shopping Park in Beckton, East London. The project sees the deployment of a new ultra-rapid EV hub, with the shopping park now featuring eight 150kW ultra-rapid EV charging bays, delivering fast charging for visitors and commuters. RAW’s new installation meets the growing demand for EV infrastructure in East London, helping both local residents and visitors embrace low-carbon travel. With ultra-rapid 150kW bays, drivers can top up their batteries in minutes, making sustainable travel an easier choice. RAW Charging’s project at Gallions Reach is part of a wider strategy to deliver EV infrastructure to the UK’s most popular retail, leisure, and hospitality destinations. Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, comments, “We are proud to bring our ultra-
rapid charging solutions to Gallions Reach, one of East London’s premier shopping destinations. “By working in partnership with leading property owners, we are helping drive the shift to zero-emission travel and making sustainable journeys more convenient for everyone. “RAW will continue to expand its network, connecting even more amazing places across the country with reliable, high-speed EV charging.” Gary Sleator, Senior Asset Manager, Aberdeen, adds, “We are delighted to see RAW Charging’s new ultra-rapid hub go live at Gallions Reach Shopping Park. “This investment not only enhances the visitor experience, but also supports our commitment to sustainability. By working with partners like RAW, we can ensure our destinations remain vibrant, accessible, and future-ready for the growing number of EV drivers.”
@ElecConNews
@ecn_magazine
RAW Charging, rawcharging.com
GW Power, gwpower.co.uk
14 | January 2026
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CONTRACT NEWS NHS REHAB CENTRE STRIKES DEAL WITH SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Schneider Electric, a global energy technology expert, is working with the NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) to improve patient care and energy efficiency. The NRC is a purpose-built 70-bed facility for people who have experienced a life-changing illness or injury and is operated by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. It comes following a £105 million investment as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. As the first building in England to meet the NHS Net Zero Operational Building Standard, it is a key milestone in the NHS’ journey to reach net zero by 2040. Following successful live trials at Linden Lodge, NUH’s 25-bed neurorehabilitation unit, Schneider Electric is now deploying its technology at the NHS NRC. This includes:
• EcoStruxure Connected Room Solution for Healthcare, which gives patients the ability to control temperature, blinds, and lighting in their rooms using a bedside terminal, body movements or voice activation for those with reduced mobility. This autonomy means patients are less reliant on clinical staff for these adjustments, alleviating pressure on staff and giving them more time to focus on care. • Schneider Electric’s Building Data Platform, which connects directly with the Connected Room Solution, securely linking and controlling the IoT-enabled devices in each room. • EcoStruxure Building Operation, Schneider Electric’s advanced Building Management System, has been installed to monitor and control equipment across the facility including HVAC, lighting,
and security systems. It can adapt environmental conditions in the building based on occupancy to improve building performance, enhance occupant comfort,
and reduce energy consumption and operational costs. Schneider Electric, se.com
KENT GRID UPGRADE BOOSTS POWER FOR THOUSANDS
TATE CONSULTING TO WORK ON 5,000 BIRMINGHAM HOMES Building services engineering practice Tate Consulting is working on five of Birmingham’s biggest build-to-rent developments, totalling more than 5,000 homes across the city. Most recently, Tate has been appointed to work on a new development comprising of 456 apartments that will be delivered in a joint venture between McLaren Living and HEIM Global on Kent Street. Winvic Construction has been appointed as the principal contractor and construction is expected to be completed in 2029. Tate also recently completed work on the first phase of Moda Living and Calthorpe Estates’ 11-acre New Garden Square masterplan in Edgbaston. Known as Loudon’s Yard, the scheme has already delivered 398 apartments, along with 14,000 square foot of amenities including a gym, private dining room, co-working space and communal gardens. Tate is now working on the second phase of the project, with the first of the buildings coming forward being a 37-storey tower with 462 apartments. Once complete, the residential-led New Garden Square urban community will deliver £6 million of public realm, 2,400 new homes, office and retail space, and more. In Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Tate Consulting is also working on Moda’s Great Charles Street development, and construction work has also commenced at Stone Yard in Digbeth after Moda and Aviva Capital Partners recently secured a funding deal to bring phase one of the landmark £200 million community to life. Tate is providing a range of commercial engineering solutions across the five developments including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), from concept design to project handover and post-occupancy evaluation, as well as vertical transportation, building physics, fire engineering services, sustainability and building performance assessments.
New power infrastructure has been energised at the Tunbridge Wells Grid under a £3.3 million investment in resilience and capacity, benefitting thousands of residents. Distribution network operator UK Power Networks has installed a new 97-tonne electricity transformer with one-third more capacity than its two predecessors to support future power demand, enable more low-carbon technologies, and maintain safe, reliable electricity supplies. The transformer receives electricity at 132,000 volts, steps it down to 33,000 volts for distribution to smaller substations, and helps power more than 32,000 homes and businesses in the town. Investment began last winter when the first of two existing transformers was dismantled and taken away for recycling, making room for a new transformer that arrived in the summer. Since then, work has taken place to connect the new equipment to the grid. Heavy haulage experts delivered the electricity transformer to the electricity
substation, and the site team coordinated with Network Rail to safely move it across the London to Hastings railway line without any reported impact on train schedules. Sam Hills, Assistant Project Manager at UK Power Networks, comments, “Our close collaboration with partners and the professionalism of our teams have ensured the smooth delivery of the upgraded transformer and investment in long-term network resilience for the local community. “As the UK’s energy landscape evolves, UK Power Networks is helping enable a low-carbon future. By investing and building new equipment now, we’re preparing for growing demand from cleaner technologies while ensuring that our customers continue to receive safe, reliable electricity supplies.” The replacement of the two transformers will increase capacity at the Tunbridge Wells Grid from 60 megawatts to 90 megawatts.
@ElecConNews
@ecn_magazine
UK Power Networks, ukpowernetworks.co.uk
Tate Consulting, tateconsulting.uk
16 | January 2026
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/electricalcontractingnews
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18/12/2025 15:51
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22/12/2025 12:01
TRAINING ELLIS STEVENSON WINS SKILLELECTRIC GOLD Twenty-two year-old Ellis Stevenson (pictured left), a recently qualified apprentice from SECTT and UHI Moray, has been named the first ever female SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in the intensive 2025 UK Final over three days at Bridgend College. Ellis, who is employed by Campbell & McHardy in Moray, Scotland, competed in SkillELECTRIC 2024 but did not make it past the heat stages. Determined to do even better this year, she returned for the 2025 event and won her heat in June before claiming gold in the final. The finalists faced a complicated electrical installation task which had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria including wiring and connection skills, inspecting and testing and fault finding. Reflecting the fact that the core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in low carbon technologies, this year’s challenge also included a solar PV task led by the NICEIC and EV charging point technology, supported by Rolec.
Speaking after her win, Ellis said, “I’m completely shocked, I didn’t expect to win so when I heard my name it took me a few moments to realise what was happening! Everyone was watching from home and has been messaging to say well done. I’d like to say thank you to my tutor Iain McBean – I wouldn’t be here without him and his support has been incredible.” As overall winner, Ellis won the new Megger MFT-X1 multifunction tester, a DeWalt brushless combi drill and brushless impact driver from the Scolmore Group and a £250 voucher from Electric Center. Taking second place and the silver medal was Adam Souter, also from SECTT and UHI Moray. Third place and the bronze medal went to Fabian Maciejewski of East Goscote Electrics and Leicester College. SkillELECTRIC is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) in conjunction with WorldSkills UK. Next year’s SkillELECTRIC competition opens in March 2026. SkillELECTRIC, skillelectric.org.uk
IDEAL TO OPEN NEW TRAINING CENTRE IN PORTISHEAD
NEW NAPIT TRAINING COURSE ON DOMESTIC VENTILATION NAPIT Training, in partnership with Elmhurst Energy, is offering a brand-new course on Domestic Ventilation. Responding to growing industry demand, the BPEC Domestic Ventilation course has been designed for experienced electricians, plumbers, ventilation installers, and heating engineers seeking to enhance their knowledge and understanding of domestic ventilation systems. The course covers the installation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and provision of information for fixed Domestic Ventilation Systems. With this course, tradespeople will be qualified to test and commission ventilation systems for retrofitting and offer ventilation reports in addition to the other services they provide. A ventilation report is carried out to show compliance with Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations. It is a requirement for new build properties to have a ventilation report as part of new build compliance. It also plays a key role in retrofit projects, helping to ensure that improvements to the building fabric and services do not compromise indoor air quality or increase the risk of condensation and mould. The Domestic Ventilation course has been structured to meet the requirements of the Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations 2020 and is recognised as an approved demonstration of competence for Competent Person Schemes. NAPIT Training will offer the course across four training centres: Mansfield, Bristol, Oldham, and Potters Bar. It will take place over two days, and the assessments consist of a combination of practical and theoretical examinations. The course covers: a) The requirements of the Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations 2020; b) The installation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and provision of information for fixed Domestic Ventilation Systems; c) Domestic ventilation in context; d) Airflow requirements and calculations; and e) Health and safety.
Ideal Heating is set to open its fifth Expert Academy training centre, a brand-new purpose-built facility in Portishead, near Bristol. Developed in partnership with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies, the new centre will bring industry-leading training and hands-on experience to heating engineers and installers across the South West. Located just off the M5, the site offers easy access for installers travelling from Cardiff, Worcester, Reading, and Exeter, making it simpler than ever to upskill in low-carbon heating technologies without travelling long distances. The Portishead centre will deliver a comprehensive range of courses, from nationally recognised qualifications in air source heat pumps and hydronic system design, to domestic product training on Ideal Heating’s latest solutions. To support the industry’s transition to renewable technologies, many of the courses will be subsidised or fully
funded, helping more installers gain the skills needed for the UK’s journey to net zero. Designed around real-world learning, the facility features fully operational heat pump systems and thermodynamic training rigs. Trainees will gain practical, hands-on experience with the very latest equipment in a modern, professional setting – reflecting Ideal Heating’s commitment to building installer confidence and capability. Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy network is now one of the largest heat pump training programmes in the UK, with more than 30 locations nationwide – including flagship centres in Hull, Leeds, Luton and Scotland – and 25 satellite sites. Together, they provide the skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality, low-carbon installations across the country. To find out more, visit expert-academy.co.uk.
@ElecConNews
@ecn_magazine
Ideal Heating, idealheating.com
NAPIT, napit.org.uk/napit-training
18 | January 2026
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21/12/2025 14:40
KEY ISSUE
PROTECTION THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME Here, Alan Broom of Contactum shares his years of experience and insights as to why investing in good quality circuit protection shouldn’t be undervalued – and explains why circuit protection costs what it does (and why it should actually cost more).
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t a recent trade show, a contractor told me that MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) were “a bit expensive.” The irony was that he was holding a large coffee from a well-known coffee chain that cost more than the MCB he was referring to. That coffee was gone in the duration of our conversation. Circuit protection products are built to last decades, comply with stringent safety regulations, and could very well prevent a fire in the home or workplace. It got me thinking – where does the real value lie?
Designed to meet strict requirements
Although MCBs may seem expensive, circuit protection products can last for decades and offer strong value for money
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When we talk about circuit protection, we’re not dealing with luxury items or passing fads. We’re talking about Consumer Units, RCBOs, MCBs, and AFDDs that must meet strict requirements set out in BS EN 61439-3, BS EN 61009, BS EN 60898, IEC EN 62606, and BS 7671. These aren’t optional standards – they’re the backbone of electrical safety in the UK. Meeting them properly doesn’t happen cheaply. It demands high-grade materials, rigorous testing, quality control, and continuous development to keep up with evolving safety expectations. Commitment and pride in standards come from years spent learning the trade from my father – often accompanying him on jobs during the weekends and school holidays. Those experiences instilled a respect for good tools, safe practice, and the importance of doing things properly – lessons just as relevant in circuit protection manufacturing as on-site installation. Contractors understand the importance of doing a job right the first time, and it’s the same with circuit protection. Choosing products purely on price might save a few pounds upfront, but the potential cost of failure – in time, call-backs, or even safety – is far higher. Those who work on the tools appreciate this instinctively. The name of the game is to do the job properly, safely, and with a smile on your face. It’s not about chasing the cheapest component, but selecting equipment that delivers safety and reliability.
Consistent, decade-long performance
There’s also the matter of longevity. A compliant, well-made protective device is designed to perform consistently for years, if not decades. You don’t have to recharge it every night or swap it out every 18 months. Viewed over its lifetime, the cost is not only reasonable, but also excellent value. The upfront price might look higher, but spread across years of protection, it comes out at pennies a week – less than your streaming subscription or, dare I say it, your daily caffeine fix. So, the next time someone says circuit protection devices are too expensive, ask them how much they value reliability, reputation, and their customers’ safety compared with their morning cappuccino. One may last 10 minutes – the other could last a lifetime. I can only hope that future generations will carry that approach forward. One where quality workmanship and appreciation for properly engineered circuit protection helps ensure the industry remains professional, safe, and sustainable.
electricalcontractingnews.com
@ElecConNews
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Ensuring safety and raising standards
As professionals, we all have a role to play in raising standards and ensuring safety isn’t compromised for the sake of a lower price tag. Every quality installation contributes to a safer, more reliable industry – one that clients can trust and respect. By investing in proven, compliant circuit protection, you’re not only protecting the end user, you’re helping set the benchmark for what ‘good’ looks like in electrical work. It’s about more than components; it’s about craftsmanship, accountability, and pride in delivering work that stands the test of time. Contactum, contactum.co.uk • Alan Broom is an 18th Edition–certified specialist in surge protection and wiring accessories, and has been with Contactum since the summer of 2014, bringing over a decade of hands-on expertise to the industry.
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21/12/2025 14:45
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PROJECT FOCUS
FLEXIBLE LIGHTING UPGRADES FOR CO-OP STORES Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn, lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, are delivering lighting upgrades for Co-op food stores – aligning energy use, maintenance, and customer experience across multiple store sizes and formats.
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ith more than 2,300 food stores nationwide and a strong emphasis on ethical, community-led retail, Co-op continues to refresh and expand its estate. As an approved joint lighting supplier, Zumtobel and Thorn have supported Co-op’s upgrade programme for years, delivering a scalable, repeatable lighting approach that protects brand consistency while flexing to individual sites. To date, around 400 stores have been completed across England, Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands, with further sites to be confirmed where there will also be lighting requirements for funeral care centres, Funeralcare branches, and all areas of the Co-op estate.
Programme overview
Thorn provides robust, easy-to-service illumination in Co-op’s staff and back-of-house areas
Co-op’s roll-out spans multiple store formats and conversions, and often older buildings (including former pubs and existing retail units) with unique constraints. The model store concept provides a robust baseline using Zumtobel TECTON across the sales floor, then adapts per site to maintain visual quality, efficiency and ease of maintenance. Designs are produced and coordinated predominantly via Teams to meet short programmes, frequent on-site revisions, and challenging logistics. Chris Batchelor, UK Retail Division Manager, Zumtobel & Thorn, explains, “The brief is both simple yet demanding: a consistent customer experience, high efficiency and quick, clean installs, delivered at pace, nationwide. TECTON gives us a dependable backbone for the sales floor, while Thorn’s portfolio covers staff areas and external zones. The result is a kit of parts that’s fast to deploy and easy to support, without compromising Co-op’s standards.”
Challenges and delivery
Lighting solution
At the heart of the sales floor, Zumtobel’s TECTON continuous row system forms an adaptable backbone utilising TECTON C luminaires to deliver consistent presentation lighting across fresh aisles, ambient gondolas and perimeter runs. Multiple mounting options provide versatility, allowing the system to be installed easily regardless of ceiling types. ln staff and back-of-house areas, Thorn provides robust, easy-to-service illumination via PopPack, Omega Pro 2, Aquaforce Pro and Katona Square, ensuring dependable performance in stores’ operational spaces. Externally, a coordinated set of Thorn luminaires – Katona Round, Piazza, Aquaforce Pro 2, and ForceLED – covers façades, canopies and walkways. R2L2 and Areaflood Pro illuminate the car parks and the wider site, giving store teams a coherent solution end-to-end. Emergency lighting is unified across the estate with Thorn’s Voyager family (Voyager Solid, Voyager Twin Spot, Voyager Star and Voyager One) and Zumtobel’s RESCLITE PRO (Anti-panic and Spot). The specification supports dimming control to reduce consumption while maintaining the right ambience for retail environments.
Co-op’s store in Inverness demonstrates the full package of Zumtobel’s solutions in one location
Spotlight store: Telford Street, Inverness
Among the largest sites delivered so far, Telford Street demonstrates the full package in one location: sales floor, back-of-house and a complete car park, implemented to the standard rollout specification, with DALI-addressable luminaires ready for integration by Co-op’s controls partner.
22 | January 2026
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Rolling out a single standard across multiple store sizes and formats was the core challenge. Building on a model store approach provides the necessary consistency while allowing local tuning of optics, rows and mounting to suit ceiling grids and merchandising layouts. Many conversions carry legacy constraints (structure, ceiling heights, asbestos finds) that demand rapid design revisions. The TECTON platform and wide-ranging Thorn luminaires allow quick re-spec without compromising the visual standard. Short lead times are routine; the standardised toolkit and clear application rules streamline submittals and approvals. Remote and island locations require tight coordination and early design freeze, and consolidated shipments help mitigate risk, while digital-first workflows keep distributed teams aligned. John Bradshaw, Head of Engineering & Standards, Co-op Property, comments, “Our lighting upgrade gives us a consistent standard across formats, while letting us adapt to the specifics of each site. Building the sales floor around TECTON and pairing it with Thorn solutions for staff areas and exteriors delivers energy efficiency, improved store connectivity and simpler maintenance in one package. It’s a scalable approach that supports colleagues and elevates how we present our stores to members and customers.”
Results and benefits
The programme delivers a consistent in-store experience with a recognisable Co-op look and feel, underpinned by energy-efficient LED platforms and addressable control readiness. A proven product family reduces maintenance burden and simplifies spares, while the TECTON architecture helps future-proof stores for later adaptation. John concludes, “Our estate is diverse, our programmes are fast, and our standards are non-negotiable. With Zumtobel and Thorn, we have a dependable solution – TECTON on the shop floor, complementary Thorn solutions behind the scenes and outside – so we can roll out at pace without compromising quality. “The partnership supports a consistent customer experience, efficient operation, remote connectivity and long-term maintainability. Feedback across the estate has been very positive.” Zumtobel, zumtobel.co.uk
@ecn_magazine
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18/12/2025 08:34
32A 4mm2 90-piece lever kit - now available
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21/12/2025 14:53 19/12/2025 13:14:44
SMART BUILDINGS
ISE 2026 TO OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 returns to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, 3-6 February, with a forward-looking theme: Push Beyond. ECN provides a round-up of what visitors can expect from the next instalment of this key industry event.
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s buildings evolve into intelligent, connected environments, electrical professionals are increasingly at the centre of this transformation, and ISE is positioning them to
take the lead. For electrical contractors, smart buildings represent more than a technological upgrade; they are a major commercial opportunity. Demand for integrated lighting, energy management, automation, security, and networked control systems continues to surge across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. ISE 2026, co-owned by CEDIA, The Association for Smart Home Professionals, will showcase how these technologies converge and how contractors can expand their skillsets, services, and revenue streams as a result.
A look at the future of connected infrastructure
A cornerstone of the event is the Smart Building Summit, taking place Wednesday 4 February, 8.30am to 12.30pm, where industry leaders will explore the realities of designing and delivering intelligent environments. Discussions will focus on systems interoperability, AI’s growing influence on building management, the long-term maintenance of connected infrastructure, and how these changes will impact project workflows. For contractors, the Summit provides valuable context for aligning services with the evolving expectations of clients and building operators.
Elevating residential expertise
The CEDIA Smart Home Technology Conference is designed to broaden professional knowledge, sharpen practical skills, and drive business growth for electrical contractors and industry professionals. With a strong focus on actionable strategies and peer-driven insights, the conference will help delegates master project delivery, harness the latest advances in AI and emerging technologies, and foster a robust business culture. Attendees can expect practical takeaways and expert guidance from industry leaders, ensuring they return with real-world solutions and a competitive edge in the evolving smart home sector.
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The Technology Zone will feature innovations used in residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects
Technology at the heart of the Residential & Smart Building Tech Zone ISE’s Residential & Smart Building Technology Zone, in Halls 1 and 2, brings together the technologies electrical professionals encounter more frequently on residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The zone showcases IoT-based building management platforms, advanced lighting and shading systems, energy monitoring tools, integrated security solutions, and multi-protocol control infrastructure. It’s an opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers, explore installation methods, and understand the integration requirements behind next-generation smart building systems.
electricalcontractingnews.com
@ElecConNews
One of ISE 2026’s defining megatrends is smart spaces, a concept describing buildings that react intelligently to occupants, integrate data from multiple systems and balance energy performance with user comfort. At the heart of these spaces lies robust electrical and low-voltage infrastructure. As buildings become increasingly software-driven, the contractor’s role expands accordingly – shaping not just the physical power distribution but the digital backbone on which automation, analytics, and optimisation depend. ISE also identified sustainability as a megatrend for 2026, where sessions will cover how sustainability presents opportunities to develop eco-friendly technologies, energy-efficient systems, and greener manufacturing processes – reducing environmental impact and attracting eco-conscious clients.
AI Trailblazing keynote
Integration and interoperability in action
ISE 2026 will demonstrate how integrated systems can transform buildings into responsive, efficient ecosystems. Expect to see real-time demonstrations where lighting, power, audio, and security systems interact seamlessly. Key exhibitors at ISE 2026 include Technology Integration Partners (stand 2J500), who will be presenting design-focused technologies from brands such as Domotz, Russound, and D-Tools, with particular emphasis on smart power management and network monitoring. ADI / Snap One + Control4 (stand 2J150) will introduce robust platforms designed for networked control, automation, and remote management, supporting a wide range of connected devices and applications. Meanwhile, the KNX Association (stand 2J300) will showcase the latest advancements in building control standards, setting benchmarks for interoperability, automation, and personalisation.
Megatrends – Smart spaces and sustainability
ISE 2026 is set to welcome electrical contractors from across the globe
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Sol Rashidi, the world’s first Chief AI Officer for enterprises, will headline ISE on Wednesday 5 February. Her keynote, ‘The AI Reality Check: What It Takes to Scale and the Future of Leadership,’ will expose the realities of AI beyond the hype, offering practical frameworks and highlighting the importance of AI governance and cybersecurity for successful scaling. She will also share how to assess AI initiatives and protect data, staff, and competitive edge. Registration for ISE 2026 is open now – don’t miss your place at the forefront of connected living. Use the code ‘ecnews’ for free registration at iseurope.org/ welcome/registration. ISE, iseurope.org
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19/12/2025 09:34
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INTERVIEW
Q&A: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE ECA In this month’s interview, ECN is speaking with Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), about the organisation’s 125th anniversary, its recent successes, and the ECA’s plans for the year ahead. ECN: Hi Andrew! To start with, can you tell us a little about your career to date, and how you ended up working for the ECA?
ECN: What were some of the biggest developments in the electrical contracting sector in 2025?
ECN: What are expected to be the most important topics on the ECA’s agenda over the coming 12 months?
Andrew: My first industry role, which started in 2000, involved (sometimes fraught) industrial relations on large energy and industrial projects. Since then, I’ve held various jobs, covering skills as well as employment issues, both for trade associations and major projects like London 2012 and the Crossrail/ Elizabeth Line.
Andrew: Highlights for me included the success of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) persuading the Government in England to increase grants to training providers delivering electrical apprenticeships. Another highlight was the UK Government’s long-awaited publication in July of a consultation on poor payment practices. ECA and our Members have been at the forefront of the campaign against late payment and retentions abuse for over 40 years. Beyond that, an additional highlight was the ECA’s own Blueprint for Electrification in April. This pulled together a powerful coalition of contractors, manufacturers, distributors, network operators and influential think-tanks to highlight to Government the centrality of the electrical industry and our concerns to the successful delivery of clean energy.
Andrew: 2026 looks like being even busier than 2025 was. Firstly, we’ll be following up on the recently closed payment consultation. Warm words about a fairer, more balanced approach now need to be converted into action. The ECA will also be tackling some concerning skills developments, not least more businesses starting to question the value of investing in apprentices. With employment costs increasing and market confidence in doubt, governments all around the UK need to understand that jobs and work-based training can’t happen without keeping employers on board. In addition, we will be navigating potentially seismic political changes – not least in Wales, where ECA and our Members have established strong and effective relationships with devolved institutions which we are keen to see continue after next year’s Senedd elections. Lastly, ECA will be continuing to improve our membership proposition – including further development of the ECA’s Growth Hub, delivering subsidised, high-quality training to ECA Members and their employees on business-critical topics.
ECN: What does your current role at the ECA involve, and what does your typical working day look like? Andrew: In 2025, I transferred my remaining employment and skills responsibilities to two very capable colleagues. Before handing over skills, I spent much of the year travelling around the country working with ECA Members and others to establish regional electrotechnical training and careers alliances (ETCAs). These bring together local businesses, industry bodies, training providers, mayoral strategic authorities and others to focus on improving local electrical skills outcomes. We currently have five ETCAs in place (Greater Manchester, West Midlands, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Kent), with several more on the way. My role now is much more concerned with internal ECA matters – above all, maximising the value of ECA services to our Members.
ECN: How do you measure the ECA’s legacy over the past 125 years, and how has it evolved and adapted during this time? Andrew: Once we identify an issue, we work to address it in a practical way – often in collaboration with others. Examples of this dynamic and creative approach can be found throughout our history, right up to the present day. They have included establishing most of the industry institutions with which ECN readers will be familiar – for example: • National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) – co-founded in 1923 by ECA and the electricity boards to improve contractor technical standards. • Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry (JIB) – co-founded in 1967 by ECA and the Electrical Trade Union (now Unite) to reduce industrial disputes and regularise employment, training and personnel certification arrangements. • Joint Training Limited (JTL) – co-founded in 1990, again by ECA and Unite, to improve the availability and quality of apprenticeship training. • The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) – co-founded in 2017 by ECA, Unite, JIB, NET and SELECT to help promote electrical careers, uphold and improve industry training standards, and build a picture of future skills needs.
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ECN: What’s some of the most important work that ECA does behind the scenes that our readers may not necessarily be aware of? Andrew: Nearly all of it is behind the scenes! As we’re contractor-owned and not-for-profit, we do the work our Members tell us is important – not just the things that can garner a quick commercial benefit or easy publicity. Skills policy, technical standards, lobbying Government on unfair commercial practices and developing services to support diverse aspects of business all take time and resources – which ECA and our Members are almost unique in devoting to all these different fields simultaneously. From the outside, it might sometimes look to be about golf tournaments and black-tie dinners. That’s not our daily reality, which involves spinning a lot of plates and plenty of hard graft. ECA, eca.co.uk
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21/12/2025 14:45
UK suppliers of Niko Home Control to UK Electricians and Installers
• Niko training and technical support • Lighting, heating, shading and ventilation control CEDIA accredited We offer training to experienced smart home professionals as well as those just starting out in the industry.
WINNER
Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
Moss Technical t: 01656746766 e: niko@mosstech.co.uk w: homecontrol.uk.com Untitled-1 2
17/12/2025 10:39
ECN AWARDS 2025
ECN AWARDS 2025 — AND THE WINNERS ARE… On Thursday 27 November, the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre played host to the third annual ECN Awards – which was undoubtedly our biggest and most successful event to date. In this extended review, ECN provides details of the evening’s festivities along with a full round-up of each and every award winner.
I
n front of a packed crowd, the 2025 ECN Awards once again celebrated the very best the electrical contracting industry has to offer, with winners across a wide and varied range of categories stepping into the spotlight to collect their coveted trophies in front of their peers. The evening started off in style with our glitzy drinks reception, sponsored by Contactum, which took place in our warm and welcoming marquee just one hour before the evening officially got underway in the main ballroom. Guests were greeted with a cocktail or two upon arrival, and enjoyed mingling and networking in a relaxed ambience as the room began to fill up – and there was definitely a buzz in the air in anticipation of the evening’s proceedings. With magicians on hand throughout the night to provide some genuine moments of
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shock and awe, there was also a sense of magic in the air – and with the countdown to the awards ready to reach its conclusion, attendees began to make their way through to the glamorous Birchley Suite ballroom to discover whether or not they would be crowned a winner and walk away with a coveted 2025 ECN Awards trophy. Before our host Paul took to the stage – who oversaw proceedings with his usual energetic, engaging, and inimitable style – guests were treated to a special performance by two incredibly talented aerialists in the centre of the room, who hung precariously above the dance floor and provided a memorable performance that kept the entertainment flowing. It served as a sign of things to come ahead of what is already renowned as one of the most fun and enjoyable awards nights the industry has to offer. Shortly thereafter, we wasted no time in officially getting down to business, and over
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the course of the next several hours, our host began revealing each and every winner across the 24 categories on offer – each of which had been judged by our independent panel of a dozen judges in the weeks and months leading up to the event.
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The third annual ECN Awards was our biggest and most successful event to date
electrical-contracting-news-ecn
22/12/2025 12:33
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04/12/2025 09:37 04/12/2025 08:50:12
ECN AWARDS 2025
The evening’s festivities officially got underway with a stunning performance by two dynamic aerialists
Christopher Horne, the recipient of this year’s Special Recognition award, discovering that he had been selected for this distinct honour
30 | January 2026
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Although each of the nights’ winners (and highly commended runners-up) are detailed below, it would be remiss of us not to give a special moment to two of the night’s big winners. Firstly, to apprentice Jay Bamford, who bested two other strong candidates to scoop the much-coveted Apprentice of the Year prize. Judges were incredibly impressed with Jay’s enthusiasm for the electrical industry, along with his ability to mentor apprentices himself, which they described as a “very rare quality”. Role models are so important in our industry, and as a result Jay was rightfully hailed as a “true inspiration”, and was the worthy winner of this year’s important apprenticeship award.
Secondly, another of the evening’s many highlights was the presentation of the Special Recognition award to Christopher Horne, an individual who has spent over 40 years in the electrical industry, and is currently eFIXX Education Advisor and Ambassador for the Electrical Industry Charity. Individuals from across the industry paid tribute to Christopher in a series of special videos – noting his contributions and the ways Christopher is helping and encouraging the next generation of electricians to develop their skills – before the man of the hour took to the stage to accept the accolade and provide an off the cuff acceptance speech that was hugely well received throughout the room. Capping off the evening, we also revealed the winner of our mystery box fundraiser for the Electrical Industries Charity – which saw two lucky individuals leave with a £400 Amazon voucher and a £100 Amazon voucher respectively – and immediately following the award presentations, attendees were treated to an incredible performance from Rule The World, the world’s finest Take That tribute band who have been endorsed by the original themselves. All in all, the 2025 ECN Awards proved another spectacular night that once again celebrated the finest individuals and companies the electrical contracting sector has to offer – and it’s clear from visitor feedback that this is truly one of the most important and enjoyable industry events of the year. Stay tuned in the coming weeks
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for details on the 2026 ECN Awards, which will no doubt be even bigger and better as the event continues its remarkable growth with each passing year! We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our 2025 ECN Awards sponsors – Aico, CEF, Chint Shield, Contactum, Hi-Spec, and NAPIT – without whom the event simply wouldn’t have been the same. We’re very grateful to have such fantastic partners for our event, and it was a pleasure having them involved. ECN would also like to thank all of our attendees, entrants, and winners for your support, and a huge congratulations to each and every one of this year’s winners!
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Rule The World took to the stage for a memorable performance of Take That hits
electrical-contracting-news-ecn
22/12/2025 11:47
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15/12/2025 10:40 09:46 17/12/2025
ECN AWARDS 2025
WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 ECN AWARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Products Category Cable Product of the Year Winner: Amokabel Flexishield – Flexishield-Cca Highly Commended: Securi-Flex LTD – Securi-Flex Eco-Flex EV & Modbus Cable
Circuit Protection Product of the Year Winner: Electrium Sales Limited – Wylex 10ka AFDDRCBO Highly Commended: Proteus Switchgear – Proteus Consumer Unit
Fire Safety Product of the Year Winner: Aico – Ei3030 Highly Commended: Advanced – Next-Generation MxPro 5
HVAC Product of the Year Winner: Rointe Heating – Eoniq Inverter Smart Adaptive Energy-Efficient Radiator with Wi-Fi & AI Highly Commended: Airflow Developments – DV245 Adroit (Integral CO2 Sensor)
Lighting Product of the Year Winner: Aurora Lighting – ChromaFlex Highly Commended: Ansell Lighting – C-Cell RGBW Pixel, part of the LED Cell Strip range
Software/App of the Year Winner: Modecsoft – ElectricalOM Highly Commended: Volta Compliance – EcaaS
Test Equipment Product of the Year Winner: Chauvin Arnoux UK – PEL 113 Power and Energy Logger
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Highly Commended: Di-LOG – ALVA Series MFT Highly Commended: Super Rod – Super Rod IR Link
Trade Tool of the Year Winner: Beech Innovations Limited – FusePry Pro Highly Commended: Luceco – 5W UV Inspection Torch
Projects Category EV Project of the Year Winner: InstaVolt – Winchester Superhub Highly Commended: Aylesford Electrical Contractors – Aylesford Electrical Royal Mail and Currys Fleet EV Charging Installations for BP Pulse
Lighting Project of the Year
Winner: M2 Electrical – 65W Dual Type-C USB Charger Socket Highly Commended: Retrotouch Switches & Sockets – Retrotouch Aura Switches & Sockets
Winner: Ansell Lighting – Ansell Lighting transforms Aintree Racecourse Golden Miller & Papillon Suites Highly Commended: Acrospire – Newport Millennium Bridge: LED Handrail Lighting Retrofit Highly Commended: Powercor – Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium
Sustainable Products Category
Sustainable Project of the Year
Wiring Accessories Product of the Year
EV Charging Product of the Year
Winner: Volta Compliance – York Minster Highly Commended: Starkey Electrical – WCCP and Starkey Electrical
Winner: Myenergi – zappi GLO Highly Commended: Lewden – SIENA – 7.4kW AC smart EV Charger Highly Commended: ROLEC – EVO
Power Product of the Year Winner: Luceco – Sync Energy Flow Highly Commended: Sensata Technologies – Next-Gen SIM200 Insulation Monitoring Device
Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year Winner: NVC Lighting – CAT-R Highly Commended: Luceco – LuxPanel Connect Highly Commended: Prefect Controls – Irus+ControlSensor
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22/12/2025 11:47
NUMBER ONE FOR CABLE MANAGEMENT
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04/12/2025 09:38
ECN AWARDS 2025
Training Category
Companies Category
Apprentice of the Year
Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
Winner: Jay Bamford
Winner: Yesss Electrical Highly Commended: LEW Electrical Distributors
Training Provider/Initiative of the Year Winner: A121 Training Highly Commended: NICEIC
Contractor of the Year (turnover under £5M) Winner: Burgess Electrical Services Limited Highly Commended: KDM Electrical
Contractor of the Year (turnover over £5M) Winner: Powercor Highly Commended: Brook & Mayo
Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year Winner: Moss Technical Services Highly Commended: CleanTech Wholesale
Mystery box fundraiser for the EIC
As part of the evening’s events, the ECN Awards also hosted a mystery box fundraiser for the Electrical Industries Charity, which offered participants the chance to win the grand prize of a £400 Amazon voucher (with a second prize of a £100 voucher also up for grabs). We’re incredibly pleased to report that the initiative raised a total of £2,720 for the EIC, with Sean Upton from E.W. Gee and Rachel Nimmons from CEDIA (pictured above) scooping the top prize and the runners-up prize respectively. The EIC has been creating better workplaces and industry communities since 1905. Having spent last year celebrating 120 years of support to the electrical sector, the organisation continues to offer vital services to those who serve and have served within the electrical and energy industries, ensuring no one faces life’s challenges alone. For more information, visit the charity’s website at electricalcharity.org.
Manufacturer of the Year Winner: Marshall-Tufflex Highly Commended: Luceco
34 | January 2026
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22/12/2025 11:47
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17/12/2025 10:32 10:55
COMPETITION
WIN THE ‘PARROT POWER PACK’ COURTESY OF PARROT PR AND MARKETING In this month’s competition, readers have the chance to win the Parrot Power Pack – a special bundle of prizes comprising a DEWALT DAB+ / FM site radio, a Milwaukee Packout Mug, a C.K Wire Stripper, and a 30-minute marketing consultation with the team at Parrot.
P
arrot PR and Marketing, founded by Eve Gaut over eight years ago, is a full-service creative agency specialising in PR, marketing and communications. It offers a strong and established client base across the technical industries – electrical, lighting, architecture, and beyond. Parrot PR and Marketing is known for helping brands become the “Squawk of the Town”, combining strategic thinking with creative execution to deliver measurable results. From PR and media relations to content creation, social media management, branding, digital marketing and campaign strategy, Parrot supports businesses at every stage of their growth. Whether it’s launching a new product, increasing brand visibility, supporting award submissions, or positioning a company or individual as a thought leader, Parrot takes clients under its wing with tailored, sector-specific solutions. A key strength of Parrot PR and Marketing is its deep understanding of the electrical and lighting markets. The team, or the ‘flock’ as they’re referred to, works directly with manufacturers,
The Parrot Power Pack DEWALT DCR021 10.8/14.4/18V Li-lon XR DAB+ / FM Site Radio Milwaukee Packout Mug with Sip Lid (532ml) C.K Wire Stripper 10 1/4” 30-minute marketing consultation
distributors, consultants, contractors, and industry bodies, translating complex technical information into clear, engaging communications that resonate with both trade and specifier audiences. Parrot works closely with industry media, including trade magazines, online platforms and event organisers, helping electrical firms gain meaningful exposure and build long-term credibility. By combining creative storytelling with strategic planning, Parrot helps clients’ communications soar above the noise in a competitive marketplace. Above all, Parrot PR and Marketing prides itself on being collaborative, bespoke and approachable. The agency acts as an extension of its clients’ teams, offering flexible support that adapts to changing business needs – whether that’s ongoing retained activity or project-based campaigns. To put it simply, Parrot PR and Marketing combines creative flair with decades of expertise, helping people communicate with clarity and confidence. To contact Parrot, visit the website below or email Eve at eve@parrotprandmarketing.com. Parrot PR and Marketing, parrotprandmarketing.com
For your chance to win the Parrot Power Pack, simply answer the following questions correctly: 1. Which of the following services is offered by Parrot PR and Marketing? a) Electrical installation and testing b) Product manufacturing c) A full 360-degree PR and marketing solution
2. What phrase does Parrot PR and Marketing use to describe helping clients stand out? a) Powering the future b) Brightening your brand c) The Squawk of the Town
3. Which type of activity might Parrot PR and Marketing support an electrical firm with? a) Product installation and maintenance b) Award submissions and thought leadership campaigns c) On-site electrical design services
November competition The winner of the November competition – a £200 Virgin Experience voucher, courtesy of Click Scolmore - is Peter Worrell of P.W. Electrics..
Closing date All entries must be returned by 31 January 2026. The editor’s decision is final. For the full terms and conditions, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/ competition-terms. The name of the winner will be published in the March 2026 issue of ECN. *Prize not exchangeable
To enter, please complete the form below and post to: ECN Competition, All Things Media Ltd, Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8UD. Alternatively, you can enter online at electricalcontractingnews.com/competition or email your answers and contact details to: simon@allthingsmedialtd.com.
The answers to January’s competition are:
Contact Preferences Y ES, I would like to receive the ECN newsletter Y ES, I would like to subscribe to ECN magazine
1. ...........................................................................
Y ES, I would like to share my data with Parrot PR and Marketing
Personal Details Name....................................................................................................................................... Company Name...................................................................................................................... Address...................................................................................................................................
2. ...........................................................................
Signature.......................................................................
................................................................................ Postcode................................................. Tel................................................................ Mobile ................................................................
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Date..............................................................................
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To register to receive your copy of ECN each month, visit electricalcontractingnews.com/subscribe Competition.indd 32
22/12/2025 11:48
EV CHARGING
SPECIAL FEATURE
UPTIME MEANS A GOOD TIME FOR EV CHARGING Viktors Nikolajevs, CTEK’s UK Key Account Manager EVSE, assesses the increasing demands of EV chargers and explains how CTEK’s hardware attributes can provide the reliable charging required in today’s climate.
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or the operators of public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging – and for the EV drivers seeking to use it – the definition of a good time is uptime. For the Charge Point Operators (CPOs), uptime is potential revenue earning time; downtime is not. And as the EV driver pulls up to a public EV charge point, they have one simple question they want an answer to: will the charge point be up to the task of charging? To answer that simple question with a ‘yes’, there’s a chain of elements that all have to be working, and that chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The hardware has to work, its software has to work, the electricity supply has to be working, the data must flow, and the back end has to work.
Dealing with uptime demands The challenge facing CPOs and their hardware and other partners is to make uptime as close to all-time as possible. In the UK, the Public Charge Point Regulations require a CPO’s rapid charge point network (50kW plus) to be 99% reliable averaged over each calendar year. If 99% sounds a stretch, it is. CPOs have until 14 January 2026 to submit their first annual report covering the 2025 calendar year. Giving a taste of what those first reports might include, back end platform provider Monta recently surveyed more than 200 UK CPOs to see how they were doing.
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The survey results show only a fraction of CPOs achieving the 99% legal requirement. Monta’s report – The pain points and growth opportunities impacting UK Charge Point Operators in 2025 – reveals just 4% achieving uptime above 99.5%. A little over a quarter of CPOs (26%) are close to the rule, in the range of 97% to 98.4%. In all, 74% are above 95%. But that still leaves plenty some way off target. The 99% target may be challenging for CPOs with networks of rapid DC charge points (and comes with the jeopardy of potential financial penalties and a reputational hit), but the drive for uptime applies to public charge points of all speeds. The desire for maximum uptime also applies to AC fast charge point provision. The Public Charge Point Regulations are aimed at pushing all CPOs to try to ensure the public charging experience of EV drivers is consistent and positive, to support the transition to e-mobility. All CPOs should wish for this anyway. Whether it’s fast or rapid, public charging’s uptime depends on everything working as it should. And when something isn’t working, the CPO and/or its back end provider need to know there is a problem and be able to quickly rectify it. So, what is the weakest link? The Monta report cited slow maintenance response times as the most frequent barrier to uptime, identified by 45% of CPOs, just ahead of limited control over firmware and component durability. Three out of 10 CPOs cited the inconsistent hardware quality across charger brands.
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CTEK honoured for its reliable charging
At CTEK, we are focused by our hardware being the strongest link in the charging chain. Last autumn, the Helsinki-headquartered EV charging platform provider eMabler named CTEK as the winner of its first Best Hardware Partner Award based on real operational data showing a charging success rate of 98.6%. eMabler identified four key hardware attributes for reliable charging: • A robust structure that withstands not only physical wear but also the demands of continuous connectivity • High-quality components and production that ensure durability • Reliable data connections, without which operators cannot manage, monitor or monetise their networks • Stable firmware and meaningful updates that focus on robustness – not just features – are critical for dependable operation year after year. Resilient data communication enables real-time integration with back end systems, automated alerts 24/7 and quicker fault resolutions. Everything that can be done to improve reliable communications should be done. For instance, at installations with multiple charge points, those that can communicate via LAN cabling can have the edge over those relying on Wi-Fi. Back to basics perhaps, but effective. As the Monta report notes, the opportunity is there for CPOs and their partners to provide smarter and more integrated charging as they strive for that best of times: uptime. CTEK, ctek.com
January 2026 | 37
18/12/2025 08:35
SPECIAL FEATURE
EV CHARGING
PRIORITISING SUSTAINABILITY WITH MYENERGI Hot off the heels of the company’s recent ECN Awards win, we’re speaking with Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability at myenergi, about the role of sustainability in the company’s new product development process.
W
inner of EV Charging Product of the Year at the ECN Awards 2025, myenergi’s zappi GLO was engineered from the ground up with eco-conscious design at its core. The solar-compatible EV charger delivers a 35% reduction in embodied carbon compared to its predecessor, zappi 2.1 – proof that performance and environmental responsibility can readily go hand in hand. Indeed, for every 1,000 units manufactured, the CO2 saved is equivalent to driving over 157,000 km in an average UK car – enough to travel from London to Sydney and back twice. ECN: To start with then Emma, how important is sustainability to a global technology brand such as myenergi? Emma: In short, it’s fundamental. myenergi is a business born from a desire to have a positive impact on people and the planet. Our products and services are deliberately designed with sustainability at their core, enabling our customers to decarbonise their lives. When it comes to manufacturing our eco-smart product range, we’re committed to protecting, sustaining and enhancing vital natural resources that will be needed in the future, achieving growth while considering the true cost of doing business.
ECN: How is sustainability viewed within myenergi’s new product development process? Emma: Our product delivery lifecycle prioritises sustainability. Specific objectives are set and agreed, ensuring their consideration throughout specification, product design, sourcing, packaging and even software optimisation. But we don’t stop there. Our circularity model keeps sustainability front-of-mind throughout the whole product lifecycle, helping to ensure efficient manufacturing processes, minimal distribution impacts, and working on closing the loop at product end of life. ECN: What about the specifics of GLO? How did the R&D team tackle material use during the design process, for example? Emma: When it came to designing the physical aspects of zappi GLO, we prioritised material and component optimisation. Unlike many other chargers in the marketplace, all external parts are made from a single, recyclable material. We also designed a new plug to remove the need for two material types, as well as eliminating the need to bond parts to the plastic housing. Overall, plastic use has been reduced by 30%.
Unlike other chargers, all external parts are made from a single, recyclable material
ECN: What other design innovations were used, and how do they stack up from a sustainability perspective? Emma: A major step forward was reducing the number of printed circuit boards (PCBs) needed to control the device. Rather than six separate boards, GLO boasts a single PCB, which lowers weight by 30% (from 0.68kg to 0.46kg) and reduces PCB surface area by 64%. Elsewhere, further improvements have reduced firmware size by 30% and telemetry data volume by 33%. Collectively, this contributes to lower embedded and operational energy use. ECN: These are undoubtedly impressive stats, but how does the device perform in terms of energy efficiency?
zappi GLO was named EV Charging Product of the Year at the latest ECN Awards
38 | January 2026
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Emma: GLO demonstrates incremental improvements across the board – and energy efficiency is no different. For example, the device maintains the same idle consumption but reduces maximum power draw by 30%. In simple terms, this significantly improves overall energy efficiency when the device is idling – a simple way to further improve environmental credentials.
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ECN: Lastly, are there any other areas where innovation has helped to streamline environmental impact? Emma: By building accessible testing points into the PCB, we’ve ultimately enabled automated testing. As a result, we’ve been able to improve production efficiency without increasing energy use – a big step forward that delivers more units per kWh.
About zappi GLO
zappi GLO’s sustainability credentials are backed up with advanced features and functionality. With out-of-the-box energy tariff integration and automated solar compatibility as standard, the screenless, buttonless single-phase device is designed to offer effortless integrated charging. Controlled via the myenergi app, users have the option to simply plug-and-go, or explore toggle options to adjust settings, set timers, monitor performance and optimise device performance in real-time. What’s more, zappi GLO forms part of myenergi’s home energy management system (HEMS), an integrated network of eco-smart solutions that ensures households are given total control over their energy use, alongside the flexibility to switch to the best smart tariff. Alongside the eddi solar diverter, this includes the libbi home battery and harvi wireless monitor. For more information about myenergi and its award-winning zappi GLO EV charger, visit myenergi.com/zappi-glo. myenergi, myenergi.com
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19/12/2025 11:50
EE END
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Scan to book To book visit sevadis.com/installer-training or scan the QR code above Untitled-13 2
22/04/2025 16:44
SPECIAL FEATURE
EV CHARGING
THE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF THE EV FUTURE Theo Brillhart, Technology Director, R&D, Fluke Corporation, argues that the future of EV charging will be built upon maintenance, training, and standards.
E
lectric vehicle (EV) adoption is here to stay, with the UK home to over 1.5 million EVs. In fact, the UK was Europe’s largest EV market in 2024. It is clear that the transition
is well underway. Electric vehicles continue to improve in range and performance, and consumers continue to maintain interest in making the switch. However, without reliable, accessible, and well-maintained charging stations, momentum could falter.
Charging anxiety now top concern
If EV adoption is to scale at the pace that automakers and policymakers expect, reliability must become universal
For years the most pressing concern was “range anxiety.” Would the battery last for the daily commute, or a long road trip? However, with many vehicles now capable of tackling over 300 miles on a single charge, the new concern is “charging anxiety.” Recent policy changes in the UK, including the introduction of mileage-based charges for EVs, are unlikely to accelerate adoption. What they do provide is time to adapt and build infrastructure, where consumer sentiment is shifting. The question is no longer, “Will my car make the trip?” but, “Will I be able to find a working charger when I need one?” It is a shift that moves the focus away from the vehicle and onto the reliability of the infrastructure behind them. If EV adoption is to scale at the pace that automakers and policymakers expect, reliability must become universal. That means any driver should be able to pull into any charging station, regardless of vehicle make or model, and expect it to
work. Progress is visible, but technical standards alone will not solve the problem. The industry also needs systematic maintenance practices and a skilled, evolving workforce to be able to uphold those principles in real time. For the UK in particular, success will depend on building and equipping the infrastructure required to make electrification affordable, accessible, and dependable for the public at large. Without that foundation, progress will stall – and not because the vehicles aren’t ready, but because the system behind them isn’t.
Effective maintenance is key
Many of the issues facing charging stations are preventable, making predictive maintenance increasingly critical as the industry grows. Effective strategies require a balance of reactive maintenance, with the ability to quickly respond to unexpected failures and issues, and preventive maintenance, which builds resilience into daily operations. Predictive maintenance goes further by leveraging data and analytics to identify problems before they lead to outages. This need is reinforced by a recent survey, with 36% of respondents citing charger maintenance as a top industry challenge, 44% identifying inoperable chargers as a major hurdle, and 40% concerned about software incompatibility. Compounding these concerns, 88% highlighted a critical workforce skills gap, underscoring the urgency of investing in training and development to enable more advanced maintenance practices. Preventive work should include remote monitoring of charger performance, scheduled inspections of safety systems such as ground-fault interrupters and emergency stops, regular servicing of
cooling systems and power electronics, and testing of payment systems. Firmware updates are another critical element: too often these are deployed without adequate release notes or advance warning, leading to unrecognised error codes that confuse maintenance teams and frustrate drivers. Remote analytics are especially valuable. They give operators 24/7 visibility into charger status, reduce unnecessary site visits, and allow failures to be diagnosed before users encounter them.
Building a strong workforce
When it comes to building a dependable charging ecosystem, there can be no substitute for skilled workers. It is vital to maintain a well-trained and continually certified workforce. As demand increases, it becomes increasingly essential to roll out programmes to train and upskill the future EV workforce across the UK, with trade bodies such as RECHARGE UK calling on the Government to focus on supporting and upskilling workers both old and new. Technology is not static. Firmware updates, higher-power charging, and advanced thermal systems change the skill requirements every year. Training must evolve accordingly, so operators and their maintenance providers must see workforce investment as inseparable from infrastructure investment. Without enough qualified people, the best hardware will still underperform.
The future of EV charging
Every new charging station built today must be designed with long-term reliability in mind. That means requiring equipment certified to ISO and IEC standards, mandating compliance with the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for roaming and interoperability, demanding proactive firmware updates with proper documentation, ensuring OEM-certified training for service providers, and structuring warranties and contracts so that uptime, not replacement or minimal compliance, is rewarded. Contracts and warranties should be separated, even when the OEM is also the service provider, so that incentives are aligned towards uptime rather than replacement. Future-proofing decisions made at the procurement stage directly affect reliability years later. A charger that meets higher standards from the outset is less likely to become a liability for operators and more likely to deliver the seamless experience that drivers expect. Fluke Corporation, fluke.com
40 | January 2026
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18/12/2025 08:36
23-24 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEC BIRMINGHAM, UK
A GAME CHANGING EVENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INDUSTRY Covering everything from Lighting and Wiring Accessories to EV and Renewables. ECN Live! 2026 is an industry game changing trade show for electrical contractors, electricians, buyers, specifiers, and key stakeholders in the electrical contracting sector. Gain valuable insights into the most valuable aspects of electrical contracting, such as lighting, circuit protection, cable management, HVAC, fire safety, EV, renewables, solar and more! ECN Live! will be co-locating with EI Live!, the UK’s only dedicated smart home show, an already established show, now in its 15th year. Given the synergy between these two markets, electrical contractors and electricians will gain valuable knowledge about the world of smart home integration and add another string to their bow as an installer. Don’t miss this innovative co-located event that defines the standard for connection, knowledge sharing, and solutions tailored for today’s electrical professionals.
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ECNLIVESHOW.COM Untitled-2 2
29/10/2025 10:56
SPECIAL FEATURE
HVAC
A NEW DAWN FOR BRITISH HEAT NETWORKS Heat networks are entering a new era – but are high-rise developers ready? Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Power On, addresses the key considerations.
H
eat networks will come under Ofgem regulation from January 2026, introducing clearer expectations on efficiency, pricing and consumer protection. For high-rise residential schemes, this marks a step-change in how communal heating must be planned and operated. The Energy Act (2023) set the direction; from 26 January 2026, providers enter a new regulated environment, supported by a year-long transition to full compliance.
The impact on high-rise developments
The Ofgem heat network regulation will focus on consumer protection, fair pricing, reliability, and technical performance
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standards. These standards will include efficiency requirements, metering obligations, and authorisation for heat network providers to operate. High-rise residential buildings, which house a large number of homes in a compact space, pose unique challenges when it comes to heating and cooling systems. Centralised heating systems, like Community Heat Hubs (CHHs) and Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHPs), offer efficient, low-carbon solutions that address these challenges while aligning with Ofgem’s standards. For all heat networks to be operational, providers must be authorised by Ofgem. This means that heat networks in high-rise buildings will need to adhere to standards that ensure consumer protections, technical performance, and energy efficiency.
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Leading the way in heat network regulation
As Power On expands its presence in the high-rise residential market, we are proactively preparing for Ofgem’s regulation by ensuring that our Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHPs) and Community Heat Hubs (CHHs) meet all required technical and operational standards. These systems are designed to provide highly efficient, low-carbon heating solutions, reducing the reliance on gas boilers and promoting sustainability. Heat network systems should be built to: • Ensure transparency and fair pricing: Offer clearly defined pricing models and a price promise, guaranteeing that the cost of heating solutions will be comparable or lower than traditional, less sustainable options.
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18/12/2025 11:45
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Untitled-7 2
17/12/2025 16:59
SPECIAL FEATURE
HVAC
• Incorporate smart metering: All systems should be equipped with advanced metering technologies to monitor energy use, ensuring accurate billing and providing real-time insights for consumers to optimise their energy consumption. • P romote scalability and reliability: Modular design of Community Heat Hubs allows for scalability, making them suitable for a wide range of high-rise developments, from smaller buildings to large multi-unit residential blocks. Any proactive compliance strategy must be grounded in a commitment to Ofgem’s consumer protection measures and ensure that solutions are in line with the Future Homes Standard and Part L of the Building Regulations.
Solutions for high-rise residential developments
In high-rise residential buildings, where individual heating solutions may not be feasible due to space constraints and high energy demand, Community Heat Hubs offer an ideal solution. These centralised systems efficiently distribute low-carbon heat to multiple units from a single, scalable source. The ability to integrate these systems with renewable energy sources such as solar power enhances the sustainability of the development, ensuring long-term resilience against future regulatory changes. The NGSHP systems, meanwhile, utilise the earth’s natural thermal energy to provide efficient, low-carbon heating for new and existing developments. These systems significantly reduce the carbon footprint of high-rise buildings, making them an attractive option for developers seeking to meet the requirements of the
44 | January 2026
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Future Homes Standard while adhering to Ofgem’s efficiency criteria. Both solutions are fully compliant with Ofgem regulations, offering developers a pathway to meeting net zero targets while reducing the regulatory burden on their projects.
High-rise residential buildings pose unique challenges when it comes to heating and cooling systems
Support during the transition to electrification
Developers require a complete solution that not only addresses the regulatory requirements of Ofgem but also integrates seamlessly with the electrification of high-rise residential housing. With heat network authorisation becoming mandatory, developers can benefit from pre-authorised solutions, which have been designed to meet all regulatory criteria well in advance of the 2026 deadline. Developers also face challenges when connecting to the upstream electricity grid. By using Community Heat Hubs and NGSHPs, developers can reduce the impact of high energy loads, which is often a challenge for high-rise developments with numerous individual systems. This ensures that the heat network operates efficiently without overwhelming the local grid, supporting sustainability at both the building and community levels.
Meeting the needs of the Future Homes Standard
The shift towards electrification and low-carbon heating solutions is driving changes in building standards, particularly in the residential sector. The Future Homes Standard (which came into effect in 2025) requires that new homes meet rigorous energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets.
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By adopting NGSHPs and CHHs, developers can ensure their high-rise residential projects are compliant with these standards, significantly reducing their carbon emissions and energy consumption. Moreover, with Part L of the Building Regulations setting energy performance targets for new buildings, heating solutions provide a pathway to compliance with the highest standards for energy efficiency and environmental performance. Part O of the Building Regulations, or Approved Document O, sets standards for preventing overheating in new residential buildings in England and Wales including houses, flats, student accommodation, care homes, and other buildings where people sleep. In place to address overheating risks, Part O mandates providing adequate ventilation systems (natural or mechanical) to remove heat from the building. Networked ground source heat pumps can support the Part O Building regulations. NGSHPs are able to provide heat in the winter as the ambient ground temperature is warmer than the air temperature and therefore can provide warmth when passed through a heat pump. With the ambient ground temperature in the summer being cooler than the temperature in the building, the same system can, therefore, be used for cooling by simply bypassing the heat pump in the warmer months. Known as passive cooling, all that is required is a small circulation pump and fan to distribute the cool air around the property, which can be achieved at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional air conditioning. During the summer, any waste heat from the building can be transferred back into the network for higher heat pump operating efficiency in the winter.
A commitment to sustainable heat networks
As Ofgem’s heat network regulations begin to take effect, Power On stands ready to lead the way in ensuring high-rise residential developments are not only compliant with the new regulatory framework, but are also positioned for long-term sustainability. NGSHPs, Community Heat Hubs, and integrated smart thermostat solutions provide a holistic approach to heating that ensures developers meet the highest standards of efficiency, reliability, and consumer protection. Prioritising compliance with Ofgem, Future Homes Standard, Part L and Part O, helps developers and consultants navigate the evolving regulatory landscape while contributing to the UK’s ambitious net zero goals. With innovative, low-carbon heating solutions, the industry can do more than just meet regulatory requirements: it can provide sustainable, future-proof heat networks for high-rise residential housing. Power On, poweron-uk.co.uk
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18/12/2025 11:46
DANLERS
Smart ISI PIR Sensor Range A range of smart passive infra-red occupancy detectors, switches and dimmers with app set-up ♦ Quad digital person detector with adjustable photocell and time lag functions ♦ A range of versions for different mounting options, detection areas and mounting heights ♦ Versions for Mains Switching, DALI or 0-10V dimming ♦ All settings and adjustments made via the DANLERS ISI app ♦ Programmable time-outs, setback light levels and fade rates ♦ Security settings available to avoid unauthorised programming ♦ Corridor hold function, group control function and copy function to replicate settings Ceiling flush-mounted versions. Ideal for false or plasterboard ceilings.
Versions with mini detector head. Ideal for false or plasterboard ceilings, or for fitting into a luminaire. Separate power pack with connector.
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DANLERS Limited, DANLERS Business Centre, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6NQ, UK ♦ PIR occupancy switches ♦ Photocells ♦ Daylight-linked dimmers ♦ Microwave detectors ♦ ♦ Time lag switches ♦ Dimmer switches ♦ Ecosystem controls ♦ Thermal sensors ♦ OEM products ♦
Untitled-1 2
11/12/2025 11:32
SPECIAL FEATURE
HVAC
WHY DEPLOYMENT MATTERS AS MUCH AS DESIGN Adrian Barber from Prefect Controls looks at how smart control and monitoring systems are transforming the way multi-occupancy properties such as student accommodation and hotels operate.
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or electrical contractors, understanding building owners, asset managers, and operational teams’ needs is increasingly important when specifying systems. It’s no longer enough to look solely at the technical performance. What matters is how the system contributes to the daily workload of the teams who depend on it, and how it supports long-term operational excellence. When the industry discusses automated monitoring and control systems, attention often gravitates towards hardware specifications, app features, or the promise of energy savings. But the real value of these technologies is unlocked through the way they are installed, commissioned, and supported throughout their operational life. For managers, operational reliability, predictable performance, and reduced risk are now just as important as kilowatt-hour savings. Two practical questions must always be asked at the bidding or design stage. Does the system genuinely save energy through automated control, or does it simply report information that someone must act upon manually? Real energy efficiency relies on eliminating unnecessary consumption. This may seem obvious, but in practice requires the system to actively turn off heat sources. Some systems only provide data and alerts, expecting operators to intervene manually. That is not control. Without the ability to automatically turn ‘things’ off, genuine economy cannot be achieved. What happens if a service contract is not renewed after the first year? Does the system still function, or does capability disappear behind a subscription wall? Some platforms operate on subscription-dependent business models. If a building operator decides to
• Operational efficiency gains. Automation fundamentally changes how buildings are managed. Regular manual checks, room-by-room inspections, plant room walk-arounds, or monitoring hard-toreach locations, can be replaced with real-time digital oversight. This enables technical teams to focus their time on strategic, higher-value tasks. • Actionable ESG insights. Continuous data, covering temperature, humidity, light levels, CO2, leaks, and energy consumption, provides granularity. These insights support stronger ESG reporting, smoother audits, and compliance with frameworks such as BREEAM or GRESB, which increasingly expect robust digital evidence. Lower costs, higher uptime. Remote • fault detection and automated alerts transform maintenance. Identifying leaks, heater failures, or abnormal consumption early prevents downtime, avoids unnecessary damage, reducing operational costs. • Sustainable financial paybacks. Automated systems often deliver substantial reductions in heating and environmental loads. Combined with operational efficiencies, these savings help achieve attractive payback periods while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
let the contract lapse, or experiences a breakdown in the commercial relationship, they may find themselves left with an expensive capital installation that offers no functionality without ongoing payments. Understanding these long-term implications is essential when advising your client on an appropriate system to fulfil their objectives.
Strong foundations start with deployment
Every successful project should begin with a thorough site survey. Mapping electrical and communications infrastructure at an early stage reduces the risk of issues later. It prevents cost overruns, avoids delays, and ensures the system design properly matches the realities of the building. This groundwork establishes the first layer of operational efficiency long before commissioning takes place. Once installed, the greatest strength of any system lies in its logic and the interpretation of the data it gathers. A well-commissioned system allows operational teams to work proactively, armed with clear, actionable insights into how the building is performing.
Operational efficiency beyond energy savings
Service and support: the often-overlooked value driver
Modern control and monitoring platforms support a much wider set of objectives than simply reducing energy use. Their impact touches every part of asset management:
The operational value of a control system does not end once it is commissioned. Ongoing remote support, firmware updates, data analysis, and optimisation ensure the system continues to perform at its best. The ability for engineers to diagnose issues remotely, adjust settings, and resolve problems without a site visit reduces disruption and helps maintain consistent performance across the building’s lifecycle.
• Risk reduction. A carefully planned and professionally delivered installation minimises uncertainty. It improves predictability, and safeguards capital investment, ensuring the system operates as intended from day one.
Why this matters to investors and asset managers
Real energy efficiency, such as that within modern student accommodation, relies on eliminating unnecessary consumption
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For those responsible for long-term asset performance, the message is clear: technology alone does not create value. The way it is deployed, supported, and integrated into daily operations is what determines its true return. A mature, well-managed operational ecosystem reduces risk, improves efficiency, strengthens ESG credentials, protects asset value, and boosts confidence in long-term performance. Prefect Controls, prefectcontrols.com
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19/12/2025 12:38
Our Services • Mental health support • Bereavement counselling • Legal advice • Advocacy • CV Support following redundancy and job loss • Psychiatric assessments • Will support • Emergency financial assistance
Access Assistance: Complete our online form support@electricalcharity.org Email us anytime 0800 652 1618 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri
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• Available in 1kW, 1.5kW and 2kW. • User friendly soft touch buttons • Only 4 buttons for easy & quick programming • LED back-lit display for low light use • Minimalist vent free design, while maintaining even heat distribution • Matt white and matt black finish
Untitled-2 2
21/12/2025 14:41
SPECIAL FEATURE
HVAC
HVAC’S ROLE IN THE ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer at Johnson Controls, explains why climate-smart innovation could be a catalyst for critical industry growth in 2026.
I
achieving a 30% reduction in energy costs and producing enough heat to meet 80% of the hospital’s needs. Turning waste heat into reliable energy is not just smart climate action – it’s economic strength and community resilience in practice.
n 2026, critical industries are taking centre stage as pioneers in sustainability. From data centres and hospitals to pharmaceutical labs and university campuses, organisations are leveraging efficiency, resilience, and innovation to achieve tangible outcomes. Sustainability is now embedded at the core of business strategy and operational excellence. Whether it’s a data centre implementing advanced chillers to cut water use, a hospital using AI to optimise HVAC for patient safety and energy savings, a lab upholding cleanroom standards with adaptive ventilation, or a campus adopting district cooling to reduce peak loads, the message is unmistakable: smart, connected systems are delivering measurable value for both people and the planet. The race is underway, and those who make sustainability their competitive advantage will lead the pack.
Resilience in action
The extreme weather events of 2025 have compelled us to rethink how we build and retrofit. Today’s infrastructure is designed with redundancy, agility, and connected controls, enabling organisations to do more with less and excel in the face of disruption. Efficiency and digitalisation provide a “double shot” of flexibility and cost optimisation, making resilience the new benchmark for future-proofing assets. Integrated building management systems can help customers avoid tens of thousands of metric tons of carbon emissions. Additionally, these systems can deliver up to a 30% reduction in energy spend and significant maintenance savings. For instance, Children’s of Alabama used Johnson Controls’ OpenBlue solution to cut annual energy costs by $681,000 (£507,000) and natural gas use by 69%, all while maintaining precise conditions in critical patient care areas.
Unlocking hidden energy
2026 marks a year of decisive action. High-capacity commercial heat pumps are revolutionising the way we heat and cool our built environment. While progress has been made in cleaning up electrical energy, the next frontier is thermal energy, especially for mission-critical sectors like data centres, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Heat pumps are advancing through innovation, and scaling up this technology can significantly reduce both carbon emissions and operational expenses. In 2024, Johnson Controls heat pumps helped customers cut energy costs by 53% and emissions by 60%. A notable example is a hospital in Germany that utilised a heat pump to access heat energy 200 metres underground,
Sustainability at the heart of industry leadership Heat pumps are advancing, and scaling up this technology can reduce carbon emissions and operational expenses
In 2026, sustainability is recognised as a key driver of competitive advantage at the heart of critical industry operations. No longer peripheral, sustainability enables companies to unlock new value, both reputational and financial. According to a recent Accenture report, nearly 90% of companies are linking their decarbonisation efforts to business value. The most compelling opportunities are those that disrupt the status quo and set new standards for what’s achievable. For example, a North American university halved its energy use through improved heating, cooling, and ventilation. In Ireland, a pharmaceutical firm uses AI-driven insights to run chillers 25-30% more efficiently while significantly reducing emissions. Meanwhile, data centres are expanding compute capacity with ultra-efficient cooling and thermal management.
Driving results, not just compliance
Technology is advancing rapidly, and policy must keep pace – shifting from prescriptive to performance-based approaches. In
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2026, performance-based contracts and ‘as a service’ financing models are enabling state-of-the-art upgrades with no upfront cost. The benefits are twofold: lower operating and overhead costs for shareholders and taxpayers, and a quicker route to decarbonisation. When governments and industry set ambitious performance standards together, it unleashes private sector innovation, benefitting everyone.
Reimagining data centre efficiency and thermal solutions Rising energy demand means data centres must become ultra-efficient. Modern chillers can use 40% less power annually, freeing up energy for compute and reducing environmental impact. They also operate with minimal on-site water and quieter operation, helping operators conserve resources and be better neighbours. Operators are also exploring alternative sources of electric power generation, such as combined heat and power systems using gas engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, and small modular reactors. Absorption chillers can recover waste heat from these on-site sources and use it instead of grid electricity, with water as the refrigerant. This approach reduces electrical usage by more than 90%, delivering two megawatts of cooling while requiring only about 20 kilowatts of input electrical power, compared to 500 kilowatts or more for conventional electric chillers. Embracing super-efficient cooling and thermal management will distinguish data centre leaders, delivering more computing power with less grid strain.
The path to a sustainable future The convergence of advanced technologies, bold leadership, and progressive policy is unlocking opportunities that were once out of reach. We’re already witnessing the benefits for critical industries that have embraced sustainable practices. These successes demonstrate that when organisations prioritise sustainability, they not only future-proof their operations but also create lasting value for shareholders, employees, and society. As we enter the new year, the pace of change will only increase. Leaders who recognise that sustainability is more than a box to check will surge ahead in 2026, as sustainable practices become a catalyst for growth. Johnson Controls, johnsoncontrols.com
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21/12/2025 14:29
SPECIAL FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING supported by
ORBIK BY OVIA SPECIALISTS IN EMERGENCY LIGHTING ON
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January 2026 | 49
21/12/2025 14:46
SPECIAL FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
OVIA SHOWCASES ‘ORBIK BY OVIA’ EMERGENCY LIGHTING PORTFOLIO Mike Collins, Managing Director of Scolmore Group company, Ovia, looks at how Ovia’s reengineered Orbik range is setting a new benchmark for emergency lighting – combining trusted performance with advanced battery technology, intuitive testing features, and futureproof compliance.
A
s regulatory expectations tighten and building safety continues to dominate industry priorities, emergency lighting has never played a more critical role in the electrical contracting landscape. From commercial premises and public buildings to residential developments, the demand for reliable, compliant, and intelligently engineered emergency illumination is growing rapidly. Installers and specifiers now face increasing pressure to deliver systems that not only provide safe evacuation routes during power failures, but also minimise maintenance, reduce energy consumption, and meet stringent standards such as BS5266.
Four new flagship products headline the upgraded Orbik range
Against this backdrop, Ovia has unveiled a significant evolution of its emergency lighting offering with the launch of the newly enhanced Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting range. The development marks the next chapter for the long-established Orbik brand, which was brought under Scolmore Group’s distribution earlier this year and integrated within Ovia’s growing lighting portfolio. Ovia has invested heavily in the redevelopment of the range, combining Orbik’s trusted reputation in emergency lighting with Ovia’s own focus on innovation, performance, and compliance. The result is a comprehensive, fully refreshed collection of emergency lighting solutions designed to meet the requirements of today’s commercial, industrial, and residential environments.
The enhanced Orbik by Ovia portfolio introduces four new flagship products – the Novem HO5 high-output bulkhead, the Calvip 65 slimline IP65 exit box, the Synex5 five-in-one exit sign, and the Vipex5 4W exit sign – each engineered to deliver improved performance, flexibility, and installation efficiency. Alongside these launches, the entire Orbik range has been upgraded, featuring enhanced self-test functionality, long-life LiFePO4 battery technology, and refined designs to meet the evolving demands of modern emergency lighting applications.
Novem HO5 – High-Output Emergency Bulkhead Leading the upgraded portfolio is the Novem HO5, a high-performance, non-maintained emergency bulkhead, delivering over seven times the lumen output of the standard Novem5 model. With a light output of 920 lumens in emergency, the HO5 delivers significantly enhanced brightness and energy efficiency, making it suitable for larger installations and high-ceilinged spaces.
Calvip 65 – Slimline IP65-Rated Polycarbonate Exit Box
The relaunch of Orbik by Ovia represents a new chapter for one of the emergency lighting sector’s most established names
The new Calvip 65 combines robust performance with a slim, contemporary design. Featuring an IP65 ingress protection rating, the unit is well suited to damp or humid environments such as changing rooms and shower areas, where reliability is essential.
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15/12/2025 15:05 electrical-contracting-news-ecn
21/12/2025 14:46
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
SPECIAL FEATURE
Emergency lighting has never played a more critical role in the electrical contracting landscape
The enhanced Orbik by Ovia portfolio introduces four new flagship products
Synex5 – Five-in-One Exit Sign Designed for maximum flexibility, the Synex5 provides multiple mounting options within a single unit – ceiling and wall mount as standard, with additional accessories available for suspended, recessed, or side-mounted installations. This provides contractors and specifiers with a true five-in-one solution, adaptable to any application.
Standout features across the Orbik by Ovia range
All products within the Orbik by Ovia range benefit from a number of key technical and functional upgrades: • Enable/disable self-test function – automated periodic testing simplifies compliance and reduces maintenance costs. • LiFePO4 battery technology – provides longer life, improved charge efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. • Optional black finish – available on selected models to meet the design requirements of modern interiors. • Five-year warranty – covers all Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting products.
Vipex5 – 4W Polycarbonate Exit Box Delivering outstanding performance, the Vipex5 boasts a 36-metre viewing distance for maximum visibility and safety. Its ultra-slim frame creates a sleek, modern aesthetic, while the robust polycarbonate construction provides a durable upgrade from traditional metal exit boxes. Designed for versatility, this polycarbonate exit box can be easily retrofitted, making an ideal stylish solution for both new installations and refurbishment projects.
The expanded Orbik portfolio
In addition to the four new flagship products, the complete Orbik by Ovia range encompasses upgraded solutions across the following categories:
Ovia also offers bespoke Emergency Lighting Design schemes that comply with the latest BS5266 code of practice
• Exit Signs and Exit Boxes – offering 26– 34m viewing distances, 3-hour minimum operation, and directional legends. • Twin Spots and Pin Spots – improved Newem5 and Ibex5 models with 6000K–6500K colour temperature LEDs for high visibility. • Bulkheads, Circular and Square Spots – a variety of IP20–IP65 options with interchangeable lenses for corridor, wide-corridor, and open-area applications.
At Ovia, we understand that emergency lighting is not just another component, it’s a life safety system that must perform when everything else fails. That’s why Orbik products are built to the highest standards of durability, performance, and compliance. ECN Feature Sponsorship January 2026 strip ads - Orbik.indd 2
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All products are supplied in Ovia’s eco-friendly recyclable packaging, reflecting the company’s wider commitment to sustainable manufacturing and distribution practices.
Bespoke emergency lighting designs
Ovia also offers bespoke Emergency Lighting Design schemes engineered to comply with the latest BS5266 code of practice, incorporating all design objectives for optimal performance. Ovia’s highly skilled specialists produce detailed, accurate lighting layouts tailored to project requirements, ensuring comprehensive solutions that are perfectly engineered for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
A new chapter for a trusted brand
The relaunch of Orbik by Ovia represents a new chapter for one of the emergency lighting sector’s most established names. Backed by Ovia’s technical expertise, product development, and UK-based support network, the enhanced Orbik range provides a comprehensive, compliant, and future-friendly solution for the professional electrical trade. Ovia, oviauk.com
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ORBIK BY OVIA
• Control Gear and Accessories – compact, compliant emergency conversion kits built to BS EN 60598-2-22 standards.
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15/12/2025 January 2026 15:05 | 51
21/12/2025 14:46
SPECIAL FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
LIGHTING THE WAY TO SAFETY If a building needs evacuating, specifying and installing the right emergency lighting solution is critical to help the “responsible person” meet their legal obligations. Anthony Martindale, Product Manager at Collingwood Lighting, explores the factors you need to consider.
U
nder the Building Safety Act, the “responsible person” is legally responsible for fire safety and protecting the lives of the people inside. The cost of getting it wrong can be a six-figure fine or prison. Whether it is due to fire or another emergency, occupants who may be unfamiliar with a building need clear lighting and signposting to get to a place of safety. And if there is a power failure, then this lighting is critical to reduce panic and save lives. As a contractor, your experience and advice on this safety critical element of a building will be welcomed.
Risk assessment
Even if a building is not higher risk, the number of people inside it could pose a problem – such as in a stadium or theatre
Before you even start an installation, you need to work through a thorough risk assessment to identify any hazards and then remove or reduce the risk from them. This needs to consider many factors including the type of building, the people inside, how aware they are of their surroundings, and what tasks they are doing. As part of the risk assessment, you must consider who uses the building and how familiar they are with its layout.
In corridors, it’s possible that you may only need to provide low illumination and install escape and anti-panic lighting
If the public use the building, then they may be unfamiliar with its layout, and an emergency could cause panic – so you should specify maintained or always on exit signs. There are also times and places when occupants are less aware, for example in an entertainment venue or if they are asleep in a hotel. In these instances, they will respond slowly to an emergency, so any signage and escape routes need to be more clearly lit.
How easy is it to evacuate?
The size and complexity of a building can make it harder for people to leave safely in an emergency. An obvious example is high rise buildings, which are defined as at least seven storeys or with a height of greater than 18 metres. It will take people longer to leave safely, especially if they are asleep when the emergency happens, so you will need to install emergency lighting that stays on for longer and provides higher illumination levels. Old buildings can also be a problem because they probably don’t meet current regulations, they might not have enough
escape routes, and they might not be wide enough. Plus, they may contain materials that are flammable or produce smoke and/ or toxins in a fire. Again, to reduce panic you need to provide higher illumination levels that stay on for longer. Even if a building is not higher risk, the number of people inside it could pose a problem; obvious examples include a stadium or theatre. If the occupants need to evacuate, there could be panic and crushing. If they have a clear idea of where to go because there are maintained or always-on exit signs, then this will help get them to safety.
Maintained emergency lighting These can be turned on or off when the mains power is on, so they can operate when occupants need either normal or emergency lighting.
Non-maintained fittings Non-maintained emergency luminaires only switch on when a building’s power fails.
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At Ovia, we understand that emergency lighting is not just another component, it’s a life safety system that must perform when everything else fails. That’s why Orbik products are built to the highest standards of durability, performance, and compliance.
Twin Spots
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Multiple products within the range are available in black and white finishes.
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17/12/2025 16:56 12:52
SPECIAL FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Exit signs
Points of interest when it comes to safety exit signs
Signage is critical because it shows people where the fire exits are and how to get there safely. Above all, these signs need to be clearly visible. EN 1838: 2013 details the maximum viewing distances for all sign formats. Internally illuminated exit signs are pretested to ensure compliance, but if the sign is externally illuminated, you need to site an emergency luminaire within two metres of it. The maximum viewing distance for an internally illuminated sign is 100 times its height, but it is twice as far for an externally illuminated sign at 200 times.
Ongoing compliance
Who uses the building?
Next, consider who uses the building and how familiar they are with their surroundings. There are times when people are less alert. They may be asleep, such as in a hotel, or distracted if they are in an entertainment venue. In these situations, an emergency can cause panic, so make sure you install maintained exit signs. And what about people with reduced mobility and other impairments? Remember that eyesight gets worse with age, so it can take longer to identify escape routes and hazards. This can affect not only what you specify but where you place lighting and exit signs.
What tasks are people doing?
In an emergency, people need to safely stop what they are doing. In an office, shop, or in corridors, this may not be an issue, and you may only need to provide low illumination and install escape and anti-panic lighting. But there are areas that will need more light. If there is a control panel, such as in a warehouse, industrial area, or even a kitchen, you’ll need to light both the general area and the task to make sure that someone can stop the process and safely leave. And for high-risk tasks, like hospital operating theatres or foundries, people will need full illumination if there is a power blackout.
Installing a compliant system
After considering the risk assessment, there are a number of standards to make sure that you install a fit-for-purpose system. EN50172 provides guidelines to ensure that an emergency lighting solution provides enough illumination for safe evacuation in a power failure. It states that it should clearly identify escape routes, provide illumination for safe movement towards and through exits, and ensure that fire alarms and firefighting equipment are easily located. An emergency lighting design must position fittings to illuminate specific hazards and highlight safety equipment. These are known as ‘points of interest’ and include any change of direction, where corridors meet, near stairs, or changes of floor level to ensure that each step gets direct light, at designated exits, outside to a place of safety, and near first aid posts and firefighting equipment. After this, you must add further lighting to provide minimum lighting levels for escape routes. You must also install at least two emergency luminaires in every escape route compartment in case one fails, and it must provide at least 1 lux of light at floor level. For open areas which are bigger than 60m2, or if there is an escape route passing through it, you must have enough emergency lighting to provide at least 0.5 lux at ground level. But you only need to do this in the central area and not worry about anything within 0.5m from the perimeter, as people don’t normally move through this space.
Collingwood Lighting has published a downloadable guide titled A Specifiers and Installers Guide to Emergency Lighting
While you may have specified and installed a fully compliant emergency lighting system, the “responsible person” for the building must ensure that it remains so with regular testing. What you install will affect how easy and/or time consuming the tests are for the designated person to complete. There are two tests: a monthly emergency light operation, and an annual battery duration test. The simplest, but most time-consuming, solution, is to test each luminaire by pressing its test button or turning its key switch. This switches off the mains power to force the fitting into emergency mode. The operator will do the inspection by walking around the premises and testing each fitting. A self-test unit will test itself automatically with any failure indicated by an LED on the fitting, which will blink or change colour. The operator still needs to visually check and record the LED indicator status of each fitting. Automatic testing using a DALI 2 compliant system allows the appointed person to schedule tests to suit the building occupants’ needs and to meet the regulations. It will record the results and highlight any faulty units that need maintenance or replacing. Not only does this approach save time and hassle, but it ensures that the building owner completes the tests and records the results to demonstrate compliance. Emergency lighting can save lives so specifying the right system requires careful thought and planning. By understanding what factors will affect safe evacuation, you will help the responsible person meet their legal obligations for fire safety under the Building Safety Act. To download a copy of Collingwood Lighting’s A Specifiers and Installers Guide to Emergency Lighting, visit: online. flippingbook.com/view/332309465. Collingwood Lighting, collingwoodlighting.com
At Ovia, we understand that emergency lighting is not just another component, it’s a life safety system that must perform when everything else fails. That’s why Orbik products are built to the highest standards of durability, performance, and compliance.
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22/12/2025 11:51
SPECIAL FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
FROM COMPLIANCE TO INTELLIGENT SAFETY Paul Stearman of Greenlight Connexions highlights recent innovations in emergency lighting and explains how they are enhancing safety and functionality across residential, commercial, and industrial properties to engage industry professionals.
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mergency lighting has traditionally been seen as a tick-box exercise. Fit some bulkheads, add a few illuminated exit signs, check they work, and move on. Often a ‘fit and forget’ scenario. But that view is rapidly becoming outdated. What is really happening is a quiet transformation where emergency lighting is becoming more intelligent, more integrated, and far more valuable across residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Visual inspection is still required and sensible, but with modern technology, real-time reporting is now available. For UK contractors, the shift is significant. Regulations such as BS 5266 and EN 50172 have not become any less demanding, but today’s tools make compliance cleaner, more transparent, and far easier to maintain. Here is how the latest innovations are reshaping everyday installation, testing, and client support across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Dynamic escape guidance
Dynamic exit signs can display a red cross or indicate a change in direction to guide occupants to a safer route
One of the most significant developments is dynamic exit signage. Instead of a fixed green arrow that points the same way every day, dynamic signs respond to real conditions. If a corridor is filled with smoke, the sign can display a red cross, indicate a change in direction, or use a running pattern to guide occupants to a safer route. For contractors, this offers real value during design and build projects. Dynamic signage helps fire engineers develop performance-based strategies, especially in complex buildings. It also offers a higher value solution for clients looking to future‑proof their safety systems. Research shows that approximately only 38% of people notice exit signs during evacuations. This means many may not notice they are near a fire exit and could take significantly longer to evacuate, either by retracing their steps out of the building (which might be a considerable distance) or by wasting time deciding which way to go to reach an exit. Research has also shown that
more than twice as many people (77%) notice Dynamic Green Exit signs, making them more likely to locate the nearest exit quickly during evacuations than static exit signs.
The rise of intelligent self-testing IOT-enabled emergency lighting systems can now perform automatic monthly and annual tests, log results, identify faults, and send alerts, significantly improving maintenance efficiency for contractors. For contractors managing maintenance contracts, this reduces hours spent on manual testing and fault-finding. It also strengthens your service offering. Clients receive complete digital records for BS 5266 compliance, enabling faster, more accurate fault resolution. Wireless emergency systems make this even easier. They eliminate the need for control cabling, a significant advantage during refurbishments, fit‑outs, and heritage projects where disruption must be minimal.
Smarter integration
Many emergency lighting platforms now integrate with wider building systems, helping contractors feel prepared and proactive about future safety strategies. It also supports ongoing service work. Trend data highlights batteries approaching the end of life or luminaires that repeatedly fail discharge tests, enabling you to plan maintenance visits rather than respond reactively.
Sector by sector benefits Residential
Wireless addressable emergency lighting is becoming the go-to option in multi residential blocks. It avoids invasive cabling and gives building managers clean digital reporting. For contractors, this means faster installations and simpler maintenance. In single homes, innovative luminaires with battery backup provide safe movement during outages, making them an easy upsell in rural areas where power cuts are common.
Commercial
Dynamic signage and IOT-based self-testing suits offices, universities, retail, and healthcare environments where clients expect compelling evidence of compliance. These systems also reduce operational disruptions because testing no longer requires taking areas offline. For contractors on maintenance contracts, cloud dashboards provide all the status information needed before arriving on site, saving time and improving first time fixed rates.
Industrial
High‑bay luminaires with emergency units and wireless monitoring make life easier in warehouses and plants with difficult access. Dynamic wayfinding is also emerging in complex industrial environments to guide workers away from hazardous zones during incidents. For contractors, specifying application specific fittings reduces failures and strengthens client confidence in your design choices. Emergency lighting is no longer just a compliance requirement. It is becoming an intelligent safety asset and a valuable opportunity for contractors to differentiate their services, improve maintenance efficiency, and deliver safer, more resilient buildings.
Future developments
Emergency lighting is shifting from basic compliance hardware to a connected, data rich safety system. Instead of treating emergency lighting as an isolated requirement, the opportunity now is to use it as a strategic tool to protect people, simplify compliance, and deliver long term operational value. The shift is towards both durable and intelligent systems: monitored, addressable, and linked to site-wide safety infrastructure. Addressable luminaires allow precise reporting – you do not just know if a fitting failed, you know exactly which one, where, and why. Greenlight Connexions, greenlightconnexions.co.uk
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Untitled-6 2
19/12/2025 15:58
SPECIAL FEATURE
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN EMERGENCY LIGHTING Revised guidance on the design, installation and application of emergency lighting systems has been published by BSI, the UK’s national standards body. Here’s a look at what the changes mean, along with reaction from the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA).
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The updates aim to enhance safety and compliance, as well as provide clearer, more consistent guidance of emergency lighting systems
he updated, fully revised standard Emergency lighting – Part 1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises (BS 5266-1:2025) aims to promote wider understanding of the different types of emergency lighting systems that may be used and offer clear guidance on their correct application in different types of buildings. It is intended to support the provision of fire safety across the UK. The full revision of BS 5266-1, last revised in 2016, expands the scope to cover local area lighting and standby lighting, in addition to emergency escape lighting, providing a more comprehensive framework for modern building safety needs. The standard recognises that, beyond ensuring safe and unobstructed escape routes at all times, emergency lighting serves additional key purposes, including enabling the immediate identification and use of fire alarm call points and firefighting equipment, and reducing the risk of panic in lifts or other enclosed or high-occupancy areas. Recommendations within the standard encourage a uniform, consistent approach to keeping people safe in the event of interruption to normal lighting, taking into account the hazard level and degree of familiarity with the premises.
The ECA reacts
The ECA (Electrotechnical Contractors’ Association) says that ECA and Fire and Security Association (FSA) Members and the wider electrotechnical sector are set to benefit from the major updates to emergency lighting standards following this comprehensive review and revision of three key British Standards. The last of these changes came into effect at the end of October with the publication of the updated BS 5266:2025 Emergency Lighting of Premises: Code of Practice.
The new updates complement amendments made in 2024 to BS EN 1838:2024 Lighting Applications – Emergency Lighting for Buildings and BS EN 50172:2024 Emergency Escape Lighting Systems. All the updates aim to enhance safety and compliance, as well as provide clearer, more consistent guidance for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in public and commercial buildings. Emergency lighting is a vital life-saving measure, guiding occupants to safety during evacuations, power outages, or other emergencies. The revised standards address critical areas including system verification, illuminance requirements, circuit integrity under fire conditions, and documentation protocols, ensuring a higher level of safety and compliance across the built environment. Mike Smith, Technical Director at ECA, says, “ECA and its Members have made significant contributions to the updated BS 5266, with Member representatives on the British Standards Committee that oversaw the amendments to emergency lighting. “ECA has created platforms for Member involvement in standards development, ensuring that proposals are grounded in industry expertise and practical application. These efforts have led to clearer guidance, improved safety, and more robust compliance frameworks across the sector.”
Key updates across the standards
• Enhanced guidance and clarity: The three standards now offer more coherent and accessible guidance, with some documents having doubled in length. • Emergency escape lighting: New lux level requirements apply to the entire width of defined escape routes, not just the centreline. Additional focus for specific areas include toilet and changing rooms, and switchboards associated with the provision of normal and escape lighting within motor generator, control, switch or plant rooms.
• Circuit integrity in high-risk areas: BS 5266 introduces measures requiring emergency luminaires in high-risk areas to be wired from at least two separate circuits. No more than 20 luminaires may be affected by a single circuit fault. • Verification and testing: While initial verification protocols remain fundamentally unchanged, the revised standards provide more detail and a structured format. • Shutdown and recommissioning procedures: New recommendations include the requirement for emergency lighting systems be protected from deep discharge during prolonged shutdowns, with clear procedures for safe recommissioning. • Photometric performance verification: All three standards now require five-year verification of system photometric performance to confirm continued compliance with design criteria. • Documentation and handover: Handover documentation requirements have been clarified through the addition of more detail and a better layout. • Risk assessment: Continued emphasis throughout the new Standards for a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment to be performed, which forms the basis for emergency lighting design. These changes are designed to ensure that emergency lighting systems continue to meet evolving safety expectations, with a focus on both initial compliance and the ongoing maintenance of systems throughout the building lifecycle.
Support and further guidance
To assist professionals in navigating these substantial updates, ECA and FSA have produced detailed guidance notes and support resources. FSA Members benefit from access to the ECA technical helpline, extensive documentation, editable certificates, and an emergency lighting logbook template. ECA, eca.co.uk
At Ovia, we understand that emergency lighting is not just another component, it’s a life safety system that must perform when everything else fails. That’s why Orbik products are built to the highest standards of durability, performance, and compliance.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY supported by
Your safety, our priority.
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January 2026 | 59
18/12/2025 16:36
SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
FROM CONCEPT TO CERTIFICATION — THE JOURNEY BEHIND ESP’S ESPIRE ALARM RANGE Following ESP’s entry into the fire and safety alarm sector with its Espire range, Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement, Scolmore Group, provides a detailed insight into the development journey of these high-performance products.
A
lready an established and highly respected player in the UK fire protection and security industry, ESP is continually looking at ways to improve and develop its product offer, and to explore new areas for expansion. The launch of Espire earlier this year is the company’s most significant new product development programme to date.
Quality and standards
It brings to market a comprehensive range of high performance fire and CO alarm products that has quality, reliability and innovation at its core. Espire operates as a distinct brand within ESP’s expanding portfolio, drawing on the extensive expertise that has been built up over more than 25 years in the fire protection and security sector. Benefitting from its unique position as part of the industry-leading Scolmore Group, Espire enjoys the strong backing of Scolmore and the trusted distribution network of ESP.
With a product category that plays a crucial role in safety, it is imperative that the products are of the highest quality, have undergone rigorous testing procedures and comply with all the relevant standards. As expected with a project of this scale and importance, ESP invested significantly to create a range of products to meet the company’s exacting requirements. The full Espire collection has been developed from scratch.
Your safety, our priority www.espuk.com
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18/12/2025 16:36
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
SPECIAL FEATURE
calibration and verification of alarm functions, sound output levels, and detection accuracy. Complementing this technology is a highly experienced and qualified team of engineers, quality control specialists, and technicians, all dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety, durability, and compliance.
Installer compliance
ESP has invested significantly to create a range of products to meet the company’s exacting requirements
CO alarm products have quality, reliability and innovation at their core
The project was guided by a robust design process that began with extensive research to understand user requirements, market trends, and technical constraints. Insights from this phase informed several cycles of prototyping and testing, enabling continuous refinement of the designs until they achieved the desired balance between functionality, aesthetics, and user satisfaction. To maintain strict quality control measures and ensure product consistency, the factory operates under a comprehensive and rigorous auditing system. Regular internal inspections and process evaluations are carried out to verify that every stage of production meets stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing equipment, enabling precise
The range has been designed to assist installers to meet the recommendations of BS5839-6: Code of Practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems in Domestic Premises, and BS EN 50292: Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises – Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance.
Rigorous testing procedures
All Espire products have undergone a meticulous design, development and manufacturing process at its dedicated factory. To ensure compliance with all relevant standards, rigorous testing is conducted at various stages in the production process. A variety of specialised testing chambers and rooms have been utilised to conduct a range of tests on the alarms and these include: • Smoke alarm testing – state of the art smoke tunnels are utilised to ensure fast and accurate responsiveness to various concentrations of smoke. • Heat alarm temperature testing – heat testing is carried out in the alarm chamber and measures the responsiveness to changes in temperature. The calibration of the alarm can be adjusted to ensure correct response times are met. • Carbon monoxide testing is carried out using the alarm chamber and sensor chamber, to measure the responsiveness to various CO levels. • Decibel ratings of the alarms are tested in a sound proof room, to ensure the alarm is sounding at the required level. • Ingress protection of the alarms is tested in a special chamber, to include humidity rating. • A radio frequency test room is used to capture the transmission signals from the RF module without interference. • Duration tests that take place after manufacture include controlled faults and functionality checks.
Multi-stage testing
Each alarm is tested a minimum of four times during production. These include pre-checks of the components before moving on to the calibration checks of each sensor or sounder. During assembly of the devices, the interface and functional tests are also carried out on the production line, concluding with a final assembly soak test to ensure all alarms have been thoroughly checked and tested prior to installation. All alarms have been tested by third-party test houses and certified by LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and TUV, to meet the relevant product standards – BS EN 14604 for smoke alarms: BS 5446-2 for heat alarms and BS EN 50291-1 for CO alarms. Every product in the Espire range also comes with a five-year warranty, providing homeowners with added peace of mind. With meticulous testing, rigorous certification, and innovative design, the Espire range represents ESP’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
All Espire products have undergone a meticulous design, development and manufacturing process at its factory
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18/12/2025 16:36
SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
SMARTER SAFETY FOR SOUTHAMPTON Advanced, a specialist fire equipment manufacturer, has delivered targeted fire alerts with ESPA paging for students at the University of Southampton. ECN looks at how the project unfolded and the safety benefits on offer.
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he University of Southampton, a multi-campus estate with a leading research institution, has recently enhanced its fire safety provision for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through a pioneering paging system installation. Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels, integrated with the ESPA Pager Interface, form the core of the new solution delivered by Premier Fire Security and Scope Communications, providing targeted alerts and improved accessibility across the university.
Precise, location-specific fire alerts
With over 200 Advanced panels deployed across the site, including two networks of 30–40 nodes and a growing number of extinguishing panels, the university required a solution that could deliver precise, location-specific fire alerts to individuals without relying on traditional audio alarms. The ESPA 4.4.4-compliant Pager Interface from Advanced provided the ideal bridge between the fire detection system and Scope’s PageTek Pro Mk2 transmitter and EPOCBLUM pagers. The system is configured so that each building or group of buildings triggers a distinct pager address. This ensures that only relevant alerts reach the end user, reducing confusion and improving response times. Users can manually programme their pagers to activate or deactivate specific locations, with password protection for added security. For nighttime safety, Scope’s pillow pad and nightstand accessories ensure that alerts are received even while users are asleep. Chris Chance, University of Southampton Contract Manager at Premier Fire Security, explains, “We’ve worked closely with Scope and Advanced to create a system that’s not only reliable but incredibly flexible. The ability to configure pagers for any location means we can reduce hardware stock and improve coverage across the entire campus. It’s a huge step forward in inclusive safety.”
The long-term vision is to roll out the paging system to all student halls, allowing pagers to be reconfigured for use anywhere on campus
Tailored alerts across campus
The installation also includes a dedicated paging group for engineers, janitors, security, and fire marshals, who receive diagnostic and fault messages from the Advanced network. This group can also trigger fire messages for specific locations, enhancing operational control and coordination. Rob Baker, Head of Technical Support at Scope Communications, adds, “This project demonstrates how powerful the ESPA interface can be when paired with our paging technology. The system ensures that alerts are both accurate and accessible, and we’re proud to support Premier Fire Security in expanding this solution across the university.” The long-term vision is to roll out the paging system to all student halls, allowing pagers to be reconfigured for use anywhere on campus. This approach not only improves safety but streamlines inventory and reduces costs. Salvy Vittozzi, Regional Sales Manager for the South East at Advanced, notes, “This installation is a great example of how our ESPA Pager Interface can be used to deliver tailored fire alerts in complex environments. It’s rewarding to see our
technology helping to make campuses safer and more inclusive for all users.”
Meeting the community’s needs By combining Advanced’s robust fire panel technology with Scope’s innovative paging solutions, the University of Southampton now benefits from a highly adaptable, inclusive fire safety system, one that’s already being expanded to meet the evolving needs of its diverse community. As an expert in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction systems as well as emergency lighting. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company, Halma – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Advanced, advancedco.com
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SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
COMPLIANCE THROUGH COLLABORATION Daniel Grimsdell, Regional Account Manager (Trade) at FireAngel, explores why testing, commissioning, and a thorough handover are essential in delivering fully compliant domestic fire alarm systems.
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hen it comes to domestic fire detection and alarm systems, compliance is often considered complete once devices are installed. But as any experienced contractor or installer knows, genuine compliance extends far beyond simply fitting alarms to walls or ceilings. It’s an ongoing process that includes testing, commissioning, handover, and routine checks. Getting each stage right can mean the difference between life-saving protection and serious liability.
The foundations of compliance
Installers have a unique role in raising safety standards across the UK housing sector, Daniel explains
Across the UK, BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 provides the recognised standard for domestic fire detection and alarm systems. Its guidance is particularly relevant to social housing, private rental properties, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and new-build developments. The standard sets clear expectations for system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance to ensure fire detection solutions are reliable, properly installed, and capable of protecting lives. Product specification and system design undertaken by organisations and individuals that can demonstrate competence form the foundations of compliance, but there remains a common misconception that using certified devices alone guarantees a compliant system. In reality, the final stages of testing and commissioning of detectors using test apparatus are just as critical, and often where issues arise if standards and best practice are not strictly followed. Even the most advanced fire detection system depends entirely on correct installation, testing, and environmental considerations. BS 5839-6 reflects this, with Clause 23.3n highlighting testing and commissioning as fundamental to system effectiveness. This stage isn’t optional or administrative; it’s a vital safety measure to ensure all detectors, alarm devices, low-level controllers, and any relays to other systems – including the transmission of alarms to alarm receiving centres –
operate as intended in the real-world environment where they’ve been installed.
Testing and the installer’s role
Rigorous commissioning verifies that detectors respond correctly to test stimuli using manufacturer-approved test apparatus, that interconnected devices communicate effectively, and that both primary and backup power supplies meet performance standards. Testing must also consider real-life conditions, such as detector placement in consideration of numerous factors such as proximity to heating, ventilation, light fittings, walls, beams and the highest point within the protected space, all of which can affect system performance. Skipping or rushing this process undermines system reliability and leaves landlords, housing providers, and installers exposed to legal risks and, more importantly, increased danger to life. Achieving compliance is a shared responsibility. Manufacturers play a role by developing products aligned with British Standards, but correct installation, testing, and maintenance rest with installers, contractors, and housing providers. Their collaboration is essential, from aligning system design with property requirements, to following manufacturer instructions during installation, to ensuring accurate documentation is provided at handover.
System reliability
Ongoing system reliability requires more than a one-off installation. It is essential that the home occupier is provided written information relating to the system by the installer. Over time, factors like wear and tear, tampering, battery degradation, or environmental changes can compromise system performance. BS 5839-6 emphasises the need for routine testing and maintenance by the home occupier to ensure continued compliance and effective protection. For landlords and housing providers, maintaining compliance means putting robust processes in place for regular checks, fault reporting, and timely repairs. Since 2019, systems installed within sheltered housing schemes and/or that
are connected to social telecare systems require annual test and inspection by a competent person using test apparatus with a certificate of conformity being produced to evidence compliance. The emergence of connected and smart technologies, such as those developed by FireAngel, provides early alerts of faults, tampering, or system issues. While these innovations offer greater visibility and enhanced protection, they are not a substitute for professional inspections or educating residents about the importance of leaving detection devices undisturbed. Installers have a unique role in raising safety standards across the UK housing sector. Whether working on social housing retrofits, private rental properties, or new-build developments, their expertise ensures systems are not only installed to standard, but that they are tested, commissioned, and handed over with confidence in their performance. In 2021, British Approvals for Fire Equipment launched the first third-party certification scheme, DS301, to enable those who design, install, commission and maintain Grade D fire alarm systems to demonstrate competence, providing the consumer with assurances of quality and compliance.
Finding a collaborative approach At FireAngel, we understand that compliance is about more than just supplying certified products. Our connected technologies and advanced detection solutions are designed to support installers and housing providers with ongoing system monitoring, real-time alerts, and enhanced fault detection, helping to ensure systems remain compliant long after installation. In domestic fire safety, compliance should never be treated as a one-off task. It’s an ongoing process built around collaboration, rigorous testing, thorough commissioning, and consistent system monitoring. With the right approach and by working in partnership, the sector can continue to raise safety standards, reduce risk, and deliver peace of mind for residents and property owners alike. FireAngel, fireangel.co.uk/trade
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23-24 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEC BIRMINGHAM, UK
BIG NEWS IN THE AV & SMART HOME SECTOR! EI Live! the UK’s top trade show, teams up with ECN Live! for an all-new event experience. This unique collaboration promises unparalleled insights and opportunities in a unified venue. The residential AV and home automation industries have relied on EI Live! as a primary event for 14 years, but as the market grows and overlaps with electrical contracting, there is an opportunity to bridge these industries. To address this, EI Live! is re-locating to the NEC Birmingham for its 2026 event and will run alongside ECN Live! This joint exhibition creates a collaborative space for AV and smart home professionals to engage directly with electricians and electrical contractors, fostering synergy across these interconnected markets.
GET INVOLVED
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SPECIAL FEATURE
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY
“DON’T LET ECONOMIC CHALLENGES COMPROMISE SAFETY” The electrical supply chain is facing a perfect storm as it faces increasing legislative requirements, challenging trading conditions and skills shortages. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables explains why the quality of cabling cannot be compromised.
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EI Cables is highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables – even at this challenging time for the industry – which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives. The electrical industry supply chain is facing challenging times with the economy, but we should stress that these cables support critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. There are a number of issues including the skills gap, the economy, and lack of supply chain confidence, but we should not lose sight of the paramount importance of safety for everyone concerned, including those moving about in these buildings. Within the range of fire performance cables, Category 3 Control fire performance cables are critical, not least because the systems powered by these cables assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. We have seen the growth in the demand for these cables ever since the introduction of the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. The type of building where these cables must be used are those deemed higher risk under BS8519: 2020 that are at least 18 metres in height or seven storeys, also referenced under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Lives and property are at stake
These regulations were brought in to add a further level of safety in the supply of power to critical applications, such as evacuation alarms for care homes and smoke and heat extraction systems in tall buildings, office spaces, and beyond. Lives and property are at stake here. With the correct choice of cabling, people moving about in these buildings can rely on power supplies for firefighting should it be necessary; while building managers and owners can be assured that they have met
all requirements to meet compliance of power supply in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables for some time. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. To ensure electrical systems are not compromised, including all its components and installation methods, it is essential to subject them to joint testing and certification and ensure that the whole system complies with the relevant Codes. For those responsible under the revised Code, we would advise a check of the detailed guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables and what it means. The latest guidance was issued in 2020, but it is still entirely relevant for these important cables. The Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators, and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors, and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. Category 1 fire performance cables guarantee 30 minutes of defence against flames, making them ideal for emergency lighting, while Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of fire protection and are commonly used for alarm systems.
Despite challenging times, safety must still be the priority, Stuart explains
Fire performance cables
For firefighting, additional time is required, and Category 3 cables are able to withstand up to 120 minutes of exposure to fire, providing enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems, and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire.
Legislation making further demands on the industry centres around the detailed provisions in the Building Safety Act 2022 are only just being felt as applications are dealt with by the new Building Safety Regulator. Longer term residents in high-rise buildings will have more say in how their property is kept safe and will be able to raise building safety concerns directly to the owners and managers of their buildings, known as accountable persons. The accountable person(s) will have a duty to listen to them. Dutyholders such as the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor under the Act will be required to manage building safety risks, with clear lines of responsibility during the design, construction and completion of all buildings. Accountable persons also need to demonstrate that they have effective, proportionate measures in place to manage building safety risks in the higher-risk buildings for which they are responsible. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables: three for power cables and three for control cables, each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. AEI Cables, aeicables.co.uk
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COMPANY SHOWCASE
COMPANY SHOWCASE CITY
supported by
PLUMBING
Complete renewables installations with ease
High quality and competitively priced accessories for heat pump installations including feet, cylinders, anti freeze and diverter valves and chemicals EXCLUSIVE TO
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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY
CITY PLUMBING CONTINUES EXPANSION OF SOLFEX RANGE City Plumbing has introduced a range of cost-effective heat pump accessories including cylinders, diverter and anti-freeze valves, feet and fluid to its exclusive brand Solfex, providing installers with all they need to complete renewable installations with ease.
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ith a long history of innovation in renewable energy technology, the Solfex air source heat pump installation accessories build on the specialist range of solutions already available in City Plumbing branches. The new range includes Solfex’s unvented heat pump cylinders, which feature a high-flow, high-gain, full bore coil design to provide superior performance. The Solfex cylinders are supplied with all the required components and controls to provide seamless compatibility with the majority of heat pumps, and all come with a 10-year warranty. Solfex’s diverter valves have high kV, ideal for high flow rates. They feature motorised valves, are compact, and are easy to install. The new heat pump feet range provides a variety of options to best fit the installation needs. This includes pairs of premium 600mm feet with integrated spirit levels for correct positioning, through to the flexi foot kits, designed to support heat pumps by providing a sturdy base whilst preventing vibration transmission to the ground.
Award-winning experts in the plumbing and heating market, City Plumbing is a national plumbing, heating and electrical supplier for the trade and stocks a wide range of essential products from boilers and circuit breakers to heat pumps and bathroom suites. Operating from a dedicated network of over 300 branches nationwide, a 250-plus network of bathroom
The new range of heat transfer fluids offers key functions, including low viscosity and high thermal conductivity for optimised heat pump performance. The fluids are biodegradable, non-hazardous and contain a specially formulated biocide and an additive to increase thermal stability. The Solfex brand, which is nearly 20 years old, has its roots in the renewables market and has flourished over the past two decades and expanded its offering to encompass a broad range of sustainable technologies. With a background in installation, the Solfex team has meticulously curated its offering, ensuring that everything is easy to install, user-friendly, and suited for the UK market. Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director – Heating and Renewables at City Plumbing, says, “This extension of the Solfex range to include wider renewable solutions demonstrates our constant evolution as a business. “City Plumbing is focused on providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions for installers as we move towards more sustainable energy solutions, so widening the Solfex range into air source heat pump accessories means our installers can have the convenience of being able to access all the products they need from one location.”
showrooms and through its website, City Plumbing serves various industries including heating, plumbing, bathroom, and kitchen installation, electrical, housing development, and social housing. City Plumbing also includes The Bathroom Showroom, Spares, Electrical and Renewables. It is also home to several well-known brands including PTS, City Heating Spares, Direct Heating Spares, The Underfloor
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The latest addition to the Solfex range are anti-freeze valves. They provide frost protection for outdoor installations and prevent freezing in monobloc ASHP primary water circuits. The anti-freeze valves are available in a range of sizes, each with brass bodies for durability and corrosion resistance. City Plumbing, cityplumbing.co.uk
Heating Store, National Shower Spares, PlumbNation, and Plumbworld. The business prides itself on personal customer service and dedicated partnerships with the industry’s major manufacturers. The merchant has also partnered with leading training provider, GTEC, as part of its support for tradespeople making the transition to lower temperature heating.
• High flow rates & KV valves • Motorised valves • Compact & easy to install
Diverter Valves
68 | January 2026
The Solfex unvented heat pump cylinders are designed for superior performance and come with a 10-year warranty
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COMPANY SHOWCASE
ONYX HIGH-HEAT RETENTION STORAGE HEATER WITH WI-FI The electric heating market has moved on – and so has storage heating. ONYX represents a new generation of high heat retention storage heaters, designed for homes that demand efficiency, connectivity and intelligent performance that genuinely delivers. This is not storage heating as you knew it. This is storage heating done properly. At the core of ONYX is its exceptional heat retention. With up to 60% retained heat and storage capacity of up to 16 hours, ONYX dramatically reduces the need for daytime boost heating. Energy is captured when tariffs are lowest and released gradually, providing consistent comfort throughout the day while cutting unnecessary consumption. Compared to conventional storage heaters, this translates into significant energy savings and improved thermal stability, with warmth available when occupants actually need it. Connectivity is where ONYX truly sets itself apart. Built-in Wi-Fi Direct means no hubs, no gateways and no additional hardware. Installation is straightforward,
and users gain instant access to full control via the Rointe NEXA app. From scheduling and temperature adjustment to real-time energy monitoring, everything is managed intuitively from a smartphone – anywhere, anytime. Most importantly, ONYX features smart charging that actually works. Thanks to Inverter Smart Adaptive Technology, the heater intelligently regulates how much energy it stores based on usage patterns, room conditions and demand. Instead of overcharging “just in case”, ONYX learns, adapts and optimises – ensuring the right amount of heat is stored, every day. The result is greater efficiency, reduced waste and consistent comfort without guesswork. For homeowners, ONYX delivers lower bills, better comfort and smarter control. For installers and specifiers, it offers a future-proof solution that aligns with modern energy standards and EPC improvement goals. ONYX is not simply a new storage heater. It is the new benchmark for smart electric storage heating. Rointe, rointe.com
MAKITA LAUNCHES NEW TWO-PIECE LXT COMBO KIT
ANSELL LIGHTING EXPANDS STREET LIGHT RANGE WITH ASURI PRO Ansell Lighting has expanded its specialist range of street lights with the launch of the Asuri Pro – a modern, durable luminaire suitable for outdoor hospitality, commercial, and residential area applications. Designed for easy installation, the Asuri Pro includes a hinged 90-degree opening, providing instant access to the terminals, CCT and a wattage selecting switch. The luminaire is also supplied with an AFIX connector, enabling a quick and easy IP-rated connection. Constructed from die-cast aluminium, the post top lantern features an electrostatic paint finish for enhanced corrosion resistance up to C4M. With a rated lifetime of L80 100,000 hours, the luminaire offers long-term performance, making it well-suited to urban amenities and parks where durability is essential. From an aesthetic perspective, the Asuri Pro features a striped diffuser, which provides softened light and improved visual comfort. It is CCT selectable between 3000K and 4000K and power selectable, offering a choice of outputs in one luminaire. Ansell Lighting, ansell-lighting.com
Makita has launched the new DLX2537ST 18V LXT Brushless Combo Kit, which includes a DHP490 Combi Drill, a DTD153 Impact Driver, as well as two BL1850B 5.0Ah LXT Batteries and a DC18SD Battery Charger. All of this comes packed in the popular 821551-8 Makpac Type 3 Carry Case for easy transportation. With an efficient motor and a lightweight design optimised for user comfort, the DHP490 Combi Drill Brushless LXT provides both power and practicality. Weighing just 1.7kg with a battery, the drill’s compact design reduces fatigue and aids manoeuvrability. Combined with 65Nm of maximum torque, two mechanical speeds and variable speed controlled through the trigger, the DHP490 offers professionals a great all-round solution. Similarly, the DTD153 Impact Driver also balances power output and user comfort. With a maximum fastening torque of 170Nm, it provides ample power for driving screws and fixings into a range of different materials. Its rubberised, ergonomic grip and light weight means that the tool is comfortable for extended periods. Makita, makitauk.com
• Ideal for air source & ground source heat pumps • Exceptional performance • Biodegradable, low hazard biocide
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SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY
MAKITA INTRODUCES DLX2549TJ 18V LXT BRUSHLESS TWIN KIT
PREMIUM LOCKABLE ENCLOSURE COVERS FOR ELUCIAN CONSUMER UNITS
The new DLX2549TJ 18V LXT Brushless Twin Kit from Makita provides trade professionals with the ideal combination of high performance tools and heavy-duty batteries for demanding applications. The kit features a powerful DHP492 Combi Drill, a high-torque DTD173 Impact Driver, two 5.0Ah BL1850B batteries and a DC18RC fast charger, all of which together deliver unmatched efficiency, extended runtime and reduced maintenance. With a maximum torque of 141Nm, and a compact and robust design, the combi drill is suitable for demanding drilling and fastening applications. Redesigned with a speed change mechanism to avoid gear disengagement and enhanced electronic protection for tool overloads and trigger control, the drill offers long term reliability, even on tougher jobs. Compact and lightweight, its ergonomic design reduces user fatigue, whilst its built-in LED light improves visibility for dark and confined spaces. The impact driver has four impact modes with up to 180Nm fastening torque for precise control and an electric brake for increased operator protection.
Click Scolmore has enhanced its Elucian consumer unit range with the launch of new Premium Lockable Enclosure Covers. These sleek and secure retrofit covers have been designed to fit seamlessly with the company’s current Elucian range, meeting the growing demand for lockable, tamper-proof consumer units. The upgraded security and design have set new standards in the domestic market, offering a simple upgrade solution for customers who already have Elucian consumer units installed. The new lockable Elucian cover sits flush with the consumer unit to offer a more discreet appearance, which is perfect for homes with a consumer unit on display. The retrofit cover allows users to easily remove the existing cover and replace it with the new lockable version. In keeping with Elucian’s commitment to improved security, the new lid features a cam lock and is supplied with two keys per lid. The range of lockable lids features nine variations to accommodate the different sized consumer units available from 5-way to 22-way. Elucian, elucianuk.com
Makita, makitauk.com
UNICRIMP ADDS OB41 ANTI-CORROSION ZINC GALVANISING SPRAY
OVIA UNVEILS ‘ORBIK BY OVIA’ EMERGENCY LIGHTING PORTFOLIO Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, has announced the launch of the newly enhanced Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting range. The development marks the next chapter for the long-established Orbik brand, which was brought under Scolmore Group’s distribution in 2025 and was integrated within Ovia’s growing lighting portfolio. Ovia has invested heavily in the redevelopment of the range, combining Orbik’s trusted reputation in emergency lighting with Ovia’s own focus on innovation, performance, and compliance. The result is a comprehensive, fully refreshed collection of emergency lighting solutions designed to meet the requirements of today’s commercial, industrial, and residential environments. The enhanced Orbik by Ovia portfolio introduces four new flagship products – the Novem HO5 high-output bulkhead, the Calvip 65 slimline IP65 exit box, the Synex5 five-in-one exit sign and the Vipex5 4W box exit sign – each engineered to deliver improved performance, flexibility, and installation efficiency. Alongside these launches, the entire Orbik range has been upgraded.
Unicrimp, a leading supplier of cable accessories, has further enhanced its market-leading OB41 portfolio of sprays and cleaners, with the addition of the Anti-Corrosion Zinc Galvanising Spray. This product offers an effective solution for cold galvanising of welded fabrications and metal structures that are susceptible to rapid corrosion without adequate protection. The OB41 Zinc Anti-Corrosion Galvanising Spray is perfect for galvanising steelwork, pipework, and other metal surfaces that have undergone welding or modification. It is particularly useful for re-galvanising safety railings, fencing, and areas where the original coating is deteriorating due to aging or wear and tear. The spray creates a protective layer that resists flaking, chipping, discolouration, and abrasion, ensuring long-lasting durability. Additionally, it can be used as an industrial undercoat for steel, cast iron, or wood prior to painting, making it a versatile solution for a range of applications. The spray is touch dry in 15-30 minutes and fully cures within 16 to 24 hours.
Ovia, oviauk.com
Unicrimp, unicrimp.com
Heat Pump Cylinders Complete renewables installations with ease 70 | January 2026
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• High flow, high gain, full bore coil design • Universal compatibility with any heat pump • Manufacturer’s backed 25 year cylinder & 2 year parts warranty
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COMPANY SHOWCASE
SPONSORED STORIES FROM THE INDUSTRY
VENT-AXIA SCOOPS DOMESTIC VENTILATION PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD
APERTA ACCESS CONTROL RANGE FROM ESP
Leading British ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia has scooped the ‘Domestic Ventilation Product of the Year’ award at the H&V News Awards. The Sussex-based company secured the accolade for its Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). The win demonstrates Vent-Axia’s design leadership, providing a range of effective whole-house ventilation solutions to help overcome the challenges the New-Build Residential sector faces. Designed to provide effective energy-efficient ventilation to meet the demands of net zero homes, the Sentinel Econiq range also tackles one of the fastest-growing challenges for housebuilders – overheating. The winners of the H&V News Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony held on 26 November at London’s Grosvenor House. Designed to help housebuilders tackle the challenges of designing net zero housing, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq range delivers good indoor air quality (IAQ), energy-efficient performance, and year-round thermal comfort, aiding compliance with Part O of the Building Regulations.
Innovative security products supplier, ESP, is shining a spotlight on its Aperta access control range, a streamlined and reliable collection of products designed to meet the demands of modern installations. The range operates under the Aperta name – the Italian word meaning to open, allow access, passage, or a view through a space – and it is recognised for its ease of installation and straightforward operation. With just two main components – door station with optional access control keypad, and the hands-free monitor – the range will allow the creation of anything from a single door entry system to a multi-usage system. The Aperta video door entry systems utilise two-wire technology, which offers many advantages over traditional video door entry systems. For simplicity and time-efficient installations, the two-wire technology provides a friendly platform by reducing the number of cores required for connection and requires just one power supply unit. This ensures that only one PSU needs to be concealed and supplied with just a single electrical mains supply. ESP, espuk.com
Vent-Axia, vent-axia.com
COMPREHENSIVE DETECTOR ALARM RANGES BY AXIOM The Axiom brand boasts two ranges of Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide alarms, each with their own features and benefits, but both made with non-flammable ABS plastic and with CE, UKCA and RoHS approvals. First, a long-established quartet of detectors includes both Battery (9V lithium) and mains-operated Photoelectric Smoke Detectors, plus Mains Inter connectable Heat and CO2 detectors. Building on the continuing success of these products, a year ago a modern new range was launched – complete with up to date technology and a five-year warranty. Here, both Smoke and Heat Alarms include 10-year life Lithium battery versions as well as mains power options with 9V alkaline battery back-up. Supplied with ceiling mounting brackets, this RF range pair seamlessly with each other and can link with up to 40 alarms. The Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a standalone sensor that can detect CO from any combustion source. CED Electrical, cedelectrical.co.uk
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Company Showcase.indd 71
Click Scolmore has upgraded its New Media module range with the introduction of a stylish new matt black finish – delivering the same trusted functionality with a more sophisticated modern style. Designed to complement modern interiors, the new matt texture offers a sleek, low-sheen appearance that blends effortlessly into contemporary environments – perfect for applications where elegance and performance are essential. The matt black finish will be available across a comprehensive selection of New Media modules, including: • 10AX 2-Way Switch Module • 13A Socket Outlet Module • 16A European Schuko Socket Outlet • 20A Double Pole Switch Module • 20A Double Pole Switch Module with Neon
10AX Intermediate Switch Module • 15A 110V US Socket Outlet • 15A Round Pin Socket Outlet Module • 5A Round Pin Socket Outlet Module • 13A Fused Connection Unit Module • Single Brush Module •
This enhancement reflects Click Scolmore’s ongoing commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving demands of the market with high-quality, design-conscious solutions. Scolmore, scolmore.com
Anti Freeze Valves
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CLICK SCOLMORE INTRODUCES MATT BLACK FINISH TO NEW MEDIA MODULES
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• Prevents freezing in monobloc ASHP primary water circuits • Frost protection for outdoor installations • Brass body for durability and corrosion resistance • Range of sizes
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@ElecConNews electricalcontractingnews.com
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January 2026 | 71
22/12/2025 11:02
Engineered for protection. Designed for perfection. From large-scale architectural builds to compact residential spaces, Evofire delivers fire protection with a premium, seamless look. Choose from a complete range of fire-rated glass downlights, with colour and tilt options to suit any interior design.
Contact us for Trusted Lighting Solutions
0208 451 8700
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sales@integral-led.com
integral-led.com
17/12/2025 10:41