Electrotechnical News September/October 2026 by Lyla Media

September/October 2026

Ask the expert

To bond or not to bond?

Page 16

Employment law reform

What you need to prepare for in 2026 and 2027

Page 18

Smart home technology

Wiring new homes for day-one automation

Page 32

DC-powered lighting

A gateway to resilient, energy-efficient data centres

Page 36

EV charging and the role of RCDs: choosing the right protection

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September/October 2026

Contents Regulars Welcome 05 Editor’s note News & views 06-10 Industry news Interview 12-14 Lisa Cooke, MCS Ask the expert 16-17 To bond or not to bond?

Low-voltage switchgear Why better low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly specification matters.

Technical focus 28-30 Installation couplers Lighting matters 36-37 DC-powered lighting Features Employment law 18-20 2026 and 2027 changes Switchgear 22-24 Low-voltage switchgear RCDs 26-27 EV charging and RCDs Automation 32-33 Wiring new homes

Smart lighting

Lighting is evolving beyond efficient LED solutions towards smarter systems that deliver light only when it is needed.

Home life safety 34 Meet Andrew Sturgess, Aico Lighting 38-40 Smart lighting 42-43 Circular Lighting Live 2026 44-46 Lighting and power systems SPDs 48-49 20 years of SPD innovation

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From the Editor

ack in March, the Government revealed its intention to make plug-in solar panels available in shops ‘within months’. The announcement sparked concern from industry organisations ECA, ESF, IET, NICEIC and SELECT, which warned that, without the necessary regulatory, technical and product safety framework fully in place, ‘there is a serious risk of avoidable hazards in homes, uncertainty for the electricity system, and lasting damage to public confidence in the energy transition’. Fast forward to August, and plug-in solar panels became legal to buy and use across the country (see news on page 6). The Government says the panels have come to market following ‘rigorous, independent safety testing, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring’. However, industry concerns remain, with organisations warning that not every home will be suitable for plug-in solar and urging consumers to consult a competent electrician before connecting the units, as some older RCDs may not be compatible with the technology. New research from the IET highlights why this advice is so important. Just 25% of UK adults know what type of RCD is installed in their home, while 37% do not know what an RCD is. Only 11% know both what type of RCD they have and how to test it. The findings reinforce the industry’s message that consumers should seek professional advice before incorporating plug-in solar panels into their homes. Despite these concerns, industry organisations recognise the potential of the technology to help more households engage positively with low-carbon energy. And with the latest MCS data (page 7) and Government figures (page 10) indicating that families and businesses across the UK are embracing solar power in record numbers, it will be interesting to see how this market develops. Speaking of MCS, we catch up with the company’s newly appointed Managing Director, Lisa Cooke, for this issue’s ‘The interview’ (pages 12-14). And, returning to the topic of RCD protection, Doepke’s Martin Plumbridge explores the subject in relation to another green technology – EV charging (pages 26-27). Enjoy the issue…

News Editorial Director Carly Woodhead carly.woodhead@lylamedia.co.uk Design & Production Sophia Kerby design@lylamedia.co.uk Advertising & Subscriptions To request a free regular copy of Electrotechnical News or speak to a member of the sales team email: info@electrotechnicalnews.com Director Nathon Woodhead nathon.woodhead@lylamedia.co.uk

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Disclaimer The opinions expressed in editorial material do not necessarily represent the views of Electrotechnical News. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned in editorial or advertisements are not formally endorsed by Electrotechnical News, which does not guarantee, endorse, or accept any liability for any goods and/ or services featured in this publication. Electrotechnical News Lyla Media Ltd, Hoo St Werburgh, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9UY

Editorial Director Carly Woodhead

06 News

Newsroom

Plug-in solar panels come to market despite industry concerns

lug-in solar panels are now legal across Great Britain. As of 27 August, the panels can be plugged into homes across the country, with retailers including Amazon, Argos, Currys and Wickes all committed to stocking the panels. The Government said the legal changes follow rigorous, independent safety testing, covering all key electrical elements, which shows that compliant panels are safe and compatible with UK wiring.

research, nearly four in 10 UK adults (39%) say they would feel confident checking whether their home’s electrical installation is suitable for plug-in solar PV. However, only one in four (25%) know what type of RCD is installed in their home. More than a third (37%) do not know what an RCD is, while just 11% know both what type of RCD they have and how to test it.

However, while the systems may appear simple to use, the IET warned that not every home’s electrical installation will necessarily be suitable. The IET is therefore advising consumers to have their electrical installation assessed by a competent electrician before purchasing or connecting a plug-in solar PV unit.

Meanwhile, ESF also expressed concern that plug-in solar panels may damage RCDs and said not every home will currently be suitable for plug-in solar. ESF has urged households to ensure they have an RCD suitable for this technology and to consult a competent electrician if they are unsure. The charity has published a consumer guidance document and issued five points to help households reduce their risk – a move welcomed by both ECA and SELECT.

According to new IET consumer

gov.uk

Record number of heating oil households apply for a heat pump Thousands of households on heating oil are making the switch to a heat pump using the £9,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. New figures show total applications in July reached a record high, with 8,150 households applying to install a heat pump. The figures are an 81% increase compared to June this year, thanks to additional interest from households on heating oil as people opt for cheaper energy bills with clean heat technology. gov.uk

electrotechnicalnews.com 07

Government announces procurement reforms

MCS reveals record start to the year for certified installations

ata from MCS, the UK’s quality mark for smallscale renewables like solar panels and heat pumps installed in homes and small businesses, shows there were 210,000 installations in the UK between January and June 2026 – up 17% on the previous highest start to a year in 2025 and equivalent to one installation every 74 seconds. Solar panels were the biggest driver, with almost 150,000 certified installations – a 14% increase on last year’s record. Battery storage installations have also risen sharply, almost doubling the number for the same period last year, with 36,000 MCS-certified installations in 2026 so far. The data also shows a growing trend in combining multiple technologies in a single home. One in three installations in 2026 were either delivered onto a home that already had an MCS-certified renewable or were part of an installation that combined more than one technology. For example, it is becoming increasingly popular to pair battery storage with other technologies, with 92% of battery installations so far this year going onto properties with solar panels. mcscertified.com

Businesses bidding for Government contracts – a market worth £90bn per year – will be judged on their commitment to creating high-quality British jobs, tackling local skills shortages and supporting young people into apprenticeships and work placements. New rules will double the importance of creating local benefits when the Government buys goods or services. Under the changes, the score for bringing benefits to the local community will be raised from 10% to 20% for contracts worth £5m or more. gov.uk

ECA issues data centre growth warning ECA has welcomed the approval of a new data centre in west London but warned that rapid expansion must be matched by sufficient grid capacity and a skilled electrical workforce. ECA believes data centres can bring major economic opportunities for UK engineering services businesses. However, councils and Government must ensure projects are planned responsibly so they do not place unsustainable pressure on local electricity networks or compete with other national priorities, such as housing and clean energy infrastructure. eca.co.uk

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08 News

UK falling thousands short of electricians from workforce New research has shown that England faces a significant lack of people training to be electricians, meaning key projects across energy and housing are at risk. Projection modelling produced by JTL has found that around 12,500 electrical apprenticeship starts are needed in England each year to meet growing industry demand, yet current start numbers are falling. The Government’s own assessment for electricians in construction and clean energy sectors alone requires the workforce to be 32,400 larger by 2035.

BCIA launches new BEMS Delivery Framework The BCIA has launched a new BEMS Delivery Framework designed to tackle inconsistent specification and create a clearer, more consistent approach to the delivery of building energy management systems (BEMS). The framework establishes a common language for defining the level of building controls functionality required by a project. It addresses a longstanding industry challenge: specifications can leave BEMS requirements open to interpretation, resulting in contractors pricing different levels of functionality, difficulties comparing tenders on a like-for-like basis, and uncertainty over whether the completed system will meet the client’s operational expectations. Rather than prescribing particular products, manufacturers or technologies, the framework introduces six clearly defined Delivery Levels, from L0 to L5. These range from basic controls capability through to highly integrated intelligent building functionality, allowing project teams to define the level most appropriate to a building’s operational requirements. By establishing the required capability before products and technologies are selected, the framework gives clients, consultants, electrical contractors, controls specialists, system integrators and manufacturers a shared understanding of what the completed system is expected to achieve. bcia.co.uk

Building on the electrical workforce projection model JTL pioneered in 2025 – which warned that England’s electrical workforce had dropped by over 26% since 2018 and that without further action it could decline a further 32% by 2038 – this data shows that England’s electrical workforce has remained effectively static, increasing only from 160,200 to 161,300 throughout 2025. JTL warns that without stronger employer incentives, simpler apprenticeship processes and better alignment of public funding with routes that lead directly into skilled employment, the sector risks falling further behind demand. jtltraining.com

BEAMA issues ZEV Mandate changes warning

eakening the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate could delay up to £1.56bn in UK EV home charge point sales and installations, according to new analysis from BEAMA. Reducing the 2030 target could also slow the rollout of flexible charging capacity at a time when Government expects EVs to provide a growing source of flexibility to the electricity system. BEAMA modelled what could happen if the Government reduced the 2030 target for zero-emission car sales from 80% to 50%, following the launch of a review published on 14 August. BEAMA estimates that the weaker trajectory could mean up to 1.7 million fewer home charge point sales by 2034 than under the existing Mandate, representing around £1.56bn in sales and installations. BEAMA also estimates that reducing the 2030 target to 50% could mean up to 12GW less flexible charging capacity by 2034. That sits uneasily with the Government’s own Clean Flexibility Roadmap, which expects around 4.5GW of flexibility from EV smart charging by 2030. beama.org.uk

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10 News

Stricter subcontractor quality control to be enforced

First regional solar breakdown

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has announced plans to strengthen quality control requirements across the construction supply chain, with a particular focus on how main contractors oversee subcontractors on higher-risk building projects.

Families and businesses across the UK are embracing solar power in record numbers as new Government data shows nearly 172,000 solar installations have been fitted across the UK since the start of 2026.

The move is expected to place greater emphasis on accountability, competence and quality assurance throughout project delivery, ensuring that safety standards are consistently maintained across all tiers of the supply chain.

The surge follows the third-highest month for solar installations on record. Nearly 28,000 installations were completed across homes, businesses and larger-scale projects in July 2026, behind only March and June this year.

Projects progressing from Gateway Two design approval to Gateway Three completion must be supported by effective supervision, rigorous quality checks and high standards.

For the first time, the Government has unveiled a regional breakdown of Britain’s solar revolution. The UK’s top five regions for solar deployment were: • South East: 22,628 installations this year. • East of England: 18,109 installations this year. • South West: 17,539 installations this year. • East Midlands: 15,981 installations this year. • North West: 15,927 installations this year.

ECA welcomed the measures, which reinforce the importance of competence, effective supervision and robust quality assurance throughout the supply chain. eca.co.uk

gov.uk

JIB and HSE analyses show improvement in safety The recently published JIB Accident Survey 2025 showed that the overall Accident Incident Rate (AIR) continued to decline sector-wide in 2025. The year saw a 4.6% improvement in the AIR within the electrotechnical sector, while the AIR was 140% higher among self-employed operatives in comparison to those directly employed. The four main types of accidents were: • Slips, trips and falls (27%). • Contact with machinery (25%). • Falls from heights (9%). • Manual handling/lifting (7%). Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also published its provisional figures for work-related fatalities for 2025/26. Although analysis shows that the number of work deaths in 2025/26 is lower than in previous years, there were 126 work-related fatal incidents, of which the construction sector accounted for 25. jib.org.uk

EIC calls for action during Suicide Prevention Month

he Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) is taking the opportunity this Suicide Prevention Month (September) to encourage conversations around mental health and remind those working across the electrical and energy industries that help is always within reach. Despite growing awareness around mental wellbeing, our industry continues to struggle with higher-than-average suicide rates. Too often, our people suffer in silence rather than speaking openly about their mental health challenges. Workplaces are key environments for suicide prevention, as they often provide a sense of community, routine and support. The EIC encourages employers and managers to consider the following actions as part of an effective suicide prevention strategy: • Establish clear mental health policies. • Train employees and managers. • Offer mental health resources. • Foster a supportive work environment. • Implement confidentiality and crisis management procedures. electricalcharity.org

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Advancing Energy Tech

12 Interview

The

interview

Sit down with: MCS’s Lisa Cooke

MCS, the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewables such as solar panels and heat pumps, is undergoing significant change as it rolls out its redeveloped installer Scheme, designed to strengthen consumer protection and give people greater confidence in homegrown energy. Electrotechnical News speaks to Lisa Cooke, Managing Director of MCS, to find out more.

Meet Lisa Lisa Cooke has a background in marketing and communications, with roles at St Helens Borough Council and St Helens College. She joined MCS in 2018 as one of its first employees following its separation from Government, helping establish MCS as a recognised mark of quality for domestic renewables. Lisa became COO in February 2025, overseeing operations and delivery of the certification Scheme. She was appointed Managing Director in August 2026.

arlier this year, Ian Rippin announced his intention to stand down as CEO of MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), with Lisa Cooke appointed to lead MCS as its Managing Director from 1 August 2026. Previously MCS’s Chief Operating Officer, Lisa joined MCS shortly after Ian in 2018. She takes the reins at an exciting time; recent MCS data shows a record start to the year for small-scale renewable installations, with 210,000 installations in the UK between January and June 2026 – up 17% on the previous highest start to a year in 2025 and equivalent to one installation every 74 seconds. Lisa says, “I am honoured to have been appointed as MCS’s Managing

Director at such a critical time. With 2026 already tracking to be the sixth consecutive record-breaking year for certified installations and the case for homegrown energy strengthening by the minute, MCS has a critical role to play in accelerating the UK’s transition to homegrown energy. “As energy markets continue to be influenced by global events, we’re seeing more households than ever before turn to renewables and put their trust in MCS-certified businesses. With this rising demand, MCS’s evolving role as not just a standard setter, but also a consumer protection body, is more important than ever. We take our role seriously, and that’s why we’ve redeveloped our Scheme and set new rules under

electrotechnicalnews.com 13

which every installer will have to operate by 31 March 2027.”

Redeveloped installer Scheme

In her previous COO role, Lisa was instrumental in the redevelopment of the installer Scheme. Lisa explains, “We’ve designed the Scheme with consumer protection at its heart, as we know that’s what our industry needs to continue growing. “As demand grows, certification has a more important role than ever in giving consumers confidence in renewable technologies and installers. The redeveloped Scheme holds installers to account, with our new risk-based approach allowing us to be more responsive, while also being supportive.” So, what are the biggest changes installers will notice? “We want to help installers deliver quality outcomes for their customers, and the redeveloped Scheme introduces changes to support them in doing so,” Lisa explains. She highlights the following: • The new Installer Agreement provides greater clarity on installers’ responsibilities, while MCS’s Standards have been restructured – though the actual requirements remain unchanged – around ‘technical truths’. • With consumer protection at the heart of MCS, universal requirements for financial protection products have been introduced, which provide a higher level of protection. • MCS is now the single point of contact for complaints and will fund Alternative Dispute Resolution when a resolution can’t be reached. • There will also be some role changes, with Nominees replaced by a Main Contact and the requirement for a Nominated Technical Person replaced by an appropriate, assigned Technical Supervisor for individual installations. • Consistently compliant installers will be rewarded with fewer assessments, whereas those with a history of non-conformity or higher risk will have more. • Installers won’t need to retain consumer code membership, but they can still choose to do so, and they will be assigned an Account Manager for support and guidance. “We expanded our Customer

“We’ve designed the Scheme with consumer protection at its heart, as we know that’s what our industry needs to continue growing.”

Experience team by over 50% and built five new specialist teams to support households, assess installations and manage complaints. We’re also recognising installers as customers and building a closer relationship with them,” Lisa adds. The redeveloped Scheme was driven by stakeholder engagement and consultation. “Our Installer Forum has been central to this, giving installers the opportunity to help shape the Scheme,” she says. “We understood that installers wanted a more streamlined, frequent line of communication with MCS, and that the current renewables landscape felt fragmented – with installers unsure who to turn to. “We’re looking forward to having a more direct relationship with installers through the Installer Agreement. This isn’t just a

commitment from installers; it’s a commitment from MCS. “Our new role as a consumer protection organisation gives installers a simple route to follow when raising an issue and helps them handle complaints effectively.”

Growing appeal of certification

Lisa says an integral part of her work has been positioning MCS at the forefront of the renewables sector. “We want installers to see us as active participants in the energy transition, and as the single source of truth for the UK renewables sector.” Indeed, the number of MCS-certified installers is increasing. “In 2025, the number of certified installers grew by 7%,” Lisa notes. “With more than six months left in the transition, over one in four installers on the redeveloped Scheme are new to MCS, highlighting the growing appeal of certification and the opportunity presented by rising demand for renewables.” MCS has streamlined the entire certification process to make the journey into renewables easier. “Our e-learning platform contains everything installers need to become certified and position themselves as trusted, reputable businesses at the forefront of the energy transition. It’s free to access via the MCS website.

14 Interview

“The technology seeing the biggest scale of growth is the most recent to be incorporated into the Scheme: battery storage.”

“For electrical contractors looking to upskill into renewables, our Find a Training Course tool lists approved courses.” What misconceptions about MCS would Lisa like to challenge? “I want installers to see MCS as more than just a tick-box requirement, but as a mark of their commitment to quality and consumer protection,” she comments. “I want them to take pride in their MCS certification and become ambassadors.”

Opportunities in solar and storage

As more households explore alternative ways to heat and power their homes, Lisa says raising awareness of MCS’s role will be key. “We’re lucky that the market is going from strength to strength,” she comments. “The technology seeing the biggest scale of growth is the most recent to be incorporated into the Scheme: battery storage. Following a record 2025, the five biggest

months for certified battery storage installations have all been in 2026, so momentum isn’t stopping. “Solar remains the most popular renewable technology, with over two million MCS-certified installations. This creates significant opportunities in solar and storage, particularly as consumers maximise the benefits of multi-tech systems and Government funding opens up to more households. The upcoming Warm Homes Loan Scheme is a great example, offering low-interest loans for low-carbon technologies installed by MCScertified installers.” Lisa acknowledges that the growing market is not without challenges. “As multi-tech installations become more common, the market must adapt,” she says. “MCS wants to make sure we’re evolving with the industry. “Through our Standards, we ensure low-carbon technologies are designed, tested and installed to industryrecognised standards. But we also take learnings back into industry to drive continuous improvement. “The best way to identify quality issues is by working together. We’ll continue working with our installers to raise quality and drive out poor installers. “For the wider industry, particularly Government, trust is built through making low-carbon technologies accessible to more households through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the upcoming

Warm Homes Plan and Future Homes Standard. It’s important that the Future Homes Standard is implemented in a way that builds confidence and ensures households have a positive experience. “Ultimately, the industry wants confidence on what the future holds.”

The go-to renewables organisation

As she looks to the future, Lisa hopes that by 2030, “the redeveloped Scheme will be business-as-usual, with our role as both a consumer protection body and a standards organisation solidified. Through engaging more directly with consumers, we’ll gain valuable insight into what drives confidence. “We want installers to be champions of MCS, proudly displaying the MCS Certification Mark and meeting Scheme requirements – recognising the value it brings not only to consumers, but to their businesses.” Lisa is also passionate about building on MCS’s inclusive workplace culture. “I’m incredibly proud of the growth we’ve fostered and the inclusive, supportive culture we’ve built. I’m committed to making MCS the best place for our employees to grow, but also the go-to organisation for installers and households at every stage of their renewables journey.”

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16 Ask the expert

Ask the expert

Darren Staniforth Head of Electrotechnical Solutions, CEF

With over 30 years’ experience, Darren is one of the electrical industry’s leading technical experts. He began his career as an electrical apprentice, working across a range of domestic, commercial and industrial projects, before qualifying as a lecturer at Bedford College. Well known from his previous role as Senior Technical Presenter with NICEIC, Darren was appointed Head of Electrotechnical Solutions at CEF in 2022.

Have a question or industry comment? Darren is here to provide expert technical advice and answer your queries. Send your questions to: info@electrotechnicalnews.com

To bond or not to bond? How can you establish whether a conductive part is an extraneous-conductivepart?

he 15th Edition of the Wiring Regulations had us bonding most metal items that stood still; now one of the most misunderstood areas of protective bonding is deciding whether a conductive part is actually an extraneousconductive-part. The presence of metal alone does not automatically mean that bonding is required. BS 7671 defines an extraneousconductive-part as a conductive part that is liable to introduce a potential, generally Earth potential, and which does

not form part of the electrical installation. That definition is important. A metallic water pipe, structural steelwork or heating system may be conductive, but the real question is whether it can introduce Earth potential into the installation. Consider a water service supplied by a metallic service pipe buried in the ground. That pipework is likely to have a connection with the general mass of Earth and would therefore normally be considered extraneous. However, if the incoming water service is plastic and the internal pipework changes to copper after entering the building, the copper pipework

electrotechnicalnews.com 17

should not automatically be treated as extraneous. Unless another connection with Earth exists, it may simply be isolated metalwork.

Start with inspection

Visual inspection should therefore be the starting point. Establish how the service enters the building and identify any insulating sections, plastic fittings or other possible connections with Earth. Where the situation remains uncertain, resistance measurement can help. Industry guidance commonly uses a measurement between the suspected conductive part and the MET, with 22 kΩ frequently quoted as an indicative value based on a 10 mA body-current criterion. However, electricians should avoid treating 22 kΩ as a simple pass or fail figure. It is also important at this point to confirm the correct test equipment is being used. Most multifunction testers will not have

through the electrical installation rather than a genuine connection with Earth.

“Establish how the service enters the building and identify any insulating sections, plastic fittings or other possible connections with Earth.”

Parallel paths through CPCs, boilers, pumps, existing bonding and connected equipment must therefore be considered when interpreting results.

Conclusion

The fundamental question remains: Can this conductive part independently introduce Earth potential into the installation?

a suitable scale to reflect this result; therefore, additional test equipment may be needed. A low resistance reading does not necessarily prove that the metalwork is extraneous. For example, a copper heating pipe connected to a boiler may show very low resistance to the MET through the boiler CPC. The test has then identified a connection

Protective bonding is intended to limit dangerous potential differences. It is not about bonding every piece of metal that happens to be present. Good inspection, appropriate testing and engineering judgement are therefore essential before reaching for the bonding conductor.

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Employment law

Employment law reform: what you need to know Catherine Watt, Director of Employment and Skills at ECA, looks at employment law reform and the electrical contracting industry, and explains what employers need to prepare for in 2026 and 2027.

October 2026, with additional measures due throughout 2027.

Catherine Watt Director of Employment and Skills at ECA

he Employment Rights Act is beginning to reshape employment practices across the UK. Since April 2026, employers have had to adjust to day-one Statutory Sick Pay, stronger enforcement through the new Fair Work Agency and the risk of higher financial penalties for non-compliance. Further reforms are expected from

These changes are especially relevant to the electrotechnical sector, where employers often manage mobile workforces, project-based work, dispersed sites and fluctuating labour demand. The reforms will affect how contractors recruit, manage, retain and deploy their people.

October 2026: key changes for electrical contractors

Stronger duties to prevent sexual harassment Employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual

harassment in the workplace, with additional liability in relation to third-party harassment. This is particularly important where employees work on customer sites, major projects and multi-contractor environments. Employers may be liable for harassment by clients, principal contractors, subcontractors and other third parties if reasonable preventative steps have not been taken. Contractors should ensure they have clear behavioural standards, effective reporting routes, manager training, prompt investigation procedures and visible leadership commitment.

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Employment law

A policy alone is unlikely to be enough; employers should be able to show practical measures designed to prevent inappropriate behaviour. Trade union reforms Several measures will strengthen trade union rights, including a requirement to give workers a written statement explaining their right to join a union. Further changes are expected to make it easier for independent trade unions to access workplaces for recruitment and organising. Larger contractors and those on major projects should expect greater union visibility. Site managers should understand how to respond to access requests and ensure any restrictions are based on genuine site, safety or security requirements. Longer employment tribunal time limits The Government intends to extend the time limit for most employment tribunal claims from three months to six months. For contractors, this means workplace decisions may be challenged long after a project has finished. Strong record-keeping will become increasingly important, particularly around disciplinary decisions, grievances, performance concerns and contract changes.

Looking ahead to 2027

Earlier unfair dismissal protection One of the most significant changes will be reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection from two years to six months. Businesses relying on informal probation arrangements will need more structured induction, review and performance processes to evidence decisions made during early employment. Managers should set expectations from the outset, conduct documented

Further support

“The reforms will affect how contractors recruit, manage, retain and deploy their people.” probation reviews, address concerns promptly and keep clear evidence of discussions and decisions. The Government is also expected to introduce a framework for dismissals during an initial probationary period, though the detail is still being developed. Restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ The legislation is also expected to make dismissal and re-engagement on less favourable contractual terms automatically unfair in most circumstances. For electrical contractors, this may be relevant when changing travel requirements, standby and call-out arrangements, working patterns, shifts, allowances or benefits. Future contractual changes are likely to require greater consultation, stronger business justification and more emphasis on reaching agreement with employees. Guaranteed hours and short-notice changes Current Government plans include new protections for workers on zero-hours and low-hours arrangements, including rights relating to guaranteed working hours, reasonable notice of shifts and compensation where work is cancelled at short notice.

ECA Members can access guidance, templates and updates through the ECA Member Support Area and via the Employee Relations Helpline. Visit eca.co.uk/member-support/employee-relations/ contracts-handbook/employment-law-update

The Government is consulting on how these protections will apply to agency workers. Contractors relying heavily on agency labour or shortterm resource models should monitor guidance carefully, as the reforms could affect workforce planning and labour flexibility. Flexible working Further reforms are expected to strengthen employees’ ability to request flexible working. Employers will still be able to refuse requests for genuine business reasons but may need to explain more clearly why a refusal is reasonable. In electrical contracting, requests may involve reduced hours, compressed weeks, travel restrictions or alternative working patterns. Decisions should be evidence-based and linked to genuine operational requirements.

What should contractors do now?

Preparation will be far more effective than waiting for implementation dates. Employers should review contracts and handbooks, strengthen probation and performance processes, update harassment and grievance procedures, check holiday pay and employment records, refresh onboarding documents, train managers and assess the likely impact on agency, temporary and flexible labour arrangements.

Preparing for a new employment landscape The Employment Rights Act represents the most significant employment law reform programme in a generation. For electrical contractors, these changes sit alongside wider pressures on skills, competence and retention.

Businesses that act now to strengthen management capability, review workforce practices and improve employment processes will be best placed to manage risk, remain compliant and continue attracting and retaining the skilled people the industry needs. eca.co.uk

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22 Switchgear

Raising the bar on low-voltage switchgear specification Sean Smith, Chair of BEAMA’s Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems (LSBS) Product Group, discusses why better low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly specification matters, and how BEAMA’s latest guidance can help specifiers and procurement teams make more informed decisions from the outset.

Sean Smith Chair of BEAMA’s Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems (LSBS) Product Group

robustly specified lowvoltage switchgear and controlgear assembly can sit quietly at the heart of a distribution network for years, protecting circuits, property and its occupants and managing energy flow without drawing attention to itself. But when a fault occurs, it must function instantly and correctly to disconnect it safely.

That level of reliability depends on decisions made much earlier, at the point of specification, making this an area where the industry has an opportunity to raise standards. That is becoming more important as low-voltage distribution changes to meet today’s demands. Fleet electric vehicle charging hubs are reshaping what a typical duty cycle looks like, with sustained, nearsimultaneous full load across every outgoing way. Distributed generation and battery storage are introducing configurations and fault scenarios that older installations were never designed to accommodate. Retrofit and decarbonisation projects are also placing assemblies in new locations and environments – from coastal

sites needing enhanced corrosion protection to buildings being reworked for a lower-carbon future. In each case, low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies sit at the heart of the energy transition.

What to consider

Meeting these changing requirements starts with two things specifiers can get right from day one. The first is precision around design current and prospective short-circuit current. When this information is clearly defined, manufacturers can design assemblies that are optimised for the application, rather than filling gaps with cautious assumptions that may add unnecessary cost or miss the mark on rating.

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Switchgear

“Good specification is one of the most effective levers the industry has for improving safety, performance and efficiency.”

The same principle applies to short-circuit ratings for busbars. Defining the prospective short-circuit current at the incoming terminals, then allowing the manufacturer to coordinate protection through to every outgoing circuit, is a simple habit that leads to smarter, bettervalue assemblies. The second consideration is confidence in the standards and the evidence behind them. The BS EN IEC 61439 series gives the industry a strong, well-established framework, but specifiers need to understand how designation, transition periods and withdrawal dates interact if they are to ask the right questions. The same applies to design verification evidence because knowing when testing is required, and when validated alternative methods are appropriate, helps specifiers have more informed conversations with manufacturers. The third area that deserves equal attention is the detail around marking, location and who will operate an assembly day to day. Every assembly placed on the market needs the correct UKCA, CE or CE UKNI marking, alongside the marking required by its product standard. Getting this right gives specifiers assurance that essential safety requirements have been properly considered, rather than simply assumed. It’s also important to think about who will use the assembly once

it is installed. A consumer unit or distribution board is generally intended for operation by an ordinary person, while a panelboard or switchboard for industrial or commercial use is not, even if it is somewhere an ordinary person can access. Recognising that distinction early and specifying accordingly is a small step that can make a significant difference to everyday safety.

New BEAMA publication

That is the context for BEAMA’s LSBS Group’s new guide for everyone involved in specifying and procuring electrical assemblies. Specifying a Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assembly is designed to help specifiers and procurement teams check two things with confidence – that an assembly meets the relevant standards and that it is matched to its operating conditions. Rather than duplicating the detail already available in PD BSI IEC 61439-0 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. Guidance to specifying assemblies, or the checklists in each product part of the standard, BEAMA’s new publication draws out the practical, safetycritical points that make the biggest difference in real projects. BEAMA developed the guide in close collaboration with technical experts from across the Low Voltage Switchgear Technical Committee membership, bringing together decades of design and manufacturing

experience in a single, practical resource. Good specification is one of the most effective levers the industry has for improving safety, performance and efficiency, and BEAMA’s aim is to make it easier for specifiers and procurement teams to use that lever with confidence. The guide gives them practical information to interrogate requirements more effectively and identify the right solutions from the outset, some of which are easy to overlook. In doing so, it supports electrical distribution networks that are resilient, efficient and built for long-term service. Building on BEAMA’s LSBS Product Group BS EN IEC 61439 seriesfocused Consequence of NonCompliance campaign launched in 2025, the guide forms part of BEAMA’s ongoing work to support conformity and competence across the switchboard lifecycle. It reflects an industry committed to getting the fundamentals right, from initial specification through to safe operation in service. For specifiers, procurement teams and manufacturers alike, it is a prompt to interrogate requirements earlier, so that every assembly is ready to perform when it is needed most.

beama.org.uk

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26 RCDs

EV charging and RCDs The rapid adoption of EVs has driven significant changes in electrical installation design, particularly in relation to safety and protection. Martin Plumbridge, TMIET, Technical Manager at Doepke, explores the role of residual current devices (RCDs) in EV charging.

Overview of EV charging systems Martin Plumbridge, TMIET Technical Manager at Doepke

nlike traditional loads, EV charging introduces power electronics, DC components and complex fault conditions that must be managed to prevent electric shock and fire risk. One of the most critical protective measures in EV charging installations is the residual current device (RCD). However, not all RCDs are suitable for EV charging applications. This article explains the operating principles of EV charging systems and provides an overview of the different RCD types involved, their limitations and where each should be applied.

EV charging points, formally known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), are classified into charging modes defined by IEC 61851 and referenced in BS 7671: • Mode 1 – AC charging from a standard socket (rare and discouraged). • Mode 2 – Portable charger with incable protection device. • Mode 3 – Dedicated AC EV charger (wall box). • Mode 4 – DC fast charging (offboard rectification). Most domestic and commercial AC installations use Mode 3 charging, where the charger contains load monitoring, fault monitoring and communication with the vehicle. EVs can produce smooth DC residual currents, which directly influence RCD selection.

RCD selection: Amendment 4

BS 7671: 722.531.3.101 recognises the

following RCD formats: • RCCBs, RCBOs, CBRs and RDC-PDs provide protection through isolation of the electrical supply, in the event of a residual current fault that results in the device tripping or being manually switched off. • RCCB (BS EN 6008-1) must be used in conjunction with a separate OLPD, i.e. it must be protected against the effects of overcurrent using fuses and/or MCBs. • RCBO (BS EN 6009-1) – in addition to residual current protection, it also provides overcurrent protection. • RCCBs and RCBOs have fixed characteristics and, in the event of a fault, are designed to be reset by ordinary persons. • CBR (BS EN 60947-2) – circuit breaker with a built-in residual current protection feature, for use in higher current applications > 100 A. • CBRs may have adjustable characteristics and, in the event of a fault, are not designed to be reset by ordinary persons.

“EVs can produce smooth DC residual currents, which directly influence RCD selection.”

electrotechnicalnews.com 27

• Clause 722.531.3.101 also refers to BS EN 62423; additional design requirements for RCCBs, RCBOs and CBRs suitable for detecting Type F or B residual currents. • RDC-PD combines RCD and RDCDD together – to understand the difference, read on.

RCD types explained

Type A RCD Type A RCDs can detect sinusoidal AC residual currents and pulsating DC residual currents. Type A RCDs are commonly used in Mode 3 EV charging when supplemented by a device that limits DC leakage to below 6 mA. See BS 7671 722.531.3.101 (b) and (c). Type A RCD with 6 mA DC detection (RDC-DD) Many Mode 3 EV chargers incorporate a residual direct current detecting device (RDC-DD). These monitor DC leakage current and shut down if smooth DC exceeds 6 mA. The RDC-DD contains contactors or relays that do not meet the requirements for isolation, hence the reason why BS 7671 refers to the use of RCDs or RDC-PDs upstream. This prevents upstream Type A RCDs from becoming saturated – the advantage of this is a cost-effective solution that complies with BS 7671: 722.531.3.101. RDC-PD (protection device) RDC-PDs incorporate 6 mA smooth

“Many Mode 3 EV chargers incorporate a residual direct current detecting device (RDCDD). These monitor DC leakage current and shut down if smooth DC exceeds 6 mA.” DC detection and 30 mA Type A or F residual current protection in the same device. The RDC-PD contacts electrically isolate the circuit in the event of a residual current fault. RDC-PDs are designed for inclusion in the circuit feeding the charge point if the Mode 3 charge point does not include an RDC-DD combined with an RCD. RDC-PDs are suitable for new installations and upgrading existing installations to the latest safety requirements for EV charging.

Type B RCD Type B RCDs can detect residual currents, pulsating DC, smooth DC and mixed-frequency residual currents. Fully compliant with all EV charging scenarios, typical applications include installations without RDCDD protection in the charger, Mode 4 with one or more charge points, Mode 3 + RDC-DD 6 mA with two or more charge points, Mode 3 no RDC-DD with one or two charge points. Type B RCDs offer the highest level of protection and are often specified where charger internal protection cannot be verified. They remain the most robust and universally applicable solution, particularly in commercial and DC charging environments. Figure 1 details the requirements for the upstream RCD, based on BS 7671 722.531.3.101 Note 1 and Regulation 531.3.3, including the charging mode, charge point design, type of RCD and number of charge points connected to the feeder circuits containing upstream RCDs.

Conclusion

Check the EV manufacturer’s information for specific RCD requirements. Check the charge point specification to verify the exact features provided in that version and any additional equipment required to meet the revised requirements in BS 7671 Amendment 4. Under BS 7671:2018 Amendment 4 2026, EV charging installations must comply with Regulation 722.531.3.101, which states that DC residual current exceeding 6 mA must not impair RCD operation. This may be achieved by: Type B RCD, or Type A RCD combined with RDC-DD (IEC 62955) or RDC-PD. In addition, each EV charging point must have: individual RCD protection, open PEN protection (TNC-S systems), suitable overcurrent protection and isolation.

Figure 1: RCD selection – 722.531.3.101 Note 1 and Regulation 531.3.3

doepke.co.uk

28 Installation couplers

Technical focus

Installation couplers and prefabricated wiring systems

Jake Green Head of Technical Engagement at Scolmore Group

Jake Green is Head of Technical Engagement at Scolmore Group. Having joined the business in 2021, he progressed from Technical Engagement Engineer to lead the function. He works closely with consultants, specifiers and contractors, advising on compliant solutions amid evolving regulations. With 17 years’ industry experience, Jake began as an apprentice before moving into maintenance and facilities management, later delivering technical training at Certsure (NICEIC/ELECSA).

Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement at Scolmore Group, explores the role of installation couplers and prefabricated wiring systems in modern electrical installations, highlighting the standards that govern their design, selection and use.

nstallation couplers are used in a wide range of installations. These may include prefabricated buildings, showrooms, suspended floors and ceilings and the like. BS EN IEC 61535:2019, Installation couplers intended for permanent connection in fixed installations, details the requirements for the manufacture of two-wire to five-wire installation couplers (including earth) and a rated connecting capacity of up to 10 mm2. BS 8488:2009+A1:2010, Prefabricated wiring systems intended for permanent connection in fixed installations – Specification, is a related standard.

Whereas BS EN IEC 61535 covers the couplers themselves, BS 8488 deals with their use in prefabricated wiring systems. Both standards are referenced in a number of instances in BS 7671. These include 521.201, 526.2, 553.2.1, 559.5.1 and 559.5.4.

Manufacturer requirements

When a manufacturer designs and makes installation couplers conforming to BS EN IEC 61535 to place on the UK market, they must provide ‘…connectors (male and female) of one installation coupler system according to the specification of one and the same manufacturer shall be mated together for carrying out the test’ (clause 5.1 BS EN IEC 61535 refers) for type testing.

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30 Installation couplers

“Manufacturers will not provide a warranty for a mix-and-match approach.”

Lighting connection and management

Earlier this year, Click Scolmore launched its new Flow 6-Pole range, an advanced addition to the company’s established Flow lighting connection and management system.

“Installation couplers used as part of a prefabricated system, or where they are used in isolation, should not be matched with those of other manufacturers.” To be clear, clause 5.1 of BS EN IEC 61535 and the condition for tests requires a ‘system’ of couplers and connectors of one manufacturer only.

units where there is a mixing and matching of overcurrent devices produced by other manufacturers. The reason for this is that manufacturers type-test a consumer unit with all the various components present.

Prefabricated wiring systems

The informative Annex A of BS 8488 provides guidance on the use of prefabricated wiring systems in electrical installations. The use of such systems can make use of rigid or flexible cables and enable changes and repairs to be made swiftly. The connectors are designed to be ‘offload’ devices. Prefabricated wiring systems are classified according to standard current ratings from 6 A to 100 A a.c. and a rated voltage not exceeding 500 V a.c.

The question an installer may have is whether a mix-and-match approach is acceptable – that is, using different manufacturers’ products in the same installation. Manufacturers, understandably, will not provide a warranty for a mix-and-match approach since clause 5.1 of the standard precludes their use.

Installation couplers are not to be used instead of socket-outlets, and are not intended to be used in place of: • Luminaire support couplers – LSC (BS 6972). • Devices for connecting luminaires – DCL (BS EN 61995). • Ceiling roses (BS 67). • Fused connection units (BS 1363-4). • On-load connecting devices (BS 5733) (Clause 6.2.1 BS 8488 refers.)

By way of a similar example, manufacturers will not provide a warranty to one of their consumer

Conformity with BS 7671 when selecting prefabricated systems for use is essential.

Designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, intelligent and future-proof lighting installations, the new 6-Pole solution brings enhanced capability for modern commercial environments – including full support for DALI, switch-dim and (0) 1-10 V dimming solutions. The 6-Pole Flow connectors provide six dedicated terminals, enabling seamless integration with many lighting control systems, including both DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) and (0) 1-10 dimming. This allows luminaires, sensors and control devices to communicate intelligently, delivering precise lighting management and improved energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Installation couplers used as part of a prefabricated system, or where they are used in isolation, should not be matched with those of other manufacturers. Male and female connections are only typetested when they are from one manufacturer. The introduction of the 6-Pole range reflects Click Scolmore’s ongoing commitment to innovation and to supporting contractors with solutions that respond to changing legislation, energy-efficiency targets and the increasing complexity of modern lighting design. scolmore.com

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32 Automation

The Bowers

Smart from the start: wiring new homes for day-one automation Smart home technology is in the curious position of being celebrated as an innovation, yet consistently treated as an afterthought. Automated lighting, heating and voice-activated controls are often retrofitted after handover, simply bolted onto homes as lifestyle accessories. That mindset is changing, says Vimal Mohanan, Product Marketing Specialist – Smart Buildings, ABB Electrification.

Vimal Mohanan Product Marketing Specialist – Smart Buildings, ABB Electrification

nergy price volatility has made homeowners acutely aware of how little control they have over their consumption. Regulations such as the UK’s Future Homes Standard and Part L are placing stringent demands on developers to demonstrate energy efficiency from the moment a property is completed. And buyer expectations have evolved considerably.

In 2025, nearly half of UK homeowners expressed an interest in smart home solutions, while more than 40% across North America had already adopted them. Globally, the smart home market is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 23%, with no signs of deceleration. What this means is that developers who continue to treat automation as a post-construction consideration are falling behind. The projects that will define the next decade of residential development are those where smart infrastructure is designed in from the very beginning.

Intelligence in the blueprint A recent development in Kent,

England, shows what this approach looks like when executed well. In 2025, The Bowers, a four-home hillside project by Hillstone Homes, was conceived with full smart home integration as a design principle. Working alongside electrical contractor Faulkner & Sons and deploying ABB-free@home as the unifying platform, the project brought lighting, heating, shading, intercom and audio-visual systems under a single, coherent control interface operational from day one. The technical foundation was a structured wiring approach that ran a twisted-pair bus cable alongside the mains supply within a shared conduit. This reduced overall cabling volume and ensured that the

electrotechnicalnews.com 33

system remained straightforward to commission and expand. Each property was fitted with a centralised distribution panel housing the logic, power, input and output modules that govern all connected systems. The design also anticipated change. Wall-mounted touchscreen panels were configured as multifunction devices, meaning residents could reconfigure room assignments without requiring electrical modifications. Spare capacity was built into the distribution boards to accommodate future additions such as EV charging points, heat pump integration or wireless sensor nodes.

Commissioning without complexity

One of the persistent barriers to smart home adoption has been the perceived complexity of programming and commissioning. The Bowers shows that this is surmountable with the right system architecture. Using ABB’s ETS interface, the installation team at Faulkner & Sons was able to configure scenes such as ‘Morning’, ‘All Off’ and ‘Away’ through a drag-and-drop environment, without writing bespoke code. Scenes were tested on site to calibrate response times and eliminate the command conflicts that commonly arise when lighting, blinds and HVAC systems share the same triggers. Equally important was the handover experience. Rather than inheriting a collection of disconnected proprietary applications, occupants received a single unified interface accessible via both wall-mounted panels and a smartphone gateway. Every automated function also retained a conventional manual override, ensuring the system

remained fully operational even without network connectivity.

system with technologies that don’t exist yet.

Lessons for developers and contractors

Automation as standard

The principles that made The Bowers successful are transferable to any new residential development, regardless of scale or specification level: • Integrate early – The most expensive and disruptive smart home installations are those attempted after construction is complete. Day one structured wiring eliminates the need to channel through finished walls or retrofit cabling around structural elements. • Prioritise user understanding – Technology that confuses users will eventually be switched off. Brief, wellstructured handover sessions are among the highest-value investments a developer or installer can make. • Design for the future, not just the present – Spare capacity costs very little at the construction stage and pays dividends when residents inevitably want to expand their

Smart home technology is undergoing a transition from luxury feature to standard infrastructure. Developers who recognise this early will deliver homes that meet the market where it is heading. From a sustainability perspective, embedding automation from day one also contributes directly to energy reduction goals, making meaningful contributions to a home’s overall carbon profile, and is increasingly relevant to the regulatory compliance obligations. The Bowers demonstrates that when smart technology is treated as infrastructure, every party in the process benefits. Installers work with systems designed for straightforward commissioning. Homeowners receive comfort, control and efficiency from the day they move in. And developers deliver assets that are genuinely future-ready. Wire it right from the start and a home is not merely smart today – but prepared for whatever tomorrow requires. For a free smart home training course, visit: new.abb.com/uk/ campaigns/uk-free-home-training

new.abb.com/uk

Home life safety

seconds with

Andrew Sturgess, Aico

With ever-changing legislation, evolving technology and growing demand for skilled installers, the home life safety sector is changing rapidly. Here, Andrew Sturgess, Regional Director – South, Aico, discusses his career journey, how the home safety landscape has evolved, the challenges facing the sector and how Aico is supporting installers through training, innovation and industry expertise.

Andrew Sturgess Regional Director – South, Aico

Tell us a little about your career journey – how did you end up at Aico?

I served in the military then entered the electrical sector with CEF, where I worked my way up to Account Manager. I then moved across to Aico nearly 11 years ago.

What has been your proudest achievement at Aico so far?

Too many to list – Aico allows you to get involved in so many interesting and rewarding opportunities.

How has the home life safety landscape evolved over the past decade? Awareness and competency. Home safety used to be a necessary

“We will train nearly 20,000 people this year alone.”

minimum requirement to many. Now it is much more apparent that people care about keeping others safe and want to do so properly and robustly.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector today?

Budgets and workforce. With the evolving legislative landscape, there are more and more requirements regarding home life safety. However, these all cost money and require a workforce to install them. The pace of change is stretching landlords’ and homeowners’ budgets, and it’s also hard to find enough skilled installers to get all the work done in line with the legislative timescales.

How is Aico responding to changing legislation and evolving customer expectations? Aico always strives to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to any changes in the sector. We sit on many advisory boards and, as market leaders, are called upon for our expertise and input. We invest heavily in new products, training our whole supply chain and making sure everyone is aware of any upcoming changes and the impact on their organisations.

How is Aico helping to develop the skills and knowledge of installers?

Aico offers a suite of ever-changing CPD presentations that are delivered nationally by our Relationship

“People care about keeping others safe and want to do so properly and robustly.” Managers. We also offer two City & Guilds Assured training courses at our head office in Oswestry, one in Domestic Fire and the other in IoT and Smart Homes. All our training is free of charge. We will train nearly 20,000 people this year alone.

What exciting developments or initiatives can we expect from Aico over the next year?

We have loads of new products coming out over the next year or so – hardware and software. Keep an eye out for some sector firsts and our entry into some new sectors.

aico.co.uk

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selectable power outputs in a single fitting, reducing variants and providing greater flexibility when project requirements change. Installer-friendly features include a push-button hinged light engine, movable terminal block, BESA fixing points and knock-out conduit entry, alongside Plug & Play compatibility with emergency conversion and microwave sensor packs. Competitive pricing doesn’t come at the expense of performance. With efficacy of up to 151 lm/W, a 50,000hour rated driver and NVC’s five-year No Nonsense Warranty, RANGER delivers exceptional everyday value backed by dependable performance. Built for reliable installation. Priced for competitive projects. RANGER is available now through selected electrical wholesalers nationwide.

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36 Lighting

Lighting matters

DC-powered lighting: building resilience from the ground up

James Bennett, Professional Business, Market Leader, Signify UKI, explains how DC-powered lighting offers a gateway to modern, resilient, energy-efficient data centres.

James Bennett Professional Business, Market Leader, Signify UKI

oday, data centre operators face a convergence of challenges. Capacity requirements are accelerating due to AI-driven workloads, energy prices are

rising, and expectations around sustainability and carbon reduction are becoming more stringent. In response, the industry is reexamining its electrical infrastructure. Direct current (DC) power architectures, once limited to niche applications, are gaining traction as a foundation for higher efficiency and greater operational resilience. Within this shift, lighting – often treated as a peripheral system – can play a strategic role. DC-powered LED lighting combines high energy efficiency with relatively low implementation risk, making it an effective starting point for broader DC adoption. Beyond

energy savings, lighting can also function as an intelligent layer within next-generation data centre infrastructure.

How power architectures are changing

Operating a data centre requires tight coordination between IT equipment, networking, cooling, security and electrical distribution. Historically, alternating current (AC) has been the default for power distribution. As facilities’ scale and power densities increase, however, electrical efficiency has become a primary design concern. Early facilities relied on 48 V DC for

electrotechnicalnews.com 37

backup systems – safe but capacityconstrained. This gave way to 230/277 V AC distribution, followed by 380 V DC for internal systems. Today, extreme power demands of AI servers are driving another transition, towards 650 V DC and even 800 V DC architectures. According to the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA), 650 V DC represents the optimal level for building-wide distribution, balancing efficiency with safety, while organisations such as NVIDIA and the Open Compute Project are investigating 800 V DC. While promising high-power IT loads, these higher voltages do not yet deliver the same system-wide efficiency benefits as a facility-level 650 V DC approach. Outside the data centre sector, industrial sites are already deploying 650 V DC systems to improve energy efficiency and resilience. One key advantage is the ability to capture regenerative energy from motor drives and robotics – energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat. Because lighting is a continuous base load, it can readily absorb this recovered energy, reducing grid dependency and operating costs. Integrating lighting, motors, renewables and storage on a shared DC grid reduces conversion losses, cuts copper usage through fewer conductors, and lowers transmission losses compared with 400 V AC systems. When paired with solar PV and batteries, DC grids also improve self-consumption, backup capability and flexible energy management.

What’s driving the move?

The momentum behind DC power in data centres is rooted in both engineering logic and economics: • Lower conversion losses – Conventional AC systems require multiple conversion steps, resulting in energy losses of up to 18%. • Alignment with IT equipment – Servers and GPUs operate natively on DC power. • Simpler renewable integration – Solar panels and battery systems produce DC, enabling more efficient connections. • Reduced system complexity – Fewer transformers and rectifiers

mean simpler installation and improved reliability. • Preparedness for AI growth – Rising AI workloads are accelerating the shift towards DC-based power systems. DC power is therefore not just an alternative distribution method, but a pathway to smarter, more resilient infrastructure.

Lighting as the first step

Among all building systems, lighting is often the most practical candidate for early DC adoption. Connected LED lighting allows operators to pilot DC distribution with limited risk before extending it to mission-critical IT loads. The benefits are tangible: • Capital expenditure savings – DC lighting cables reduce copper use by 40%. Three-conductor DC cables (L+, L-, PE) can transmit the same power as five-conductor 400 V three-phase AC cables. • Operational cost reductions – With only two current-carrying conductors, DC lighting avoids approximately 33% of cable losses compared with three-phase AC at the same current. • Improved resilience – DC lighting can operate directly from onsite solar generation or battery storage, strengthening microgrid performance during outages. DC-compatible luminaires and components are already commercially available. For example, Signify offers a 100 W Xitanium LED driver designed for 620-750 V DC operation, integrated into the Pacific LED Gen5 and Maxos Fusion luminaire families. These solutions achieve up to 165 lm/W efficacy and can be paired with systems such as Signify Interact and Philips Dynalite. Driver-level efficiency can exceed 95%, with future potential to reach 200 lm/W through ultra-highefficiency LED modules.

Sustainability and ESG outcomes

DC-powered lighting supports measurable sustainability objectives: • Lower carbon emissions through reduced conversion losses and material usage.

• Support for certifications such as LEED Zero and BREEAM. • Energy optimisation with connected lighting systems cutting lighting energy use by up to 75%. For hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, as well as colocation providers, these outcomes translate directly into stronger ESG reporting and progress towards carbon neutrality.

Deployment approaches

DC lighting can be implemented incrementally. Some facilities deploy rack-level DC lighting while retaining an AC backbone. Others adopt facility-wide DC grids that integrate lighting, renewables, storage and IT infrastructure. In larger deployments, centralised emergency lighting connected to the DC backbone ensures continuous illumination during outages, reinforcing safety in mission-critical spaces.

A strategic role for lighting

As operators prepare for the next phase of digital expansion, DCpowered lighting offers a practical, high-impact entry point into efficient, renewable-ready DC infrastructure. Modern connected lighting systems extend far beyond illumination. With embedded sensors measuring occupancy, daylight, temperature, humidity and air quality, luminaires form a dense, facility-wide sensing network without the need for additional hardware. Using open protocols such as DALI, BACnet and MQTT, DC lighting networks integrate with building management systems and DCIM platforms, enabling predictive maintenance, enhanced operational intelligence, optimised cooling and space utilisation. By simplifying cabling, reducing losses and enabling intelligent energy management, DC lighting transforms illumination from a passive load into an active contributor to resilient, sustainable data centre operations.

signify.com

38 Lighting

Turning energy efficiency into measurable performance With sustainability an ever-increasing priority, lighting is evolving beyond efficient LED solutions towards smarter systems that deliver light only when and where it is needed, says Russell Joseph, Senior Group Controls Manager at Luceco.

Russell Joseph Senior Group Controls Manager at Luceco

s sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration across commercial building projects, the focus within lighting is shifting beyond simply replacing traditional lamps with more efficient LED alternatives. For building owners, facilities managers and electrical contractors, the next opportunity lies in making sure lighting is only used when and where it is needed. This is driving growing interest in intelligent lighting controls, with occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, zoning and data

monitoring becoming important components of energy-efficient lighting projects.

and automation to understand how a building is being used and make the lighting respond accordingly.”

Even efficient LED luminaires consume unnecessary energy if they are operating at full output in an empty room, corridor or warehouse, or when sufficient natural light is available. Rather than relying on fixed operating patterns, smart controls allow lighting to respond to how a building is being used.

Lighting that responds

Russell Joseph, Senior Group Controls Manager at Luceco, said, “The conversation around energyefficient lighting has moved on. LED technology has delivered significant improvements in efficiency, but there is now a greater understanding that the way lighting is controlled can have just as important a role to play. “The most effective projects use data

Occupancy sensing is one of the most established ways of achieving this. Sensors can detect when spaces are occupied and adjust lighting accordingly. In offices, this can mean creating individual zones for meeting rooms, workspaces and circulation areas. In warehouses and industrial environments, lighting can be controlled according to activity within particular aisles or working areas. Zoning allows lighting strategies to reflect changing patterns, with individual areas having their own operating profiles, schedules and lighting levels. Daylight harvesting provides another opportunity, with sensors measuring available natural

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40 Lighting

minimising disruption is a priority. Platform is designed to upgrade existing lighting installations without the need for additional control cabling.

A more sustainable approach

As pressure grows on organisations to reduce energy consumption and demonstrate progress towards sustainability targets, lighting is increasingly being viewed as an active part of a building’s energy management strategy rather than simply a fixed electrical load.

“Lighting is increasingly being viewed as an active part of a building’s energy management strategy rather than simply a fixed electrical load.”

light and automatically adjusting artificial lighting.

From automation to insight

The evolution of smart lighting is also about more than switching lights on and off automatically. Increasingly, connected systems can provide valuable data about how buildings are occupied and how lighting systems are performing. This data-driven approach can help facilities teams identify patterns that would otherwise be difficult to see. If an area is consistently unoccupied, its lighting strategy can be reviewed. Monitoring can also highlight opportunities to adjust schedules, zoning or lighting levels. For organisations with sustainability targets, this ability to measure

performance is particularly valuable. Russell added, “Data gives building operators visibility of how spaces are being used and how their lighting is performing. That means they can make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions and continue optimising the installation after it has been commissioned.”

Making smart lighting accessible

Wireless controls are making these strategies more practical for newbuild and refurbishment projects. Traditional control systems can require additional cabling and significant planning, potentially making upgrades disruptive. Wireless solutions provide a flexible route to introducing intelligent control without the same level of infrastructure work. Luceco’s Platform Wireless Lighting Control has been developed around this principle. Based on Bluetooth NLC technology, the system creates a wireless network connecting luminaires, sensors, switches and gateways. It supports dimming, presence detection, daylight control, scene-setting, scheduling and remote monitoring. Platform can also be used to create individual lighting zones, while mobile and web-based tools allow contractors to commission systems and adjust settings. Remote monitoring provides building operators with ongoing visibility of performance. This is particularly relevant to retrofit projects, where

The combination of efficient LED luminaires, intelligent controls and usable performance data creates an opportunity to continually optimise lighting throughout a building’s operational life. For electrical contractors, this changes the conversation with customers. Projects can become an opportunity to create a more responsive, adaptable and measurable system. Russell concluded, “Smart lighting is ultimately about matching the light to the building and the people using it. By combining efficient luminaires with occupancy detection, daylight control, zoning and data, contractors can help customers reduce wasted energy while creating lighting environments that are more responsive and comfortable. “The technology is already available. The opportunity now is to make intelligent control a much more integral part of how we approach energy-efficient lighting projects.”

luceco.com

42 Lighting

Circular Lighting Live 2026: compliance, waste and retrofit Recolight’s flagship event returns to London on 8 October, with a programme increasingly shaped by legislation and waste issues that affect contractors, installers and specifiers directly. Suzanne Castine, Marketing Manager at Recolight, looks at what’s in store.

Suzanne Castine Marketing Manager at Recolight

lectrical contractors and installers are being drawn deeper into the lighting industry’s push towards circularity, as legislation on repairability and upgradeability approaches and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) shift from a nice-to-have to a specification requirement. Circular Lighting Live 2026, organised by Recolight, addresses these changes head-on when it returns to The Minster Building in the City of London on 8 October. The full-day, multitrack conference and exhibition brings together specifiers and supply chain professionals, including contractors, wholesalers and manufacturers, to unpack what a wave of circular economy legislation heading towards 2030 will mean in practice for everyone handling luminaires, from installation through to end of life. The day opens with keynote presentations from John McRae, Director of Orms, and lighting consultant Sabine De Schutter, Founder of Studio De Schutter, and closes with the Build Back Better Awards 2026, recognising innovation and environmental leadership across the lighting industry. Curated by Ray Molony, Editor of Circular Lighting Report, this year’s programme is built around six themed sessions, several with direct relevance to installers and contractors.

Data and compliance

The Data & Compliance session sets out what EPDs mean in real terms for the supply chain, including how they are generated, what data they contain, and why demand for them is accelerating across major construction frameworks and the emerging UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. The session also looks ahead to the repairability and upgradeability requirements due before 2030, flagging what will change for manufacturers, contractors and end users alike.

Tackling Cat A waste

For contractors working on commercial

fit-outs, a dedicated session, Confronting Cat A: Six Ways to Cut Waste, tackles one of the sector’s most persistent waste problems – luminaires ripped out and discarded whenever a Cat A fit-out changes hands. It examines leasing models that cut cost and environmental impact for developers, alongside a rethink of how Cat A products are specified and designed from the outset to enable reuse rather than disposal.

Standout projects

A case study session, Projects Uncovered, Real World Lessons, looks at standout sustainable lighting schemes from the past year, including the

electrotechnicalnews.com 43

remanufacture and upgrade of historic fittings at Leadenhall Market, a project with practical lessons for anyone delivering heritage-sensitive retrofit or refurbishment work.

Materials and technical grounding

Two further sessions, Carbon Literacy and Material Masterclass, offer a technical grounding in the metrics and materials underpinning sustainable product choice, including an

overview of low-carbon and bio-based polycarbonates now in production use by lighting manufacturers.

Free entry for specifiers

Attendance is free for lighting specifiers, a category that includes independent lighting designers, architects, consulting engineers, wholesalers and end users, with costs covered by event sponsors. Manufacturers pay the standard ticket price, with a discount available

for members of the Recolight WEEE Compliance Scheme. For contractors managing WEEE obligations, navigating tightening EPD requirements or looking for practical ways to cut waste on fit-out projects, the conference offers a chance to hear directly from the manufacturers and specifiers shaping what comes next. The event is sponsored by Light Projects Evolve, Albis, Fagerhult, The Lumi Studio, Thorlux Lighting and WAGO.

Circular Lighting Live 2026 takes place on 8 October at the Minster Building, City of London. Registration is now open. circularlighting.live

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Lighting

Built for a bright future Ovia and Click recently delivered a cohesive, future-ready electrical installation at Saltash Construction’s London office.

no longer working and all difficult to maintain. Emergency lighting provision was minimal. Power distribution was equally inconsistent. Various brands of skirting trunking and accessories had been added over time, resulting in a disjointed appearance and an installation that was no longer up to standard. With the refurbishment set to open the floor into a larger, more collaborative space, the client wanted a clean slate – and a clean, unified look to match. The project involved installing lighting and power systems for the ground floor office, meeting room, toilets and kitchen area. The existing office layout was completely reconfigured, with partitions and smaller offices removed to create a larger open-plan space. As part of the refurbishment, the client requested a full redesign of both the lighting and power systems.

hen Saltash Construction set out to refurbish the ground floor of its South London office, the brief was clear: create a brighter, more modern and more functional workspace that would support the company’s growth. When he arrived on site, the electrical contractor responsible for the project, Sam Glenister of SMG Electrical, quickly discovered that the existing installation reflected an office that had been altered in fragments over many years, leaving behind a patchwork of lighting, wiring accessories and emergency systems that no longer met the needs of a busy construction firm. Recognising the scale of the challenge – and the need for a cohesive, reliable product suite – Sam turned to solutions from Ovia and Click Scolmore, brands he had worked with extensively and trusted to deliver the quality, consistency and flexibility the refurbishment demanded.

Designing a lighting scheme with character

“With the refurbishment set to open the floor into a larger, more collaborative space, the client wanted a clean slate – and a clean, unified look to match.”

A space shaped by years of adaptation

The existing lighting told the story of an office that had been altered repeatedly. Both ageing fluorescent fittings and newer LEDs were scattered across the ceiling grid – many poorly positioned, some

Rather than defaulting to traditional flat-panel LEDs, Sam proposed a more distinctive approach. Ovia Inceptor Trofa luminaires were selected as the primary light source, offering a modern aesthetic that suited the newly opened up layout. To avoid a uniform wash of light, Ovia E-Sprite downlights were added to define working zones and walkways, giving the space depth and visual structure. Emergency lighting was brought up to standard using solutions from Ovia’s Orbik emergency lighting range, including Vanex5 suspended exit signs and Emergency Conversion packs which were used to convert some flat panels and downlights to emergency fittings, ensuring compliance without compromising the new design. All luminaires were connected using the Click Flow system, chosen for its speed, neatness and long-term flexibility. Sam noted that the system made future maintenance and expansion significantly easier – a key benefit for a growing business.

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46 Lighting

“Rather than defaulting to traditional flatpanel LEDs, Sam proposed a more distinctive approach.”

A unified approach to power and accessories

With the lighting scheme established, attention turned to the power and accessory layout. Sam opted for the Click Mode range throughout the office, citing its reliability, clean appearance and ease of installation. Every workstation was equipped with a USB A+C socket, supporting modern device charging without the need for adaptors.

For the toilet areas, the client requested an all-black finish throughout. Sam specified the Click Metal Clad Pro range in matt black, installing fused spurs to supply the hand dryers – a durable, impactresistant choice that delivered both the required performance and a seamless visual match to the interior scheme.

Why Ovia and Click were the right fit

Sam had worked extensively with Scolmore Group products on previous projects and was confident in their performance. Several factors influenced the decision to specify Ovia and Click for this refurbishment: • Reliable stock availability, with most items arriving the next day. • Competitive pricing without compromising quality. • Strong technical support, including pre-order checks on compatibility. • CCT adjustability across key luminaires, offering flexibility during commissioning. • Single-manufacturer sourcing, simplifying ordering and ensuring compatibility across the installation. “It’s always a big plus when you can source most of the products from one manufacturer,” commented Sam. “It saves time, ensures compatibility and makes the whole process smoother. On this project, everything aligned perfectly.”

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48 SPDs

Two decades of SPD innovation On 31 August, Surge Protection Devices Ltd celebrated its 20th anniversary. The electrical landscape has shifted dramatically over the last 20 years, but for the company, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to protecting what matters most, explain Kirsty Johnson, MIET, Technical Director, and Helen Johnson, CEO, at Surge Protection Devices Ltd.

Helen Johnson CEO, Surge Protection Devices Ltd

Kirsty Johnson, MIET Technical Director, Surge Protection Devices Ltd

urge Protection Devices Ltd celebrated its 20th anniversary throughout August with prize giveaways and promotions for contractors and wholesalers, as well as a team celebration that included team bonding, presents and a celebratory dinner. Reaching 20 years is a milestone that represents two decades of technical innovation, industry leadership, multiple awards and an unwavering dedication to electrical safety. From humble beginnings to becoming the UK’s go-to team for lightning and surge protection, the company’s journey has been defined by a deep

understanding of the risks posed by transient overvoltages. Today, its devices are trusted in every corner of the globe, providing a silent shield for everything from high-security military bases and historic landmarks to the essential infrastructure of modern factories and the heart of family homes.

Solving complex technical challenges

With a mission rooted in demystifying surge protection, the business has seen firsthand how the demand for protection has evolved. The last eight years, in particular, have marked a turning point for the UK

electrotechnicalnews.com 49

electrical sector. Since the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations began mandating enhanced surge protection, Surge Protection Devices Ltd’s role has transitioned from providing optional safety features to delivering critical, mandatory infrastructure. In an era where technology is integrated into every facet of our lives, the stakes have never been higher. Whether it is a smart fridge in a kitchen or a sophisticated server rack in a data centre, modern equipment relies on sensitive electronics that are easily compromised by power surges. The company’s devices ensure these installations remain safe and run smoothly, no matter what the elements – or the grid – throw at them. Coinciding with its 20th year, Surge Protection Devices Ltd has released a new line of products, providing an upgrade to its already market-leading range. The new devices come fitted with dual LED indicators, providing extra reassurance that the device is working when you need it to.

Shaping the future

However, the company doesn’t just focus on manufacturing; it is actively shaping the future of the industry. Kirsty Johnson, MIET, Technical Director at Surge Protection Devices Ltd, serves as a vital voice on the British Standards Wiring Regulations Committee. By focusing specifically on lightning and surge protection at a regulatory level, Kirsty ensures that the British electrical sector remains at the forefront of safety standards.

“Since BS 7671 began mandating enhanced surge protection, the company has transitioned from providing optional safety features to delivering critical, mandatory infrastructure.”

for their clients, regardless of how complicated the project may seem.”

Push towards net zero

Looking towards the next 20 years, the electrical industry is entering its most transformative phase yet. The global push towards net zero and the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources have placed electrical design in the spotlight. High-quality surge protection is no longer just a safety requirement; it is a foundational element of sustainable infrastructure. The team is ready to meet these challenges head-on. By combining its decades of experience with a forwardthinking approach to renewables, the business continues to provide the outstanding support and expertise that its partners have come to rely on.

The celebrations continue The team believes that sharing knowledge is just as important as manufacturing hardware. Surge protection can often seem like a complex or daunting subject. To combat this, it offers free, in-depth CPD training to professionals across the sector. Kirsty said, “Our goal is to make technical understanding accessible, whether we are working with established consultancies, experienced installers or apprentices. By explaining surge protection in a way that is easy to understand and apply, we empower everyone to deliver safer, more reliable installations

The anniversary celebrations aren’t limited to August; throughout the rest of 2026, the team will be out and about celebrating the milestone with the industry that helped it grow. Helen Johnson, CEO at Surge Protection Devices Ltd, said, “We owe our success to the contractors, wholesalers and engineers who have trusted our products over the last two decades. “If you see our team at an event this year, please come and say hello – we’d love to celebrate with you. And, as always, if you need assistance with any aspect of surge protection, our experts are ready to help.” As Surge Protection Devices Ltd looks ahead to the next chapter, the team remains committed to the values that have shaped the business over the past 20 years: innovation, expertise, education and exceptional customer support. With a continued focus on developing reliable protection solutions and working closely with the electrical industry, the company is excited to build on its success and help create a safer, more resilient electrical future for many years to come.

surgedevices.co.uk

50 Next issue

Coming up in our November/December 2026 issue:

Out in November Read previous issues online at electrotechnicalnews.com

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Lighting

2026 round-up

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CEF’s Darren Staniforth provides expert technical advice and answers your queries.

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