Heathrow shut down after electrical fire: the experts explain
More than 1,300 flights around the world have been affected when a fire at an electrical substation caused Heathrow Airport to close late yesterday evening (Thursday 20 March). The UK’s busiest airport shut after the blaze at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, west London. With the airport closed until at least midnight tonight (21 […]
Direct Line reveals alarming van theft statistics
A staggering 11,273 vans, worth an estimated £200 million, were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts a day, according to new analysis by Direct Line van insurance. Just two in five (39%) stolen vans were recovered by the police – totalling 4,450 vans. While van thefts have declined in 2024 compared […]
Swindon council partners with Aico for home life safety
Swindon Borough Council’s housing tenants are set to benefit from enhanced safety through a programme replacing existing fire and carbon monoxide alarms with upgraded Aico devices. The new 3000 Series alarms will be fitted with sensors that detect heat, smoke and carbon monoxide. The units will replace existing devices with the ability to send notifications […]
Enhancing Edinburgh safety with a smart city vision
The City of Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most populous city in the country. It is the seat of the Scottish Government and the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. As well as serving a vital role in government, the city is economically significant for the region, attracting global […]
ECA welcomes Government response to Grenfell Inquiry
The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), a trade body for electrical contractors, has welcomed the long-term ambition expressed in the response from Government to the Inquiry into Grenfell Tower Phase 2. The Government accepts all the recommendations from the Inquiry Report. Electrotechnical systems are key in any new build construction or ongoing maintenance of a building, […]
Product of the Month: C-TEC fire alarm mains isolator key switches
Leading life-safety systems manufacturer, C-TEC, has launched an innovative range of ultra-safe fire alarm mains isolator key switches. Designed for use on all types and makes of fire alarm system, the BF326 series allows the mains to a fire panel to be switched on/off as per the requirements of BS 5839-1. Available in red or […]
ESP’s Beacon disabled refuge range
ESP’s comprehensive Beacon disabled refuge range is being increasingly sought after by contractors working on larger, specification type projects. Meeting the requirements of BS 9999:2017 and Building Regulations Approved Document B, the Beacon range comprises a variety of products that are specifically designed to assist emergency evacuation situations in a wide range of buildings and […]
SELECT calls for greater regulation of the electrical industry
The head of Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has insisted that politicians must not “repeat the mistakes of the past” by ignoring the need for regulation of the electrical industry. Managing Director, Alan Wilson, says that a new timeline released by the association to mark its 125th anniversary showed that the UK-wide sector had […]
ECN February issue out now!
The February issue of ECN is OUT NOW and packed with insights and information on the topics you care about. Read the issue here. From the Editor Making the headlines recently is an issue that continues to affect tradespeople: tool theft. There are growing concerns surrounding theft and the push for a ban on the […]
Installation of consumer units
Consumer units are common to almost every premises. For such a commonplace piece of equipment, there remain many areas of concern with their installation. In this article, Jake Green, Head of Technical Engagement with Scolmore Group, considers some of the factors to be considered for both surface-mounted and recessed consumer units. All consumer units are, […]