Outdoor lighting is a fast-growing category for electrical wholesalers, driven by rising demand for safety, security, energy efficiency and outdoor living. Mike Collins, Managing Director of Ovia, part of Scolmore Group, highlights the key considerations wholesalers should keep front-of-mind when supporting contractors on outdoor lighting projects.

Understanding contractor requirements

Before recommending products, wholesalers need a clear picture of the contractor’s goals and application. Outdoor lighting can serve multiple purposes – safety and security, aesthetic enhancement, and enabling outdoor space usage after dark. Each application requires different fixture types, lumen outputs, beam angles, colour temperatures and control options. Strong consultation can ensure the contractor receives expert guidance on choosing the right lighting solutions for the particular project being worked on.

Stocking the right fittings

The outdoor lighting market continues to expand, with LED, smart and solar lighting leading demand. Advancements in LED technology – higher efficacy, better colour quality and longer lifespans – mean LEDs remain the default recommendation for many projects. LEDs can consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and have a longer lifespan, reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. With many commercial clients now pursuing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets, wholesalers can add value by highlighting the energy saving and sustainability benefits of LED upgrades.

Solar lighting is another growth opportunity for wholesalers. Solar street lights provide complete independence from the power grid and, due to low maintenance and minimal operator costs, solar lighting has emerged as a popular and reliable source to power street lights. There are many benefits to solar street lighting with the main advantages being their energy efficiency and the ability to provide significant cost savings over time. Conventional street lights are dependent on electricity from the grid, which is often generated from non-renewable sources and can therefore contribute to air pollution. Other benefits include no cabling or excavation, resulting in easy installation and no risk from power outages. Ovia introduced its first solar power lighting solutions last year with a solar powered LED security floodlight and two solar powered LED street lights joining the company’s growing portfolio of exterior lighting solutions.

Controls that drive efficiency

Wholesalers can differentiate themselves by guiding contractors toward appropriate control options. Timers, photocells and PIR sensors ensure lights operate only when needed, reducing energy consumption and extending product life. Offering controls as part of a complete exterior lighting solution can also increase basket size and simplify contractor purchasing.

Durability and compliance

Exterior lighting can be subject to harsh environmental conditions, and therefore factors to consider include IP ratings, materials and temperature rating. Fixtures need to be rated appropriately for outdoor use, with sufficient protection against dust and water. Corrosion resistant materials such as aluminium, stainless steel or composite polymers are ideal.

Supporting good lighting design

A strong lighting layout is just as important as the fixtures themselves. Wholesalers who can discuss light distribution, uniformity, glare reduction and colour temperature will quickly build trust with contractors.

Ovia offers a free lighting design service, which provides contractors with professionally produced exterior lighting schemes. This support helps ensure compliance with relevant standards, accurate product specification and optimal light distribution across the project. The company also recently launched a new, advanced Lighting Design Calculator – an easy-to-use online tool developed to support contractors, wholesalers and specifiers in designing effective, regulation-compliant lighting schemes with ease and efficiency.

By directing contractors to these free services, wholesalers can add value by positioning themselves as a trusted, solutions-focused partner – helping build stronger, longer-term customer relationships.

For electrical wholesalers, exterior lighting is an opportunity to guide contractors toward safer, more efficient and more visually effective solutions. By understanding the application, recommending the right technologies, and highlighting emerging innovations such as solar and smart controls, wholesalers can strengthen contractor relationships and grow sales in this expanding category.

Additional information can be found here

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The Manrose Black Tiled Fan is an exciting new addition to the Manrose range. Boasting a sleek, bold design, it is engineered for performance and aimed at customers who want more than just functionality. Offering style, durability and quiet efficiency, the Manrose Black Tiled Fan ticks all the right boxes for modern households.

The Black Tiled Fan brings a fresh aesthetic with its black tiled fascia complementing today’s interior trends and fitting seamlessly into modern bathrooms and WCs. This is paired with a low sound level of only 38dB(A) at 3m and an impressive extraction rate of 75m³/hr (21 l/s). Developed with efficiency in mind, the fan features a low energy motor operating at a maximum of 16W consumption.

Offering electricians an easy install, the Black Tiled Fan is designed for wall and panel mounting, with its comprehensive range including a built-in timer model. Boasting Manrose’s trusted reliability, the fan is manufactured with thermoplastics for strength and durability, has an integral backdraught shutter, and features a high-quality, dependable, long-life motor warranted for a minimum of 30,000 hours, which all adds up to fewer callbacks for installers.

Providing performance you trust and design you choose, the Black Tiled Fan is stylish, reliable and easy to sell, delivering quiet, efficient ventilation for every bathroom. 

To view the full range of products from Manrose, please visit: https://www.manrose.co.uk/

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning, simply choose the correct answer from the following choices:

Q: How many hours is the Black Tiled Fan’s long-life motor warranted to run?

A) A minimum of 20,000 hours

B) A minimum of 25,000 hours

C) A minimum of 30,000 hours

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

Deadline for entries: 31/05/2026

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Drug and alcohol misuse is becoming more prevalent in the workplace. Regular testing, within a drug and alcohol policy, can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of employees, with simple, non-invasive testing devices that can provide fast and discreet results. Mark Burrup, drug and alcohol testing expert at Draeger Safety UK, talks about the risks associated with substance misuse in the workplace and how to mitigate these risks to keep people safe.

Drug and alcohol abuse poses a serious safety issue for all businesses, but particularly so for those involved in safety critical roles such as electricians. In such scenarios, the misuse of drugs or alcohol – and even the effects of some prescription medications – has the potential to risk not only individual safety, but that of colleagues and members of the public, too.

In addition to the human cost, substance misuse across the UK results in billions of pounds in lost productivity and workdays, increased absenteeism and a substantially heightened risk of accidents. Impairment through drug and alcohol misuse can significantly affect judgement, slow reaction times and reduce hazard perception – dangerous for everyday tasks, but even more so for those handling tools and electrical equipment, where one mistake could cause serious injuries to themselves and others, as well as potential liability for their employer.

Side effects

Furthermore, it’s not just the use of illegal drugs which can pose safety risks; studies have shown that a combination of physical injuries and rising mental health issues in the industry has resulted in a significant increase in workers using prescribed drugs. While these treatments are beneficial, some – for example benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety, have side effects which can cause dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision and reduced concentration, potentially compromising safety.

Dräger has recently partnered with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to publish a new Best Practice Guide to provide the information and tools needed for companies to act decisively to manage the problem of drug and alcohol misuse at work. Clear policies, supportive interventions, employee education and proportionate testing programmes all play a vital role. By taking a proactive, evidence based approach, employers can better protect their workforce, fulfil their legal obligations and broader duty of care, and help prevent avoidable harm.

Research undertaken as part of The Dräger Safety and Health at Work (DSHAW) Report 2022  showed that 83% of workers would comply with a corporate drug and alcohol testing programme as they believe it is in everyone’s interest to be safe at work. This suggests that the proactive approach now being taken by many organisations is increasingly in line with workforce concerns and expectations.

A well thought out drug and alcohol policy, which includes awareness of when prescription medication is being taken, is especially important where safety-critical tasks (as defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)) or workplace driving are involved. A good policy will explain the risks and outline the strategy and controls adopted by the organisation to prevent – and where necessary manage – substance misuse among staff, while also being fair, transparent and consistent.

Screening programmes

Many companies are now carrying out or introducing in-house testing for alcohol and drugs, using simple non-invasive devices that are quick, discreet and easy to use. Breathalysers capable of analysing a person’s breath alcohol content are commonly used as part of screening programmes, and innovations such as the greater use of digital and connected technology, as well as data management software, make both recording and the management of test results and data much simpler.

In addition, as the requirement for more portable and discreet methods of drug testing has risen, there has been an increase in demand for saliva based drug screening kits. These can be used to screen for a range of drugs – including opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepines and THC (cannabis) – and give a reliable indication of recent drug use. Saliva based test kits also provide rapid results, allowing a manager to take immediate action to protect workplace safety – for example, by suspending the employee from work pending further investigation and testing.

For more on this topic, click here

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In this month’s Face to Face we speak to Joshua Hammerton, co-founder of Enkin, to find out more about current lighting trends and the company’s recent activities.

Q. What is the connection between Enkin and The Soho Lighting Company?

The Soho Lighting Company products are highly technical, but we quickly realised we needed a specialist electrical division within the group, to support the brand for lighting control systems. Enkin provides the dimming and control technology used inside Soho Lighting’s decorative switches, dimmers, sockets and lighting products, both connected through Soho Electrical Group.

Enkin was built from the foundation of trying to help electricians with common industry issues such as buzzing and flickering.

Q. What are the lighting growth areas to keep an eye on?

As a lighting control technology brand there any many areas of growth for Enkin. These include:

• Smart lighting integration – including app and voice control with simple retrofits that convert standard lighting into smart systems.
• LED dimming compatibility- electricians want a single dimmer that works across multiple LED types.
• Luxury layered lighting – where multi-way dimming allows complex lighting layouts for scene control, mood lighting and multi-room zones.
• Energy-efficient lighting – homeowners using smart dimmer/ automation to reduce energy consumption. LED lighting helps but smart tech is key. Rental properties using smart control to switch off lights when guests vacate.
• Hidden Inline dimming – design trends favour hidden control where dimming modules are concealed behind switches and fittings to support minimalist interiors. Smart control without visible tech.
• Lighting for mental wellbeing – dim-to-warm technology reducing brightness and blue light exposure to support relaxation, better sleep and improved mood, reducing stress and anxiety.

Q. What are some of the products and systems currently proving popular with contractors and end users?

Electricians value Enkin products for their exceptional compatibility and reliable performance. Our dimming modules are popular as they simplify LED dimming, eliminate common issues like flicker, support multi‑way control and work with a wide range of switch plate systems. All while remaining easy for electricians to install.

Popular products include IDM250 In‑Line Dimmer, ZDM150 Zigbee Smart Dimmer, PDM400 high‑capacity modules and 250W true multi‑way dimmers. We aim to continue developing products that solve common industry issues such as buzzing and flickering, directly meeting the needs of electricians.

Q. What is Enkin doing to shake up the dimming industry?

Our core strengths are advanced safety features and ease of installation. With years of hands-on experience in the field, we recognised the need for safe, reliable lighting control products, addressing a critical concern for electricians. At the same time, we focus on designing products that are straightforward and efficient to install.

Looking ahead for 2026, we are continuing to innovate with new technologies not yet seen in the market, while maintaining our commitment to reliability, safety, and installation ease for electricians.

Q. How have Enkin and The Soho Lighting Company incorporated sustainability into their design process and business practices?

The Soho Lighting Company integrates sustainability into both product design and business operations. Through responsible sourcing and natural materials, long-lasting, repairable product design, using recycled materials, reducing plastic packaging, creating energy-efficient LED lighting, supporting community sustainability initiatives as well as pursuing B Corp accreditation. Sustainability and environmental responsibility are embedded both into the design process and the wider business strategy.

Enkin are proud to be driving the innovation behind such beautiful, high-quality decorative lighting products.

Q. What are Enkin’s primary aims and objectives for the years ahead?

Our core focus is to be the leading brand in the market for safe and reliable lighting controls, delivering consistent reliability and safety to wholesalers and contractors.

As an innovative company, we have a robust five-year roadmap for growth and expansion, including new product ranges, software enhancements, and digital solutions. We are continually designing and innovating to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Find out more about Enkin here

Catch up on previous ‘Face to Face’ articles here

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Ian Murphy, R&D Manager at Ventilux, looks at the opportunities that outdoor emergency lighting can present to wholesalers.

Emergency lighting is often associated with corridors, stairwells and plant rooms, but external environments present just as many safety-critical challenges. For wholesalers supplying electrical contractors and beyond, understanding how outdoor luminaires can support both compliance and environmental responsibility is increasingly important.

The external envelope of a building is no longer just a transitional space. Car parks, walkways, entrance routes and perimeter areas must remain safely illuminated during mains failure. At the same time, environmental legislation, biodiversity policies and planning conditions are placing greater scrutiny on how – and what – we illuminate after dark. This presents a clear opportunity for wholesalers to offer solutions that combine robust emergency performance with responsible exterior lighting design.

Local authorities and planners are placing growing emphasis on reducing light pollution and protecting nocturnal wildlife. For emergency lighting in outdoor areas, this creates a balancing act. Installations must remain compliant, reliable and effective in an emergency while avoiding unnecessary uplight, glare and ecological disturbance. Forward-thinking manufacturers are now responding to this challenge, and wholesalers are ideally placed to support contractors by offering products that address both performance and sustainability.

Demanding environments

Ventilux’s Alpha has been developed as a robust outdoor luminaire engineered for long-term performance in demanding environments. Constructed from high-quality die-cast aluminium and rated IP65 and IK10, it is designed to withstand weather exposure, impact and potential vandalism – essential considerations for emergency escape routes, perimeters and public realm applications. However, durability alone is no longer enough. A defining evolution within the Alpha is the introduction of new 2700K LED plates. This very warm colour temperature significantly reduces blue and ultraviolet wavelengths compared with traditional cool white sources. In practical terms, this supports bat-friendly lighting strategies and reduces insect attraction, helping projects meet environmental conditions without compromising safety. For wholesalers, this represents an important talking point, as contractors are increasingly asked to justify lighting choices as part of planning submissions or sustainability assessments. Being able to offer a luminaire that supports biodiversity objectives adds tangible value beyond price and availability.

Emergency lighting outdoors must be dependable but controlled, and one of the major contributors to environmental light pollution is uplight and sky glow. Poorly directed luminaires spill light into the night sky, reducing visibility of the stars, disturbing wildlife and impacting nearby residents. Alpha’s downward light projection ensures illumination is delivered only where required, supporting safer navigation during an emergency while reducing unnecessary environmental impact. This controlled distribution also improves visual comfort, creating more pleasant nighttime environments, which is increasingly valued in residential and mixed-use developments.

When discussing sustainability with contractors and specifiers, energy efficiency is often the first metric considered. While LED technology plays a crucial role in reducing operational energy consumption, product lifespan is equally important. Alpha’s die-cast aluminium housing provides excellent corrosion resistance and structural integrity. Combined with IP65 ingress protection and IK10 impact resistance, this robust construction significantly reduces the likelihood of premature failure. Fewer replacements mean lower embodied carbon over time, fewer site visits and reduced material waste. For contractors and management companies responsible for maintaining external emergency lighting systems, this translates into lower lifecycle costs and improved reliability. For wholesalers, offering products designed for longevity strengthens relationships with professional installers who prioritise dependable performance over short-term cost savings.

Integration

Emergency lighting can no longer be treated as a standalone compliance item. It must integrate with wider architectural, environmental and sustainability objectives. By stocking and promoting solutions that reflect this shift, wholesalers position themselves as knowledgeable partners rather than transactional suppliers.

Modern exterior emergency lighting demonstrates that it is possible to combine industrial-grade durability with environmentally responsible illumination, precise light control and extended service life. By addressing both compliance and ecological impact, these approaches bridge the gap between functional performance and sustainability.

For today’s electrical wholesalers, understanding and supplying lighting that meets these evolving expectations is no longer optional; it represents the future direction of responsible outdoor emergency illumination.

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Setting the benchmark for professional skills development in the UK’s electrotechnical sector, the EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence.

The EDA’s training module Renewables including EV Charging, is now in its 3rd edition, and covers:

• Promotion of uptake of renewables
• Solar photovoltaic
• Electrical energy storage systems
• Electric vehicles
• Heat Pumps
• Wind turbines
• Energy conservation

The more you know, the more you sell

Interest in renewables training is on the up: demand from EDA businesses for the Renewables including EV Charging module increased by 73% between 2022 and 2025, reflecting the electrotechnical sector’s shift towards green tech.

To meet this growing demand, the EDA also launched a new series of Mini Modules. The first, A Closer Look at Heat Pumps, is FREE to all who successfully complete the Renewables module – helping you turn customer questions into confident sales.

Unlock your free heat pump mini module

If you have already completed the Renewables module, but have not yet claimed your copy of A Closer Look at Heat Pumps, scan the QR code below.

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Renewables including EV Charging 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: What is the purpose of an inverter in a PV system?
Q2: What is the nominal capacity of a battery?
Q3: What does the acronym ‘ICE’ stand for when describing a motor vehicle?
Q4: Give three advantages of a hot water heat pump.
Q5: Name the two main types of wind turbine.
Q6: Name the two ways of achieving voltage optimisation.

Scroll down for answers

Answers

Q1: The inverter in a PV system is there to convert the DC input, produced by the PV cells,
into a 230 V AC 50 Hz output and synchronize it with the mains supply frequency.
Q2: How much energy a battery can nominally deliver from full charge.
Q3: Internal combustion engine.
Q4: Energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, space saving, integration with renewable
energy  sources.
Q5: HAWT (Horizontal axis wind turbines) and VAWT (Vertical axis wind turbine).
Q6: Adjusting the step-down transformer ‘taps’ or by fitting a voltage stabilization unit.

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

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Mike Jackson, Sales Director at Unicrimp, explains how the brand has strengthened its installation performance with its comprehensive conduit accessories range.

Unicrimp continues to support professional electricians and wholesalers with a comprehensive portfolio of Q-Crimp conduit accessories. Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern electrical installations, the range enhances the safety, durability and long-term performance of conduit systems across residential, commercial and industrial applications. It provides wholesalers with a broad, in‑demand product offering and gives installers the confidence of reliable, compliant components on every job.

The role of conduit in modern installations

Conduit remains fundamental to effective cable management, providing protection, organisation and structured routing for electrical wiring. In today’s installations – where compliance, safety and longevity are paramount – selecting the correct conduit accessories is as important as choosing the conduit itself. Its key functions include:

• Cable protection and safety – Conduit shields wiring from mechanical impact, moisture, chemicals and environmental hazards, reducing the risk of faults such as short circuits and preventing access to live parts.
• Organisation and maintenance efficiency – By enabling clean, structured routing, conduit helps maintain orderly installations and simplifies future inspection, maintenance and fault‑finding.
• Regulatory compliance – Correct selection and installation of conduit and associated accessories is essential for meeting relevant standards, including the IET Wiring Regulations, across all installation types.

A complete conduit accessory solution

Developed with installers in mind, Unicrimp’s Q‑Crimp conduit accessories combine robust materials with practical design features to streamline installation and deliver long‑term reliability. With more than 90 individual products, the range ensures wholesalers can offer a comprehensive solution suitable for virtually any application.

Expanded sizes to meet growing demand

Since the initial launch of the Q-Crimp conduit accessories range, Unicrimp has responded to market demand with significant size expansions – particularly in larger conduit applications.

The size expansion applies across several core product lines, including:

• Long pattern brass male bushes (32mm, 1.5” and 2”)
• Short pattern brass male bushes (32mm, 1.5” and 2”)
• Brass female bushes (32mm, 1.5” and 2”)
• Solid couplers (32mm, 1.5” and 2”)
• Flange couplers (32mm, 1.5” and 2”)
• Milled edge lock rings (32mm, 38mm and 50mm)
• Light gauge lock nuts (32mm, 38mm and 50mm)

Introducing threaded nipples – a new product category

In addition to size extensions, the Q-Crimp range now welcomes a completely new product type: Threaded nipples, which are available in 20mm, 25mm and 32mm sizes. This addition further strengthens the range’s position as a complete conduit accessory solution. Designed for secure conduit-to-enclosure connections and system extensions, threaded nipples provide reliable alignment and mechanical stability while maintaining electrical continuity. The introduction of this new category reflects Unicrimp’s continued commitment to evolving the range in line with installer needs.

Other key product categories to highlight include conduit boxes, light gauge saddles, inspection tees, inspection bends, and metal hooks.

Conduit boxes

Also known as BESA boxes, these units are designed to protect and route electrical cables within building structures. The Q-Crimp range includes 1-way, 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way conduit boxes, available in angled, tangent, ‘U’, ‘Y’ and ‘H’ shape configurations – providing flexibility for a wide range of wiring layouts.

Light gauge saddles

Designed to secure conduit firmly in place, light gauge saddles wrap precisely around the conduit to provide reliable system support. Finished with a BZP (bright zinc plated) coating, they offer resistance to corrosion and oxidation, ensuring durability in demanding environments.

Inspection tees

Inspection tees create a three-way junction with an accessible window, enabling straightforward cable inspection and maintenance.

Inspection bends

Suitable for directional changes – typically 90° or 45° – and incorporating an inspection feature for cable access, supporting efficient testing and future modifications.

Metal hooks

Diecast screwed metal hooks designed for suspending cables or lightweight fittings where required.

Key features and installer benefits

Unicrimp’s conduit accessories deliver a range of benefits valued by professional installers:

• Durable construction – Manufactured from galvanised steel to resist corrosion and environmental stress.
• Heat resistance – The high-quality materials used means conduit accessories can handle high temperatures, making them suitable for industrial and commercial applications.
• Flexibility – Available in multiple sizes to accommodate varying conduit diameters, with elbows, bends and junction boxes supporting adaptable system design and expansion.
• Versatility – Designed for use across a wide variety of installation environments, both indoors and outdoors.

Assured quality and technical support

As with all Unicrimp products, the Q-Crimp conduit accessories are manufactured in accordance with Scolmore Group’s stringent quality criteria and are designed to meet the requirements of their intended markets. Compliance is supported through:

• Independent third-party testing
• Routine inspection and maintenance of manufacturing facilities
• Batch coding for full product traceability

Installers and wholesalers also benefit from the expertise of the Scolmore Group technical department, providing guidance on specification, compliance and best‑practice installation.

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A look at the latest display solutions to help your in-store purchases.

Live Electrical is giving wholesalers a simple, effective way to boost counter performance with its growing range of premium POS displays.

With the brand continuing to strengthen its position in the market, and coming off its busiest quarter yet, more branches are turning to Live Electrical stands to improve their counters, tidy their ranges and drive additional sales.

Live Electrical’s POS displays are designed around the needs of both the branch and the customer. Key products are presented in a clear, structured layout that is easy to navigate. Bold, consistent branding ensures the range is immediately recognisable, enhancing visibility on busy counters and reinforcing brand confidence. By placing consumer units, devices and accessories front and centre, branches make it easier for installers to identify the products they need, reducing the time spent searching and increasing overall counter efficiency.

POS displays also create an opportunity to encourage conversation and highlight additional products. With items neatly presented and easy to reach, staff can advise on alternative options, sizes or complementary devices, naturally supporting upselling and cross-selling without extra effort, supporting stronger customer loyalty and repeat visits.

Key benefits of Live Electrical POS displays:

Instant visibility: Eye-catching branding that grabs attention at a busy counter

Clear product layout: Easy-to-navigate stands that help customers find what they need in moments

More customer interaction: Displays that spark conversation, upselling and product recommendations

Stronger loyalty: A professional, consistent brand presence that encourages repeat visits

Trade counter uplift: A simple, effective way to refresh your counter and boost sales

Operational efficiency: Reduces stock search times and eases pressure on counter staff

As Live Electrical’s reach continues to grow across the UK, the company remains focused on giving wholesalers practical tools that make a measurable difference.  The firm’s POS stands remain one of the easiest, most effective ways to raise visibility, improve branch presentation and support customer engagement.

Wholesalers looking to maximise the potential of their trade counters and highlight a trusted, high-demand product range can contact Live Electrical to get their branch equipped with a POS display today.

For further details, click here

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Ronald Moeskops, Trade Marketing Western Europe at LEDVANCE, discusses emergency lighting built for installation readiness.

Emergency lighting is a fundamental component of building safety, helping to ensure that occupants can safely exit a space in the event of a power failure or emergency. In commercial, industrial and public environments, the correct specification and installation of emergency luminaires is essential not only for safety but also for compliance with current regulations and standards.

When planning an emergency lighting system, specifiers and installers must consider a range of practical factors. Light output and coverage, emergency duration, environmental protection and long-term reliability all influence the effectiveness of the system. Installation efficiency is also a key consideration, particularly on projects with tight deadlines, complex access or high-traffic areas. Increasingly, flexibility and futureproofing are also valued, allowing systems to adapt as building use or requirements evolve. Modern emergency luminaires are therefore expected to combine robust performance with practical, user-friendly installation features.

Streamline installation

LEDVANCE has expanded its emergency lighting portfolio to address these needs, introducing solutions designed to deliver both dependable performance and installation readiness. The Emergency Twin Spot luminaire is tailored for applications where high-visibility, directional lighting is essential. Suitable for indoor and outdoor environments, its IP65-rated housing provides protection against dust and moisture, making it ideal for warehouses, car parks, plant rooms and external escape routes. The two adjustable spotlights enable installers to direct light precisely along defined escape paths, optimising coverage while minimising unnecessary illumination. Equipped with a LiFePO4 battery, the luminaire ensures a minimum of three hours of emergency operation and is supplied with mounting accessories to streamline on-site installation.

Complementing the Twin Spot is the Wallpack Combo IP65 luminaire, which introduces LEDVANCE’s Plug & Upgrade concept to outdoor emergency lighting. This modular approach allows the Wallpack to be installed initially as a standard luminaire, with emergency functionality added later via an emergency kit if required. Such flexibility is particularly valuable for projects where emergency lighting requirements may change during the course of construction, or where budgets and programmes call for a phased installation. Options are also available with or without an integrated photocell, providing additional adaptability for exterior applications.

Smoother delivery

Both solutions highlight the growing importance of installation readiness in emergency lighting design. By combining robust construction, compliance with current standards and flexible installation options, these luminaires allow contractors to deliver reliable, safe and future-ready solutions without unnecessary complexity. They also reduce the potential for errors or delays on site, supporting smoother project delivery and long-term system performance.

In addition to safety and compliance, durability and low-maintenance operation are increasingly important considerations. The IP65-rated housings, high-quality materials and extended battery life of these luminaires help ensure reliable performance in demanding environments, whether exposed to moisture, dust or occasional impact. By addressing both operational and practical requirements, LEDVANCE’s new emergency lighting solutions demonstrate that safety, efficiency and flexibility can be successfully combined in modern external and internal applications.

For electrical wholesalers, this represents an opportunity to offer products that meet the evolving expectations of specifiers and installers. Modern emergency luminaires are no longer simply safety items; they are practical, adaptable solutions that help projects meet regulatory, operational, and on-site challenges while supporting long-term performance and reliability. By combining reliability, flexibility and ease of installation, modern emergency lighting can truly support both compliance and long-term operational efficiency.

Further details are available here

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Lynne Jhangeer of LINIAN examines some of the products and solutions redefining cable fixing.

In today’s electrical and construction sectors, time is money — but safety is everything. Installers face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality work on tighter schedules, all while meeting ever-evolving compliance standards.

LINIAN is dedicated to designing products that simplify installation, reduce fixing time, and improve safety on site — without compromising on performance.

A smarter way to fix cables

Traditional cable fixing methods often involve multiple components: clips, plugs, screws, anchors — and multiple steps. Drill. Insert plug. Position clip. Drive screw. Repeat. It’s a process that consumes time and introduces inconsistency, particularly when working at height or in confined spaces.

LINIAN offer single-component fixing solutions that combines clip and anchor into one unit. Drill a hole, push it in, and you’re done. No wall plugs. No screws. No separate components. The result? A dramatically faster installation process that can reduce fixing time by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.

For contractors managing large-scale projects — whether in residential developments, commercial buildings, or industrial environments — those time savings quickly translate into significant cost efficiencies.

Real-world conditions

LINIAN solutions are designed with installers, for installers. Electricians told us they needed:

• Faster fixing methods
• Reduced repetitive strain
• Greater consistency
• Fire-rated compliance
• Fewer components to carry

The single-piece design means fewer materials to manage on site. Installers can work one-handed — a critical advantage when operating from ladders or elevated platforms. Less handling means less fatigue and improved productivity across a full working day.

In environments where cable management must meet fire safety standards, compliance is non-negotiable. Our range is made from high quality, corrosion resistant, fire rated steel which means the products meet UK wiring regulations, helping contractors maintain compliance without adding complexity.

Supporting modern construction demands

The construction landscape is changing. Modular builds, high-volume housing, and large-scale commercial installations all demand speed without sacrificing quality.

Cable fixing solutions are used across:

• Residential housing developments
• Student accommodation projects
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Commercial offices
• Industrial installations

In high-volume residential projects especially, reducing seconds per fixing can mean hours saved per plot. Multiply that across dozens — or hundreds — of properties, and the impact becomes substantial. Speed, however, is only part of the equation.

Improving safety on site

While speed and simplicity are vital on modern projects, fire safety remains one of the most critical considerations in cable management.

In the event of a fire, inadequately supported cables can fail prematurely. Plastic fixings may soften or collapse under high temperatures, allowing cables to fall and potentially obstruct escape routes or hinder firefighting operations. Following well-documented incidents in the UK, regulations were strengthened to ensure that wiring systems are supported in a way that prevents premature collapse during a fire.

At LINIAN, fire performance is not an afterthought — it is engineered into products from the outset.

The range is designed to provide secure retention under elevated temperatures. Manufactured to withstand the demands of fire conditions, these fixings help maintain cable containment and support compliance with UK wiring regulations, including the requirements introduced following changes to BS 7671.

By using fire-rated cable clips as standard, contractors can install with confidence, knowing that the fixing method contributes to the overall integrity of the installation in extreme circumstances.

Importantly, this level of protection does not come at the expense of speed. The same single-component, push-fit design that accelerates installation also ensures consistent, secure anchoring — reducing the risk of improper fixing that could compromise performance.

In today’s regulatory environment, demonstrating due diligence in fire safety is essential. Choosing compliant, fire-rated cable fixing solutions is a simple but significant step toward protecting both property and lives.

Cable management should not only simplify installation — it should stand up to the toughest conditions when it matters most.

Sustainability through efficiency

LINIAN uses fully recyclable packaging including water-based ink, however, sustainability isn’t just about materials — it’s also about process efficiency.

Reducing the number of components per fixing reduces material usage. Faster installation reduces energy consumption on site. Fewer repeat visits due to inconsistent fixings means fewer vehicle movements.

By designing products that streamline workflow, we indirectly contribute to more sustainable construction practices. Small improvements, multiplied across thousands of installations, create meaningful environmental impact.

Listening, adapting, improving

One of LINIAN’s greatest strengths is its close relationship with installers and wholesalers. Feedback drives development process – if a product can be made quicker, stronger, or more versatile, LINIAN wants to know. An expanding product range reflects that ongoing dialogue with the industry.

As methods advance and regulatory requirements tighten, efficiency and compliance will only grow in importance.

By combining smart design, installer-focused innovation, and rigorous performance standards, LINIAN is helping professionals complete jobs faster, safer, and with greater consistency. In an industry where margins are tight and deadlines tighter, the right cable accessory doesn’t just hold a cable in place — it holds a project together.

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