Ansell reveals upgrades to Aztec lighting range

Designed with durability and performance in mind, Ansell Lighting has unveiled a series of new upgrades to its popular Aztec floodlighting range. Now manufactured from marine-grade aluminium as standard, every product in the Aztec range has been designed to deliver strong corrosion resistance, and it is ideal for use in swimming pool areas, chemical plants, coastal and other adverse weather environments. In addition to upgrading its robust construction, Ansell Lighting has made several other significant upgrades to the Aztec range, which features models with both asymmetrical and symmetrical beams. The first is that energy efficiency has been vastly improved, with all products now delivering 180 lm/W, making it one of the most efficient floodlights available on the market. All Aztec floodlights are now also CCT selectable as standard, providing users with the flexibility to change colour temperature as needed. This includes the addition of a 3000K option that offers a warm white hue which is kinder to the natural environment. Photocell functionality has also been integrated into every product as a standard feature, providing efficient and automatic control based on natural, ambient light levels. Ansell Lighting has also revised the design of all Aztec products to help streamline the installation process. Supplied pre-wired, it now features loop-in loop-out terminals and a hinged, screwless front, allowing easy access to internal wiring and switches for quicker installation in all applications. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, "We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the demands of our customers. With these upgrades to the Aztec range, we are ensuring that our products not only meet the highest standards of durability but also offer unparalleled efficiency and flexibility for application in a variety of different environments." For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

Compliant emergency lighting

In this article, Chris Anderson, Technical Manager at Ansell Lighting, provides an update on recent changes to emergency lighting legislation and looks at new products that will support easier monitoring and maintenance for customers. Keeping up with evolving regulations and the latest technological advancements is critical for everyone involved in designing, installing and maintaining emergency lighting systems. These systems play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives during power outages and emergencies, and are a core element of safety regulations in public buildings. When it comes to emergency lighting, there are a number of laws and standards that govern its design, installation and maintenance in the UK. These include The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, The Health and Safety at Work Act, Building Regulations, The EU Workplace Directive and Fire Safety Regulations. The most recent changes to regulations that have been made include updates to the British Standard BS EN 50172:2004; now known as BS EN 50172:2024. According to BS EN 50172:2024, which applies to emergency escape lighting illumination specification and system testing, emergency lighting systems now require an additional bi-annual test of emergency luminaires on top of pre-existing monthly and annual tests. This revision is to ensure that luminaires are undamaged and that their intended function is not impaired due to the presence of dirt, dust or visible material degradation. With this added testing obligation in mind, now, more than ever, contractors should be focused on specifying products which have automated, self-test functionality, to ease the time burden this additional requirement will have on building operators and facilities managers. As a manufacturer, Ansell Lighting often hears from such groups that ongoing maintenance and compliance checks take up a significant amount of their time, so implementing self-test systems can greatly streamline these processes, reducing labour intensity, any margin for human error, and adding value to the client’s maintenance and operational efficiency. Easy to install and operate, products with intelligent self-test lighting features make the testing process much quicker and easier for users. These products perform tests automatically on a selected date each month and year as required and in compliance with legal regulations. They feature a small LED button on each fitting which indicates regular function or signals a fault, leading to a quicker and more cost-effective testing and maintenance process. Emergency exit signs, emergency exit boxes, emergency downlights, emergency twin spots and emergency bulkheads are all available with this innovative technology. Taking this intelligent testing one step further, light monitoring dashboards are a brand new technology which further ease the process of emergency lighting testing and monitoring. Suitable for use alongside smart lighting systems, they monitor all emergency lighting assets in real time, providing instant alerts if any component fails. This constant vigilance ensures that building occupants are protected, and safety standards are consistently met, whether in a single office or across an entire portfolio of buildings. They also provide a convenient hub from which all lighting data and reports can be accessed and stored, meaning that the status of every emergency lighting device at any time, past or present, within a building or across multiple sites can be viewed easily in one place. In another change to existing regulations, the British Standard BS EN 1838:2013 has also been revised, recommending that Adaptive Emergency Escape Lighting Systems (AEELS) should now be used in all types of buildings. AEELS are highly intuitive, advanced lighting systems that help guide building occupants to safety. Using sensors and monitoring devices, they can detect changes in the environment, harnessing intelligent control technology to automatically modify factors such as escape route direction, the visibility of emergency signage and lighting levels on escape routes dependent on changing conditions. This adaptability makes them particularly effective in complex or high-occupancy buildings, ensuring safe evacuation under dynamic circumstances. Emergency lighting is far more than a box-ticking exercise - it’s a lifesaving measure. As regulations evolve, it is important that everyone involved in the emergency lighting process stays informed and adaptive to new technologies to ensure installations are not only compliant, but also effective. Electrical contractors play a pivotal role in ensuring all lighting systems meet compliance standards while delivering reliable, long-lasting performance. Embracing innovations and staying ahead of the curve will not only improve safety outcomes but also position contractors as trusted, forward-thinking professionals in the industry.

Martindale unveils new ET6500 Multifunction Installation Tester

Martindale Electric has unveiled its new ET6500 Advanced Multifunction Installation Tester. Designed to set a new standard for electrical testing, and replacing the existing ET4500, the user-friendly ET6500 aims to meet the needs of electricians and contractors now and into the future. Everything about the ET6500 has been designed to save time and make testing easier, Martindale states. It has a high-quality colour TFT display that can present multiple results simultaneously on screen, and its context-sensitive help menus - accessible at the touch of a button - make it simple to navigate even the most complex tests. The ET6500 covers all the critical measurements needed to verify the safety of electrical installations to 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, including high-current and non-trip earth loop impedance testing and Auto RCD testing. The ET6500 is also EV ready. Supplied with the Martindale TL305EV adapter, the tester provides seamless connection to EVSE charging points (Type-2 connectors) and supports all key measurements for EV installations, including: • Voltage measurement and phase rotation • Various RCD tests and measurements • Insulation resistance • Low ohm measurements • Line and loop impedances For earth testing, the ET6500 is totally flexible, supporting both 3-wire and 4-wire tests using the optional ER2KIT/S (3-wire) and ER4KIT/S (4-wire) kits. The tester also has an onboard memory capable of storing up to 1,000 test results which can be quickly downloaded in Excel format via a free utility program available on Martindale’s website. With its advanced capabilities, durable construction and ease of use, Martindale believes that the ET6500 is set to become an essential tool for professionals looking to future-proof their testing capabilities. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

New homes target to ramp up pressure on electrical networks

The UK’s push for decarbonisation combined with Government policy in other areas such as housing will increase demand on the country’s electrical network, according to VisNet from EA Technology, a UK-based real-time low voltage asset management expert. Dave A Roberts, Managing Director of VisNet Monitoring, says, “With Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Angela Rayner, doubling down on Labour’s promise to build 1.5 million homes in the next five years with an annual of target of 370,000 new homes, it is imperative that we adapt to new technologies that will help ease the impact on the electricity of the added demand this will create. “These targets are an important step towards solving the UK’s housing shortage. However, such a rapid increase of new homes will have implications for owners and operators of the electrical network, with increased demand for new connections placing additional pressures on the grid.” The drive for house building follows a string of legislation to supports the country’s net zero obligations and facilitate the uptake of low-carbon technologies (LCTs). Dave continues, “Since June 2022, all new homes in the UK are required to have electric car charging points under Part S of the Building Regulations. Similarly, starting in 2025, gas boilers will be banned in all new build properties as part of the Future Homes Standard, which will favour the installation of more sustainable heating solutions such as heat pumps.” Initiatives for existing housing are also driving demand for new grid connections. Programmes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) offer grants to eligible homeowners to upgrade the energy performance of their properties, including the installation of appropriate renewable technologies. Dave adds, “Whether new build or retrofit, one thing is certain: the increase in homes and the growth of LCTs will mean more pressure on the owners and operators of the network. Monitoring existing networks and accurately modelling new connections will be essential to future-proof our electricity networks. “While it’s clear that the coming years present many challenges, there are numerous opportunities too, and we’re looking forward to helping our customers develop stronger, futureproofed networks as we take this next step on the journey towards net zero.”

NICEIC announces new series of The Wire

NICEIC, the certification and training body for the electrical industry, has announced the latest installment of its webinar series, The Wire. The new series kicks off on 30 January 2025, with the first episode set to look at domestic mechanical ventilation systems. The Wire webinars provide exclusive content to NICEIC-certified businesses and their employees. Covering topics ranging from technical explainers to regulatory changes and skills, the webinars enable NICEIC-certified businesses to stay ahead of the curve via coverage of the latest topics and trends, as well as delivering vital continuing professional development (CPD), a requirement of being certified by NICEIC. NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins, comments, “We're committed to sharing our expertise with NICEIC-certified businesses, to set them up for success, by ensuring they have the latest information on key topics. The Wire does just that, and with five new episodes announced in the upcoming series, we will be delivering important insights alongside Q&A sessions. “We are always looking to ensure The WIRE provides value to listeners, with topics discussed based on direct feedback from NICEIC-certified businesses. The first episode in the series on domestic mechanical ventilation systems is something we have heard there is significant demand for, so I would urge anyone who is interested to visit our website to register.” The Wire webinars feature talks from NICEIC’s technical experts, giving viewers the opportunity to pick up information and ask any questions they may have. Upcoming episodes 30 January 2025: Domestic mechanical ventilation systems: the fundamentals 6 February 2025: Managing mental health and wellbeing 13 February 2025: New opportunities: the future of electrical training 13 March 2025: EICR coding clinic: commercial and industrial installations 3 April 2025: Back to basics: automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) NICEIC-certified businesses can sign up for free at niceic.com/thewire. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Ideal Heating boosts its Expert Academy platform for installers

Ideal Heating has expanded its Expert Academy On-Demand platform, with the launch of new digital air source heat pump training courses. These new courses include comprehensive product training for both the Ideal Logic Air and HP290 air source heat pumps. Each course delivers detailed, step-by-step guidance on installation, commissioning and controls. With their modular format, installers can either complete the full training series or access specific chapters as an on-site reference guide. Complementing the product training, Expert Academy has also launched a new introductory F-Gas course. Through a series of concise videos, this course covers essential aspects of F-Gas regulations, available training pathways and qualification options, as well as key processes and tools specific to heat pump installation and maintenance. The expansion follows the recent success of Ideal’s Expert Academy training arm in its first Ofsted inspection, which highlighted its excellence in delivering comprehensive heat pump installation training and preparing installers for the growing demands of renewable heating technology. Each course has been specifically designed to provide installers with practical knowledge through bite-sized, accessible modules, completely free of charge. The three new courses launched by Expert Academy On-Demand are: An overview to F-Gas Logic Air Product Training HP290 Product Training This latest development builds upon the successful launch of the Introduction to Air Source Heat Pumps course in September 2024. The foundational course, developed in partnership with BPEC, has already helped numerous installers begin their journey into renewable heating technology through 11 comprehensive modules, covering everything from refrigerant operation to electrical considerations. The new digital courses are part of a broader collection being developed by Expert Academy, with further releases planned throughout 2025. The digital provision complements in-person courses delivered at Ideal Heating’s training centres, including its state-of-the-art facilities in Hessle, East Yorkshire and Dunstable, near Luton.

Lutron launches three new lighting products

Lutron Electronics has today announced the launch of three brand new products - a wireless lighting control system named RadioRA 3, the Vierti keypad, and Lumaris RGB. RadioRA 3 With a portfolio of controls, intelligent lighting, and automated window treatments that communicate wirelessly, RadioRA 3 delivers intuitive home control to a growing market segment. The system will enable smart home professionals to deliver personalised, scalable products that transform and simplify how clients experience their homes. The integrated control system arrives alongside the Vierti keypad, a modern control featuring a hybrid load control option, and Lumaris RGB + tunable white tape light, Lutron’s first internationally available intelligent light source. “RadioRA 3 makes this suite of state-of-the-art products easily accessible for A/V and home integration professionals looking for opportunities to bring an elevated level of craft and design to their projects,” says Javier Segovia, Vice President of Sales and Services for the UK and Europe. RadioRA 3 offers comfort, convenience, and elegant design into the home. By unifying intelligent lighting, lighting controls and window treatments into a single system, RA3 makes advanced control accessible. Users can craft custom scenes that cast each space in the right light, and then match the moment to a mood with a button press, a voice command, or pre-set schedules synced to their routine. Lutron’s Clear Connect RF wireless technology streamlines installation, whether for new builds or retrofit projects. No new cables to pull means that no construction is necessary, allowing homeowners and integrators to start small and expand. Users can begin by connecting a key space like a living room or kitchen, and then adding more rooms to the system over time. The system can be connected to the rest of a smart home to integrate control of temperature, audio, security, and lighting. With Lutron’s LEAP API, integration with leading smart home brands is responsive, reliable and secure. Backed by the cloud-powered Lutron Connect system management platform, installers can design, program, install, and support custom solutions. And with remote servicing, it’s easy to offer customer support in real-time and without extra trips to the job site or additional fees. Vierti Keypad The Vierti keypad is a striking new control designed and engineered for the European market. Inspired by materials chosen by sculptors and craftspeople for centuries, Vierti joins old-world refinement with a boldly modern design language built around a simple grid, defined corners, and a near flush-to-the-wall profile. Lutron says that Vierti brings retrofittable simplicity to an elegant form. It leverages the company's Clear Connect RF wireless technology to communicate seamlessly with the control system to adjust lighting, window treatments, and other smart home-integrated components. A unique hybrid option allows integrators to elevate wall aesthetics while using existing wiring - so it functions both as a system control and a load control. With backlit indicators and a deliberate, weighted button feel, Vierti supports an intuitive user experience. Time-tested standard engravings make room control streamlined and user-friendly, while hand-finished wall plates from Lutron’s Signature Metals series give Vierti an allure that allows it to fit as harmoniously in new constructions as century-old homes.  Vierti is available in an array of button configurations, simplifying selection and ensuring intuitive user control. It is compatible with HomeWorks and the newly launched RadioRA 3 lighting control system. See the keypad in person at the ISE Expo 2025 in Barcelona from 4-7 February. Lumaris RGB + Tunable White Tape Light Lastly, Lumaris RGB + tunable white tape light is Lutron's first internationally available intelligent light source, and is described by the company as the easiest way to add tape light to its systems. Lumaris communicates seamlessly with RadioRA 3 and HomeWorks lighting control systems via Lutron’s Clear Connect Type X wireless technology. Users can beautifully accent architectural features - from joinery and coffered ceilings to under-cabinet surfaces - without pulling a single control wire. With independently dialable colour temperature and intensity, Lumaris RGB + tunable white delivers a spectrum of saturated colour, dynamic white light (from 1800K-4000K), and dimming down to 0.1%. In addition, a range of tape extrusions can harmonise Lumaris with almost any architectural setting. A modular three-piece design simplifies setup, installation, and programming. The tape light, power supply, and a combined driver-RF controller have been engineered from the ground up to work together, saving both labour and space while dramatically reducing complexity when compared to standard DMX tape lights. Lumaris RGB+ tunable white tape will also be showcased at the upcoming ISE Expo 2025, and the product will be available to spec and ship in Q2 2025. For more from Lutron, click here.  

KNIPEX's Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers

The VDE-tested Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers from KNIPEX are designed for installation, assembly and cutting tasks – and feature long, slender tips to provide control and safety when working in tight spaces. KNIPEX says that these pliers are known as 'stork beak' due to the fact they are forged and oil-hardened, and have very long, narrow, half round jaws with a 40-degree angle at the tip to get into awkward spaces. The elastic precision tips are distortion-resistant and won’t buckle even under strong twisting forces, the maker says, making them ideal for gripping, inserting and cutting in confined spaces such as control cabinets, machines and junction boxes. The induction hardened cutting edges are shaped for a pierced cut, making them highly efficient for both soft and hard wires. The cutting-edge position near the joint improves force transmission, enabling users to get an impressive cutting performance with minimal effort across different wire types (medium-hard wire up to Ø3.2 mm, hard wire up to Ø2.2 mm). The KNIPEX Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers are finished in chrome for corrosion resistance and have insulated, multi-component grips for comfortable handling. They are VDE tested so comply with safety standards for electrical work. The pliers are also available as part of KNIPEX’s Tethered Tools range, which means they are also ideal when working at height. Whether adjusting connections in conductor terminals, stripping wires in junction boxes or handling complex control cabinet installations, KNIPEX states that the extra long tips on these pliers will deliver precision, power and reliability. For more from KNIPEX, click here.

Decarbonising heating: Work smarter, not harder

Decarbonising the heating industry in a way that is both practical and affordable, we need to focus on more than just the source of our energy. Good quality design, installation and commissioning are key to ensuring heating systems are fit for purpose, says Paul Spence, Technical Manager at Heatly, explaining how digital tools can contribute to improved efficiency, costs and comfort. As more people adopt heat pumps, traditional methods of specifying heating systems – manual calculations, rough estimates and rule of thumb methods – just don’t cut it. Manual calculations are too time-consuming and rough estimates are open to error and often lead to inefficient heating systems that cost too much to run. If we are going to get more heat pumps into homes, we need to make life easier for everyone involved, and digital tools are a big part of the solution. By standardising, simplifying and speeding-up processes like heat loss calculations and room by room surveying, digital tools can help installers to deliver quality heating systems and have confidence in their skills. They can also help break down barriers for consumers and automate heat pump operation to optimise comfort and costs. Build trust and transparency Heatly recently ran a survey with JL Creative and the results confirmed the company’s suspicions – there’s still a lot of misunderstanding about heat pumps amongst consumers. Installers said the top three myths they hear from their customers are that heat pumps only work in new builds (72%), that heat pumps are too expensive to run (64%) and that heat pumps don’t work in cold weather (62%). Digital tools can help installers to demonstrate the benefits of heat pumps to customers. Heat pump specification software and apps can give customers a clear, step-by-step journey – from the first chat about their heating needs to installation and beyond. Tools like AR and VR can be used to show homeowners exactly how the system will look in their home and what they can expect. It makes everything feel more real and builds trust. We also have technology that can help explain the long-term savings and carbon benefits in a way that’s easy to understand. Cost calculators, sliders and visual comparisons make it simple to show customers how much they’ll save over time. And if we can incorporate information about grants, finance options and trusted installers into one place, it makes the whole process far less daunting for homeowners. Improve quality and accuracy One big problem Heatly found in the survey was system sizing. Over half (54%) of installers said heat pumps are often oversized and only 35% think they’re getting it right. Oversizing costs customers more money upfront and leads to inefficient systems that don’t work as well as they should. On the other hand, undersized systems (though less common) bring their own performance problems. By standardising key processes, such as heat loss calculations, and providing greater access to manufacturers’ data tables and performance data, we can put installers on the same page and improve the accuracy of heat pump specification. For those who’ve spent hours fixing problems caused by bad calculations, this kind of accuracy is a game-changer. Enhance performance Recent research from Nesta highlights another area where digital tools can make a huge difference. In a randomised control trial, remote control operation of heat pumps to flex consumption around peak demand led to a 74% average reduction in heat pump electricity usage. 81% of participants reported being very satisfied or satisfied with the internal temperature of their home, suggesting that smart, remote-control operation of heat pumps can boost efficiency and reduce running costs while maintaining comfort levels. By using the latest advances in digital technology to automate how and when heat pumps operate, we can balance supply and demand as the grid relies more on renewable power while achieving better outcomes for end users. Working together Installing a heat pump isn’t a one-man job. It takes electricians, plumbers and other trades working together, but poor communication can cause problems and delays. A lot of installers in the Heatly survey mentioned frustration with inconsistent quality from other trades, which can mess up the whole project. Shared digital platforms could sort this out. By getting everyone on the same page with clear documentation and shared standards, projects could run smoother and faster. Better communication and coordination will save time and avoid a lot of the usual headaches. To solve the problems facing the heat pump industry, we need to work smarter, not harder. Digital tools aren’t a thing of the future, they are here now. It’s time to embrace new technologies and the benefits they bring to installers, consumers and the wider industry.

New guide for electricians on residential lighting design

Collingwood has released a residential lighting design guide to assist electricians in creating and installing improved lighting schemes for homeowners and builders in 2025. James Blackmore, Product Director at Collingwood Lighting, says, “Many people will be thinking about a makeover for the house or specific rooms and lighting is integral to creating the right mood. “Sadly, most residential lighting is one dimensional, so while it serves a function it does little to enhance the feel of a room. By making people aware of what they can do with modern LED lighting and control, you will delight them and win more added value business through referrals.” The 36 page An Electrician’s Guide to Lighting Design for the Home introduces the principles of good lighting design, a room-by-room guide, and suggestions on how to create the right atmosphere in different spaces. It covers how you should balance ambient, task and accent lighting, the affect of different correlated colour temperatures, how and when to use different beam angles and when you need to think about the colour rendering index of a fitting. James continues, “Whether it's for a whole house makeover or just one room, this guide enables the contractor to help their customer make an informed decision about their lighting.” You can download a free copy of the guide here.