LCTC to appear at the London EV Show

The London EV Show, launched in 2021, has quickly become one of the most influential events in the global electric vehicle industry. Bringing together manufacturers, policymakers, and innovators, it serves as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and ground-breaking solutions. This year, LCTC, recognised as one of China’s leading EV charger manufacturers, is proud to return to the London EV Show 2024 as a Silver Sponsor. Since the event's inception in 2021, LCTC has consistently been a part of this global platform, underscoring its commitment to advancing EV charging technology and fostering international partnerships. "We hold the London EV Show in the highest regard," says Wison Qi, CEO of LCTC. "This event has become a symbol of innovation and progress in our industry, and we are honoured to be part of it once again. It is also an opportunity to pay our respects to the UK’s efforts in building a sustainable future." LCTC approaches every year with a vision to push the boundaries of EV charging technology while addressing the evolving needs of the market. The 2024 show is particularly special for the company, as it represents a celebration of shared achievements and the power of collaboration. Working alongside long-standing partners, LCTC will present its advanced charging solutions to a global audience. This partnership exemplifies the spirit of cooperation between China and the UK, reflecting a commitment to innovation that transcends borders. "For us, this year is not just about showcasing products - it’s about demonstrating the value of working together to deliver solutions that truly make an impact," Wison explains. "The intersection of technology and collaboration is where the future of EV charging lies, and this year’s show is a testament to that vision." LCTC believes that the EV charging industry extends beyond technology, and that it is a dynamic ecosystem involving products, partners, and consumers, all working together to shape a sustainable future. For LCTC, partnerships are at the heart of this ecosystem. The company is dedicated to supporting its partners in achieving their goals while fostering mutual growth and success. "The EV industry is not just about innovation - it’s about relationships," Wison continues. "Every partner we work with has unique aspirations, and our goal is to help them realise their potential. We believe that by growing together, we can create a stronger, more resilient ecosystem." LCTC extends a warm invitation to all industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries attending the London EV Show. The company’s booth will serve as a space for meaningful discussions, idea exchanges, and exploring new opportunities to collaborate. "We are here to listen, learn, and connect," Wison concludes. "The future of EV charging is a shared journey, and we look forward to working together to make it a success." - The London EV Show will take place from 26-28 November. Visit LCTC at booth S30 to discover more about its vision and explore opportunities to help shape the EV charging industry. For more from The London EV Show, click here.

Electricity firm invests in diverting cables for affordable housing

UK Power Networks has invested more than £1.6 million to divert extra-high-voltage cables in south London to allow an ex-council estate to be converted into affordable housing. The development on Hayward Close, Merton, required four 33,000-volt cables that supply power to a local substation to be re-routed, to allow the construction programme to be safely completed. The cables supply power to more than 36,000 homes and businesses in the area, so maintaining a reliable supply while carrying out the work was paramount. Nearly 300 metres of environmentally-friendly cable has been re-routed around the development and across Merton High Street, meaning that residents will have reliable power supplies for years to come. According to the Office of National Statistics, house prices in the London Borough of Merton average £581,000 – while the national average comes in at £285,000, so affordable housing in the area is in great demand. UK Power Networks’ Programme Manager, Tom Parminter, says, “This customer-driven diversion scheme has been a key project for us, representing a significant investment into the reconfiguration of our network to promote affordable housing growth in the Greater London area. “It has been a challenging scheme to deliver, given the interaction and collaboration with multiple utilities who own equipment and the extensive assets already underground.” Errol Lord, Project Manager, adds, “We engaged with Merton Council and many other stakeholders to ensure works happened as quickly and safely as possible, to cause the minimum disruption possible for them. The works will be completed in the next few months.” For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Ansell unveils new Gabbro street light

Ansell Lighting has unveiled a new street light, named Gabbro, which is designed to offer flexibility, durability, sustainability and ease. Constructed from durable high quality modern die-cast aluminium, Gabbro’s reliability in harsh outdoor environments makes it a highly dependable choice for long-term installations in car parks and walkways, as well as in healthcare, education and commercial settings. Ansell claims that Gabbro’s flexibility of use sets the street light apart from its competitors, meeting multiple project requirements within one product. It is reportedly the only product that is both CCT selectable - between 3000K and 4000K - and power selectable. This provides a choice of up to three outputs in one luminaire and means light output can be customised on site. A standard NEMA socket adds to Gabbro’s versatility, allowing customers to choose additional controls such as photocells or smart lighting solutions. Meanwhile, a 30-degree head tilt allows for varying widths of light distribution, and an in-built breather gland delivers optimal heat dissipation and performance. Compatibility with common spigot sizes means the street light can be used in a wide variety of installations, and a range of enhanced labour and cost saving features enable fast, accurate installation and minimal maintenance. These include: a hinged body for swift access to internal switches; built-in spirit level for hassle-free levelling; an easily adjustable head tilt; and an optional photocell conveniently located on the top of the product. Gabbro is also highly energy efficient, delivering 155lm per Watt, and provides 10KV protection against power surges. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “We have added a number of significant enhancements to our new Gabbro street light to create a truly single-product solution that we believe sets new industry standards for flexibility and functionality. Its durability and reliability merit an impressive seven-year warranty for added peace of mind.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Construction industry urged to boost female inclusivity

The number of women in the construction industry, such as electricians, plumbers, joiners, bricklayers, and carpenters, has declined in the past year and has only improved by 12% in the past 10 years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). MyWorkwear, a supplier of personalised uniform, workwear and PPE, says that the news comes as little surprise, as a new study by the company has revealed plumbing and electrical work to be the least inclusive industries for women. As a branded workwear provider which regularly collaborates with businesses across multiple industries, and actively discusses the need for women's workwear options, MyWorkwear's study looked to highlight further gender inequalities within the world of work. The study not only looks at accommodated workwear options for women, but also other factors, such as the gender pay gap, enhanced maternity pay options and menopause leave to decipher the ranking. The majority of industries studied provide very few female workwear options, apart from some such as cleaning and beauty. Gayle Parker, Commercial Director at MyWorkwear comments, “We actively speak to our customers and prospects across multiple industries to understand the concerns with female workwear and often, similar feedback is raised each time. “Feedback often includes buttons gaping on the chest, either too tight of a fit or too loose, and we sometimes hear that buyers can mistake unisex for women's fit or simply order a smaller size in a men's fit. All of these design issues can impact how a woman feels in the workplace and their overall efficiency. “Female workwear is regularly spoken about at industry events, which have led to improvements from some of our suppliers, but there is still a long way to go. Having spoken to women within male-dominated industries, such as construction and security, some aren’t even aware that female workwear options exist. “To improve, workwear suppliers and industry leaders must work together and continue to speak to women within these sectors on how they can best be accommodated. From our perspective, we provide in-depth knowledge on women's fit options when required, such as providing samples and advising where logos will sit on the garment, in addition to providing size guides.” Both the electrician and plumbing professions were found to have the biggest and most concerning gender pay gap, at 43%. When compared to other professions, such as those within the medical profession, this was a drastic difference. Nurses, for example, see a gender pay gap of 4.3%. Although construction workers, such as electricians and plumbers, are paid hourly or daily, rather than with an annual salary, other professions with similar pay structures - such as retail - tend to have a much narrower pay gap. For example, the study found the gender pay gap in retail and hospitality was significantly better, at 4.3% and 3.6% respectively. An analysis of maternity pay offerings reveals that women working as electricians or plumbers may fall short, as the study shows zero enhanced maternity pay. Whilst female workers are entitled to statutory maternity pay, many claim this is an ‘unlivable’ income, with a shocking 9% of women taking no maternity leave whatsoever due to how little they receive. Just over half of the industries studied by MyWorkwear had some form of enhanced maternity pay in place, such as education and medical. Menopause leave is a relatively new workplace adaptation for women that has been recognised by the government as of late. Despite being a recently recognised initiative, half of the industries studied showed to have at least some form of menopause policy and support in place. However, the electrician and plumbing professions failed to integrate the policy. According to industry experts, these blockers for women in the electrical and plumbing industries must adapt and improve to attract and retain female talent, not only to be more inclusive, but to further close the skills shortage gap. Only 14% of the construction industry’s workforce is female, yet the skills gap could be closed through female recruitment, according to ONS. Its recent data showed that women of working age were more likely to have the skills from their current or most recent job to work in at least one other occupation outside of their current role (7.4% of women, compared with 5.9% of men in 2022). MyWorkwear says that this implies that, in the labour market, women’s skills are being underutilised. For more information on the gender workwear gap and how the industry can take action, visit this dedicated area on MyWorkwear's website.

THORNeco introduces 'Tom' IP66 bulkhead

Combining an aesthetically-pleasing design with several new features delivering flexibility, durability, and energy efficiency, the THORNeco Tom IP66 bulkhead - the latest addition to the THORNeco product range - is the ideal product for a wide range of applications. The VARIO feature (colour temperature switch) will allow contractors to easily adjust five different colour temperatures on-site with the flick of a switch, while the FLEX feature (lumen output switch) will allow them to choose any of the four lumen outputs on-site with a simple switch. Both features provide the flexibility to adapt lighting levels and colour temperature to project-specific requirements. With its screwless, tamperproof design and IK10 impact resistance, the fixture is built for high-traffic or vandalism-prone areas. It delivers up to 110 lumens per watt, providing energy efficiency while maintaining strong lighting performance, while the centred cable entry points ensure easy and level installation. With optional features, including a microwave sensor for occupancy detection and a corridor function for further energy savings, Tom is designed to be as versatile as possible. It is also easy to adapt to an emergency version on-site using the JUST Emergency Plug & Play kit (available separately), ensuring safety and compliance. Enhancing Tom's environmental credentials, replaceable components, such as the light engine and driver, extend its life and reduce maintenance costs. For more from THORNeco, click here.

Thermal cameras included in HIKMICRO Black Friday deals

This Black Friday week, 21 November to 2 December, HIKMICRO is offering significant discounts on its range of thermal cameras, with up to 30% off some of the most popular models. From the economical Eco Series to the powerful B Series, HIKMICRO's thermal cameras are designed to suit a range of professional needs. For portability, the Mini Series is designed to attach directly to smartphones. These cameras are ideal for troubleshooting issues while on the move, as users can capture and view thermal images right from their mobile devices. The compact Mini2 V2 model offers a wide-angle, focus-free lens, which is useful for scanning large areas like underfloor heating systems and walls; while the Mini2 Plus V2 has a manually adjustable focus that allows for detailed inspections of more compact or complex components, such as circuit boards and connections within electrical panels. Boasting quality and cost-effectiveness, the HIKMICRO E01 - part of the Eco series - is a robust and versatile thermal imaging camera suitable for electricians, HVAC technicians and building inspectors. Using SuperIR technology, this camera can upscale images from 96 x 96px to 240 x 240px, delivering clear thermal images and enabling users to quickly identify issues such as overheating components, electrical faults, air leaks and insulation defects. The E03, also part of the Eco series, is popular due to its small size and the ability to fit into the majority of pockets. The biggest difference from E01 is that the E03 is equipped with a 0.3 MP visible camera, which can provide enhanced details and five distinct image modes (thermal, visual, fusion, PIP and blending). It can detect various thermal anomalies, including missing insulation, air leaks, HVAC issues and automotive, electrical and mechanical failures. For those seeking the highest image clarity, the B Series features a camera which can be used with HIKMICRO Analyzer – powerful and free-licensed PC software which is designed to help users manage and analyse thousands of thermal images and videos to quickly create professional reports, simplifying workflow and increasing productivity. The B01 model has a 256x192 IR resolution (49,152 pixels) and high thermal sensitivity, making it ideal for detailed inspections. With its wide temperature range (-20°C to 550°C), it is useful for professionals in need of detailed and accurate thermal imaging for HVAC, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. Every HIKMICRO device is covered by a three-year product warranty (extended to 10 years for the sensor), and they come with lifetime software updates and full technical support. HIKMICRO's Black Friday deals will be available to customers via Amazon, as part of the retailer's Black Friday Week. For more from HIKMICRO, click here.

Octopus launches smart tariff for traditional storage heaters

As part of its ongoing efforts to innovate home heating, Octopus Energy has announced the launch of ‘Snug Octopus’, the UK’s first smart tariff for traditional electric storage heaters. The smart tariff automatically schedules traditional storage heaters to work at the cheapest and greenest times, helping to balance the grid and keeping customers warm for less. Snug Octopus offers up to six hours of cheap energy every night, with an extra hour in the afternoon for a boost at dinner time. This allows average customers to save almost £140 a year compared to a standard Economy 7 tariff without needing to invest in other low carbon tech, Octopus Energy claims. Storage heaters work by storing heat generated during off-peak hours at night when energy prices are lower, and releasing it throughout the day when energy costs are higher. What sets ‘Snug Octopus’ apart, according to Octopus Energy, is the control it offers customers, enabling them to adjust their heater’s runtime as they desire. This allows them to easily cut down their energy usage and costs whenever they want, such as during warmer months. Around 1.7 million homes in the UK currently use storage heaters, and over 180,000 housing association homes rely on them for heating. Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy Group, says, “Many homes struggling with fuel costs use electric storage heaters, making them especially vulnerable to rising energy prices. “Snug Octopus is designed to help these customers take charge of their heating, adjusting it to fit their personal needs and schedules – all while enjoying the peace of mind that comes from using energy at the cheapest and greenest times." Smart tariffs are crucial for the energy transition as they enable customers to make the most of green electrons when they are abundant. Octopus Energy customers have already saved over £100 million by shifting energy usage out of peak times through smart tariffs and schemes. For more from Octopus Energy, click here.

Time switches standing the test of time

Sangamo has been manufacturing its Round Pattern Time Switches for over 65 years, during which time it has sold more than 11 million units. The Round Pattern Time Switch is trusted by installers for a wide variety of applications - not just because of its reliability, but due to its ease of use. The simple dial and levers make setting the switch up for daily fixed timings straightforward, with no complicated menu options to navigate through. All Round Pattern Time Switches are also 20 Amp rated, providing a more robust switch than many other products on the market. The switches are split into four categories: a) Basic ‘black dial’ 24-hour time clock for simple on and off switching of up to 20A b) Standard 24-hour ‘red dial’ switch with added 100-hour battery reserve c) Solar Range - specially designed for lighting applications d) Digital Range - the newest addition combines the high capacity and reliability of the electro-mechanical models, but provides full seven-day programming Sangamo regularly hears from people with'Round Pattern Time Switches still going strong after 40 and 50 years. When they eventually need a new switch, they reasonably assume - because of its age - that it might not be possible to get a direct like for like replacement. However, because the original design has never needed to be updated, a Round Pattern Time Switch you buy today is completely interchangeable with one bought decades ago. The Sangamo range of specialist time switches and heating controls is distributed through Scolmore Group company, ESP. For more from Scolmore, click here.

New head torch and inspection light from NightSearcher

NightSearcher, an innovator of rechargeable and portable LED lighting products, has launched its new 2024-25 catalogue. Seeking to push the boundaries of lighting technology, new product highlights in the latest catalogue include: - The LightWave 1000R, a rechargeable head torch that delivers 1,000 lumens, offering both spot and floodlight light beams. Designed with an on/off hands-free wave sensor, the torch is ideal for situations where the user's hands are dirty, or when they're wearing gloves. Built to withstand tough conditions, this durable head torch is ideal for high-demand work environments. It offers four lighting modes, dimmable beams, a robust aluminium construction, an impressive 250-metre range, and an eight-hour runtime. The LightWave 1000R offers flexibility and functionality that professionals can rely on. - The iSpector 400, a compact, rechargeable inspection light that delivers 400 lumens of bright, even illumination with a range of up to 25 metres. Featuring a magnetic base, rotating light head, and built-in hook, it allows hands-free use for greater flexibility. Its rugged design offers reliable performance in demanding environments, while the 18-hour runtime provides long-lasting use. The iSpector 400 is ideal for professionals who need high-performance, dependable illumination in confined spaces. For more from NightSearcher, click here.  

Acrospire unveils solar-powered LED lighting system

British exterior lighting manufacturer, Acrospire, has announced the launch of the MSL-50, a modular solar-powered LED lighting system engineered to meet the lighting needs of off-grid sheltered and covered areas, such as canopies and shelters. The MSL-50 debuted at the Highways Electrical Association’s (HEA) Annual Conference on 14 November 2024, presenting an energy-efficient and highly durable lighting option that helps local authorities and planners enhance safety and sustainability in areas lacking mains power. Designed to meet the demands of local authorities, contractors, and facility managers, the MSL-50 is a robust, vandal-resistant lighting system. Its 316-grade stainless steel exterior, toughened glass lens, and IP65 and IK10 ratings protect against dust, water, and impact, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments. This resilience makes the MSL-50 a cost-effective, maintenance-free solution for shelters and canopies, including those in high-risk vandalism areas. The modular design of the MSL-50 enables straightforward and speedy installation. Featuring innovative operating modes - All Night, Sensor, and Surprise, which lights up only when motion is detected - the MSL-50 maximises energy efficiency while enhancing usability. The system's PIR sensor detects movement within a six-metre range, providing a 360° detection zone that adapts lighting to real-time needs. Powered by a high-performance 65W monocrystalline solar panel with 24% efficiency, the MSL-50 achieves impressive winter autonomy, up to nine days at 3W, consistently delivering light even during extended periods of low sunlight. Its LiFePO4 battery provides an extended lifespan of 7-10 years, supporting Acrospire's commitment to sustainability by reducing the frequency of replacements and lowering both environmental impact and operational costs. A recent project with Luton Borough Council demonstrates the MSL-50's effectiveness. Funded by the Department for Transport's Bus Service Improvement Programme (BSIP) and installed by contractor Volker Highways, the MSL-50 was customised to fit two-bay bus shelters. Acrospire’s commitment to sustainable innovation has earned the MSL-50 a spot as a finalist in the 2024 Electrical Contracting News (ECN) Awards. Recognised in both the Lighting Product of the Year and Power Product of the Year categories, this acknowledgment celebrates the MSL-50’s anticipated value to public lighting infrastructure. The MSL-50 has already demonstrated its impact in real-world applications, such as the recent installation in Luton, enhancing commuter safety while offering an off-grid, energy-efficient lighting solution. “Our focus has always been on practical, energy-saving solutions,” says Tim Baker, Managing Director of Acrospire. “The MSL-50 reflects our mission to provide durable, low-maintenance lighting that operates independently of the grid.” The ECN Awards winners will be announced on 5 December 2024 at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre in Coventry. For more from Acrospire, click here.