ECA welcomes the new government

Following the results of the general election, The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) has issued the following statement: ECA looks forward to building on existing relationships with elected representatives and collaborating with the new government to achieve the five missions set out in the Labour Manifesto. The electrotechnical sector will play a pivotal role in delivering the key missions – from economic growth to clean energy. ECA will therefore be seeking early conversations with Minsters as the government takes shape. Electrification is a key element of decarbonising the UK economy, and a skilled electrical workforce is essential to the safe and successful roll-out, integration and maintenance of low-carbon technologies – from heat pumps to solar panels and EV charging infrastructure. The shortage of a skilled workforce is a fundamental obstacle to achieving net zero. The current state of the electrical skills system demands early attention. It takes four years to develop the core competencies needed for electrical work and installation. We urge the new government to take this first step on the path to achieving the 2030 target set out in the manifesto. To stimulate economic growth, we must address fundamental flaws in the procurement system. Most of the construction industry is united behind calling for protective legislation to stop the abuse of retentions and improve payment performance. Small businesses (SMEs) make up the majority of firms in the electrotechnical sector. They are essential to delivery of good jobs and opportunities for young people in local communities. SMEs need better support to deliver apprenticeships. This includes removing unnecessary red tape and increasing financial incentives. ECA calls on the new government to place qualified electricians at the heart of net-zero transition. To bring in protective legislation to combat poor payment practices. To address the challenges which are preventing an increase in people qualifying as electricians, and establish a stronger skills pipeline to support learners into electrical employment. ECA wishes the new administration every success in achieving its ambitious programme and looks forward to working constructively with the Labour Government. For more from ECA, click here.

Apprentice Channel of Excellence set for 2025 launch

LearningLounge has announced the launch of the Apprentice Channel of Excellence (ACE) - a new venture in collaboration with Electrical Safety First. This pioneering channel is dedicated to empowering electrotechnical apprentices and their training providers with best-in-class digital learning resources. ACE is set to launch in January 2025, offering support for the study of Level 2 and 3 Electrical Installation. The Apprentice Channel of Excellence will feature a rich array of digital learning materials, including: • Science and theory videos: detailed visual guides to explain complex electrotechnical topics • Health and safety essentials videos: including onsite-insights • Practical skills refresher videos: practical skills and considerations • Benchmarking quizzes and assessments: tools to test knowledge and track progress • Expert insights: advice and tips from industry professionals and educators. Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, says, “As we approach the official launch in January 2025, more news, updates, and sample content will be released. We invite apprentices, educators, and all stakeholders in the electrotechnical field to join us on this exciting journey.” Terry Brown, Director of Learning Lounge, adds, “Don’t miss out on the latest developments and exclusive previews - visit ace.learninglounge.com today to register and stay informed. Follow us on social media for real-time updates.” For more from Electrical Safety First, click here.

Knightsbridge introduces three new commercial downlights

Knightsbridge, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories and lighting, has introduced three new downlights that are designed to address every commercial need, from offices to factories. The line-up consists of Kara, Sara and Seren, all of which deliver superior energy efficiency through advanced LED technology, with a rating of at least IP20. All three share key features, such as plug and play connectors for easy installation and dimmable drivers as standard. The downlights offer versatile wattage and colour temperature options to meet varying lighting requirements and are compatible with EMKIT2L to provide emergency lighting options. Kara LED panels are round and recessed, employing edge-lit technology to distribute light evenly without glare or black spots. Available in power settings from 6W to 24W, the Kara has a slim profile that makes it easier to fit in shallow ceilings. The panels are high efficiency up to 135lm/w, offer the choice of dimmable or non-dimmable and have a three-year warranty. Sara downlights merge a robust die-cast aluminium construction with functional flexibility, offering TRI-CCT and TRI-Wattage options that range from 15W to 40W. The series allows for precise lighting adjustments through its rotation and tilt capabilities, all under a five-year warranty. Constructed from a robust die-cast aluminium body coated with a white powder finish, Seren downlights provide TRI CCT (3000K/ 4000K/ 5000K) and TRI wattage options, which means the lighting can be adapted to different environments effortlessly. There are nine wattage settings, across three different fittings, from 7W to 40W and high efficiency up to 175lm/w. Seren supports various control options including non-dimmable, 0-10V dimmable, and DALI interfaces, suitable for diverse lighting environments. These downlights meet IP40 when installed (IP20 from above) and backed by a five-year warranty. Knightsbridge's expanded downlight range is specifically engineered to meet the evolving demands of the lighting industry, combining aesthetic versatility with technological innovation. Each series is designed to provide reliable, high-quality lighting products that can be seamlessly integrated into various commercial settings. For more from Knightsbridge, click here.

New MVHR system to tackle overheating in new build homes

Vent-Axia has launched the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow to help housebuilders manage overheating in new homes. A groundbreaking step for Vent-Axia, the innovative Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow is the company’s latest flagship mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system combined with its intelligent Econiq Cool-Flow Module. As global temperatures rise and homes become ever more air tight to reduce carbon emissions, new build residential properties are increasingly overheating. Designed to mitigate overheating conditions in warmer temperatures, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow improves indoor air quality (IAQ) while delivering the highest level of thermal comfort. Offering powerful cooling, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow lowers fresh air supply temperature from ambient temperatures by up to 21ºC utilising R32 refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675, over 50% lower than R134a. Boasting an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) up to 4.12, with best-in-class Specific Fan Powers (SFPs) and thermal efficiencies up to 93%, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow features intelligent controls that automatically switch between heat recovery, summer bypass, and active cooling (via the intelligent Econiq Cool-Flow Module), continuously measuring internal and external temperatures to maintain comfort thresholds efficiently. Providing year-round comfort, in the cooler months households can benefit from the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow providing up to 93% heat recovery ensuring heating bills are kept to a minimum. In the warmer months, the unit’s intelligent 100% summer bypass will ensure free cooling is used wherever possible so that the internal comfort temperature is not exceeded. However, if the summer bypass is unable to use free cooling to reach the required comfort temperature, the intelligent Econiq Cool-Flow Module can automatically activate at 24ºC to prevent overheating and meet the requirements of Residential Part O ‘Overheating’ and CIBSE’ TM59 standards, providing up to 3.78kW of cooling. Steve Pearce, Product Manager at Vent-Axia, explains, “As temperatures rise and homes become more thermally efficient, housebuilders are finding it difficult to achieve the requirements set out to mitigate the overheating risk in Part O and TM59 standards. “A number of factors increase the difficulty in meeting the requirements, such as the noise limitations placed on town centre installations and solar gain that is too high to allow non-mechanical cooling to combat overheating. To help housebuilders, we have launched the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow which combines all the benefits of our market-leading mechanical ventilation with heat recovery with our intelligent Econiq Cool-Flow Module.” The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow’s new intelligent Sentinel-X Control platform features a wide array of sensors and controls including Sentinel-X Wireless Temperature Sensors available for enhanced performance. The Sentinel control logic built within the MVHR ensures the system operates optimally with automated functions such as its built-in intelligent humidistat, frost protection and summer bypass, providing comfort in the home. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow is controlled by the Vent-Axia Connect smartphone app as standard. This provides households with year-round control of their ventilation from the comfort of their sofas and allows a multitude of functions to be adjusted. With smartphone-compatible controls, homeowners have the flexibility to increase the ventilation rate during hot periods in the summer or reduce the speed to minimise running costs while away. The app is available for free on iOS and Android. Households will also be pleased that the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow is one of the quietest combined MVHR and cooling systems on the market with independently tested and verified sound data by SRL. Designed with 200mm spigots to minimise noise levels ensuring low system pressures, the range is also developed with an integral acoustic enclosure, made of steel, foam and expanded polypropylene (EPP), minimising breakout noise. The highly efficient motors are mounted on anti-vibration mounts to mitigate vibration transmission too. Versatile to install, Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow is a self-contained solution designed to fit within a POD or standard utility cupboard with wall mounted and floor standing options available. To provide maximum cooling, the connection to the unit is made via the 200mm spigots and Vent-Axia’s Thermflow ducting which has a thermal conductivity of no less than 0.038 W/(m·K). The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow’s MHVR filter options provide numerous benefits including improving IAQ by removing allergens and particulate matter. They also maintain the system’s energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and enhance longevity of the system. An ISO 60% Coarse (G4) filter is supplied as standard. To further improve IAQ ISO ePM 10 50% (M5) and ePM2.5 70% (F7) filtration options are available. The Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq Cool-Flow helps ensure homes remain cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

HiKOKI introduces new portable food storage box

HiKOKI Power Tools has launched the UL18DBA Cordless Freezer, Cooler and Warmer – a versatile, powerful and portable food storage box, designed to meet the needs of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The UL18DBA Cordless Cooler and Warmer offers convenience and performance, keeping food and drinks at an optimum temperature. It allows users to set the temperature anywhere from -18°C to +60°C across 17 different settings, making it ideal for preserving a wide range of perishable food and beverages in any weather conditions. With a 25-litre volume that can fit 15 500ml bottles, the cooling box can be partitioned into two separate temperature zones, with a maximum temperature difference of 60°C between compartments – which is useful for simultaneously cooling and warming different items according to specific needs. The Cooler and Warmer can be powered by 18V or Multi Volt batteries, a power outlet or an in-car 12V/24V power supply. When connected to a power supply during operation, the batteries can be conveniently recharged. It has two USB ports for charging portable devices and a DC 12V socket which can be used as a power supply for 12V devices. The UL18DBA Cooler and Warmer is easily portable with a carry handle and wheels. Designed with the durability and reliability HiKOKI is known for, the Cooler and Warmer also comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty, subject to terms and conditions. For more from HiKOKI Power Tools, click here.

Gresham House Energy Storage surpasses 1GWh milestone

Gresham House Energy Storage Fund (GRID), the UK's largest fund investing in utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), has completed the augmentation of its Enderby and West Didsbury projects, which are both now trading at their increased capacity. This increases GRID’s operational capacity to over 1GWh (1,030MWh), the first battery storage business in the UK to have passed this milestone. The augmentation of the Enderby (50MW) and West Didsbury (50MW) sites has involved upgrading each from one-hour to two-hour duration, adding 100MWh of additional operational capacity. Both sites had been designed for these upgrades from inception. This milestone marks the completion of the second and third augmentation projects in line with the plan set out in GRID's latest annual report. So far, in 2024, GRID has added 117MWh to currently operational projects through augmentation, taking the operational portfolio to 790MW/1030MWh. A further 220MWh will be added with the remaining four augmentation projects. John Leggate CBE, Chair of Gresham House Energy Storage Fund, says, “We are very pleased at reaching this strategically important milestone since for the UK to meet its net zero targets, BESS needs to be at significant scale. The Board has taken the decision to focus part of its capital allocation on upgrading certain existing sites which it believes is an efficient use of capital, de-risks project execution and improves the portfolio’s revenue potential. In addition, securing revenues through our recent tolling agreement with Octopus Energy demonstrates the growing range of opportunities to deliver returns from balancing supply and demand, while also reducing the volatility of these revenues.” Ben Guest, Fund Manager of Gresham House Energy Storage Fund and MD of Gresham House New Energy, adds, “We’re delighted to have exceeded 1GWh of operational assets, the first battery storage business in the UK to hit this milestone. As well as a memorable moment in GRID's growth, this marks the continued progress in the UK’s energy transition with batteries being connected to balance rapidly rising renewable generation with demand. “It is well documented that the UK BESS market is moving to a trading strategy dominated environment. The upgrade of these two sites to two-hour duration enables these projects to capitalise on that trading opportunity.” For more from Gresham House Energy Storage, click here.

Philip Payne launches wooden emergency exit sign

A new sustainable, British-made range of wooden emergency exit signs, designed for premium architectural builds without compromising on safety or functionality, has been launched by Philip Payne, a provider of bespoke emergency lighting products. The product, named ARDEN, is crafted from European joinery-grade oak sourced from responsibly managed forests. It has a low embodied carbon score of 29.87kg CO₂e (DALI surface mounted version), which is 30% less than many non-wooden exit signs. Nick Revell, Managing Director at Philip Payne, explains, “ARDEN is our response to market requirements for a more sustainable exit sign that prioritises aesthetic impact without sacrificing quality or reliability. By using locally sourced oak throughout the design stage, we have created a product that enhances the overall ambience of any space, while delivering superior reliability and impressive circularity at end-of-life. We think it richly deserves its headline of ‘Outstanding, Naturally’! Glow-wire tested to 850°C, ARDEN meets stringent fire resistance standards, providing peace of mind in day-to-day use. It features an advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with a superior design life, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and waste compared to traditional battery systems. At the end of its lifecycle, the oak body is fully recyclable, further contributing to a circular economy. Available in a choice of finishes, including natural oak clear lacquered and two additional options, and in surface and recessed mounting variants, ARDEN allows architects and designers to create a cohesive aesthetic vision while embracing the principles of sustainability and functionality. Its high-transmission acrylic legend panel boasts up to 90% recycled content, and its long-lasting, British-made LED module, with a rated lifespan of 100,000 hours, ensures consistent and reliable illumination. The product’s emergency module has DALI 2 certification, enabling seamless integration with building management systems for efficient monitoring and control. A version compatible with Philip Payne’s wireless test and monitoring system – SpectoXT – is also offered. Nick adds, “We’ve worked hard to create a wooden emergency exit sign, which exceeds all safety standards, while integrating into any premium aesthetic building design, with a highly sustainable profile. The name ARDEN pays homage to the ancient territory which covered most of the UK’s Midlands, including where Philip Payne’s headquarters are now located. ARDEN represents our commitment to locally sourced materials in the quest for greater sustainability.”

THORNeco expands its range of lighting products

THORNeco has announced the expansion of its Zoe range with the introduction of a Prismatic diffuser version, alongside the launch of two new products, Sylvie and Maya. The company says that the additions continue the brand's tradition of providing versatile, high-quality, and easy-to-install lighting solutions for a variety of applications. The enhanced Zoe downlight range now features a prismatic diffuser variant, significantly reducing perceived glare for a more comfortable lighting experience. Zoe's sleek 27mm profile ensures it fits seamlessly into most ceiling types. With the VARIO feature, contractors can easily adjust the colour temperature on-site, while the FLEX feature allows for preferred lumen output selection, adapting to specific project requirements effortlessly. The 200mm version has a DALI driver for complete dimmability and precise lighting control. Quick, tool-free installation is possible with an integrated connector and four-pole push terminal, suitable for wires up to 2.5mm². Plus, it can be converted to an emergency version on-site with the JUST Emergency PLUG&PLAY kit, ensuring safety and compliance. The Sylvie downlight, meanwhile, is designed for superior safety and flexibility. With fire-rated protection (90/60/30 minutes), a VARIO feature for on-site colour temperature adjustment and a compact 64mm height, Sylvie fits various ceiling types. The integrated housing design with an IP65 rating ensures robust protection, while the quick push-in connection simplifies installation, saving contractors valuable time. Sylvie is compatible with phase-cut dimmer switches and can be covered with insulation material, making it suitable for diverse environments. Available with a white trim or an optional brushed nickel trim to cater to different aesthetic preferences. Maya is ideal for office lighting settings, replacing traditional 4 x 14W T5 or 4 x 18W T8 fluorescent lamps. With a UGR of less than 19, Maya offers gentle, glare-free lighting, which is suitable for productive workspaces. Easy to install, thanks to the four-pole piano-key connector, Maya offers flexibility with a surface-mounted option via a separate kit and compatibility with the PLUG&PLAY Emergency kit. The new Maya lighting is designed for longevity with a lifetime of L70 50,000 hours and backed by a three-year guarantee. For more from THORNeco, click here.

Martindale enhances its safe isolation kit range

With the rise of renewable energy related applications like electric vehicle infrastructure, solar and other green energy sources, more electrical contractors and engineers than ever are faced with troubleshooting and working with DC systems. To meet this increased demand, Martindale Electric has announced an upgrade to its safe isolation and voltage tester kits by introducing the ‘SRD’ range of proving units with a stepped voltage output matched to two-pole tester thresholds plus the ability to deliver either AC or DC with a simple push button. Safe isolation procedures require voltage indicators to be proved against a known source both before and after use. As one of the UK market leaders in safe isolation, Martindale Electric supplies a range of both voltage indicators and voltage testers in comprehensive kits which include a compatible proving unit. Currently the higher end 690V Martindale safe isolation and voltage tester kits contain the standard PD690S AC proving unit. From July, new kits will include the new PD690SRD proving unit replacing the PD690S. The PD690SRD retains all the capabilities of its predecessor, while adding stepped output and DC capability, ensuring electricians and engineers can both confidently perform standard safe isolation procedures and also verify correct DC voltage operation of their test equipment during installations. The upgraded kits include models VIPD150-S, VIPDLOK150-S, VIPDLOKPRO150-S, VT12PD-S, VT25PD-S, and VT28PD-S. These enhanced kits will have the same manufacturer list price as the previous items. These enhancements make Martindale's kits more versatile and also cover many of the evolving needs of the electrical and renewable energy sectors. For more from Martindale, click here.

Signify and F1 Team launch new partnership

Signify has announced a new partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Connected by their shared passion for technological innovation and sustainability, the partnership will drive forward the team's vision of becoming one of the world’s most sustainable professional sports teams. Eric Rondolat, CEO, Signify says, “We are excited to have the opportunity to support the winning objective of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1, providing human-centric lighting innovations that can enhance the team’s performance. We are honoured to associate our brands with one of the strongest in the world and to deliver unforgettable racing experiences for fans at the track, as well as watching and gaming at home. With many collaborations already begun, I am eager to see this partnership grow.” To win in Formula One, every member of the team must perform to their full potential at every moment. Signify’s lighting innovations will augment the team’s efforts to create optimal conditions for drivers, engineers and team members, helping them see, feel, and perform at their best. NatureConnect, EyeComfort and other technologies will bring the power of daylight indoors to aid concentration with light that is comfortable for the eyes and, support the body’s natural rhythm and ability to adjust to a challenging global schedule. Signify and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 are committed to responsible innovation, founded on a shared belief that performance should not come at any cost and that sustainability does not compromise on performance. As both teams continue to drive the transformation of their industries, responsible innovation elevates performance and leads to sustainable outcomes. With the new partnership, Signify has committed to share knowledge and expertise to support Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in developing its Climate Transition Plan. For more from Signify, click here.