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 properties
• The solution offered by ACoole Electrical
• Why 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 products
• The Heatstore business and how it can support customers and contractors
• Fundamentals of heating and heat loss
• The benefits of electric heating
• Periodic vs permanent heating – what’s best?
• Water heating options
• The electrification of heat – more in the next series of TechTalks

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 install
• Retrofitting analogue systems
• How Legrand can help contractors with quotations, specs and training
• Systems so simple even the sales team can install them
• Benefits of Legrand’s modular system
• NEW Bticino kits

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 installers
• How the LIA leads consultations on behalf of the lighting industry
• ROHS – Restriction of hazardous substances and what this means for fluorescent lamps
• How LIA supports the industry with training What does sustainability mean for lighting?
• How LIA is creating a framework for emergency lighting

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 used
• How Legrand can support contractors with quotations
• DALI standards
• How Legrand are becoming a more sustainable business

Legrand - https://fal.cn/3AjTQ

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 partnership
• WISKA combi box and what it’s used for
• How WISKA have developed consumer unit relocator kits to meet electrical standards
• Sealing and securing outdoor installations using WISKA’s gel products Earthing plates and gaskets

Shop the WISKA range here https://fal.cn/3A88v

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 solutions
• Pre-wired distribution boards
• IP65 rated enclosures
• EV installations for commercial and industrial sites
• Power availability
• The difference of touch voltage regulations for EV
• The need for governing standards
• Meeting supply and demand for EV products

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 Tufflex
• How trunking and conduit is made and where the recycled plastic comes from
• How Marshall Tufflex manage quality of materials and why white isn’t always white
• How much recycled material goes into Marshall Tufflex trunking and conduit?
• The importance of sustainability credentials for supply chain partners
• Packaging and recycling products after they’ve been used.

Check out the range here https://fal.cn/3zLac

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 design
• Safety features and UK-based manufacturing
• History of fire regulations related to cables and collapse
• How and why Legrand has tested their cable management products
• Reassurance that products are tested to meet regulations 

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 manufactured at Wrexham Mineral Cables
• The advantages of MICC cables over soft, polymer cables in hazardous areas
• Is this type of cabling coming back on to the training curriculum?
• Where Wrexham Mineral Cables have installed their cables
• Installation and cost