NICEIC seeks feedback on proposed Amendment 4:2026

On 7 August 2024, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI) published a Draft for Public Comment (DPC) seeking feedback on a proposed amendment (Amendment 4:2026), to the current BS 7671:2018+Amendment 3:2024 IET Wiring Regulations. Amendment 4:2026 has been long-scheduled and will incorporate changes to harmonised standards at a European level. The UK must incorporate the technical intent of these changes as part of the BS 7671 revision programme. Mark Coles, IET's Head of Technical Regulations, says, “It is intended that this Amendment will include requirements for stationary secondary batteries, low voltage generating sets, power over ethernet, energy efficiency and functional earthing and functional-equipotential-bonding for information and communication technology equipment and systems (ICT). Each area of change is a response to fast evolving technologies.” Paul Collins, NICEIC's Technical Director, adds, “We strongly encourage electrical professionals to respond to this DPC. Your insights are crucial in helping shape the future of these regulations.” If you wish to submit comments, you will need to register on the BSI Standards Development portal. The deadline to submit comments is 3 November 2024. Amendment 4:2026 is expected to be published in 2026, and until that time, electrical businesses need to have a copy of Amendment 2:2022 – the ‘brown book’, the Corrigendum (May 2023) and Amendment 3:2024. Both the Corrigendum (May 2023) and Amendment 3:2024 are available as free PDF downloads. As this DPC covers a wide scope of topics, NICEIC will be offering resources to help NICEIC-certified businesses. As well as a webinar on 7 August covering Amendment 3:2024 and the proposed changes to Amendment 4:2026 (a recording of which will be available later in the week here), there will be a further webinar and technical resources to help businesses navigate the significant points raised. Further details will follow in September. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Expert advice for dealing with trade waste

After a new report found that plastic waste by the UK construction industry is growing 15 times faster than in the EU, experts have shared advice for tradespeople on how to dispose of each type of waste. Research by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, found that more than four in five (83%) UK tradespeople aren’t sure exactly which materials can and can’t be recycled, and almost nine in ten (87%) aren’t confident about waste management regulations. With this in mind, IronmongeryDirect partnered with William Hobbs, a sustainability and recycling expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, and Pauline Marchant, Customer Service Administrator at iWaste, to provide expert advice on what to do with each type of work waste and the rules that you need to follow. Which materials can and can’t be recycled? Recyclable: • Cardboard • Plasterboard • Cables/WEEE waste • Monitors • Paper • Scrap metal • Garden waste • Tyres • Glass bottles and jars (green, clear, brown) Non-Recyclable: • Plastic bags • Polystyrene bubble wrap • Oils • Ceramics • Ovenware • Lightbulbs Pauline Marchant of iWaste adds further clarity: - Cardboard, as heavy-duty paper, can be easily recycled due to its fibres being previously processed from trees. - With plasterboard, it is possible to recover the gypsum and recycle the component parts back into raw materials to help produce new plasterboard. - Cables and WEEE waste can be separated into components, and the raw materials reused. - For monitors, the components can be removed and sent to a specialist glass processor. The glass and other elements can be separated and reused. - Paper will be separated into different types and grades, before being washed to remove the ink and glue, and then being made into new products. - Scrap metal can be smelted down and reused. - Lastly, tyres can either be turned into tyre-derived fuel or fed into a shredder and be reused as rubber. Next, William Hobbs of MyJobQuote.co.uk explains what tradespeople should do with each type of waste material: 1) Hazardous waste It has been illegal to mix hazardous and non-hazardous waste during the disposal process since 2004. Once the hazardous waste has been identified, it must be kept separate from non-hazardous waste. To dispose of hazardous materials, you should use authorised businesses and complete and keep all necessary paperwork. Examples of hazardous waste include oils and filters, fluorescent lightbulbs and tubes, oily rags, lithium batteries and paints. 2) Landfill waste Inert and food waste are both included in landfill waste. Landfill waste can result from both domestic and commercial activity. To stop waste from being disposed of in a landfill, you should take steps to recover or reuse it. Any waste that cannot be disposed of in another way can be processed at a landfill. 3) Scrap waste Scrap can refer to various wastes, including metal and other by-products of the manufacturing process. Scrap metal should be classified as magnetic or non-magnetic. If applicable, separate it into hazardous and non-hazardous waste. A permit may also be required. 4) Bulky waste Bulky waste includes oversized items such as mattresses and furniture, refrigerators, and other white goods. Large objects are disposed of separately from regular commercial waste, as they are difficult to lift. Bulky items are typically discarded as needed. When you need to dispose an item, decide with your waste management company or local council for a unique collection. 5) Other trade waste Most construction or renovation waste, such as plaster, rubble, and tiles, is classed as builders' waste. Because builders' waste encompasses a wide range of materials, it is governed by a variety of waste codes, identifying which are hazardous and non-hazardous. Which waste rules and regulations do I need to be aware of? Waste carrier license: Anyone who collects waste from a client's location must have an Environment Agency waste carrier licence. It is illegal to remove waste for customers without a licence, and fines of up to £5,000 are levied. Lower tier and upper tier waste carrier licences are available. If you are only removing your waste and not construction or demolition waste, you should register as a lower tier carrier. Upper tier is the most common and is used by anyone who removes other people's waste and construction and demolition waste. Soil, concrete, bricks, glass, wood, plasterboard, asbestos, metal, and plastics are standard construction and demolition waste components. Plumbers removing an old boiler and kitchen installers removing an old kitchen, for example, both require an upper tier licence. Waste disposal registration: You should always ensure your waste disposal company is registered with the environment agency, has the correct insurances, provides you with waste transfer notes/duty of care note, can provide evidence of correct disposal and has separate arrangements for hazardous waste. For more from IronmongeryDirect, click here.

Thorn Lighting joins the Electrical Contractors Association

Thorn Lighting, a member of the Zumtobel Group, has announced its new status as a Commercial Associate of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA). Since its inception in 1901, the ECA has been pivotal in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry. It has consistently worked to improve standards, support the industry, and create a sustainable business environment. By becoming a Commercial Associate, Thorn Lighting aims to actively engage with the ECA and contribute to its national and regional events. Paul Kilburn, Managing Director for Thorn Lighting UK and Ireland, comments, "We are thrilled to join the ECA as a Commercial Associate. Many of our customers are electrical contractors, and this affiliation is crucial for us to move closer to the community, understand their pain points, and address them effectively. "This membership will provide us invaluable access to ECA's networking events, helping us build stronger relationships with our partners and create opportunities to engage on important topics. We are excited to work closely with the ECA and our fellow Commercial Associates to promote the growth and development of the electrical industry." Thorn says that its strategic affiliation with the ECA demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative, energy-efficient lighting solutions while supporting the electrotechnical community. Furthermore, the company note that the partnership is a strategic move that will enhance Thorn's ability to better serve its customers whilst also contributing to the advancement of the industry. Helen Atkinson, ECA Director of Member Services, adds, “We are delighted to welcome Thorn Lighting on-board as an ECA Commercial Associate, and look forward to working together to support ECA Members and the wider industry.” For more from Thorn Lighting, click here.

Hanwha Vision cameras assist Olympic athletes in France

The Centre for Resources, Expertise, and Sports Performance (CREPS) of Bordeaux - a public training institution specialising in sports and youth training - recently chose Hanwha Vision and its cameras to assist coaches in the training and preparation of athletes. Located in the French suburb of Talence near Bordeaux, the CREPS of Bordeaux regularly welcomes local and international athletes who come to prepare for major events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. To improve athletes' performance, video intelligence is used by the institution, offering athletes the ability to review their training sessions, playback actions, and complete recordings of their sessions for later analysis. The challenge was to find cameras with a performance level that met the different requirements of various sports disciplines. In the CREPS of Bordeaux's fencing hall, which hosts Olympic and world medallists for training, the most challenging task was finding a camera capable of capturing the entire combat area, including 14-metre-long pistes with little space for positioning. This camera needed to ensure image quality without distortion and with precision, particularly for sabre fencing where bouts often occur at the ends of the piste. E-Novon, a company specialising in sports video and a long-time partner of Hanwha Vision, tested different types of cameras in real situations to meet the coaches' needs. "After analysing with the coaches, the PNM-9022V camera was the most suitable due to its angle with minimal guaranteed distortion," explains Romain Briffa, Director at E-Novon. Offering a 180-degree view reconstructed from four high-resolution video sensors, this camera provides a highly detailed image across its entire field of view, without distortion. Additionally, it requires very little space behind the filmed scene. After evaluating several solutions, Cyril Faucher, Coordinator of the Performance Support Mission within the high-level department of CREPS, concludes, "Due to the quality and fluidity of the images, the solution provided by E-Novon and Hanwha Vision fully satisfies CREPS in optimising training in the fencing hall." Currently being deployed for fencing and modern pentathlon training, this solution opens up promising perspectives thanks to the insights being made available, including in tracking fencers on the piste, providing statistics, and more. For more from Hanwha Vision, click here.

CEF becomes major stockist of Electrak and Zucchini products

CEF, the multi-channel electrical distributor, has announced a substantial £1m investment in Electrak and Zucchini stock, solidifying its position as a major distributor of both brands in the UK. This strategic move further enhances CEF’s commitment to hold stock to support major projects across the UK, the distributor says. Both brands are leading names within the industry and fall under the Legrand umbrella – a specialist in electrical and digital infrastructure which provides solutions for buildings that are simple, innovative and sustainable in their usage and by design. Electrak is renowned for its innovative power distribution which is integral to industrial and commercial buildings. CEF’s customers will have increased access to Electrak’s state-of-the-art products, including underfloor to desk power systems and advanced lighting control solutions. Zucchini’s reputation for excellence in busbar power distribution systems and cast resin transformers – essential components for modern electrical installations – means customers will benefit from the simplicity, high performance and easy installation of the brand’s products. CEF’s capacity to hold increased stock for its customers has been significantly bolstered by the recent opening of its new Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs) in Chesham and Dartford. The CFC concept expands CEF’s logistical capability, improving service delivery and product availability to customers across the UK. Andrew Moseley, Commercial Director at CEF, says, “We want to be able to support all our customer’s needs, so we need to understand and recognise the challenges they face, and where we are best placed to support. By strengthening our partnerships with industry leading brands and becoming a major stockist of Electrak and Zucchini in the UK, we are better positioned to meet the growing demand for advanced electrical systems and efficient power distribution solutions.” The improved availability across the width and depth of the Electrak and Zucchini ranges demonstrates CEF’s focus and drive to support customer’s project type needs. CEF will continue to invest in both stock and logistical infrastructure to provide ongoing solutions for larger project customer requirements across the UK. For more from CEF, click here.

SELECT introduces free online jobs board

At a time when demand for qualified electrical professionals has never been higher, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has launched a much-anticipated new online employment resource to help companies source key personnel. The body is introducing an easy-to-use, free jobs board to allow its 1,240 member firms to advertise vacancies directly on the front page of the SELECT website. Adverts include the full job description, and details of how to contact the company to find out more. The new tool has already been widely welcomed by employers in an industry which has been facing significant skills shortages, fuelled by the fact that electricity and electrotechnology underpin every aspect of modern Scottish society. The industry in the UK employs more than 208,000 people and, according to the Latest Market Intelligence published by the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership, sector growth will require an additional 33,000 workers by 2027. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, comments, “In an industry which makes possible every facet of day-to-day life, from the internet to cars, hospitals, homes and businesses, maintaining and improving the skills of the people who keep the lights on is assuming a primary importance. “The next generation of electricians will enjoy access to a world of exciting technology, including the Internet of Things, which will revolutionise the way we live, so it is vital that we have a working population that understands it. “The jobs board, which has been developed over six months in conjunction with the Scottish Joint Industry Board and Unite the Union, is designed to act as an additional outlet for members who may already be advertising for staff elsewhere, to help them recruit suitably qualified operatives.” During its first few weeks of operation, member firms across Scotland have submitted a number of vacancies for staff including electricians, fixed wiring testing and inspecting engineer, E&M electrical craftsperson and trainee quantity surveyor. To ensure the widest reach, the board has been made public, with SELECT only hosting vacancies for members and all applications made directly to the relevant firm. Iain Mason, Director of Membership & Communications at SELECT, said: “The board has been created in response to member demand, with a number of firms asking us to create a resource to help them find suitable operatives during the ongoing skills shortage. “The response so far has been very positive and we will continue to monitor the board’s performance and respond to member feedback in the meantime.” The new board can be viewed here. For more from SELECT, click here.

Bespoke fire protection for mobile children’s hospital

A mobile children’s heart hospital built in El Salvador was recently equipped with an Advanced wireless fire safety system, providing strong levels of protection for children undergoing heart surgery, their doctors, and staff. Run by Kinderherzen, the mission of the hospital is to ensure that children born with serious heart conditions receive the treatment they need to go on and enjoy healthy lives. Kinderherzen operates in Germany and mobilises doctors to provide critical care for young patients in areas of the world with limited medical services. Working alongside fellow Halma company, Crowcon, Advanced was approached to devise a reliable fire safety system that would be easy to install, uninstall, and reinstall as the mobile hospital moved between locations across Europe. For speed and ease of setup, Advanced’s innovative solution was to create a bespoke, wireless fire alarm system. At the centre of the installation is an Axis EN single-loop panel paired with a translator and 19 devices including point detectors, sounder-beacon bases, and call points covering various rooms within the hospital. The system was pre-programmed at Advanced’s headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne and shipped to El Salvador, ready for immediate fitting to minimise on-site setup time. Despite logistical challenges, the installation process was incredibly efficient thanks to the use of special mounting plates for the control panel, translators, detectors, and sounders, which reduced setup time to less than half an hour. Speaking about the project, Paul Duffy, Technical Services Manager at Advanced, says, “We are extremely proud to support Kinderherzen in its mission to provide critical medical care to children in need. Given the temporary nature of the hospital, the fire alarm system needed to be robust but highly versatile. The reliability and ease of use of Advanced equipment makes it perfect for this unusual brief, ensuring the ideal combination of mobility, performance, and safety.” This Axis EN wireless installation ensures Kinderherzen staff can carry out their essential work with peace of mind that their team, facilities, and patients are protected by the highest standards of fire safety. Providing powerful networking capacity, the Axis EN system supports robust networks of up to 200 panels. Networks can also be combined to create very large fire systems making the Axis EN ideal for complex, large-scale installations. Whether networking high-risk sites with complicated cause and effect, remotely monitoring networked sites, or integrating with building management systems, intuitive software and panel navigation make setup straightforward. Axis EN is a complete fire system solution combining high-performance, addressable panels approved to EN54 Parts 2, 4, and 13 with a comprehensive wired and wireless detector range, plus extensive peripheral options. As a developer and manufacturer of intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are specified in locations around the world; from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction systems, as well as emergency lighting. For more from Advanced, click here.

NAPIT welcomes local MP to its headquarters

NAPIT today welcomed Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield, to its headquarters in Pleasley near Mansfield to demonstrate how it is training and accrediting the installers needed for the transition to net zero. NAPIT is based on the Pleasley Vale Business Park, and the Parliamentary boundary between the Mansfield and Pleasley constituencies runs through the site. Around 150 staff are based on site, which also hosts a centre of excellence for low carbon technologies, offering a variety of low carbon training courses, including solar PV, heat pumps, energy storage and electric vehicles. Frank Bertie, Managing Director of NAPIT, says, “We are grateful to Mr Yemm for taking the time to come and visit us so soon after the election. “The Government has already made a number of announcements around low carbon technology and the transition to net zero, expansion of house building and the skills agenda. All of those policy areas will require a large number of highly skilled, competent installers to fit the heat pumps, solar panels and EV chargers required. “We were delighted to show Mr Yemm around our site and explain how NAPIT and its members will be key to ensuring there are sufficient skilled installers in the electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration and building fabric trades.” Steve Yemm MP adds, “The Government will get Britain building again and take early action to meet our net zero targets. “This will create opportunities for the renewable led skilled workforce in Mansfield and across the country to develop and grow with highly skilled jobs and careers for electricians and heating engineers, so I was delighted to hear about the work that NAPIT is doing.” For more from NAPIT, click here.

Toolstation announces summer sale

Toolstation has unveiled its latest summer sale, designed to provide tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts with up to 50% off on a wide range of trade-quality products. The sale offers customers access to thousands of discounted items both online and in-store, and through the Toolstation app. Among the standout deals available during the sale is the Silent Fan Continuous Running Humidistat (VASF100HC), which is being offered for just £119.99, with a saving of 20%, providing an efficient way to stay cool and comfortable this summer. Also on offer is the Bosch Straight 1/4" Shank Router Bit Set (six pieces), now available for £30 after a 25% reduction from its original price of £39.98, making it an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to tackle various power tool projects. Meanwhile, the Master Lock High-Security Cable Lock (Keyed, 10 x 1800mm), now priced at £20 - down from £22.78 - allows customers to save 10% and keep their bicycles secure during summer rides. Rupert Nichols, Commercial Director of Toolstation, says, “The Big Summer Sale means that tradespeople and expert DIYers can get high-quality products at great value. Customers need only download our app, go online or in-store to find the best value on thousands or products.” This wide selection of deals and offers is part of Toolstation’s commitment to offering tradespeople and consumers the best possible value. For more from Toolstation, click here.

Click’s new wiring accessory additions

Click Scolmore, a leading name in electrical accessories, has just expanded its impressive lineup with a suite of innovative products. This exciting update includes the sleek Deco and Deco Plus Decorative Unswitched Socket Outlets, the powerful 50A Definity Control Switch Inserts, and the ultra-convenient Mode In-Wall Toothbrush Chargers. Discover more about these cutting-edge solutions and how they can enhance your installations and customers’ homes. For more from Click Scolmore, click here.