Jeni French, Business Development Manager at Electrorad, discusses high heat retention storage heaters and outlines eight myths every electrician should know about.

Today’s storage heaters are nothing like those of the past. The very mention of storage heaters and most people still picture the bulky, difficult-to-control units installed in homes during the 1970s and 80s. While those systems served their purpose, heating technology has advanced considerably.

Today’s High Heat Retention (HHR) storage heaters are intelligent, energy efficient heating solutions, designed to maximise off peak electricity, improve occupant comfort, help properties meet modern energy efficiency standards and are also Nett Zero ready. Yet despite these advances, many misconceptions remain. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: All storage heaters are the same

Traditional storage heaters charged overnight and gradually released heat throughout the day, regardless of whether it was needed – the use it or lose it scenario!

Modern High Heat Retention storage heaters like the Thermastore HHR by Electrorad are engineered very differently. Using high performance insulation, intelligent electronic controls and fan assisted heat delivery, they retain significantly more stored heat and release it only when there is demand.

The result is improved comfort, greater control and lower running costs. High heat retention means storing heat more effectively and releasing it when it’s actually needed is no longer a myth.

Myth 2: Charging overnight wastes energy

Charging overnight is actually one of the biggest advantages of an HHR storage heater, gone are the use it or lose it days.

These appliances are specifically designed to make the most of lower-cost, off-peak electricity available through tariffs such as Economy 7 and smart tariffs like Octopus Cosy. The units have highly insulated cores which store this energy for use throughout the day, significantly reducing unwanted heat loss along with a smart charging algorithm that learns your usage and reacts according as to whether to charge or not.

For homeowners, this means the potential for substantially lower heating costs compared with traditional direct-acting electric heaters.

Myth 3: Any storage heater can be called a high heat retention heater

This is one of the most common misconceptions. While manufacturers may describe products in different ways, to be recognised as a high heat retention storage heater within the SAP methodology and EPC calculations, the product must be listed on the SAP Product Characteristics Database (PCDB).

The PCDB is the Government-recognised database used by SAP assessors to calculate the energy performance of buildings. Products included on the database have undergone rigorous testing to verify their thermal performance and control characteristics.

For installers, specifying a SAP listed HHR storage heater provides confidence that the products performance will be recognised within SAP calculations, making it particularly important for new build developments, retrofit projects and social housing schemes.

Myth 4: Storage heaters offer very little control

That may have been true 30 years ago, but certainly not today. Modern HHR storage heaters feature sophisticated controls, including digital thermostats, programmable weekly timers, adaptive start, open-window detection and, on many models, Wi-Fi connectivity with app control. This allows homeowners to programme heating schedules, adjust temperatures remotely and heat individual rooms only when required, improving both comfort and efficiency.

Myth 5: They release all their heat by lunchtime

Older storage heaters were often criticised for doing exactly that. But modern HHR appliances like the Thermastore HHR use advanced insulation combined with intelligent fan-assisted heat delivery to retain stored energy until it’s needed. Heat is released when required in a controlled manner throughout the day and well into the evening, helping to maintain comfortable room temperatures long after charging has finished. The Thermastore HHR also has a clever Smart Charge option that learns your rooms requirement and utilises the stored heat accordingly.

Myth 6: Electric storage heating isn’t environmentally friendly

Electric heating is becoming greener every year. As the UK electricity grid continues to decarbonise, an increasing proportion of electricity comes from renewable sources. High heat retention storage heaters are designed to charge during off peak periods, which often coincide with lower demand and higher levels of renewable generation.

This not only helps reduce running costs but also supports a more balanced and efficient electricity network.

Myth 7: Storage heaters are outdated technology

Today’s HHR storage heaters are a world away from the products many people remember.

They are designed to meet Lot 20 EcoDesign requirements and incorporate intelligent energy saving features such as electronic room temperature control, adaptive start and open-window detection, smart controls and clever learning algorythms.

Combined with more modern styling and advanced insulation, they provide efficient, controllable heating that’s perfectly suited to today’s homes.

Myth 8: Storage heaters can’t work alongside other heating systems

Modern HHR storage heaters integrate seamlessly with other electric heating technologies, including electric radiators and panel heaters. This flexibility enables installers to design heating systems that suit the individual property, providing the right balance of efficiency, comfort and running costs.

Why SAP listing matters

When specifying a high heat retention storage heater, always check that the product appears on the SAP Product Characteristics Database (PCDB), products like the Thermastore HHR have gone through rigorous testing to achieve inclusion.

Choosing a SAP-listed product helps ensure:

• The heater’s performance is recognised within SAP calculations.
• Greater confidence when specifying products for new-build and refurbishment projects.
• Compliance with recognised industry standards.
• Reassurance for developers, landlords and homeowners that the product has been independently assessed.

It’s a simple check that can make a significant difference when selecting heating systems for energy efficient homes.

The bottom line

High Heat Retention storage heaters have transformed electric heating. For installers, they offer straightforward installation and have recognised performance and compliance with today’s energy standards. For homeowners, they provide improved comfort, intelligent controls and the opportunity to reduce heating costs by making the most of off-peak electricity tariffs.

Products such as the Electrorad Thermastore HHR combine SAP recognition, Lot 20 compliance, intelligent controls and advanced heat retention technology all in one product, delivering a Nett Zero ready, future-ready electric heating solution.

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ESP – part of the Scolmore Group – is offering one lucky reader the chance to win an Espire fire and CO alarm bundle.

Launched last year, Espire is a comprehensive range of high-performance fire and CO alarm products. Boasting an array of innovative features, the range includes optical smoke alarms, heat alarms, combined smoke and heat alarms, carbon monoxide (COs) alarms and combined CO and heat alarms.

Optical smoke alarm

The optical smoke alarms are equipped with advanced infrared LED sensor technology that excels in detecting early sign of combustion particles, making them ideal for living areas, bedrooms, escape routes and stairways. Key features include a 24-hour memory function, auto-dimming LED, dust compensation and stainless-steel insect mesh barrier, designed to reduce nuisance alarms and improve accuracy over time. The Espire optical smoke alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS5839-6.

Dual CO and heat alarms

The dual CO and heat alarms are ideal for kitchens, utility rooms and garages, and incorporate independent sensors for carbon monoxide and heat detection, allowing each threat to be monitored and managed separately. The Espire dual CO and heat alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS EN50292

Both the optical smoke and the dual CO and heat alarm models feature ESP’s signature lock-in base, hush function, auto sensor self-test and 24-hour alarm memory. Installers can also benefit from optional RF-Link modules alarms for enhanced coverage.

The Espire bundle being offered in this month’s competition includes three optical smoke alarms and one dual CO and heat alarm.

For further information about the Espire range, visit www.espireuk.com

HOW TO ENTER

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

Q. Which products are included in the Espire range from ESP?

A) Optical smoke alarms for residential use

B) Fire extinguishers and emergency lighting products

C) A comprehensive range including smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms, plus combined units

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

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A new electromagnetic door control solution has been brought to the market to make busy buildings safer, more accessible and easier to maintain.

The AR9798 from ARRONE helps eliminate unnecessary maintenance calls by featuring a green LED voltage light on the switch box to indicate that there is a connection to a power source.

This light shows green when the optimum voltage between 20-24 volts is being received, giving maintenance teams reassurance that there is a good and reliable connection to the power source. If the voltage drops below 20 volts, the light goes out, helping facilities teams identify whether an issue is electrical or mechanical which in turn minimises costly callouts to the wrong party.

The closer’s hold-open and free-swing functions allow easy movement throughout a building while still ensuring doors will swiftly close in the event of a fire.

In hold-open mode, the AR9798 holds the door open at a set angle between 80° and 160°, enabling people to move more easily through high-traffic areas such as corridors in hospitals, offices and public buildings.

In free-swing mode, the door can move with little to no resistance, making it suitable for environments where accessibility and ease of movement are important, including care homes and healthcare settings.

Conversion between the two settings is a simple process involving the removal of only two fixings from the arm of the closer. Compared to the standard method for changing the whole arm set, which can typically take 10-15 minutes, this new process takes significantly less time and reduces the risk of incorrect transition.

Find out more here

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We find out how Signify and Liverpool City Council utilised traffic adaptive lighting to drive energy efficiency and sustainability.

Signify has delivered an advanced smart lighting solution for Liverpool’s waterfront area.

The project, completed in collaboration with McCann (Street Lighting Maintenance contractor for Liverpool City Council) with support from LiveLabs, is part of a three-year, UK-wide £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network and UpCiti, that uses connected lighting technology to reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions, and enable smart infrastructure management across the city. The installation covers key routes linking the city centre to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, home to Premier League club Everton FC.

Investment

Like many cities, Liverpool faces the challenge of reducing emissions and improvingsustainability while continuing to deliver reliable public services. The switch can bring up to 30% in energy savings over the next 10 years. The city also needed to increase safety for pedestrians on match days as routes leading to Everton Stadium experience significant surges in traffic during events, requiring brighter, adaptive lighting for safety and crowd management. In addition, in the past, the council has relied on public reports to identify lighting failures, leading to delays in repairs and potential safety risks. As budgets tighten and energy costs rise, the city is pursuing innovative, efficient ways to invest in the future.

Liverpool City Council partnered with Signify and McCann Ltd to pilot adaptive street lighting, controlled in real time by an intelligent software solution. The system uses Signify LumiStreet Gen2 luminaires which are connected to the Signify Interact City central management system, and which in turn is linked via API’s to traffic count sensors. These sensors monitor the traffic volume allowing the system to automatically adjust lighting levels based on traffic density and thus providing the right light when and where it is needed. The result is improved energy efficiency without compromising safety or visibility.

Monitoring performance

At the centre of the project is Signify’s Interact City lighting control system, which continuously monitors performance and automatically detects faults to minimise downtime and maintenance costs. This proactive approach enhances public safety and streamlines management of lighting assets across the waterfront area. Interact City connects both new and existing luminaires, creating a unified lighting network that reduces energy use and supports future citywide upgrades.

On high demand days, such as matchdays at Everton’s nearby stadium, Liverpool City Council can respond more effectively to increased requirements for lighting, operational efficiency and public safety. Lighting levels can be increased to maintain optimal visibility and support safer public spaces. With each luminaire connected to Signify’s central management platform, the council can proactively manage the lighting network using real-time data and insights. This smart approach helps minimise energy waste by ensuring lighting is only used when and where it is needed, avoiding the inefficiencies of fixed schedules that can create a disconnect between planned lighting and actual conditions.

Fit for purpose

“We’re proud to be among the first UK local authorities to deploy traffic-adaptive lighting at scale,” said Ali Zahran, Principal Street Lighting Engineer at Liverpool City Council. “This investment is helping us reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and build a more sustainable, future-ready city. The upgrade responds to the evolving needs of residents while supporting the ambitions of a growing city, delivering smarter infrastructure that enhances safety, efficiency, and the overall urban environment for everyone.”

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “Since the Hill Dickinson Stadium opened, we’ve listened closely to fans who want a safe, well-lit route back towards the city centre and key transport links. The new adaptive lighting along the busiest roads around the stadium means pavements are brightly lit when people need it most, helping everyone feel safer as they move through the area. Because the system responds in real time, we can also spot and fix faults quickly, keeping the route reliably lit on matchdays and beyond. And by adjusting the lighting to actual traffic levels, we’re cutting unnecessary energy use and delivering real savings for the city.”

John McCann, Managing Director at McCann, added on the awarding of the contract: “We’re proud to be working alongside Liverpool City Council and Signify to ensure the city’s street lighting infrastructure is safe, reliable, and future-ready. Delivering this project as part of our maintenance service for Liverpool is a major win for our business as it reinforces our approach to collaboration, innovation, and consistency. This installation is a step in the right direction towards making Liverpool 2040 a reality.”

“Every growing city must ensure that infrastructure is fit for purpose and meets the needs of its residents. Public lighting plays a critical role in creating spaces where people feel safe, while also helping cities manage energy consumption and reduce emissions,” said Simon

Wilkinson, Commercial Leader Public UK, Signify. “Our collaboration with Liverpool City Council delivers immediate benefits through energy savings and improved visibility, while also serving as a blueprint for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable cities across the UK. As one of Europe’s most culturally significant and forward-thinking cities, Liverpool continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and enhancing quality of life for its residents through projects such as this.”

Find out more here

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Nicolas Foort, Industrial Skincare Specialist at Arco, highlights a ‘deadly’ workplace hazard many employers are still overlooking.

Record-breaking temperatures have brought the UK’s changing climate into sharp focus this summer, prompting renewed conversations about managing workplace temperatures, preventing heat stress and keeping workers safe during periods of extreme weather.

These are incredibly important discussions. But in my experience as an Industrial Skincare Specialist at Arco, many workplaces are unintentionally overlooking one of the most significant risks facing employees as our climate continues to evolve: occupational sun exposure.

Recently, during a routine site visit, I noticed subtle changes to an employee’s skin. To the untrained eye, these changes were so subtle they may have gone undetected for quite some time.

I’m not a doctor by any means, and I can’t diagnose skin cancer – nor would I ever attempt to. However, many years of experience have armed me with a strong instinct and sharp eye for warning signs.

After looking at the employee’s skin more closely using the Observ 540 Skin Analysis Unit, an advanced skin diagnostic device which exposes sun damage, pigmentation issues, clogged pores, vascular redness and so much more besides, I advised the worker to visit their GP, who sadly confirmed it was indeed skin cancer.

The reality is that these conversations are happening more and more often. While employers are becoming increasingly aware of the immediate risks associated with extreme heat conditions, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the dangers of long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation are all too often underestimated – until the damage is already done.

Unlike heat-related illness, the effects of sun exposure can take years to develop, making it easier for both workers and employers to overlook, or even consider them hypothetical, worst-case scenarios.

That needs to change. At Arco, we believe occupational sun exposure should be treated with the same level of seriousness as any other workplace hazard. If a risk has the potential to cause long-term harm to workers, it deserves the same attention, planning and preventative measures as any other health and safety concern.

Heat stress – a significant workplace risk factor 

The changing climate creates genuine challenges for employers, particularly given much of our UK infrastructure is not designed to cope with extreme temperatures.

Heat stress occurs when the body’s natural temperature regulation systems struggle to cope with environmental conditions. High temperatures, humidity, physical exertion, restrictive personal protective equipment (PPE) and limited airflow can all contribute to workers becoming unwell.

Early symptoms can include, but are not limited to, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps and difficulty concentrating. Left unmanaged, these issues can develop into heat exhaustion or, in severe cases, heat stroke. Beyond these immediate health implications, heat can also impair concentration, judgement and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of mistakes, accidents and injuries.

Employers have a duty to regularly assess workplace temperatures, monitor environmental conditions and implement suitable controls. This could include improving ventilation, providing access to cool, fresh drinking water, introducing more frequent rest breaks, and adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, wherever realistically possible.

However, while the effects of heat stress are typically visible and immediate, another danger continues to develop silently in the background.

The hazard many workplaces underestimate  

When people think about skin cancer, they often associate it with holidays abroad, sunbed use, or recreational sun exposure.

Few people consider the cumulative impact of spending years working outdoors. Construction workers, highways teams, utility engineers, agricultural workers, logistics personnel and a wide range of other outdoor-working professionals can spend thousands of hours exposed to harmful UV rays throughout their careers.

What makes this particularly concerning is that UV radiation is totally invisible.

Even on cooler, or cloudy days, workers can be exposed to harmful levels. Unlike sunburn, which provides an immediate warning sign, long-term skin damage tends to develop gradually, quietly. Yet skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the UK, accounting for approximately 31% of all cancer diagnoses.

For me, that statistic alone should be a wake-up call for businesses. The most worrying thing is that many cases may be somewhat preventable through greater awareness, earlier intervention and more rigorous workplace controls.

When discussing occupational skin health, it is so important not to focus solely on UV exposure. Many industries already face elevated levels of occupational skin disease. In construction, for example, workers are regularly exposed to substances such as wet cement, fuels, oils, solvents and cleaning products, all of which can contribute to occupational dermatitis and other skin conditions.

With this in mind, employers should consider skin health as part of their wider occupational health strategy, rather than viewing sun protection as a standalone issue. At Arco, we regularly work alongside organisations that are looking to take a more proactive approach to occupational skin health, combining awareness, prevention, education and protection.

The goal should be about so much more than merely compliance. It should be built around protecting workers from preventable ill-health throughout their careers.   

For more on this topic, click here

Catch up on previous ‘Soapbox’ articles here

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Katie Plumstead, Group Marketing Manager at Scolmore, discusses how design-led wiring accessories are driving opportunities for wholesalers.

As interior design continues to influence specification decisions across hospitality, leisure and premium residential projects, wiring accessories are increasingly expected to deliver more than functionality alone. Today, wholesalers are seeing growing demand for products that combine performance, flexibility and aesthetics, helping contractors and specifiers create a consistent look throughout a project.

This trend is particularly evident in hospitality environments, where designers are moving away from uniform schemes in favour of individually styled spaces. The challenge is finding wiring accessories that can complement a variety of interiors while maintaining a consistent specification across the building.

Decorative metal finishes continue to grow in popularity, offering a premium appearance and the versatility to work across a wide range of settings. Manufacturers have responded by expanding their decorative wiring accessory portfolios, giving wholesalers a wider choice of products to offer customers looking to match accessories to contemporary and traditional design schemes alike.

Click Scolmore’s Deco and Deco Plus ranges illustrate this evolution. Available in a variety of finishes including matt bronze, matt black, polished chrome, satin chrome, stainless steel, antique brass and satin brass, the ranges provide specifiers with options to suit a broad spectrum of design requirements. The extensive finish selection allows accessories to become part of the overall design concept rather than simply a practical necessity.

Flexibility is equally important from an installation perspective. Modular switch plates and MiniGrid compatibility enable contractors to configure accessories to meet individual project requirements while maintaining a consistent appearance throughout a development. For wholesalers, the availability of flexible, configurable solutions can help address a wider range of project requirements from stock.

The focus on flexibility is also driving demand for products that maximise functionality in a compact footprint. A good example is the growing availability of multi-gang switching solutions that allow more circuits to be controlled from a single plate. Click Scolmore’s Definity range, for example, includes a premium 10AX 4-gang complete switch that enables four separate circuits to be controlled from a standard-sized plate, helping installers overcome limited wall space while maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance. Such solutions are particularly useful in hallways, living areas and hospitality settings, where additional controls may be required without the disruption of enlarging back boxes or reconfiguring décor.

Coordinating accessories across modern interiors

The growing emphasis on cohesive interior design extends beyond switches and sockets to encompass media and data accessories as well. Increasingly, specifiers are looking for solutions that allow power, control and media requirements to be integrated into a single, coordinated scheme.

Reflecting this trend, Click Scolmore has continued to expand its New Media offering with additions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The introduction of an 8-aperture front plate within the Definity screwless collection provides a streamlined solution for accommodating multiple media requirements from a single location, helping to reduce wall clutter and create a cleaner, more professional finish.

The availability of matt bronze and matt black finishes across the New Media 8-aperture front plate range gives specifiers even greater flexibility when matching accessories to contemporary interior schemes. Designed to complement the wider decorative wiring accessory offering, these finishes support the growing demand for products that combine practical performance with strong visual appeal.

Hospitality projects highlight the trend

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into commercial and residential spaces, there is greater demand for products that support power, control and connectivity requirements without compromising aesthetics. Click’s New Media range, available in a matt black finish, offers a coordinated approach for contemporary interiors where visual consistency is a key consideration.

A recent refurbishment project at The Station at Shustoke in Warwickshire highlights the importance of versatile wiring accessories in practice. The boutique aparthotel features 16 individually designed guest rooms, each with its own character and style. To provide a unifying element throughout the property, Click Deco accessories in a polished chrome finish were specified across the development, demonstrating how a carefully selected range can work across diverse interior schemes while maintaining a consistent standard of specification.

As customer expectations continue to evolve, decorative wiring accessories are playing an increasingly important role in modern projects. For electrical wholesalers, this presents an opportunity to add value by helping customers identify solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality and installation flexibility. With growing interest in premium finishes, modular configurations and coordinated media accessories, wholesalers are well placed to guide contractors and specifiers towards products that meet both the practical and design-led requirements of today’s installations.

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It’s been a busy few months in the electrical industry, with new appointments and shake-ups across different sectors. Keep up to date with the latest movements here, as we details who has gone where…

Dr Thorsten Müller
LUCECO GROUP

Luceco Group has announced the appointment of Dr Thorsten Müller as Chief Executive Officer. Thorsten brings extensive experience leading global industrial technology businesses, across lighting, electrification and energy management sectors. Most recently, he was Divisional Chief Executive in the Safety Sector at Halma plc. Prior to joining Halma in 2022, he held senior leadership roles at ABB, Osram and Bosch.

David Barnwell
RECOLIGHT

Recolight has announced the appointment of a new Director, David Barnwell, who will represent Holophane on the Recolight Ltd board; the first time the company has held a seat on the board. David is Managing Director of Holophane, a role he has held since 2019, and brings over 30 years’ experience in the lighting industry, including more than 26 years at Holophane. He also sits on the Board of the Lighting Industry Association, having served as its President from 2024 to 2026.

Eddie Embleton
EDA

The EDA has announced the appointment of Eddie Embleton as CEO Designate from 1 October 2026. Eddie brings over a decade of senior level experience within the electrical industry, most recently as Managing Director of Voltimum, where he led and grew its digital media and data business. He has already built strong working relationships with many wholesalers, manufacturers and associations across the sector, which he will draw on in his new role.

The appointment follows a highly successful 12-year tenure by Margaret Fitzsimons as Chief Executive and includes a structured transition period as she steps back into a part-time strategic role, ensuring continuity and a smooth handover of responsibilities.

Catch up on previous months ‘Movers and shakers’ articles here

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Where a property already operates on Economy 7 or a similar time-of-use tariff, or in scenarios when switching to one is possible, High Heat Retention (HHR) storage heaters are an ideal primary heating solution.

Well-established

With this well-established technology, the unit charges the heater overnight on cheaper off-peak electricity, then releases that stored heat gradually and controllably throughout the day. For end users, this can represent a noticeable reduction in running costs compared with alternatives.

Storage heaters can also contribute positively to SAP calculations and EPC ratings when the specified products are listed in the SAP Appendix Q database. Models not listed cannot be classed as HHR and will not deliver those compliance benefits.

The Dimplex Quantum is the definitive answer to this requirement, offering the latest generation of smart HHR technology with responsive, on-demand heat output.

Thanks to advances in technology and product development, modern HHR storage heaters bear little resemblance to older generations of the technology. Improved charge and heat release controls, better insulation, and smart connectivity have made them a solid replacement choice for properties upgrading ageing storage or direct-electric systems.

Instant warmth where and when it’s needed with direct-acting heaters

For properties where flexibility and response time are priorities, direct-acting electric heaters are ideal. Two separate product types sit within this category and understanding the difference between them is key to a successful specification.

Panel heaters are best suited to rooms that are used intermittently – such as spare bedrooms, home offices, utility rooms – where occupants need warmth on demand rather than sustained background heat.

The Dimplex Alta Wi-Fi is a great example, as it delivers convected heat almost immediately by circulating warm air around the room quickly and efficiently.

Go electric

By contrast, electric radiators are a great choice for main living spaces and bedrooms, where it’s important to maintain a comfortable temperature for longer periods of time.

Thanks to their higher thermal mass, these units heat up more gradually than panel heaters, and hold/distribute that heat more evenly, producing steadier comfort and more predictable energy use.

In addition, the appearance and performance of electric radiators closely mirror those of traditional wet-system radiators, which helps ease the transition for customers moving away from these types of systems.

The Dimplex Q-Rad and Dimplex AluRad Wi-Fi both sit in this category, combining familiar radiator aesthetics with contemporary controls and connectivity. 

Combination

When used together across a property – for example, a panel heater in a home office and electric radiators in the main rooms – these two product types provide installers with a flexible toolkit for nearly any residential application.

Combining an HHR storage heater in a main living area with electric radiators in bedrooms, is an increasingly common and effective approach, balancing economy with comfort throughout the home.

For further information, click here

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ELUCIAN EXPANDS THREE PHASE RANGE WITH NEW 125A THREE PHASE TO SINGLE PHASE CONVERTER

Elucian has expanded its growing three-phase distribution range with the launch of a new 125A Three Phase to Single Phase Converter, providing installers and contractors with a practical, cost-effective solution for converting a 125A three-phase board into a single-phase board.

Designed specifically for use with Elucian’s three-phase distribution boards, the 125A Three Phase to Single Phase Converter allows a TPN board to be adapted for a single-phase incoming-supply. The new converter also enables installers to repurpose an existing three-phase board where a 125A single-phase solution is now required, removing the need for a complete board replacement. This flexibility makes it ideal for commercial and industrial installations.

The converter has been engineered with ease of installation and space efficiency in mind. Measuring just 78mm x 20mm x 88mm, its compact L-shaped design allows it to sit flush against the main switch, maximising valuable board space and delivering a neat, professional finish.

A key feature of the new converter is its innovative connection method. The unit connects directly to the screw terminals, eliminating the need for a lug and leaving the terminals free for future additions. This simplifies installation while maintaining a tidy internal arrangement within the board.

For enhanced safety, a dedicated busbar cover is incorporated into the design, providing additional protection once installed. The converter also fits neatly beneath Elucian’s 125A shroud, delivering an extra layer of protection and ensuring seamless integration with the existing range.

Compatible with all current Elucian three-phase boards and suitable for use with both 3-pole and 4-pole 125A main switches, the converter extends the versatility of the Elucian three-phase offer.

Find out more at www.elucianuk.com

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Be the expert your customers rely on, not just the wholesaler they buy from.

Cables are used with almost all electrical supply, control and information technology installations. This EDA training module on Cables and Cable Management takes you through the various types and construction of the cables and cords available for use in an electrical installation and an overview of the different terminations and connectors that are used. This background will help you to increase your knowledge in the huge range of cables and cable management systems (CMSs) that are requested by customers on a daily basis.

Most cables supplied through distributors or wholesalers will be low-voltage power cables, data cables or control cables. Higher voltage cables, as used by the power utilities (Distribution Network Operators and Independent Distribution Network Operators), some fibre optic cables and other specialist cables are also occasionally supplied by distributors or wholesalers.

Great service, loyal customers, better business

Getting the right cable to the right customer first time means fewer things sent back and fewer awkward phone calls. And once your team feels more confident they’ll naturally start suggesting the right add-ons too – which is good for them and good for your business.

The EDA’s training module Cables and Cable Management covers:

• Wiring systems
• Telecommunications cables
• Optical fibre cables
• Special cables
• Substandard and counterfeit cables
• Cable fire performance
• Cable management systems
• Cable termination

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Cables and Cable Management 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 colour insulation is used to denote a protective earth conductor?
Q2: Is there a possible spark risk when optical fibre cables are cut?
Q3: To what do the following acronyms refer: LFH and LSF?
Q4: What does an IP4X rating specify?
Q5: What is the connection between a conductor and other equipment or accessory called?
Q6: What is meant by ‘loose tube’ cable constructions in an optic fibre cable?

Scroll down for answers

Answers:

A1: Green/yellow
A2: No – they are intrinsically safe
A3: Low fire hazards (LFH) and low smoke and fume (LSF) cables
A4: Protected against access by fine wire (1.0 mm thick or greater)
A5: A termination
A6: Primary coated optical fibres without any additional coatings or layers, threaded through tubes.

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

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