With rising energy costs, the UK Government’s Net Zero commitments and the rapid growth in consumer demand for all-electric living, the electrical installation landscape is being transformed at pace. Philip Grove, Product Manager for BG Circuit Protection, looks at why electrification is no longer a distant ambition but an active, accelerating shift that is reshaping how homes and small commercial premises use, generate and manage energy.

As transport, heating and energy generation continue to electrify, the role of the electrical installation itself is fundamentally changing. What was once a relatively static system designed around predictable loads is now evolving into a dynamic energy hub. EV chargers introduce sustained high current demand, heat pumps operate continuously rather than intermittently, and solar PV and battery storage systems create bi-directional power flows. At the same time, smart technologies and home-office equipment place greater emphasis on resilience, protection and future capacity.

For electrical contractors, this shift demands a rethink of traditional distribution arrangements. Designing solely to meet today’s requirements is increasingly short sighted, as customers are unlikely to stand still. A consumer unit that appears adequate at handover can quickly become a constraint as new circuits are added. Future-proofing is no longer about leaving a few spare ways ‘just in case’ – it is about installing distribution boards with the space, flexibility and adaptability needed to support electrification throughout the lifetime of the building. As a result, larger more versatile consumer units are becoming essential.

This growing complexity is also being reflected in regulatory expectations and customer awareness. Surge protection, discrimination, selectivity and resilience are no longer specialist considerations, but increasingly standard requirements in larger domestic and light commercial installations. End users are more informed and more likely to ask whether their electrical infrastructure is ‘EV ready’ or capable of supporting renewables in the future.

For contractors, specifying a consumer unit with sufficient capacity from the outset is becoming a mark of quality rather than excess. A well planned, spacious board reduces disruption, avoids unnecessary remedial work and demonstrates professional foresight – ensuring installations remain compliant, adaptable and fit for purpose as electrical demand continues to grow.

The rise of renewables

The electrical demands placed on UK homes and small commercial premises have changed dramatically in just the last decade. Where a traditional domestic installation may once have needed space only for lighting, sockets and a few dedicated loads, today’s consumer units must accommodate renewables like EV chargers, heat pumps, solar PV, battery storage as well as home office equipment and increasingly sophisticated smart-home technologies. As a result, electricians are routinely faced with the challenge of designing installations that aren’t just compliant today but are resilient, adaptable and spacious enough for the technologies their customers will want tomorrow.

Future-proof

Designed not only for now but also for future demands, BG’s recently launched Dual Row Consumer Units, which are available in 36 way and 48 way boards, stand out as a practical and forward-thinking solution for both domestic and light commercial environments. Built for flexibility, efficiency and expansion, BG’s Dual Row Consumer Units offer greater circuit capacity, integrated surge protection and the ability to accommodate renewable energy interfaces and smart control modules. They are ideal for installations where future proofing is a priority.

Capacity where it counts

With 36 or 48 module options, BG’s Dual Row Consumer Units – both coming supplied with a 100A main switch and Type 2 surge protection as standard – can house multiple RCBOs and AFDDs along with other modular devices without overcrowding the unit. Being a dual row arrangement means that a higher circuit density is achieved without excessively increasing the size of the unit. This makes it ideal for utility rooms, garages, plant rooms or small commercial settings where wall space may be limited.

This extra capacity is crucial in modern installations. For example, a single EV charger can demand a dedicated 32A circuit, whilst a solar PV inverter requires its own protective devices and battery storage and heat pumps add further loads. Attempting to squeeze these into a traditional single row board often forces installers to bolt on extra enclosures later. This is untidy, inefficient and much harder to maintain.

With maximum adaptability built in, BG’s Dual Row Consumer Units feature four rows of enlarged oval knock-outs at the rear, complemented by additional versatile 40mm knock-outs on the sides, top, and bottom, whilst a new DIN rail design offers a stronger and more secure device engagement. The offset incomer, larger busbar cover, and updated label sheet provide a seamless installation experience for electricians.

Electrifying the future

The UK’s energy landscape is heading in one clear direction – more electrification, more distributed energy generation and more smart devices – and consumer units must be ready for that migration. Solutions such as BG’s Dual Row Consumer Units will allow electrical contractors to return in the future to add new circuits without having to rip out and replace an undersized unit or bolt together multiple units making for a messy, inefficient installation. Future-ready, BG’s 36 and 48 way dual row single unified and spacious boards are ready for whatever comes next and provide electricians with a board that not only meets today’s demands but also anticipates tomorrows.

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Markden Homes has specified a comprehensive suite of products from Sync Energy, BG Electrical, and Luceco Lighting, ensuring each home is not only future-ready but beautifully finished.

At the heart of this smart home offering is the Sync Energy Wall Charger 2, a sleek, high-performance EV charger installed in every home. Designed with sustainability and user experience in mind, the Wall Charger 2 offers: Solar integration for cost-efficient, green charging using surplus energy. Smart scheduling via an intuitive mobile app, helping homeowners take advantage of off-peak rates. 7.4kW single-phase charging, offering fast, efficient performance compatible with UK household supplies and eight stylish colour fascia options, allowing design-conscious buyers to match their charger to their home’s exterior.

Continuing to ensure the specification and finish are of the highest standard, homes at the Tean Valley View development are also kitted out with BG Flush Recessed Fit Consumer Units, BG doorbells (BG Mains Powered Door Chime), BG Evolve pearlescent white and brushed steel switches and sockets, including Wi-Fi repeaters, and BG ceiling pendants.

Meeting the brief on lighting, internally and externally, Luceco LED FType MK2 Downlights have been installed, along with decorative Luceco LED Black External PIR Up/Down Wall Lights in black.

Alison Bowyer, Sales Manager at Markden Homes, said: “Our design and build processes go above and beyond industry standards, with each home crafted with meticulous attention to detail, fusing luxury, functionality and comfort for an unrivalled living experience.

The Luceco Group suite of brands ticked all the boxes for us, across quality, design, efficiency and sustainability, delivering product solutions across the board for the high-quality specification of the Tean Valley View development.”

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Luceco PLC (BG Electrical) is the 18th manufacturer to announce their sponsorship of EDATA, the electrotechnical sector’s data pool which is managed by the Electrical Distributors’ Association.

The 28 sponsors, a mix of manufacturers and wholesalers of various sizes, have each pledged their support to the data pool which offers EDA wholesalers and branches free access to information and images on 280,000+ products sold through the supply chain.

Ian Hunter, Trade Sales Director at Luceco PLC said of their sponsorship: “I am a very strong advocate for EDATA. It is through the EDATA data pool that Luceco gives EDA wholesalers easy access to rich accurate product data that helps them deliver exemplary customer service and increased sales whether that’s across the trade counter, through tenders and submittals or e-commerce.

“Luceco has been part of EDATA since 2020. Becoming an EDATA sponsor is an important strategic decision for us, demonstrating our commitment to the data pool, and playing our part in its development.”

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, said “Luceco’s sponsorship means they gain a place on the EDATA Steering Group, giving them a voice in how the data pool evolves. Ian has been a strong supporter of EDATA since its inception and it is thanks to the generosity of all the sponsors that we can make access to EDATA free to every EDA wholesaler and branch.”

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Hazel Whittingham, Product Manager for BG Electrical, looks at how the latest wiring accessories manage to combine form with functionality.

It’s no longer enough for a product to just perform well, it’s got to look good too. And, in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, even products that were once seen as utilitarian – such as wiring accessories like sockets, switches and USB chargers – there is a growing demand for stylish designs that align with and enhance the aesthetic of an interior. And, whilst wiring accessories may be small, insignificant they are not. Good design can really pack a punch when it comes to the overall finish of an installation, particularly in open plan spaces where electrical accessories – that also need to deliver on all aspects of practicality – are more visible.

Appealing aesthetics

Whether it’s at home or work, people want their spaces to feel good and function well, and since electrical components are often visible, their design can impact the overall atmosphere of a room. Wiring accessories that have been thoughtfully designed, with sleek finishes and stylish colours, complement rather than detract from the surrounding décor, delivering a truly finished feel helping to elevate the space and make the essential wiring accessory products less intrusive.

More than good looks

However, looking good is not enough. Specified wiring accessory products need to deliver not only on looks but also on practical functionality – for example with the integration of fast charging capabilities. With the growing dependence on mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices, the demand for rapid, efficient and reliable charging has never been greater – and looks set to rise.

Sockets incorporating high speed USB ports eliminate the need for bulky adaptors whilst delivering a convenient space-saving, clutter-free – and aesthetically pleasing – solution that provides end users with dedicated charging points delivering higher power for faster charging, significantly improving the entire user experience.’

Practicality and aesthetics

Specifically designed to answer this need and launched by Luceco under its specialist wiring and accessories brand BG Electrical, the Evolve range of decorative switches and sockets is ideal for both domestic and commercial applications and is the perfect way to ensure all essential power points enhance décor rather than detract from it. This range also makes decorative metal switches an accessible option for older homes which have no earth on the lighting circuit too, as no earthing is required for the decorative metal front plates due to their clever construction method.

Aesthetically attractive, the slimline switches and sockets are designed with screwless face plates which easily clip on and off making decorating easier and are available in eight different colours including brushed steel, black chrome, and matt blue as well as satin brass, polished copper, matt black, matt grey, and pearlescent white.

The range includes switches, sockets, innovative fast charge USB sockets, Wi-Fi range extenders, touch dimmer switches, as well as Grid range extensions and Euro module range extensions to combine power, data, TV, telephone and audio. The Evolve range includes a 25-year warranty (10 years on USB and Wi-Fi Extender sockets), with Asta Approval for assurance that these are best in class when it comes to wiring accessories. Colour coded terminals and captive screws also ensure a ‘right first time’ approach to any wiring installation.

End users expect both beauty and function in their wiring accessory products and the Evolve range combines aesthetics with practicality perfectly, making it the ideal choice for installers.

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Installers can now win big with BG Electrical – the leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality and innovative wiring accessories, circuit protection and portable power – in its exciting new competition running this Autumn.

With a grand prize of a European City Break, along with a host of other amazing prizes including Moto GP tickets, a Porsche driving experience, Merlin Annual Pass and smart TV, plus much more, the competition is open to all installers purchasing a product from the BG Circuit Protection range (excluding accessories) until 10^th December 2024.

Once you have purchased any BG consumer unit, protective device or industrial switch, simply upload your valid receipt or invoice to bgwin.co.uk to enter the draw for your chance to win big. It’s one entry per purchase so the more you buy, the more chances you have to win

BG is part of the Luceco Group, which also includes the Sync Energy and Masterplug brands as well as commercial and domestic lighting.

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BG Electrical’s Evolve decorative wiring accessories range is hitting the spot with wholesalers thanks to end user demand for value for money, style and décor-matching elegance with easy, quick fitting and ‘no-return’ reliability for the installer.

The award-winning Evolve range of decorative switches and sockets is designed for both domestic and commercial applications and is the perfect way to ensure all essential power points enhance décor rather than detract from it. Aesthetically attractive, the slimline switches and sockets are designed with screwless face plates which easily clip on and off making decorating easier.

Launched by Luceco under its specialist wiring and accessories brand BG Electrical, the Evolve range boasts eight different colours including brushed steel, black chrome, and matt blue as well as satin brass, polished copper, matt black, matt grey, and pearlescent white.

The range includes switches, sockets and innovative fast charge USB sockets, Wi-Fi range extenders, touch dimmer switches as well as Grid range extension and Euro module range extension combining power, data, TV, telephone, and audio.

There are 25 year warranties and the range design ensures a ‘right first time’ approach to any wiring installation, giving peace of mind to both wholesalers and their installer customers.

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Whilst the number of portable devices requiring USB charging continues to increase, most only come with the charging cable and no plug adaptor.

Answering this need, British General’s (BG Electrical) new fast charge USB-C sockets offer a great upsell for installers as well as an increased profit opportunity to wholesalers supplying them.

The new wall sockets feature high-speed, smart charging USB-C ports, whilst retaining USB-A ports for compatibility with legacy cables. The super-fast 45W is capable of charging high power devices such as laptops, tablets and video equipment as well as smartphones and other USB devices. For those who simply need to charge their smart phone and lower powered devices, there is also a 22W fast charge option which can deliver a 50% charge to mobile phones in just 30 minutes.

The super-fast 45W and fast charge 22W sockets will be available across multiple BG Electrical ranges including the Nexus Metal, White Moulded, Evolve, and FlatPlate ranges of colours and finishes. There will also be a smaller range of 15W and 12W sockets in the White Moulded and Nexus Metal finishes for those who do not require fast charging and are working to a lower budget.

Smart charging functionality in these sockets allows for safe and efficient charging of devices, using variable fast technology to protect and prolong battery life by only providing the power a device needs. Once a device is fully charged, the socket will go into standby mode, saving costs on unnecessary power and preventing long term damage to batteries.

This more sustainable charging solution is a great option for consumers who have limited space near sockets or prefer a more minimalist look. The integrated ports reduce the need for additional 3-pin plug adapters or extension leads and as such, reduces electrical waste for the environmentally conscious.

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The range of Evolve decorative wiring accessories from BG Electrical is flying off the shelves thanks to end user demand for value for money style and décor-matching elegance with easy, quick fitting and ‘no-return’ reliability for the installer.

The award-winning Evolve range of decorative switches and sockets are designed for both domestic and commercial applications and are the perfect way to ensure all essential power points enhance décor rather than detract from it. Aesthetically attractive, the slimline switches and sockets are designed with screwless face plates which easily clip on and off making decorating easier.

Launched by leading lighting and electrical brand Luceco under its specialist wiring and accessories brand BG Electrical, the Evolve range boasts eight different colours including brushed steel, black chrome, and matt blue as well as satin brass, polished copper, matt black, matt grey, and pearlescent white.

The range includes switches, sockets and innovative fast charge USB sockets, Wi-Fi range extenders, touch dimmer switches as well as Grid range extension and Euro module range extension combining power, data, TV, telephone, and audio.

There are 25-year warranties, and the range design ensures a ‘right first time’ approach to any wiring installation.

For more information, click here

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