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

Find out more here

Find more industry features here

The post Why the KNX standard is the smart choice for future-ready building control systems appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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

The post National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools shares why backing people and passion still matters | Soapbox appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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

Find more industry features here

The post ESP explains how an end‑to‑end fire system support sets contractors and wholesalers up for success appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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

Find more industry features here

The post Creating a Safety Net: How the EIC Helped Killian’s Family appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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.

Find more industry features here

The post The requirements for PEN protection in EV charging applications appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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.

For more information, click here

Find more industry features here

The post Commercial heat recovery deployed in Carmarthen health and wellbeing project appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

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.

Find out more here

Find more industry features here

The post Improving fire detection systems in ventilated homes appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

David Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Transactional Business and Major Pursuits UK&I, explores the shift from traditional in-person trade counters to blended, multi-channel experiences for the electrical installation industry.

Our electrical installation industry continues to navigate changes and new trends. The digital world has opened many opportunities across our sector, both now and for the future.

Schneider Electric’s research into the Trade Counter of the Future reveals current and future evolutions in our industry.

Distribution is now firmly multichannel

The trade counter remains the vital channel – accounting for 41% of all purchases. At the same time, we’re seeing a purchasing evolution with increases in the use of digital channels. Our research found that three in four customers are expecting to use online for ordering and quoting more in the next five years. And let’s not forget, websites aren’t the only digital channel. Trade customers are also using email, mobile and even messaging apps such as WhatsApp to place orders these days.

It’s important to recognise that multichannel is here to stay. To succeed in this multichannel world, consistency of service and product availability across all channels are vital to create a seamless experience that suits individual customer needs.

Adapting to generational differences

Despite the move to online, a generational divide is evident. Younger tradespeople (25-34 years) overwhelmingly prefer online and mobile ordering, with 84% expecting to increase their use of digital channels in the next five years. In contrast, 39% of those over 55 don’t think their use of online will change.

This means wholesalers could benefit from segmenting their communications and offerings. Digital-first, mobile-friendly platforms are essential for younger trades, while relationship-driven, face-to-face service remains crucial for older customers. Channels like WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and email should be tailored to audience age and digital behaviour.

Setting new standards in terms of speed and convenience

Consumerism has raised the bar when it comes to fulfilment and convenience in our everyday lives. This is influencing the business sector where speed, convenience and customer service are key elements in the purchasing journey, it’s no longer just about price.

Over half of trade customers now expect the same speed and convenience from their business suppliers as they get in their personal (consumer) lives. More than half say they choose online ordering because it saves valuable working time (56%), it offers convenient delivery direct to home or job site (54%) and it ensures fast, reliable and on-time deliveries (53%).

To respond to this, it’s worth investing in supply chain transparency, real-time stock visibility, and robust fulfilment infrastructure to meet these expectations with a seamless approach.

Differentiating with knowledge and education

When visiting trade counters, almost three-quarters (71%) of customers rate knowledgeable staff as extremely important, two-thirds (66%) like to browse new products and two in five are attracted by innovation hubs to trial new technology (41%) or attend live demonstrations (43%).

As product research and price comparisons move online, the physical trade counter can differentiate itself with its deep expertise and experience. Innovation hubs, digital POS displays, and QR-linked product information can transform the trade counter into a centre for upskilling and discovery. Training modules, digital brochures, and incentives for attending knowledge sessions can drive footfall and foster loyalty, especially among younger and new-to-industry tradespeople.

Aligning to customer behaviour and preferences

We identified two main customer mindsets that need to be considered. “Quick Collectors,” who value efficiency and speed, and “Browsers”, who seek advice, product discovery, and in-person engagement.

In this increasingly multichannel world, the trade counter can be reimagined as a hybrid service hub. Express lanes and streamlined collection points will cater to the Quick Collectors, while interactive education zones, live demonstrations, and innovation hubs will engage the Browsers.

Getting ready for the trade counter of the future

In our multichannel world, the trade counter is evolving. Channel customers expect a seamless blend of speed, service, and knowledge regardless of the channels they prefer.

Wholesalers are perfectly positioned to deliver consistent experience wherever an order is placed, while using the physical counter to provide what digital alone can’t: trusted expertise, hands-on discovery and human relationships.

By embracing these changes, electrical wholesalers can not only keep pace with evolving customer expectations and behaviour but also secure their place at the heart of the industry for years to come.

For further details, click here

Find more industry features here

The post The trade counter of the future appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Industrial controls are at the heart of modern industry, enabling machines, processes, and facilities to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. From switches and relays to sensors and programmable controllers, these products support everything from manufacturing and logistics to energy and infrastructure. As automation and digital technologies continue to expand, demand for industrial control solutions is growing rapidly.

For wholesalers, this creates opportunities to move beyond product supply and become trusted advisors to customers. Understanding the fundamentals of industrial controls can help identify new sales opportunities, support technical conversations, and deliver greater value across a wide range of applications.

Fewer mistakes, increased sales, improved customer satisfaction 

By reducing costly mistakes, improving accuracy, and building deep product confidence across your team, the modules empower staff to provide clear guidance on the products they sell. This increases customer satisfaction, builds trust, creates upselling opportunities and ensures customers return.

If your people aren’t studying the EDA’s training modules, your competitors are already ahead because thousands of EDA training modules are studied each year.

Best in class

Setting the benchmark for professional skills development in the UK’s electrotechnical sector, this EDA training programme has two Princess Royal Training Awards – in 2022 and again in 2025. A commendation only awarded to the UK’s best-in-class training, plus they carry the City & Guilds’ Accreditation. And if you are an EDA business, you get exclusive access.

The EDA’s training module Industrial Controls covers:

• Switches and Indicators
• Relays and Contactors
• Fuses and Breakers
• Motors and Motor Control
• Power Supplies
• Enclosures and Panel Layout
• Programmable Control and Automation
• Sensing and Instrumentation
• Environmental Considerations
• Trends in Industrial Controls

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Industrial Controls module and check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: 2-Way lighting circuits are used to provide light switches at the bottom and top of the stairs to control a single lighting circuit. The switches have three terminals marked COM, L1 and L2. How many poles and throws does the switch have, and how is this abbreviated?

Q2: What electrical property of a cable determines how much heat is generated?

Q3: Many fuses provide protection against both short circuit and overload faults. What type of faults do circuit-breakers protect against?

Q4: Give two example uses for motors in industrial applications.

Q5: What are PLC IO modules used for?

Q6: What is the main difference between a solenoid and a control valve? 

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

Q1: The switch has one pole (to control a single circuit) and is known as double throw or CO. This is abbreviated as SPDT or SPCO.

Q2: Resistance.

Q3: Just as with a fuse, circuit-breakers operate in the case of either short circuits or overload.

Q4: Typical uses include pumps, compressors, conveyors, and machinery.

Q5: IO modules are used to wire the PLC to the input and output devices.

Q6: A solenoid valve is used to either open or close a pipe (shut off), whereas a control valve is used to regulate the flow.

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done.

3 – 5 out of 6: Time to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and build confidence.

Less than 3: EDA Product Knowledge Training needed.

Watch the video and download the Course Directory

There’s plenty of information online at www.eda.org.uk, including a video and a downloadable course directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules.

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk.

For more information, click here

Find more ‘EDA Insight’ articles here

The post EDA Insight: Focus on Industrial Controls appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

The EV industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace and navigating this rapidly changing landscape requires more than ambition; it demands expertise, partnership, and long-term thinking. Darren North, National Sales Manager for Rolec, looks at how EV Infrastructure is reshaping wholesale demand.

No longer a future-facing trend in the UK, electric vehicle adoption is now a day-to-day reality shaping specification decisions, stock profiles, and conversations at the trade counter.

For electrical wholesalers, EV charging has evolved from a niche category into a core part of electrical distribution, driven by installation demand across residential, commercial, and fleet environments.

As demand increases, so too does complexity. Charging speeds, site requirements, and system interoperability are key technical factors determining what gets specified, supplied, and installed.

For wholesalers, this shift is creating both opportunity and responsibility: the opportunity to grow margin-rich categories, and the responsibility to support installers with accurate, practical guidance.

For Rolec, an emphasis on collaboration and capability-building reflects the company’s long-term view of industry growth built on competence, consistency, and confidence.

Home or commercial use EV charging

When selecting an EV charger, there is no universal solution. Requirements differ significantly between domestic, workplace, fleet, and public charging environments, meaning wholesalers increasingly need to understand not just the products, but the applications they are designed for.

For home charging customers, price sensitivity remains a major consideration. Installers and end users are often looking for cost-effective solutions that combine compact, aesthetically pleasing units with dependable performance. Reflecting these priorities, Rolec’s EVO, ZURA, and BasicCharge ranges are designed to provide accessible home charging solutions that balance functionality, ease of installation, and affordability.

Commercial charging introduces a wider set of considerations, many of which directly influence installation complexity and long-term operational efficiency.

Location

Different charging environments require different hardware solutions. Workplace, public, residential, and fleet applications all present distinct operational demands. For example, exposed or high-traffic environments often require more robust infrastructure offering durability and vandal resistance.

Outlet options

Commercial sites are increasingly looking to maximise charging availability while minimising infrastructure costs. Dual and quad outlet units can help reduce groundwork, cabling, and installation time while increasing the number of charging outlets available on site. Multi-outlet solutions such as Rolec’s HEX charger are helping operators maximise charging availability from a single installation footprint.

Connectivity challenges

Reliable connectivity is essential for monitoring, billing, and access control. However, this can become challenging in underground car parks or remote locations where signal strength may be limited. To address this, Rolec’s charging solutions offer multiple connectivity options, including 4G, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, ensuring chargers remain online 24/7.

Charging speeds

Charging speeds range from 7.4kW AC fast charging to ultra-rapid DC solutions up to 650kW, depending on application and site requirements. In commercial and fleet environments, operational efficiency is critical, with vehicle downtime, turnaround times, and site utilisation all key considerations.

Data management

The ability to extract and analyse data is becoming increasingly important for commercial operators. Access to detailed reporting, including energy consumption per vehicle, enables a clearer understanding of operational costs and fleet efficiency and chargepoint utilisation.

Innovation in EV infrastructure

Alongside growing demand, EV charging technology is evolving rapidly. The most significant innovations are not only about faster charging speeds, but also about smarter systems and energy management.

Load management

Load management has moved from an optional feature to a standard requirement. Dynamic load balancing is now frequently used to prevent overloading supply infrastructure, particularly in multi-charger set-ups. These systems allow several chargepoints to operate within available capacity by intelligently distributing power across a site.

Interoperability

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) has become increasingly important in preventing vendor lock-in. Customers are actively seeking flexibility across networks and software platforms, rather than closed ecosystems. Rolec supports this approach with products designed to be natively OCPP compliant. The company currently works with more than 45 chargepoint management system (CPMS) partners worldwide.

Integrated software

The value of EV charging is no longer defined solely by hardware. Back-office platforms play a critical role in monitoring, billing, remote management, and energy optimisation, shifting purchasing decisions towards total system capability rather than unit price alone.

Growth in the wholesale channel

As EV charging continues to evolve, wholesalers are increasingly acting as knowledge hubs as much as stockists. Key priorities across the channel include staff training, installation knowledge, and dedicated manufacturer support for technical and specification queries. As installations become more varied and technically demanding, confidence at the counter is directly influencing orders.

In response, leading manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on knowledge transfer and channel engagement, an approach that sits at the foundation of Rolec’s strategy. This extends beyond product supply, supporting wholesalers and contractors throughout the project, from pre-sales enquiries and specification support through to quotation, onboarding, and handover.

This end-to-end approach reflects a broader industry shift towards collaboration across manufacturers, wholesalers, and installers, where successful delivery depends on technical understanding rather than product supply alone.

Rolec’s support is further reinforced through hands-on training, access to technical resources, and practical guidance on the latest system developments across EV infrastructure projects. With over 35 years of manufacturing experience, Rolec continues to develop its product range with a focus on reliability, flexibility, and ease of deployment across multiple applications.

Built on standards

As the EV charging market evolves, consistency, compliance, and operational discipline are becoming increasingly important to wholesalers and installers alike.

At Rolec, this commitment has been formalised through ISO certification, providing a structured framework across quality management, environmental responsibility, occupational health and safety, and energy management. Importantly, this does not introduce new intent; it strengthens and formalises practices already embedded across the business. It demonstrates that systems, processes, and controls are in place to meet recognised international standards, ensuring responsibility and efficiency are built into every stage of delivery.

For customers, this is more than a certification, it is confidence and consistency.

A category moving into maturity

EV charging is no longer an emerging add-on category for electrical wholesalers; it has become a core part of their renewables and electrification offering.

As charging technology becomes more advanced, the role of the wholesaler is also evolving. Those who adapt fastest to this shift will not only capitalise on growing demand but also help define the delivery of EV infrastructure across the UK.

Further details can be found here

Find more industry features here

The post How EV Infrastructure is reshaping wholesale demand appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.