AI is coming to electrical estimating

What if your estimating software could answer questions about products – in plain English? That is exactly what Electrika is building. Later this year, the UK's free electrical estimating software platform will launch Al-powered product assistants, allowing contractors to search, compare, and specify products using natural language instead of scrolling through catalogue pages. A contractor will be able to ask something like, "What Schneider MCBs are available for a three-phase board?" and get an accurate, contextual answer – drawn directly from the manufacturer's own technical documentation, datasheets, and catalogues. It is a significant step for an industry where product information is typically scattered across hundreds of PDFs and brochures. Experienced estimators carry much of this knowledge in their heads, built up over years on the job. But when they retire or move on, that expertise leaves with them. AI assistants can bridge that gap, making product knowledge accessible to every contractor on the platform. Why it matters for manufacturers For the brands whose products appear on Electrika – including Schneider Electric, Hager, Ansell Lighting, MK Electric, and more than 25 others – the AI tools create a new channel. Their technical documentation becomes fully searchable and integrated directly into the quoting process, adding value at the point of specification rather than sitting unused in a downloads folder. Manufacturers invest heavily in producing detailed catalogues, installation guides, and technical manuals. AI makes that investment work harder by putting the right information in front of the right person at the right moment. Still free, still shareable The AI launch builds on a major platform upgrade completed earlier this year, which introduced a fully mobile-responsive interface and redesigned user experience. Contractors can now build, review, and amend quotes on any device – desktop, tablet, or phone – directly in the browser, with no app required. Electrika remains entirely free – no subscription, no per-seat licence, and no limits on sharing. Contractors can share quotes with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors without anyone needing to purchase software. A freelance estimator can serve multiple clients from a single account. A growing firm can give every team member access at no cost. With more than 14,000 registered users and manufacturer partnerships including Schneider Electric, Hager, Ansell Lighting, and MK Electric, Electrika is one of the most widely used estimating platforms in the UK electrical contracting industry. The platform gives contractors access to manufacturer trade prices, professional quote reports, kits and templates for repeat work, and the ability to build detailed estimates complete with labour rates, equipment markups, and preliminaries. The output is a professional report that can go straight to a client or quantity surveyor. Getting started Registering takes less than a minute. Visit electrika.com to start quoting – and be ready for AI when it arrives. Electrika – free electrical estimating software that's been trusted since 1996. For more from Electrika, click here.

ECA hosts special event to mark 125th anniversary

Senior industry figures gathered at London’s Science Museum for ECA's National Business Day to explore AI, electrification, clean energy, and business growth as ECA marked its 125th anniversary. The Electrical Contractors’ Association brought together Members from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry for its National Business Day, showcasing the ideas, technologies and strategies that will help future-proof businesses in a fast-changing market. Held at London’s iconic Science Museum on 18 June, the event welcomed senior leaders from across the sector for a day of insight, discussion and celebration as ECA marked its 125th anniversary. ECN also had the pleasure of being in attendance for this special event, with Editor Simon Rowley enjoying being present for the panel discussions and other anniversary festivities. The day opened with Rob Smith, BBC broadcaster, alongside recently-appointed ECA President and Director of Drax360 (part of Obsequio group), Glenn Grant - setting the scene for a programme focused on innovation, business growth, and the opportunities ahead. Tech journalist, TV presenter, and AI keynote speaker, Georgie Barrat, explored how AI and the electrification of everything will reshape both the industry and the wider UK economy; while Julie Beaufils, Secretary General of EuropeOn, shared a continental perspective, highlighting similar opportunities and challenges across Europe. Panel discussions explored the scale of the opportunities ahead, including in data infrastructure and clean energy. Georgie Barrat and Julie Beaufils were joined by data centre expert Simona Capparella, Chris Sadler of ECA Member Kimbletech on solar power, and Chris Catterick of ECA Member SES Engineering on the role of gigafactories in building the batteries needed for electric vehicles. A second panel discussion focused on what ECA Members need to do now to seize these opportunities. Wider industry perspectives came from Yselkla Farmer, CEO of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA), and Luke Osborne, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, while ECA Members Chris Wright of Powercor and Chris Jenkins of RDM/EFT Consult shared practical insights from the frontline. The final session brought together Ruth Devine MBE, ECA’s Immediate Past President and Managing Director of SJD Associates, and leading experts in business growth, Professor Paula Whitehouse of Aston University, and Professor Mark Hart of Warwick Business School. Together, they shared practical strategies for scaling up and building long-term success. During the interactive lunch break, attendees also had the chance to meet exhibitors and look at their displays of products both from the past and present. There was also an interview with Cranfield University’s humanoid, as well as a demonstration from its robodog. Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Managing Director, closed the day with his reflections on the event, reiterating ECA’s increasingly important role in supporting Members to overcome challenges, grasp opportunities, and build strong, successful businesses that last. A celebratory drinks reception concluded the day, which marked ECA’s milestone anniversary. Steve Bratt, Group CEO at ECA, says, “Our National Business Day showed exactly why our sector has such a vital role to play in the UK’s future. From AI and electrification to clean energy, digitalisation and new business models, the opportunities for ECA Members are significant. “By bringing together expert insight, practical examples and forward-looking discussion, we wanted to give businesses the knowledge and confidence to take the next step, invest in growth and position themselves for long-term success.” For more from ECA, click here.

Ovia presents upgraded Emergency IP65 Exit Box

Lighting brand Ovia, part of the Scolmore Group, continues to strengthen its Orbik by Ovia emergency lighting range, a portfolio that has undergone significant investment to elevate innovation, performance, and compliance. Among the hero products of the upgraded portfolio is the Calvip 65, a slimline IP65-rated exit box. The Calvip 65 combines robust performance with a slim, contemporary design. Featuring an IP65 ingress protection rating, the unit is well suited to damp or humid environments such as changing rooms and shower areas, where reliability is essential. In addition to Calvip 65, every product within the Orbik by Ovia range benefits from a number of key technical and functional upgrades including enhanced self-test functionality, long-life LiFePO4 battery technology, a five-year warranty, and refined designs to meet the evolving demands of modern emergency lighting applications. The expanded Orbik portfolio The Orbik range is broken down into the following categories: exit signs, ‘Five in One’ exit sign, hanging exit signs, exit boxes, twin spots, circular and square spots, bulkheads, pin spots, and control gear and accessories - encompassing a comprehensive selection of emergency lighting solutions designed to meet diverse commercial and industrial requirements. Bespoke emergency lighting designs Ovia also offers bespoke emergency lighting design schemes engineered to comply with the latest BS5266 code of practice, incorporating all design objectives for optimal performance. Ovia’s highly skilled specialists produce detailed, accurate lighting layouts tailored to project requirements, ensuring comprehensive solutions that are perfectly engineered for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. For more information on the Orbik emergency lighting range, visit Ovia’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Ovia, click here.

Unicrimp expands Q-Crimp range with White Grommet Strips

Unicrimp, a Scolmore Group company, has announced the expansion of its Q-Crimp fixings range with the introduction of a new White Grommet Strip, further strengthening its offering for professional installers. Following the successful launch of the product in black, the addition of a white option responds directly to market demand and provides greater flexibility for a wider range of installation environments. Available in 3m, 5m, and 10m lengths, this new product reflects Unicrimp’s ongoing commitment to developing practical, installer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of the electrical sector. An essential component for consumer unit installations, the premium white grommet strips have been engineered for both durability and ease of use. Manufactured from a flexible yet hard-wearing material, they are designed to protect cables from sharp and abrasive metal edges, helping to ensure a safe and compliant installation. This makes them particularly suited to rewires and consumer unit replacements, where reliable cable protection is critical. The heavy-duty white grommet strip can be easily cut to the required length, offering installers a convenient and efficient solution on site. Retaining the same performance characteristics as the original black version, the new white variant allows for improved aesthetic integration where required, without compromising on quality or protection. For more information, visit Unicrimp’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Unicrimp, click here.

NICEIC-certified businesses gather for TechLive Surrey

NICEIC recently delivered its latest TechLive event, bringing together electrical contractors and industry experts for a day of practical insight, technical learning, and five hours of CPD. NICEIC TechLive Surrey, held at Mercedez-Benz World in Weybridge - which ECN had the pleasure of being in attendance for - drew a sell-out crowd, and covered everything contractors need to know from Amendment 4 of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, to renewable technology and recent updates to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS). The event opened with a welcome from new NICEIC CEO, Clair Mowbray, outlining the purpose of NICEIC’s TechLive event series – to help contractors navigate industry change, strengthen their businesses and working together to maintain standards across the sector. This was followed by a comprehensive review of key technical developments from NICEIC Technical Director Paul Collins, with Sam Donaghy, Head of Technical Advice and Practice who highlighted the latest updates impacting electrical work and compliance. Head of Training, Alex Robinson, then provided an overview of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), giving attendees valuable guidance on routes to qualification and workforce development. Looking ahead to wider industry change, Dani Putney, NICEIC’s Head of Standards, explored major policy developments affecting the sector, including the Future Homes Standard and evolving building regulations, with a particular focus on implications for renewables and energy efficiency. Alongside the technical programme, the event also placed a strong emphasis on business support and wellbeing. Representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shared practical advice to help contractors strengthen and grow their businesses, while the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) led sessions on mental health awareness and support, including ‘The Tools to Talk’, the mental health toolkit developed by NICEIC and EIC, designed to encourage open conversations and support for those who need it. The event attracted an engaged audience of contractors looking to progress their businesses and seek out new opportunities. Some 14 exhibitors played a vital role on the day, showcasing new products and services to NICEIC-certified businesses and themselves gaining first-hand insight into the priorities and challenges facing electricians. As 2026 also marks NICEIC’s 70th anniversary, NICEIC TechLive Surrey was also an opportunity to celebrate the businesses certified with NICEIC. This included three remarkable businesses continually NICEIC certified for 70 years: Crown House Technologies, T Clarke, and Paine Manwaring, who were presented their commemorative certificates by NICEIC CEO Clair Mowbray. Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, comments, “NICEIC TechLive is designed to give attendees the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. It’s been fantastic to see such strong engagement here in Surrey. “In all of the talks I was either delivering or joined, there were interesting discussions and active contribution from NICEIC-certified businesses on how the industry is evolving and how that is impacting their daily operations. It really highlighted their commitment to both improving standards and developing their businesses.” Following the success of the Surrey event, NICEIC will continue its TechLive series later this year, with Sheffield set to host the next event on 30 September 2026. Contractors attending can expect another full day of expert-led sessions, practical guidance and opportunities to connect with industry peers and suppliers. For tickets, along with more information, click here. For more from NICEIC, click here.

SolarEdge to showcase energy management portfolio

SolarEdge Technologies, a smart energy technology company, will showcase a range of new residential and commercial energy technologies at Intersolar Europe 2026, highlighting its focus on integrated solar, battery storage, EV charging, and energy management platforms. The company says the latest developments are designed to simplify system design, installation, and commissioning for installers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors. Among the products on display will be the single-phase Nexis inverter and battery platform, which will make its European debut ahead of a wider regional rollout. The modular system is designed to support residential solar and battery storage installations, while providing backup power and energy management capabilities. The company will also showcase its three-phase Nexis inverter and battery system, launched in Germany earlier this year, alongside new energy management features scheduled for release during 2026. SolarEdge is additionally previewing an AI-powered energy management tool integrated into its mySolarEdge app. The platform is designed to analyse tariffs, solar generation forecasts, battery storage, EV charging behaviour, and household energy usage to optimise energy consumption and exports. New inverter approach aims to reduce product complexity A key feature of the company's Intersolar presentation is its new MultiRange Concept for residential and commercial inverters. The approach allows a wider range of inverter output capacities to be covered by fewer product variants, with output settings configured during commissioning. SolarEdge says this is intended to simplify system design, inventory management, and procurement processes for installers and distributors. For the commercial market, the company will highlight its CSS-OD 197kWh battery energy storage system, which was recently introduced for medium- and large-scale commercial installations. According to SolarEdge, the system is designed to support applications including self-consumption, peak shaving, and tariff optimisation. The company will also unveil a new version of the platform that includes backup power functionality and additional deployment options. Another focus will be SolarEdge ONE for C&I, the company's software platform for commercial energy management and optimisation. Pascal de Boer, General Manager Europe at SolarEdge, comments, "We have entered into a really exciting phase in the energy industry, where innovation in integration and software is unlocking new possibilities for both residential and commercial customers. "With advanced AI-powered tools and unified platforms, we're not just optimising how energy is produced and consumed; we're empowering customers to take full control of their energy usage in ways that were unimaginable even a few years ago." SolarEdge will also participate in several speaking sessions during Intersolar Europe, covering topics including multi-tenant photovoltaic (PV) installations and the role of module-level optimisation in commercial agrivoltaic projects. For more from SolarEdge, click here.

Makita expands cordless work light range

Makita, a manufacturer of power tools and outdoor equipment, has expanded its cordless lighting portfolio with the introduction of two new magnetic work lights designed for construction, maintenance, and industrial applications. The new models include the 40V Max XGT ML013G and the 18V LXT DML819, both featuring magnetic mounting systems that allow them to be attached to metal surfaces for handsfree operation. Designed for use in maintenance work and demanding site environments, both lights deliver up to 1,200 lumens and incorporate adjustable LED heads to improve visibility in confined or difficult-to-reach areas. The company says the products are intended to provide portable lighting solutions for users working on general site tasks, construction machinery, and/or heavy equipment. Designed for flexibility and extended runtime The two work lights offer different runtimes depending on battery configuration. Using a 4.0Ah 40V Max battery, the ML013G provides up to 12 hours of operation on its highest setting, 18 hours on medium, and 29 hours on low. The DML819, when paired with a 6.0Ah 18V battery, delivers up to nine hours on high, 14 hours on medium, and 22 hours on low. Both models feature battery warning systems that reduce illuminance when power levels become low. The lights are equipped with diffused LED heads designed to soften light output and reduce glare. The head rotates up to 300° horizontally and 180° vertically, allowing users to direct light where required. For transport and storage, the light head can be folded down, automatically switching the unit off and reducing its overall size. Makita has also highlighted its recently introduced DML817 LED light, which offers three lighting modes and a memory function that restores previous settings when switched on. The model can be used as a stationary or hanging light and includes a USB output that enables it to function as a portable power bank. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK, says, “All [the] new work light additions deliver powerful illumination, impressive runtimes, and versatility. "They also offer ultimate convenience as they can be moved around easily in the workspace, helping users to stay productive, safe, and efficient from the start of the job through to competition.” For more from Makita, click here.

Industry bodies urge caution on plug-in solar panels

Leading electrical industry bodies, including the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), are warning that plug-in solar PV units should not be widely introduced until robust safety, regulatory, and technical frameworks are established to protect consumers and the electricity network. The ECA, Electrical Safety First (ESF), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), NICEIC, and SELECT have issued a statement making it clear that public safety must be the first principle in any rollout of plug-in solar PV units. Whilst the organisations support wider access to cheap and clean energy, they believe these products should only enter the mass market once the necessary regulatory, technical, and product safety framework is fully in place. Without that foundation, they say 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. Public safety considerations The organisations note that it remains unclear how plug-in solar panels will interact with the millions of existing electrical installations in UK homes. A product marketed as simple and consumer-friendly could in practice be connected to electrical installations that were never assessed for this type of product. In such cases, there could be an increased risk of fire and danger to life due to the inability of the circuit to deal with the importation of power. The organisations note six public safety issues: 1. Bi-directional flow Plug-in solar PV units operate differently to the conventional appliance plugged into an electrical installation. Rather than just supplying power to an appliance, with plug-in PV units, the installation now has to import power, meaning that power flow is in both directions. This introduces technical issues that leave most homeowners unaware of the dangers. With electrical sources being applied to what we often refer to as the ‘load side’ of protective devices, Amendment 3:2024 to BS 7671:2024 addressed this very issue. Under certain conditions, the RCD, a key protective device in the home’s consumer unit, can be compromised. It may be possible to reset, but the protective device may not operate as normal. This could be dangerous as the assumed protection will not be active. 2. Fire risk Over 50% of UK housing stock is more than a century old. These properties may have old, damaged, or deteriorating electrical wiring, unfit to carry extra load. Without a proper electrical assessment, it is unwise to add a plug-in solar PV unit and is indeed contrary to existing British Standards, i.e. clause 5 of BS 1363-1. Plug-in solar PV units, especially multiple units, can increase the risk of localised overheating of cables. 3. Inconsistent and dangerous product standards The Government has announced that plug-in solar panels will be made available quickly, but if products reach the retail market before a robust and enforceable UK standard is fully embedded, consumers may be exposed to inconsistent quality, unclear compliance requirements, and unsafe imports. 4. Grid capacity is vital to network resilience One of the central safeguards in the UK electricity system is that new electricity-generating technologies are introduced in a way that network operators can monitor and manage. Industry advice has long been that new installations such as solar PV units and EV chargepoints should be notified to the local DNO because cumulative demand and generation affect local network capacity and stability. If plug-in solar PV units are normalised as an off-the-shelf consumer purchase without a clear notification and oversight regime, visibility of what is connected to the system will be reduced at the very point when visibility matters most. The electrical industry recommends that clear guidance is given to consumers to notify the DNO, before a device becomes operational. 5. Liability and insurance questions remain unresolved There are also serious unanswered questions about insurance and liability. If a fire or electrical fault is linked to a plug-in solar PV unit, it is not yet clear how insurers will assess cover where the product was self-installed, not declared in advance, or connected to an unsuitable electrical installation. Consumers should not be encouraged to adopt these products before they fully understand the consequences, potentially leaving landlords, leaseholders, and insurers to manage the fallout. 6. Daisy-chaining Consumers, seeking convenience, may use extension leads, adaptors, or multiple devices on the same circuit. Improvised installations significantly increase the likelihood of overheating and fire, as well as creating trip and fall hazards from trailing cables. A low upfront cost must not override safety The appeal of plug-in solar PV units is obvious: low cost, visible, and quick to deploy. But affordability alone is not a sound basis where electrical safety is concerned. If cost becomes the dominant driver, there is a danger that quality assurance, competent installation, enforcement, and consumer protection will be treated as optional rather than essential. A poorly regulated bargain product may reduce bills in the short term, but it can also transfer risk onto households, emergency services, insurers, network operators and, ultimately, the Government. A rushed rollout could potentially weaken confidence in the energy transition. The electrotechnical industry advocates innovation and recognises the potential role that new technologies can play in expanding access to cleaner energy, but plug-in solar PV units should not be rolled out unless and until the supporting framework is in place: clear product standards, robust enforcement, competent installation pathways, appropriate consumer guidance, and a mechanism to protect both householders and the electricity distribution network. For more from ECA, click here.

Rointe introduces High Heat Retention storage heater

The Onyx High Heat Retention storage heater from Rointe combines advanced design, intelligent connectivity and real energy savings, delivering efficient, comfortable, and smart heating for modern homes. High heat retention Rointe states that Onyx, which is SAP-accredited, offers the highest heat retention on the market, resulting in a more efficient and smarter home. The company notes that the heater retains over 55.3% of its stored heat even after 16 hours, as verified by independent laboratory tests. Charging only what's necessary Smart charging allows the Onyx storage heater to charge more intelligently, instead of simply heating throughout the entire off-peak tariff period. With this mode activated, the heater uses an advanced algorithm to calculate how much heat it needs for the following day and when it should start charging to reach that level on time. By charging later, only when necessary, Onyx minimises heat loss and reduces unnecessary energy use. Smart charging means the heater never charges more than necessary, never charges earlier than necessary, and always aims to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency, automatically. Connectivity: goodbye to gateways With Wi-Fi Direct built in, ONYX connects directly to the user’s home router, enabling seamless data transmission and smart control without the need for external gateways or additional hardware, making installation quicker, easier, and more convenient. Smart adaptive technology: stable temperature With Rointe Smart Adaptive technology, Onyx maintains a stable temperature without constant cycles. The system provides consistent heat, improves comfort, and significantly reduces unnecessary energy waste. Precise control: visual display Thanks to its visual and touch panel, you can view the charge percentage, selected temperature, schedules and operating modes at all times in a practical and intuitive way, giving you complete control over your heating and making it easier to adapt comfort levels to your daily routine and lifestyle. Aesthetically attractive Onyx is designed to fit into any room thanks to its elegant and attractive design, making it the ideal solution for homes that need efficient heating without compromising on style, comfort or interior aesthetics. Helps improve EPC ratings Thanks to its high heat retention and smart energy management, Onyx helps transform electric heating into a more efficient system. It’s designed to align with modern UK EPC requirements for rental and sale properties. Rointe Universe: Rointe Nexa app Users can combine Rointe heaters, water heaters, cooling systems, and storage heaters for a more energy-efficient home. Furthermore, everything can be managed through Rointe Nexa: you can adjust temperatures, set schedules, monitor consumption, lock devices, and create automatic scenarios based on your location - all from anywhere. Rointe says that ONYX strengthens the company's leadership in smart electric heating, bringing together high performance, easy installation, and connected control in a refined, elegant solution. To read more about ONYX, click here. For more from Rointe, click here.

Ansell Lighting launches Go-Cell LED strip kit

Lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting has launched Go-Cell, a complete plug-and-play LED strip kit to simplify installation. Designed for greater flexibility and professional results, the product is supplied as a coordinated kit of a 5m reel of Ansell’s popular C-CELL LED strip, a compatible 24V driver a remote and receiver. Flexible and straight connectors are also included, along with a pre-fitted mains lead to ensure a fast and straightforward installation. Manufactured with continuous phosphor technology, the Go-Cell strip kit delivers seamless, dot-free illumination in warm and cool white, RGBTW, and RGBW Pixel. The RGBW Pixel versions also offer individually addressable LEDs for dynamic effects. Ideal for use in residential, retail, and hospitality environments, the kit removes any on-site guesswork and ensures consistent performance across every project. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “We’re always striving to deliver innovative and versatile products, especially across our LED range, which has become hugely popular with installers and designers since its launch. “Go-Cell simplifies installation even further to deliver smooth, professional output. We believe it will be a valuable product for installers, who can eliminate the need for soldering thanks to the plug-and-play connections.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.