AI doesn’t run on artificial intelligence alone – it runs on infrastructure. We hear from Dunasfern on why electrical wholesalers have become a critical link in Britain’s AI revolution.

Artificial Intelligence is dominating boardroom conversations across every industry. From manufacturing and healthcare to retail, education and logistics, businesses are investing heavily in AI technologies to improve productivity, automate repetitive tasks and gain competitive advantage.

Yet whilst AI software receives most of the attention, there is another technology working quietly behind the scenes that rarely makes the headlines.

The physical network infrastructure

Every AI request, every cloud application, every security camera, every smart building device and every connected workstation relies on one thing before any software can function — fast, reliable, professionally installed infrastructure and data cabling.

Without high quality structured cabling and connectivity, AI simply cannot deliver on its promise. For electrical wholesalers, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility.

Unprecedented demand for data

Whether it’s Microsoft Copilot assisting office workers, manufacturers deploying machine vision systems, warehouses introducing autonomous vehicles or businesses analysing huge datasets in real time, AI dramatically increases the amount of information travelling across networks.

Modern networks are no longer supporting just computers.

Today’s infrastructure must carry:

• AI applications
• High definition video
• IP telephony
• Cloud computing
• Building management systems
• Security and CCTV
• Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7
• IoT sensors
• Smart lighting
• Access control systems

Every new connected device adds traffic. Every AI workload demands lower latency. Every business expects instant access. The result is simple, networks are becoming more critical than ever before.

As organisations upgrade their IT infrastructure to accommodate AI, demand continues to shift towards higher-performance structured cabling solutions, particularly Cat6 and Cat6A copper systems together with fibre optic backbones for larger installations.

The installer’s reputation

Most installers will never receive a phone call because a network is working perfectly, they only receive calls when it isn’t.

Poor quality cable or connectivity products may save pennies during installation but can create expensive faults months or even years later.

• Intermittent faults
• Reduced network speeds
• Power over Ethernet issues
• Certification failures
• Unplanned maintenance

These are all problems that can ultimately damage an installer’s reputation far more than the cost difference between inferior products and professionally manufactured systems.

As data speeds continue to increase, installation quality becomes even more important. Higher bandwidth leaves less margin for error. That means installers increasingly rely upon wholesalers who can supply consistent, fully compliant products that perform exactly as expected.

Speed of supply

Construction schedules continue to tighten and commercial installations frequently operate to fixed completion dates. Data centres often work to commissioning deadlines measured in hours rather than days.

If a project stops because a patch panel, cabinet accessory or cable drum isn’t available, the financial impact can be significant. In today’s environment, availability has become almost as important as the product itself.

Wholesalers need distribution partners who understand project deadlines and maintain extensive stock levels across complete networking ranges, not simply cable, but the entire ecosystem including:

• Copper cabling
• Fibre optic solutions
• Patch panels
• Cabinets and racks
• Power distribution
• Patch leads
• Connectivity
• Cable management
• Labelling systems

Having every component available from a single supplier helps reduce delays, simplify ordering and minimise project risk.

For installers, it means fewer suppliers to manage and greater confidence that projects remain on schedule.

Customer service still matters

Technology continues to evolve at remarkable speed and service should never become automated. When installers need products, they usually need them immediately, whilst questions about cable selection, standards, shielding, cabinets or product compatibility cannot always wait until tomorrow. That’s where knowledgeable customer support continues to make the difference.

The best suppliers understand that their role extends beyond simply shipping products – they become an extension of the installer’s business and help specify products, support project planning, resolve problems quickly and ultimately help installers deliver successful projects to their own customers. Technology may be changing rapidly, but relationships remain one of the industry’s greatest assets.

Supporting the UK’s electrical wholesale network

Electrical wholesalers have become much more than product distributors. Increasingly, they are trusted advisers helping contractors navigate an ever-expanding range of networking technologies.

As AI adoption accelerates, wholesalers have an opportunity to strengthen that role even further by partnering with specialist suppliers who understand structured cabling and maintain comprehensive stock across copper, fibre and connectivity solutions.

At Dunasfern, supporting electrical wholesalers has been our focus for more than four decades.

From everyday Cat5e installations through to enterprise Cat6A, fibre infrastructure, cabinets, connectivity and supporting accessories, our objective remains straightforward:

• Deliver quality products
• Maintain excellent stock availability
• Provide next day delivery wherever possible
• Support customers with knowledgeable advice

Because while AI may be transforming how businesses operate, its success ultimately depends upon something much less glamorous, but absolutely essential – the network infrastructure beneath it.

Every intelligent building, connected workplace and AI powered business starts with reliable cabling/infrastructure. And that begins with choosing the right supply partner.

For further information, click here

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With this year’s GCSE, T Level and A Level results now released, many young people across the UK are considering their next steps into further education, training or employment.

For those interested in a career in the electrical industry, NAPIT Foundation is encouraging students and apprentices to take advantage of the support available to help them develop their knowledge, build confidence and prepare for the workplace.

NAPIT Foundation offers free membership to students and apprentices, providing access to technical guidance, educational resources, CPD opportunities and regular industry updates. The organisation says these tools can help learners stay informed as they progress through their training and begin their careers.

The support comes at a time of significant change within the industry, following the introduction of Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018. Understanding regulatory developments and emerging technologies early in their careers can help learners strengthen their technical knowledge and improve their long-term prospects.

Brett Forster, Technical and Commercial Director at NAPIT, said: “Learners should be proud of their efforts throughout the academic year, and we congratulate all NAPIT Foundation students and colleges on their achievements.”

He added: “Through NAPIT Foundation, we are pleased to offer free membership that supports learners with technical resources, expert guidance and opportunities to enhance their knowledge as they begin their journey into the industry.”

For more information about NAPIT Foundation membership, visit: www.napit.org.uk/join-us/students-and-colleges/

Find more industry news here

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

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

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

Distribution is now firmly multichannel

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

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

Adapting to generational differences

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

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

Setting new standards in terms of speed and convenience

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

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

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

Differentiating with knowledge and education

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

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

Aligning to customer behaviour and preferences

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

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

Getting ready for the trade counter of the future

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

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

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

For further details, click here

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home or commercial use EV charging

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

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

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

Location

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

Outlet options

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

Connectivity challenges

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

Charging speeds

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

Data management

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

Innovation in EV infrastructure

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

Load management

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

Interoperability

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

Integrated software

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

Growth in the wholesale channel

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

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

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

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

Built on standards

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

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

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

A category moving into maturity

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

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

Further details can be found here

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As continuous ventilation continues to gain momentum across the UK, Ashley Smith, Product Manager at Vent-Axia, explains why dMEV is becoming an increasingly valuable category for electrical wholesalers looking to grow sales, support installers and meet rising demand for higher performance ventilation solutions.

Demand for decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) is continuing to rise as the market shifts towards continuous ventilation solutions. With continuous running dMEV now accounting for around one in four fans sold into the UK, the category is creating a significant opportunity for electrical wholesalers. By stocking high quality, feature-rich dMEV products, wholesalers can support electricians with advanced ventilation solutions while benefitting from growing market demand and higher-value sales.

For wholesalers, this presents an opportunity to expand product ranges and support installers with ventilation products that offer more than standard intermittent extract fans. Continuous-running dMEV units are increasingly being selected by electricians and households, creating ongoing demand for products that combine energy-efficient performance, quiet operation, improved indoor air quality, and straightforward installation.

As installers look to offer customers improved ventilation solutions, wholesalers that stock reliable and innovative dMEV products are well placed to become trusted supply partners while increasing basket value and counter sales opportunities.

Higher value sales

Stocking premium dMEV products allows wholesalers to help electricians upsell more advanced ventilation solutions to customers. Products offering intelligent controls, quiet running and improved IAQ provide clear differentiation compared to more basic extract fans, helping installers secure higher-value projects, offering an upsell or spec-break opportunity.

For example, the Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon PureAir Cleanse has been designed as a next-generation continuous-running dMEV that combines premium performance with a competitive trade price. This creates an attractive over-the-counter sales opportunity for wholesalers looking to offer electricians a feature-rich ventilation solution that is easy to recommend and install, with the quality, reliability, and innovation installers expect.

As consumer awareness of IAQ continues to grow, products that provide healthier indoor environments are becoming increasingly attractive. The PureAir Cleanse delivers continuous, energy-efficient ventilation while operating at near-silent noise levels, helping improve comfort within the home. Its sleek, modern circular design also gives installers a product that is visually appealing as well as high performing.

Driving added value

For wholesalers, stocking advanced ventilation products can help increase sales opportunities and provide electricians with clear upgrade paths for customers.

The PureAir Cleanse range, for example, includes models with humidity control, timer and integrated IAQ sensing, allowing electricians to choose solutions suited to different property requirements. Features such as these enable wholesalers to offer products across multiple price points while supporting customers looking for enhanced functionality.

Vent-Axia’s PureAir Cleanse is also the industry’s first dedicated continuous-running dMEV to feature an integrated IAQ sensor. Combining intelligent humidity control with advanced air quality sensing, the unit can detect, measure, and respond to chemical pollutants, specifically total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), which are commonly generated through everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and showering.

When pollutant levels increase, the fan automatically boosts extraction rates to help maintain healthier indoor air conditions. For wholesalers, innovations such as integrated IAQ sensing create strong sales opportunities by providing installers with a premium, technology-led ventilation solution that addresses growing concerns around air quality and occupant wellbeing.

Comfort

Quiet operation is another increasingly important consideration within the residential ventilation market. Homeowners expect ventilation to operate effectively without causing disruption, particularly within bathrooms and living areas.

The latest dMEV products are therefore designed to run almost silently in the background while continuously maintaining airflow. The PureAir Cleanse, for example, features intelligent control logic that adjusts airflow smoothly and proportionally, helping reduce unnecessary noise and nuisance tripping.

Additional features such as patented delayed comfort control and intelligent light-switch logic further improve household comfort by helping minimise disturbance during night-time bathroom use. These types of features provide wholesalers with additional selling points when supporting installers and contractors looking for premium ventilation solutions.

Installation

Ease of installation remains critical for electricians, making installer-friendly design an important factor when wholesalers select ventilation products to stock.

Products that simplify installation and commissioning can help reduce time on site while improving installer satisfaction and repeat purchases. The Vent-Axia PureAir Cleanse has been designed with this in mind, offering quick installation alongside high-pressure development and a silent mixed-flow impeller that allows the unit to meet the requirements of many domestic applications without requiring a traditional centrifugal fan.

Additional features including flexible wall and ceiling mounting, compatibility with low ceiling voids, an IPX5 rating and simple speed adjustment controls all help streamline installation and commissioning.

Additional information can be found here

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

Unicrimp has reinforced its commitment to supporting electrical wholesalers with the introduction of a comprehensive suite of point-of-sale (POS) solutions, designed to maximise product visibility, streamline merchandising and ultimately drive sales.

Q-Crimp countertop fixings POS

Created to support the newly launched Q-Crimp Fixing Additions range, this countertop display showcases the Plus Series high-performance woodscrews alongside Bullfix fixings. The updated packaging is fully recyclable and features a universal branding approach, reinforcing sustainability while maintaining strong shelf presence. Additionally, the fixings are supplied in contractor-friendly trays, improving usability on-site and enhancing convenience for installers.

Trade Tub floor stand display

The Trade Tub POS stand is a flexible, dual-section unit designed to optimise in-store merchandising. The lower section is configured to hold trade tubs, ensuring easy access to high-demand products, while the upper section offers wholesalers the freedom to customise displays according to their specific requirements. This adaptability enables distributers to tailor their offering to suit customer demand and available retail space. 

Slat wall display

A key component of the POS offering is the Slat Wall Display system, which will allow wholesalers to present Unicrimp’s diverse product ranges in a structured and visually engaging manner. These boards are highly versatile and can be configured to suit a variety of retail environments. Wholesalers can select from brand-specific boards, each carefully curated to highlight the distinct features and benefits of individual product lines, ensuring a clear and intuitive customer experience.

Catalogue dispenser

To ensure wholesalers have access to up-to-date product information, Unicrimp also provides a dedicated catalogue dispenser. This solution is designed to neatly house current catalogues and supporting literature, enabling customers to easily access detailed product specifications and guidance at the point of purchase.

Marketing support

In addition to physical POS solutions, Unicrimp provides extensive marketing support through the marketing hub on its website. This resource offers wholesalers access to a wide range of tools, including online ordering, product literature, imagery, and video content, enabling a fully integrated approach to product promotion.

Electrical wholesalers looking to enhance their in-store offering and benefit from Unicrimp’s POS displays and wall boards are encouraged to contact their local Unicrimp sales representative for further information, or click here

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In a wholesaler’s world, ‘resistance’ isn’t something you measure – it’s something you manage. Right now, it’s showing up everywhere: in supplier costs, in delayed shipments, and in customers pushing back at the trade counter. In 2026, running a wholesale operation has become a balancing act where timing, pricing and stock decisions can make or break your margins.

Let’s start with the biggest pressure point: cable pricing. Copper surged earlier this year, briefly topping $14,500 a tonne. When that single material makes up roughly 70% of cable costs, it’s not just a market headline – it’s a direct hit to stock valuation and purchasing strategy.

For wholesalers, this has turned into a constant game of risk management. Buy too early, and you’re sitting on expensive stock if prices drop. Wait too long, and you’re exposed to spikes and supply gaps, resulting in tighter margins, more frequent price updates, and difficult conversations with contractors who are struggling to keep their quotes down.

Despite the pressure, the opportunity is significant. Demand across the sector remains strong, driven by large-scale infrastructure upgrades and the UK’s push toward Net Zero. For wholesalers, this means consistent throughput – but only for those who can anticipate demand in areas like solar, EV charging and battery storage.

Price increases, such as the recent 3.95% uplift in JIB rates, may help contractors offset costs, but they also reinforce the need for wholesalers to remain competitive while protecting margin. The real growth lies in supporting the shift toward greener technologies, where product demand – and margins – are often higher.

For wholesalers, 2026 is defined by volatility. Between extended lead times, fluctuating material costs and evolving regulations, success depends on agility, strong supplier relationships and the ability to guide customers through constant change. It’s no longer just about having stock on the shelf – it’s about having the right stock, at the right time, with the right knowledge behind it.

In this month’s PEW we have special features on renewables and green technology, home automation and, rather timely, outdoor lighting for the warm summer evenings we can (hopefully) look forward to in the next couple of months, as well as some encouraging apprenticeship stories from Ventilux in our Soapbox column.

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe
Editor

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here

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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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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

Find more ‘Point of Sale’ features 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.

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