Ideal Heating ramps up focus on heat pumps

Ideal Heating is accelerating its diversification into the heat pumps market, building on its deep understanding and experience of heating millions of British homes and businesses for more than 100 years. The company is at the forefront of the decarbonisation of heating, working with the Government, industry bodies, installers and customers to support the drive to net zero while playing a key role in the transition to heat pumps as a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers. In 2025, Ideal is ramping up its focus on heat pumps, including the launch of a new proposition - named “Setting a new standard for heat pumps” - which is based on Ideal’s heat pump product warranty, coupled with a service offering that stretches from pre to post installation and support. Ideal Heating's “Setting a new standard for heat pumps” will offer: • Transparent, full parts and labour warranty, with no hidden surprises. • Free in-person support from Ideal's expert heat pump team for installers fitting their first heat pump. • Dedicated heat pump support service and interactive live technical help. • A first-time fix success rate of over 90%. • UK-wide team of heat pump engineers, equipped with spare parts. • Heat pumps designed and built specifically for the UK. Ideal is also investing in large-scale heat pump production, and will open a research and development facility for heat pumps and other renewable heating solutions later this year. The company is also training thousands of installers to become low-carbon heating engineers. Mark Derbyshire, Ideal Heating’s Managing Director (Domestic), comments, “As the market leader in our industry, we recognise the crucial role we play in the decarbonisation of heating, which is essential to the UK’s drive to net zero. “It means we have to look beyond the product and how we support our customers at every touchpoint in the journey. It’s why we’re making significant investments right across our business as we transition from manufacturing and supplying gas boilers to low-carbon heating solutions. “Heat pump installation rates are growing rapidly and we’re committed to leading the way in this field, while setting a new standard for the wraparound package of product, warranty, service and support for heat pumps in the UK. “We want customers to know that, when they choose Ideal, they’re not just buying a product – they’re entering into a partnership with a trusted brand in the heating space. Whether you’re an installer, a new-build housing developer or a social housing provider, our message is simple: we’re with you every step of the way.” Companies focused on heat pump installations have testified to the strength of Ideal’s proposition. Andrew Folan, Managing Director of Heat Pump Installers UK, which has fitted hundreds of heat pumps over the past eight years, adds, “We’ve been impressed with how easy Ideal’s heat pumps are to install and set up. The heat pump controls are easy for the customer to use. Nothing is overly complicated and the efficiency you get from the product is great. “For me, it’s the complete package of product, service and support you get with Ideal that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. Having dealt with different manufacturers over the years, nothing else comes close to what Ideal offers.” Murray Shanley, Director of Finesse Plumbing and Heating, which installs heat pumps in both domestic and commercial buildings, remarks, “Ideal’s heat pumps are by far the easiest to install. Ideal’s Logic Air heat pump is as close as you’ll get to installing a combi boiler. Plus, the manual for Logic Air follows the same format as Ideal’s boiler manuals, unlike other heat pump guides, which can be confusing. “Our customers benefit enormously from our partnership with Ideal. They get high-quality products designed specifically for the UK’s unpredictable weather, along with the reassurance of a transparent, full parts and labour warranty.” Ideal has been awarded significant Government funding to support an investment totalling just over £12m to establish large-scale heat pump production in the UK, while also investing £19m in a UK Technology Centre, largely focused on research and development of heat pumps, which is due to open this year at the company’s headquarters site in Hull. Ideal’s Expert Academy training arm also offers the industry’s most extensive facilities and provision to equip boiler installers with the skills and qualifications to install, service and maintain heat pumps. For more from Ideal Heating, click here.

Landmark amendment to Payment Practices approved

Following consistent advocacy by ECA, the amendment to Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations has been approved, representing a long-awaited win for ECA Members and the wider construction industry. This amendment will enhance transparency in retention procedures with qualifying businesses obligated to publicly disclose details on their payment practices. From 1 March 2025, when the changes come into effect, large businesses will be required to report the following metrics: The percentage ratio of the amount of retention that is withheld from the company by its clients, which the company holds back from its suppliers. The percentage ratio of the amount of retention that the company withheld from the total value of payments made to suppliers as a proportion of the amount paid to suppliers during the reporting period. This reform, which ECA believes is overdue, addresses a critical issue in the construction sector: late payments, which disproportionately affect small businesses with limited financial reserves. These metrics will directly benefit small and medium enterprises by providing better information about a company’s retention payment practices. This increased transparency is expected to incentivise large businesses to adopt fairer payment practices. Rob Driscoll, ECA Director of Legal and Business, says, “Both the Commons and the Lords approved another significant milestone in the fight for fairer payment on behalf of ECA Members. At first, making large firms to report on their retentions may not seem much, but it will expose the size and nature of the problem of retentions abuse, allowing use to pave the way for an industry and Government agreed solution. “We’ve been working towards these steps for a long time, which includes liaising with ECA’s equivalent in Australia and New Zealand for inspiration to motivate reform in the UK.” ECA’s Business Policy & Practice team has produced guidance and templates to support Members with payment practices and offers a free Member Helpline to answer queries. For more from ECA, click here.

Rointe: Revolutionising comfort with smart heating technology

Imagine a heating system that not only keeps your home cosy but also saves energy while seamlessly adapting to your lifestyle - that’s the promise of Rointe smart heating technology, a revolution in home comfort that combines cutting-edge innovation with sustainability. The power of true connectivity Did you know that most so-called ‘connected’ or ‘Wi-Fi’ heating solutions on the market aren’t genuinely connected? Unlike competitors that rely on expensive external devices to interface with your router, Rointe’s exclusive WiFi Direct system changes the game. With the Rointe Connect App, your smartphone becomes a powerful control hub, putting the comfort of your home literally in the palm of your hand. From adjusting temperatures and monitoring real-time energy consumption to locking devices remotely, the app makes managing your heating system effortless. But Rointe takes it further with Scenarios, a feature that uses your smartphone’s GPS to automate your heating based on your location. Whether you’re leaving home or just around the corner, your heating adjusts to ensure optimal comfort and efficiency - even without Wi-Fi. AI-driven comfort: Smarter, greener, better Rointe’s AI Heating System (AIH) employs advanced machine learning to revolutionise your heating experience. By studying your routines and preferences, the AIH System predicts your ideal comfort settings, ensuring your home feels just right at any time of day. With personalised push notifications, it offers actionable advice on reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency without compromising on warmth. Through the Rointe Connect App, this smart system evolves alongside your lifestyle, adapting to your habits and delivering comfort tailored to your needs. Whether it’s an unexpected cold snap or a routine workday, the AIH System ensures your heating operates intelligently saving you money while keeping your home warm and welcoming. Meet BELIZE: The future of intelligent heating At the heart of Rointe’s innovation is the BELIZE digital radiator, a marvel of efficiency and design. Powered by Wi-Fi Direct technology, BELIZE integrates effortlessly with the Rointe Connect App, enabling intuitive control and precision heating. Its Thermal Fluid Technology ensures even heat distribution, while Fuzzy Logic Energy Control delivers up to 62% energy savings. Beyond performance, BELIZE is a testament to eco-conscious design. Crafted from 100% recycled aluminium, it’s both environmentally friendly and easy to install. Features like open window detection and AI-driven optimisation further enhance its appeal, making it the perfect choice for sustainable and intelligent heating. Take control of your comfort today Rointe’s intelligent heating systems redefine what it means to be cosy, efficient and connected. From the revolutionary AIH System to the versatile BELIZE digital radiator, Rointe offers a future-ready solution for smart comfort. Why settle for less when your home can be a haven of warmth and energy efficiency? Discover the Rointe difference today and take the first step toward a smarter, cosier future. Your comfort starts here.

Expert products and people all in one place

With 3,500+ experts, 44,000 products and over 400 branches across the UK and Ireland, CEF is the electrical expert here to help you. Everything you need, when you need it With over 44,000 products available, CEF has everything you need and more. From cabling and power tools to renewables and test equipment, the company’s breadth of products and accessories is vast and constantly growing. When you need your order fast, the Next-Day Delivery and Click & Collect options make sure you have what you need in no time. It’s about more than just products While you can always have confidence you’ll find what you’re looking for, CEF is not just a distributor. It is home to over 3,500 skilled CEF experts who not only have hands-on experience with CEF’s products but also understands the industry inside out. They’re here for you, ready to give electrical expert advice on anything from renewable energy systems to test equipment guidance, or simply finding the right tool for the job. Feel free to ask CEF’s experts questions, get their advice on a tricky job, or explain the qualities of two similar products — they’ll be more than happy to help. Expertise where you need it You'll also find expertise in the company’s quarterly CEF Catalogue as well as the CEF App, both making on-the-move product checks easy. While branches will always pick up the phone, the CEF website acts as the hub for searching, ordering and discovering the latest deals too. Whether you’re stocking up your toolkit or seeking guidance, CEF is your go-to partner for electric expertise.  Fill your basket and boost your knowledge with CEF today.  Branch | App | Catalogue | cef.co.uk

Product of the Month: New Proteus consumer unit range

Introducing the brand-new Proteus Switchgear consumer unit range – a product manufactured from innovation, collaboration and dedication to excellence. Designed and developed entirely in-house by the company’s talented, long-serving Product Designer from the Design & Marketing Team, this range was brought to life in close consultation with contractors to ensure it meets real-world needs. The new consumer unit boasts a flush door design with elegant, rounded corners, curved cover and a matt white finish to suit modern interiors. The removable door features a spring-loaded hinge, and rubber stops for a soft close, enhancing the installation and labelling of the circuits. For added security, a removable key lock blank located on the door can be easily removed and a key lock can be fitted, offering flexibility for various installations. Proteus has engineered this unit with the installer in mind, with multiple knockouts in the top, bottom and base, alongside a new cable entry plate, supplied free with every board, to protect rear-entry cables. The set of 20mm knockouts on the base provides the option to bring cables in directly behind the din rail, where there is plenty of wiring room. Inside, the numbered and coloured earth and neutral bar, complete with a built-in spirit level, ensures accuracy and ease of wiring. Plus, the ample space on the right-hand side allows for effortless routing of meter tails to the isolator. Also, the company’s patented dual screw isolator, new and exclusive to the Proteus brand, delivers enhanced safety, superior connections and increased terminal length for greater connectivity, making it a standout feature in this range. The new Proteus consumer unit is part of a comprehensive offering designed to provide enhanced safety and full compliance for future-proofed installations. Paired with Proteus’ cutting-edge circuit protection devices, this range ensures you have everything you need for superior performance.

ECN February issue out now!

The February issue of ECN is OUT NOW and packed with insights and information on the topics you care about. Read the issue here.  From the Editor Making the headlines recently is an issue that continues to affect tradespeople: tool theft. There are growing concerns surrounding theft and the push for a ban on the sale of second-hand tools. The Trades United van rally in Westminster, which at the time of writing is just days away, is set to make waves. The event aims to urge the government to take stronger action against the increasing problem of tool theft. With a call for tougher laws and better enforcement, tradespeople will unite in protest, staging a ‘go-slow’ convoy to draw attention to the issue. In 2022, On The Tools published a white paper revealing that 78% of tradespeople had fallen victim to tool theft, and 94% of those stolen tools were never recovered. Sadly, the situation hasn’t improved, with 85% of tradespeople still fearing theft daily or weekly. Despite ongoing public concern, tools crucial to trades remain excluded from vital legislation like the Equipment Theft Prevention Act 2023. On The Tools is also championing public engagement by offering a pre-drafted letter to MPs, which can be downloaded from its website. In addition, recent research by Direct Line business insurance reveals that 67% of people support a ban on second-hand tool sales unless the seller can prove ownership. The resale of stolen tools through online marketplaces and car boot sales is a growing issue. Last year, 47% of tradespeople either encountered or were approached by someone trying to sell suspicious tools. Of those, 92% refused to buy and 56% reported the incident. Although last year’s rally received widespread political attention and promises of support, tangible progress remains elusive. With this latest rally, we hope the government will take meaningful steps to address the crisis and better protect tradespeople’s livelihoods. Back to the ECN February issue, this month’s features include Fire, Safety & Security, Power/Renewables/Solar, and Wiring Accessories, and in our interview I discuss driving renewables and shaping a greener future with MCS’ Ian Rippin. Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to win a product bundle worth over £200, courtesy of WISKA UK. I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month! Carly Weller Group Editor

LEW launches new lighting expertise service

LEW Electrical Distributors has announced the launch of LEW Lighting Solutions, a new full-service offering designed to provide lighting expertise for projects of all sizes and complexities. The service will guide clients from the initial concept stage through to final implementation, and LEW's dedicated team of lighting professionals will seek to make suggestions that harmoniously blend aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. LEW's designers state that lighting transcends mere illumination, and believe that it plays a crucial role in creating environments that inspire, engage, and enhance the overall atmosphere of any space. Led by Jon Pearson, LEW's specialised team is ready to manage any lighting project as part of the enhanced LEW Customer Experience. Jon comments, "We’re really excited about this launch, and the team has been eager to get started. From lighting design to implementation, we can provide tailored commercial lighting solutions for offices, car parks, hospitals, and more." Scott Berry, LEW Sales Director, adds, "This is something customers have been asking us about for a while now, and we’re thrilled to implement this service. Jon and his team bring a wealth of experience in project management, and we are confident they will exceed customer expectations." Offering over 30 years' experience, LEW has 18 branches strategically located across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, the north-east, north-west, and the Midlands. For more from LEW Electrical Distributors, click here.

Update to EAS Qualifications Guide: New standards and categories

To support the release of the latest Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (October 2024), The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has worked with the EAS Management Committee to update the EAS Qualifications Guide. The guide reflects the changes made in the EAS to drive up standards and focus on competence and identifies the acceptable qualifications for each EAS work category. Following the addition of new work categories to cover electric vehicle charging equipment, solar photovoltaic and electrical energy storage system installations, the Qualifications Guide now lists the available qualifications that fall under these categories.  Some of these qualifications have also achieved the ‘Electrician Plus’ kitemark and these are listed on the TESP website as being industry approved in terms of suitable entry requirements, content and assessment, helping to ensure that installations are carried out competently and are safe, high-quality and effective. The TESP website will also host any new qualifications that are approved in the meantime, before the next edition of the EAS and Qualifications Guide is published.  The Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings qualification issued by LCL Awards will no longer be acceptable for new applicants to a Certification or Registration Body from 1 January 2026.  Anyone who gains this qualification before January 2026 will be eligible to apply via the EAS Route 4 Older Qualifications. However, TESP is urging any new learners to carefully consider whether they can complete this qualification in time and, if it becomes a rush to try to register on the qualification, they be unfairly disadvantaged as there will be no EAS extension if it is not completed before the 1 January deadline. Other updates made to the EAS Qualifications Guide include updated guidance around insufficient qualifications and qualifications obtained outside the UK. The Qualifications Guide is available on the Electrical Careers website so employers, learners and training providers can access it and receive guidance where required.

Surge protection: A gap in your knowledge is a good thing

DEHN UK’s Robin Earl undertakes a comparison of type 1 surge protection devices and looks at the implications thereof. Not all surge protection devices are created equal – some are more equal than others! The whole purpose of fitting surge protection devices (SPDs) in an electrical installation is to limit the voltage that the sensitive equipment could see, to a level that will not damage the installed equipment. The SPD has a declared voltage protection level (Up) and this value must be below the withstand voltage (Uw) of the installed equipment or appliance. If Up is higher than Uw then damage can still occur, so the SPD needs to be changed or located closer to the end load as there is an additional inductive voltage that appears over cable lengths of 10m or more. 10m rule Referencing BS7671, in regulation 534.4.4.2, we find the 10m rule and this describes the effect of the surge device output voltage Up doubling over this distance, hence the requirements for additional SPDs to ‘knock’ the surge voltage down again to below the withstand level. This then brings up an interesting point about the energy coordination between the SPD and the end load, as it is not just about the voltage let through. There are two types of type 1 SPD, defined by the components within the device. There is the metal oxide varistor (MOV) and there is the spark gap. Let’s have a look at the make-up of each and how they function. First, MOVs are semiconductor devices made of zinc oxide with a ceramic-like structure. When the voltage across an MOV exceeds its rated threshold (clamping voltage), it starts conducting current, effectively diverting the surge current away from sensitive equipment and to the ground. They have a nonlinear voltage-current characteristic, meaning their resistance decreases as the voltage across them increases and are typically used in low to medium-energy surge situations, providing a quick response to transient surges. However, MOVs have limited capacity to handle large surge currents, especially when dealing with repeated or sustained surges. Over time, they may degrade due to the energy absorbed during surges, potentially requiring replacement. The alternative type 1 SPD relies on spark gap technology. These devices are simple, robust and reliable, consisting of two conductive electrodes separated by a small gap filled with a gas or air. When the voltage across the spark gap exceeds a certain threshold (sparkover voltage), the air or gas ionises, causing a spark to jump the gap and creating a low-resistance path for the surge current. Typically, spark gaps provide very fast response times and are capable of handling extremely high surge currents, including those generated by direct lightning strikes. Unlike MOVs, spark gaps have a wave breaking characteristic, meaning their resistance collapses as the voltage across them increases, and they present as a short circuit. Spark gaps are commonly used in high-energy surge situations where the surges are too large for MOVs to handle effectively. This is important as all equipment worth protecting already has an MOV inside as its inherent over voltage control measures. This appears in the standard BS EN 61000-4-5 to determine the voltage that equipment will withstand. As previously explained, all MOVs work in much the same way; they just get bigger to deal with higher energy and current values. The power supply for the screen on your PC has MOVs within it; they smooth over the peak of the surges that appear in the mains supply. All about coordination However, what is very difficult to predict is what happens when you install a MOV-based type 1 SPD with the small MOVs in the power supply. This becomes a coordination of energy issue, and this impacts all SPD installations. In BS7671 we find the following text in 534.4.4.5: ‘SPDs shall be selected and erected such as to provide coordination in operation by reference to the manufacturer’s data’. In, for example, the DEHNshield datasheet, a spark gap-based type 1 SPD in the 941 series family of products, we can see that the SPD offers type 1, type 2 and type 3 energy coordination up to 10m away. So, we could wire the display screen or any other end equipment into the SPD directly and be confident that the output of the DEHNshield will not be so high as to damage that equipment. Essentially, we have energy coordination. So, we declare this information and we also have type 1 SPDs for specific applications like EV charging points – the Emob SPDs – and those SPDs again have energy coordination to 10m but, in addition, less than half a joule of energy is let through. This is critical in those compact installations when short distances between the SPD and the equipment brings energy coordination issues. So, what of the type 1 MOV SPDs? Looking at the datasheets, we do not see either an energy coordination distance or a value of what energy is let through to the end equipment. It is not possible to determine a figure when coordinating the MOV of the SPD to the MOV in the end load. The smoothing action of the MOV does not limit the energy low enough to ensure protection within close cable distances in EV charging points, for example, or in switchgear that has measuring and metering equipment or monitoring devices. Graphic illustration In Fig 1 we see a blue line for the surge current entering the system going to the end equipment. The green line on the left-hand side shows the current through the type 1 MOV SPD, which has taken out the worst of the surge. The red line is the current that does get to the end load. Clearly this can be too much, and the end load can be damaged, especially if the cable distance is within that 10m as there is no energy coordination. Now to the spark gap type 1 SPD on the right-hand side. Again, we see the blue line showing the same surge current into the system and the green line is the current through the SPD; the difference is the red line that shows the current to the end load. This is a far lower current; in fact, so low that even equipment connected to the SPD directly will not see enough energy to damage it. The difference is that the spark gap acts like a binary switch – it is normally open circuit and then, in surge events, it’s a short for the surge current to earth. That small blip in the red line is the dwell time for the SPD turning on and that’s it. It is for this reason that DEHN does not produce MOV-based type 1 SPDs due to the inability to state that energy coordination is possible at all distances and that the number of joules that can be transmitted to the end loads could be way too high. Just to remove any doubt or perceived bias, the commentary above and the graphs are based on actual experiments conducted in a lab to compare the performance of the two types of type 1 SPDs. In both cases, the cable connections were very short and the lightning impulse value was 12.5kA. The outcomes were significantly different. In the MOV test, the varistor representing the end load was destroyed totally and in the spark gap test there was no damage at all to the varistor end load. In these tests, up to 99.4% of the impulse current is diverted to ground due to the action of the spark gap design. So, as previously mentioned, not all surge protection devices are created equal – some are more equal than others!

WISKA UK marks 25 years with Eden Project celebration

On Thursday 16 January 2025, WISKA UK marked a remarkable milestone – 25 years of delivering innovative electrical products to the UK market – with an unforgettable celebration at the world-renowned Eden Project in Cornwall. This event highlighted WISKA UK’s journey from its beginnings in January 2000 to becoming a market leader in the electrical industry. The event brought together colleagues, partners and customers in a vibrant celebration of success and collaboration. An unforgettable evening The festivities began in the Eden Project’s Mediterranean Biome, where guests were welcomed with drinks and canapés. The enchanting environment set the tone for the evening, offering a unique opportunity to explore the biome’s beauty before the main celebration. Attendees then gathered in the Gallery Room, a stunning venue overlooking the Eden Project’s breathtaking landscape. Guest enjoyed a lavish three-course meal, expertly prepared before the evening’s main highlight took the stage. The celebrated Cornish group, The Fisherman’s Friends, whose lively performance added a heartwarming touch to the evening and had guests clapping along to their sea shanties. A gathering of excellence The event was graced by notable attendees from across the WISKA family. Senior management from WISKA Germany, including the owners, the Hoppmann family (Tanja and Ronald Hoppmann) who joined the celebration, alongside representatives from WISKA subsidiaries in India, China, Iberica, Korea and Brazil. Suppliers, WISKA UK senior staff and valued customers also attended, showcasing the strong relationships that WISKA UK has built over the years. Ronald Hoppmann, WISKA Hoppamnn’s Owner praised the achievements of WISKA UK, “WISKA UK has truly embodied the spirit of our WISKA brand with their innovation, dedication and commitment to excellence. Their success over the past 25 years is nothing short of remarkable and we are proud to celebrate this milestone together.” Celebrating partnerships and people Throughout the evening, the focus remained on celebrating the people and partnerships that have defined WISKA UK’s success. Will Rich, WISKA UK’s Managing Director, took the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the company’s journey. “This evening is about honouring the relationships that have brought us here – our incredible team, loyal customers and trusted suppliers. Thank you for being part of our story”, he said. WISKA's Eden Project event was part of a week-long series of celebrations, including the WISKA International Country Head Meeting and WISKA UK Sales Meeting, all held in Newquay, Cornwall. These gatherings underscored the global and collaborative spirit that drives WISKA UK forward. Looking ahead As the night drew to a close, guests left with fond memories of a celebration that perfectly captured the essence of WISKA UK – a company rooted in innovation, excellence and the power of people. With exciting plans for the future, including a new warehouse and innovative product launches, WISKA UK is poised for even greater success in the years to come. Here’s to the next chapter of WISKA UK’s remarkable journey and to many more celebrations of success and innovation!