Rob Shepherd

As electrical installations evolve to include renewable energy systems, battery storage and EV charging, the way power flows through circuits is changing. Rob Shepherd takes a deep dive into bidirectional protective devices and explains when and why they are required. In a conventional installation, electricity flows from the supply network into the installation and uses […]

From 1 October 2026, changes to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) will redefine who is considered competent to carry out electrical work. Rob Shepherd explains why it will force thousands of seasoned electricians to adapt quickly or risk being unable to do their jobs. The electrical contracting sector is approaching a significant turning point. As […]

Named after hometown hero Sir Steven Burke, a double Olympic gold medallist, the Steven Burke Sports Hub in Pendle is a free access, 1.1 km cycling circuit and BMX pump track. Pendle Borough Council recently replaced its ageing HID lanterns with safer, more sustainable illumination and the inspiration for this upgrade came directly from the […]

Thorn Lighting’s College 2 luminaire is designed to transform lighting in educational environments. Building on the legacy of its bestselling predecessor, College 2 meets the evolving needs of modern learning spaces by offering exceptional performance, energy efficiency, visual comfort and flexible installation options. College 2 combines low glare (UGR<19) diffused lighting with excellent cylindrical illuminance […]

KNIPEX has unveiled a new limited edition version of its diagonal cutter, combining cutting performance with a distinctive collector’s design. Available for a limited time only, the We Forge Winners edition features comfort handles in white, blue, green and red colourways, presented in exclusive promotional packaging. The KNIPEX diagonal cutter is engineered to deliver clean, […]

Generational has published analysis comparing battery performance across used plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from automotive retailers across the country. Covering 1,000 PHEVs and 1,000 BEVs of comparable age and mileage, it found that both retained strong average battery state of health, however, there is materially greater variation among PHEVs. […]

Schneider Electric is bringing its Schneider StarCharge Fast 720 to the UK. This next generation EV charging solution is designed for commercial and industrial sites, as well as fleet operators. The system delivers up to 720kW of power and can charge up to 12 vehicles simultaneously, supporting the growing demand for EVs across the country. With […]

More than a quarter of consumers considering an EV would not purchase one without guaranteed access to home charging, according to new research commissioned by Easee. The survey, conducted by Opinion Matters, also found that 62% of respondents are put off by the perceived complexity of charger installation, highlighting a significant barrier to EV uptake. […]

For 125 years ECA has supported its members in shaping the electrical landscape. Rob Shepherd spoke with its Managing Director, Andrew Eldred, about how ECA continues to lead by raising standards, driving innovation and helping to build a smarter, safer and more sustainable future. Q: ECA was founded in 1901 during the early days of […]

SELECT and Aico are calling on Scotland’s housing sector to ensure it is fully prepared for the introduction of stricter legal responsibilities that address damp and mould in residential properties. The upcoming implementation of Awaab’s Law, formally known as the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026, will introduce new obligations for landlords and […]

NAPIT and West Nottinghamshire College have formed a collaborative partnership to create a stronger, more effective pathway into qualifications within the building services, renewable energy and low carbon sectors. Both based in Mansfield, they aim to help students and employees wanting to take advantage of the opportunities available across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. NAPIT is based […]

Built in 1865 and overlooking the sweeping curve of Dublin Bay, the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire combines classic architecture with modern comfort. To maximise guest safety, it recently completed a significant upgrade of its fire alarm system with the installation of Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels. The previous fire alarm system was no […]

Following the publication of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and British Standards Institution (BSI), NICEIC has announced the availability of a comprehensive package of support and resources to help electrical contractors confidently work to the new requirements. These include a 48-page digital workbook available through the NICEIC customer portal, designed […]

Regularly maintaining VDE tools makes a real difference and a few simple checks can help them work properly, last longer and stay safe to use. To show how straightforward it can be, KNIPEX has produced a short video demonstrating how to care for VDE pliers in day-to-day use. The Knipex Diagonal Cutter VDE, featured in […]

From humble beginnings, the IET Wiring Regulations quickly became the standard for electrical installation in the UK. With the latest amendment to the 18th Edition set for publication on 15 April 2026, Rob Shepherd looks at the development of ‘The Regs’. As well as being the same year that Britain’s first electric trams started running […]

The fourth amendment to BS 7671:2018, officially titled BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, signals a major step forward in electrical installation standards. As Rob Shepherd explains, it highlights just how rapidly the industry is evolving and adapting to new demands. Coming into effect on 15 April 2026, BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 reflects the pace of technological change across the electrical […]

Cutterwell builds on decades of trusted cable management expertise from the Mita brand. In this exclusive interview, the company’s Managing Director, Richard Beale, shares with Rob Shepherd how a forward-thinking approach is shaping the company’s latest generation of solutions. Q: Give us a bit of background about Cutterwell. What’s the story behind the company? A: […]

With buildings becoming increasingly airtight, Vent-Axia has welcomed the latest Approved Document Part F (Means of Ventilation) and Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations. The strengthened focus on competency within the updated guidance recognises how good ventilation design plays an essential role in delivering safer homes. Part F outlines how […]

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and NAPIT have both broadly welcomed the government’s Future Homes Standard, while raising concerns about the safety of plug-in solar panels. This new regulation will come into effect from March 2027 and aims to make sure new homes and non-domestic buildings are future proofed with low carbon heating and high […]

Electricity network operators are getting set to invest more than £120 billion by 2050 to build a network capable of meeting future energy demands and support the growth of the next generation of smart UK industries. Alongside this investment, the expertise of 26,000 skilled energy network professionals will play a crucial role in ensuring the […]

Non-compliance within the UK lighting sector remains a far more significant issue than many realise and a survey by the UK WEEE Scheme Forum showed that 76% of LED lamps offered for sale on a major online marketplace were not registered. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations were amended last year and from […]

In an industry first, MxPro 5 4‑loop fire alarm control panels from Advanced have gained an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Developed using a lifecycle assessment (LCA), an EPD quantifies impacts across each stage of a product’s life, from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to transport, use and end of life treatment. They are increasingly […]

As part of its Mission to Zero program, ABB’s production facility in Zibo, China, is delivering measurable energy and emissions reductions. Focusing on energy efficiency, electrification, renewable electricity and digital energy management, the site has reduced its energy consumption by 71 MWh and prevented more than 63 tonnes of CO₂e emissions each year. This is […]

Fluke’s FEV500 is an all-in-one testing solution designed specifically for fast DC Level 3 EV charging stations. Unlike traditional AC chargers, these high powered stations operate at extreme energy levels and rely on complex digital communication protocols, making safety, reliability and uptime critical concerns for operators. The FEV500 acts like a virtual EV, enabling technicians in the […]

For electrical contracting firms timely job completion, technical prowess and clear communication are essential – but they are not enough. Rob Shepherd explains why excellent customer service is increasingly the key differentiator, the risks of falling short and how to build lasting relationships. Customer service within the electrical contracting sector is often underestimated, with contractors […]

The Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb is a major new 245,000 ft2 community facility designed as a central hub for health, wellbeing, leisure, education and council services all. Occupying the former Debenhams department store on St Catherine’s Walk, Vent-Axia’s Sentinel Apex units have been specified, delivering energy efficient ventilation to this transformative development. Sentinel Apex […]

Schneider Electric has concluded its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) 2021–2025 program. Over the last five years it has supported customers, partners and communities in their transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. By the end of Q4 2025, the SSI program achieved an overall score of 8.86/10, reflecting the scale of the sustainable transformation carried […]

Organised and legible labelling is an important part of cable management in electrical installations. Rob Shepherd explains the key considerations and outlines how modern labelling technologies provide durable and highly visible identification. Electrical installations can involve countless cable connections and when something goes wrong, being able to identify the problem quickly is vital. Clear records […]

Integrating security systems is reshaping how organisations protect people and assets, creating smarter and more responsive operations. Rob Shepherd looks at how this approach also supports sustainability by cutting energy use, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. The evolution of building operations in recent years has highlighted the pressing need for organisations to rethink how […]

Generational has published its 2025 Battery Performance Index – the largest analysis of EV battery condition undertaken in the UK. It reveals the average battery state of health (SoH) across more than 8,000 tested passenger cars and light commercial vehicles stands at a robust 95.15% of capacity compared to new. The Battery Performance Index establishes […]

In light of the need for the electrical contracting sector to close the skills gap, expand high quality apprenticeships and build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of electrification and low carbon technologies, NICEIC has launched Connected Futures. A dedicated apprenticeship job board, Connected Futures is designed to connect certified businesses with aspiring apprentices […]

Knipex has created SkillsForge, a new online learning hub built specifically for those starting out in the trades. It is designed to give apprentices free access to practical training content and tailored resources to help build skills, confidence and good working habits from day one. SkillsForge is a dedicated platform that supports apprentices and educators […]

‘A Guide to Meeting Part O with Confidence’ is the title of a new eBook from Vent-Axia that provides guidance on tackling overheating in homes. This free publication provides a wealth of information, explaining the context of overheating in the UK and why it has become an industry challenge, as well as setting out the […]

Advanced has introduced SmokeGo, a new control panel that offers complete and active smoke management. Developed to give specifiers, installers and end users a smarter and more intuitive way to achieve smoke control in a wide range of buildings, it is designed to make the process simpler, while being fully compliant. Giving users complete confidence […]

Connectors may be small components but their role in an electrical installation should not be underestimated. Rob Shepherd identifies the dangers of using counterfeit or substandard products and why superior branded products can enhance quality, integrity and safety. Electrical contractors operate in an environment where cost pressures are constant. Competitive tendering, rising material prices and […]

Set for publication on 15 April, BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 will be the second, full consolidated amendment to the BS 7671:2018 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations, which was first published in 2018. This essential update will serve as the UK national standard for all new low voltage electrical installations, as well as for additions and alterations to […]

Brother has launched its new PT-E720BT device, which is designed to help electricians create professional, regulation ready labels from their phone, tablet or laptop. Controlled entirely via the Brother Pro Label Tool app or P-touch Editor software, this new keyboard free model offers an alternative to the company’s industrial handheld label printers. Users can control […]

Electric vehicle (EV) battery health data from Geotab has found that modern EV batteries continue to perform strongly through their operational lifespan, even as fast charging becomes more common. In its latest study, the company analysed battery health data from more than 22,700 EVs across 21 makes and models, drawing on several years of aggregated telematics information. […]

Founded in 1901, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has represented and supported the UK’s electrical contracting industry 125 years. Established to promote high standards, fair practice and professional excellence, it has played a vital role in shaping the sector through periods of significant technological, economic and social change. During 2026, the UK’s largest electrical trade association […]

NAPIT has been formally accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to deliver the redeveloped Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Installer Scheme. This significant milestone reinforces NAPIT’s dedication to high quality certification, strong consumer protection and robust standards across the UK’s small scale renewable energy sector, the organisation says. UKAS accreditation marks a key step […]

Ensuring accurate test results is more than just good practice, it’s a legal and professional necessity. Rob Shepherd explains why test equipment calibration not only ensures compliance and reliability but also safeguards reputations and lives in an increasingly safety conscious world. For some electrical contractors, calibrating their test equipment rarely crosses their mind. For others, […]

The private rented sector (PRS) has grown significantly, with millions of people relying on it. Rob Shepherd explores the importance of electrical safety in these homes and how electrical contractors can prevent hazards and ensure regulatory compliance. The PRS has become one of the defining elements of the modern housing landscape. According to the English Housing […]

The impact of increasingly severe weather often leaves thousands without power for days, as experienced recently during Storm Amy and Storm Bram. Yet research from NICEIC has revealed almost one in eight UK homes have no back-up power essentials in the event of a power outage. It also suggests that many people either haven’t considered, or are […]

Vent-Axia has launched a new CIBSE approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course titled Overheating in Residential Properties: Part O – How Ventilation can be Part of the Solution to Remove Excess Heat. It aims to provide a greater understanding of overheating, legislation and guidance, and the ventilation solutions available to help mitigate rising temperatures in […]

Floor boxes are increasingly common in commercial, educational and mixed use buildings where flexible power and data distribution is essential. Rob Shepherd explains why electrical contractors must ensure that that every aspect from product choice to final testing supports both compliance and performance. Floor boxes have emerged as a popular solution when power, data and/or […]

The University of Southampton has strengthened its fire safety measures for deaf and hard of hearing individuals by introducing an innovative paging system. Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels, integrated with the ESPA Pager Interface, form the core of the new solution delivered by Premier Fire Security and Scope Communications, providing targeted alerts and improved accessibility. […]

Christmas is just around the corner and the Knipex annual advent calendar is back, packed with top tools that every electrician wants to get their hands on. Open the calendar doors every day from 1-24 December and find up to three fantastic prizes to be won, from stripping tools to cutters and cabinet keys. Lucky […]

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new data on apprenticeships in England for the 2024-25 academic year. Overall starts increased by 4.1% to 353,500, up from 339,580 in the previous academic year, highlighting strong employer demand for new talent pipelines despite ongoing economic pressures. Construction, planning and the built environment continued its post-pandemic recovery. […]

ABB has launched ABB Ability BuildingPro, a cybersecure integration platform that is designed to connect, manage and optimise building operations. Available across more than 40 countries worldwide, the solution supports key sectors including commercial real estate, education, healthcare, hospitality and government, helping organisations accelerate their decarbonisation and digital transformation efforts.  Acting as a central intelligence […]

A new solar powered streetlight by British greentech firm Conflow Power provides a unique solution to the growing global artificial intelligence (AI) power consumption crisis. It reduces carbon footprint to near zero while supplying the world’s first autonomous, off-grid, distributed AI data centre. According to the International Energy Agency electricity consumption from AI data centres […]

Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is one of more than 50 signatories in a letter to the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, calling for the government to prioritise reducing electricity levies to help achieve greater economic growth. The letter states: “Energy price increases since 2022 have been predominantly driven by increases in […]

New research has confirmed that competition for apprenticeships across the construction sector remains fierce, with an average of 106 job seekers vying for each available training position. This highlights a significant imbalance between the growing demand for skilled workers and the limited supply of apprenticeship opportunities. Dart Tool Group’s Apprenticeship Gap Report analysed apprenticeship and […]

As more clients expect seamless connectivity in every part of a building, Wi-Fi has become as critical as power and lighting. Rob Shepherd explores how new testing tools and smarter commissioning methods are helping electrical contractors diagnose dead zones, dropouts and interference. As commercial spaces fill with connected devices, clients now expect flawless Wi-Fi everywhere […]

Europe’s largest vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot has revealed that 70% of people have never heard of V2G bidirectional charging technology. This is even though it could allow them to use their electric vehicle (EV) as a giant battery to power their entire home for two days and make significant savings on their energy bills. The revelation […]

The correct spacing and siting of fire detection equipment cannot be overstated, as if these devices do not do their job properly precious time could be lost in safely evacuating a building’s occupants. Rob Shepherd explores the key factors that must be considered when carrying out this essential work. When it comes to keeping building […]

Tewke has created Tap, an innovative light switch that is designed to offer electrical contractors new business opportunities while helping homes adopt smart technology with ease. Tap not only delivers mood lighting at a fraction of the cost of traditional smart systems but also helps homeowners significantly reduce their energy bills. Tap can be operated […]

NICEIC has partnered with the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to launch The Tools to Talk, a dedicated mental health and wellbeing support toolkit to support NICEIC certified businesses and their teams. The Tools to Talk includes ongoing digital support through a quarterly e-newsletter, interactive mental health focused episodes of The Wire webinar series, resources to […]

For electrical contractors who like to keep their tools organised, the new KNIPEX Modular X18 Electric Backpack (00 21 50 E) and Robust26 Move Electric Tool Case (00 21 33 E) are tough, practical transport solutions that are designed to move tools safely from job to job. The Modular X18 Electric combines clever layout with […]

With its lower energy use, reduced carbon emissions, longer lifespans and improved light quality, LED lighting is transforming industrial and manufacturing facilities. Rob Shepherd explores how electrical contractors are in the perfect position to deliver efficiency, savings and wellbeing through strategic retrofits in these environments. Over the last decade or so LED lighting has evolved […]

From hospital wards to classrooms and even our homes, wiring accessories such as light switches and plug sockets are touched hundreds of times a day. Rob Shepherd explains how, thanks to antimicrobial technology, they’re helping to stop bacteria in its tracks. The Covid-19 pandemic heightened awareness of how easily pathogens can spread and left a […]

Ratio EV is a UK-based manufacturer of intelligent EV charging solutions that are designed to be sustainable, accessible and reliable. Rob Shepherd caught up with the company’s General Manager, Tom Jennings, to learn what sets Ratio EV apart and to get his take on some of the key challenges shaping the EV charging industry. RS: […]

Electric underfloor heating has become increasingly popular, offering modern comfort and energy efficiency. However, several myths still surround this technology, so Rob Shepherd debunks 10 of them. Myth 1 – It is not energy efficient Electric underfloor heating provides high efficiency heating whilst requiring significantly less energy to heat a room(s) than traditional radiator heating […]

Aylesford Electrical Contractors (AEC), part of the Metcor Group, has been shortlisted in two categories at the Electrical Industry Awards 2025 – Renewable Installation of the Year and Contractor of the Year. The double recognition reflects AEC’s rapid growth, technical excellence and leadership in delivering large scale, future proof electrical projects across the UK. The […]

Research from Easee has revealed that UK EV drivers are collectively missing out on potential savings of £168.2 million on their annual energy bills by not charging on smart tariffs. The study highlights that of the 1.615 million EVs currently on UK roads around 28% of drivers continue to charge their vehicles during peak times […]

Within today’s cutting-edge security systems, biometric technology has moved from being a futuristic concept to a practical necessity. Rob Shepherd explores how this technology is reshaping access control and why electrical contractors play a central role in integrating it into the fabric of today’s smart buildings. Biometric technology is one of the most influential developments […]

Ensuring that buildings are safe and accessible for everyone is not only a moral duty but also a legal requirement. For disabled people, poor life safety design can mean real danger, so Rob Shepherd explores why regulatory compliance matters and what electrical contractors need to know when designing, installing and maintaining fire detection and emergency […]