We hear from Robus on how modular solutions can provide a major advantage when it comes to sports lighting projects.

Sports lighting is having a major upgrade. Ageing metal halide and high-intensity discharge (HID) systems are steadily being replaced with LED technology across pitches and courts of every size. But that’s only part of the story. Expectations of what modern sports lighting can achieve have grown considerably, from smart controls to the high-performance illumination needed for televised sport, to entertaining crowds with dynamic lighting scenes.

This is putting electricians to the test. Not only do you need to keep pace with these developments, but you also need a solution flexible enough to adapt to different sports, classifications, and the shift from training sessions to matchday performance. That’s why this year, ROBUS launched STADION: a modular sports lighting solution designed to perform not just for the crowd, but for the installer.

From grassroots to national pitches

For years, achieving scale in sports lighting meant working across several product lines to cover different sizes of project. That meant juggling multiple SKUs, stock inefficiencies, and complicated systems. STADION takes a different approach.

Rather than specifying different luminaires for different applications, electricians can now build the exact output they need using stackable 600W modules. One modular range, three power options, and a contractor-led design built to adapt on-site.

Stackable power, scalable output

STADION is made up of individual light modules, each rated at 600W (84,000Lm). These modules can be stacked together to reach 1200W (168,000Lm) or 1800W (252,000Lm), all at 5700K colour temperature. That means you can easily scale from a grassroots court to a mid-tier club pitch and then to a national ground with the STADION range.

Precision aiming and adjustable brackets

Words you never want to hear from the pitch: “The light was in my eyes!” It only takes a couple of badly aimed luminaires to turn a great game into a frustrating experience. STADION is designed to minimise glare from the outset. Combined with the precision aiming device and adjustable brackets, offering ±90° on the main bracket and a further ±30° per module, electricians can achieve the accurate positioning needed to maximise illumination and minimise glare.

Mix and match optics with asymmetric lenses

Bright spots and dark patches can show up quickly across a pitch, even when the average lux reading looks fine on paper. STADION’s mix and match asymmetric lenses (narrow, medium, and wide) mean each light source can be fine-tuned to deliver consistent coverage exactly where it’s needed, maintaining uniform illumination across the entire playing surface.

Narrow and wide are assembled to order by ROBUS’s Customised Conversions Department, while medium is available as a stock item.

The next question is what that light needs to do, and the answer changes by the hour. As Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) grow in popularity, the same facility might host five-a-side football one evening and netball training the next, each with its own lighting requirements.

Energy efficiency is another important consideration. A training session doesn’t call for the same output as a live match, and running full power for both wastes energy.

Adaptable controls have moved from a nice-to-have to a necessity. STADION brings this flexibility together in one fixture, with 0-10V dimming, DALI, and DMX options.

0-10V covers reliable dimming for everyday use.

DALI brings intelligent, energy-saving management, useful where a client wants lighting levels to adjust automatically depending on use.

DMX is where things get interesting. It’s the same protocol used for concert and event lighting, and it turns STADION into a genuine entertainment tool. Think synchronised lighting scenes for player entrances, presentations, or special events.

Built to handle the elements

Add anti-corrosion die-cast aluminium, a 720-hour salt spray test, and a dual-layer tempered glass and PC lens protection, and the result is a fixture built to handle exposed, high-use sites without constant intervention. Wide airflow gaps between the cooling fins help dissipate heat efficiently, supporting long-term performance. The low-copper-content housing also acts as an effective heat sink while providing enhanced corrosion resistance.

And with up to 145Lm/W efficacy and an IP66/IK08 rating as standard, scalability doesn’t come at the cost of performance or durability.

For projects with particular site or specification requirements, STADION is also available with a Marine Grade option for coastal or high-corrosion locations, a 4000K colour temperature option where 5700K isn’t the right fit, and a 3000K option for warmer lighting schemes.

Complete solution

The demands of modern sports lighting can be complex, from meeting strict standards and balancing energy costs, to managing maintenance and environmental impact. Solutions such as ROBUS STADION offer a complete solution, from initial lighting design to aftercare support.

For further details, click here

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Get yourself set for autumn with Knightsbridge and the chance to win a fantastic prize bundle, which includes a £250 Amazon gift card, a box of 10 SpektroLED EVO downlights and a five-pack of the company’s BT EVO bulkheads.

The SpektroLED EVO downlight combines flexibility with easy installation, offering selectable wattages, colour temperatures and interchangeable bezel finishes. Available in fixed, tilt and smart versions, it can be set to either 5W, delivering up to 465 lumens, or 7W, delivering up to 795 lumens, using a switch on the lamp body. Four CCT options are available, selected via a sliding switch, while the LED has a 60° beam angle. The tilt version can be adjusted through 90° and magnetic bezels in six finishes provide further scope for customisation.

With a dimmable lifespan of 50,000 hours, the downlights are fire-rated for installation in solid timber, web joist and I-joist applications for up to 90 minutes, depending on the material. They are also IC-rated to maintain the efficiency of mineral wool insulation in the ceiling void. An IP65 rating from below makes EVO suitable for bathrooms and wet rooms.

The robust and straightforward-to-install BT EVO is a versatile bulkhead designed to suit a wide range of applications. Three wattage choices – 9W, 14W and 18W – can be combined with CCT options from 3000K to 5700K. Additional versions include emergency, microwave sensor, corridor function, emergency corridor function and emergency daylight sensor options. Bezels are available in standard round or eyelid styles, with matt black, chrome and grey finishes.

Established in 1998, Knightsbridge is a leading name in the UK electrical sector, supplying a comprehensive range of quality wiring accessories together with interior, exterior and commercial lighting products.

For more information please visit: https://www.mlaccessories.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning this prize bundle, simply choose the correct answer from the options below:

Q. What is the dimmable lifespan of a Knightsbridge SpektroLED EVO downlight?

A) 30,000 hours

B) 40,000 hours

C) 50,000 hours

Simply fill out the form below and tell us your answer for the chance to WIN!

Deadline for entries 30/09/26

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In this month’s Face to Face we speak with Stuart Davey, UK Sales Manager at IMO Precision Controls, and find out more about the company and how it operates.

Q. When was IMO founded and how has its product offering evolved over the years?

A. IMO Precision Controls was founded in 1972 in Staples Corner, North London and has since grown into a global manufacturer and supplier of industrial control, automation and electronic components. Originally established with a focus on high quality relays and industrial control products and quickly developed a reputation for innovation, reliability and strong technical support.

Over the years, IMO’s product offering has evolved significantly in line with changing industrial and energy market demands. From its early success with control relays and switchgear, the company expanded into motor control and automation technologies, including AC variable speed drives, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HMIs, power supplies, circuit protection and industrial automation components. IMO has also been recognised for introducing innovative products such as the first compact AC inverter for motor speed control.

More recently, IMO has strengthened its position within the renewable energy and electrical infrastructure sectors, developing specialist ranges including solar PV DC isolators, surge protection devices, EV charging components and safety products for the fast-growing clean energy market. Today, the business supplies customers globally across industrial automation, panel building, OEM manufacturing, energy management and solar applications, while continuing to engineer products focused on quality, reliability and ease of installation.

Q. What are IMO’s core product ranges?

A. Today, IMO’s core product ranges include:

• Industrial Control & Automation – including PLCs, HMIs, variable speed drives, power supplies, timers, relays and interface modules designed to improve machine performance and efficiency.
• Circuit Protection & Switching – featuring MCBs, MCCBs, contactors, switch disconnectors, motor protection products and control panel components used across industrial and commercial installations.
• Rotary Isolators – IMO’s well-established AC rotary isolator range, including the popular STAG series, widely used in industrial and HVAC applications for safe isolation and switching.
• Solar PV Components – where IMO has become a recognised market leader, particularly with its True DC Isolator range, alongside string combiner boxes & surge protection devices.
• Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) – designed to protect electrical installations and sensitive equipment from transient overvoltage events across industrial, commercial and renewable energy applications.
• Enclosures & Panel Solutions – offering DIN rail enclosures, junction boxes and custom control panel accessories to support panel builders and OEMs.
• Connection & Interface Technology – including terminals, connectors, cable management and interface solutions for streamlined electrical installation and control system integration.

At IMO, we continue to evolve its portfolio in line with industry trends, with a strong focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart automation and electrical safety technologies.

Q. What industries are IMO products and solutions commonly found in?

A. Our products and solutions are found across an exceptionally diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, renewables, HVAC+R, packaging, material handling, panel builders and pharmaceuticals to name a few.

At its core, IMO has a strong heritage within the industrial manufacturing and automation sector, supplying products that are the backbone of factories, production facilities and machinery applications globally. Our components are essential in OEM machinery, conveyor systems, packaging equipment, process control systems, water treatment plants and industrial automation environments where dependable performance is critical.

Alongside its industrial expertise, IMO has become a major force within the renewable energy market, particularly in solar PV. We have established a leading position in the DC Isolator market, with the TRUE DC Isolator range, earning an outstanding reputation for quality, safety and reliability, backed by independent industry bodies.

The key differentiator for IMO within the solar sector is its exceptional reliability record, with zero reported electrical failures across the 10 million installed units. This gives enormous confidence amongst solar manufacturers, installers, EPC contractors and wholesalers.

Beyond the products themselves, customers often choose IMO for the support and partnership that comes with them. We work closely with OEMs, panel builders, installers, distributors and end users to understand application requirements, provide technical guidance and help solve challenges throughout a project lifecycle. This collaborative approach, combined with responsive customer service and technical expertise, has helped IMO build long-term relationships across the industries we serve.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about the Stag range and its place in the current IMO product lineup? 

A. The Stag range is the contractor’s choice, developed specifically with the wholesale market in mind. It complements the wider IMO portfolio by offering reliable, installer-friendly products that are in high demand, and readily available through electrical wholesalers. Its flagship Stag AC Isolator range has become a trusted and recognisable product for contractors, panel builders and installers nationwide.

Today, the Stag range covers a broad selection of everyday electrical products including AC isolators, cable glands, changeover switches, timers, waterproof connectors, enclosures, gel boxes and screwless connectors. The range has been developed to provide dependable, high quality solutions for industrial, commercial and renewable energy applications.

Within the IMO lineup, Stag works alongside our market leading TRUE DC Isolator range to provide customers with a complete AC and DC isolation offering from a single trusted manufacturer. Stags’ strong reputation for quality, availability and ease of installation makes Stag a popular choice throughout the UK electrical industry.

Q. How has the increased demand for DC Isolators shaped recent product development at IMO?

A. One of the biggest areas of focus has been safety and performance under load. Unlike AC switching, DC switching presents unique technical challenges due to the continuous nature of DC current. Our team has therefore concentrated on developing a “True DC Isolator” designed for these applications ensuring safe operation in high voltage photovoltaic environments certified to: UL508i and AS60947.3:2023 – the toughest global standards.

The market’s expectations for reliability have also increased significantly. Solar installations are expected to operate for decades in harsh outdoor conditions, so product longevity has become critical. This has influenced material selection, enclosure design, UV resistance, ingress protection ratings, and thermal performance across our DC isolator range.

This demand has helped position us as the UK’s leading manufacturer of True DC Isolators. Achieving our zero reported electrical failures has been a major milestone and is the reason we have over 10 million installed units globally.

The growth in renewables has also accelerated product diversification. We now offer a broader range of enclosure options, switch configurations, and accessories to support everything from residential rooftop solar to large-scale commercial and industrial PV systems.

Ultimately, the increasing demand for True DC isolators has not only driven higher volumes within the market but has also raised the benchmark for product quality, innovation, and safety standards, something that continues to shape our development strategy.

Q. What are IMO’s long-term aims and objectives in the UK market?

A. IMO’s long-term aims and objectives in the UK market are centred around continued product innovation, growth and strengthening our partnerships that have helped drive the business forward over recent years.

IMO has more than doubled its UK business in recent years, and a key objective moving forward is to build on this momentum by working even closer with customers across the industrial manufacturing, automation, electrical wholesale, and renewable energy sectors.

A major focus for IMO remains in the renewable energy market, particularly the solar PV, where we have an established product and strong momentum with existing partnerships. Alongside this, we continue to support the industrial manufacturing and automation sectors with products widely used in machine building, process control, and factory automation applications.

One of IMO’s greatest strengths is our ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands, allowing us to rapidly target new and emerging sectors while continuing to deliver the high levels of quality, technical support, and customer service that customers have come to expect from IMO. In a market where many competitors are increasingly distancing themselves from customers on a personal level, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships and providing a responsive, customer-focused approach backed by technical expertise and account support.

We believe that products alone don’t build successful businesses, by staying close to our customers, responding to changing market needs and continuing to deliver the levels of service and support that have helped define IMO for more than 50 years.

To find out more about IMO Precision Controls, click here

Catch up on previous ‘Face to Face’ articles here

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Image credit: Avinu

As buildings become more connected, energy-conscious and technology-driven, the expectations placed on building control systems are increasing rapidly. Developers, consultants, systems integrators and building owners are all under pressure to deliver infrastructure that is efficient, adaptable, compliant and capable of evolving over time.

One of the technologies increasingly at the centre of this discussion is the global KNX standard for smart building control.

Unlike proprietary systems tied to a single manufacturer, KNX is an open protocol used worldwide for the control and automation of lighting, HVAC, shading, energy management, security, metering and numerous other building functions. With thousands of compatible products from hundreds of manufacturers, KNX offers a level of flexibility and long-term value that traditional closed systems often struggle to match.

But beyond the technical benefits, KNX can also play a major role in reducing project costs, improving operational efficiency and simplifying future technology upgrades.

Reducing infrastructure and installation costs

One of the most immediate advantages of KNX is the reduction in cabling and infrastructure complexity.

Traditional building control systems often require multiple separate control networks for lighting, heating, blinds, sensors and other functions. KNX consolidates these systems onto a single intelligent control backbone. This can significantly reduce the amount of wiring, containment and hardware required across a project.

Fewer dedicated control systems also means:

• Reduced installation labour
• Less duplication of devices and sensors
• Simplified commissioning
• Lower maintenance complexity
• More efficient use of plant room and riser space

Because KNX devices communicate across a shared bus system, many functions can be achieved through software configuration rather than extensive physical rewiring. This becomes particularly valuable on larger projects where labour and infrastructure costs can escalate quickly.

For larger or more complex buildings, a KNX IP backbone seamlessly connects different areas, floors or buildings efficiently. This allows control data to be distributed across the wider building network, reducing the need for long or repeated control cable runs while supporting faster communication, easier expansion and more flexible integration with other building systems.

In retrofit environments, the benefits can be even greater. Existing infrastructure can often be upgraded in stages without replacing the entire control system, helping building owners spread investment costs over time while minimising disruption to occupants. KNX RF is already well established in areas where cabling is difficult, more recently KNX IOT connections provide almost limitless possibilities within the KNX secure framework.

Avoiding vendor lock-in

One of the biggest hidden costs in building controls is vendor lock-in. Many proprietary systems rely on a single manufacturer or specialist supplier for expansion, maintenance and future upgrades. Once installed, building owners can find themselves dependent on one ecosystem, with limited flexibility and rising long-term costs.

KNX takes a fundamentally different approach.

As an internationally recognised open standard, KNX allows compatible products from multiple manufacturers to operate together within the same system. This gives consultants, integrators and building owners far greater freedom when selecting devices and future suppliers.

The practical advantages are significant:

• Competitive pricing between manufacturers
• Greater product availability
• Reduced risk of product obsolescence
• Easier phased upgrades
• More flexibility during specification changes
• Longer operational lifespan of the overall system

This interoperability also helps future-proof buildings against changing technology trends. New products and innovations can be integrated into existing KNX installations without needing to replace the entire control infrastructure.

Lower energy consumption and costs

Energy performance is now a major driver in both new-build and retrofit projects.

With increasing pressure from regulations, sustainability targets and operational cost concerns, buildings must become more intelligent in how they manage energy consumption.

KNX enables integrated control strategies that can significantly improve building efficiency, including:

• Presence-based lighting control
• Intelligent HVAC optimisation
• Automated blind and shading control
• Daylight harvesting
• Load management
• Smart scheduling
• Occupancy-based climate adjustment
• Real-time energy monitoring

When systems operate together rather than independently, buildings can respond dynamically to occupancy patterns and environmental conditions.

For example, lighting, heating and shading systems can all react simultaneously to room usage and daylight levels. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption while improving occupant comfort.

In commercial environments, this can contribute to lower operational expenditure and support compliance with sustainability frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED and increasingly stringent energy regulations.

Importantly, KNX also provides the flexibility to refine and optimise control strategies over time. Buildings are rarely used exactly as originally intended, and KNX systems can often be reconfigured without major physical alterations.

Simplifying future technology upgrades

Technology evolves rapidly, but buildings are expected to last for decades.

One of the major challenges facing developers and building owners is ensuring that today’s smart building investments do not become tomorrow’s obsolete infrastructure.

KNX helps address this problem through its long-term compatibility and scalability.

Because KNX is an open, manufacturer-independent standard, systems can evolve gradually rather than requiring wholesale replacement. New technologies can often be integrated into existing KNX environments, including:

• Energy storage systems
• Renewable energy integration
• Smart metering
• EV charging infrastructure
• IoT devices
• Building management systems (BMS)
• Voice control and user interface technologies
• Cloud-based analytics platforms

This staged upgrade approach can dramatically reduce lifecycle costs. Instead of removing and replacing complete systems every time technology advances, buildings can adopt improvements incrementally while retaining much of the original infrastructure investment.

For building owners and facilities managers, this creates a more sustainable and financially manageable upgrade pathway.

Improving coordination

Modern buildings are increasingly complex environments involving multiple specialist systems and contractors.

Poor integration between lighting, HVAC, security and energy systems can lead to inefficiencies, duplicated hardware and operational conflicts.

KNX is particularly effective because it provides a common language between different building technologies.

Rather than operating in isolated silos, systems can exchange information and respond intelligently to one another.

This integrated approach often results in better-performing buildings with fewer conflicts between systems and a more consistent user experience.

It can also simplify project coordination during design and commissioning phases, particularly when open protocols are specified from the outset.

Darryl Roberts, Managing Director of Avinu, comments: “At AVINU, we see first-hand how our clients increasingly value flexibility, longevity and true integration over the vast selection of short-term legacy and current product offerings. KNX provides a robust foundation that allows lighting, HVAC, shading, energy management and future technologies to work together as one intelligent truly integrated system. The real benefit isn’t just what KNX delivers today, but its ability to adapt and evolve with a building over many years.”

Open, interoperable buildings

The building industry is moving steadily towards open, connected and data-driven infrastructure.

Clients increasingly want systems that are flexible, scalable and capable of integrating with future technologies rather than isolated proprietary solutions.

While no single technology solves every building challenge, KNX offers a practical and proven framework for creating smarter, more adaptable buildings that can evolve over time.

As the demand for efficient and future-ready buildings continues to grow, open protocols such as KNX are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the next generation of building control systems.

*Images courtesy of Avinu

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There’s a tendency in business to focus purely on the measurable – margins, turnover, units moved. And of course, those things matter. But every now and then, it’s worth stepping back and asking a different question: what do we stand behind? Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools, shares why backing people and passion still matters.

Spend a day at a rally and it doesn’t take long to see past the noise. Between the engines, the mud and the movement, there’s a quieter rhythm underneath it all – preparation, problem-solving, people relying on instinct and experience to keep going when things don’t quite go to plan. It’s something that feels oddly familiar. For Jefferson Tools, that’s part of the reason rallying has never felt distant from the world of the trades but closely connected to it.

There’s a rawness to rallying. You can’t control everything, and when something goes wrong, you’re exposed. You’ve got to figure it out and keep moving. That’s not a million miles away from what a lot of our customers deal with every day.

More than the finish line

From the outside, rallying can look like speed and spectacle. But behind it is a discipline built on detail – long hours of preparation, constant adjustments, and an understanding that even the smallest failure can have consequences. Tools are part of that story, but they’re not the whole of it. It’s the people using them, the decisions they make under pressure, and the trust they place in what they have to hand. That trust is everything, whether you’re on a stage or on site, you don’t want to be second-guessing the basics. You want to know what you’re using will do the job.

Jefferson Tools’ involvement in rallying has grown quietly over the years, built on long-term relationships rather than one-off moments. Drivers like Frank Kelly represent something deeper than competition results. They are part of local communities, familiar faces at events, and examples of what sustained commitment looks like over time. That continuity mirrors the wholesale sector in many ways – an industry shaped by longstanding relationships, repeat customers, and trust built over time rather than overnight. 

The wider picture 

What often goes unnoticed in grassroots motorsport is everything that surrounds it: the volunteers setting up stages at first light, the small businesses that see a boost from a local event, the families who return year after year not just for the racing, but for the atmosphere.

It’s not dissimilar to the networks that keep the trade moving – a web of people, often behind the scenes, making things work. In a business landscape that increasingly leans towards immediate returns, long-term commitments can be harder to justify on paper. But not everything of value fits neatly into that model.

There’s a lot of focus now on what you can measure, but some things are about connection – recognising effort, backing people, and being part of something that means something to others.

The cars will change. The technology will move on. The commercial pressures will continue to evolve. But the essence of rallying, and the reasons people are drawn to it, are unlikely to shift in quite the same way.

It comes back to people who care about what they’re doing. That’s what you notice first, and that’s what stays with you.

For those watching from the sidelines, whether at a rally stage or on a job, it’s a reminder that some values are shared more widely than we might think.

For more on this topic, click here

Catch up on previous ‘Soapbox’ articles here

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ESP explains how an end‑to‑end fire system support sets contractors – and wholesalers – up for success.

For electrical contractors navigating the increasingly complex world of fire safety compliance, having a manufacturer that offers more than just products can make all the difference. Equally important is having a wholesaler who can connect them to the right technical support from the outset. ESP has long recognised this need, and over recent years it has built a comprehensive support framework that wholesalers can confidently offer to their customers – guiding contractors from the earliest design discussions right through to final commissioning and certification.

What sets ESP apart is not simply the breadth of its offer, but the way its services integrate into a smooth, contractor‑friendly workflow that wholesalers can rely on to enhance their own customer service. The company’s Fire System Design Service and Fire Commissioning Service have become established pillars of support for installers across the UK – and together, they form a complete package that helps contractors deliver compliant, reliable systems with confidence.

Design support  

ESP’s design service has become a go‑to resource for contractors of all sizes, from local electricians to national contracting firms – often accessed via their preferred electrical wholesaler. By directing customers to ESP’s design team, wholesalers can provide added value at the earliest stage of a project. The service provides expert guidance in selecting the right products and creating a scheme that meets both the project’s objectives and all relevant regulations.

The process begins with an initial discussion to understand the site, the risks, and the client’s requirements. From there, ESP’s design team gathers measurements, drawings and specifications. For larger or more complex projects, a site visit ensures every detail is captured accurately.

With this information in hand, ESP produces a full design proposal, complete with system drawings, device schedules and a quotation. Crucially, the process is collaborative: contractors and the ESP design team work closely together to refine the scheme until it meets every requirement.

The service also extends beyond fire detection. ESP’s design team supports CCTV, Emergency Lighting, Access Control and Disabled Refuge systems – giving wholesalers a single point of contact for multiple safety disciplines. Enquiries are welcomed from both contractors and wholesalers, with a dedicated channel available at design@espuk.com.

Commissioning  

Once installation is complete, ESP’s Fire Commissioning Service provides the final layer of assurance. Delivered by qualified commissioning engineers located throughout the UK, the service ensures that every ESP fire system is tested, configured, and certified in line with BS5839‑1.

The commissioning process includes:

• Full verification of installation quality
• Device testing and loop integrity checks
• Panel programming and cause‑and‑effect configuration
• System performance testing
• Certification issued prior to handover

For contractors, this removes uncertainty and reduces liability. For wholesalers, it provides a valuable after‑sales support option that strengthens customer relationships and reinforces trust in the ESP brand. For end users, it provides confidence that their system has been installed and commissioned to the highest standard.

Independent recognition through BAFE accreditation

ESP’s commitment to quality is further reinforced by its BAFE SP203‑1 accreditation for fire system design. This accreditation – awarded only to organisations that meet strict third‑party certification requirements – places ESP on the National BAFE Fire Safety Register.

For contractors, this means the design service they rely on is independently verified as competent, compliant and aligned with all relevant British Standards. For wholesalers, it provides a strong assurance that the support they are recommending is backed by recognised industry credentials – a powerful advantage in a sector where accountability and traceability are increasingly important.

A complete package

With its established design service, nationwide commissioning support, extensive product portfolio – including the latest two‑wire fire systems – and a team of experienced technical specialists, ESP now offers contractors a truly end‑to‑end fire systems solution.

Wholesalers benefit equally, gaining the ability to offer their customers not just products, but a complete support ecosystem that spans design, installation guidance, and commissioning. This strengthens customer loyalty, enhances the wholesaler’s technical credibility and helps ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish.

In a market where compliance, documentation and reliability are under greater scrutiny than ever, ESP’s integrated approach gives contractors – and the wholesalers who support them – exactly what they need: confidence, clarity, and a partner that adds value at every stage of the project.

Additional information is available here

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Killian’s story is one many parents will recognise. When his teenage daughter began self-harming, his world shifted overnight. He made a heart-wrenching but vital decision to separate from her mother and relocate, taking a substantial pay cut to be closer and provide consistent care.

But emotional strength alone isn’t always enough. That’s where the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) came in. Recommended by his manager, Killian reached out – and was met with empathy, practical support, and a plan tailored to his family’s needs.

The EIC quickly arranged counselling sessions for Killian, giving him a confidential space to cope with the pressure and emotional toll of parenting through a mental health crisis. His daughter was already receiving professional clinical help, but the EIC rightly recognised that supporting the caregiver was just as essential. Killian needed time, space, and emotional tools to process his experience, manage stress, and remain a stable presence for his daughter – and the Charity ensured he had that support.

These sessions became a valuable outlet, helping Killian regain a sense of control and perspective during a deeply unsettling time. By looking after Killian’s wellbeing, the EIC helped protect the long-term wellbeing of the entire family.

Beyond emotional care, the EIC offered Killian financial guidance, knowing that his reduced income could present future challenges. Although he opted not to take the budgeting meeting at that time, knowing it was available gave him reassurance and a sense of stability. He understood that if his circumstances changed again or became more difficult, help was still there – compassionate, non-judgemental, and always ready. This safety net allowed Killian to focus on what mattered most: his daughter’s recovery and his family’s future.

The EAP doesn’t just respond to emergencies – it provides structured, long-term support. Killian was paired with a caseworker who maintained contact, helping him feel connected and cared for as he navigated his daughter’s recovery and his own emotional wellbeing.

By combining financial insight, emotional support, and flexible case management, the EIC’s EAP proved to be a stabilising force in Killian’s life.

If you or someone in your organisation is struggling, don’t wait. The EAP is here for all those in the electrical and energy industries, offering confidential, compassionate help.

For further information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly – 020 3696 1710, fundraising@electricalcharity.org or click here

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Viktors Nikolajevs, UK Key Account Manager at CTEK, takes a closer look at the requirements for PEN protection in EV charging applications and dispels a few myths along the way.

As the number of electric vehicle charging points in the UK increases at pace to meet UK government Net Zero targets, so there is an increased safety risk from (thankfully rare) open Protective Earth and Neutral (PEN) faults.

Should a PEN fault occur, the entire steel body of the vehicle would become energised and when the user comes in contact with it, they will become the only path to Earth.

DNOs report approximately 400 faults per year with typically only 1% resulting in electric shocks. But as the numbers of EVs grow, their increased numbers of users are at risk of electric shock during such PEN faults.

When a PEN fault occurs, the user is still at risk of getting an electric shock, even if RCD protection is in place. RCDs will still see the imbalance between the Line and Neutral conductors and break as expected.

However, the PE conductor will be effectively live under fault conditions and not break without dedicated means of isolation.

The most effective prevention is detecting the fault when it occurs before the end-user comes in contact with an energised vehicle body.

Requirements for electrical installations 

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 outlines a requirement for PEN fault protection devices when using PME earthing under clause 722.411.4.1 for chargepoints located outdoors or that might reasonably be expected to be used to charge a vehicle located outdoors. The protection device is supposed to disconnect all live and PE conductors should a fault occur. Alternatively, the clause also permits the use of earth electrodes.

However, there is no underpinning BS product standard for PEN protection devices and the clause states that such functionality could be included within the charging equipment.

This prompted some EV charging equipment manufacturers to develop a variety of built-in solutions, mostly based around detection of Phase to Neutral voltage ranges of 207 V to 253 V.

Requirements for EV charging equipment standards 

This approach contradicts the requirements of Section 8.4 of the product standard for all EV charging equipment, BS EN IEC 61851-1:2019 Electric vehicle conductive charging system – General. 

The section states that for Modes 3 and 4 permanently connected EV supply equipment, protective earthing conductors shall not be switched.

EV charging equipment with enabled built-in PEN protection (i.e. the ability to switch PE) do not currently meet the product standard. There is a pending UK-only deviation for this standard that would allow PE switching inside of the charging equipment if the following conditions are met:

• Only manual reset permitted. Automatic reconnection prohibited.
• Full BSI Kitemark certification via type testing required.
• Functional test button required.

Not meeting the product standard raises potential issues such as liability in case of injuries and property damage, site insurance policy validity, CE/UKCA marking and certification, and suitability for grants, such as OZEV, since all of these typically require confirmation of compliance with EN 61851-1.

Requirements for OPDD standards 

IET has recently published IET01:2024 Open combined protective and neutral (PEN) conductor detection devices (OPDDs), which acts as the product standard for devices with PEN protection functionality.

The standard describes the operational requirements and their corresponding product markings.

Importantly, it increases the operational voltage range to minimise the risks of nuisance tripping in the areas with higher nominal voltage, in some cases from 184V up to 262.2V, and in certain cases as far as 273V.

IET01 permits PEN protection to be built-in to the EV charging equipment but drives the point that it must comply with EN 61851-1. This is done in preparation for the deviation mentioned previously and it aligns with requirements such as manual reset only and functional test button requirements for built-in devices.

It is important to note, that the extended voltage ranges are likely not to apply to built-in protection devices as EN 61851 will most likely retain the ESQCR voltage references of 207V to 253V. Whilst IET01:2024 is not referenced in any other standards or regulations at the time of writing, some of the DNOs have added the compliance with IET01 into the application process.

Summary

At the time of writing, EV charging equipment with active built-in PEN protection (the ability to switch PE conductor internally) does not meet BS EN IEC 61851-1 requirements in relation to PE conductor integrity within the charging station, pending the deviation.

If such devices do not have built-in test buttons and allow for automatic resets, they are also non-compliant with IET01, meaning that some DNOs may reject installation applications.

For locations where PEN protection is required, ideally external OPDDs in line with IET01 should be used in combination with EV charging equipment that does not switch PE conductors internally. This will ensure current and future compliance of the EV charging equipment, protective devices and the installation overall.

Under Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), installers may also be held accountable for using non-compliant equipment, as they may be classed as the system designers.

It is the responsibility of system designers to verify the equipment compliance and, if the equipment is found not to be compliant (even if the manufacturer claimed otherwise), the system designers are still completely responsible for the installation design and equipment used.

With this in mind, it is always recommended to request the manufacturer’s supply certification from third-party independent bodies such as BSI, Intertek or equivalent.

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We hear how commercial heat recovery has been deployed in a Carmarthen health and wellbeing project.

Vent-Axia’s award-winning Sentinel Apex units have been specified for the landmark Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb project, delivering energy-efficient ventilation to this transformative multi-million-pound development. The 245,000ft2 scheme is repurposing the former Carmarthen Debenhams building into a Health and Wellbeing Hub.

Facilities

The new hub will offer a range of services including public healthcare, a Customer Service Hwb, and new 24 hour Actif gym. Other facilities will include a family entertainment centre, with indoor adventure golf, toy town soft play, E-Go Karting, and TAG Active. Part-funded by the Welsh Government’s IRCF Fund, with further funding from the UK Government, the development will benefit from Sentinel Apex units installed across all three floors of the building, with four Sentinel Apex HR21 specified to meet the demand of the gym area alone.

Formerly a shopping centre, the building has been redesigned as a dynamic Health and Wellbeing Hwb for the people of Carmarthen. The extensive refurbishment involved a full reconfiguration of the internal space to create a welcoming environment that balances health, wellbeing, and entertainment under one roof. The project team includes: main contractor, Bouygues; M&E Consultant, Hoare Lea; Sub-Contractor, FP Hurley & Sons (Crosshands), and Distributor, Ventilation Warehouse. The Sentinel Apex commercial heat recovery units were specified for their energy efficiency, good indoor air quality, and their ultra-quiet operation, as well as meeting stringent Specific Fan Power (SFP) and dBA acoustic requirements, ensuring a comfortable and compliant building.

Neil Higgins, Contracts Manager, F P Hurley & Sons said: “We chose the Sentinel Apex units because they deliver exceptionally quiet operation and low Specific Fan Power, ensuring they met all Building Regulation requirements. The units were also available in a wide range of airflows, allowing us to specify the correct units for each space. In short, they offered the ideal balance of airflow, low noise, and energy efficiency.”

Adam Bullon from Ventilation Warehouse added: “I have worked with Vent-Axia for a long time. The Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb was an interesting job with the Sentinel Apex ticking all the right boxes for the project, including energy efficiency, noise, and ease of maintenance. Twenty Sentinel Apex units were delivered over three project stages.”

Maximum comfort

A brilliant fit for the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb project, the Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex is the next generation of commercial heat recovery ventilation, providing specifiers help in creating low-carbon buildings. The Sentinel Apex is specifically designed to have a high level of energy efficiency with industry-leading SFP and low embodied carbon. Individuals using the Carmarthen space will find maximum occupant comfort as this has been a priority for the development of the Sentinel Apex unit, operating quietly whilst improving indoor air quality.

The Sentinel Apex offers the highest level of IAQ and thermal comfort, whilst maintaining the lowest energy and noise levels, both of which were vital for this refurbishment. Offering up to 93% heat recovery efficiency (EN308 test method), ultra-low sound levels, which are independently tested and verified by SRL Technical Services Limited, and extremely low SFP, the Sentinel Apex has notable performance improvement in comparison with previous commercial heat recovery units and delivers ‘Simply more as Standard’. Its intuitive controls are compatible with Vent-Axia’s range of Sentinel-X Sensors, allowing for easily configurable set points ensuring optimised IAQ, in line with Part F of the Building Regulations, all while minimising ventilation energy consumption.

In order to achieve the highest levels of IAQ, the Sentinel Apex unit features ePM10 50% extract and ePM1 55% supply filters (M5/F7 equivalent) as standard. By carefully selecting the filter media and by utilising the latest motors and impellers (with better than IE5 efficiency), the Sentinel Apex maintains an extremely low SFP with low sound levels whilst maintaining excellent IAQ. The Sentinel Apex also aids thermal comfort with an integral automatic summer bypass that is designed to provide free cooling when available but is sized to eliminate performance loss.

Specifiers can choose from five sizes, as the Apex has been developed for a wide range of applications, and delivers airflows up to 4000m3/hr. At the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb 20 Sentinel Apex units were installed, including four Sentinel Apex HR21s used in the ground floor gym area alone, while Sentinel Apex HR15 units were used for the offices on floor 1 and floor 2, displaying the wide range of Apex units used in the project, in turn ensuring air flow meets design requirements in different parts of the building.

Designed to operate on the principles of demand ventilation, the Sentinel Apex is ideal for applications where the rooms are used at different times of the day by a variable number of people, making it well-tailored to the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb. The Sentinel Apex system, with the matched range of Sentinel-X Sensors, can monitor occupancy and air quality, responding by adjusting the ventilation accordingly, to maintain the IAQ and thermal comfort within predefined limits, whilst recovering up to 93% of the extracted thermal energy.

In control

The Sentinel Apex’s new advanced integrated control system has 3 levels of interface, all as standard: simple purpose-designed onboard user interface controlled incorporating an alphanumerical, 2-line display which lets users know how the system is operating with 4-button keypad for fan status and a basic commissioning setup mounted within the control panel. This allows easy commissioning and set-up. A full range of wired and wireless communication sensors available, with either through local mains or battery-powered options.

The controls are designed to take the complexity out of the control system making it easy for the user, with two levels of interface: one for the engineer allowing commissioning and one simpler one for the end-user allowing them to easily monitor and boost the system if additional ventilation is required.

Designed to have a low embodied carbon footprint, Vent-Axia has used the CIBSE TM65 data collection methodology to collect accurate, detailed embodied carbon information for the Sentinel Apex, working from a component level up. This methodology ensures data is comprehensive, accurate, reliable and up-to-date, making it easier for specifiers to focus on designing low carbon sustainable buildings.

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We find out how Aico is improving fire detection systems in ventilated homes.

Flagship Housing is a UK social housing provider, managing over 33,000 homes across the East of England. The organisation not only builds, lets, maintains and improves homes for rent and sale, but also reinvests profits to fund more affordable housing and community-focused services.

Objectives and safety priorities

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are increasingly used within social housing to improve indoor air quality and address damp and mould. While these systems deliver clear health benefits, they also introduce important fire‑safety considerations, particularly around ductwork, compartment penetrations, and the potential for smoke movement within a dwelling.

Since Davin Gee joined Flagship Housing three years ago as Compliance Manager (Electrical), Aico has worked closely with him to develop a robust, standards‑led solution that improves resident safety while providing meaningful compliance assurance.

The project was designed to achieve two primary objectives:

• Improve resident safety in properties fitted with PIV or MVHR systems
• Provide live compliance data and remote notification of fire alarm activations

A key requirement was ensuring fire detection coverage met the intent of BS 5839‑6, particularly in areas where higher‑risk ventilation equipment is installed.

Davin Gee commented: “We at Flagship Housing continuously look at ways to prioritise our residents’ safety whilst at home. One way that we could do that is by increasing fire detection within properties with MVHR and PIV systems. Due to the potential for mechanical ventilation and interconnected ductwork to accelerate the spread of smoke and fire, enhanced detection ensures earlier warning for occupants, mitigates ventilation-related risks, and provides an appropriate level of life safety, particularly for vulnerable residents.”

Fire-risk drivers and life safety considerations

Fire‑safety risks associated with ventilation systems do not generally arise from the units themselves. Instead, guidance consistently highlights risks linked to ductwork, compartment penetration, specification of materials, and the movement of smoke through properties.

Many of the most serious incidents continue to involve smoke spread and compartment failure, reinforcing the importance of effective containment measures.

For Davin Gee, the primary driver for this project was the need to prevent smoke being moved throughout a property during a fire event. While ventilation systems are essential for everyday living conditions, active airflow during a fire can unintentionally aid smoke spread.

By ensuring fire detection is installed in the same areas as PIV and MVHR units, and by automatically isolating ventilation systems when an alarm activates, the approach directly targets one of the most significant life safety risks within the home.

Integrated fire safety solution

Flagship Housing adopted a standardised specification for all properties fitted with PIV or MVHR systems.

Each applicable property is equipped with:

• Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm – Provides enhanced smoke and heat detection.
• Ei428 RadioLINK Relay Module – Isolates the ventilation system upon alarm activation, helping limit smoke and fire spread.
• Ei1000G The Gateway – Enables remote notification of alarm activations and provides live compliance data.

This integrated approach ensures protection for residents while giving Flagship Housing immediate visibility should an incident occur. 

Implementation and installation

Installation is being completed by Karma Electrical & Fire Systems Ltd, an Aico Platinum Partner.

Platinum Partner is an Aico initiative that rewards installers who meet Gold Standard Installer requirements, are registered with NICEIC and hold an ISO 9001Quality Management system certification. 

All installers involved are fully trained and competent, having completed Aico Expert Installer training, Introduction to Damp and Mould, and the City & Guilds assured AA2426‑01 course. Early installations were supported on-site to ensure consistency and best practice from the outset.

Karl Sharman, Managing Director at Karma Electrical & Fire Systems Ltd, commented: “The Aico system is incredibly straightforward to install. From an installer’s perspective it’s well designed, logical, and easy to integrate with ventilation systems. More importantly, it gives the Registered Social Landlord far greater visibility of compliance and resident safety than traditional standalone alarms.”

Key outcomes

The project, initially for the 150 homes where Flagship Housing has ventilation systems installed, now sees that any property that has been retrofitted or any new builds will have these systems installed.

The scheme has already delivered benefits, including:

• Improved resident safety
• Reduces risk of smoke and fire spread within dwellings
• Improved assurance of compliance with BS 5839-6
• Immediate notification to Flagship Housing when alarms activate

Residents benefit from safer homes, while Flagship Housing gains improved oversight and confidence in its fire safety strategy.

Programme status and future specification

The rollout across existing properties is currently underway, with completion expected shortly.

For all new PIV and MVHR installations, this specification will now form the minimum standard, embedding fire safety considerations at the point of design rather than as a retrofit measure.

Trevor Sawyer, Relationship Manager at Aico, said: “I’m extremely proud to have been part of this collaborative approach with Flagship Housing. By strengthening fire detection in properties with MVHR and PIV systems, we’re not only enhancing compliance, but more importantly, helping to make homes safer for residents. It’s rewarding to support a forward-thinking organisation that places tenant safety at the heart of its decision making.”

This project highlights the value of strong collaboration between housing providers, manufacturers, and competent contractors. By focusing on smoke containment, automatic ventilation isolation, and real time data, Flagship Housing has implemented a proactive, resident‑focused fire safety solution that goes beyond basic compliance.

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