SELECT calls for qualified electricians to check homes before plug-in solar panel installation

Scotland’s construction trade association, SELECT, has backed calls for homeowners to have their wiring checked by a qualified electrician before buying plug-in solar panels. The electrotechnical body said this week’s alert by Electrical Safety First (ESF) echoes their own concerns about the potential safety issues posed by the photovoltaic (PV) products, which can now be bought off the shelf in DIY shops and High Street retailers. ESF has issued its own guidance to help households reduce risk, including having electrics checked by a registered electrician before buying panels, particularly in older properties or where the age and condition of the wiring is unknown.  Robert McGoogan, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, says, “It is encouraging to see ESF reinforcing a message that SELECT and other industry bodies have been stressing for some time. While we fully support efforts to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, safety must never be treated as an afterthought. “Many homes across Scotland and the wider UK have electrical installations that have been altered, extended or simply aged over many decades. Introducing a new source of electricity into those systems without first establishing their condition and suitability could create risks that householders are entirely unaware of. “Plug-in solar products are not the same as buying a toaster or a kettle. They interact directly with a property’s fixed wiring and protective devices, which is why the installation should always be assessed by a competent, qualified electrician before any equipment is connected.”  From Thursday 27 August, compliant plug-in solar PV systems – sometimes referred to as “balcony solar”– will have a legal route to market in Great Britain.  The change follows the UK Government's recent introduction of a new regulatory framework and accompanying Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification, which sets out the technical and safety requirements that products must meet before being sold.  Sharon Miller, SELECT Managing Director, adds, “Consumers understandably want to reduce their energy bills and play their part in the transition to net zero, and technologies such as plug-in solar may have an important role to play in the future. “However, accessibility must go hand in hand with electrical safety. The advice from ESF demonstrates why professional involvement remains essential, even where products are marketed as simple, off-the-shelf solutions. “Registered electricians have the expertise to verify whether an installation can safely accommodate local generation equipment and identify any remedial work that may be required. That professional assessment provides peace of mind for householders and helps ensure the benefits of renewable technologies can be enjoyed safely. “Using a SELECT member guarantees that your electrician is fully trained and competent, so find your nearest professional on our website for complete safety and peace of mind.” The alert follows a previous joint statement by SELECT and other industry bodies in June, which urged the UK Government to “proceed with caution and ensure that safety, product assurance, competence and system resilience are designed into any rollout”.  Robert adds, “The electrical industry is committed to supporting the transition to cleaner energy, but that transition will only succeed if public confidence is underpinned by robust safety standards and professional installation practices. “Our message is simple – before investing in any plug-in solar technology, speak to a qualified and registered electrician. A straightforward inspection today could prevent significant problems tomorrow.”

TTD delivers reversible electrical infrastructure for new structure at The Lanesborough

The Technical Department (TTD) has completed the design and installation of the electrical infrastructure for a new structure at The Lanesborough Hotel in London, working alongside lead creative production company and principal contractor Solid Collective. Designed to remain in place for approximately three years, the structure required a complete electrical installation capable of supporting its lighting, power and operational requirements, while drawing entirely from the luxury hotel’s existing in-house power supply. Ed Paggett, Commercial Director at TTD, explained, “The interesting part of this project was that we weren’t simply looking at how much power the new structure needed; we had to design the entire system around the capacity already available within the hotel. “There could be no permanent alterations to The Lanesborough’s existing electrical infrastructure, so everything had to be carefully calculated and designed to make the best possible use of the available supply. At the same time, we needed to provide a robust solution that could remain in operation for around three years and then be completely removed at the end of that period, leaving the hotel’s existing systems unaffected.” Solid Collective brought TTD into the project during the technical design stage, once the overall concept had been agreed and the electrical requirements of the structure needed to be developed. Working closely with the wider project team, TTD designed and installed the electrical distribution infrastructure, with detailed load calculations forming an important part of the process. The resulting solution provides the required lighting, power and operational capacity throughout the structure while remaining entirely reversible. Lukasz Pardus, Director at Solid Collective, said, “The Lanesborough was a technically demanding project, but that’s the type of work we enjoy. Delivering temporary structures within operational luxury hospitality environments requires good planning, experienced specialist partners and a collaborative approach from everyone involved. “The team from The Technical Department integrated well with our wider project team, delivering excellent support throughout and playing an important role in helping us deliver another successful project for our client.”

Martindale Electric renews ‘STOP. No Check. No Contact!’ safety campaign

Martindale Electric is refreshing its ‘STOP. No Check. No Contact!’ awareness campaign, reminding electrical professionals of the dangers posed by unexpectedly live metalwork. Safe isolation remains the cornerstone of electrical safety, but Martindale warns that other potential hazards can still be present when working on electrical systems. A recent survey conducted by the company across the electrical industry found that 44% of respondents had encountered metalwork that was unexpectedly live, while 29% said they do not use a tester to check for live metalwork. The danger can be present in environments ranging from domestic properties to commercial and industrial installations. Metal casings on equipment and appliances, pipework and other metalwork can become live when they should be earthed. As part of the renewed campaign, Martindale has released a new video demonstrating checks on exposed metal parts, screws and enclosures using a VT7 single-pole indicator on an AC system. [embed]https://martindale-electric.co.uk/dangers-of-live-metal-work/[/embed]   “Standard industry-wide safe isolation procedures safely disconnect the supply from the circuit to allow safe rework, maintenance or installation to take place,” says Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric. “They do not, however, cover checking for live metal parts, so incorporating this discipline into established work processes will further minimise risk and help ensure safer working practices.” Martindale recommends performing a touch test on potentially live metallic items. Single-pole contact indicators, such as the Martindale VT7, can be incorporated into touch-test safety procedures but should be thoroughly checked for correct operation before each use. The company also warns that non-contact voltage devices require particular caution. These battery-powered devices can be affected by other signals, including static electricity, and cannot reliably be used to prove dead. Martindale’s message is simple: if metalwork has not been checked for being live, don’t touch it. STOP. No Check. No Contact!

KNIPEX introduces new Digital Product Assistant

With such a wide range of connectors, wire-end ferrules, and industrial applications, choosing the right crimping tool for the job isn't always straightforward. As such, hand tools manufacturer KNIPEX has launched its Digital Product Assistant, designed to take the guesswork out of finding the correct crimping pliers. Rather than working through catalogues or guessing which crimping pliers will suit a particular connector, users answer a short series of questions about their project specifications and, in just a few clicks, the Digital Product Assistant will provide the tool best suited to the job. The assistant is aimed at anyone working with crimped connections, from professionals crimping daily to those tackling a one-off project who may be less familiar with the KNIPEX crimping range. By narrowing down the multitude of options to the one tool that actually fits the job, the assistant helps users save time, avoid buying the wrong tool, and ensure a properly made connection. The Digital Product Assistant is accessible from the KNIPEX website and can be used on a phone or tablet just as easily as on a desktop, making sure installers can check they've got the right tool while standing in front of a shelf of options in store or before ordering online. As crimped connections continue to turn up in more areas of electrical, automotive, HVAC, and industrial work, KNIPEX's Digital Product Assistant gives users a quick way to be confident they're reaching for the right pliers before they start. To find the right crimping pliers for you, visit the KNIPEX website. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Essentials wiring accessories from Click Scolmore

Wiring accessories manufacturer Click Scolmore’s Essentials wiring accessories range offers reliable, versatile solutions for a wide variety of installations. The range includes galvanised steel and dry lining back boxes, IP66-rated weatherproof switches and sockets, and robust Metal Clad accessories. Essentials Back Boxes are available in durable polycarbonate or galvanised steel, including standard, dry lining, and FlameGuard versions. FlameGuard back boxes offer enhanced fire protection and meet both fire and acoustic BS EN standards. The Aquip66 range features IP66-rated 10AX and 20AX outdoor switches and sockets. Made from heavy-duty polycarbonate, they are ideal for sheds, hot tubs, and workspaces. Unfurnished enclosures support Click’s MiniGrid and GridPro modules for added flexibility. Metal Clad and Metal Clad Pro ranges are built for demanding environments, with tough, electrophoretically coated plates and back boxes. Metal Clad Pro adds a modern, curved profile and is available in Polar White, Metal Clad Grey, and Matt Black - perfect for stylish and high-specification installations. Click Scolmore’s Fused Mains Switches provide vital protection and control for residential and commercial circuits. With a lockable switch and extended cable shroud, they help prevent accidental energisation and ensure maximum safety. The Essentials range showcases Click Scolmore’s commitment to high-quality, reliable products for professionals, combining innovative designs with trusted solutions. To view the full Essentials range, visit Click Scolmore's website. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.

Powered Now Receptionist 'Missed calls cost you money' now available

Powered Now has launched Powered Now Receptionist, a new service designed to help tradespeople capture potential jobs when they are unable to answer the phone. Available on iOS, Android and the web, Powered Now Receptionist engages with customers, holds a natural conversation, asks relevant questions about the job and books appointments directly into the tradesperson's diary. The idea is to tackle a familiar problem for tradespeople who may be on a ladder, under a boiler or otherwise unable to stop work to answer an incoming call. Instead of returning a missed call later, users can find that the enquiry has already been handled and an appointment confirmed. The launch follows Powered Now's NOW Report, research into the working lives of UK tradespeople. According to the company, the research identified missed calls and slow administration as significant causes of lost work, with tradespeople potentially missing jobs they were unaware of because they could not answer the phone. Powered Now also points to research suggesting that 33% of small businesses fail to answer incoming calls and 69% of people reaching voicemail hang up without leaving a message. With the company estimating that a single call to a trade business can be worth between £200 and £600, the potential cost of unanswered calls can quickly mount. Robert Brown of RB Electrical Services has been using Powered Now Receptionist since its launch. "Within the first week of using the receptionist, it answered six calls that would previously have gone to voicemail and four of those turned into booked jobs. That's a 66% conversion rate on work I'd have simply missed otherwise." Benjamin Dyer, CEO and Co-Founder of Powered Now, says, "We built Powered Now Receptionist to address one of the clearest gaps our research uncovered, the moment a phone rings and nobody's free to answer it. Now, no job needs to be missed due to a lost call. There's no excuse for it to happen." Powered Now Receptionist forms part of the wider Powered Now software offering for trade businesses, providing another way for users to manage customer enquiries and administration while working on site. More information is available from the company.

Stellantis &You Preston transformed with TRILUX lighting solution

TRILUX has delivered a lighting solution for the refurbishment of Stellantis &You Preston, supporting the dealership’s transformation into a modern multi-brand retail environment.  Designed by Scaramanga Design, the project introduced dedicated showroom spaces for Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and Abarth alongside new customer and aftersales areas.  Combining B.Veo spotlights with Lightpanel luminaires, the lighting concept balances accent and ambient illumination to enhance vehicle presentation, improve visual consistency and create a clear, customer-focused showroom experience aligned with Stellantis corporate identity standards. In its transition from traditional car retailer to ‘brand house’, Stellantis &You Preston underwent a major refurbishment. The refurbishment created a contemporary multi-brand dealership bringing together Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and Abarth within a single integrated retail environment. Scaramanga Design was appointed as lead design consultant for the redesign, which included new showroom spaces, customer areas, service reception facilities and refurbished workshops. Lighting played an important role in shaping the overall customer experience. Alongside meeting Stellantis corporate identity requirements, the scheme needed to create a consistent visual approach across multiple vehicle brands while remaining flexible throughout the dealership. The project was delivered through close collaboration between TRILUX, Scaramanga Design and Quay Contracts.  The lighting concept moves beyond traditional spotlight-only showroom schemes by combining black B.Veo spotlights with Lightpanel luminaires to create a more balanced retail environment. Grado and Amatris luminaires also complement the scheme. B.Veo spotlights introduce focused accents to the vehicle displays, highlighting surfaces, contours and finishes throughout the space. Lightpanel luminaires provide a softer layer of ambient illumination, improving horizontal uniformity and helping create a brighter, more visually consistent environment. This layered approach avoids the darker zones and uneven appearance often associated with spotlight-only showroom schemes. Vehicles remain clearly visible from all areas of the showroom while the overall environment feels open, comfortable and visually balanced. TRILUX also supplied the emergency lighting throughout the showroom. Stellantis’ retail design guide places strong emphasis on customer experience, visual clarity and contemporary showroom presentation. This scheme delivers exactly that through careful coordination between accent and ambient lighting, helping create a cleaner and more cohesive environment throughout the dealership while supporting both vehicle presentation and customer interaction. Mike Strain, Director at Scaramanga Design, comments: “One of the key considerations was avoiding the uneven appearance that can happen in large showroom environments when accent lighting is overused. Introducing a softer layer of ambient illumination helped create a more balanced visual experience across the different vehicle brands while maintaining the flexibility needed within the showroom. TRILUX worked closely with us throughout the project to ensure the lighting aligned with both the architectural vision and the practical requirements of the dealership.”

Eddie Embleton appointed CEO Designate of the Electrical Distributors' Association

The Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA), a leading body in the UK’s electrotechnical supply chain, has announced the appointment of Eddie Embleton as CEO Designate from 1 October 2026. Eddie brings over a decade of senior-level experience within the electrical industry, most recently as Managing Director of Voltimum, where he led and grew its digital media and data business.  He has already built strong working relationships with many wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across the sector, which he will draw on in his new role. The appointment follows a highly successful 12-year tenure by Margaret Fitzsimons as Chief Executive and includes a structured transition period as she steps back into a part-time strategic role, ensuring continuity and a smooth handover of responsibilities. In his new role, Eddie will lead the EDA's next phase of development, working with the Board, the EDA team and the Association's 260 wholesaler members and 130 affiliated companies to strengthen the EDA's position at the heart of the industry and further develop its work across training and education, digital innovation through EDATA and ETIM, market insight and events. EDA President, David Moore, says, “I am delighted to welcome Eddie to the EDA. He brings a strong understanding of our industry together with a proven track record of building partnerships across the sector. We look forward to working closely with Eddie to develop and deliver services that add real value for our members.” Commenting on his appointment, Eddie Embleton adds, "It's a real privilege to be joining the EDA. This is an organisation with a fantastic reputation, built over many years, and I'm looking forward to working with the Board, the team and our members to build on that success. I've spent much of my career working alongside wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across this sector, and I can't wait to bring that experience to the EDA as we move into its next phase of development."

Luceco appoints Dr Thorsten Müller as Chief Executive Officer

Luceco Group, a designer and manufacturer of residential and commercial electrification products and systems, has announced the appointment of Dr Thorsten Müller as Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 1 September 2026. Thorsten brings extensive experience leading global industrial technology businesses, across lighting, electrification and energy management sectors. Most recently, he was Divisional Chief Executive in the Safety Sector at Halma plc. Before joining Halma in 2022, he held senior leadership roles at ABB, Osram and Bosch. Giles Brand, Chair of Luceco, says: "We are thrilled that Thorsten will be joining Luceco as Chief Executive Officer. Thorsten has a proven track record of delivering growth and innovation at industry-leading technology companies serving the lighting, electrification and energy management segments. He brings all the necessary skills and experience to drive the continued execution of our strategy." Thorsten comments: "I am truly excited to be joining Luceco as Chief Executive. Luceco is a business of real quality, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundations that the Luceco team have built. Luceco's premier brands, market-leading positions and exceptional people give me firm confidence in the core of the business, while the energy transition offers significant further upside that Luceco is exceptionally well placed to capture." The appointment comes at a time of continued positive momentum for Luceco, with the Group reporting a strong performance for H1 2026.

Ansell Extends XPRESS Capability

Ansell Lighting has extended its XPRESS capability to two further product ranges, bringing the installation system to its Disco EVO bulkhead and Nouline LED batten. Designed to speed up installation and simplify retrofit upgrades, XPRESS allows emergency and microwave sensor functionality to be added to standard luminaires using clip-in packs. The updated Disco EVO and Nouline products feature clearly labelled gear trays with dedicated press-and-clip connection points. This enables installers to fit XPRESS Emergency Packs and XPRESS Microwave Sensors without tools, with the packs pushed into position before the wires are connected. Ansell says the approach also offers benefits for wholesalers by reducing the number of SKUs they need to hold while maintaining customer choice. Wholesalers can stock the standard XPRESS-compatible luminaires alongside the separate emergency and sensor packs, allowing functionality to be added when required. Nouline XPRESS is a high-performance LED batten designed for indoor applications. Available in three lengths, it offers CCT and power selectability, multiple conduit entry points and BESA fixing points. A high-transmittance polycarbonate diffuser is designed to provide consistent illumination and reduced glare. Disco EVO XPRESS is a slim bulkhead suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications, as well as ancillary areas. It delivers up to 145lm/W, offers selectable colour temperatures of 3000K, 4000K and 6500K and provides a choice of three outputs from a single luminaire. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, "Since launch, the XPRESS capability has gone down really well with wholesalers and installers alike and, in response, we are gradually extending it across a range of our most in-demand products. "Disco EVO and Nouline are two of our most popular and widely specified products, which made them the ideal choice to benefit from the XPRESS system." More information is available from Ansell Lighting.