Engineering masterclass sees cables drilled underneath railway while trains run above

A £7 million high-voltage cable replacement project in South London has used horizontal directional drilling to install new electricity infrastructure beneath active railway and tram lines while services continued above. The project, running from Sydenham Park to Churchfields, has installed nine kilometres of new 33,000-volt underground cables to upgrade critical electricity infrastructure and help ensure reliable power supplies for the local community. One of the most significant parts of the route involved installing cables underneath the railway and tram lines at Avenue Road Station. The project team used horizontal directional drilling (HDD), a specialist technique that allows cables to be installed safely beneath railway infrastructure without major excavation. A 50cm tunnel was created beneath the railway, allowing ducts and cables to be installed while rail and tram services continued to operate above. By using an underground bore, the technique also helped reduce disruption for passengers, road users and the local community. The new cross-linked polyethylene cables will upgrade the local electricity network, helping to provide safe and reliable electricity supplies for thousands of customers. The project also supports UK Power Networks' commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with the Groundwater Regulations 2009 and relevant industry standards. Spare ducts are also being installed to future-proof the network and facilitate further upgrades. The work is being closely coordinated with the £20 million Beddington-Sydenham 132,000-volt project to maximise efficiency and minimise disruption for residents and businesses. Jason Callaghan, Project Manager at UK Power Networks, says, "We're installing modern cross-linked polyethylene cables, future-proofing the network and delivering a more resilient supply for our customers. "The main driver for the project is to upgrade the cable circuits between Sydenham Park and Churchfields. It's a major step forward for local network reliability. There has been close liaison with Transport for London, Network Rail and the council to carry out the HDD effectively." Claire Sheridan, Portfolio Manager, says, "We're investing around £30 million to replace 132,000-volt and 33,000-volt cables between Sydenham Park and Churchfields and Beddington and Sydenham. It's an extremely busy route with lots of other utilities' equipment underground, and above ground we are squeezed between residential streets, tramlines and an active railway. "The HDD is a complex engineering operation that keeps the trains running and the streets open while the works take place. First, we drill a small pilot hole, then we progressively widen it four times in order to achieve the correct diameter to pull the ducts through. We pulled the ducts through beneath the railway, keeping a safe distance from homes and track." Fintan McCusker at McCormack Drilling says, "This was a challenging project given the tight suburban location, railway infrastructure and utilities to be negotiated by HDD. Our team worked closely with UK Power Networks and Clancy to develop a workable solution to the many engineering challenges at this location. It required meticulous attention to detail right through from feasibility, design and planning to installation." Richard Fisher, Client Delivery Lead within the Savills Utilities and Infrastructure team, says, "Working alongside UK Power Networks Major Projects Consents and Stakeholder Engagement teams in a complex urban environment, Savills Land Assembly and Building & Project Consultancy teams provided a suite of services to support the successful delivery of this project. "Close coordination between teams across UK Power Networks, Savills and delivery contractors was essential in securing the necessary consents and maintaining relationships with stakeholders throughout the project."

Shelly announces major Matter update and new heating and security devices

Shelly has announced a major Matter update for its Wall Display family and new additions to its BLU range, which are to be unveiled at IFA 2026. A free update will turn compatible Shelly Wall Displays into both Matter controllers and Matter devices, allowing supported smart home products from different manufacturers to be brought together on the same screen without needing a separate Matter hub or bridge. Shelly is also introducing an updated BLU TRV smart radiator thermostat for more flexible room-by-room heating, alongside two new door and window sensors. The Shelly BLU Door Window Mini ZB is designed for narrow frames and tighter spaces, while the Shelly BLU Door Window Outdoor ZB brings connected monitoring to garden gates, sheds and other outbuildings.  Together, the updates continue Shelly’s approach to an open smart home, giving households more choice over the products and platforms they use rather than requiring everything to come from one manufacturer. A major free Matter update is coming to the Shelly Wall Display family, turning compatible models into both a Matter controller and a Matter device at the same time. As a Matter controller, the Wall Display can add and control supported Matter devices from other manufacturers, including lights, blinds and shades, thermostats, fans, plugs and sensors.  These devices appear as tiles alongside existing Shelly products on the Wall Display home screen, creating one place to control devices from different brands without the need to switch between separate menus or apps. Supported Matter devices can be added directly to the Wall Display without requiring a separate Matter hub or bridge. They can also become part of Shelly’s local scenes, automations and scripting, with control and automation running locally on the panel. This means, for example, that a Matter-compatible light or sensor from another manufacturer can be incorporated into an automation in much the same way as a Shelly device. The interoperability also works in the other direction. The update enables the Wall Display itself to become a Matter device, meaning compatible functions can be added to platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. Depending on the Wall Display configuration, its relays, dimming and thermostat functionality can therefore become available through the smart home ecosystem a household already uses. A Wall Display can belong to multiple Matter ecosystems at the same time, so adding it to one does not mean choosing that platform exclusively. The result is two-way interoperability: products from other Matter brands can be brought into the Shelly environment, while Shelly Wall Display functionality can be made available to other Matter ecosystems. “A wall panel should be the place the home comes together, not one more device waiting for a hub to tell it what to do,” says Dimitar Dimitrov, CEO of Shelly. “Making the Wall Display a Matter controller and a Matter device at the same time means it can bring every brand in the house onto one screen and still hand its own relays, dimmer and thermostat to whatever ecosystem the household already lives in. You stop choosing sides.” The Matter functionality will arrive as a free over-the-air update with firmware 2.8.0, with full Matter controller and device functionality available for Wall Display X1i, X2i, XL, U1, S1, S2 and XT.  First-generation Wall Display and Wall Display X2 models will also be able to control Matter devices shared from a newer compatible Wall Display, extending some of the benefits to earlier hardware. Thread-based Matter devices will continue to require a Thread Border Router. Shelly is also updating its BLU TRV smart radiator thermostat, with a new motor providing quieter valve movement alongside battery life of up to two years. Designed to provide individual temperature control in different rooms, the updated BLU TRV also introduces a new gateway function that removes the need for a separate dedicated gateway in compatible setups. Instead, a compatible Shelly Wi-Fi device from the Plus generation onwards can act as the gateway when integrated into Shelly Cloud, while Shelly Gateway Gen3 remains an option for cloud and local control. Supporting both Bluetooth and Zigbee, the updated BLU TRV provides more flexibility over how connected heating fits into the rest of the smart home, while room-by-room temperature control allows heating to be tailored more closely to how different spaces are being used. Also coming soon is Shelly BLU Door Window Mini ZB, a compact sensor created for narrow frames and other spaces where a standard door or window sensor may be too bulky. The sensor can detect when a fitted door or window is opened or closed, allowing that information to be used within the connected home for monitoring or automation. As part of Shelly’s BLU ZB family, it combines Bluetooth and Zigbee connectivity, providing more choice over how it fits into an existing setup. The new Shelly BLU Door Window Outdoor ZB takes the same concept beyond the main home. With IP55 protection, the sensor is designed for outdoor applications including garden gates, sheds and other outbuildings, extending connected monitoring to areas that have traditionally sat outside the smart home. Like the Mini, the Outdoor ZB supports both Bluetooth and Zigbee and can make events such as a gate or shed door opening part of wider home automations. The latest announcements reflect Shelly’s wider approach to creating a smart home ecosystem that can grow and adapt rather than requiring every device to come from the same brand. The new Wall Display Matter capabilities are a significant step in that direction, allowing supported Matter devices from different manufacturers to sit alongside Shelly devices on the same display while simultaneously making the Wall Display itself available to other Matter ecosystems. Alongside this, the expanding BLU ZB family combines Bluetooth and Zigbee to provide further choice over how sensors and controls connect around the home. Whether the priority is controlling heating room by room, monitoring a garden gate or shed, fitting a sensor to an awkward window frame or bringing products from different brands together in one place, the focus is on allowing the smart home to develop around the needs of the household rather than the limitations of a single ecosystem.

Electrical Industries Charity marks 121 years with mental health awareness walk across London

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) will celebrate its 121st anniversary with a 13km walk through London on September 10, bringing together supporters from across the electrical and energy sector to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. The walk will start at King’s Cross St Pancras at 10am and finish at London Bridge at approximately 4pm. Participants will make their way through the capital while highlighting the positive impact that simple, everyday actions and stronger connections can have on mental wellbeing. For more than a century, the EIC has supported individuals and families working across the electrical and energy industries through financial hardship, mental health concerns, family difficulties and other life-changing circumstances. The anniversary event aims to reinforce the importance of community and early support, while encouraging continued conversations around mental health across the sector. The walk follows the Charity’s industry-wide challenge earlier this year, which encouraged participants to collectively complete 10 million steps during May. The target was comfortably exceeded, with 13.9 million steps recorded. According to the EIC, walking is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity and can offer benefits including improved mood, reduced stress, increased energy and a greater sense of calm. The 121st anniversary walk will build on the message behind the May challenge, demonstrating how small, positive actions can contribute to improved day-to-day mental wellbeing. To donate or find out more, visit here. For further information, contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly: 020 3696 1710 fundraising@electricalcharity.org  

Forum Lighting Solutions promotes Steve Kaye to Marketing Director

Forum Lighting Solutions has announced it is strengthening its senior team with the promotion of Steve Kaye to Marketing Director, following two successful years with the business. Since joining in August 2024, Steve has played a key role in shaping the company's marketing strategy. He is now stepping into the senior position with a clear focus of building on the foundations and driving the brand forward, while staying true to what makes Forum stand out.  Steve brings 30 years of senior marketing experience, having served as Marketing Director at HiB, the leading bathroom products company. Steve was instrumental in helping grow that business from zero to market leader.  Commenting on his promotion, Steve says, "I'm absolutely delighted to be taking on this new role. Forum has always stood for great customer service, quality products, and a genuine wealth of experience across a product range that's well respected in the industry. What makes us different, though, is our culture - we've kept that family feel and personality as we've grown, and that's something I'm determined to protect and build on as we move into the future. I'm really looking forward to what's next." The promotion reflects Forum Lighting Solutions' ongoing investment in its people as the business continues to grow.  Lawrence Benjamin, Commercial Director at Forum, adds, "Steve has been an invaluable part of the team over the past two years, and this promotion is thoroughly well deserved. His energy, insight and genuine commitment to our customers and our culture make him the right person to lead our marketing function into its next chapter. We're excited to see the impact he'll continue to make."

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.