Gaming giant MSI enters EV charging market

Gaming technology giant MSI has entered the electrical vehicle (EV) charging market through MSI EVSE, its dedicated EV supply division The company is launching with two chargers, the portable EZgo, which delivers UKCA- and CE-certified charging, and the wall-mounted Eco Series. "The UK is moving quickly towards zero-emission transport, and drivers and building owners need charging they can trust. A charger lives outdoors, plugged in and often unattended overnight, so we lead with protection," says Kevin Yang, General Manager, MSI UK. "The EZgo has seven built-in safety mechanisms and a three-year warranty behind it. The Eco Series is listed for UK chargepoint grants from day one, which shows our hardware already meets the standard this market expects." The £189 EZgo is rated IP66 against dust and water and IK08 against impact, and adjusts its output from 1.6 kW to 3 kW. On a standard 13 A Type G socket, it adds around 11 miles of range per hour. It plugs into an ordinary outlet, so drivers can charge at home, at work or on the road with no fixed installation. The device features seven protection mechanisms which run continuously: over temperature, overload, overvoltage, undervoltage, earth fault, leakage and surge protection. If the unit passes 90 degrees Celsius, charging suspends automatically. The Eco Series, meanwhile, is managed through the MSI aConnect app, with each unit supporting single-phase 7 kW and three-phase 22 kW from the same hardware. Auto Charge vehicle recognition starts a session the moment the cable is plugged in, after a one-time app setup. MSI launch comes as UK moves closer to 2035 zero-emission targets Max Home Socket and the Eco Premium Max Home Socket are listed on the UK government register of chargepoints approved for Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grants. Flat owners and renters with private off-street parking can claim 75 per cent of the cost to buy and install a socket, up to £500, under the current scheme, which is funded to 31 March 2027.  Most UK homes run on single-phase supply, and the Eco Series delivers a full 7 kW from a standard connection. Where three-phase power is available, the same unit steps up to 22 kW with no hardware changes. The UK models are socketed Type 2 units, so drivers can use their own cable, and they are rated to run at full power from -30 to 55 degrees Celsius and at altitudes up to 3,000 metres. The expansion comes amid the UK Government's plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with all new cars and vans zero-emission by 2035. Under Part S of the Building Regulations, new homes and buildings with parking must already provide EV charging. For developers and managing agents, the question has shifted from whether to wire a building for EVs to how to deploy chargers across the building, affordably and safely. For more on EV charging, click here.

Exclusive: when unplugging doesn't stop RCD trips

Usman Ahmed Zafar, founder of emergency electrical support firm Grip Electric, highlights the importance of thorough investigation after a Portsmouth call-out involving persistent RCD tripping led to the discovery of a fault on a ring main A customer in Portsmouth reported RCD tripping even when everything was unplugged. For an electrical contractor, that description is useful information to carry into an investigation. It is also a reminder to keep the customer's account of the symptoms separate from the cause identified on site. Unplugging appliances had not resolved this customer's problem, and the installation needed professional attention. Grip Electric's engineer found a short-circuited wire on the ring main. The damaged wire was subsequently replaced at a separately booked return visit. Those are the central facts of this example: a recurring symptom, an identified wiring fault, and a permanent repair completed through a further appointment. The case illustrates why an initial fault-finding visit and a remedial booking should be explained as distinct stages. A request for help usually begins with what the customer can observe: a device trips, power disappears, or part of the property no longer works. That description establishes the problem needing attention. It does not, by itself, establish the work required to repair it. For contractors, the communication opportunity is to make the next stage understandable. Explain what the investigation has established, describe the proposed repair, and make clear whether the work can be completed during the current attendance or needs another booking. The arrangement should be specific to the actual job. A return visit should not come as an unexplained change to what the customer expected. 'A short case need not contain dramatic claims', Grip Electric founder advises The Portsmouth example should also be described within the limits of the available information. The account supplied for this article identifies the reported symptom, the damaged ring-main wire and the separately booked replacement. It does not include final test readings or a detailed record of the first attendance. Those details are therefore not reconstructed here. A useful case study should distinguish documented events from broader advice about managing similar work. For other electrical businesses, the practical lesson is to keep the explanation grounded in the customer's problem and the findings from that property. Avoid promising a particular repair before the cause is established. Where another visit is required, explain its purpose, agree the scope and quotation, and give the customer a clear understanding of what happens next. A short case need not contain dramatic claims to be useful. Here, the value lies in a clear sequence: persistent RCD tripping was reported, a wiring fault was found, and the damaged wire was replaced at a separate appointment. Keeping that sequence clear supports an honest discussion of fault finding and remedial work. It also keeps the published account proportionate to the evidence available from this particular job. Usman Ahmed Zafar is founder of Grip Electric

Thorn delivers new lighting scheme for Glenrothes' White Bridge

Thorn Lighting, a global supplier of outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls, has collaborated with Fife Council on a new lighting scheme for Glenrothes’ White Bridge The refurbishment project was developed in response to ongoing safety and anti-social behaviour concerns associated with the structure after dark. Working with council representatives and external stakeholders, Thorn helped develop a dynamic lighting scheme designed to encourage greater footfall and activity across the bridge environment while improving visibility and awareness around the structure. While the bridge had previously been unlit, the new scheme introduces dynamic architectural illumination to the bridge spires alongside lighting directed into the ravine below. Derick Ramsay, Key Account Manager at Thorn Lighting, says, “From the outset, this project required a very considered approach. The discussions were always centred around safety, sensitivity and understanding how lighting could positively contribute to the environment around the bridge. "It was important that the scheme remained respectful while still delivering the visibility and impact the council wanted to achieve.” Thorn solution balances 'practicality, sensitivity and visual impact' During normal operation, the bridge spires remain illuminated in white light. When a pedestrian approaches from either side of the bridge and activates a PIR sensor, a temporary decorative lighting sequence is triggered across the spires while additional illumination beneath the bridge is activated for a short period. Thorn Contrast RGBW DMX floodlights were used to provide dynamic architectural lighting to the bridge itself, while additional Contrast 3000K DMX luminaires were used to illuminate areas below the structure. Andrew Wishart, Technician Engineer – Roads and Lighting Contracts at Fife Council, adds, “The council wanted a solution that balanced practicality, sensitivity and visual impact. Thorn Lighting understood the nature of the brief from the beginning and worked collaboratively with us to develop a scheme that addressed both the technical and environmental challenges of the site.” For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

RISION reveals handheld thermal imager, RISION Torix

Thermal imaging and intelligent sensing specialist RISION has launched a new standalone handheld thermal imager, RISION Torix Torix joins the RISION Magic series, launched earlier this year, and is RISION’s first thermal imager that works entirely on its own, with no smartphone required. The RISION Torix is a fully self-contained thermal imager built for professionals who inspect often and work with both hands, from HVAC and heating engineers and building surveyors to automotive specialists and serious DIYers. It delivers professional-grade detail and durability at an approachable price, making it the tool you reach for first, not the one you settle for. “Torix is the thermal imager we wanted to put in every toolbox,” says York Guo, founder and CEO of RISION. “We know how much time and money a single undetected fault can cost, whether it’s an overheating panel or a hidden leak. Torix puts that visibility in your hands.” More detail at the same distance The RISION Torix is built around a native 160 × 120 infrared sensor, enhanced to 320 × 240 by RISION’s QuadIR super-resolution. Thermal sensitivity of ≤40 mK reveals subtle temperature differences and a 25 Hz frame rate keeps scanning smooth. A 2.6 mm fixed-focus lens offers high optical magnification, so small components can be examined close up and distant targets remain distinguishable without stepping closer to overheating equipment. A measurement range of -20 °C to 550 °C (-4 °F to 1,022 °F), accurate to ±2 °C or ±2 %, carries a single instrument from underfloorheating checks to electrical panels and high-temperature processes. Ready the moment it is picked up The RISION Torix starts instantly and displays the image on a built-in 2.8-inch screen with six colour palettes. Its 2,750 mAh battery delivers ten hours or more of continuous use — a full day of inspections. It recharges in 60 minutes and holds its charge during long-term storage, so it is ready when needed. IP54 protection against dust and splashes and 2-metre drop resistance mean it can be treated like any other tool in the bag. From alert to report in one workflow RISION Torix supports custom high and low temperature limits, triggering a visual red alert and automatically capturing a full-radiometric image when either threshold is crossed. Interval capture down to 10 seconds ensures that intermittent faults are fully documented without continuous screen monitoring. JPEG images and MP4 video are saved to a replaceable SD card and transfer over USBC or by removing the card, with no software required. For deeper work, the free RISION Smart software for Windows adds point, line and area measurement, editing and professional report generation. Completing the RISION line-up Torix extends the RISION range launched earlier this year with the Magic series: RISION Magic and RISION Magic Pro, two compact USB-C thermal cameras that turn an Android or iOS smartphone — or a Windows PC — into a thermal imager. Magic shares Torix’s 160 × 120 sensor (320 × 240 with QuadIR), while Magic Pro steps up to a 256 × 192 sensor enhanced to 512 × 384; both offer ≤40 mK sensitivity, a 25 Hz frame rate and a measurement range up to 600 °C, with AI-assisted analysis in the RISION app. Where Magic turns the phone already in your pocket into a thermal camera, Torix is for those who want a dedicated, always-ready tool. Both Magic models are available now in the UK on RISION’s official website: RISION Magic at an RRP of £159 and RISION Magic Pro at an RRP of £359. Pricing and Availability The RISION Torix is available for pre-order in the UK from 21 October on RISION’s official website. The recommended retail price is £229; with an £80 early-bird coupon, pre-order customers can get Torix for £149. Open sales will begin in late November on RISION’s official website and on Amazon. Review Units, Samples and Enquiries Review units and product samples of the RISION Torix, Magic and Magic Pro are available to UK media on request. All requests for samples, product tests, interviews, and any commercial or partnership proposals should be directed to WEMOOVE, RISION’s PR agency for Europe.

Chancellor urged to boost support for SMEs ahead of Autumn Budget

The UK Government has been urged to provide more support for sole traders, apprentices and self-employed contractors ahead of this year's Autumn Budget Speculation ahead of the Budget has included potential changes to employment costs, apprenticeship funding and tax rules affecting contractors and small businesses. With Chancellor John Healey MP also under pressure to support growth while balancing the public finances, it remains unclear whether smaller firms and the self-employed will receive any additional relief. Mike Harris, Direct of Sales and Customer Services for trade insurance provider Kingsbridge, says the focus should be on "making it easier" for tradespeople, contractors and SMEs to "operate, invest and grow, rather than continually having to deal with increasing costs and uncertainty". “I’d like to see more support for sole traders and SMEs to help them operate and grow, whether that’s through reducing employment costs, offering tax incentives for investing in tools and equipment, or generally easing some of the financial pressures smaller businesses are facing," he adds. Autumn Budget 2026: 'Less red tape will encourage investment' “We also need greater support for apprenticeships and skills development. The trades, construction and engineering sectors continue to face significant skills shortages, and for smaller businesses, the cost of taking on and training apprentices can be a real challenge. "More financial incentives and less red tape could encourage more businesses to invest in the next generation of skilled workers." Mike also calls for more "support and certainty" for the self-employed. "Self-employed tradespeople and contractors make up a huge part of the UK economy, but there’s still a lot of complexity around taxation, employment status and regulation," he continues. "I’d like to see the government simplify some of this, particularly around IR35 and employment status, giving people more confidence to operate independently without adding further costs and administration." His comments come after Trade Direct Insurance encouraged the UK Government to reduce cost pressures and implement targeted relief to help tradespeople capitalise on surging business demand ahead of the Autumn Budget.

CEF launches Calendar Girls-inspired fundraiser

Electrical distributor CEF has launched a new fundraiser inspired by the 2003 comedy film Calendar Girls to raise money for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) The calendar uses humour and familiar industry references in a bid to help make mental health easier to talk about across the electrical trade. The idea was born in CEF’s Bournemouth region, where the team was looking for its next fundraising initiative after previously taking on the Three Peaks challenge and travelling 1,600 miles between branches by foot and bike. Paul Church, Director of Operations at CEF, was the initial driving force behind the idea. He says, “We always try to do something as a region to raise money for charity, and in the past we’ve taken on some pretty big physical challenges. This time we spent hours trying to think of something different. “Then, at home, I was talking to my wife, Fi, about Calendar Girls, and it sparked the idea. From there, it just grew. Our branches, senior leadership team and even suppliers wanted to be part of it and have been incredibly generous.” CEF charity calendar available from nationwide branches All sales revenue from the calendar will go directly to the EIC, which provides practical, financial and wellbeing support to people across the electrical and energy industry. Paul continues, “The EIC felt like the right charity because it is so close to all of us. I know people personally who have turned to it for help. If we can have some fun with the calendar, raise money and also get somebody to check in on a mate or start a conversation they might otherwise have avoided, then it has done something worthwhile.” The EIC charity calendar launched on 14 October and is available from CEF branches, with all sales revenue going directly to the Electrical Industries Charity. For more from CEF, click here.

What counts as an emergency hazard under Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law sets strict deadlines for social landlords to act on hazards, and electrical faults are among the most urgent. We’ve been through the government’s guidance to show what counts as an emergency, and what it means for electricians and contractors Since 27 October 2025, social landlords in England have had to investigate and make safe any emergency hazard within 24 hours of it being reported under Awaab’s Law. From 30 November, Phase 2 extends the regime to significant electrical hazards too. How Awaab's Law guidance defines an emergency The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Phase 2 triage guidance describes an emergency electrical hazard as one where there is an imminent risk of injury from electricity. It gives three examples: Exposed live parts, damaged socket outlets, or defective electrical equipment that could cause electric shock or burns, or create a fire hazard Situations with a clear and immediate risk of electric shock, which the guidance says means many electrical hazards are likely to be emergencies Electrical hazards in places readily accessible to children or other vulnerable occupants By contrast, a significant hazard is one that does not pose an imminent danger but could cause serious harm. Think deteriorated installations needing remedial work, or defects that are not immediately dangerous but may become so if left. The reasonable landlord test Neither category is defined by a checklist. The test is what a reasonable landlord would do: could and would they make the hazard safe within 24 hours (an emergency) or 15 working days (a significant hazard)? The guidance says landlords should weigh the tenants’ circumstances, the severity of the hazard and the scale of works, but not their own budget or staffing. It also says landlords should consider temporary measures that make a hazard safe while a permanent fix is arranged. The guidance gives no electrical-specific example of this, but for contractors the practical question is likely to be what can be made safe on the day, and what needs a follow-up visit. The government’s worked examples of Awaab's Law The electrical section of the guidance sets out three scenarios. Emergency: a tenant reports a damaged socket outlet with accessible live conductors. The household includes two children, one under five. The guidance says the immediate risk of shock is clear, and that young children make contact more likely. It describes this as an emergency requiring immediate action. Significant: an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out under the 2020 electrical safety regulations records several C3 observations, so no remedial work is required. However, the tenant is pregnant and has a two-year-old, and is worried about the lack of a surge protection device and an older-style consumer unit without modern safety features. The electrician strongly recommended addressing both. The guidance treats this as a significant hazard because of the number of improvements recommended and the vulnerability of two occupants. Out of scope: an EICR records a C3 for a consumer unit that does not meet the latest edition of BS 7671. There is no damage, overheating or deterioration, and the installation is otherwise satisfactory. The guidance says this belongs in general improvement and maintenance work, not on an Awaab’s Law clock. Who is more at risk? The guidance lists examples of circumstances that should push a landlord towards treating a hazard as more serious. The list is not exhaustive: Children, particularly those under five, who may touch equipment without understanding the danger People of any age with learning disabilities, some neurodivergent conditions, or dementia Pregnancy, where shock may present additional risks to both parent and unborn child Tenants who rely on medical equipment that needs charging, such as a CPAP machine or an electric wheelchair What isn't covered? Risks from electrical appliances that are not part of the building are out of scope. The guidance does add that appliances, especially those containing lithium-ion batteries, can still be a fire risk and should be managed appropriately. Where electrical and fire hazards overlap A sparking socket or switch also appears in the guidance’s fire section, which lists electrical sparks from light switches and sockets, and overloaded plugged-in appliances, as examples of uncontrolled ignition sources. The guidance’s advice on overlaps is practical. Landlords should not worry about which hazard category applies, and should concentrate on making the problem safe. Questions landlords are expected to ask The guidance suggests prompt questions for triage, including: Is there an immediate risk of someone touching an exposed live part? Have any switches in the consumer unit tripped, and has power failed in all or part of the home? Are there young children, anyone relying on medical equipment, anyone who is pregnant, or anyone else the tenant is worried about? These are guides for conversation, not a mandatory checklist. What it means for contractors Several points in the guidance bear directly on electrical contractors working for social landlords. Investigations and remediation should be carried out by someone with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience. For electrical hazards, the guidance says that would likely be a qualified electrician. EICR codes can support triage. C1 means danger present and immediate remedial action required, and C2 means potentially dangerous and urgent action required. C3 and further investigation (FI) codes do not on their own make an installation unsatisfactory. Where Awaab’s Law timelines are shorter than those under the electrical safety regulations, which require inspection and testing at least every five years, landlords should follow the shorter timeline. A fault that appears between inspections is still covered, even if the installation was previously judged safe. For contractors, the likely consequence is more short-notice call-outs and more demand for clear, prompt reporting. The guidance repeatedly stresses the importance of landlords keeping records of reports, investigations and remedial action, and contractors should expect to be asked for that evidence. To read more about Awaab's Law, click here.

C-TEC to host free CPD event on lockdown and accessibility

Life safety systems manufacturer C-TEC has announced plans to host a free CPD event focusing on lockdown and accessibility Taking place at its manufacturing facility in Wigan on 4 November, the event is worth four hours of CPD points and will cover lockdown procedures, low-cost fire system upgrades and Equality Act compliance through the following seminars: •     An overview of Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025): What you need to know, the solutions available and how to comply. •     Equality and Accessibility legislation in the UK, the solutions available and how to ensure you comply. •     How to upgrade an old fire system to a state-of-the-art addressable system capable of lockdown functionality, internet connectivity, powerful false alarm reduction and more. C-TEC event to provide 'practical guidance' The day will run from 10am to 4pm with registration starting at 9.30am. There will also be an opportunity in the afternoon for an optional factory tour of C-TEC’s facility (also worth one CPD hour). Said Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Director, says: “If you’re responsible for the life safety or accessibility systems in your organisation or if you do work in the education, retail or entertainment sectors, this event is for you. "It will provide you with an understanding of the legislation, along with practical guidance on cost-effective ways to comply, often using existing equipment with relatively simple adaptations. The day will conclude with an optional Q&A session with our MD and standards expert, Andrew Foster. Demand is expected to be high so we would advise anyone who is interested to register as early as possible.” To register for the event, click here | For more from C-TEC, click here.

Budget 'must target cost pressures' to stimulate trade sector

Trade Direct Insurance has urged the UK Government to reduce cost pressures and implement targeted relief to help tradespeople capitalise on surging business demand ahead of the Autumn Budget It comes after the trade insurance provider polled tradespeople to find out how their business has performed in 2026, as well as what the biggest pressures they face are. Patricia Gardiner, Trades Expert at Trade Direct Insurance, says that even though tradespeople are fulfilling increasing business demand, ongoing cost pressures are proving to be a significant barrier to growth. She adds: “Tradespeople are facing a huge amount of pressure at the moment. Soaring prices for materials and labour add tremendous cost pressures, while the high cost of living is putting some customers off from pursuing non-essential work. “Despite this, many tradies are actually busier than they were last year. A third (33%) of tradespeople told us that business is stronger year-on-year, compared to 32% who said it was weaker. What’s more, over three fifths (61%) of tradespeople said they considered themselves to be busy now, compared to only 15% who said business was quiet. “This highlights the resilient foundations of the sector, with tradespeople withstanding the current pressures, but not able to thrive." 'Reducing cost pressures will help tradies thrive', Gardiner urges ahead of Autumn Budget Gardiner believes cost pressures are "by far" the greatest challenge tradespeople are facing. Cost pressures were named as the biggest challenge by nearly half of respondents (48%), including fuel and running costs (25%) and rising material and equipment costs (23%). In comparison, only 4% named not having enough work as their biggest pressure. “This highlights an opportunity for the Budget to provide a boost to the trade sector. Business demand exists, and tradespeople are fulfilling it, but ongoing cost demands are proving to be challenging and are a significant barrier to growth," Gardiner continues. “Reducing these cost pressures, through targeted relief will help tradies to thrive, allowing them to invest in their businesses and take on more work. In an ideal world, reducing business rates, and offering VAT rebates on volatile construction materials and fuel for registered tradespeople, would help to reduce the financial burden of unavoidable expenses that tradespeople face. “More likely options, given the limited fiscal headroom that the government has, include possible changes to the tax-free personal allowance, an increase to the VAT threshold to £100,000, or reduction of fuel duty. Small changes in these areas could make a real difference for tradespeople, and help to reduce the pressure that they face in the current economic climate.” To read more from Trade Direct Insurance, click here.

Octopus Energy staff to be represented by UK's largest trade union

Octopus Energy and UNISON have sealed a landmark deal which will see the energy giant’s workers represented by the UK’s largest trade union The energy supplier says it spoke to several unions in recent months, and UNISON stood out for its "commitment to the energy transition" and the "creation of good, unionised green jobs". The agreement sets out how the two organisations will work together for the benefit of the Octopus team. Jon Paull, Chief Operating Officer, Octopus Energy, says, “We spoke to several unions over recent months and kept coming back to UNISON. We share the same goal: a clean energy future that brings bills down and creates good green jobs across the country – from office to field teams. “We’re proud of the place we’ve built. We’ve created over 12,000 green jobs in under a decade, we’re rated higher on Glassdoor than any other major UK energy supplier, and every employee is a shareholder." 'Our people are the reason Octopus works' He continues: “We’ve always said joining a union is a decision for our people, not for management – this deal puts that into practice. Our people are the reason Octopus works, and I look forward to building on those strong foundations with UNISON.” Andrea Egan, General Secretary, UNISON, adds, “UNISON brings workers together not only to win a fairer deal, but to drive the wider transformation of our society and economy. Nothing is more important in that respect than phasing out fossil fuels and replacing them with green energy. “Climate change threatens us all, but it also presents an opportunity to create millions of good, unionised green jobs. That’s why we’re delighted to announce this deal with Octopus. It’s good news for the company’s workers and for the future of green jobs in this country." To read more from Octopus Energy, click here.