With an increasing need to change consumer units to be able to hook up electric vehicles, solar panels and heat pumps, how can electricians safely and efficiently isolate the mains supply? Find out on this episode on TechTalking with special guest Ed Hand from Acoole Electrical. Topics: The problem of isolating mains supply for domestic and commercial propertiesThe solution offered by ACoole ElectricalWhy we need more safe isolation solutions

Electrical heating is the hot topic for this episode of TechTalking, and as Darren and Dave discover, there’s a lot more to it than panel heaters. Special guest Adam Bridgett of Heatstore shares his expertise. Topics: The Heatstore range of electrical heating productsThe Heatstore business and how it can support customers and contractorsFundamentals of heating and heat lossThe benefits of electric heatingPeriodic vs permanent heating – what’s best?Water heating optionsThe electrification of h...

Darren recalls some tricky installations from his days on the tools as TechTalking talks Door Entry Systems. Thankfully things have moved on a bit from the old analogue days, and we explore the latest innovations with Bradley Field from Legrand. Topics: How Legrand have helped make door entry systems easier to installRetrofitting analogue systemsHow Legrand can help contractors with quotations, specs and trainingSystems so simple even the sales team can install themBenefits of Legrand’s modul...

Darren and Dave are joined by Bob Bohannon, Head of Policy and Sustainability at the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), to discuss how this organisation supports the industry. Topics: History of the LIA and how it supports lighting manufacturers and installersHow the LIA leads consultations on behalf of the lighting industryROHS – Restriction of hazardous substances and what this means for fluorescent lampsHow LIA supports the industry with training What does sustainability mean for li...

We’re talking controls and sensors on TechTalking and how they play an important role in energy saving. Darren and Dave are joined by Joshua P and James Wallace from Legrand. Topics: What can sensors control and what are they used for?What’s the difference between PIR and microwave sensors?Range of sensors available and examples of how they can be usedHow Legrand can support contractors with quotationsDALI standardsHow Legrand are becoming a more sustainable business Legrand - https://fal.cn/...

TechTalking talks connections and how to make them faster, easier and more resilient with Terry Boswell from WISKA. Join us for a closer look at the combi box, consumer unit relocator kits, earth plates and the gel that combats condensation. Topics: WISKA and Wago partnershipWISKA combi box and what it’s used forHow WISKA have developed consumer unit relocator kits to meet electrical standardsSealing and securing outdoor installations using WISKA’s gel products Earthing plates and gaskets Sho...

On this episode of TechTalking we’re discussing EV installations with Kieran Jenkins & Ian Down of Proteus. Darren and Dave get to grips with single phase, triple phase, commercial and industrial solutions, the 722 regs and getting the right infrastructure in place for the EV revolution. Topics: Single phase distribution solutionsPre-wired distribution boardsIP65 rated enclosuresEV installations for commercial and industrial sitesPower availabilityThe difference of touch voltage regulatio...

TechTalking talks trunking (nothing to do with elephants) and conduit, examining the products produced here in the UK by Marshall Tufflex. Darren and Dave talk to Jeremy and Barry about how they’re using more and more recycled materials to help contractors improve their sustainability credentials. Topics: History of Marshall TufflexHow trunking and conduit is made and where the recycled plastic comes fromHow Marshall Tufflex manage quality of materials and why white isn’t always whiteHow much...

TechTalking returns with special guests Mark Williams and Paul Martin from Legrand explaining how their products are designed to make installations much faster and how they have rigorously tested them to ensure they meet the regulations to prevent premature collapse. Topics: How Legrand make their cable management products faster by designSafety features and UK-based manufacturingHistory of fire regulations related to cables and collapseHow and why Legrand has tested their cable management pr...

In this episode of TechTalking, Darren and Dave talk Mineral Insulated Copper Cables (MICC) with Steve Williams of Wrexham Mineral Cables. Tune in to find out about how they’re made, tested and the benefits of using them in hazardous areas. Sadly, after recording this podcast, Steve Williams passed away. We’d like to share our sympathies with his family, friends and colleagues who wanted us to share this in tribute to him. Topics: • How Mineral Insulated Copper Cables (MICC) are...

In this episode of TechTalking, Darren and Dave talk to David Mann of Schneider about the growth in demand for single phase uninterrupted power supplies (UPS. And they get a sneak peek of a new, smaller product coming soon. Topics: Single phase UPSHow power cuts disrupt work and playGrowth of UPS devices in domestic marketA look at Schneider’s new residential UPS productUPS, battery storage and generator setsSchneider solutions and how they can help you

With the cost of energy rising, many more people are investing in small-scale generator sets. But these can raise some serious safety and earthing concerns. Mark Coles, Head of Technical Regulations at the IET, joins Dave and Darren to discuss the issues. Topics: Increase in use of small-scale generatorsRisk of earth faultsTemporary installations at events and exhibitionsUse of earthing matsTemporary power systems guideControlling different systems in electrical environmentsControlling...

We’re meeting another innovative manufacturer on TechTalking as Darren and Dave chat to Jimmy Cowley from EV Tower about their modular EV pedestal designed to fit any EV charger. Topics: How the company got startedAbout the EV TowerHow they work with EV blocksHow EV Towers help future proof installationsMade in the UKWhat innovations are in the pipeline What EV towers can offer customers

We always get loads of questions about RCDs, so on this episode of TechTalking, Mark Coles Head of Technical Regulations at the IET is here to put things straight. Why have the regulations changed and what’s in store for the future? Tune in and find out. Topics: What changed with RCDs in Amendment 2 How does ‘blinding’ work? What are the regulation changes for type AC RCDs Do European standards have an impact on what type of RCDs we should use Managing DC across installation...

Time to meet another manufacturer on TechTalking as Darren and Dave chat to Trevor Palmer, director of EV Blocks. Find out all about their universal charger base for EV chargers and how it can help you install any EV pedestal charging point quickly, easily and efficiently, without standing around waiting for concrete to dry. Topics: What EV blocks doHow the business got startedHow EV blocks help with groundwork for EV installationsHow EV blocks are being developedHow EV blocks can help with ...

In this episode of TechTalking, we get technical about standards and the upcoming Code of Practice for EV installations with Mark Coles Head of Technical Regulations at the IET. Find out how you can add your comments to help improve future guidance and why there’s a difference between standards and codes of practice. Topics: How to comment on the Document for Public Comment that will form the Code of PracticeWhere does the UK stand in the EV revolution?What’s the process behind creating a Co...

Darren and Dave are joined by Will McDowell and Jason Toland from Firesafe as they discuss what’s involved with BAFE accreditation and how Firesafe can help you design fire safety equipment and systems to the necessary standards. Topics: What’s involved with BAFE certificationHow Firesafe can help with the design of fire safety and alarm systems to comply with standardsDual-guard systems and wiringThe advantages of wireless fire-safety systems for certain installationsFiresafe su...

In this week’s TechTalking podcast, Darren and Dave are joined by Kieran Jenkins, Senior Works Manager of Proteus Switchgear to talk all things distribution boards. Big or small, one-offs or multiple complex designs, discover the benefits of their bespoke design, testing and manufacturing capabilities. Topics: What kind of consumer units Proteus Switchgear manufactureDifferent units for different solutions, including electric vehicle charging and Type BBespoke designs to solve issues o...

The TechTalking podcast returns with special guest Malcolm Duncan of Super Rod and Klein tools, demonstrating the benefits of a new thermal imaging camera and entertaining Darren and Dave with tales of his early sales days in the USA. Topics: History of Super Rod businessTales from the road in the USAHow Super Rod first linked with CES (CEF in the USA)Introducing the new Super Rod Thermal Imaging cameraHow the thermal imaging camera works Benefits of using a thermal imaging...

In this episode of the TechTalking podcast, Darren and Dave bust some myths about battery storage with Stuart Burton, Divisional Manager of iCS (intelligent Charging Systems). They look at how long batteries last, how safe they are and how easy they are to install. Topics: Why battery storage is becoming more popularWhat kind of battery storage do households need? Does battery storage have to be linked to solar power? How long do batteries last?Balancing power between mains and batterie...